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Lepre B, Crowley J, Mpe D, Bhoopatkar H, Mansfield KJ, Wall C, Beck EJ. Australian and New Zealand Medical Students' Attitudes and Confidence Towards Providing Nutrition Care in Practice. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12030598. [PMID: 32106539 PMCID: PMC7146386 DOI: 10.3390/nu12030598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Revised: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of lifestyle-related chronic disease is increasing. Doctors in primary care are ideally placed to support patient nutrition care, but recent reviews show education is still lacking. This study aimed to identify medical students’ attitudes towards the role of nutrition in health, nutrition knowledge, and perceptions of nutrition education, in postgraduate (Australia) and undergraduate (New Zealand) programs in order to identify gaps in nutrition knowledge and skills to better inform future education. Second-year graduate and third-year undergraduate students participated in semi-structured focus groups and interviews. A general inductive approach was used to investigate students’ (1) attitudes toward the role of nutrition in health, (2) nutrition knowledge based on nutrition-specific competencies and (3) perceived adequacy of nutrition education received. Interviews (nine) and focus groups (seven) identified four common themes: (1) role of medical practitioners in nutrition care, (2) barriers to nutrition education, (3) nutrition knowledge, and (4) nutrition-related skills. Students perceive that doctors are well-placed to provide some level of nutrition care, but poor translation of nutrition knowledge to clinical contexts is a key limitation in nutrition education. In summary, nutrition education may be insufficient to support the nutrition-related competency development of the undergraduate and postgraduate student participants in this study. Focusing on the integration of these skills into the curriculum may be a priority.
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Affiliation(s)
- Breanna Lepre
- School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, and Illawarra Health & Medical Research Institute, Northfields Ave, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia; (K.J.M.); (E.J.B.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-422-954-050
| | - Jennifer Crowley
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142, New Zealand; (J.C.); (D.M.); (H.B.); (C.W.)
| | - Dineo Mpe
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142, New Zealand; (J.C.); (D.M.); (H.B.); (C.W.)
| | - Harsh Bhoopatkar
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142, New Zealand; (J.C.); (D.M.); (H.B.); (C.W.)
| | - Kylie J. Mansfield
- School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, and Illawarra Health & Medical Research Institute, Northfields Ave, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia; (K.J.M.); (E.J.B.)
| | - Clare Wall
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142, New Zealand; (J.C.); (D.M.); (H.B.); (C.W.)
| | - Eleanor J. Beck
- School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, and Illawarra Health & Medical Research Institute, Northfields Ave, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia; (K.J.M.); (E.J.B.)
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Kriaucioniene V, Petkeviciene J, Raskiliene A. Nutrition and physical activity counselling by general practitioners in Lithuania, 2000-2014. BMC FAMILY PRACTICE 2019; 20:125. [PMID: 31493793 PMCID: PMC6732190 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-019-1022-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2018] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Primary health care plays a crucial role in providing recommendations on a healthy diet and physical activity to assist patients in weight management. The study aimed to evaluate health behaviour counselling provided by general practitioners (GPs) for adults with overweight and obesity in Lithuania between 2000 and 2014. METHODS Eight biennial postal surveys to independent nationally representative random samples of Lithuanians aged 20-64 were conducted. Response rates varied from 41.1 to 74%, with a decreasing trend over time. The data of 5867 participants who visited a GP at least once during the last year and had BMI of ≥25.0 kg/m2 were analysed. Respondents were asked about GP advice on nutrition and physical activity and changes in their health behaviour during the last year. RESULTS The proportion of persons with overweight who reported GP advice on nutrition increased from 23.6% in 2000 to 37.5% in 2010 and advice on physical activity from 11.9 to 17.2% respectively; however, later both proportions decreased slightly. The likelihood of reporting was higher in respondents with higher BMI, more chronic conditions and frequent contact with a GP. Respondents who were living in cities, older and highly educated women were all more likely to report being advised on physical activity. Men and women who received advice from a GP more often reported changes in health behaviour as compared with non-advised individuals. CONCLUSIONS Despite increasing trends, the rate of GP advice on nutrition and physical activity reported by patients with overweight and obesity remains low in Lithuania. GP advice appears to have a significant impact on attempts by patients to change behaviour related to weight control. Therefore, there is an obvious need to make additional efforts to increase the frequency of GP counselling and to identify and address barriers to advising patients with overweight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vilma Kriaucioniene
- Faculty of Public Health, Academy of Medicine, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Tilzes 18, Kaunas, Lithuania.
