A narrative review of psychological and educational strategies applied to young children’s eating behaviours aimed at reducing obesity risk – Gibson – 2012 – Obesity Reviews – Wiley Online Library

A narrative review of psychological and educational strategies applied to young children’s eating behaviours aimed at reducing obesity risk – Gibson – 2012 – Obesity Reviews – Wiley Online Library.

An NHS Athens account may be required to view this in full.

Summary

Strategies to reduce risk of obesity by influencing preschool children’s eating behaviour are reviewed. The studies are placed in the context of relevant psychological processes, including inherited and acquired preferences, and behavioural traits, such as food neophobia, ‘enjoyment of food’ and ‘satiety responsiveness’. These are important influences on how children respond to feeding practices, as well as predictors of obesity risk. Nevertheless, in young children, food environment and experience are especially important for establishing eating habits and food preferences. Providing information to parents, or to children, on healthy feeding is insufficient. Acceptance of healthy foods can be encouraged by five to ten repeated tastes. Recent evidence suggests rewarding healthy eating can be successful, even for verbal praise alone, but that palatable foods should not be used as rewards for eating. Intake of healthier foods can be promoted by increasing portion size, especially in the beginning of the meal. Parental strategies of pressuring to eat and restriction do not appear to be causally linked to obesity, but are instead primarily responses to children’s eating tendencies and weight. Moderate rather than frequent restriction may improve healthy eating in children. Actively positive social modelling by adults and peers can be effective in encouraging healthier eating.

A narrative review of psychological and educational strategies applied to young children’s eating behaviours aimed at reducing obesity risk – Gibson – 2012 – Obesity Reviews – Wiley Online Library

A narrative review of psychological and educational strategies applied to young children’s eating behaviours aimed at reducing obesity risk – Gibson – 2012 – Obesity Reviews – Wiley Online Library.

An NHS Athens account may be required to view this in full.

Summary

The aim of this narrative review is critically to evaluate educational strategies promoting physical activity that are used in the preschool setting in the context of obesity prevention programmes. Literature search was conducted between April and August 2010 in English and German databases (PubMED, PsychINFO, PSYNDEX, ERIC, FIS Bildung). Outcomes considered were time and intensity of physical activity, motor skills or measures of body composition. A total of 19 studies were included. Ten studies added physical activity lessons into their curriculum, one study provided more time for free play, eight studies focused on the social and play environment. Studies reporting positive outcomes implemented physical activity sessions that lasted at least 30 min d⁻¹. Several studies showed that children are most active in the first 10–15 min. The existence or installation of playground markings or fixed play equipment had no effect, whereas the presence or addition of portable play equipment was positively correlated with moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. Teacher training may be a key element for successful interventions. To overcome time constraints, a suggested solution is to integrate physical activity into daily routines and other areas of the preschool curriculum.

Assessment tools of energy balance-related behaviours used in European obesity prevention strategies: review of studies during preschool – Obesity Reviews

Assessment tools of energy balance-related behaviours used in European obesity prevention strategies: review of studies during preschool – Mouratidou – 2012 – Obesity Reviews – Wiley Online Library.

An NHS Athens account may be required to view this in full.

Summary

Valid and reliable measures of energy balance-related behaviours are required when evaluating the effectiveness of public health interventions aiming at prevention of childhood obesity. A structured descriptive review was performed to appraise food intake, physical activity and sedentary behaviour assessment tools used in obesity intervention strategies targeting mainly preschool children across Europe. In total, 25 papers are described, addressing energy balance-related behaviours as study outcomes and targeting individuals or clusters of individuals at school- or home-based environment. Parentally reported food records and 24-h recalls were commonly used to assess food intake. Subjective levels of physical activity and sedentary behaviour were commonly accessed via parentally reported questionnaires. Accelerometry was used to obtain objective measures of physical activity. Insufficient evidence of tool evaluation was provided. When feasible, food records and accelerometry are recommended as the most appropriate methods to assess food intake in young children. Sedentary behaviour could be assessed via questionnaires that include key indicators of sedentarism and are able to differentiate individual practices. The choice of methodology for the assessment of specific intervention effects should be equally balanced between required accuracy levels and feasibility, and be guided by the intervention targets.

