Impact of COVID-19: Nursing challenges to meeting the care needs of people with developmental disabilities

BackgroundPeople with developmental disabilities (DD) are a population at high-risk for poor outcomes related to COVID-19. COVID-19-specific risks, including greater comorbidities and congregate living situations in persons with DD compound existing health disparities. With their expertise in care of persons with DD and understanding of basic principles of infection control, DD nurses are well-prepared to advocate for the needs of people with DD during the COVID-19 pandemic.ObjectiveTo assess the challenges faced by nurses caring for persons with DD during the COVID-19 pandemic and how the challenges impact people with DD.MethodsWe surveyed 556 DD nurses, from April 6–20, 2020. The 35-item mixed-method survey asked nurses to rate the degree of challenges faced in meeting the care needs of people with DD. We analyzed responses based on presence of COVID-19 in the care setting and geographically. One open-ended question elicited challenges not included in the survey, which we analyzed using manifest content analysis.ResultsStartlingly, nurses reported being excluded from COVID-19 planning, and an absence of public health guidelines specific to persons with DD, despite their high-risk status. Obtaining PPE and sanitizers and meeting social-behavioral care needs were the most highly ranked challenges. COVID-19 impacted nurses’ ability to maintain adequate staffing and perform essential aspects of care. No significant geographic differences were noted.ConclusionsDD nurses must be involved in public health planning and policy development to ensure that basic care needs of persons with DD are met, and the disproportionate burden of COVID-19 in this vulnerable population is reduced.     

The Feasibility of Using Computrition Software for Nutrition Research—A Pilot Study

We evaluated the feasibility of using Computrition to design and implement a low vs. typical sodium meal plan intervention for older adults. Dietitians used Computrition to design a 7-day meal plan with three caloric levels (≤1750, 2000, ≥2250 kcals/day) and two sodium densities (low = 0.9 mg/kcal; n = 11 or typical = 2 mg/kcal; n = 9). Feasibility was determined by post-hoc definitions of effectiveness, sodium compliance, palatability of diet, sustainability, and safety. Given the low number of participants in one of the three calorie groups, the higher calorie groups were combined. Thus, comparisons are between low vs. typical meal plans at two calorie levels (≤1750 or ≥2000 kcals/day). Overall, regardless of the calorie group, the meal plans created with Computrition were effective in reaching the targeted sodium density and were safe for participants. Furthermore, individuals appeared to be equally compliant and reported similar palatability across meal plans. However, one of the three criteria for the sustainability definition was not met. In conclusion, we successfully used Computrition to design low and typical sodium meal plans that were effective, compliable, and safe. Future studies of older adults in similar settings should focus on improving the palatability of the meal plans and scaling this protocol to larger studies in older adults.     

Assessing the Effectiveness of Front of Pack Labels: Findings from an Online Randomised-Controlled Experiment in a Representative British Sample

Front of pack food labels (FOPLs) provide accessible nutritional information to guide consumer choice. Using an online experiment with a large representative British sample, we aimed to examine whether FOPLs improve participants’ ability to identify the healthiness of foods and drinks. The primary aim was to compare ability to rank between FOPL groups and a no label control. Adults (≥18 years), recruited from the NatCen panel, were randomised to one of five experimental groups (Multiple Traffic Light, MTL; Nutri-Score, N-S; Warning Label, WL; Positive Choice tick, PC; no label control). Stratification variables were year of recruitment to panel, sex, age, government office region, and household income. Packaging images were created for three versions, varying in healthiness, of six food and drink products (pizza, drinks, cakes, crisps, yoghurts, breakfast cereals). Participants were asked to rank the three product images in order of healthiness. Ranking was completed on a single occasion and comprised a baseline measure (with no FOPL), and a follow-up measure including the FOPL as per each participant’s experimental group. The primary outcome was the ability to accurately rank product healthiness (all products ranked correctly vs. any incorrect). In 2020, 4504 participants had complete data and were included in the analysis. The probability of correct ranking at follow-up, and improving between baseline and follow-up, was significantly greater across all products for the N-S, MTL and WL groups, compared to control. This was seen for only some of the products for the PC group. The largest effects were seen for N-S, followed by MTL. These analyses were adjusted for stratification variables, ethnicity, education, household composition, food shopping responsibility, and current FOPL use. Exploratory analyses showed a tendency for participants with higher compared to lower education to rank products more accurately. Conclusions: All FOPLs were effective at improving participants’ ability to correctly rank products according to healthiness in this large representative British sample, with the largest effects seen for N-S, followed by MTL.     

