Effect Evaluation of a Self-Management Program for Dutch Workers with a Chronic Somatic Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Purpose The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of a Self-Management Program for workers with a chronic disease. This program is based on the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program of Stanford University, modified for workers with a chronic somatic disease. Methods In a randomized controlled trial, the effectiveness of a Self-Management Program was evaluated. Participants were randomly assigned to the experimental group (n = 57) and the control group (n = 47). The experimental group received an intervention, the control group received care as usual. Primary outcome measures were self-efficacy at work and the attitude towards self-management at work. Secondary outcomes were the SF-12 health survey questionnaire, job satisfaction and intention to change job. The results were measured at baseline, after the intervention and 8 months after the intervention. Results The attitude towards self-management at work (enjoyment) improved after 8 months for the intervention group (p = 0.030). No other outcome variable differed significantly. As an interaction effect, it was found that low educated workers developed a better physical health quality (SF-12) in the intervention group compared with the control group. The attitude towards self-management at work (importance) improved in the intervention group for older and female workers and the attitude toward enjoying self-management at work improved for female workers only. Conclusion The results show that low educated workers, older workers and women benefit significantly more from the training than higher educated workers, younger workers and men.     

Interactive associations of physical activity,adiposity, and oral contraceptive use on C-reactive protein levels in young women

ABSTRACT

Oral contraceptives (OCs) are the most frequently used type of birth control among young women. OC-users have higher C-reactive protein (CRP) values, an indicator of systemic inflammation, than do non-OC-users. In addition, adiposity (percent fat) is positively associated with CRP, and physical activity (PA) is inversely associated with CRP. The present study determined the interactive associations of PA, percent fat, and OC-use with CRP. Data were collected during 2012–2015 at the University of Georgia. Objective PA was measured via pedometers. Percent fat was measured via dual X-ray absorptiometry. The current OC-use was self-reported. High-sensitivity (hs) CRP was determined using venipuncture. Multivariate linear regression determined the interactive associations of percent fat, OC-use, and PA with hs-CRP. Participants (n = 247; mean age 18.9 ± 1.4 years, 60.7 percent white) accumulated a mean of 10,075.7 ± 3,593.4 steps/day. One-third of participants were categorized as overweight/obese by BMI (mean = 24.5 ± 4.8 kg/m², mean percent fat = 35.2 ± 6.8). The current OC-use was reported by 26.2 percent of the sample (n = 61). A significant three-way interaction (β = 0.01, p = .03) indicated that higher PA was associated with lower hs-CRP in non-OC-users with higher percent fat, but not among OC-users with higher percent fat. These results highlight the need to measure and account for the current OC-use in studies examining the relationship between PA and CRP.     

Physical Activity and Physical Function Improved Following a Community-based Intervention in Older Adults in Georgia Senior Centers

ABSTRACT

We evaluated a community-based physical activity intervention in Georgia senior centers. Participants were a convenience sample that completed the pre-test only (n = 592), or the pre-test, the intervention, and a post-test (n = 418, 98% aged 60 and older, mean age = 75, 83% female, 56% black). The 4-month physical activity intervention, based on the Health Belief Model, included 16 sessions that focused on educator-led chair exercises, promotion of walking, using a pedometer, and recording daily steps. Pre- and post-tests assessed physical activity and physical function, categorized as poor, moderate, or good (Short Physical Performance Battery). Following the intervention, participants improved their physical function (good physical function at pre-test vs. post-test: 16.5% vs. 25.3%, P ≤ 0.001), increased minutes of physical activity by 26% (P ≤ 0.001) and step counts by 29% (P ≤ 0.0001, sub-sample, n = 95), and decreased reports of “it's not safe” as a barrier to physical activity (P ≤ 0.05). Increased physical activity (P ≤ 0.01) was associated with improved physical function following the intervention. The results of this evaluation provide an evidence base for the effectiveness of this community intervention for improving physical activity and physical function in older adults.     

