Factors associated with nutritional status, knowledge and attitudes among tuberculosis patients receiving treatment in Ghana: A cross-sectional study in the Tema Metropolis.

BACKGROUND: Nutritional deficiencies are generally associated with increased risk and severity of tuberculosis. This study investigated the nutritional status, knowledge, and attitudes of tuberculosis (TB) patients receiving treatment in the Tema Metropolis. METHOD: A cross-sectional design was used to collect data on the nutritional knowledge, attitude, and status of TB patients. Nutritional status was analysed using World Health Organization's formula for body mass index. Pearson's chi-square and logistic regression models were used to assess associations between predictor and outcome variables. All statistical analyses were considered significant at p-values < 0.05. RESULT: The prevalence of malnutrition among TB patients was 39.7%, 14.4%, and 4.8% for underweight, overweight, and obesity respectively. There was a high (61.0%) knowledge of nutrition among the patients. Also, 65.8% had good attitude towards nutrition. There were significant associations between normal nutritional status and age of the TB patients (p = 0.041), highest educational level attained (p = 0.036), employment status (p = 0.019), status of alcohol intake (p = 0.031), number of months on TB treatment (p = 0.021), and attitude towards nutrition (p = 0.028). CONCLUSION: There was a reasonable nutrition-related knowledge and attitude towards nutrition among the TB patients. However, that did not reflect on their nutritional status. We recommend continuing education on smoking cessation, avoidance of harmful use of alcohol, and the establishment of food aid and other livelihood intervention programs for TB patients.

Effects of a health education program targeted to Chinese women adhering to their cultural practice of doing the month: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: "Doing the month" is a prevalent Chinese postpartum custom which is believed to restore health after delivery. However, some traditional practices are potentially harmful for women's health. OBJECTIVES: To examine the effect of an evidence-based health education program on Chinese postpartum women's adherence to traditional practices of doing the month and the effect of adherence to doing the month on maternal physiological and psychological health. METHODS: A randomized controlled trial was conducted. During December 2016-July 2017, we recruited postpartum women at a tertiary hospital. Women randomized to the intervention group received evidence-based health education within 1 week after returning home and received a second visit 1 month later. The control group received routine postpartum home visits. Adherence to doing the month was measured by the Adherence to Doing-the-Month Practices questionnaire (ADP). Maternal physical health was measured by the Chair Stand Test and Postpartum Symptom Checklist. Maternal psychological health was measured by the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Descriptive statistics, t-test, and chi-squared test were used to analyze the differences in scores and symptoms of the two groups. RESULTS: We recruited 124 eligible postpartum women and 108 of them (54 intervention group, 54 control group) completed this study. The ADP score of the intervention group was significantly lower than that of the control group (p < 0.001). The number of participants in the experimental group with poor appetite and indigestion was significantly lower than that of control group. No significant differences were found in numbers of symptoms and average EPDS scores between the 2 study groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Evidence-based health education can reduce postpartum women's adherence to some traditional practices of doing the month and improve women's physical health.

Art therapy and education between peers connecting the group: an experience report.

OBJECTIVE: to report the "Talent Workshop: Art Therapy Connects the Group". METHOD: this is an experience report of a workshop developed in November 2018, in 3 meetings, at the Family Clinic setting - Rio de Janeiro. Twenty-eight users participated, including diabetics and health professionals. In the first meeting, dynamics was used for presentation. At the second meeting, the circular process and peer education were used to address issues related to diabetes, in addition to exposing talent to workshop participants. At the third meeting, there was exposure of talents to every health unit. RESULTS: the workshop provided comprehensive, individual and collective health promotion of users, allowing knowledgemultiplicationin their living environment. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: the workshop was relevant for health education, changing the understanding of the subject's autonomy about his role in self-care.

Art therapy and education between peers connecting the group: an experience report / La terapia del arte y la educación entre parejas que conectan al grupo: informe de experiencia / Arteterapia e educação entre pares conectando o grupo: relato de experiência

ABSTRACT Objective: to report the "Talent Workshop: Art Therapy Connects the Group". Method: this is an experience report of a workshop developed in November 2018, in 3 meetings, at the Family Clinic setting - Rio de Janeiro. Twenty-eight users participated, including diabetics and health professionals. In the first meeting, dynamics was used for presentation. At the second meeting, the circular process and peer education were used to address issues related to diabetes, in addition to exposing talent to workshop participants. At the third meeting, there was exposure of talents to every health unit. Results: the workshop provided comprehensive, individual and collective health promotion of users, allowing knowledgemultiplicationin their living environment. Final Considerations: the workshop was relevant for health education, changing the understanding of the subject's autonomy about his role in self-care.

