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1.
Are primary/elementary school-based interventions effective in preventing/ameliorating excess weight gain? A systematic review of systematic reviews.
Goldthorpe, J, Epton, T, Keyworth, C, Calam, R, Armitage, CJ
Obesity reviews : an official journal of the International Association for the Study of Obesity. 2020;(6):e13001
Abstract
This systematic review of systematic reviews addresses a current gap in evidence by synthesizing findings relating to weight management interventions set entirely in primary/elementary schools targeting, diet, and/or physical activity as key strategies. Eight databases were searched for systematic reviews of trials of school-based interventions targeting children aged 4 to 12 years that looked at biometric and behavioral outcomes. From the 10 selected systematic reviews, we found that interventions designed to promote physical activity or reduce sedentary behavior were most effective for weight loss. Interventions designed to improve diet and nutrition had a small effect on behavioral and cognitive outcomes, and these outcomes could be enhanced through the use of experiential learning. The most effective interventions involved a range of stakeholders in the development process and included parents and families in implementation. This systematic review of systematic reviews offers evidence-based guidance for the development and implementation of multistrategy weight-management interventions in primary/elementary schools.
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2.
Study of active neighborhoods in Detroit (StAND): study protocol for a natural experiment evaluating the health benefits of ecological restoration of parks.
Pearson, AL, Pfeiffer, KA, Gardiner, J, Horton, T, Buxton, RT, Hunter, RF, Breeze, V, McDade, T
BMC public health. 2020;(1):638
Abstract
BACKGROUND Individuals living in deprived inner cities have disproportionately high rates of cancers, Type 2 diabetes and obesity, which have stress- and physical inactivity-related etiologies. This study aims to quantify effects of ecological park restoration on physical activity, stress and cardio-metabolic health outcomes. METHODS The Study of Active Neighborhoods in Detroit is a quasi-experimental, longitudinal panel natural experiment with two conditions (restored park intervention (INT) and control (CNT)) and annual measurements at baseline and 3-years post-restoration. Individuals (sampled within 500 m of an INT/CNT park) serve as the unit of analysis. Restoration (n = 4 parks) involves replacing non-native plants and turf with native plants; creating trails; posting signage; and leading community stewardship events. The CNT condition (n = 5) is an unmaintained park, matched to INT based on specified neighborhood conditions. Recruitment involves several avenues, with a retention goal of 450 participants. Park measures include plant/avian diversity; usage of the park (SOPARC); signs of care; auditory environment recordings; and visual greenness using 360 imagery. Health outcomes include device-based physical activity behavior (primary outcome); salivary cortisol (secondary outcome); and several downstream health outcomes. Exposure to the INT will be assessed through visual contact time and time spent in the park using GPS data. Changes in health outcomes between years and INT versus CNT will be tested using generalized linear (mixed) models. DISCUSSION Our study will examine whether restored urban greenspaces increase physical activity and lower stress, with public health planning implications, where small changes in neighborhood greenspaces may have large health benefits in low-income neighborhoods. STUDY REGISTRATION Registration: OSF Preregistration registered March 31, 2020. Accessible from https://osf.io/surx7.
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3.
The effect of solution-focused interviews (SFI) conducted by nurses on middle school adolescents' healthy lifestyles: a quasi-experimental study.
Aslan, F
Scandinavian journal of caring sciences. 2020;(3):719-726
Abstract
AIM: This study aimed at assessing the effect of solution-focused interviews for the promotion of health locus of control and self-efficacy on adolescents' healthy lifestyles. METHOD The present study, which was designed as a quasi-experimental study, included pretest and post-test control groups and was conducted in the period between 5 February 2017 and 30 April 2017. The intervention group comprised 28 (n = 28) adolescents from a school, and the control group comprised 30 (n = 30) adolescents from another school. Solution-focused interviews, which included educational information regarding leading a healthy lifestyle as well as cognitive-behavioural interview, were conducted with the adolescents of the intervention group, 1 day per week (nine sessions in total). RESULTS In comparison to the control group, adolescents in the intervention group exhibited differences in all the sub-dimensions health promotion scale (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS These results established the applicability and effectiveness of the programme, such that the health promotion programme could be included in the literature. Moreover, it is anticipated that this programme would be applied in school settings in the future.
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4.
Reducing sitting at work: process evaluation of the SMArT Work (Stand More At Work) intervention.
