Factors influencing nursing student satisfaction in aged care placements: An Australian cross-sectional study.

AIM: This study aimed to investigate factors influencing nursing students' satisfaction with aged care placements. BACKGROUND: Providing positive clinical experiences in aged care is crucial for students to learn safe, quality care and to foster a sustainable workforce. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study METHODS: Nursing students in nursing degrees participated in the national placement evaluation survey. A total of 2378 responses were extracted from the national clinical placement evaluation survey in 2023. Using multinomial logistic regression, demographics, academic, placement characteristics and placement education quality (clinical environment and learning support) were investigated in relation to three different levels of students' overall satisfaction (low, moderate, high). RESULTS: Students reported overall satisfaction with their clinical placement, with a mean score of 7.9 (SD=2.1) on a 10-point scale. While most students agreed that they had achieved their learning objectives (90.0 %), they reported limited opportunities to interact with the multidisciplinary team (80.0 %). Further, students reported a relatively negative experience with staff, such as willingness to work with students (78.9 %) and being positive role models (78.9 %). Comparing the low satisfaction group to the moderate satisfaction group, male gender, identifying as an indigenous student and higher academic years increased the odds of being 'least satisfied', whereas international students, whose first language was not English and those with higher perceived placement education quality scores had lower odds of low satisfaction group membership. Conversely, compared with the moderate satisfaction group, those with the highest satisfaction with their clinical placement had a greater odds of being older, an international student and having higher scores in placement quality for the clinical environment and learning support. This model predicted 58.7 % of students' overall satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: Positive learning experiences in aged care may promote the importance of practice in this area to new graduates. Despite students' overall positive satisfaction with aged care placements, it is clear there are areas to address: a need to develop a structured approach to enhance aged care clinical experiences, progressive development of learning objectives, enhancing student career preparation and increasing participation in interprofessional collaboration may be useful approaches.

Once-per-week haemodialysis in a financial crisis: Predictors of interdialytic weight gain.

BACKGROUND: Several countries are experiencing challenges in maintaining standard haemodialysis services for people with kidney failure. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the health profile of people receiving haemodialysis and to identify factors associated with interdialytic weight gain. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 166 adults with kidney failure and receiving haemodialysis for at least 3 months were included. MEASUREMENTS: A structured chart audit form collected, demographic and haemodialysis treatment characteristics, recent biochemical and haematological results, and prescribed treatment regimens from clinical records. Data were analysed descriptively. Odds ratios (OR) were calculated to identify independent risk factors for interdialytic weight gain. RESULTS: Mean age was 52 years (SD = 12.5), over half were male (60.2%, n = 100), and most were receiving 4 h of haemodialysis once per week (87.3%, n = 145). Approximately half (51.8%, n = 86) had an interdialytic weight gain >2%. Being female (OR = 3.39; 95% CI, 1.51-7.61), increased comorbidities (OR = 1.50; 95% CI, 1.22-1.84) and having BMI outside of the normal range (overweight/obese [OR = 8.49; 95% CI, 3.58-20.13] or underweight [OR = 4.61; 95% CI, 1.39-15.31]) were independent risk factors for increased interdialytic weight gain. CONCLUSION: Most patients were receiving 4 h of haemodialysis once per week although only modest alterations in potassium, phosphate, and fluid status were observed. Understanding the patient profile and predictors of interdialytic weight gain will inform the development of self-management interventions to optimise clinician support.

Establishing the sensitivity and specificity of the gynaecological cancer distress screen.