RESUMEN Objetivo: informe "Taller de talento: la terapia del arte conecta al grupo". Método: este es un informe de experiencia de untallerdesarrolladoennoviembre de 2018, en 3 reuniones, enelescenario de la Clínica Familiar - Río de Janeiro. Participaron 28 usuarios, incluidos diabéticos y profesionales de lasalud. En la primera reunión, se utilizó la dinámica para la presentación; en la segunda reunión, el proceso circular y la educación entre pares se utilizaron para abordar cuestiones relacionadas con la diabetes, además de exponer los talentos a los participantes del taller; y enlatercerareunión, la exposición de talentos a cada unidad de salud. Resultados: el taller proporcionó la promoción integral, individual y colectiva de la salud de los usuarios, permitiendo la multiplicación del conocimiento en su entorno de vida. Consideraciones Finales: el taller fue relevante para la educación sanitaria, cambiando la comprensión de la autonomía del sujeto sobre su papel en el autocuidado.

RESUMO Objetivo: relatar a "Oficina de Talentos: a arteterapia conecta o grupo". Método: trata-se de um relato de experiência, de uma oficina desenvolvida em novembro de 2018, em 3 encontros, no cenário Clínica da Família - Rio de Janeiro. Participaram 28 usuários, entre diabéticos e profissionais de saúde. O 1º encontro, foi utilizada dinâmica para apresentação; no 2º encontro, foi utilizado o processo circular e a educação entre pares, para tratar de temas relacionados a diabetes, além da exposição de talentos aos participantes da oficina; e no 3º encontro, a exposição dos talentos a toda unidade de saúde. Resultados: a oficina proporcionou a promoção da saúde de maneira integral, individual e coletiva dos usuários, permitindo a multiplicação dos saberes no seu ambiente de convivência. Considerações Finais: a oficina foi relevante para a educação em saúde, modificando a compreensão da autonomia do próprio sujeito acerca do seu papel no autocuidado.

Playful educational intervention with schoolchildren on intestinal parasitosis / Intervención educativa lúdica sobre parasitosis intestinales con escolares / Intervenção educativa lúdica sobre parasitoses intestinais com escolares

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze the playful educational interventions in the knowledge of schoolchildren about intestinal parasitosis. Method: This is a quasi-experimental, non-randomized study, based on pre- and post-intervention, conducted in a public elementary school in a peripheric neighborhood in the city of Ribeirão Preto (SP). The study population consisted of 101 students enrolled in the 5th and 6th grade. For comparison, we used the generalized version of the McNemar chi-squared test. Results: Of the 101 schoolchildren who participated in the study, 48 (47.5%) were female and 53 (52.5%) were male, aged from 9 to 14 years. Students' knowledge on intestinal parasitic infections has increased significantly after the playful educational intervention. Conclusion: Playful educational interventions are an excellent didactical resource in the teaching-learning process of schoolchildren.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Analizar las intervenciones educativas lúdicas en el conocimiento de escolares sobre enteroparasitosis. Método: Se trata de estudio casi-experimental, no aleatorizado, basado en la pre y pos-intervención, que ha sido ocurrido en escuela pública de enseñanza primaria de un barrio de la periferia en la ciudad de Ribeirão Preto (SP). La población del estudio ha sido conformada por 101 alumnos que cursaban el 5º y el 6º año. Para realizar la comparación ha sido utilizada la versión generalizada de la prueba chi-cuadrada de McNemar. Resultados: De los 101 escolares que han participado del estudio, 48 (el 47,5%) eran del sexo femenino y 53 (el 52,5%) del sexo masculino, con edad entre 9 a 14 años. El conocimiento de los alumnos sobre enteroparasitosis después de la intervención educativa lúdica se ha incrementado significativamente. Conclusión: Las intervenciones educativas lúdicas son un excelente recurso didáctico en el contexto del proceso enseñanza-aprendizaje de escolares.

