Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Preschoolers' Physical Activity Behaviours: Parents' Perspectives, Jennifer Irwin, Meizi He, L. Sangster Bouck, Patricia Tucker, Graham Pollett

Trish Tucker

OBJECTIVES: To understand parents' perspectives of their preschoolers' physical activity behaviours. METHODS: A maximum variation sample of 71 parents explored their preschoolers' physical activity behaviours through 10 semi-structured focus group discussions. RESULTS: Parents perceived Canada's Physical Activity Guidelines for Children as inadequate; that their preschoolers get and need more than 30-90 minutes of activity daily; and that physical activity habits must be established during the preschool years. Nine barriers against and facilitators toward adequate physical activity were proposed: child's age, weather, daycare, siblings, finances, time, society and safety, parents' impact, and child's activity preferences. DISCUSSION: The need for education and …

The Influence Of The Physical Environment And Sociodemographic Characteristics On Children's Mode Of Travel To And From School, Kristian Larsen, Jason Gilliland, Peter Hess, Patricia Tucker, Jennifer Irwin, Meizi He

Trish Tucker

Objectives: We examined whether certain characteristics of the social and physical environment influence a child's mode of travel between home and school. Methods: Students aged 11 to 13 years from 21 schools throughout London, Ontario, answered questions from a travel behavior survey. A geographic information system linked survey responses for 614 students who lived within 1 mile of school to data on social and physical characteristics of environments around the home and school. Logistic regression analysis was used to test the influence of environmental factors on mode of travel (motorized vs "active") to and from school. Results: Over 62% of …

Response To ‘Reply To Van Zandvoort, Tucker, Irwin And Burke: Physical Activity At Daycare: Issues, Challenges And Perspectives’ By Albon, Melissa Van Zandvoort, Patricia Tucker, Jennifer Irwin, Shauna Burke

Trish Tucker

No abstract provided.

Adolescents' Perspectives Of Home, School And Neighborhood Environmental Influences On Physical Activity And Dietary Behaviors, Patricia Tucker, Jennifer Irwin, Jason Gilliland, Meizi He

Trish Tucker

This investigation sought to gain an understanding of how youth perceive neighborhood environmental influences on their physical activity and eating behaviors. This qualitative study targeted a heterogeneous sample of 12- to 14- year-olds in London, Ontario, Canada. Using a semi-structured interview guide, we conducted nine focus groups (n = 60) and used inductive content analysis to investigate their discussions. Most participants discussed their school, parks, and opportunity structures around their homes as influencing their physical activity, and overwhelmingly reported the availability of fast-food restaurants, convenience stores, and slow-food restaurants in their neighborhoods as influencing their eating practices. The descriptive information …

University Students' Satisfaction With, Interest In Improving, And Receptivity To Attending Programs Aimed At Health And Well-Being, Patricia Tucker, Jennifer Irwin

Trish Tucker

The purpose of this pilot study is to investigate students' (a) satisfaction with nine health constructs, (b) interest in improving these health areas, and (c) receptivity to participating in programming targeting these areas. The study sample is composed of 1,778 undergraduate students from a Canadian university. Students complete a five-page paper-and-pencil questionnaire assessing the above objectives along a 5-point Likert-type scale. Students are most satisfied with their social health and report their lowest satisfaction with physical activity (M = 3.16, SD = 1.09). Overall, students are most interested in enhancing their physical activity (M = 4.10, SD = 0.79), followed …

Screen-Viewing Behaviors Among Preschoolers Parents' Perceptions, Meizi He, Jennifer Irwin, L. Sangster Bouck, Patricia Tucker, Graham Pollett

Trish Tucker

BACKGROUND: Childhood obesity has emerged as a public health concern in Canada. It has been suggested that excessive screen viewing (i.e., television, computer, video) is a major factor contributing to the increased risk of obesity in children. Exploring young children's experiences with this modifiable behavior may be beneficial to the creation of a multifaceted program aimed at the primary prevention of obesity. OBJECTIVES: To seek parents' perceptions and insights pertaining to their preschoolers' screen-viewing behaviors. METHODS: This qualitative study targeted a heterogeneous sample of parents with children aged 2.5 to 5 years. Two experienced moderators using a semistructured interview guide …

The Influence Of Parents And The Home Environment On Preschoolers' Physical Activity Behaviours: A Qualitative Investigation Of Childcare Providers' Perspectives, Patricia Tucker, Melissa Van Zandvoort, Shauna Burke, Jennifer Irwin