Biddle, SJH, O'Connell, SE, Davies, MJ, Dunstan, D, Edwardson, CL, Esliger, DW, Gray, LJ, Yates, T, Munir, F
Trials. 2020;(1):403
Abstract
BACKGROUND Office-based workers accumulate high amounts of sitting time. Stand More At Work (SMArT Work) aimed to reduce occupational sitting time and a cluster randomised controlled trial demonstrated it was successful in achieving this aim. The purpose of this paper is to present the process evaluation of the SMArT Work intervention. METHODS Questionnaire data were collected from intervention participants at 6 months (n = 58) and 12 months (n = 55). Questionnaires sought feedback on the different components of the intervention (education, height-adjustable desk, Darma cushion, behaviour feedback, progress chats (coaching) with research team, action planning/goal setting diary) and experiences of evaluation measures. Control participants (n = 37) were asked via questionnaire at 12-month follow-up about the impact of the study on their behaviour and any lifestyle changes made during the study. Participants from both arms were invited to focus groups to gain a deeper understanding of their experiences on completion of 12-month follow-up. RESULTS Focus group and questionnaire data showed a positive attitude towards the height-adjustable workstation with a high proportion of participants using it every day (62%). Most participants (92%) felt the education seminar increased their awareness of the health consequences of too much sitting and motivated them to change their behaviour. Receiving feedback on their sitting time and support from the research team also encouraged behaviour change. The Darma cushion and action planning/goal setting diary were seen to be less helpful for behaviour change. Benefits experienced included fewer aches and pains, improved cognitive functioning, increased productivity, more energy and positive feelings about general health. CONCLUSIONS Key elements of the programme identified as facilitating behaviour change were the educational seminar, the height-adjustable workstation, behavioural feedback and regular contact with research staff through regular progress chats. TRIAL REGISTRATION ISRCTN ISRCTN10967042. Registered on 2 February 2015.
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5.
Health-Promoting Effects of a Concurrent Workplace Training Program in Inactive Office Workers (HealPWorkers): A Randomized Controlled Study.
Karatrantou, K, Gerodimos, V, Manouras, N, Vasilopoulou, T, Melissopoulou, A, Mesiakaris, AF, Theodorakis, Y
American journal of health promotion : AJHP. 2020;(4):376-386
Abstract
PURPOSE To the best of our knowledge, no previous study has examined the health-promoting effects of a daily supervised concurrent workplace training program in inactive office workers. The main objective of this study was to examine the effectiveness of a 6-month workplace training program on health indices, musculoskeletal pains, functional capacity, and physical fitness in office workers. DESIGN Randomized controlled study. SETTING Four workplaces in the Region of Thessaly, Greece. PARTICIPANTS A total of 36 office workers (≥6 hours/d, 5 days/wk) were randomly assigned to either a training group (TG; n = 18) or a control group (CG; n = 18). INTERVENTION The TG participated, every working day, in a 6-month supervised concurrent (flexibility, strength, balance, aerobic) training program (120 training sessions, 2 workouts/d of 15-20 minutes) that was implemented, in small groups, at the workplace during the work shift. The CG did not participate in any training. MEASURES Health indices (body composition, blood pressure, respiratory function), musculoskeletal pains, functional capacity (flexibility, balance), and physical fitness (maximal strength, cardiorespiratory fitness) were measured before and after the completion of the program. After the completion of the program, participants' enjoyment was assessed. ANALYSIS Two-way analysis of variance (group × time) with repeated measures on the "time" factor. RESULTS The statistical power, for all parameters, ranged from 0.85 to 0.94. Training group significantly increased lean body mass (3.81%); respiratory function (4.20%-4.53%); cervical, handgrip, back, and leg maximal strength (8.75%-26.55%); and functional capacity (19.71%-188.20%; P < .001-.01; Cohen's effect size: 0.80-7.21), while significant reductions were observed on body fat (7.58%), blood pressure (4.99%-8.05%), heart rate (12.80%), and musculoskeletal pains (33.33%-100%; P < .001; Cohen's effect size: 0.81-6.21). In CG, all the above variables did not change. Furthermore, a great percentage of workers (94.4%) reported high levels of enjoyment. CONCLUSION The program "HealPWorkers" is an enjoyable exercise modality that may be safely and effectively used, to work settings, for the improvement of worker's health, overall fitness, and functional capacity.
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6.