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar as intervenções educativas lúdicas no conhecimento de escolares sobre enteroparasitoses. Método: Trata-se de estudo quase-experimental, não randomizado, baseado na pré e pós-intervenção, ocorrido em escola pública de ensino fundamental de um bairro da periferia na cidade de Ribeirão Preto (SP). A população do estudo foi composta por 101 alunos que cursavam o 5º e o 6º ano. Para efetuar a comparação foi utilizada a versão generalizada do teste qui-quadrado de McNemar. Resultados: Dos 101 escolares que participaram do estudo, 48 (47,5%) eram do sexo feminino e 53 (52,5%) do sexo masculino, com idade entre 9 a 14 anos. O conhecimento dos alunos sobre enteroparasitoses após a intervenção educativa lúdica aumentou significativamente. Conclusão: As intervenções educativas lúdicas são um excelente recurso didático no contexto do processo ensino-aprendizagem de escolares.

Playful educational intervention with schoolchildren on intestinal parasitosis.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the playful educational interventions in the knowledge of schoolchildren about intestinal parasitosis. METHOD: This is a quasi-experimental, non-randomized study, based on pre- and post-intervention, conducted in a public elementary school in a peripheric neighborhood in the city of Ribeirão Preto (SP). The study population consisted of 101 students enrolled in the 5th and 6th grade. For comparison, we used the generalized version of the McNemar chi-squared test. RESULTS: Of the 101 schoolchildren who participated in the study, 48 (47.5%) were female and 53 (52.5%) were male, aged from 9 to 14 years. Students' knowledge on intestinal parasitic infections has increased significantly after the playful educational intervention. CONCLUSION: Playful educational interventions are an excellent didactical resource in the teaching-learning process of schoolchildren.

Childhood lead poisoning from domestic products in China: A case study with implications for practice, education, and policy.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to report three representative childhood lead poisoning cases in China from domestic products exposure and to highlight their critical implications for practice, education, and policy in prevention and treatment of childhood lead poisoning by health care providers, especially public health nurses. DESIGN AND SAMPLE: Three representative childhood lead poisoning cases occurring in 2017 were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: The lead exposure sources of three cases were evaluated by experts in the field and determined to be tin pots, home factories for tinfoil, and contamination of folk medicine, respectively. These cases demonstrated that the lack of lead exposure risk assessment, insufficient knowledge of potential lead exposure sources, underdeveloped policy, and regulations were areas for improvement. CONCLUSIONS: The best strategies for preventing lead poisoning include an appropriate risk assessment of lead exposure, implementation of comprehensive parental health education, conduction of further research by public health providers, and the application of policy strategies by the government. It was determined that public health nurses are at the frontline of prevention of lead poisoning in children.

Do health care providers give sufficient information and good counseling during ante-natal care in Lao PDR?: an observational study.

BACKGROUND: It is increasingly recognized that improving the quality of maternal health care delivery is of utmost importance in many countries. In Laos, the quality of antenatal care (ANC) service remains inadequate, but it has never been assessed thoroughly. This study aims to determine the ANC quality at the urban and rural public health facilities in Laos and provides suggestions to improve health education and counseling in addition to other routine care in public ANC services. METHODS: This health-facility based, cross-sectional observation study included both health providers (n = 77) and pregnant women (n = 421) from purposively selected health facilities (n = 16). Information on the mothers' current pregnancies, previous visits and their last children was collected. The time spent for each ANC session as well as ANC services provided were recorded. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied to analyze the data. RESULTS: Overall performance of ANC services by health care providers was poor in both urban and rural areas. Insufficient provision of information on danger signs during pregnancy, nutrition, breast feeding and iron supplements was revealed. Generally the communication skills, behavior and attitude of health providers were very poor. Less than a quarter of pregnant women were treated with kindness and respect. Only 4% of the observed ANC session took privacy into consideration. Less than 10% of available information materials were used during each ANC session. None of the health providers in both rural and urban areas performed specific counseling. Overall mean (SD) time-spent for each ANC session was 16.21 (4.28) minutes. A positive correlation was identified between the length of working experience of health providers and their physical performance scores (adjusted R square = 0.017). CONCLUSIONS: The overall performance of ANC services by health care providers was inadequate in both urban and rural areas. Insufficient provision of health education and poor communication skills of health care providers were revealed. Existing IEC materials were scarcely used. Taking action to improve the quality of ANC services by training and providing specific guidelines, creating dedicated rooms, and providing sufficient and effective materials for counseling are all greatly needed in public health facilities in Laos.