OBJECTIVE: Nuanced distress screening tools can help cancer care services manage specific cancer groups' concerns more efficiently. This study examines the sensitivity and specificity of a tool specifically for women with gynaecological cancers (called the Gynaecological Cancer Distress Screen or DT-Gyn). METHODS: This paper presents cross-sectional data from individuals recently treated for gynaecological cancer recruited through Australian cancer care services, partner organisations, and support/advocacy services. Receiver operating characteristics analyses were used to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the DT-Gyn against criterion measures for anxiety (GAD-7), depression (patient health questionnaire), and distress (IES-R and K10). RESULTS: Overall, 373 individuals aged 19-91 provided complete data for the study. Using the recognised distress thermometer (DT) cut-off of 4, 47% of participants were classified as distressed, while a cut-off of 5 suggested that 40% had clinically relevant distress. The DT-Gyn showed good discriminant ability across all measures (IES-R: area under the curve (AUC) = 0.86, 95% CI = 0.82-0.90; GAD-7: AUC = 0.89, 95% CI = 0.85-0.93; K10: AUC = 0.88, 95% CI = 0.85-0.92; PHQ-9: AUC = 0.85, 95% CI = 0.81-0.89) and the Youden Index suggested an optimum DT cut-point of 5. CONCLUSIONS: This study established the psychometric properties of the DT-Gyn, a tool designed to identify and manage the common sources of distress in women with gynaecological cancers. We suggest a DT cut point ≥5 is optimal in detecting 'clinically relevant' distress, anxiety, and depression in this population.

Effectiveness of teach-back for chronic kidney disease patient education: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Education is an essential component in optimising chronic disease self-management. Teach-back is a robust approach in patient education, which is suitable for varying health literacy although its effectiveness in chronic kidney disease patient education is unknown. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of teach-back method in health education for improving self-management and adherence to treatment regimens in chronic kidney disease. DESIGN: Systematic review. PARTICIPANTS: Adults with any chronic kidney disease grade or treatment modality. MEASUREMENTS: A comprehensive search was undertaken in MEDLINE, CINHAL, EMBASE, Cochrane library, PsychINFO, Web of Science, ERIC, JBI library and WHO International Clinical Trial Registry to identify published studies from September 2013 to December 2022. The methodological quality of studies was assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines. RESULTS: Six studies involving 520 participants were retrieved for this review. A meta-analysis could not be conducted due to substantial heterogeneity between studies. Nevertheless, there was some evidence that teach-back could improve self-management, self-efficacy and knowledge. There was limited evidence on improvement in psychological outcomes or health-related quality of life. CONCLUSION: Teach-back seems to improve both objective and patient-reported outcomes, although further studies are needed. Using teach-back can improve both understanding of health information and the development of skills. Kidney care teams could use teach-back for all patients as it takes account of varying patient health literacy abilities. Teach-back assists with communicating important health information to improve patients' knowledge, confidence and skills in self-managing this disease and its treatment.

Prevalence and predictors of sleep problems in women following a cancer diagnosis: results from the women's wellness after cancer program.

PURPOSE: Using a discrete dataset from the Women's Wellness after Cancer Program (WWACP), we examine the prevalence and predictors of self-reported sleep problems in women previously treated for cancer. METHODS: Participants were 351 women (Mage = 53.2, SD = 8.8) from the WWACP who had completed surgery, chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy for breast, gynaecological or blood cancers within the previous 24 months. Sleep problems were measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Baseline data (i.e. prior to intervention randomisation) were analysed. RESULTS: Most women (59%) reported clinically significant sleep disturbance (PSQI > 5), 40% reported insufficient sleep duration (< 7 h), 38% self-reported poor sleep quality and 28% reported poor habitual sleep efficiency (sleep efficiency < 75%). Fewer psychological and vasomotor climacteric symptoms, age < 45 years and having a partner were associated with reduced odds (AOR < 1) of sleep problems. Higher levels of pain-related disability, and an intermediate compared to 'high' level of education, were associated with increased odds (AOR > 1) of sleep problems. CONCLUSIONS: These findings confirm previous studies that have found a high prevalence of sleep problems in women previously treated for cancer. A range of sociodemographic, climacteric and pain-related factors were associated with sleep problems in this study. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: Targeted interventions to improve sleep quality after cancer treatment should be explored in this population. Predictors identified in this study could inform intervention targeting and development.

Longitudinal Association of Physical Activity, Mastery and Psychological Distress in Mid-Aged Adults over 9-Years.