| | - Janina Petkeviciene
- Faculty of Public Health, Academy of Medicine, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Tilzes 18, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Asta Raskiliene
- Faculty of Public Health, Academy of Medicine, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Tilzes 18, Kaunas, Lithuania
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Sturgiss EA, Elmitt N, Haesler E, van Weel C, Douglas KA. Role of the family doctor in the management of adults with obesity: a scoping review. BMJ Open 2018; 8:e019367. [PMID: 29453301 PMCID: PMC5829928 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-019367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2017] [Revised: 11/13/2017] [Accepted: 12/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Obesity management is an important issue for the international primary care community. This scoping review examines the literature describing the role of the family doctor in managing adults with obesity. The methods were prospectively published and followed Joanna Briggs Institute methodology. SETTING Primary care. Adult patients. INCLUDED PAPERS Peer-reviewed and grey literature with the keywords obesity, primary care and family doctors. All literature published up to September 2015. 3294 non-duplicate papers were identified and 225 articles included after full-text review. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES Data were extracted on the family doctors' involvement in different aspects of management, and whether whole person and person-centred care were explicitly mentioned. RESULTS 110 papers described interventions in primary care and family doctors were always involved in diagnosing obesity and often in recruitment of participants. A clear description of the provider involved in an intervention was often lacking. It was difficult to determine if interventions took account of whole person and person-centredness. Most opinion papers and clinical overviews described an extensive role for the family doctor in management; in contrast, research on current practices depicted obesity as undermanaged by family doctors. International guidelines varied in their description of the role of the family doctor with a more extensive role suggested by guidelines from family medicine organisations. CONCLUSIONS There is a disconnect between how family doctors are involved in primary care interventions, the message in clinical overviews and opinion papers, and observed current practice of family doctors. The role of family doctors in international guidelines for obesity may reflect the strength of primary care in the originating health system. Reporting of primary care interventions could be improved by enhanced descriptions of the providers involved and explanation of how the pillars of primary care are used in intervention development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A Sturgiss
- Academic Unit of General Practice, Australian Nation University Medical School, Canberra, Australia
| | - Nicholas Elmitt
- Academic Unit of General Practice, Australian Nation University Medical School, Canberra, Australia
| | - Emily Haesler
- Academic Unit of General Practice, Australian Nation University Medical School, Canberra, Australia
- School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Chris van Weel
- Department of Primary and Community Care, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
- Department of Health Services Research and Policy, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Kirsty A Douglas
- Academic Unit of General Practice, Australian Nation University Medical School, Canberra, Australia
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Peckham S, Falconer J, Gillam S, Hann A, Kendall S, Nanchahal K, Ritchie B, Rogers R, Wallace A. The organisation and delivery of health improvement in general practice and primary care: a scoping study. HEALTH SERVICES AND DELIVERY RESEARCH 2015. [DOI: 10.3310/hsdr03290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundThis project examines the organisation and delivery of health improvement activities by and within general practice and the primary health-care team. The project was designed to examine who delivers these interventions, where they are located, what approaches are developed in practices, how individual practices and the primary health-care team organise such public health activities, and how these contribute to health improvement. Our focus was on health promotion and ill-health prevention activities.AimsThe aim of this scoping exercise was to identify the current extent of knowledge about the health improvement activities in general practice and the wider primary health-care team. The key objectives were to provide an overview of the range and type of health improvement activities, identify gaps in knowledge and areas for further empirical research. Our specific research objectives were to map the range and type of health improvement activity undertaken by general practice staff and the primary health-care team based within general practice; to scope the literature on health improvement in general practice or undertaken by health-care staff based in general practice and identify gaps in the evidence base; to synthesise the literature and identify effective approaches to the delivery and organisation of health improvement interventions in a general practice setting; and to identify the priority areas for research as defined by those working in general practice.MethodsWe undertook a comprehensive search of the literature. We followed a staged selection process involving reviews of titles and abstracts. This resulted in the identification of 1140 papers for data extraction, with 658 of these papers selected for inclusion in the review, of which 347 were included in the evidence synthesis. We also undertook 45 individual and two group interviews with primary health-care staff.FindingsMany of the research studies reviewed had some details about the type, process or location, or who provided the intervention. Generally, however, little attention is paid in the literature to examining the impact of the organisational context on the way services are delivered or how this affects the effectiveness of health improvement interventions in general practice. We found that the focus of attention is mainly on individual prevention approaches, with practices engaging in both primary and secondary prevention. The range of activities suggests that general practitioners do not take a population approach but focus on individual patients. However, it is clear that many general practitioners see health promotion as an integral part of practice, whether as individual approaches to primary or secondary health improvement or as a practice-based approach to improving the health of their patients. Our key conclusion is that there is currently insufficient good evidence to support many of the health improvement interventions undertaken in general practice and primary care more widely.Future ResearchFuture research on health improvement in general practice and by the primary health-care team needs to move beyond clinical research to include delivery systems and be conducted in a primary care setting. More research needs to examine areas where there are chronic disease burdens – cancer, dementia and other disabilities of old age. Reviews should be commissioned that examine the whole prevention pathway for health problems that are managed within primary care drawing together research from general practice, pharmacy, community engagement, etc.FundingThe National Institute for Health Research Health Services and Delivery Research programme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Peckham