A Mindfulness-Based Intervention for Low-Income African American Women with Depressive Symptoms Delivered by an Experienced Instructor Versus a Novice Instructor.

Introduction: In the present study, the authors pilot a streamlined mindfulness teacher training protocol for Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) staff and examine the distribution and variability of psychologic outcomes for participants in groups led by an experienced instructor compared to a FQHC staff instructor who received the streamlined training. Methods: Seventy-four adult women aged 18-65 with depressive symptoms enrolled to participate in the 8-week group mindfulness intervention led by an experienced instructor (N = 33) or a novice instructor (N = 41). The effect of instructor on the outcomes depression, stress, mindfulness, functioning, well-being, and depression stigma was assessed at baseline, 8, and 16 weeks. Results: Depressive symptoms and stress significantly decreased, and mindfulness significantly increased in the experienced and novice instructor groups. In the novice instructor group, there was also a significant increase in well-being and functioning. The change in depressive symptoms, stress, functioning, and well-being was significantly greater in the novice instructor group than the experienced instructor groups. Conclusions: Preliminary data suggest that health care staff who receive streamlined training to deliver mindfulness-based interventions have comparable outcomes as experienced instructors.

Impact of a Short-Term Naturopathic Whole-Foods-Based Nutrition Education Intervention on Dietary Behavior and Diabetes Risk Markers: A Pilot Study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the feasibility of measuring the health impacts of a 12-week naturopathic whole foods nutrition education course among adults with or at risk for prediabetes. DESIGN: A pilot nonrandomized pre-post intervention design investigated physiological changes associated with participation in a 12-week structured naturopathic nutrition education course. Follow-up measures were assessed at 6 and 12 months from baseline. SETTINGS/LOCATION: Three community-based kitchens in Oregon. SUBJECTS: Forty-five adults with or at risk for prediabetes. INTERVENTION: Twelve weekly 90-min workshops emphasizing the health benefits of a naturopathic whole foods diet and including collective meal preparation and communal dining. OUTCOME MEASURES: Changes in biomarkers of diabetes and cardiovascular disease risk, including high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), hemoglobin A1c, insulin, and lipids, and changes in dietary behaviors at baseline, postintervention (12 weeks), and 6- and 12-month follow-up. Changes in biomarkers and food consumption patterns were assessed using linear mixed models with random intercept, including data from all participants who completed the end-of-intervention assessment. RESULTS: Pre-post intervention results for 45 participants showed decreases in blood glucose and hs-CRP. Food frequency questionnaire data showed decreases in daily servings of grain, dairy, and fat postintervention. Decreases in blood glucose, hs-CRP, triglycerides, cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, very-low-density lipoprotein, and HbA1c from baseline were observed at 12-month follow-up. Both insulin and high-density lipoprotein were decreased from baseline and 12-week levels at the 6-month follow-up but increased from all earlier levels at 12 months (all p < 0.0001). Daily servings of meat, dairy, and fat remained decreased at 6-month follow-up. Reduced grain consumption observed at 12-week and at 6-month follow-up was not sustained, and increased at 12 months, although still decreased from baseline. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that this naturopathic nutrition education series may promote dietary behavior change with associated changes in clinical biomarkers. Larger controlled studies are needed to confirm these results.

An Audit of Neural Tube Defects in the Republic Of Ireland for 2012-2015.

Neural tube defects (NTD) are potentially preventable in two-thirds of cases by periconceptional maternal Folic Acid (FA) supplementation. A national audit for the years 2009-11 showed no decline in NTD rates over twenty years. The aim of this national audit was to determine trends/rates and inform revision of national FA supplementation and food fortification strategies. Of 274,732 live and stillbirths there were 121(42.0%) cases of anencephaly, 136(47.2%) cases of spina bifida and 31(10.8%) cases of encephalocoele giving a total of 288 and overall rate of 1.05/1000 compared with 1.04/1000 in 2009-11(NS). In the 184 women where the information was available, only 29.9%(n=55) reported starting FA before pregnancy. The number of cases diagnosed antenatally was 91%(n=262) and 53%(n=154) were live-born. This audit confirms that over a generation, healthcare interventions have not succeeded in decreasing the number of pregnancies in Ireland complicated by NTD, and that revised strategies need to be developed and implemented.

