Background/Objectives: This study aimed to explore the barriers and facilitators influencing initial self-disclosure among individuals diagnosed with human papillomavirus (HPV)-related cancers, as well as examine the post-disclosure experiences of affected individuals. Emphasis was placed on understanding the roles of perceived and internalized stigma in these interpersonal communication encounters. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 27 participants diagnosed with an HPV-related cancer. MAXQDA was used for qualitative analysis with themes grounded in Attribution Theory and the Disclosure Model. Results: Barriers to disclosure identified among participants included privacy concerns, hesitancy to burden others, and discomfort discussing the anatomic location of their cancer. In contrast, seeking support, instances of misunderstanding HPV’s relation to cancer, and the proactive detailing of their diagnosis to avoid judgment emerged as facilitators of disclosure. While many recounted positive post-disclosure experiences, some participants expressed feelings of guilt and internalized stigma, suggesting a deeper emotional struggle in communicating about their diagnosis to others in their social support networks. Nuances in the internalized stigma were observed in specific subgroups among this patient population, such as those who identify as a sexual/gender minority. Conclusions: This study underscores the multifaceted challenges experienced among individuals diagnosed with HPV-related cancers when disclosing their diagnoses and seeking social support. This study highlights the imperative role of identifying psychosocial distress in the post-diagnosis period among individuals with HPV-related cancer. Future research should explore ways to enhance social support for this patient population by improving healthcare providers’ screening measures and providing integrated support services earlier to better address their psychosocial needs.
Background: Obesity is a global public health concern, affecting roughly 1 in 3 individuals. Social support has been identified as a key factor in promoting healthy behaviors, including dietary improvements and increased physical activity. While previous reviews have focused primarily on weight loss outcomes, there is limited evidence on how social support–based interventions specifically influence diet and physical activity behaviors. Objective: This study aims to evaluate (1) the effectiveness of social support–based interventions in improving dietary and physical activity behaviors among adults living with overweight and obesity (plus weight changes and psychosocial factors as secondary outcomes) and (2) identify which types of social support are most effective in facilitating positive behavioral changes. Methods: A comprehensive search will be conducted across 7 databases and registers (MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov) and gray literature sources (Google Scholar, ProQuest, and PsyArXiv), in accordance with PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Two independent reviewers will screen randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies involving adults living with overweight or obesity who have participated in social support–based interventions targeting diet and physical activity. The revised Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tools will be used to assess the risk of bias. Findings will be reported qualitatively, and where appropriate, meta-analyses will be performed to generate pooled effect estimates for the primary outcomes. Secondary outcomes will also be reported qualitatively. Results: A pilot database search was conducted on November 29, 2024, to refine the search syntax. The screening, data extraction, quality assessment, and analysis will be conducted, with completion expected by March 2026. Conclusions: This review will synthesize current evidence on the effectiveness of social support–based interventions for improving diet and physical activity among adults living with overweight and obesity. The findings will help inform the development of future interventions and contribute to public health strategies.
8 February 2022 in Life Sciences, Medicine and Biomedicine
Anemia is a significant public health concern in pregnant women and women of reproductive age globally. The prevalence of anemia in Thailand was approximately 36.7%. Common causes of anemia were iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and beta-thalassemia trait (BTT). World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that dietary adjustments focusing on iron-rich foods foster the improvement of IDA and IDA with BTT. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of nutrition counselling in pregnant women with IDA on anemia parameters and dietary intake records. Retrospective data were obtained from the Division of Nutrition and Antenatal Care (ANC) Clinic at Bamrasnaradura Infectious Diseases Institute (BIDI) in Nonthaburi, Thailand. Nutrition Care Process Model was used in nutrition service at BIDI. During the second trimester, nutrition counselling was provided at the ANC Clinic by a dietitian routinely based on WHO guidelines for nutritional anemia. The anemia parameters and dietary intake records were recorded during ANC visits at the second and third trimesters. A paired t-test was used to evaluate differences within each group. Collected data from 61 pregnant women with anemia were analyzed (IDA: 55; BTT: 6). In the third trimester, the changes in hematocrit levels were significantly high in both IDA (p ≤ 0.001) and BTT groups (p = 0.016). In addition, the improvement in daily energy consumption and iron-rich foods was significantly observed in both groups (p ≤ 0.001). In conclusion, the delivery of nutrition counselling focusing on iron-rich foods significantly enhanced IDA parameters and eating behaviours, including increased hematocrit levels, and improved daily energy intake and iron-rich foods intake among pregnant women with anemia.
BACKGROUND Obesity is a global public health concern, affecting roughly one in three individuals. Social support has been identified as a key factor in promoting healthy behaviours, including dietary improvements and increased physical activity. While previous reviews have focused primarily on weight loss, there is limited evidence on how social support-based interventions influence diet and physical activity behaviours specifically. OBJECTIVE This study aims to evaluate i) the effectiveness of social support-based interventions in improving dietary and physical activity behaviours among adults with overweight and obesity and ii) identify which types of social support are most effective in facilitating positive behavioural changes. METHODS The review protocol is registered with PROSPERO and follows PRISMA guidelines. A comprehensive search will be conducted across six databases: MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library. Eligible studies will include adults with overweight or obesity who have participated in structured social support interventions targeting diet and/or physical activity. Two independent reviewers will screen studies and assess risk of bias using the revised JBI critical appraisal tools. An overview of the studies, including key features, intervention approaches, and outcomes, will be presented via tables and a descriptive summary. Where appropriate, meta-analyses will be conducted, with results including pooled effect estimates for dietary and physical activity outcomes, alongside subgroup analyses. Qualitative and quantitative findings will be integrated to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the interventions and their effects. RESULTS The systematic review started in October 2024. The literature searches identified 1,728 articles, with 1,520 remaining after duplicate removal. Following title and abstract screening, 55 articles were assessed at full text, and 23 studies met the inclusion criteria. Data extraction and quality assessment are ongoing. CONCLUSIONS This review will synthesise current evidence on the effectiveness of social support-based interventions for improving diet and physical activity among adults with overweight and obesity. The findings will inform the development of future interventions and contribute to public health strategies aimed at addressing obesity through social and behavioural approaches. CLINICALTRIAL PROSPERO CRD42024598335; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD42024598335.
Mulberry fruit extract (MFE) has been reported to show remarkable anti-obesity properties in vitro. While the trend for nutraceuticals is increasing, the study on the antiobesity potential of MFE in humans is limited. This study aimed to develop and evaluate the nutraceutical from MFE and examine the effects of the MFE capsule on anthropometric measures in overweight and obese adults. The nutraceutical was developed, and quality control was carried out. Cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, the major bioactive compound in MFE, was found at 21.50±0.54 mg in each MFE capsule when analyzed by using the validated HPLC method. The weight variation, disintegration, and dissolution profile of MFE capsules were acceptable within the USP 42 requirement for dietary supplements. A total of thirty-two overweight participants were assigned to consume a capsule containing MFE or a placebo capsule daily for 8 weeks in a randomized, double-blinded, and placebo-controlled trial (n = 16 per group). At the end of the study, MFE intake significantly caused a reduction in the visceral fat level when compared to the placebo group (p < 0.05). Moreover, in the MFE group, body weight, BMI, waist circumference, subcutaneous fat of the whole body, trunk, arms, and legs, total body fat, and visceral fat were significantly decreased (p < 0.001). In conclusion, MFE was successfully developed into capsules. MFE capsules showed a favourable effect in reducing anthropometric measurements in overweight and obese adults. This is the first report on the promising anti-obesity potential of MFE capsules in humans.