Psychological distress is highly prevalent and associated with significant adverse health outcomes and economic burden. Mastery and physical activity are potential resources to reduce distress and promote wellbeing; however, previous research has not examined their potential interactive relationship over time. The purpose of this study was to explore associations between mastery, physical activity, and distress in mid-aged adults over nine years. Data from a longitudinal mail survey study including the Kessler 6, Pearlin Mastery Scale, and items assessing time spent in physical activity were examined in a sample of 4404 adults aged 40 to 54 years at baseline. Group-Based Trajectory Models identified two distinct trajectories of psychological distress (elevated and low). Generalized Estimating Equations were used to assess mastery and physical activity, adjusting for sociodemographic and health variables, as predictors for the probability of distress group membership. The odds of elevated distress over time were significantly reduced in people with higher mastery (OR = 0.13; 95% 0.11-0.15) and doing at least 150 min/week of physical activity (OR = 0.81; 95% 0.68-0.96). There was no significant interaction between mastery and physical activity. Mastery and physical activity may be important resources to mitigate distress and further research is needed to evaluate interventions promoting these resources and the impact on mid-aged adults experiencing psychological distress.

Sleep and health-related quality of life in women following a cancer diagnosis: results from the Women's Wellness after Cancer Program in Australia.

PURPOSE: Sleep disturbance after cancer treatment could compromise recovery. This paper examined the associations between post-treatment sleep problems and health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and the effectiveness of an e-enabled lifestyle intervention on sleep outcomes. METHODS: The Women's Wellness after Cancer Program (WWACP) was examined in a single blinded, multi-centre randomised controlled trial. Data were collected from 351 women (Mage = 53.2, SD = 8.8; intervention n = 175, control group n = 176) who had completed surgery, chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy for breast, gynaecological or blood cancers within the previous 24 months. Participants completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) at baseline (prior to intervention randomisation), and at 12 and 24 weeks later. Sociodemographic information, menopausal symptoms (Greene Climacteric Scale) and HRQoL (36-Item Short Form Health Survey; SF-36) were also collected. Linear panel regression was used to examine the association between sleep variables and SF36 Physical Component Summary (PCS) and Mental Component Summary (MCS) scores. A difference-in-difference regression model approach was used to examine the intervention effect on the sleep outcomes. RESULTS: After adjustment for potential confounders, the sleep variables (except sleep duration) significantly predicted physical, but not mental, HRQoL. There was no statistically significant effect of the intervention on sleep outcomes at 12 or 24 weeks. CONCLUSION: Women who have completed treatment for cancer experience sleep problems that are associated with decreased physical HRQoL. Improving sleep through targeted interventions should improve their physical HRQoL. Improved targeting of the sleep components of the WWACP should be explored.

Changes in health behaviours in adults at-risk of chronic disease: primary outcomes from the My health for life program.

BACKGROUND: Chronic disease is the leading cause of premature death globally, and many of these deaths are preventable by modifying some key behavioural and metabolic risk factors. This study examines changes in health behaviours among men and women at risk of diabetes or cardiovascular disease (CVD) who participated in a 6-month lifestyle intervention called the My health for life program. METHODS: The My health for life program is a Queensland Government-funded multi-component program designed to reduce chronic disease risk factors amongst at-risk adults in Queensland, Australia. The intervention comprises six sessions over a 6-month period, delivered by a trained facilitator or telephone health coach. The analysis presented in this paper stems from 9,372 participants who participated in the program between July 2017 and December 2019. Primary outcomes included fruit and vegetable intake, consumption of sugar-sweetened drinks and take-away, alcohol consumption, tobacco smoking, and physical activity. Variables were summed to form a single Healthy Lifestyle Index (HLI) ranging from 0 to 13, with higher scores denoting healthier behaviours. Longitudinal associations between lifestyle indices, program characteristics and socio-demographic characteristics were assessed using Gaussian Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) models with an identity link and robust standard errors. RESULTS: Improvements in HLI scores were noted between baseline (Md = 8.8; IQR = 7.0, 10.0) and 26-weeks (Md = 10.0; IQR = 9.0, 11.0) which corresponded with increases in fruit and vegetable consumption and decreases in takeaway frequency (p < .001 for all) but not risky alcohol intake. Modelling showed higher average HLI among those aged 45 or older (ß = 1.00, 95% CI = 0.90, 1.10, p < .001) with vocational educational qualifications (certificate/diploma: ß = 0.32, 95% CI = 0.14, 0.50, p < .001; bachelor/post-graduate degree ß = 0.79, 95% CI = 0.61, 0.98, p < .001) while being male, Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander background, or not currently working conferred lower average HLI scores (p < .001 for all). CONCLUSIONS: While participants showed improvements in dietary indicators, changes in alcohol consumption and physical activity were less amenable to the program. Additional research is needed to help understand the multi-level barriers and facilitators of behaviour change in this context to further tailor the intervention for priority groups.