- Centre for Health Services Studies, University of Kent, Kent, UK
- Department of Health Services Research and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Jane Falconer
- Department of Health Services Research and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Steve Gillam
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Alison Hann
- Public Health and Policy Studies, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Sally Kendall
- Centre for Research in Primary and Community Care, University of Hertfordshire, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - Kiran Nanchahal
- Department of Social and Environmental Health Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Benjamin Ritchie
- Department of Health Services Research and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Rebecca Rogers
- Department of Health Services Research and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Andrew Wallace
- Department of Health Services Research and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- Department of Social Policy, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, UK
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Kloek CJ, Tol J, Veenhof C, van der Wulp I, Swinkels IC. Dutch General Practitioners' weight management policy for overweight and obese patients. BMC OBESITY 2014. [PMID: 26217495 PMCID: PMC4472618 DOI: 10.1186/2052-9538-1-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND General practitioners (GPs) can play an important role in both the prevention and management of overweight and obesity. Current general practice guidelines in the Netherlands allow room for GPs to execute their own weight management policy. OBJECTIVE To examine GPs' current weight management policy and the factors associated with this policy. METHODS 800 Dutch GPs were asked to complete a questionnaire in December 2012. The questionnaire items were based on the Dutch Obesity Standard for GPs. The data were analyzed by means of descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression analyses in 2013. RESULTS In total, 307 GPs (39.0%) responded. Most respondents (82.9%) considered weight management as part of their responsibility for providing care. GPs aged <48 years discussed weight less frequent. Next, weight is less frequently discussed with patients without weight-related comorbidities or with moderately overweight patients compared to obese patients. On average, 47.7% of the GPs reported to refer obese patients to a weight management professional, preferably a dietitian (98.3%). GPs with a BMI ≥ 25 kg/m(2) were less likely to refer obese patients. In addition, GPs who had frequent contact with a dietitian were more likely to refer obese patients. CONCLUSIONS In the context of General Practice and preventive medicine, GPs' discussion of weight and the variety of obesity-determinants with their moderately overweight patients deserves more attention, especially from younger GPs. Strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration between GPs and dietitians could increase the referral percentage for dietary treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jacqueline Tol
- NIVEL Utrecht, PO Box 1568, 3500 BN Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Cindy Veenhof
- NIVEL Utrecht, PO Box 1568, 3500 BN Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Nurses' self-efficacy and practices relating to weight management of adult patients: a path analysis. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act 2013; 10:131. [PMID: 24304903 PMCID: PMC4235199 DOI: 10.1186/1479-5868-10-131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2013] [Accepted: 11/28/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Health professionals play a key role in the prevention and treatment of excess weight and obesity, but many have expressed a lack of confidence in their ability to manage obese patients with their delivery of weight-management care remaining limited. The specific mechanism underlying inadequate practices in professional weight management remains unclear. The primary purpose of this study was to examine a self-efficacy theory-based model in understanding Registered Nurses' (RNs) professional performance relating to weight management. METHODS A self-report questionnaire was developed based upon the hypothesized model and administered to a convenience sample of 588 RNs. Data were collected regarding socio-demographic variables, psychosocial variables (attitudes towards obese people, professional role identity, teamwork beliefs, perceived skills, perceived barriers and self-efficacy) and professional weight management practices. Structural equation modeling was conducted to identify correlations between the above variables and to test the goodness of fit of the proposed model. RESULTS The survey response rate was 71.4% (n = 420). The respondents reported a moderate level of weight management practices. Self-efficacy directly and positively predicted the weight management practices of the RNs (β = 0.36, p < 0.01), and fully or partially mediated the relationships between perceived skills, perceived barriers, professional role identity and teamwork beliefs and weight management practices. The final model constructed in this study demonstrated a good fit to the data [χ2 (14) =13.90, p = 0.46; GFI = 0.99; AGFI = 0.98; NNFI = 1.00; CFI = 1.00; RMSEA = 0.00; AIC = 57.90], accounting for 38.4% and 43.2% of the variance in weight management practices and self-efficacy, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Self-efficacy theory appears to be useful in understanding the weight management practices of RNs. Interventions targeting the enhancement of self-efficacy may be effective in promoting RNs' professional performance in managing overweight and obese patients.