Trish Tucker

BACKGROUND: Physical activity offers numerous physiological and psychological benefits for young children; however, many preschool-aged children are not engaging in sufficient activity. The home environment, inclusive of parent role modeling, has been identified as influencing preschoolers' physical activity. This study sought to examine childcare providers' perspectives of the importance of parents and the home environment for supporting the physical activity behaviours of preschool-aged children (aged 2.5-5 years) attending childcare. METHODS: A heterogeneous sample of childcare providers (n = 84; response rate 39%) working at childcare facilities in London, Ontario participated. Thirteen semi-structured focus groups were conducted in London centres between …

The Effect Of Season And Weather On Physical Activity: A Systematic Review, Patricia Tucker, Jason Gilliland

Trish Tucker

Objectives: This study reviewed previous studies to explore the effect of season, and consequently weather, on levels of physical activity. Study design and methods: Thirty-seven primary studies (published 1980–2006) representing a total of 291 883 participants (140 482 male and 152 085 female) from eight different countries are described, and the effect of season on moderate levels of physical activity is considered. Results: Upon review of the evidence, it appears that levels of physical activity vary with seasonality, and the ensuing effect of poor or extreme weather has been identified as a barrier to participation in physical activity among various …

Physical Activity Behaviors During The Preschool Years, Patricia Tucker, Jennifer Irwin

Trish Tucker

This is the first Canadian study to measure physical activity participation and opportunities for outdoor playtime among preschoolers. Preschoolers in the London, Ontario study spent significantly more time engaging in high-intensity indoor activity versus outdoor activity. Daycare providers reported the children in their care had access to approximately 2 hours of daily outdoor playtime. Nearly half the study‟s parents reported their preschoolers did not engage in physical activity at the level needed for health gains. Insufficient activity among such a large segment of preschoolers has potentially serious physical and psychological health implications. Daycare settings afford ample opportunity for physical activity …

Environmental Influences On Physical Activity Levels In Youth, Patricia Tucker, Jennifer Irwin, Jason Gilliland, Meizi He, Kristian Larsen, Paul Hess

Trish Tucker

This study assessed the amount of physical activity engaged in by youth aged 11–13, in relation to: (1) the presence of neighborhood recreational opportunities, objectively measured within a geographic information system; and (2) parents’ perceptions of recreation opportunities in their neighborhoods. Students in grade 7 and 8 (n=811) in 21 elementary schools throughout London, Ontario completed the adapted Previous Day Physical Activity Recall and a questionnaire assessing environmental influences in the home and school neighborhoods. Parents/guardians of participants also completed a questionnaire eliciting demographic information and perceptions of the neighborhood environment. On average, students engaged in 159.9 min/day of physical …

Physical Activity At Daycare: Childcare Providers’ Perspectives For Improvements, Patricia Tucker, Melissa Van Zandvoort, Shauna Burke, Jennifer Irwin

Trish Tucker

In London, Ontario, approximately 45 percent of preschoolers are insufficiently active.With the large number of preschoolers who attend childcare (54%), and the low levels of physical activity among preschool-aged children, daycare centers may be an appropriate avenue to intervene. This study sought to collect childcare providers’ suggestions for improving physical activity during daycare hours and their perspectives regarding the feasibility of meeting the physical activity guidelines currently set out for preschoolers. This qualitative study targeted a heterogeneous sample of childcare providers (n = 54) working at YMCA daycare centers in London, Ontario. Eight focus groups were conducted. Saturation was reached …

University Students' Perspectives On A Physical Activity Record-Keeping Log, Patricia Tucker, Jennifer Irwin

Trish Tucker

This qualitative study explored characteristics of a record-keeping log that students would find appealing and be receptive to using. A heterogeneous sample of undergraduate university students aged 18 to 25 years participated. An experienced moderator, using a semistructured interview guide, conducted 13 focus groups (N = 65). All focus groups were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Inductive content analysis was conducted independently by two qualitative researchers. Measures were incorporated throughout the study to ensure data trustworthiness. Four themes illustrated students' suggestions for the log: layout, convenience, maximum distribution, and concerns. In particular, students discussed the use of a computer-based versus a …

Healthy Eating And Physical Activity Challenges And Opportunities In After-School Programs: Providers’ Perspectives, Heather Thomas, L. Fellner, Patricia Tucker, Jennifer Irwin

