scholarly journals A comparison of four dietary assessment methods in materially deprived households in England

2007 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 444-456 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bridget Holmes ◽  
Katie Dick ◽  
Michael Nelson

AbstractObjectivesLow-income households in the UK concentrate factors associated with poor record-keeping such as lower literacy, numeracy and English language skills. The present study aimed to (1) compare the validity and acceptability of three dietary survey methods against appropriate reference measures and (2) identify a method which was both valid and acceptable in low-income households.DesignCross-sectional design comparing three 4-day dietary survey methods (multiple-pass 24-hour recall, food checklist and semi-weighed method) against a 4-day weighed inventory and other reference measures within subjects.SettingLondon, UK, 2001.SubjectsLow-income households were selected using a doorstep screening questionnaire in 18 of the 60 most deprived neighbourhoods in London. Results are based on 384 respondents (159 males, 225 females) aged 2–90 years in 240 households. Respondents were mainly White (48%), Black or Black British (31%) or Asian or Asian British (9%).ResultsThe dietary survey method preferred by interviewers was the 24-hour recall. Most respondents preferred the food checklist. Compared with the weighed inventory, repeat 24-hour recalls and the food checklist yielded higher estimates of energy and nutrient intakes. The semi-weighed method was least liked and yielded the lowest estimates of intake.ConclusionsBased partly on evidence presented here and partly on evidence to be presented in later publications, four multiple-pass 24-hour recalls were recommended as the most appropriate method for a national study of diet and nutrition in low-income households in the UK.

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin S Hagger

Background: High rates of inadequate health literacy (HL) are associated with maladaptive health outcomes in chronic disease including increased mortality and morbidity rates, poor treatment adherence, and poor health. Adequate HL may be an important factor in the effective treatment and management of Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH), and may also be implicated in genetic screening for FH among index cases. The present study examined the prevalence and predictors of HL in FH patients attending clinics in seven countries. Design: Cross-sectional survey. Methods: Consecutive FH patients attending clinics in Australia, Brazil, China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Taiwan, and the UK completed measures of demographic variables (age, gender, household income, and highest education level) and a brief three-item HL scale. Results: Rates of inadequate HL were lowest in the UK (7.0%), Australia (10.0%), Hong Kong (15.7%), and Taiwan (18.0%) samples, with higher rates in the Brazil (22.0%), Malaysia (25.0%), and China (37.0%) samples. Income was an independent predictor of HL levels, accounting for effects of age. HL was also independently related to China national group membership. Conclusions: Findings indicate non-trivial levels of inadequate HL in samples of FH patients. Consistent with previous research in chronic illness, inadequate HL is related to income as an index of health disparities. Chinese FH patients are more likely to have high rates of inadequate HL independent of income. Current findings highlight the imperative of education interventions targeting FH patients with inadequate HL.


Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 735
Author(s):  
Schoultz Mariyana ◽  
Leung Janni ◽  
Bonsaksen Tore ◽  
Ruffolo Mary ◽  
Thygesen Hilde ◽  
...  

Background: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the strict national policies regarding social distancing behavior in Europe, America and Australia, people became reliant on social media as a means for gathering information and as a tool for staying connected to family, friends and work. This is the first trans-national study exploring the qualitative experiences and challenges of using social media while in lockdown or shelter-in-place during the current pandemic. Methods: This study was part of a wider cross-sectional online survey conducted in Norway, the UK, USA and Australia during April/May 2020. The manuscript reports on the qualitative free-text component of the study asking about the challenges of social media users during the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK, USA and Australia. A total of 1991 responses were included in the analysis. Thematic analysis was conducted independently by two researchers. Results: Three overarching themes identified were: Emotional/Mental Health, Information and Being Connected. Participants experienced that using social media during the pandemic amplified anxiety, depression, fear, panic, anger, frustration and loneliness. They felt that there was information overload and social media was full of misleading or polarized opinions which were difficult to switch off. Nonetheless, participants also thought that there was an urge for connection and learning, which was positive and stressful at the same time. Conclusion: Using social media while in a shelter-in-place or lockdown could have a negative impact on the emotional and mental health of some of the population. To support policy and practice in strengthening mental health care in the community, social media could be used to deliver practical advice on coping and stress management. Communication with the public should be strengthened by unambiguous and clear messages and clear communication pathways. We should be looking at alternative ways of staying connected.


2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 16-29
Author(s):  
Mohamed Dahlan Ibrahim ◽  
Abdullah Al Mamun ◽  
Norasmah Othman ◽  
Mohd Nor Hakimin Yusoff ◽  
Naresh Kumar Samy ◽  
...  