The effectiveness and complexity of interventions targeting sedentary behaviour across the lifespan: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Blackburn, NE, Wilson, JJ, McMullan, II, Caserotti, P, Giné-Garriga, M, Wirth, K, Coll-Planas, L, Alias, SB, Roqué, M, Deidda, M, et al
The international journal of behavioral nutrition and physical activity. 2020;(1):53
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence suggests that sedentary behaviour (SB) is associated with poor health outcomes. SB at any age may have significant consequences for health and well-being and interventions targeting SB are accumulating. Therefore, the need to review the effects of multicomponent, complex interventions that incorporate effective strategies to reduce SB are essential. METHODS A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted investigating the impact of interventions targeting SB across the lifespan. Six databases were searched and two review authors independently screened studies for eligibility, completed data extraction and assessed the risk of bias and complexity of each of the included studies. RESULTS A total of 77 adult studies (n=62, RCTs) and 84 studies (n=62, RCTs) in children were included. The findings demonstrated that interventions in adults when compared to active controls resulted in non-significant reductions in SB, although when compared to inactive controls significant reductions were found in both the short (MD -56.86; 95%CI -74.10, -39.63; n=4632; I2 83%) and medium-to-long term (MD -20.14; 95%CI -34.13, -6.16; n=4537; I2 65%). The findings demonstrated that interventions in children when compared to active controls may lead to relevant reductions in daily sedentary time in the short-term (MD -59.90; 95%CI -102.16, -17.65; n=267; I2 86%), while interventions in children when compared to inactive controls may lead to relevant reductions in the short-term (MD -25.86; 95%CI -40.77, -10.96; n=9480; I2 98%) and medium-to-long term (MD -14.02; 95%CI -19.49, -8.55; n=41,138; I2 98%). The assessment of complexity suggested that interventions may need to be suitably complex to address the challenges of a complex behaviour such as SB, but demonstrated that a higher complexity score is not necessarily associated with better outcomes in terms of sustained long-term changes. CONCLUSIONS Interventions targeting reductions in SB have been shown to be successful, especially environmental interventions in both children and adults. More needs to be known about how best to optimise intervention effects. Future intervention studies should apply more rigorous methods to improve research quality, considering larger sample sizes, randomised controlled designs and valid and reliable measures of SB.
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7.
The Community Resiliency Model® to promote nurse well-being.
Grabbe, L, Higgins, MK, Baird, M, Craven, PA, San Fratello, S
Nursing outlook. 2020;(3):324-336
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rising rates of secondary traumatic stress and burnout among nurses signal a crisis in healthcare. There is a lack of evidence regarding effective interventions to improve nurse well-being and resiliency. PURPOSE This study used a randomized controlled trial parallel design to test the effectiveness of a 3-hour Community Resiliency Model® (CRM) training, a novel set of sensory awareness techniques to improve emotional balance. METHODS Registered nurses in two urban tertiary-care hospitals were invited to participate, which entailed attending a single 3-hour "Nurse Wellness and Well-being" class; 196 nurses consented and were randomized into the CRM intervention or nutrition education control group to determine if the CRM group would demonstrate improvement in well-being and resiliency, secondary traumatic stress, burnout, and physical symptoms. FINDINGS Pre/post data were analyzed for 40 CRM and 37 nutrition group members. Moderate-to-large effect sizes were demonstrated in the CRM group for improved well-being, resiliency, secondary traumatic stress, and physical symptoms. Participants reported using CRM techniques for self-stabilization during stressful work events. DISCUSSION CRM shows promise as a brief resiliency training for hospital-based nurses.
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8.
A Multilevel Diabetes and CVD Risk Reduction Intervention in African American Churches: Project Faith Influencing Transformation (FIT) Feasibility and Outcomes.
Berkley-Patton, J, Bowe Thompson, C, Bauer, AG, Berman, M, Bradley-Ewing, A, Goggin, K, Catley, D, Allsworth, JE
Journal of racial and ethnic health disparities. 2020;(6):1160-1171
Abstract
Wide-reaching health promotion interventions are needed in influential, accessible community settings to address African American (AA) diabetes and CVD disparities. Most AAs are overweight/obese, which is a primary clinical risk factor for diabetes/CVD. Using a faith-community-engaged approach, this study examined feasibility and outcomes of Project Faith Influencing Transformation (FIT), a diabetes/CVD screening, prevention, and linkage to care pilot intervention to increase weight loss in AA church-populations at 8 months. Six churches were matched and randomized to multilevel FIT intervention or standard education control arms. Key multilevel religiously tailored FIT intervention components included: (a) individual self-help materials (e.g., risk checklists, pledge cards); (b) YMCA-facilitated weekly group Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) weight loss classes; (c) church service activities (e.g., sermons, responsive readings); and (d) church-community text/voice messages to promote healthy eating and physical activity. Health screenings (e.g., weight, blood pressure, blood glucose) were held during church services to identify participants with diabetes/CVD risks and refer them to their church's DPP class and linkage to care services. Participants (N = 352 church members and community members using churches' outreach ministries) were primarily female (67%) and overweight/obese (87%). Overall, FIT intervention participants were significantly more likely to achieve a > 5 lb weight loss (OR = 1.6; CI = 1.24, 2.01) than controls. Odds of intervention FIT-DPP participants achieving a > 5 lb weight loss were 3.6 times more than controls (p < .07). Exposure to sermons, text/email messages, brochures, commitment cards, and posters was significantly related to > 5 lb. weight loss. AA churches can feasibly assist in increasing reach and impact of diabetes/CVD risk reduction interventions with intensive weight loss components among at risk AA church-populations.