The effect of fish oil supplementation on serum phospholipid fatty acids profile during pregnancy: A double blind randomized controlled trial

Omega-3 fatty acids (FAs) are essential unsaturated long-chain FAs necessary for proper health and growth. The objective of the authors in this study was to evaluate the effect of fish oil supplementation in pregnancy on maternal serum FA profiles. Participants (n = 150 pregnant women aged 18–35 years in Tabriz, Iran) were randomly assigned to receive either 1,000 mg fish oil supplements daily containing 120 mg docosahexanoic acid (DHA) and 180 mg eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), or placebo from week 21 of pregnancy to delivery. The primary outcome measures were mean serum DHA and EPA proportion of total FAs at weeks 35–37 of pregnancy. Analyses were based on intention-to-treat. No significant differences were observed between the groups in consumption of fish and serum FAs levels at baseline. Fish oil supplementation significantly increased the mean DHA proportion of total FAs in the intervention compared to the placebo group at weeks 35–37 [adjusted Mean Difference (aMD) = 0.15; 95% CI 0.08–0.23]. The mean EPA proportion of total FAs also increased in the intervention group, but the difference between the groups was not significant (aMD = 0.04; 95% CI ?0.01 to 0.08). The dietary recommendation for consumption of 1,000 mg/day fish oil supplements during pregnancy seems beneficial for better serum FA composition.     

Effect of 10-day broccoli consumption on inflammatory status of young healthy smokers

This study evaluated the effects of 10-day broccoli (250?g/day) intake on dietary markers and markers of inflammations in young male smokers. A dietary intervention study with a repeated measures crossover design was conducted. Circulating levels of carotenoids, folate, C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 6 receptor (IL-6sR) and adiponectin were measured. Broccoli intake significantly increased plasma levels of folate (+17%) and lutein (+39%), while no significant effect was observed for TNF-α, IL-6, IL-6sR or adiponectin. Plasma CRP decreased by 48% (post-hoc analysis, p?< 0.05) following broccoli diet; this resulted to be independent from the plasma variations in lutein and folate. An inverse correlation between lycopene, TNF-α and IL-6sR was observed at baseline. In conclusion, broccoli consumption may reduce CRP levels in smokers, consistent with epidemiologic observations that fruit and vegetable intake is associated with lower circulating CRP concentrations.     

BOOKS RECEIVED

The purpose of this study was to determine whether institutionalized older individuals taking proton pump inhibitors (PPI) for more than 12 months were more likely to have vitamin B₁₂ deficiency than individuals not taking PPI, and whether cyanocobalamin nasal spray would improve their vitamin B₁₂ status. Participants were long-term care residents aged 60–89 years. PPI users (n = 17) were treated with cyanocobalamin nasal spray for 8 weeks; non-PPI users (n = 19) were not treated but were followed for the same time duration. Serum samples from all subjects were analyzed for vitamin B₁₂ and serum methylmalonic acid (sMMA) at baseline and the end of the 8-week treatment. There was a significant difference in mean vitamin B₁₂, sMMA, and frequency of deficiency between control and intervention groups at baseline. After treatment, there was an increase (p = 0.012) in serum vitamin B₁₂ concentration, and a decrease (p = 0.004) in frequency of deficiency in PPI users. Thus, we found that institutionalized older individuals on PPI for more than 12 months may be more likely to be vitamin B₁₂ deficient than non-PPI users. Additionally, treatment of PPI users with cyanocobalamin nasal spray for 8 weeks could improve vitamin B₁₂ status.     

Role of inflammation in the association between the western dietary pattern and metabolic syndrome among Lebanese adults

The aim of this study was to investigate whether inflammation mediates the previously observed direct association between the western dietary pattern (WDP) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) among Lebanese adults. Sociodemographic, lifestyle, dietary pattern scores, anthropometric and biochemical data of 331 adults were used in this study. Inflammation indicators considered were: serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and the dietary inflammatory index (DII). The scores of the WDP were significantly associated with DII (r?=?.64) but not with serum CRP. Higher CRP levels increased the odds of MetS and four out of five of its components, while no association was found between the DII and MetS.

Conclusion: The findings of this study confirmed the association of serum CRP with MetS but did not support mediation effect of inflammation on the association between the WDP and MetS. These findings are important to direct future investigations on diet, inflammation and association with diseases risk.     

Adherence to Mediterranean diet and close dietetic supervision increase total dietary antioxidant intake and plasma antioxidant capacity in subjects with abdominal obesity

Purpose

To determine the effect of Mediterranean-type diet and close dietetic supervision on dietary antioxidant intake and plasma total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in patients with abdominal obesity.

Methods

Ninety subjects with abdominal obesity, 46 in intervention group, 44 in control group, participated in a 2-month, randomized, parallel dietary intervention. All participants were counseled on Greek Mediterranean diet. The intervention group was under close dietetic supervision, followed a specific relevant daily and weekly food plan consuming antioxidant-rich foods and food products. Total dietary antioxidant intake was calculated from the volunteers’ food diaries, and plasma TAC using plasma ORAC assay and plasma ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay, both at baseline and at 2 months.