Baby knows best? The impact of weaning style on food preferences and body mass index in early childhood in a case–controlled sample — Townsend and Pitchford 2 (1) — BMJ Open

Baby knows best? The impact of weaning style on food preferences and body mass index in early childhood in a case–controlled sample — Townsend and Pitchford 2 (1) — BMJ Open.

This article is available freely via Open Access. Please click on the above link to view it fully.

 

Abstract

Objective The impact of different weaning methods on food preferences and body mass index (BMI) in early childhood is not known. Here, we examine if weaning method—baby-led weaning versus traditional spoon feeding—influences food preferences and health-related outcomes.

Identifying effective behavioural models and behaviour change strategies underpinning preschool- and school-based obesity prevention interventions aimed at 4–6-year-olds: a systematic review – Obesity Reviews

Identifying effective behavioural models and behaviour change strategies underpinning preschool- and school-based obesity prevention interventions aimed at 4–6-year-olds: a systematic review – Nixon – 2012 – Obesity Reviews – Wiley Online Library.

An NHS Athens account may be required to view this in full.

Summary

The aim of this comprehensive systematic review was to identify the most effective behavioural models and behaviour change strategies, underpinning preschool- and school-based interventions aimed at preventing obesity in 4–6-year-olds. Searching was conducted from April 1995 to April 2010 using MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO and The Cochrane Library. Epidemiological studies relevant to the research question with controlled assignment of participants were included in the review, if they had follow-up periods of 6 months or longer. Outcomes included markers of weight gain; markers of body composition; physical activity behaviour changes and dietary behaviour changes. Twelve studies were included in the review. The most commonly used model was social cognitive theory (SCT)/social learning theory (SLT) either as a single model or in combination with other behavioural models. Studies that used SCT/SLT in the development of the intervention had significant favourable changes in one, or more, outcome measures. In addition, interventions that (i) combined high levels of parental involvement and interactive school-based learning; (ii) targeted physical activity and dietary change; and (iii) included long-term follow-up, appeared most effective. It is suggested that interventions should also be focused on developing children’s (and parents’) perceived competence at making dietary and physical changes.

Existing policies, regulation, legislation and ongoing health promotion activities related to physical activity and nutrition in pre-primary education settings: an overview – Obesity Reviews

Existing policies, regulation, legislation and ongoing health promotion activities related to physical activity and nutrition in pre-primary education settings: an overview – Nethe – 2012 – Obesity Reviews – Wiley Online Library.

An NHS Athens account may be required to view this in full.

 

Summary

Obesity prevention efforts for school-aged children and adolescents are increasing in number. However, little has been done to address the problem in the preschool age. To address this age group, an evidence-based preschool programme on physical activity (PA) and nutrition is developed within the ToyBox project. Environmental influencing factors such as policies and competitive health promotion activities could inhibit or induce a successful health promotion programme. This paper describes an overview of existing policies, legislation and/or regulations and health promotion activities in the preschool setting. Method: data were gathered on policies and activities aiming to improve healthy eating and PA of young children (age group 4–6 years) in Belgium-Flanders, Bulgaria, Germany, Greece, Poland and Spain. A limited number of influencing policies, regulations and/or legislation exists; agenda setting of health promotion and policy evaluations in all relevant policy areas was lacking. Also, health promotion activities in preschool the setting did not exist in all six European countries and high-quality preschool-based health interventions existed in three of the six ToyBox countries.

BBC News – Assisted suicide cases guidelines issued by GMC

The General Medical Council is launching its first ever guidelines on assisted suicide.

via BBC News – Assisted suicide cases guidelines issued by GMC.

CQC calls for improved community and social care data | News | Health Service Journal

The Care Quality Commission is backing a campaign started by Dr Foster Intelligence for hospitals to record simple care quality information when patients are admitted to hospital.

via CQC calls for improved community and social care data | News | Health Service Journal.

This article is solely the work of the HSJ. For a full copy of the article please contact the library.

Care Quality Commission to get external assessor

via Exclusive: Care Quality Commission to get external assessor | News | Health Service Journal.

This article is solely the work of the HSJ. For a full copy of the article please contact the library.