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Maatoug J, Harrabi I, Hmad S, Belkacem M, Nouira A, Ghannem H. Advising Obese Adults about Diet and Physical Activity in Sousse, Tunisia. ISRN OBESITY 2013; 2013:498527. [PMID: 24555147 PMCID: PMC3901963 DOI: 10.1155/2013/498527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2012] [Accepted: 01/27/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Background. To our knowledge no study has been conducted in Tunisia to describe practice of health care providers towards chronic disease risk factors, particularly among obese adults. Aim. This study is aimed at assessing the level of giving advice on diet and physical activity by health care providers for obese adults comparing to nonobese adults in Tunisia. Methods. A cross-sectional survey was carried out in 2010 for adults aged from18 to 65 years living in the region of Sousse. The questionnaires were administered by an interview made by trained data collectors to standardize the administration of the questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements of height and weight were obtained using a standardized protocol from each participant. Results. The findings from this study indicate that obesity is frequent among adults essentially among women and aged categories. It also shows that obese adults are not adequately diagnosed with few proportion of anthropometric measure evaluation among all the participants. Even if obese participants were significantly more advised than nonobese participants with, respectively, 28.5% to lose weight and 23.8% to increase physical activity, this proportion remains low.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jihene Maatoug
- Department of Epidemiology, University Hospital Farhat Hached, Sousse, Tunisia
| | | | - Sonia Hmad
- Department of Epidemiology, University Hospital Farhat Hached, Sousse, Tunisia
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van Dillen SME, van Binsbergen JJ, Koelen MA, Hiddink GJ. Nutrition and physical activity guidance practices in general practice: a critical review. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2013; 90:155-169. [PMID: 23246149 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2012.10.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2012] [Revised: 09/17/2012] [Accepted: 10/06/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this critical review is to provide insight into the main outcomes of research on communication about nutrition and/or physical activity between GPs and patients for prevention or treatment of overweight and obesity. METHODS Relevant studies were identified by a computerized search of multiple electronic databases (MEDLINE, PsycINFO) for all available papers between 1 January 1995 and 1 January 2012. In addition, two independent reviewers judged all studies on ten quality criteria. RESULTS In total, 41 studies were retrieved. More studies were found about the guidance of obese patients than of overweight patients. The most common weight guidance practice was discussion of weight. The range of communication strategies for nutrition showed to be more diverse than for physical activity. Twelve studies were considered as high-quality studies, 18 were having medium quality, and 11 were seen as low quality. CONCLUSION We reflected on the fact that the content of advice about nutrition and physical activity was quite general. GPs' provision of combined lifestyle advice to overweight and obese patients seems to be rather low. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Observational research is needed to unravel the quality of the advice given by GPs to overweight and obese patients.
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Booth AO, Nowson CA. Patient recall of receiving lifestyle advice for overweight and hypertension from their General Practitioner. BMC FAMILY PRACTICE 2010; 11:8. [PMID: 20113530 PMCID: PMC2831841 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2296-11-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2009] [Accepted: 02/01/2010] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Background Overweight, obesity and hypertension can be prevented through improvements in lifestyle including nutrition and physical activity. General practitioners (GPs) in Australia have access to over 90% of the population in the course of a year and therefore, the general practice setting may be ideal to assist patients with lifestyle change for weight management and hypertension. The present study aimed to determine the proportion of overweight/obese patients that recalled receiving advice by their GP to make lifestyle changes for weight loss. Recall of advice received by hypertensive patients to reduce salt intake was also measured. Methods A face to face survey was conducted on a representative sample (urban, suburban and rural) of South Australian residents. Respondents provided information on height and weight (self-report), whether they had received lifestyle advice from their GP for weight loss, and for those with self reported hypertension if they had received advice to reduce dietary salt. Results The sample included 2947 South Australian adult residents (58% female; BMI (mean (SD)), 26.6 (5.3) kg/m2; age, 50.7 (18.0) years). Ninety-six percent had visited their GP in the past 12 months. Forty-one percent of males and 25% of females were overweight and 19% of males and 20% of females were obese. Twenty-seven percent of overweight/obese respondents reported receiving lifestyle advice for weight loss purposes. Of the 33% who reported they had hypertension, 34% reported receiving advice to reduce salt intake. Conclusions Less than 1/3 of overweight/obese patients reported that they had received lifestyle advice that could assist with weight loss from their GP. About a third of respondents with hypertension reported that they received advice to reduce salt intake. There are potentially missed opportunities in which GPs could provide re-enforcement of benefits of lifestyle changes with respect to weight and blood pressure control.
