Association of Dietary Habits and Interest for Food and Science versus Weight Status in Children Aged 8 to 18 Years.

Introduction: This study aims to describe the association between dietary habits and weight status and the interest in food and science. Methods: We examined in a cross-sectional study 525 children aged between 8 and 18 years, who attended the Brussels Food Fair or the Belgian Science Day in 2013. They were divided into three groups: special interest in science, special interest in food, and a general control group. They completed a questionnaire, and body parameters were measured. The weight status of the children was identified using the growth charts and the calculated BMI. Results: In total, 525 children were included: 290 children in the reference group, 194 in the food group, and 41 in the science group. The prevalence of overweight and obesity was 28% in the general control group, 14% in the food group, and 15% in the science group. Breakfast and dinner were skipped more often by children with overweight or obesity. Children from the food and science groups had more sweets and meat, had less fruit, and skipped less meals. Conclusion: In our study, 28% of the reference group had overweight or obesity. The children with special interest in food or science differed from the control group.

Diagnosis and treatment of participants of support groups for hypersexual disorder.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to examine the extent to which members of support groups for hypersexual disorder meet the proposed criteria for hypersexual disorder of Kafka, how the diagnosis of hypersexual disorders is made and what treatments are currently given. METHODS: In this non-interventional research survey, members of support groups for hypersexual disorder received a questionnaire in which the criteria for hypersexual disorder according to Kafka were included as well as the way the disease was diagnosed and treated. RESULTS: The questionnaire was presented to 32 people but only 10 completed questionnaires were returned. Five of the ten respondents met the criteria of Kafka. For the other five respondents a hypersexual disorder was not confirmed but neither excluded. Only for three respondents the diagnosis was made by a professional healthcare worker. The treatment included - besides the support group in nine cases - also individual psychotherapy. Two respondents took a selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor (SSRI), as recommended in the literature. CONCLUSIONS: The members of support groups for sex addiction were difficult to motivate for their participation. The way hypersexual disorders were diagnosed was far from optimal. Only two participants received the recommended medication.

Relevance of hypersexual disorder to family medicine and primary care as a complex multidimensional chronic disease construct.

Hypersexual disorder (HD) is not defined in a uniform way in the psychiatric literature. In the absence of solid evidence on prevalence, causes, empirically validated diagnostic criteria, instruments for diagnosis, consistent guidelines on treatment options, medical and psychosocial consequences, and type of caregivers that need to be involved, HD remains a controversial and relatively poorly understood chronic disease construct. The role of family medicine in the detection, treatment, and followup of HD is not well studied. The purpose of this paper is to describe the complexity of HD as a multidimensional chronic disease construct and its relevance to family medicine and primary care.

The use of family history in primary health care: a qualitative study.

The aim of this study is to describe how Belgian family physicians register and use the family history data of their patients in daily practice. Qualitative in-depth semistructured one-to-one interviews were conducted including 16 family physicians in Belgium. These interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analysed. Recurring themes were identified and compared with findings from the existing literature. All interviewed family physicians considered the family history as an important part of the medical records. Half of the surveyed physicians confirmed knowing the family history of at least 50% of their patients. The data on family history were mainly collected during the first consultations with the patient. The majority of physicians did not use a standardised questionnaire or form to collect and to record the family history. To estimate the impact of a family history, physicians seldom use official guidance or resources. Physicians perceived a lack of time and unreliable information provided by their patients as obstacles to collect and interpret the family history. Solutions that foster the use of family history data were identified at the level of the physician and also included the development of specific instruments integrated within the electronic medical record.

The GAy MEn Sex StudieS: erectile dysfunction among Belgian gay men.

