Background: Overweight and obesity are public health problems that affects the workplace. This paper aims to analyse the effectiveness of workplace health promotion interventions in reducing Body Mass Index (BMI); Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic review was conducted using PubMed, MEDLINE, and SCOPUS databases. The inverse variance statistical method was used for the meta-analysis with a random effects analysis model and standardised means. The results have been represented by Forest Plots and Funnel Plots graphs; Results: The multicomponent approach had the best results for reducing BMI (−0.14 [−0.24, −0.03], 95% CI; p = 0.009) compared to performing physical activity only (−0.09 [−0.39, 0.21], 95% CI; p = 0.56). However, both methods resulted in positive changes in reducing BMI in the general analysis (−0.12 [−0.22, −0.02], 95% CI; p = 0.01). The GRADE evaluation showed low certainty due to the high heterogeneity between interventions (I2 = 59% for overall analysis). Conclusions: The multicomponent approach could be an effective intervention to reduce obesity in the working population. However, workplace health promotion programs must be standardised to conduct quality analyses and highlight their importance to workers’ well-being.
19 December 2019 in Journal of Health, Population and Nutrition
Background: Food frequency questionnaires (FFQs) are dietary surveys widely used in studies of nutritional epidemiology because they are inexpensive, easy to complete and provide significant information on dietary intake over a long period of time. FFQs should be written specifically for each study group since diet may be influenced by ethnicity, culture, economic status and environmental factors. The aim of the authors on this work was to design and validate a food frequency questionnaire for the Peruvian Amazon population. Methods: Three hundred three individuals were selected and completed three 24-h recalls (R24). Two FFQs were conducted on two different occasions (FFQ.1 and FFQ.2). The validity of the FFQ was evaluated by comparing the relationship between the average daily nutrient intake estimated by the FFQs and that obtained by the three R24. The reproducibility was measured by comparing the mean nutrient intake of the two FFQs carried out. The correlations were assessed using the Pearson correlation coefficient, the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), the Lin correlation coefficient (CCC) and the Bland–Altman plot. Results: The results obtained to establish the validity showed a high correlation, with an average Pearson’s correlation coefficient of 0.70, a CCI of 0.65 and a CCC of 0.60. Approximately 60% of the nutrients had a CCC above 0.60. In terms of reproducibility, better results were obtained, with an average Pearson’s correlation coefficient of 0.67, 0.64 for CCI and 0.58 for CCC. Conclusions: The correlation coefficients show good validity and reproducibility, and therefore, the FFQ we have developed may be considered a useful and valid tool to estimate the dietary intake of the Peruvian Amazon population.
Aim: To explore the role of health communication in Shared Decision‐Making (SDM) between nursing staff and older people in the community setting. Background: Society and healthcare services are marked by an exponentially ageing population, leading to a significant proportion of patients being older adults with highly demanding care needs. Scientific literature supports shared decision‐making as a process that engages patients in their care. However, the increasing use of technology and the consequences of the COVID‐19 pandemic have influenced how nurses communicate with older patients. Therefore, it is crucial to understand how to develop health communication to reach effective, shared decision‐making processes. Methods: Whittemore and Knafl's integrative review method, the literature search comprised five databases: PubMed, CINALH, Web of Science, Scopus and PsycINFO. Results: The 12 included studies were synthesised into three study patterns: (1) nurse–older patient health communication relationship, (2) older patients' perspectives and (3) nontherapeutic communication in end‐of‐life care. Conclusion: This review underscored the crucial role of effective health communication in shaping SDM dynamics between nursing staff and older people in the community setting. Key elements included transparent information exchange, establishing trust and maintaining communication channels with informal caregiving networks. SDM actions were aligned with preserving older people's autonomy, but communication challenges persisted, particularly in end‐of‐life situations. Advanced care planning was recommended to address these shortcomings and improve communication among older people, healthcare professionals and families. Implications: Implementing educational measures based on verbal and nonverbal health communication in nursing training could be beneficial. Nursing research could continue to develop and refine specific communication strategies adapted to the social determinants of health for diverse clinical situations regarding older adults in the community setting. Reporting Method: The authors have adhered to relevant EQUATOR guidelines through the PRISMA 2020 checklist. No Patient or Public Contribution.
11 December 2019 in Health Care for Women International
The Finnish Diabetes Risk Score (FINDRISC) has been implemented to assess diabetes risk. The authors aimed in this study to determine the prediction capacity of FINDRISC for the early detection of cardiovascular diseases in women. A prevalence study was carried out on 441 women of Pueblo Libre (Peru). Anthropometric variables, blood pressure, blood glucose and comorbidity were measured and entered in FINDRISC. 4.8% of the studied women suffered from DM2, 14.3% from AHT, 33% obesity and 8.6% comorbidity. We found that FINDRISC was the best method to discriminate DM, AHT and comorbidity. FINDRISC is an effective non-invasive tool for women from low-and-middle-income countries.
Background/Objectives: Metabolic syndrome is a significant public health issue, particularly in urbanizing regions like the Peruvian Amazon, where lifestyle changes have increased the prevalence of metabolic disorders. This study aimed to develop and validate a simple, cost-effective diagnostic model for early detection of metabolic syndrome in the urban population of San Juan Bautista, Iquitos. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 251 adults aged over 18 years. Data collection included anthropometric measurements, body composition analysis, and biochemical assessments. Logistic regression analyses identified key predictors of metabolic syndrome, and clinical decision trees were developed to enhance diagnostic accuracy. Results: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 47.9%. Systolic blood pressure, triglycerides, and very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were the strongest predictors. The most effective diagnostic model, combining very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and systolic blood pressure, achieved a sensitivity of 91.6% and a specificity of 78.5%, demonstrating high diagnostic accuracy. Conclusions: The proposed model offers a practical, low-cost tool for early detection of metabolic syndrome in resource-limited urban settings. However, its findings are limited by the small sample size and the lack of external validation, requiring further studies to confirm its generalizability and applicability to other populations. Its implementation in primary healthcare could facilitate timely interventions, reducing the risk of chronic diseases in vulnerable populations.
Background/Objectives: Perinatal loss is a challenging experience that significantly impacts families and healthcare professionals. This study aimed to explore the perceptions and experiences of the nursing team in the gynecology unit at a Spanish hospital regarding the implementation of a new protocol for perinatal bereavement care. Methods: A qualitative descriptive study was conducted involving a focal group interview with nursing staff from the gynecology unit. Participants were selected through purposive sampling, and data were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify recurring patterns and insights. Results: The findings revealed a disparity in attitudes toward perinatal bereavement care, with some nurses demonstrating empathy and understanding, while others expressed discomfort and avoidance behaviors. Barriers to effective care included a lack of formal training, insufficient emotional support, and practical challenges in implementing the protocol. Participants suggested improvements such as enhanced communication training, the appointment of a bereavement coordinator, and earlier psychological interventions to support both families and staff. Conclusions: The study highlights the need for continuous education and emotional support to facilitate the adoption of perinatal bereavement protocols. Involving nursing staff in protocol development and addressing systemic barriers can improve the quality of care for bereaved families while supporting healthcare professionals’ emotional well-being.