[Consumer behavior toward functional foods. The role of authentic information]. / Az egészségvédo élelmiszerekkel kapcsolatos fogyasztói magatartás. A hiteles tájékoztatás szerepe.

Nowadays, we are witnessing a spectacular improvement in health consciousness of advanced societies. Due to the transformation of consumer behaviour, the proportion of health-conscious consumers who make well-informed and independent decisions increases steadily. In parallel, health-promoting foods are gaining more ground in the markets. Regarding the health effects, primarily cardiovascular prevention, bacterial flora modification, weight reduction as well as energy and vitamin supplementation are in focus in Hungary. Practically, any food type can be enriched with functional attributes; however, in addition to technical difficulties, the main challenge for food manufacturers is to persuade consumers to try out their products and use them continuously. In addition to research, development and innovation, consumer awareness and continuous knowledge expansion are also key factors for the success of functional foods. Consequently, strengthening the collaboration between functional food manufacturers and health professionals and researchers would be particularly beneficial, since their interrelationships might have a significant impact on the development and acceptance of novel functional foods. Orv Hetil. 2018; 159(30): 1221-1225.

What's the story? An analysis of children's books about atopic dermatitis.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Atopic dermatitis is an inflammatory skin condition with significant disease burden. Bibliotherapy, the use of storybooks to understand an illness, has been proven effective in several pediatric disorders but has not been studied in dermatologic disease. The purpose of this study was to assess the availability of storybooks about atopic dermatitis and analyze them based on adherence to American Academy of Dermatology guidelines for the treatment of atopic dermatitis, readability, author qualifications, cost, and availability. METHODS: Selection criteria included that the books were primarily about atopic dermatitis, were illustrated, cost less than $25, and were written in English. Storybooks were identified using an Internet search of the Google, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble websites. Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level was used to calculate reading level. RESULTS: Twenty-three storybooks were identified. The mean cost of the storybooks was $8.2 ± 7.0. Authors included mothers, professional authors, and medical professionals. Mean reading grade level was 4.1 ± 1.5. Of American Academy of Dermatology-recommended treatments, most storybooks mentioned moisturizers or bathing. Fewer than half discussed moisturizing after bathing, topical corticosteroids, wet wrap therapy, oral antihistamines, antimicrobials, systemic agents, or phototherapy. None mentioned topical calcineurin inhibitors or bleach baths. CONCLUSION: Storybooks about atopic dermatitis are available. Of those reviewed, none covered all the American Academy of Dermatology treatment guidelines. Studies have shown that bibliotherapy can be useful for education and behavioral modification for pediatric diseases, and future studies are needed to examine whether comprehensive, accurate storybooks about atopic dermatitis improve clinical outcomes or improve the quality of life of individuals with atopic dermatitis and their caregivers.

Effectiveness of nutritional interventions addressed to elderly persons: umbrella systematic review with meta-analysis.

Background: The number of Europeans aged over 65 will double between 2010 and 2060, reaching 30% of the European population. Nutrition is emerging as a key element of healthy life since both obesity and malnutrition are established risk factors for morbidity and disability. The aim of this umbrella review (UR) is to summarize the findings of all current systematic reviews (SRs) and meta-analyzes (MAs) on the effectiveness of nutritional intervention designed to promote healthy aging in older individuals. Methods: Eligible articles published in English or Italian between January 2000 and May 2016 were identified in six databases. Only studies that analyzed nutritional interventions in the population of 65 years and over, or papers specifically targeting older adults were deemed eligible. Results: Twenty-eight papers, out of which twenty-five SRs and three MAs, met the inclusion criteria and were included in this umbrella SR. Supplementation with vitamin D and other kind of products was highly effective in preventing falls and fractures. Furthermore, several interventions, ranging from the prescription of supplements to environmental and organizational programs, resulted in an improvement in energy and protein intake, as well as positive weight outcomes. Positive findings were also found for the elderly at risk of malnutrition and for older patients with dementia. Conclusions: The findings of this UR indicate that the use of a wide range of supplements and environmental and organizational intervention improve a number of anthropometric, nutritional and functional indices in the elderly.