AIM: To determine the prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED) in a sample of the Belgian men who have sex with men (MSM) population, and to assess the relevance of major predictors such as age, relationship, and education. We investigated the use of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors among Belgian MSM. METHODS: An internet-based survey on sexual behavior and sexual dysfunctions, called GAy MEn Sex StudieS (GAMESSS), was administered to MSM, aged 18 years or older, between the months of April and December 2008. The questionnaire used was a compilation of the Kinsey's Heterosexual-Homosexual Rating Scale, Erection Quality Scale (EQS), and the shortened version of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5). RESULTS: Of the 1752 participants, 45% indicated having some problems getting an erection. In this group of MSM, 71% reported mild ED; 22% mild to moderate ED; 6% moderate ED; and 2% severe ED. Independent predictors for the presence of ED were: age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.04, P < 0.0001), having a steady relationship (OR = 0.59, P < 0.0001), frequency of sex with their partner (OR = 1.22, P < 0.0001), versatile sex role (OR = 1.58, P = 0.016), passive sex role (OR = 3.12, P < 0.0001), problems with libido (OR = 1.15, P = 0.011), ejaculation problems (OR = 1.33, P < 0.0001), and anodyspareunia (OR = 0.87, P < 0.0001). Ten percent of the Belgian MSM used a PDE5 inhibitor (age 43 ± 11 years; mean ± standard deviation) and 83% of them were satisfied with the effects. "Street drugs" were used by 43% of MSM to improve ED. CONCLUSION: Forty-five percent of participating Belgian MSM reported some degree of ED and 10% used a PDE5 inhibitor to improve erections. Older MSM reported more ED. MSM, who were in a steady relationship or frequently had sex with a partner, reported less ED. MSM with ejaculation problems indicated having more ED.

Patient health information materials in waiting rooms of family physicians: do patients care?

BACKGROUND: Patient health information materials (PHIMs), such as leaflets and posters are widely used by family physicians to reinforce or illustrate information, and to remind people of information received previously. This facilitates improved health-related knowledge and self-management by patients. OBJECTIVE: This study assesses the use of PHIMs by patient. It also addresses their perception of the quality and the impact of PHIMs on the interaction with their physician, along with changes in health-related knowledge and self-management. METHODS: QUESTIONNAIRE SURVEY AMONG PATIENTS OF FAMILY PRACTICES OF ONE TOWN IN BELGIUM, ASSESSING: (1) the extent to which patients read PHIMs in waiting rooms (leaflets and posters) and take them home, (2) the patients' perception of the impact of PHIMs on interaction with their physician, their change in health-related knowledge and self-management, and (3) the patients judgment of the quality of PHIMs. RESULTS: We included 903 questionnaires taken from ten practices. Ninety-four percent of respondents stated they read PHIMs (leaflets), 45% took the leaflets home, and 78% indicated they understood the content of the leaflets. Nineteen percent of respondents reportedly discussed the content of the leaflets with their physician and 26% indicated that leaflets allowed them to ask fewer questions of their physician. Thirty-four percent indicated that leaflets had previously helped them to improve their health-related knowledge and self-management. Forty-two percent reportedly discussed the content of the leaflets with others. Patient characteristics are of significant influence on the perceived impact of PHIMS in physician interaction, health-related knowledge, and self-management. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that patients value health information materials in the waiting rooms of family physicians and that they perceive such materials as being helpful in improving patient-physician interaction, health-related knowledge, and self-management.

The GAy MEn Sex StudieS: design of an online registration of sexual behaviour of men having sex with men and preliminary results (GAMESSS-study).

BACKGROUND: There has been limited investigation of the sexuality and sexual dysfunction in homosexuals by the sexual medicine community. The purpose of this article is to describe the methodology of the online GAy MEn Sex StudieS (GAMESSS) on the sexual behaviour and sexual dysfunctions of Belgian men who have sex with men (MSM). AIM: To describe the methodology of an online study that investigate sexual behaviour and sexual function and dysfunction in a sample of Belgian MSM. METHODS: An internet-based survey on sexual behaviour and sexual dysfunctions was administered to MSM between April and December 2008. The questionnaire was a compilation of the Kinsey Scale for Sexual Orientation, the Index of Premature Ejaculation (IPE), the Erection Quality Scale (EQS), the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), the Brief (Male) Sexual Function Inventory (BSFI) and the Gay Men Sexual Addiction Screening Test (G-SAST). The analytic sample comprised 1,830 Belgian men aged 18 years or older, who reported having sex with men. CONCLUSION: The use of an online questionnaire is a convenient way to gather information from a hidden population such as MSM. The anonymity of the participants is guaranteed. The collected data can be easily analyzed. With this online study, we aim to detect variables in sexual behaviour (SB) and sexual dysfunction (SD) that can help to improve care for MSM. Belgian MSM have a very active and varied sex life. They are rather promiscuous and do not always practice safe sex. This behaviour poses a high risk of spreading sexually transmitted diseases. Additional research in this MSM population is needed.

The Gay Men Sex Studies: prevalence of sexual dysfunctions in Belgian HIV(+) gay men.

