[Method for the quality assessment of data collection processes in epidemiological studies]. / Methode zur Qualitätsbewertung von Datenerhebungsprozessen in epidemiologischen Studien.

CONTEXT: For a quantitative evaluation of primary data collection processes in epidemiological surveys based on accompaniments and observations (in the field), there is no description of test criteria and methodologies in relevant literature and thus no known application in practice. Therefore, methods need to be developed and existing procedures adapted. OBJECTIVE: The aim was to identify quality-relevant developments within quality dimensions by means of inspection points (quality indicators) during the process of data collection. As a result we seek to implement and establish a methodology for the assessment of overall survey quality supplementary to standardized data analyses. METHOD/CONCEPT: Monitors detect deviations from standard primary data collection during site visits by applying standardized checklists. Quantitative results - overall and for each dimension - are obtained by numerical calculation of quality indicators. Score results are categorized and color coded. This visual prioritization indicates necessity for intervention. RESULT: The results obtained give clues regarding the current quality of data collection. This allows for the identification of such sections where interventions for quality improvement are needed. In addition, process quality development can be shown over time on an intercomparable basis. DISCUSSION: This methodology for the evaluation of data collection quality can identify deviations from norms, focalize quality analyses and help trace causes for significant deviations.

[Sports medical counseling to promote physical activity in unemployed]. / Sportmedizinische Bewegungsberatung bei Arbeitslosen.

Although strong evidence suggests that unemployment increases health risks and physical activity results in significant health benefits, the participation rate in prevention programs among unemployed men is still low. For this reason, a sports medical counseling service was implemented at regional job centers in 2006 to refer unemployed persons into local sports for health programs. The participation rate from 741 long-term unemployed persons was analyzed with respect to gender, health, and physical activity status. Women were more active than men (p = 0.038). Among men, physically active persons differed from non-active persons in BMI, activity status, and self-reported health status (p < 0.05). Especially men with lower fitness, health, and activity status could be motivated for more physical activity (p < 0.001). The odds ratio for program participation of men with lower fitness, health, and activity status is 2.8 (95% confidence interval 1.8-4.3) compared to persons with lower risk factors. Sports medical counseling at job centers seems to be a promising and feasible intervention approach.

Activity tracker-based intervention to increase physical activity in patients with type 2 diabetes and healthy individuals: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: One relevant strategy to prevent the onset and progression of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) focuses on increasing physical activity. The use of activity trackers by patients could enable objective measurement of their regular physical activity in daily life and promote physical activity through the use of a tracker-based intervention. This trial aims to answer three research questions: (1) Is the use of activity trackers suitable for longitudinal assessment of physical activity in everyday life? (2) Does the use of a tracker-based intervention lead to sustainable improvements in the physical activity of healthy individuals and in people with T2DM? (3) Does the accompanying digital motivational intervention lead to sustainable improvements in physical activity for participants using the tracker-based device? METHODS: The planned study is a randomized controlled trial focused on 1642 participants with and without T2DM for 9 months with regard to their physical activity behavior. Subjects allocated to an intervention group will wear an activity tracker. Half of the subjects in the intervention group will also receive an additional digital motivational intervention. Subjects allocated to the control group will not receive any intervention. The primary outcome is the amount of moderate and vigorous physical activity in minutes and the number of steps per week measured continuously with the activity tracker and assessed by questionnaires at four time points. Secondary endpoints are medical parameters measured at the same four time points. The collected data will be analyzed using inferential statistics and explorative data-mining techniques. DISCUSSION: The trial uses an interdisciplinary approach with a team including sports psychologists, sports scientists, health scientists, health care professionals, physicians, and computer scientists. It also involves the processing and analysis of large amounts of data collected with activity trackers. These factors represent particular strengths as well as challenges in the study. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial is registered at the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform via the German Clinical Studies Trial Register (DRKS), DRKS00027064 . Registered on 11 November 2021.

Area-level and individual correlates of active transportation among adults in Germany: A population-based multilevel study.

This study aimed at estimating the prevalence in adults of complying with the aerobic physical activity (PA) recommendation through transportation-related walking and cycling. Furthermore, potential determinants of transportation-related PA recommendation compliance were investigated. 10,872 men and 13,144 women aged 18 years or older participated in the cross-sectional 'German Health Update 2014/15 - EHIS' in Germany. Transportation-related walking and cycling were assessed using the European Health Interview Survey-Physical Activity Questionnaire. Three outcome indicators were constructed: walking, cycling, and total active transportation (≥600 metabolic equivalent, MET-min/week). Associations were analyzed using multilevel regression analysis. Forty-two percent of men and 39% of women achieved ≥600 MET-min/week with total active transportation. The corresponding percentages for walking were 27% and 28% and for cycling 17% and 13%, respectively. Higher population density, older age, lower income, higher work-related and leisure-time PA, not being obese, and better self-perceived health were positively associated with transportation-related walking and cycling and total active transportation among both men and women. The promotion of walking and cycling among inactive people has great potential to increase PA in the general adult population and to comply with PA recommendations. Several correlates of active transportation were identified which should be considered when planning public health policies and interventions.

Melanoma: seguimiento en un cabalo tordillo / Melanoma: a follow up in a grayish horse

Seguimos a lo largo de casi 5 años la evolución de un Melanoma en un caballo tordillo. Además del estudio clínico e histopatológico, se efectuaron análisis de rutina, electroforesis, prueba de serolabilidad coloidal, PPD, prueba de hipersensibilidad retardada y prueba de transferencia de linfocitos. Se consignaron los resultados de la inmunoterapia activa inespecífica con BCG e inmunomodulares (levamisole). A diferencia de lo que ocurre en el hombre, el progreso de la enfermedad es lento en esta especie

Melanoma: seguimiento en un cabalo tordillo / Melanoma: a follow up in a grayish horse

Seguimos a lo largo de casi 5 años la evolución de un Melanoma en un caballo tordillo. Además del estudio clínico e histopatológico, se efectuaron análisis de rutina, electroforesis, prueba de serolabilidad coloidal, PPD, prueba de hipersensibilidad retardada y prueba de transferencia de linfocitos. Se consignaron los resultados de la inmunoterapia activa inespecífica con BCG e inmunomodulares (levamisole). A diferencia de lo que ocurre en el hombre, el progreso de la enfermedad es lento en esta especie (AU)