Improving health-related quality of life in women with breast, blood, and gynaecological Cancer with an eHealth-enabled 12-week lifestyle intervention: the women's wellness after Cancer program randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The residual effects of cancer and its treatment can profoundly affect women's quality of life. This paper presents results from a multisite randomized controlled trial that evaluated the clinical benefits of an e-health enabled health promotion intervention (the Women's Wellness after Cancer Program or WWACP) on the health-related quality of life of women recovering from cancer treatment. METHODS: Overall, 351 women previously treated for breast, blood or gynaecological cancers were randomly allocated to the intervention (WWACP) or usual care arms. The WWACP comprised a structured 12-week program that included online coaching and an interactive iBook that targeted physical activity, healthy diet, stress and menopause management, sexual wellbeing, smoking cessation, alcohol intake and sleep hygiene. Data were collected via a self-completed electronic survey at baseline (t0), 12 weeks (post-intervention, t1) and 24 weeks (to assess sustained behaviour change, t2). The primary outcome, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), was measured using the Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). RESULTS: Following the 12-week lifestyle program, intervention group participants reported statistically significant improvements in general health, bodily pain, vitality, and global physical and mental health scores. Improvements were also noted in the control group across several HRQoL domains, though the magnitude of change was less. CONCLUSIONS: The WWACP was associated with improved HRQoL in women previously treated for blood, breast, and gynaecological cancers. Given how the synergy of different lifestyle factors influence health behaviour, interventions accounting for the reciprocity of multiple health behaviours like the WWACP, have real potential for immediate and sustainable change. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The protocol for this randomised controlled trial was submitted to the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry on 15/07/2014 and approved on 28/07/2014 ( ACTRN12614000800628 ).

Determining the psychometric properties of the Greene Climacteric Scale (GCS) in women previously treated for breast cancer: A pooled analysis of data from the Women's Wellness after Cancer Programs.

OBJECTIVES: This paper examines the utility of a common climacteric symptoms scale, the Greene Climacteric Scale (GCS), in two groups of women with a history of breast cancer, those who were at menopause before commencing breast cancer treatment, and those who were not. STUDY DESIGN: This pooled analysis of 297 women previously diagnosed with breast cancer, aged 28-74 years, was undertaken on baseline data from two structured lifestyle interventions: the Women's Wellness After Cancer Program (WWACP) and the Younger Women's Wellness After Cancer Program (YWWACP). Data were split into two data subsets (women who were post-menopausal on commencement of breast cancer treatment and those who were either pre- or peri­menopausal). Multitrait/multi-item analysis was conducted to test scaling assumptions for each group separately. RESULTS: GCS domain scores were positively skewed, with significant floor effects for vasomotor symptoms and ceiling effects for sexual dysfunction. Multitrait analysis showed acceptable convergent validity (77% of items correlated ≥ 0.40 with their hypothesized domains) but weak discriminant validity for anxiety, depression, and somatic symptoms in both groups. The exploratory factor analysis in women who were menopausal at the commencement of breast cancer treatment and those who were not revealed distinct factor structures that accounted for 60.2% and 62.7% of the total variance, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The original GCS factor structure was not replicated in this sample. Among women previously treated for breast cancer, the presence of multiple concurrent and severe menopausal symptoms with possible treatment-related causes underpins the need for a breast cancer-specific measure to enhance their identification and management. TRIAL IDS, AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRY: WWACP, ACTRN12614000800628; YWWACP, ACTRN12614001087640.

Self-efficacy and social support as mediators of mental health among abused women.

Supportive counseling and facilitated referrals to support organizations have shown positive effects on mental health and coping with domestic and family violence. However, the reasons why and how such effects are significant remain unknown. The current paper used data from a randomized controlled trial of a psychosocial intervention implemented in Nepal among 140 abused pregnant women. The hypothesized mediating effects of self-efficacy and social support on mental health and quality of life of abused pregnant women were tested using serial mediation analyses. Significance of parameter estimates and bias-corrected 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the indirect effects were generated using bootstrapping. The postintervention changes in self-efficacy and social support were found to have significant mediating effects on the relationship between the intervention and changes in both mental health and quality of life of participants post intervention. The positive effects on outcomes were seen at follow-up as well, though to a lesser extent. Further interventions should focus on enhancing abused women's self-efficacy and social support to ensure their positive mental health and better lives.