Results

Following the 2-month period, total dietary antioxidant intake was increased in the intervention group compared to the control group (P = 0.000). In addition, increased intake of total fat, due to higher consumption of monounsaturated fatty acids, as well as increased intakes of dietary fiber, vitamin C and alcohol was also observed in the intervention group compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Plasma TAC was increased in the intervention group compared to the control group (P = 0.039) using the ORAC assay, while there was a trend toward a TAC increase (P = 0.077) using the FRAP assay.

Conclusion

Adherence to a Mediterranean-type diet, with emphasis on an increase in foods rich in antioxidants and close dietetic supervision, can increase total dietary antioxidant intake and plasma TAC in patients with abdominal obesity.     

Validation of a Food Frequency Questionnaire for Estimating Micronutrient Intakes in an Urban US Sample of Multi-Ethnic Pregnant Women

Objective(s)

To validate the Block98 food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) for estimating antioxidant, methyl-nutrient and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) intakes in a pregnant sample of ethnic/racial minority women in the United States (US).

Methods

Participants (n = 42) were from the Programming of Intergenerational Stress Mechanisms study. Total micronutrient intakes from food and supplements was ascertained using the modified Block98 FFQ and two 24-h dietary recalls collected at random on nonconsecutive days subsequent to completion of the FFQ in mid-pregnancy. Correlation coefficients (r) corrected for attenuation from within-person variation in the recalls were calculated for antioxidants (n = 7), methyl-nutrients (n = 8), and PUFAs (n = 2).

Result(s)

The sample was largely ethnic minorities (38 % Black, 33 % Hispanic) with 21 % being foreign born and 41 % having less than or equal to a high school degree. Significant and adequate deattenuated correlations (r ≥ 0.40) for total dietary intakes of antioxidants were observed for vitamin C, vitamin E, magnesium, and zinc. Reasonable deattenuated correlations were also observed for methyl-nutrient intakes of vitamin B6, betaine, iron, and n:6 PUFAs; however, they did not reach significance. Most women were classified into the same or adjacent quartiles (≥70 %) for total (dietary + supplements) estimates of antioxidants (5 out of 7) and methyl-nutrients (4 out of 5).

Conclusions

The Block98 FFQ is an appropriate dietary method for evaluating antioxidants in pregnant ethnic/minorities in the US; it may be less efficient in measuring methyl-nutrient and PUFA intakes.

     

Diabetes Self-management Behaviors and A1c Improved Following a Community-based Intervention in Older Adults in Georgia Senior Centers

ABSTRACT

A community-based intervention to improve diabetes self-management (DSM) and decrease A1c in older adults with diabetes from Georgia senior centers was evaluated. Participants were a convenience sample that completed the pre-test questionnaire only (N = 351) and a subset that completed the pre-test, intervention, and post-test questionnaires and A1c measurements (n = 144, mean age = 74 years, 84% female, 42% white, 57% black). Incorporating principles of the Health Belief Model and National Standards for DSM, the 4-month intervention consisted of eight sessions focused on improving daily adherence to DSM behaviors and included physical activity. At the post-test, several DSM behaviors increased by ≥ 1 day/week: following a healthy eating plan, following an eating plan prescribed by their doctor, eating five or more servings of fruits and vegetables daily, spacing carbohydrates, and inspecting the insides of shoes (P ≤ 0.0001). The mean decrease in A1c for the entire sample was 0.25% (SD = 0.82, P ≤ 0.001, n = 144) and those with an initial A1c > 8% had a clinically significant mean decrease of 1.15% (SD = 1.09, pre-test: 9.48% vs. 8.33%, P ≤ 0.001, n = 24). Increased physical activity was the DSM behavior consistently associated with decreased A1c in regression analyses (P ≤ 0.05). The results of this evaluation provide an evidence base for the effectiveness of this community intervention in decreasing A1c and improving DSM behaviors in older adults.     

