Predicting saturated fat consumption: exploring the role of subjective well-being.

Consumption of saturated fat (SF) is associated with obesity, cardiovascular disease and cancer; which are among the leading causes of death in Australia and worldwide. A causal relationship between subjective well-being and positive health outcomes has been established, although few studies have specifically focused on health-enhancing or health-risk behaviours. The aim of this research was to develop an improved understanding of the processes underlying SF consumption by exploring the relationship between subjective well-being and SF consumption, within the Theory of Planned Behaviour framework. Questionnaires related to the TPB variables, subjective well-being and SF intake were administered online to 96 participants. Perceived behavioural control (PBC) was found to be a significant predictor of intention to limit SF intake. Intention and PBC accounted for 25% of variance in behaviour; with PBC the only significant predictor of SF consumption. While subjective well-being variables were not significant unique predictors of SF consumption, these variables contributed an additional 2% to the prediction of behaviour, and this model was significant. The addition of subjective well-being to the TPB is novel and the results partially support the potential of subjective well-being in improving the prediction of this health-risk behaviour. Future research will need to replicate and extend these preliminary findings before such a framework may be translated into an intervention targeting SF consumption.

Clinical supervision and education via videoconference: a feasibility project.

Clinical supervision and education was provided to a total of 20 psycho-oncology staff by videoconference. Monthly group sessions, with 3-5 participants, were held via multipoint videoconference at a bandwidth of 256 kbit/s. Sessions consisted of a one-hour educational presentation followed by one-hour of case discussion. In addition, participants were offered individual telephone supervision each month. Participants completed evaluations before and after the project, and following each group session. They were asked to rate their confidence in dealing with a range of problems. There were significant increases in self-reported confidence in the areas covered by the educational component, e.g. assessing and treating pain in people with cancer (P<0.01). In addition, self-assessment of overall effectiveness in current management of psychological distress from pre- to post-evaluation increased by 25%. Participants indicated that attending the educational sessions increased their knowledge (mean = 7.3 out of 10). With regard to telephone supervision, most (80%) were very or extremely satisfied. The feedback indicated that remote supervision was well received and that participants were keen to continue their involvement.