The aim of this Internet-based survey was to investigate the prevalence and associated predictors of sexual dysfunctions in Belgian self-reported HIV-positive men who have sex with other men. Of the 72 participants, 56% had a mild-to-severe erectile dysfunction, and 15% reported a hypoactive sexual desire disorder. The prevalence of premature ejaculation and anodyspareunia was 18% for both. Independent predictors for erectile dysfunction were frequency of masturbation, frequency of sex with partner, use of erectile enhancement drugs, having a passive sex role, and not having a steady relationship. Independent predictors for hypoactive sexual desire disorder were frequency of masturbation and having a lower lifetime number of sexual partners. Independent predictors for premature ejaculation were not having a steady relationship, having a lower lifetime number of sexual partners, and a lower level of education. The only independent predictor for anodyspareunia was having an active sex role.

The GAy MEn Sex StudieS: Anodyspareunia Among Belgian Gay Men.

INTRODUCTION: Anal intercourse is commonly associated with male homosexuality, but not all gay males engage in anal sex. Receptive anal intercourse can cause pain. Little is known about this sexual dysfunction. AIM: This study aims to determine the 4-week incidence of anodyspareunia (AD) in a sample of Belgian men who have sex with men (MSM) population and to assess the relevance of possible predictors such as age, relationship, and sexual behavior. METHODS: An internet-based survey on sexual behavior and sexual dysfunctions, called GAy MEn Sex StudieS, was administered to the MSM aged 18 years or older, between April and December 2008. A part of the questionnaire was focusing on anal eroticism. The participants, who self-reported being human immunodeficiency virus-positive or not having anal intercourse, were excluded. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Female Sexual Function Index questions on pain domain adapted for anal intercourse. RESULTS: A total of 1,752 Belgian MSM completed the questionnaire. Of the 1,190 (68%) participants who reported engaging in receptive anal sex in the last 4 weeks, 59% indicated having some degree of anal pain during and after sexual intercourse. For 44%, the level of pain was acceptable. Mild AD was reported by 32%, 17% had mild to moderate AD, 4% had moderate AD, and 2% had severe AD. Independent predictors for the presence of AD were age, having a steady relationship, frequency of sex with their partner, number of sex partners, number of sex partners at the same time, and massaging the anal sphincter before anal sex. The prevalence and severity of AD among the MSM were lower among older participants, the MSM who more frequently had sex with their partner, and participants with a higher number of sex partners. Inadequate lubrication and lack of oral or digitoproctic stimulation prior to penetration were the most important factors predicting pain. Unsafe anal sex was performed by 28%. CONCLUSION: One-third of the participants reported not engaging in receptive nor penetrative anal sex. The 59% of participating Belgian MSM, who had anal receptive intercourse, reported some degree of AD. These findings highlight the need for more education about anal eroticism for MSM, and more research into AD is needed. Vansintejan J, Vandevoorde J, and Devroey D. The GAy MEn Sex StudieS: Anodyspareunia among Belgian gay men. Sex Med 2013;1:87-94.

Online monitoring of flu in Belgium.

BACKGROUND: The diagnosis and treatment of patients with the A(H1N1) pandemic flu caused some serious burden for general practitioners (GPs) in the summer and autumn of 2009. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to track the incidence of influenza and influenza-like illness (ILI) in Belgium and to describe the characteristics of the affected patients. METHODS: In July 2009, the Belgian online influenza surveillance system (BOISS) was set up to monitor the spread of influenza and ILI. Registrations were made by 93 GPs from all 10 Belgian provinces who participated at least 1 week during the first 12 months of the registration. Only patients who met the WHO criteria for flu were recorded. RESULTS: In total, 1254 patients (53% men) with influenza or ILI were included. Mainly younger persons were affected: 43% was under the age of 20 years. A risk factor for influenza-related complications was determined in 19% of cases, mainly patients with chronic respiratory problems. A treatment with oseltamivir or zanamivir was prescribed in 13%, and 3% of the patients was admitted to a hospital. The time of the peak incidence (44th week) and the magnitude (623 cases per week per 100,000 inhabitants) corresponded with the figures of the existing paper-based registration network. The small sample size and possible reporting biases may have influenced the findings of the study. CONCLUSIONS: The BOISS provides a good alternative to conduct surveillance activities for influenza and ILI in Belgium. It provides complementary information regarding ILI compared to the existing data capturing.