The Entrepreneurship Index (EI) serves as a measurement tool that effectively determines if one possesses the prospect of becoming a successful entrepreneur by assessing several essential aspects, such as entrepreneurial orientation, personality, leadership, motivation and knowledge, pertaining to functional skills. Hence, the cross-sectional design was adopted in this study and quantitative data were gathered from some randomly selected 800 Asnafs (those eligible for zakat—donation for the poor) listed under the Kelantan Islamic Religious and Customs Council. The outcomes of this study that classify the aspects of EI are grouped into three categories: low, medium, and high EI. As a result, the variances between high class and both medium and low classes have been double and triple, respectively. Furthermore, participants from Bachok, on an average, obtained higher scores on EI, in comparison to those from other districts. These findings can be turned into an essential measurement tool to indicate both entrepreneurial potentials and readiness among those from rural low-income households, which can be employed by relevant bodies in their attempt to aid those with entrepreneurial prospects and higher possibilities of attaining success in the business arena.


Author(s):  
Uchechukwuka Nnemdi Okwe ◽  
Helen Chime ◽  
Ezekiel Uba Nwose

Background: The importance of cervical screening and HPV vaccination cannot be overemphasized. Yet, the level of uptake of HPV vaccination has never been evaluated among Secretariat personnel in Delta State of Nigeria. This part-of-four piece of study aimed to identify the barriers to the acceptance of HPV vaccination in Delta State, Nigeria.Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive survey method was adopted using a structured questionnaire. 285 participants were included. The structured questionnaire included questions on acceptance of HPV vaccination and the factors influencing acceptability. Statistical analysis included percentage proportions of respondents. Absolute and relative frequencies of the factors were also determined. Chi-squared analysis was performed based on dichotomy of participants based on yes/no response to being vaccinated.Results: Less than 8% of respondents have completed the HPV vaccination program. Low income earners have accepted the vaccination more than the high income group (p <0.003). Nature of work implying time constraints was an absolute factor. Accessibility is one of four factors that were significantly associated (p <0.002).Conclusions: Given the observation on nature of work and associated implication of time constraints and also inaccessibility as potentially major factors; it suffices to suggest that acceptance of HPV vaccination may be improved by expounding the days and sites of vaccination programs to be closer to the offices and scheduled around lunch-break times.


BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. e024571 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dikaios Sakellariou ◽  
Elena S Rotarou

ObjectivesResearch has shown that people with physical impairment report lower utilisation of preventive services. The aim of this study was to examine whether women with mobility impairments have lower odds of using mammography compared with women with no such impairment, and explore the factors that are associated with lower utilisation.Sample and designWe performed secondary analysis, using logistic regressions, of deidentified cross-sectional data from the European Health Interview Survey, Wave 2. The sample included 9491 women from across the UK, 2697 of whom had mobility impairment. The survey method involved face-to-face and telephone interviews.Outcome measuresSelf-report of the last time a mammogram was undertaken.ResultsAdjusting for various demographic and socioeconomic variables, women with mobility impairment had 1.3 times (95% CI 0.70 to 0.92) lower odds of having a mammogram than women without mobility impairment. Concerning women with mobility impairment, married women had more than twice the odds of having a mammogram than women that had never been married (OR 2.07, 95% CI 1.49 to 2.88). Women in Scotland had 1.5 times (95% CI 1.08 to 2.10) higher odds of undertaking the test than women in England. Women with upper secondary education had 1.4 times (95% CI 1.10 to 1.67) higher odds of undergoing the test than women with primary or lower secondary education. Also, women from higher quintiles (third and fifth quintiles) had higher odds of using mammography, with the women in the fifth quintile having 1.5 times (95% CI 1.02 to 2.15) higher odds than women from the first quintile.ConclusionsIn order to achieve equitable access to mammography for all women, it is important to acknowledge the barriers that impede women with mobility impairment from using the service. These barriers can refer to structural disadvantage, such as lower income and employment rate, transportation barriers, or previous negative experiences, among others.


2011 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 81-91 ◽  
Author(s):  
Grahame Whitfield ◽  
Chris Dearden

This article reflects on research undertaken with low income households over a 12 month period following the ‘credit crunch’, a period characterised by rapid change to the financial landscape in the UK. It argues that people living on persistent low incomes were casualties of the economic ‘boom’ as they did not benefit from economic growth and of the ‘bust’ in that they most keenly felt the impact of the recession and the reaction of financial institutions to the new financial landscape. It concludes by arguing that, reflecting on the complexity of people's lives, addressing indebtedness requires a multi-faceted approach.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shaun Scholes ◽  
Jennifer S Mindell