A multi-component evaluation framework of a state-wide preventive health program: My health for life.

ISSUE: Chronic disease is a growing problem affecting approximately half of all Australian adults. In response to growing calls for action on chronic disease, the My health for life program was created, aimed at improving the health of individuals at high risk of developing preventable chronic disease. The preventive health program is multi-modal, cross-culturally tailored and contains complex social marketing, community engagement, risk assessment and health promotion components. Therefore, a multi-component evaluation framework is essential to understand the effectiveness of the My health for life program. This brief report details the evaluation. METHODS: The evaluation design uses non-randomised, longitudinal analysis using repeated measures, observational, program goal-based and pretest-posttest design features to assess the program, its specific modalities and its program adaptations. To ensure timely and credible evaluation, different evaluative implementation frameworks and methods are considered. Quantitative and qualitative methods collect an array of program data at differing levels to assess the processes, outcomes and impacts of My health for life. DISCUSSION: The implemented evaluation framework has allowed measurement of: (i) process impacts including uptake, retention and attrition, participant satisfaction, fidelity and program stakeholder engagement and (ii) outcomes relating to individual participant level changes in health behaviours. SO WHAT?: This evaluation is an example of an integrated evaluation approach in a large successful preventive health program. Findings from the evaluation will ultimately inform the applicability and transferability of the program and inform policy makers, stakeholders and other health professionals in preventive health practice.

Considerations about risk of ongoing distress: what can we learn from repeat screening?

The importance of routine distress screening in cancer patients is widely acknowledged, though non-compliance with screening protocols is common. Cited reasons for non-adherence include lack of time and expertise and concerns about the resources associated with the identification and management of clinically relevant distress. This commentary examines changes in distress among people with cancer who participated in a tele-based psychosocial intervention, from the point of initial distress screening to 12 months after commencing the intervention. The goal is to contribute to the discussion about the potential infrastructure requirements of implementing screening programs among screening 'hesitant' cancer care services. Secondary analysis showed a general downward distress trajectory though the greatest reduction occurred between recruitment and baseline and before receiving a low-intensity psychosocial intervention (ß = - 1.84, 95% CI - 2.12, - 1.56). While acknowledging transience of distress in some patients, our results support the possible therapeutic benefit of assessing and validating individuals' distress in the hope of preventing the development of more overt health problems associated with undiagnosed and untreated symptoms.

Screening for distress in women with gynaecological cancer: Adaptation of the distress thermometer for gynaecological oncology patients.

OBJECTIVE: Generic distress screening tools may not recognise the unique concerns reported in some cancer populations. The face and content validity of a screening tool derived from the National Cancer Comprehensive Network distress thermometer and problem list and adapted specifically for women with gynaecological cancer is presented. METHODS: Building on existing work, panels of clinicians and researchers, and focus groups with women treated for gynaecological cancer, developed a nuanced distress screening tool. RESULTS: The clinical reference group used an iterative process to reduce 54 items to 22 across four domains (practical/family/psychological/physical). These items were included in the draft tool, which was reviewed by two focus groups of long-term cancer survivors. Participants unanimously thought the tool was necessary though several changes were recommended. The final draft tool contained a global distress score and 25 items across the four domains. CONCLUSIONS: This measure provides a structured screening tool tailored to the concerns of women with gynaecological cancer, enhancing communication between clinicians and their patients about potentially identified and unrecognised sources of distress. Future research will focus on establishing sensitivity and specificity of this tool and further assessing its utility in clinical settings for all gynaecological cancers (including rare cancers like vulvar cancer).

A scoping review of the role of health literacy in chronic kidney disease self-management.

BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease is a serious health condition and is increasing globally. Effective self-management could slow disease progression and improve health outcomes, although the contribution of health literacy and knowledge for self-management is not well known. AIM: To investigate the recent evidence of health literacy and the relationship between health literacy, knowledge and self-management of chronic kidney disease. METHODS: Arksey and O'Malley's framework informed this scoping review. Eligible studies involving adults with any grade of chronic kidney disease, measuring all dimensions of health literacy (i.e., functional, communicative, and critical), disease-specific knowledge and self-management, published in English between January 2005 and March 2020, were included. RESULTS: The scoping review found 12 eligible studies, with 11 assessing all dimensions of health literacy. No study examined health literacy, knowledge and self-management. When individuals had greater health literacy, this was associated with greater knowledge about the disease. Communicative health literacy was a significant predictor of medication, diet and fluid adherence, and overall self-management behaviours. CONCLUSION: This scoping review shows that disease-specific knowledge is important for health literacy and that health literacy is essential for effective self-management of chronic kidney disease. The implications of these relationships can inform strategies for the development of evidence-based patient education to support increased self-management. There is also a need for further research to explore these associations.

Women's Wellness with Type 2 Diabetes Program (WWDP): Qualitative findings from the UK and Australian feasibility study.

AIMS: To undertake a qualitative study of a multimodal behavioural intervention and research protocol developed to improve wellness in women with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), the Women's Wellness with Type 2 Diabetes program (WWDP). METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 participants who completed the WWDP. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically in an iterative process. RESULTS: Themes developing from interviews were broadly grouped into three domains, 1) Hope for a better everyday life; 2) Reflection of the program and its contents; and 3) Impacts on health and wellbeing. Participants viewed the WWDP as a necessary and valuable approach that was crucial in helping them adopt strategies to improve their wellbeing and prevent complications associated with T2DM. Some participants expressed ambivalence towards their adherence to the program due to day-to-day life commitments. The most appreciated feature of the program were the individualised approach adopted by the consultation nurse via skype, convenient appointments, the provision of credible and factual information and the accessible website. CONCLUSIONS: This study critically evaluated perceptions of participants towards the WWDP and provided important recommendations for improving the delivery and sustainability of the program in future. Participants perceived the program as an effective means of supporting their T2DM self-management and improving wellbeing.

International feasibility study for the Women's Wellness with Type 2 Diabetes Programme (WWDP): An eHealth enabled 12-week intervention programme for midlife women with type 2 diabetes.

AIMS: The current study aimed to examine feasibility of participant recruitment and retention rates for the Women's Wellness with Type 2 Diabetes program (WWDP), and to assess initial efficacy of the program in improving wellbeing outcomes. METHODS: 70 midlife women with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) participated in a 12-week wellness-focused intervention, the WWDP. The WWDP involved a structured book (with participatory activities), an interactive website and nurse consultations. This study had an Australian and a UK arm. Analyses were conducted using chi-square, McNemar, paired t-test, and Wilcoxon signed-ranks tests. RESULTS: The attrition rate for the sample was 22.2%. Overall, significant improvement was observed in diabetes distress (DD), diabetes self-efficacy, weight, BMI, menopausal symptoms and sleep symptoms from baseline to program completion at 12 weeks. Australian participants were also more likely to meet fruit recommendation guidelines and had significant waist- and hip-circumference reductions. CONCLUSIONS: Good retention rates and initial efficacy findings indicated feasibility of the WWDP as a promising 12-week health and wellness program for women with T2DM. They also suggest incorporating a focus on self-efficacy and gendered information may be important in improving wellness and health outcomes related to distress and menopause.

Obesity, smoking, and risk of vasomotor menopausal symptoms: a pooled analysis of eight cohort studies.