Implementation of the Participatory Approach for Supervisors to Increase Self-Efficacy in Addressing Risk of Sick Leave of Employees: Results of a Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial

Purpose To study the effectiveness of a multifaceted strategy to implement the participatory approach (PA) for supervisors to increase their self-efficacy in addressing risk of sick leave of employees. Methods Supervisors from three organizations were invited to participate. Randomization was performed at department level. Supervisors (n = 61) in the intervention departments received the implementation strategy consisting of a working group meeting, supervisor training in PA application, and optional supervisor coaching. Supervisors in the control departments (n = 55) received written information on PA. The primary outcome was supervisors’ self-efficacy to apply the PA, measured at baseline and 6 months’ follow-up. The number of employees with whom supervisors discussed work functioning problems or (risk of) sick leave was also assessed. Effects were tested using multilevel analyses. Results The strategy did not increase self-efficacy to apply the PA. Subgroup analyses showed that self-efficacy increased for supervisors who at baseline reported to have discussed (risk of) sick leave with less than three employees during the last 6 months (B = 1.42, 95 % CI 0.34–2.50). Furthermore, the implementation strategy increased the number of employees with whom supervisors discussed work functioning problems or risk of sick leave (B = 1.26, 95 % CI 0.04–2.48). Conclusion Although the implementation strategy cannot be recommended for all supervisors, for supervisors who less frequently discuss (risk of) sick leave with employees the implementation strategy might be helpful. Trial registration NTR3733.     

Impact of a community-based lifestyle intervention program on health-related quality of life

Background

The presence of risk factors for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, or the conditions themselves, contributes to lower health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among adults. Although community-based lifestyle intervention programs have been shown to be effective for improving risk factors for these diseases, the impact of these interventions on HRQoL has rarely been described.

Purpose

To examine changes in HRQoL following participation in the Group Lifestyle Balance program, a community translation of the Diabetes Prevention Program lifestyle intervention for adults with prediabetes and/or the metabolic syndrome.

Methods

Participants enrolled in the 12-month, 22-session intervention program (N = 223) completed the EuroQol Health Questionnaire (EQ-5D-3L) at baseline, 6, and 12 months. Linear mixed-effects regression models determined change in EQ-5D-visual analog scale (VAS) and Index scores post-intervention.

Results

Mean EQ-5D-VAS was improved by +7.38 (SE = 1.03) at 6 months and by +6.73 (SE = 1.06) at 12 months post-intervention (both; p < 0.0001). Mean changes in EQ-5D index values were +0.00 (SE = 0.01; NS) and +0.01 (SE = 0.01; p < 0.05), respectively. Adjusted for age, baseline score, and achieving intervention goals, mean change in EQ-5D-VAS was +11.83 (SE = 1.61) at 6 months and +11.23 (SE = 1.54) at 12 months (both; p < 0.0001). Adjusted mean change in EQ-5D index value was +0.04 (SE = 0.01) at 6 months and +0.05 (SE = 0.01) at 12 months (both; p < 0.01).

Conclusion

Participation in a community lifestyle intervention program resulted in improved HRQoL among adults with prediabetes and/or the metabolic syndrome. These benefits to HRQoL, together with improved clinical and behavioral outcomes, should increase the appeal of such programs for improving health.

     

Promoting Early,Safe Return to Work in Injured Employees: A Randomized Trial of a Supervisor Training Intervention in a Healthcare Setting

Purpose Supervisors in the healthcare sector have the potential to contribute to disability prevention in injured employees. Published data on the evaluation of return to work (RTW) interventions aimed at direct supervisors are scarce. We sought to determine the effect of a brief audiovisual supervisor training module on supervisor RTW attitudes and knowledge. Methods A parallel-group study, using equal randomization, comparing the training module intervention to usual practice in healthcare supervisors at a quaternary care hospital was conducted. Differences between groups in changes in RTW attitude and knowledge survey question scores between baseline and 3 months were assessed using the Mann–Whitney U test. The Benjamini–Hochberg–Yekutieli procedure was used to control for false discovery rate and generate adjusted p values. Results Forty supervisors were allocated to the intervention group and 41 to the usual practice group. Attitude and knowledge scores for most questions improved between baseline and immediately after intervention administration. Comparing intervention (n = 33) and usual practice groups (n = 37), there was a trend toward greater increase between baseline and 3 months follow-up in agreement that the supervisor can manage the RTW process (U = 515, adjusted p value = 0.074) and in confidence that the supervisor can answer employees’ questions (U = 514, adjusted p value = 0.074) in the intervention group, although these findings were not statistically significant. Conclusions The training intervention may have provided the initial tools for supervisors to navigate the RTW process in collaboration with others in the RTW community of practice. A larger study with longer follow-up is needed to confirm results.     