Objective: Quantify inequalities in self-reported moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in England and the United States (US). Design: Population-based cross-sectional study. Participants: 4019 adolescents aged 11-15 years in England (Health Survey for England 2008, 2012, 2015) and 4312 aged 12-17 years in the US (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007-16). Main outcome measures: Three aspects of MVPA: (1) doing any, (2) average min/day (MVPA: including those who did none), and (3) average min/day conditional on participation (MVPA-active). Using hurdle models, we quantified inequalities (average marginal effects: AMEs) using the absolute difference in marginal means. Results: In England, adolescents in high-income households were more likely than those in low-income households to have done any formal sports/exercise in the last seven days (boys: 11%; 95% CI: 4% to 17%; girls: 13%; 95% CI: 6% to 20%); girls in high-income households did more than their low-income counterparts (MVPA: 6 min/day, 95% CI: 2 to 9). Girls in low-income households spent more time in informal activities than girls in high-income households (MVPA: 21 min/day; 95% CI: 10 to 33), whilst boys in low-income versus high-income households spent longer in active travel (MVPA: 21 min/week; 95% CI: 8 to 34). In the US, in a typical week, recreational activity was greater among high-income versus low-income households (boys: 15 min/day; 95% CI: 6 to 24 min/day; girls: 19 min/day; 95% CI: 12 to 27). In contrast, adolescents in low-income versus high-income households were more likely to travel actively (boys: 11%; 95% CI: 3% to 19%; girls: 10%; 95% CI: 3% to 17%) and do more. Conclusions: Policy actions and interventions are required to increase MVPA across all income groups in England and the US. Differences in formal sports/exercise (England) and recreational (US) activities suggest that additional efforts are required to reduce inequalities.


2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shiva S. Halli ◽  
Jang Bahadur Prasad ◽  
Rajeshwari A. Biradar

Abstract Background In recent years, the hysterectomy, a surgical removal of the uterus, has received increased attention in health policy debates in India. The trigger for this was a series of media reports that highlighted an unusual surge in the number of women undergoing hysterectomies with a significant number of cases involving young and early menopausal women from low-income families. When menopause occurs as a result of hysterectomy, then the hormones such as estrogen and progesterone affect how the body cells respond to insulin. To date, we have not come across a national study following blood glucose levels among women who undergo a hysterectomy. Methods The study used the Indian fourth round of National Family Health Survey data, which is a cross-sectional nationally representative sample of 699,686 women in the age group 15–49 years and conducted during 2015–16. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions were used to examine the effect of hysterectomy on blood glucose level of > 140 mg/dl among women of reproductive age groups. Results The blood glucose level of > 140 mg/dl was much higher among women who had undergone a hysterectomy (12.2%) compared to non-hysterectomy women (5.7%). The pattern holds true among relevant background characteristics such as age, place of residence, education, caste, religion, wealth, marital status, body mass index (BMI), anaemia and consumption of tobacco. The adjusted odds after controlling for significant background factors, women who underwent hysterectomy experienced 15% higher odds of blood glucose level of > 140 mg/dl compared those who did not. Conclusions The results indicated increased blood glucose level among women post hysterectomy. Hence, the government of India should consider developing evidence-based policies and programming to provide effective targeted interventions for the better reproductive health of women.


Author(s):  
Tore Bonsaksen ◽  
Mariyana Schoultz ◽  
Hilde Thygesen ◽  
Mary Ruffolo ◽  
Daicia Price ◽  
...  

COVID-19 has been a global healthcare concern impacting multiple aspects of individual and community wellness. As one moves forward with different methods to reduce the infection and mortality rates, it is critical to continue to study the impact that national and local “social distancing” policies have on the daily lives of individuals. The aim of this study was to examine loneliness in relation to risk assessment, measures taken against risks, concerns, and social media use, while adjusting for sociodemographic variables. The cross-sectional study collected data from 3474 individuals from the USA, the UK, Norway, and Australia. Loneliness was measured with the de Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale. Multiple linear regression was used in the analysis of associations between variables. The results showed that concerns about finances were more strongly associated with social loneliness, while concerns about the future was more strongly associated with emotional loneliness. Longer daily time spent on social media was associated with higher emotional loneliness. In conclusion, pandemic-related concerns seem to affect perceptions of loneliness. While social media can be used productively to maintain relationships, and thereby prevent loneliness, excessive use may be counterproductive.


2000 ◽  
Vol 59 (2) ◽  
pp. 279-293 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. B. E. Livingstone ◽  
P. J. Robson

When children and adolescents are the target population in dietary surveys many different respondent and observer considerations surface. The cognitive abilities required to self-report food intake include an adequately developed concept of time, a good memory and attention span, and a knowledge of the names of foods. From the age of 8 years there is a rapid increase in the ability of children to self-report food intake. However, while cognitive abilities should be fully developed by adolescence, issues of motivation and body image may hinder willingness to report. Ten validation studies of energy intake data have demonstrated that mis-reporting, usually in the direction of under-reporting, is likely. Patterns of under-reporting vary with age, and are influenced by weight status and the dietary survey method used. Furthermore, evidence for the existence of subject-specific responding in dietary assessment challenges the assumption that repeated measurements of dietary intake will eventually obtain valid data. Unfortunately, the ability to detect mis-reporters, by comparison with presumed energy requirements, is limited unless detailed activity information is available to allow the energy intake of each subject to be evaluated individually. In addition, high variability in nutrient intakes implies that, if intakes are valid, prolonged dietary recording will be required to rank children correctly for distribution analysis. Future research should focus on refining dietary survey methods to make them more sensitive to different ages and cognitive abilities. The development of improved techniques for identification of mis-reporters and investigation of the issue of differential reporting of foods should also be given priority.


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