A self-efficacy-enhancing physical activity intervention in women with high-risk factors for gestational diabetes mellitus: study protocol for a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is one of the most common medical disorders in pregnancy. Evidence has demonstrated that moderate-intensity physical activity may reduce the risk of gestational diabetes. However, women at risk of GDM spend most of their time performing sedentary behaviors. Although researchers identified self-efficacy as a mediator to overcome physical activity barriers, exercise intervention during pregnancy based on self-efficacy theory has not been discussed so far. Furthermore, there is conflicting evidence regarding the effects of a physical exercise intervention on the incidence of GDM and other maternal or neonatal outcomes in women at higher risk for GDM. METHODS/DESIGN: A single-center, parallel, randomized controlled trial will be conducted in a maternal-child health care center. A total of 244 pregnant women at high risk for GDM will be randomized into a study group receiving a self-efficacy-enhancing physical activity intervention or a control group receiving the usual care. The intervention will consist of four group sessions and everyday reminders by WeChat (Tencent, Shenzhen, China). The program will begin at approximately 13-14+6 gestational weeks and end at 36+6 gestational weeks. The primary outcomes will include the incidence of GDM, blood sugar values, and physical activity. The secondary outcomes will include physical activity self-efficacy, gestational weight gain, maternal outcomes, and neonatal outcomes. DISCUSSION: The findings of this research will contribute toward understanding the effects of a self-efficacy theory-oriented physical activity program on the incidence of GDM, blood sugar values, physical activity level, gestational weight gain, physical activity self-efficacy, maternal outcomes, and neonatal outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (CHiCTR) ChiCTR2200056355 . Registered on February 4, 2022.

Application of health quotient to enhance chronic periodontitis treatments.

OBJECTIVES: Based on the concept of health quotient (HQ), we designed and facilitated personalized plans to improve patients' compliance and oral health. The study aims to increase HQ level of patients with chronic periodontitis from four aspects, namely self-care, health knowledge, lifestyle, and mental health, and evaluate the effects of HQ training in maintaining oral health. METHOD: In total, 105 patients with chronic periodontitis were recruited from Capital Medical University-Affiliated Beijing Chaoyang Hospital from January 2015 to January 2017. The patients were randomly split into two groups (control versus test). All the patients received standard periodontal treatments. In addition, patients in the control group received conventional oral health instructions, and patients in the test group received the HQ training. At the end of the training, oral health status of both groups was evaluated and recorded. RESULTS: The oral health status and the HQ scores were significantly better in the test group than the control group (P<0.01). The training in HQ provided a better guidance for patients in oral health maintenance and further improved patients' compliance. CONCLUSION: HQ training for patients with chronic periodontitis increased their scores in self-care and health knowledge and significantly slowed down the progression of chronic periodontitis.