BACKGROUND: Frequent and severe vasomotor symptoms during menopause are linked with adverse health outcomes. Understanding modifiable lifestyle factors for the risk of vasomotor menopausal symptoms is important to guide preventive strategies. OBJECTIVE: We investigated the associations between body mass index and smoking, their joint effects with the risk of vasomotor symptoms, and whether the associations differed by menopausal stage. STUDY DESIGN: The International Collaboration for a Life Course Approach to Reproductive Health and Chronic Disease Events pooled data on 21,460 midlife women from 8 studies (median age, 50 years; interquartile range, 49-51 years) for the cross-sectional analysis. Four studies provided data for the prospective analysis (n=11,986). Multinomial logistic regression models with 4 categories of frequency/severity for the outcome of vasomotor symptoms were used to estimate relative risk ratios and 95% confidence intervals that were adjusted for within-study correlation and covariates. RESULTS: At baseline, nearly 60% of the women experienced vasomotor symptoms. One-half of them were overweight (30%) or obese (21%), and 17% were current smokers. Cross-sectional analyses showed that a higher body mass index and smoking more cigarettes with longer duration and earlier initiation were all associated with more frequent or severe vasomotor symptoms. Never smokers who were obese had a 1.5-fold (relative risk ratio, 1.52; 95% confidence interval, 1.35-1.73) higher risk of often/severe vasomotor symptoms, compared with never smokers who were of normal-weight. Smoking strengthened the association because the risk of often/severe vasomotor symptoms was much greater among smokers who were obese (relative risk ratio, 3.02; 95% confidence interval, 2.41-3.78). However, smokers who quit at <40 years of age were at similar levels of risk as never smokers. Prospective analyses showed a similar pattern, but the association attenuated markedly after adjustment for baseline vasomotor symptoms. Furthermore, we found that the association between body mass index and vasomotor symptoms differed by menopausal status. Higher body mass index was associated with increased risk of vasomotor symptoms in pre- and perimenopause but with reduced risk in postmenopause. CONCLUSION: High body mass index (≥25 kg/m2) and cigarette smoking substantially increased women's risk for experiencing frequent or severe vasomotor symptoms in a dose-response manner, and smoking intensified the effect of obesity. However, the effect of body mass index on the risk of vasomotor symptoms was opposite among postmenopausal women. Maintaining a normal weight before the menopausal transition and quitting smoking at <40 years of age may mitigate the excess risk of vasomotor symptoms in midlife.

The Association Between Web-Based or Face-to-Face Lifestyle Interventions on the Perceived Benefits and Barriers to Exercise in Midlife Women: Three-Arm Equivalency Study.

BACKGROUND: Noncommunicable diseases pose a significant threat to women's health globally, with most diseases being attributed to modifiable risk factors such as physical inactivity. Women perceive a range of benefits and barriers to exercise; however, there is little evidence about the effect of different lifestyle intervention delivery modes on perceptions of exercise. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare the effect of a multiple health behavior change (MHBC) intervention called the Women's Wellness Program. This intervention was delivered in 3 different modes on perceived exercise benefits, perceived exercise barriers, and actual physical activity and exercise in midlife women. METHODS: Women aged 45 to 65 years were recruited via the study website. They were assigned in blocks to 3 different treatment groups (A: Web-based independent; B: face-to-face with nurse consultations; and C: Web-based with virtual nurse consultations). All participants received the 12-week intervention that utilizes principles from social-cognitive theory to provide a structured guide to promote healthy lifestyle behaviors with an emphasis on regular exercise and healthy eating. Data were collected using a self-report Web-based questionnaire at baseline (T1) and postintervention (T2) including perceived exercise benefits and barriers and exercise and physical activity. A data analysis examined both within- and between-group changes over time. RESULTS: Participants in this study (N=225) had a mean age of 50.9 years (SD 5.9) and most were married or living with a partner (83.3%, 185/225). Attrition was 30.2% with 157 participants completing the final questionnaire. Women in all intervention groups reported a significant increase in positive perceptions of exercise (P<.05); a significant increase in exercise and overall physical activity (P<.01) with moderate-to-large effect sizes noted for overall physical activity (d=0.5 to d=0.87). Participants receiving support from registered nurses in the face-to-face and Web-based groups had a greater magnitude of change in benefit perceptions and physical activity than those in the Web-based independent group. There was no significant change in exercise barrier perceptions within or between groups over time. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that the (MHBC) intervention is effective in increasing exercise benefit perceptions, overall physical activity, and exercise in midlife women. Although Web-based programs are cost-effective and flexible and can be delivered remotely, providing a range of options including face-to-face group delivery and personalized electronic health coaching from registered nurses has the potential to enhance participant engagement and motivation.

Perspectives on the management of overweight and obesity.

•While obesity prevalence is similar in men and women, men are less likely to participate in weight-loss programs•Women and men differ in their biology, social roles, and their position in the community•New models of obesity management are needed to account for gender differences and broader social and environmental factors.