Image-based dietary records could lower participant burden associated with traditional prospective methods of dietary assessment. They have been used in children, adolescents and adults, but have not been evaluated in pregnant women. The current study evaluated relative validity of the DietBytes image-based dietary assessment method for assessing energy and nutrient intakes. Pregnant women collected image-based dietary records (via a smartphone application) of all food, drinks and supplements consumed over three non-consecutive days. Intakes from the image-based method were compared to intakes collected from three 24-h recalls, taken on random days; once per week, in the weeks following the image-based record. Data were analyzed using nutrient analysis software. Agreement between methods was ascertained using Pearson correlations and Bland-Altman plots. Twenty-five women (27 recruited, one withdrew, one incomplete), median age 29 years, 15 primiparas, eight Aboriginal Australians, completed image-based records for analysis. Significant correlations between the two methods were observed for energy, macronutrients and fiber (r = 0.58–0.84, all p < 0.05), and for micronutrients both including (r = 0.47–0.94, all p < 0.05) and excluding (r = 0.40–0.85, all p < 0.05) supplements in the analysis. Bland-Altman plots confirmed acceptable agreement with no systematic bias. The DietBytes method demonstrated acceptable relative validity for assessment of nutrient intakes of pregnant women.

Dietary patterns influence cancer risk. However, systematic reviews have not evaluated relationships between a priori defined diet quality scores and adult cancer risk and mortality. The aims of this systematic review are to (1) describe diet quality scores used in cohort or cross-sectional research examining cancer outcomes; and (2) describe associations between diet quality scores and cancer risk and mortality. The protocol was registered in Prospero, and a systematic search using six electronic databases was conducted through to December 2014. Records were assessed for inclusion by two independent reviewers, and quality was evaluated using a validated tool. Sixty-four studies met inclusion criteria from which 55 different diet quality scores were identified. Of the 35 studies investigating diet quality and cancer risk, 60% (n = 21) found a positive relationship. Results suggest no relationship between diet quality scores and overall cancer risk. Inverse associations were found for diet quality scores and risk of postmenopausal breast, colorectal, head, and neck cancer. No consistent relationships between diet quality scores and cancer mortality were found. Diet quality appears to be related to site-specific adult cancer risk. The relationship with cancer mortality is less conclusive, suggesting additional factors impact overall cancer survival. Development of a cancer-specific diet quality score for application in prospective epidemiology and in public health is warranted.

Innovative eHealth solutions that improve access to child weight management interventions are crucial to address the rising prevalence of childhood obesity globally. The study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a 12-week online telehealth nutrition intervention to improve child weight and dietary outcomes, and the impact of additional text messages (SMS) targeted to mothers and fathers. Families with children aged 4 to 11 were randomised across three groups: Telehealth, Telehealth+SMS, or Waitlist control. Telehealth and Telehealth+SMS groups received two telehealth consultations delivered by a dietitian, 12 weeks access to a nutrition website and a private Facebook group. The Telehealth+SMS group received additional SMS. Feasibility was assessed through recruitment, retention, and intervention utilisation. Efficacy was assessed through changes in measured child body mass index (BMI), waist circumference and diet. Forty-four (96%) and 36 (78%) families attended initial and second telehealth consultations, respectively. Thirty-six families (78%) completed week 12 assessments. Child BMI and waist circumference changes from baseline to week 12 were not statistically different within or between groups. Children in Telehealth+SMS had significantly reduced percentage energy from energy-dense nutrient-poor food (95% CI −21.99 to −0.03%E; p = .038) and increased percentage energy from healthy core food (95% CI −0.21 to 21.89%E; p = .045) compared to Waitlist control. A family-focused online telehealth nutrition intervention is feasible. While the modest sample size reduced power to detect between-group changes in weight status, some improvements in child dietary intakes were identified in those receiving telehealth and SMS.

Introduction: Previous reviews of family-based interventions for childhood obesity treatment found that studies were of low methodological quality with inadequate details reported, especially related to intervention fidelity. The evaluation of fidelity is crucial to inform interpretation of the intervention outcomes. This study aimed to summarise intervention fidelity, participants’ acceptability and satisfaction with a 12-week family-focused technology-based child nutrition and weight management intervention. Methods: Families with children aged 4–11 years participated in a telehealth intervention with complementary components: website, Facebook group and text messages. Intervention fidelity was reported using National Institutes of Health Treatment Fidelity Framework. Delivery was measured using a dietitian-reported evaluation survey. Google Analytics and Bitly platform were used to objectively track data on frequency and pattern of intervention use. Participants’ acceptability and satisfaction were measured using a process evaluation survey. Results: Telehealth consultations delivered by trained dietitians had good adherence (≥83%) to the structured content. Process evaluation results indicated that parents ( n = 30; mean age 41 years, 97% were female, body mass index 30 kg/m²) found the intervention components easy to use/understand (87–100%), the programme had improved their family/child eating habits (93%), and they wanted to continue using telehealth and the website, as well as recommending it to other parents (90–91%). Discussion: In summary, a family-focused technology-based child nutrition and weight management intervention using telehealth, website, Facebook and SMS can be delivered by trained dietitians with good fidelity and attain high acceptability and satisfaction among families with primary-school-aged children in New South Wales, Australia.

Summary: University departments of rural health are Commonwealth‐funded to improve recruitment and retention of the rural allied health and nursing (including midwifery) workforce, primarily through student placements. We examined publications by university departments of rural health that were focused on allied health and nursing students undertaking placements in rural Australia, to understand the characteristics, main findings and implications of the research conducted. Interprofessional learning was a key feature of placements and placement education, although other activities such as community engagement added to placement experiences. Factors such as quality supervision and being involved in the community contributed to a positive placement experience and increased rural practice intention. Tracking studies showed a relationship between rural placements, rural practice intention and rural practice. Rural placements occurred across a variety of settings and in locations consistent with the policy framework. Embedding university departments of rural health in rural communities enabled staff to build relationships and increase placement capacity.