Independent Early Childhood Education Centers’ Experiences Implementing the Revised Child and Adult Care Food Program Meal Pattern Standards: A Qualitative Exploratory Study

BackgroundNationally, approximately one-third of early childhood education centers participating in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) are independently owned and operated (ie, not owned by a corporation, not affiliated with Head Start, and with no food program sponsor). Independent providers are less likely to meet CACFP standards and best practices and would benefit from additional support and technical assistance.ObjectiveTo explore independent early childhood education center key informants’ (KIs) (ie, directors or relevant staff) perspectives on implementing the revised CACFP standards.DesignFollowing qualitative exploratory design, semistructured, in-depth, telephone interviews were conducted with KIs individually.Participants/settingIn summer 2018, 30 randomly sampled KIs from independent CACFP-participating early childhood education centers serving children ages 2 to 5 years nationwide were interviewed. Participants were sampled from respondents to a previously completed nationwide survey of providers.Main outcomesKIs’ perspectives on the CACFP program and revised meal pattern standard implementation.Analysis performedAfter audio recordings were professionally transcribed and reviewed, constant comparative analysis was conducted using Atlas.ti v8 qualitative software (Atlas.ti. version 8 for Windows, 2018, Scientific Software Development GmbH).ResultsKIs indicated that program benefits (eg, health and nutrition benefits, reimbursement, guidelines, and training) outweighed challenges experienced. Challenges associated with revised CACFP standards implementation (eg, availability or acceptability of new, creditable foods) were impacted by enhanced CACFP standards status, reported revised standards, and availability or utilization of outside support. KIs desired more contact with their state representative. KIs found the training and technical assistance on the revised standards useful and suggestions to enhance future training and technical assistance (eg, increasing accessibility, training resources, and audience-specific training).ConclusionsOverall, KIs desired additional resources, training, and increased communication from CACFP state representatives specific to CACFP-approved and reimbursable products, menu ideas, recipes, and cooking demonstrations. The present study suggests that a more tailored training and technical assistance approach is necessary as reported benefits, challenges, and program needs varied based on state-enhanced CACFP standards, reported familiarity with the revised meal pattern, and reported outside support.     

Ten years of Pan-InfORM: modelling research for public health in Canada

Modelling and simulation methods can play an important role in guiding public health responses to infectious diseases and emerging health threats by projecting the plausible outcomes of decisions and interventions. The 2003 SARS epidemic marked a new chapter in disease modelling in Canada as it triggered a national discussion on the utility and uptake of modelling research in local and pandemic outbreaks. However, integration and application of model-based outcomes in public health requires knowledge translation and contextualization. We reviewed the history and performance of Pan-InfORM (Pandemic Influenza Outbreak Research Modelling), which created a national infrastructure in Canada with a mandate to develop innovative knowledge translation methodologies to inform policy makers through modelling frameworks that bridge the gaps between theory, policy, and practice. This review demonstrates the importance of a collaborative infrastructure as a “Community of Practice” to guide public health responses, especially in the context of emerging diseases with substantial uncertainty, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Dedicated resources to modelling and knowledge translation activities can help create synergistic strategies at the global scale and optimize public health responses to protect at-risk populations and quell socioeconomic and health burden.     

Spatial clusters of daily tobacco consumption before and after a smoke-free policy implementation

This study assessed the spatial dependence of daily tobacco consumption and how it is spatially impacted by individual and neighborhood socioeconomic determinants, and tobacco consumption facilities before and after a smoke-free implementation.Individual data was obtained from the Bus Santé, a cross-sectional survey in Geneva. Spatial clusters of high and low tobacco consumption were assessed using Getis-Ord Gi*.Daily tobacco consumption was not randomly clustered in Geneva and may be impacted by tobacco consumption facilities independently of socioeconomic factors and a smoking ban. Spatial analysis should be considered to highlight the impact of smoke-free policies and guide public health interventions.     