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9.
The study protocol for a pseudo-randomised pre-post designed controlled intervention trial to study the effects of a 7-week cooking program on self-efficacy and biomarkers of health: the ECU lifestyle and biomarkers get connected study (ECULABJMOF) including the Jamie's Ministry of Food WA participant experience.
Rees, J, Christophersen, CC, Lewis, JR, Lo, J, Sambell, R, Costello, L, Walker, C, Byrne, MF, Boyce, MC, Newton, RU, et al
BMC public health. 2020;(1):1037
Abstract
BACKGROUND Australia, like other nations, has experienced a shift in dietary patterns away from home cooking of nutritious foods, towards a reliance on pre-prepared convenience meals. These are typically energy-dense, nutrient-poor and contribute to the rising prevalence of obesity and chronic disease burden. The aims of this study were to evaluate whether a community-based cooking program instigated a change to participants' skills, attitudes, knowledge, enjoyment and satisfaction of cooking and cooking confidence (self-efficacy). METHODS The pseudo-random, pre-post study design consisted of an intervention and a control group. Participant recruitment and group allocation was based on their program start dates. Intervention participants were surveyed three times (baseline, 7 weeks and 6 months) and the control group were surveyed at baseline and 5 weeks. All participants were registered via an online website and were 18 years or over. Upon consent, participants were offered four levels of commitment, defined by different assessments. The minimum participation level included an online survey and levels 2, 3 and 4 involved attendance at a clinic with increasing functional, anthropometric and biomarker measurements. Primary endpoints were participants' cooking confidence as a proxy for self-efficacy. Secondary endpoints were dietary intake, physical activity levels, body composition, anthropometry, blood, urine and faecal biomarkers of systemic, physical and mental health. DISCUSSION The community cooking program provided participants with information and advice on food sourcing, preparation and nutrition to improve home cooking skills. The study was designed to explore whether food literacy programs are efficacious in improving participant physical health and well-being in order to combat the rise in obesity and diet-related disease. It will support future use of public health cooking program initiatives aimed at improving food literacy, self-efficacy and physical and mental health. The extensive data collected will inform future research into the relationship between diet, the gut-microbiota and human health. TRIAL REGISTRATION Retrospectively registered on 16.08.2019 with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR). ACTRN12619001144101 . Protocol version 4.
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10.
Study Protocol for the Evaluation of "SuperFIT", a Multicomponent Nutrition and Physical Activity Intervention Approach for Preschools and Families.
van de Kolk, I, Gerards, SMPL, Harms, LSE, Kremers, SPJ, van Dinther-Erkens, AMHS, Snellings, M, Gubbels, JS
International journal of environmental research and public health. 2020;(2)
Abstract
The promotion of healthy energy balance-related behaviours (EBRB) is already important for children at a young age. Different settings, for example childcare and home, play an important role in the EBRB of young children. Further, factors in different types of environment (e.g., physical, sociocultural and political) influence their behaviours. SuperFIT (Systems of Underprivileged Preschoolers in their home and preschool EnviRonment: Family Intervention Trial) is a comprehensive, integrated intervention approach for 2-4 year old children. This paper describes the development and design of the evaluation of SuperFIT. The SuperFIT intervention approach consists of preschool-based, family-based, and community-based components. Intervention activities aimed at changing the physical, sociocultural and political environments in each setting and establishing an increased alignment between the settings. A quasi-experimental design was adopted with twelve intervention and nine control preschools to evaluate effectiveness. The primary outcomes were Body Mass Index (BMI) z-scores (objectively assessed height and weight), dietary intake (24 h recall), and physical activity (accelerometer) of the children. Further, the effects on the nutrition- and physical activity-related practices of preschool teachers and parents were evaluated (questionnaires). Intervention effectiveness was evaluated using linear mixed models. Process evaluation was performed using mixed methods; both quantitative (questionnaires) and qualitative (observations and in-depth interviews) measures were used. The comprehensive, integrated approach of SuperFIT is expected to support healthy EBRB in young children.