Trish Tucker

The purpose of this study was to understand after-school program providers’ perspectives of (a) current physical activity and nutrition curriculum, practices, and challenges, and (b) necessary modifications, program suggestions or resource needs to improve the healthy eating and active living practices within their after-school program for children aged 6 to 12 years. This qualitative study targeted a sample of nine after-school program providers in London, Ontario. Data was collected via in-depth interviews and a demographic survey between January and April 2009. Strategies to enhance data trustworthiness were incorporated throughout. After-school program providers identified insufficient healthy eating curriculum and requested interactive, …

Using An Evidence Based Practice Informatics Guided Medication Safety Intervention To Improve Medication Safety Among Community Dwelling Older Adults, Raeann Leblanc

Raeann G LeBlanc

Medication safety and prevention of medication related problems are important issues in promoting and maintaining health and safety in one’s home for community dwelling older adults. Assessment of medications and management of a medication schedule are essential elements of medication safety, medication review, and medication care coordination. The Framework for Geriatric Homecare Excellence (Collaboration for Home Care Advances and Practices, 2009) is used as the foundation of this project to improve medication management, and promote and maintain health and safety at home. An in-home medication assessment was completed, using a medication management software informatics system to review medications, identify medication …

Oral And Injectable Contraception Use And Risk Of Hiv Acquisition Among Women In Sub-Saharan Africa, Sandra Mccoy, Wenjing Zheng, Elizabeth Montgomery, Kelly Blanchard, Ariane Van Der Straten, Guy De Bruyn, Nancy Padian

Wenjing Zheng

OBJECTIVE:: Evaluate the effect of oral and injectable hormonal contraception (HC) on the risk of HIV acquisition among women in South Africa and Zimbabwe. DESIGN:: Secondary data analysis of 4913 sexually active women aged 18-49 years followed for up to 24 months in the MIRA phase III effectiveness trial of the diaphragm and lubricant gel for HIV prevention. METHODS:: Participants were interviewed quarterly about contraception and sexual behavior and were tested for pregnancy, HIV, and other sexually transmitted infections. We used a Cox proportional hazards marginal structural model, weighted by the inverse probability of HC use, to compare the risk …

Training And Education For Suicide Prevention (Human Resource Development) In Lmic, Amresh Srivastava

Amresh Srivastava

Video

Description of the project: Background: Suicide is an international public health issue. Barriers to suicide prevention include lack of resources, access to care, lack of human resources (services and mental health care professionals),) stigma, lack of awareness and cultural and geographical factors. Most important amongst these barriers is lack of manpower for setting up services for identification, intervention and prevention of suicide. In most of the places either professional are not available or available professions lack the skills to identify and manage suicidal patients. Suicide is one of the leading causes of premature death worldwide and claims the lives …

Access To Syringes For Hiv Prevention For Injection Drug Users In St. Petersburg, Russia: Syringe Purchase Test Study, Ekaterina Fedorova, Roman Skochilov, Robert Heimer, Patricia Case, Leo Beletsky, Lauretta Grau, Andrey Kozlov, Alla Shaboltas

Leo Beletsky

Background The HIV epidemic in Russia is concentrated among injection drug users (IDUs). This is especially true for St. Petersburg where high HIV incidence persists among the city's estimated 80,000 IDUs. Although sterile syringes are legally available, access for IDUs may be hampered. To explore the feasibility of using pharmacies to expand syringe access and provide other prevention services to IDUs, we investigated the current access to sterile syringes at the pharmacies and the correlation between pharmacy density and HIV prevalence in St. Petersburg. Methods 965 pharmacies citywide were mapped, classified by ownership type, and the association between pharmacy density …

Stubbing Out Cigarettes For Good, Richard Daynard

Richard A. Daynard

No abstract provided.