COVID-19 and the Need for Adult Day Services

COVID-19 has shone a harsh light on the inequities of health care in the United States, particularly in how we care for older people. We summarize some of the effects of lockdown orders on clients, family caregivers, and staff of adult day service programs throughout the United States, which may serve as a counterpoint to scientific evidence suggesting a lack of efficacy of these programs. Given the ramifications of state lockdown orders for users and staff of the long-term services and support system, we provide recommendations to better support community-based programs and those they serve. Specifically, (1) adult day programs should be classified as essential, (2) a focus on the value of adult day and similar programs is needed, and (3) an exploration of new ways to finance home and community-based services is warranted. Such advances in policy and science would help to integrate adult day services more effectively into the broader health care landscape.     

Comparing the Effects of Four Front-of-Package Nutrition Labels on Consumer Purchases of Five Common Beverages and Snack Foods: Results from a Randomized Trial

BackgroundFront-of-package (FOP) nutrition labeling systems differ in how they rate food and beverage products. There is a need to examine the implications of these differences, including their focus on nutrients of public health concern.ObjectiveOur aim was to examine the impacts of 4 common FOP labels on consumers’ purchases of products that received conflicting ratings across FOP systems.DesignIn an experimental marketplace, participants were randomized to complete a series of purchases under 1 of 5 FOP conditions: no label, “high in” nutrient labels, multiple traffic light, Health Star Rating, or a 5-color nutrition grade.Participants/settingA final sample of 3,584 Canadians (13 years and older) were recruited from shopping centers in March to May 2018.Main outcome measuresProbability of purchasing was assessed for 5 product categories (100% fruit juice, plain milk, chocolate milk, cheese snacks, and diet beverages), which received conflicting ratings across the FOP conditions.Statistical analysesSeparate generalized linear mixed models estimated the influence of FOP condition on 5 binary outcomes (1 = purchased, 0 = not purchased) corresponding to the product categories.ResultsFew differences were observed among the full sample. Among participants who noticed the labels (n = 1,993), those in the Health Star Rating condition were 4.5 percentage points (95% CI –7.0 to –1.9) more likely to purchase 100% fruit juice (compared to multiple traffic light) and 3.3 (95% CI 0.4 to 6.2) and 3.0 percentage points (95% CI 0.1 to 6.1) more likely to purchase cheese snacks (compared to no label and “high in”). “High in” labels produced fewer purchases of chocolate milk than no label.ConclusionsDespite some similarities, existing FOP systems differ in the extent to which they promote or dissuade purchases of common product categories. Although the Health Star Rating might encourage purchases of products with certain positive nutritional attributes, “high in” and multiple traffic light systems might more effectively discourage purchases of products contributing nutrients of public health concern.     

Associations Among Select State Policies and the Nutritional Quality of Household Packaged Food Purchases in the United States from 2008 Through 2017

BackgroundPolicy interventions are important public health tools because they can reach large numbers of people. State context has been associated with health outcomes, yet few studies have examined the extent to which state-level policies are associated with dietary quality.ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to evaluate whether state policies are associated with the nutritional quality of household packaged food purchases.DesignThis observational study used data from Nielsen Homescan, an open-cohort household panel where participants track purchases, and a combination of state-level food and social safety net policy variables from 2008 through 2017.Participants and settingThis study included 615,634 household-year observations in the United States from 2008 through 2017. Household-year observations were excluded in the case that a household did not make a minimum number of purchases and in the case that they had incorrect geographic information. The final analytic sample was 611,719 household-years.Main outcome measuresStudy outcomes included a set of nutrition-related measures of public health interest, including nutrients of concern (eg, sugar, saturated fat, and sodium) and calories from specific food groups (eg, fruits, nonstarchy vegetables, processed meats, mixed dishes, sugar-sweetened beverages, and desserts and snacks).Statistical analysisThis study used multilevel generalized linear models with state fixed effects on three samples: all households, only households with low income, and only households with low educational attainment.ResultsFew significant associations were found between healthy food retail policies and the nutritional quality of purchases, and mixed associations were found between social safety net policies and lower or higher quality packaged food purchases.ConclusionsLittle evidence was found that state policy context in 2008 through 2017 was associated with the quality of packaged food purchases. However, variation in state policies is increasing over time, warranting future research into the relationship between these policies, the quality of packaged food purchases, and the rest of the diet.