The impact of paraprofessional home visitors on infants’ growth and health at 18 months

Paraprofessional home visitors trained to improve multiple outcomes (HIV, alcohol, infant health and malnutrition) have been shown to benefit mothers and children over 18 months in a cluster randomised controlled trial. These longitudinal analyses examine the mechanisms which influence child outcomes at 18 months post-birth in Cape Town, South Africa. The results were evaluated using structural equation modelling, specifically examining the mediating effects of prior maternal behaviours and a home visiting intervention post-birth. Twelve matched pairs of neighbourhoods were randomised within pairs to: (1) the control condition, receiving comprehensive health care at community primary health care clinics (n = 12 neighbourhoods; n = 594 pregnant women), or (2) the Philani Intervention Program, which provided home visits by trained, paraprofessional community health workers, here called Mentor Mothers, in addition to clinic care (n = 12 neighbourhoods; n = 644 pregnant women). Recruitment of all pregnant neighbourhood women was high (98%) with 88% reassessed at 6 months and 84% at 18 months. Infants’ growth and diarrhoea episodes were examined at 18 months in response to the intervention condition, breastfeeding, alcohol use, social support and low birth weight, controlling for HIV status and previous history of risk. We found that randomisation to the intervention was associated with a significantly lower number of recent diarrhoea episodes and increased rates and duration of breastfeeding. Across both the intervention and control conditions, mothers who used alcohol during pregnancy and had low birth weight infants were significantly less likely to have infants with normal growth patterns, whereas social support was associated with better growth. HIV infection was significantly associated with poor growth and less breastfeeding. Women with more risk factors had significantly smaller social support networks. The relationships among initial and sustained maternal risk behaviours and the buffering impact of home visits and social support are demonstrated in these analyses.     

The effect of Valerian on the severity and frequency of hot flashes: A triple-blind randomized clinical trial

ABSTRACT

Valerian is one of the most widely used herbal supplements and a phytoestrogenic herb. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of Valerian on the severity and frequency of hot flashes. This triple-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial was conducted during a three-month period in Hamadan, Iran, in 60 postmenopausal women aged 45–55 years. Participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups– either placebo or Valerian. An oral Valerian 530 mg capsule was given twice per day for two months. An oral placebo 530 mg capsule (starch) was similarly administered. The severity and frequency of hot flashes were determined by the Kupperman index, before the intervention, one month after, and two months after initiation of the intervention. The severity of hot flashes in the Valerian group was significantly lower than that in the placebo group at one (p = .048) and two months (p = .020) after initiation of the intervention. Compared with the placebo group, the mean frequency of hot flashes was significantly reduced two months after initiating the use of Valerian (p = .033). Health-care providers should consider Valerian to be effective for menopausal women with hot flashes.     

Mediators of a physical activity intervention among women with a family history of breast cancer

ABSTRACT

The current study examined mediators of an efficacious physical activity intervention. Women with a mean age of 42.6 (range 23–61) years and a family history of breast cancer were randomized to either an Internet-based physical activity intervention (n = 28) or an active control condition (n = 27) for three months. Data were collected between November 2010 and August 2011. Hypothesized mediators were examined using a product of coefficients model with bootstrapped standard errors. Significant mediation was observed for both self-efficacy and behavioral processes. Specifically, the regression coefficients of the indirect effects (“ab path”: unstandardized effect of the intervention on physical activity that occurred through the mediator) were ab = 38.58 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 8.66–92.76) for self-efficacy, and ab = 42.02 (95% CI: 6.76–104.84) for behavioral processes. Other factors examined in this study, including cognitive processes, decisional balance, and perceived risk of breast cancer, were not statistically significant mediators. Findings suggest that self-efficacy and behavioral processes may be key constructs to use in targeting future physical activity interventions among women with a family history of breast cancer.     