Hiv Risk Perception And Distribution Of Hiv Risk Among African, Caribbean And Other Black People In A Canadian City: Mixed Methods Results From The Blacch Study., Shamara Baidoobonso, Greta Bauer, Kathy Speechley, Erica Lawson

Shamara M Baidoobonso, PhD

BACKGROUND: African, Caribbean and other Black (ACB) people are a priority group for HIV prevention in Canada, but little is known about the epidemiology of HIV risk in this population. This paper helps fill the knowledge gap by: presenting service providers' and ACB people's perceptions about HIV risk in ACB populations; describing the distribution of HIV risk behaviours among ACB people according to markers of social status and position; and comparing results from these two analyses. METHODS: The Black, African and Caribbean Canadian Health (BLACCH) Study is a mixed methods study that used semi-structured interviews and a cross-sectional quantitative questionnaire …

Association Between Perceived Inadequate Staffing And Musculoskeletal Pain Among Hospital Patient Care Workers, Seung-Sip Kim, Cassandra Okechukwu, Jack Dennerlein, Leslie Borden, Karen Hopcia, Dean Hashimoto, Glorian Sorensen

Dean M. Hashimoto

Objective

To examine association between perceived inadequate staffing and musculoskeletal pain and to evaluate the role of work-related psychosocial and physical work factors in the association among hospital patient care workers.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1,572 patient care workers in two academic hospitals. Perceived inadequate staffing was measured using the “staffing adequacy subscale” of Nursing Work Index, which is a continuous scale that averages estimates of staffing adequacy by workers in the same units. Musculoskeletal pain (i.e., neck/shoulder, arm, low back, lower extremity, any musculoskeletal pain, and the number of area in pain) in the past 3 …

Centre Volume And Resource Consumption In Liver Transplantation, Christopher Macomber, Joshua Shaw, Heena Santry, Reza Saidi, Nicolas Jabbour, Jennifer Tseng, Adel Bozorgzadeh, Shimul Shah

Joshua J Shaw

BACKGROUND: Using SRTR/UNOS data, it has previously been shown that increased liver transplant centre volume improves graft and patient survival. In the current era of health care reform and pay for performance, the effects of centre volume on quality, utilization and cost are unknown.

METHODS: Using the UHC database (2009-2010), 63 liver transplant centres were identified that were organized into tertiles based on annual centre case volume and stratified by severity of illness (SOI). Utilization endpoints included hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay (LOS), cost and in-hospital mortality.

RESULTS: In all, 5130 transplants were identified. Mortality was …

Not Just Full Of Hot Air: Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Increases Survival In Cases Of Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infections, Joshua Shaw, Charles Psoinos, Timothy Emhoff, Heena Santry

Joshua J Shaw

INTRODUCTION: The utility of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) in the treatment for necrotizing soft tissue infections (NSTI) has not been proven. Previous studies have been subject to significant selection bias since HBOT is not universally available at all medical centers and there is often considerable delay associated with its initiation. We examined the utility of HBOT for the treatment of NSTI in the modern era by isolating centers that have their own HBOT facilities. METHODS: We queried all centers in the University Health Consortium (UHC) database from 2008 to 2010 that have their own HBOT facilities (N=14). Cases of NSTI …

Perceptions Of Evidence-Based Programs Among Community-Based Organizations Tackling Health Disparities: A Qualitative Study, Shoba Ramanadhan, Josephine Crisostomo, Jaclyn Alexander-Molloy, Ediss Gandelman, Milagro Grullon, Vilma Lora, Chrasandra Reeves, Clara Savage, Kasisomayajula Viswanatha, Chyke Doubeni

Chyke A. Doubeni

Dissemination of prevention-focused evidence-based programs (EBPs) from research to community settings may improve population health and reduce health disparities, but such flow has been limited. Academic-community partnerships using community-based participatory research (CBPR) principles may support increased dissemination of EBPs to community-based organizations (CBOs). This qualitative study examined the EBP-related perceptions and needs of CBOs targeting underserved populations. As part of PLANET MassCONECT, a CBPR study, we conducted six key informant interviews with community leaders and four focus groups with CBO staff members in Boston, Worcester and Lawrence, Massachusetts, in 2008. Working definitions of EBPs among CBO staff members varied greatly …

Obesity, Weight Change, And Risk Of Adenoma Recurrence: A Prospective Trial, Adeyinka Laiyemo, Chyke Doubeni, Dilhana Badurdeen, Gillian Murphy, Pamela Marcus, Robert Schoen, E. Lanza, Duane Smoot, A. Cross

Chyke A. Doubeni

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Obesity is a risk factor for colorectal neoplasia. Lifestyle modifications, including weight loss, have been advocated to reduce the risk. However, no prospective study has evaluated whether weight loss actually affects adenoma recurrence. The aim of this study was to examine whether weight change (loss or gain) over 4 years is associated with adenoma recurrence. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 1826 patients with colorectal adenoma in the Polyp Prevention Trial had their height and weight measured at baseline. Adenoma recurrence was determined by end of trial colonoscopy 4 years after study entry when patients' weights …