Factors Influencing Efficacy of Nutrition Education Interventions: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE: To examine systematically factors that contribute to the efficacy of nutrition education interventions in promoting behavior change for good health based on their stated objective. In a departure from previous reviews, the researchers investigated factors that lead to success of various types of interventions. Critical analysis of these factors constituted the outcome of this review. METHODS: This study followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis criteria. A total of 246 original articles published between 2009 and 2015 in PubMed, Medline, Web of Science, Academic Search Complete, Science Direct, Cochrane Reviews, ERIC, and PsychLIT were initially considered. The number was screened and scaled down to 40 publications for the final analysis. Quality assessment was based on the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Intervention. Studies were rated as having low risk of bias, moderate risk, or high risk. RESULTS: Efficacy of nutrition education interventions depended on major factors: interventions that lasted ≥5 months; having ≤3 focused objectives; appropriate design and use of theories; fidelity in interventions; and support from policy makers and management for worksite environmental interventions. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Intervention duration of ≥5 months, ≤3 focused objectives, randomization, use of theories, and fidelity are factors that enhance success of interventions based on the results of this study.

Qualitative Analysis of Dietary Behaviors in Picture Book Fiction for 4- to 8-Year-Olds.

OBJECTIVE: Picture books may facilitate parents' efforts to decrease pickiness and other undesirable food habits in children. This study conducted a content analysis of dietary behaviors and feeding strategies featured in fictional picture books compared with those discussed in the research literature. DESIGN: Several databases were searched for fictional picture books about dietary behavior, published between 2000 and 2016, accessible in the US, available in print format, and designated for 4- to 8-year-olds. PHENOMENON OF INTEREST: Messages about dietary behavior in picture book fiction. ANALYSIS: Stories were systematically coded using holistic, data-driven, and evaluation coding methods. The final set of codes was examined for themes and patterns. RESULTS: Of the 104 books, 50% featured a specific eating behavior, 21% lifestyle/eating patterns, 20% food-related sensations and emotions, and 9% table manners. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Books about dietary behaviors are abundant but the topic coverage is unbalanced. Problem behaviors portrayed in books overlap those discussed in the research literature. However, problem-solving strategies and actions do not align with those endorsed by nutrition professionals. Messages vary in their complexity (in terms of their plot and/or language), ranging from clear and direct to vague, sophisticated, unresolved, conflicting, or controversial. Recommendations for practitioners are discussed.

If You Build It They Will Come: Satisfaction of WIC Participants With Online and Traditional In-Person Nutrition Education.

OBJECTIVE: To examine satisfaction with in-person group and online nutrition education and compare findings based on language preference by Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) participants. METHODS: A total of 1,170 WIC participants were randomly assigned to 2 nutrition education modalities between March, 2014 and October, 2015 in Los Angeles, CA. Logistic regressions compared differences between groups in satisfaction outcomes. RESULTS: Participants in both education groups were highly satisfied regardless of modality of nutrition education (89% and 95%; P = .01). The online group reported a stronger preference for online education than did the in-person group (P < .001). In the in-person group, Spanish-speaking participants were less likely than were English-speaking participants to prefer online education (P < .001). A training video improved access to online education. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Online delivery of education can be an acceptable addition for WIC participants with online access. High-quality online education platforms represent an important avenue to promote continued satisfaction with nutrition education.

Adherence to non-pharmacological treatment: Analysis of the impact of three health educational and nutritional strategies in hypertensive patients / Adesão ao tratamento não farmacológico: análise do impacto de três estratégias de educação em saúde e nutrição em portadores de hipertensão arterial