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Hankey CR, Eley S, Leslie WS, Hunter CM, Lean MEJ. Eating habits, beliefs, attitudes and knowledge among health professionals regarding the links between obesity, nutrition and health. Public Health Nutr 2007; 7:337-43. [PMID: 15003142 DOI: 10.1079/phn2003526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
AbstractObjective:To document knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and eating habits of health professionals with respect to obesity, nutrition and weight management.Design:A self-complete questionnaire postal survey.Setting:Primary care and dietetic practice in Scotland.Subjects:A systematic stratified sample of 2290 subjects incorporated general practitioners (n = 1400), practice nurses (n = 613) and all practising dietitians (n = 360) who were members of the British Dietetic Association.Results:The overall response rate was 65%. All professionals showed a clear understanding of nutrition and health. Understanding of obesity as a disease and of the effectiveness of weight management using low-energy diets was limited. Below 10% had carried out audit to determine the incidence of obesity and overweight, and most were uncertain about their own effectiveness in delivering weight management advice.Conclusion:This study confirms that health professionals have some knowledge of nutrition and weight management but are unclear how to deliver effective weight management advice. Further training is justified to ensure the effective provision of nutritional advice to patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- C R Hankey
- University of Glasgow Department of Human Nutrition, Queen Elizabeth Building, Royal Infirmary, Glasgow G31 2ER, UK.
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11
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Evaluation of a brief pilot nutrition and exercise intervention for the prevention of weight gain in general practice patients. Public Health Nutr 2006. [DOI: 10.1017/phn2006980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
AbstractObjectiveTo pilot-test a brief written prescription recommending lifestyle changes delivered by general practitioners (GPs) to their patients.DesignThe Active Nutrition Script (ANS) included five nutrition messages and personalised exercise advice for a healthy lifestyle and/or the prevention of weight gain. GPs were asked to administer 10 scripts over 4 weeks to 10 adult patients with a body mass index (BMI) of between 23 and 30 kg m− 2. Information recorded on the script consisted of patients' weight, height, waist circumference, gender and date of birth, type and frequency of physical activity prescribed, and the selected nutrition messages. GPs also recorded reasons for administering the script. Interviews recorded GPs views on using the script.SettingGeneral practices located across greater Melbourne.Subjects and resultsNineteen GPs (63% female) provided a median of nine scripts over 4 weeks. Scripts were administered to 145 patients (mean age: 54 ± 13.2 years, mean BMI: 31.7 ± 6.3 kg m− 2; 57% female), 52% of whom were classified as obese (BMI >30 kg m− 2). GPs cited ‘weight reduction’ as a reason for writing the script for 78% of patients. All interviewed GPs (90%,n = 17) indicated that the messages were clear and simple to deliver.ConclusionsGPs found the ANS provided clear nutrition messages that were simple to deliver. However, GPs administered the script to obese patients for weight loss rather than to prevent weight gain among the target group. This has important implications for future health promotion interventions designed for general practice.