Postpartum Intimate Partner Violence and Health Risks Among Young Mothers in the United States: A Prospective Study

The study assessed the relationship between postpartum intimate partner violence (IPV) and postpartum health risks among young mothers over time. Data were collected from 2001 to 2005 on young women aged 14–25 attending obstetrics and gynecology clinics in two US cities. Postpartum IPV (i.e., emotional, physical, sexual) was assessed at 6 and 12 months after childbirth (n = 734). Four types of postpartum IPV patterns were examined: emerged IPV, dissipated IPV, repeated IPV, and no IPV. Emerged IPV occurred at 12 months postpartum, not 6 months postpartum. Dissipated IPV occurred at 6 months postpartum, not 12 months postpartum. Repeated IPV was reported at 6 months and 12 months postpartum. Postpartum health risks studied at both time points were perceived stress, depression, fear of condom negotiation, condom use, infant sleeping problems, and parental stress. Repeated measures analysis of covariance was used. The proportion of young mothers reporting IPV after childbirth increased from 17.9 % at 6 months postpartum to 25.3 % at 12 months postpartum (P < 0.001). Emerged and/or repeated postpartum IPV were associated with increased perceived stress, depression, fear of condom negotiation, and infant sleeping problems as well as decreased condom use (P < 0.05). Dissipated postpartum IPV was associated with decreased depression (P < 0.05). IPV screening and prevention programs for young mothers may reduce health risks observed in this group during the postpartum period.     

Impact of the quantity and flavonoid content of fruits and vegetables on markers of intake in adults with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease: the FLAVURS trial

Purpose

Limited robust randomised controlled trials investigating fruit and vegetable (F&V) intake in people at risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) exist. We aimed to design and validate a dietary strategy of increasing flavonoid-rich versus flavonoid-poor F&V consumption on nutrient biomarker profile.

Methods

A parallel, randomised, controlled, dose–response dietary intervention study. Participants with a CVD relative risk of 1.5 assessed by risk scores were randomly assigned to one of the 3 groups: habitual (control, CT), high-flavonoid (HF) or low-flavonoid (LF) diets. While the CT group (n = 57) consumed their habitual diet throughout, the HF (n = 58) and LF (n = 59) groups sequentially increased their daily F&V intake by an additional 2, 4 and 6 portions for 6-week periods during the 18-week study.

Results

Compliance to target numbers and types of F&V was broadly met and verified by dietary records, and plasma and urinary biomarkers. Mean (±SEM) number of F&V portions/day consumed by the HF and LF groups at baseline (3.8 ± 0.3 and 3.4 ± 0.3), 6 weeks (6.3 ± 0.4 and 5.8 ± 0.3), 12 weeks (7.0 ± 0.3 and 6.8 ± 0.3) and 18 weeks (7.6 ± 0.4 and 8.1 ± 0.4), respectively, was similar at baseline yet higher than the CT group (3.9 ± 0.3, 4.3 ± 0.3, 4.6 ± 0.4, 4.5 ± 0.3) (P = 0.015). There was a dose-dependent increase in dietary and urinary flavonoids in the HF group, with no change in other groups (P = 0.0001). Significantly higher dietary intakes of folate (P = 0.035), non-starch polysaccharides (P = 0.001), vitamin C (P = 0.0001) and carotenoids (P = 0.0001) were observed in both intervention groups compared with CT, which were broadly supported by nutrient biomarker analysis.

Conclusions

The success of improving nutrient profile by active encouragement of F&V intake in an intervention study implies the need for a more hands-on public health approach.     

Evaluating the Relationship between Inflammatory Load of a Diet and Depression in Young Adults

The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between dietary inflammatory index (DII) and depression. The study was carried out with 134 female university students staying in dormitory. The data were collected using questionnaire form. The questionnaire contains socio-demographic information, physical activity, anthropometric measurements, depression scale, and the 3-day food intake record. The DII score was calculated based on the food intake record form. It was found that 56 of the participants did not have any depression symptoms. The participants‘ mean DII scores were 0.76 ± 0.59 and they were found to have a pro-inflammatory dietary pattern. The third-tertile depression score was 56.3 ± 8.6, which was statistically higher than the others (p < 0.05). Upon modeling, a significant association between high DII scores and increased odds of incidence DepS was observed (odds ratio (OR) = 2.90; 95% CI = 1.51–5.98). Finally there is a need to conduct cohort studies to identify DII scores of the individuals in our country, investigate the relationship between these scores and depression, and establish a cause and effect relationship.     

Feasibility and Clinical Efficacy of a Multidisciplinary Home-Telehealth Program to Prevent Falls in Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objectives

The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility and efficacy of a 6-month tele-rehabilitation home-based program, designed to prevent falls in older adults with 1 or more chronic diseases (cardiac, respiratory, neuromuscular or neurologic) returning home after in-hospital rehabilitation for their chronic condition. Patients were eligible for selection if they had experienced a fall during the previous year or were at high risk of falling.