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate adherence to non-pharmacological treatment of hypertension by comparing biochemical, clinical, anthropometric, and dietary parameters before and after three health educational and nutritional strategies. Methods: This longitudinal clinical trial included 212 hypertensive individuals who met the inclusion criteria. The participants were allocated to three groups to assess the impact of monthly intervention methods over twelve months. Results: Waist circumference decreased significantly in all groups. Weight and body mass index decreased significantly in Groups 2 and 3. Blood glucose, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol decreased significantly in Groups 1 and 2. The interventions also reduced the mean per capita intakes of oil, sugar, and salt in all groups. Conclusion: Educational interventions promoted adherence to non-pharmacological treatment of treatment of hypertension evidenced by anthropometric (weight, body mass index, and waist circumference), biochemical (blood glucose, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol), and dietary (meanper capita intake of oil, sugar, and salt) parameters.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a adesão ao tratamento não farmacológico da hipertensão arterial sistêmica por meio de parâmetros antropométricos, bioquímicos, clínicos e dietéticos antes e após três estratégias de educação em saúde e nutrição. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo de intervenção longitudinal, do tipo ensaio comunitário, comparativo, de abordagem quantitativa. A amostra foi constituída de 212 indivíduos com diagnóstico de hipertensão arterial sistêmica que atenderam aos critérios de inclusão/exclusão. Os participantes foram alocados em três grupos de forma a avaliar o impacto das modalidades de intervenção realizadas mensalmente durante 12 meses. Resultados: No grupo 1, houve redução estatisticamente significante da circunferência da cintura. Nos grupos 2 e 3, os resultados foram estatisticamente significantes para o peso, índice de massa corporal e circunferência da cintura. Foram verificadas reduções estatisticamente significantes na glicemia, no colesterol total e lipoproteína de baixa densidade nos grupos 1 e 2. As intervenções também foram capazes de promover alterações favoráveis no consumo médio per capita de óleo, açúcar e sal em todos os grupos. Conclusão: As intervenções educativas propiciaram resultados positivos sobre a adesão ao tratamento não farmacológico da hipertensão arterial sistêmica, considerando os parâmetros antropométricos (peso, índice de massa corporal e circunferência da cintura), bioquímicos (glicemia, colesterol total e lipoproteína de baixa densidade), e dietéticos (consumo médio per capita de óleo, açúcar e sal).

Online education about herbs and dietary supplements: margin or mission?

BACKGROUND: Online education is increasingly used to train health professionals, but little is known about how variations in cost affect use of elective training. We assessed whether offering registration for free increased the number of modules consumed in both absolute terms (# modules consumed per person, pp) and relative terms (# modules consumed per # modules registered). METHODS: We analyzed results of the 'natural experiment' on learner's use of the OSU Center for Integrative Health and Wellness online elective curriculum, Introduction Herbs and Dietary Supplements Across the Lifespan, in which costs varied based on monthly discounts for students, faculty, staff, alumni, and members of selected professional associations. RESULTS: Over 7 months there were a total of 905 registrants for 8553 modules. Most (847/905, 94%) registered for free; they completed 1505 (18%) of 8344 modules for which they registered. Fewer (58/905, 6%) people paid for registration; they completed a significantly higher percentage 90/209 (43%, P < 0.001) of modules for which they registered; those who paid full, non-discount rates had the highest completion rates (62%, P < 0.001). Free and paid registrants completed about the same average number of modules per person, pp, (1.8 pp free vs.1.6 pp paid). CONCLUSION: Although it may not contribute to financial margins, offering free online elective training addresses the institutional mission of increasing the number health professionals trained and the number of modules consumed compared with charging for training. Additional research is needed to determine the impact of pricing on educational outcomes and ultimately on patient care.

Assessment of midwifery student preparation for performing the role of breast cancer educator.

PURPOSE: Our research project aimed at presenting midwifery student self-assessment of performing the role of breast cancer prevention educator. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Investigations were carried out in 2011 at the Medical University of Lublin in Poland, and Katolieke Hogeschool of Kortrijk in Belgium, after obtaining approval of the ethical committee of Polish Midwives Association (III/EC/2011/PMA). The project involved a total of 155 midwifery students, made up of 95 from Poland, and 60 from Belgium. Relations between opposing characteristics were tested with Chi-square (x2) test for independent traits. To assess the dependence relation between the examined variables Pearson's corrected coefficient was used. Data base and statistics were carried out with computer software STATISTICA 9.0 (StatSoftPoland). CONCLUSIONS: Student knowledge on prevention against breast cancer was unsatisfactory.The students place of residence determined their self-estimation of personal knowledge of breast cancer prevention and diagnosing methods to assess the incidence of the disease, this knowledge being better with the students of Lublin. Better self-estimation in the students of Lublin of their personal knowledge on factors rising the risk of breast cancer, such as alimentation method, application of oral contraceptives and breast feeding was found than in Belgian students.