A Theory-Based Online Health Behavior Intervention for New University Students: Study Protocol.
A theory-based online health behavior intervention for new university students: study protocol.
Filed under: Eating Disorders
BMC Public Health. 2013 Feb 5; 13(1): 107
Epton T, Norman P, Sheeran P, Harris PR, Webb TL, Ciravegna F, Brennan A, Meier P, Julious SA, Naughton D, Petroczi A, Dadzie AS, Kruger J
ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Too few young people engage in behaviors that reduce the risk of morbidity and premature mortality, such as eating healthily, being physically active, drinking sensibly and not smoking. The present research developed an online intervention to target these health behaviors during the significant life transition from school to university when health beliefs and behaviors may be more open to change. This paper describes the intervention and the proposed approach to its evaluation.Methods/design: Potential participants (all undergraduates about to enter the University of Sheffield) will be emailed an online questionnaire two weeks before starting university. On completion of the questionnaire, respondents will be randomly assigned to receive either an online health behavior intervention (U@Uni) or a control condition. The intervention employs three behavior change techniques (self-affirmation, theory-based messages, and implementation intentions) to target four heath behaviors (alcohol consumption, physical activity, fruit and vegetable intake, and smoking). Subsequently, all participants will be emailed follow-up questionnaires approximately one and six months after starting university. The questionnaires will assess the four targeted behaviors and associated cognitions (e.g., intentions, self-efficacy) as well as socio-demographic variables, health status, Body Mass Index (BMI), health service use and recreational drug use. A sub-sample of participants will provide a sample of hair to assess changes in biochemical markers of health behavior. A health economic evaluation of the cost effectiveness of the intervention will also be conducted. DISCUSSION: The findings will provide evidence on the effectiveness of online interventions as well as the potential for intervening during significant life transitions, such as the move from school to university. If successful, the intervention could be employed at other universities to promote healthy behaviors among new undergraduates.Trial registration: Current Controlled Trials, ISRCTN67684181.
HubMed – eating
A hub and spokes approach to building community capacity for eating disorders in rural Western Australia.
Filed under: Eating Disorders
Aust J Rural Health. 2013 Feb; 21(1): 8-12
McCormack J, Watson HJ, Harris C, Potts J, Forbes D
To determine whether an outreach community-based training program on eating disorders enhances perceived capacity of rural health and education professionals to respond to and manage eating disorders.Survey conducted upon completion of outreach training.Rural Western Australia.Health and education professionals working in rural Western Australia.Questionnaire responses analysed via descriptive statistics and inferential tests.There was a significant increase in perceived ability to identify, support and/or treat people with eating disorders among health and education professionals.Outreach training up-skilled rural gatekeepers and introduced systemic health system benefits of increased consultation and liaison, a fine-tuning of referral processes, a reduction in hospital admissions and better uptake of local services by patients discharged from hospital.
HubMed – eating
[Effect of acupuncture therapy on appetite of obesity patients].
Filed under: Eating Disorders
Zhen Ci Yan Jiu. 2012 Dec; 37(6): 497-501
Yao H, Chen JX, Zhang ZQ, Pan Y, Zheng J, Tong J
To observe the effect of acupuncture intervention on the appetite of obesity patients.A total of 118 obesity patients were randomized into acupuncture group (76 cases, treated by true acupuncture needles) and placebo group (42 cases, treated by placebo acupuncture needles) using single-blind method. All the patients of the two groups were ordered to control their diet during the treatment. The acupoints around the umbilicus [Zhongwan (CV 12), Zhongji (CV 3), Daheng (SP 15), Xiawan (CV 10), Shimen (CV 5) and Tianshu (ST 25), etc.] and Liangqiu (ST 34), Zusanli (ST 36), and Yin-lingquan (SP 9) were punctured with filiform needles which were manipulated with uniform reducing and reinforcing method for a while tijl “Deqi” and retained for 30 min. The treatment was conducted once every other day, 12 times altogether. Body mass index (BMI), and visual analogue scale (VAS) scores of eating-desire and hunger feeling and prospective food consumption were measured before and after the treatment. The gastric fluid survival rate (GFSR) was evaluated by using ultrasound scanning.The BMI in the acupuncture group was obviously declined after the treatment in comparison with the placebo group (P < 0.01). Compared to the placebo group, the VAS scores of eating-desire, hunger feeling and prospective food consumption were significantly decreased in the acupuncture group ( P < 0.05), but there are no significant difference between two groups in the VAS score of gastric fullness feeling (P > 0.05). The GFSR was obviously increased in the acupuncture group compared to the placebo group (P < 0.05).Acupuncture therapy can significantly decrease BMI and delay the digesting time and control the appetite in obesity patients, which may contribute to its effect in body weight reduction. HubMed – eating
Dana, The 8 Year Old Anorexic Part 3/5 – Dana is eight years old and anorexic. Cutting Edge follows Dana as she embarks on an intensive 12-week programme at a specialist clinic, to examine why younger and younger children are developing eating disorders. Channel 4 documentary
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