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Laws R. A new evidence-based model for weight management in primary care: the Counterweight Programme. J Hum Nutr Diet 2004; 17:191-208. [PMID: 15139891 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-277x.2004.00517.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Obesity has become a global epidemic, and a major preventable cause of morbidity and mortality. Management strategies and treatment protocols are however poorly developed and evaluated. The aim of the Counterweight Programme is to develop an evidence-based model for the management of obesity in primary care. METHODS The Counterweight Programme is based on the theoretical model of Evidence-Based Quality Assessment aimed at improving the management of obese adults (18-75 years) in primary care. The model consists of four phases: (1) practice audit and needs assessment, (2) practice support and training, (3) practice nurse-led patient intervention, and (4) evaluation. Patient intervention consisted of screening and treatment pathways incorporating evidence-based approaches, including patient-centred goal setting, prescribed eating plans, a group programme, physical activity and behavioural approaches, anti-obesity medication and weight maintenance strategies. Weight Management Advisers who are specialist obesity dietitians facilitated programme implementation. Eighty practices were recruited of which 18 practices were randomized to act as controls and receive deferred intervention 2 years after the initial audit. RESULTS By February 2004, 58 of the 62 (93.5%) intervention practices had been trained to run the intervention programme, 47 (75.8%) practices were active in implementing the model and 1256 patients had been recruited (74% female, 26% male, mean age 50.6 years, SD 14). At baseline, 75% of patients had at one or more co-morbidity, and the mean body mass index (BMI) was 36.9 kg/m(2) (SD 5.4). Of the 1256 patients recruited, 91% received one of the core lifestyle interventions in the first 12 months. For all patients followed up at 12 months, 34% achieved a clinical meaningful weight loss of 5% or more. A total of 51% of patients were classed as compliant in that they attended the required level of appointments in 3, 6, and 12 months. For fully compliant patients, weight loss improved with 43% achieving a weight loss of 5% or more at 12 months. CONCLUSION The Counterweight Programme is an evidence-based weight management model which is feasible to implement in primary care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Laws
- SRD, Nutrition & Dietetic Service, Royal United Hospital, Bath, UK.
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Bendixen H, Madsen J, Bay-Hansen D, Boesen U, Ovesen LF, Bartels EM, Astrup A. An observational study of slimming behavior in Denmark in 1992 and 1998. OBESITY RESEARCH 2002; 10:911-22. [PMID: 12226140 DOI: 10.1038/oby.2002.125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To elucidate how frequent weight-loss attempts are made, the methods used to achieve weight loss, and the extent to which the outcome is positive. RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES Two independent interviews were conducted in 1992 and in 1998, each with 1200 randomly selected adult subjects. Each survey was designed to ensure an equal distribution of age, gender, and geographical regions in Denmark. RESULTS The proportion of subjects having attempted weight loss did not change from 1992 to 1998, although the prevalence of overweight and obesity increased from 1992 (overweight, 30%; obesity, 6%) to 1998 (overweight, 35%; obesity, 8%). Almost twice as many women (61%) than men (32%) had attempted weight loss (p < 0.0001). Slimming occurred more often in subjects <50 years (51%) than >50 years (39%) (p < 0.0001), although overweight and obesity were more frequent in the elderly. Over-the-counter diet pills or meal replacements were associated with a negative outcome of slimming treatment (p < 0.0001). DISCUSSION Approximately half of all adult Danes have attempted weight loss, particularly women and individuals <50 years. This finding is inconsistent with the fact that overweight and obesity are more prevalent in men and in individuals >50 years. Changes in habitual diet and increased physical activity are the most prevalent modes of slimming, whereas the use of over-the-counter diet pills or meal replacements has decreased from 1992 to 1998. This development may have a positive impact on future body- weight-management strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanne Bendixen
- Research Department of Human Nutrition, the Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University, Rolighedsvej 30, DK-1958 Frederiksberg C, Denmark.
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McConnon A, Cade J, Pearman A. Stakeholder interactions and the development of functional foods. Public Health Nutr 2002; 5:469-77. [PMID: 12003660 DOI: 10.1079/phn2001268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This paper investigates the roles of the individual stakeholders involved in the development of functional foods and the implications of their actions for public perception of this new food concept. RESULTS At a time when consumer awareness of the link between diet and health is strong, a new food concept incorporating of a wide spectrum of foods has captured the imagination of the food industry and consumers alike. Functional foods provide a new category of foods that appear to be offering the public the opportunity to achieve a healthy lifestyle with minimal effort. Public perception may determine whether this new food concept is to become the next successful breakthrough in nutritional science or just another marketing gimmick devised by food manufacturers. The paper also addresses issues that arise directly as a result of the emergence of functional foods, such as appropriate legislation in connection to health claims in order to ensure consumer protection and also the lack of clarity in relation to definitions of what constitutes a functional food. CONCLUSION The paper concludes that functional foods can only reach their maximum potential if the food industry, government and health professionals work together to improve communication between themselves and consumers and also to educate consumers, thereby allowing them to make informed decisions about dietary choices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aine McConnon
- Nutrition Epidemiology Group, Nuffield Institute for Health, 71-75 Clarendon Road, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9PL, UK
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