Patient Completion Of Laboratory Tests To Monitor Medication Therapy: A Mixed-Methods Study, Shira Fischer, Terry Field, Shawn Gagne, Kathleen Mazor, Peggy Preusse, George Reed, Daniel Peterson, Jerry Gurwitz, Jennifer Tjia

Jennifer Tjia

BACKGROUND: Little is known about the contribution of patient behavior to incomplete laboratory monitoring, and the reasons for patient non-completion of ordered laboratory tests remain unclear. OBJECTIVE: To describe factors, including patient-reported reasons, associated with non-completion of ordered laboratory tests. DESIGN: Mixed-Methods study including a quantitative assessment of the frequency of patient completion of ordered monitoring tests combined with qualitative, semi-structured, patient interviews. PARTICIPANTS: Quantitative assessment included patients 18 years or older from a large multispecialty group practice, who were prescribed a medication requiring monitoring. Qualitative interviews included a subset of show and no-show patients prescribed a cardiovascular, anticonvulsant, or …

Dementia And Risk Of Adverse Warfarin-Related Events In The Nursing Home Setting, Jennifer Tjia, Terry Field, Kathleen Mazor, Jennifer Donovan, Abir Kanaan, George Reed, Peter Doherty, Leslie Harrold, Jerry Gurwitz

Jennifer Tjia

BACKGROUND: Little attention has been focused on the safety of medications administered to treat non illnesses in nursing home residents with dementia. It is unclear whether this population is at increased risk of adverse drug events. OBJECTIVES: To test the hypotheses that in nursing home residents with dementia prescribed warfarin have less time in therapeutic range and a higher incidence of nonpreventable and preventable adverse warfarin events compared to nursing home residents without dementia after controlling for facility and patient characteristics. METHODS: A prospective cohort embedded in a clinical trial of nursing home residents prescribed warfarin in 26 nursing homes …

Co-Active Life Coaching As A Treatment For Adults With Obesity, Courtney Newnham-Kanas, Jennifer Irwin, Don Morrow

Donald Morrow

This study evaluates the impact of one-on-one coaching on the waist circumference, BMI, self-esteem, self-efficacy, physical activity, and functional health status of adults with obesity. A one-group within- subjects, pre-test post-test study design was used. The study took place at the University of Western Ontario from June-October 2007. A total of 20 men and women aged 35-55, with a BMI ≥ 30 participated in the study. Each engaged in six to eight 35-minute sessions with a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach during which they explored desired changes and how to achieve them. Paired t-tests were used to analyse the pre- and …

Annotated Bibliography Of Life Coaching And Health Research, Courtney Newnham-Kanas, Paul Gorczynski, Don Morrow, Jennifer Irwin

Donald Morrow

No abstract provided.

The Impact Of Co-Active Life Coaching On Female University Students With Obesity, Melissa Van Zandvoort, Jennifer Irwin, Don Morrow

Donald Morrow

The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the impact of Co-active life coaching on obese female university students. Five obese (BMI ≥ 30kg/m2), female university students received an average of nine weekly, 35-minute, one-on-one sessions with a certified coach. Semi- structured, in-depth interviews before and after participating in the coaching intervention were conducted, and inductive content analysis was utilized. Strategies to enhance data trustworthiness were incorporated throughout. Participants initially reported: struggling with barriers and experiencing pressure from family to lose weight; negative relationships with themselves; feeling self-conscious and remorse for their size and lifestyle choices. At the conclusion …

The Impact Of Co-Active Coaching On Physically Inactive 12 To 14 Year Olds In Ontario, Paul Gorczynski, Don Morrow, Jennifer Irwin

Donald Morrow

This study assessed the impact of life coaching on physical activity participation, self-efficacy, social support, and perceived behavioural control among physically inactive youth between the ages of 12 and 14 years in London, Ontario. The multiple-baseline across participants single case-experimental design study consisted of five 12 to 14 year olds. Six coaching sessions were conducted over two months by a certified professional Co-active coach. Physical activity increased for one participant while the other participants’ physical activity remained unchanged. No significant changes occurred in self-efficacy, social support, and perceived behavioural control with specific regard to becoming more physically active. Results indicted …