An “external body” is set to be appointed to assess the effectiveness of the Care Quality Commission, HSJ has learnt

 

Lord Owen: Lords have failed to alter the Health Bill

via Lord Owen: Lords have failed to alter the Health Bill | News | Health Service Journal.

This article is solely the work of the HSJ. For a full copy of the article please contact the library.

The House of Lords has failed to make significant changes to the Health Bill, the influential crossbencher Lord Owen has said, calling on the prime minister to scrap the legislation before it becomes law

 

Government benefits clampdown ‘increasing disability abuse’

via Government benefits clampdown ‘increasing disability abuse’ | News | Health Service Journal.

This article is solely the work of the HSJ. For a full copy of the article please contact the library.

Charities have warned that disabled people are increasingly being subjected to abuse as a result of the government’s focus on alleged fraud and over-claiming to justify benfits cuts.

 

Evidence-based recommendations for the development of obesity prevention programs targeted at preschool children -Obesity Reviews

Evidence-based recommendations for the development of obesity prevention programs targeted at preschool children – Summerbell – 2012 – Obesity Reviews – Wiley Online Library.

 

 

Summary

The ToyBox intervention was developed using an evidence-based approach, using the findings of four reviews. These reviews included three critical and narrative reviews of educational strategies and psychological approaches explaining young children’s acquisition and formation of energy-balance related behaviours, and the management of these behaviours, and also a systematic review of behavioural models underpinning school-based interventions in preschool and school settings for the prevention of obesity in children aged 4–6 years.

Nearly 2000 amendments are not enough to save health bill, says BMA | BMJ

via Nearly 2000 amendments are not enough to save health bill, says BMA | BMJ.

An NHS Athens account may be required to view this in full.

The BMA has said that the government needs to go back to the drawing board with its plans for the NHS if care of patients and efficiency are to improve

 

New evidence of worse outcomes for weekend patients reignites call for seven day hospital services | BMJ

via New evidence of worse outcomes for weekend patients reignites call for seven day hospital services | BMJ.

An NHS Athens account may be required to view this in full.

Patients admitted to hospital at the weekend are significantly more likely to die within 30 days than those admitted during the week, concludes a study that has led to renewed calls for the NHS to provide true seven day access.

The abstract of the full research can be viewed by clicking here

Critics of the NHS reforms have lost sight of what they can deliver, hears conference | BMJ

Critics of the NHS reforms have lost sight of what they can deliver, hears conference | BMJ.

An NHS Athens account may be required to view this in full.

The government adviser on clinical commissioning for the new look NHS has hit back at the professional bodies lining up in a last ditch attempt to derail the proposed healthcare legislation for England ahead of its scheduled passage through the House of Lords.

Cancer charity rates TV shows in terms of junk food advertising

Cancer charity rates TV shows in terms of junk food advertising | BMJ.

An NHS Athens account may be required to view this in full.

An Australian cancer charity has launched an interactive online tool so that parents can identify which television shows have the most and least advertising of junk food.

Cancer Council NSW has also designed the Fat Free TV Guide (www.fatfreetv.com.au) as an advocacy tool, encouraging users to send emails or videos to television station executives.

Exploring factors relevant in the assessment of the return-to-work process of employees on long-term sickness absence due to a depressive disorder: a focus group study

BMC Public Health | Abstract | Exploring factors relevant in the assessment of the return-to-work process of employees on long-term sickness absence due to a depressive disorder: a focus group study.

This article is available freely via Open Access. Please click on the above link to view it fully.

 

Abstract (provisional)

Background

Efforts undertaken during the Return-to-Work (RTW) process need to be sufficient in order to optimize the quality of the RTW process. The purpose of this study was to explore factors relevant to Return-to-Work Effort Sufficiency (RTW-ES) in cases of sick-listed employees with a Depressive Disorder (DD).

Reform cuts costing 6,000 nursing posts, Labour warns | News | Health Service Journal

via Reform cuts costing 6,000 nursing posts, Labour warns | News | Health Service Journal.

This article is solely the work of the HSJ. For a full copy of the article please contact the library.

Money earmarked for the costs of reorganising the NHS could pay to prevent the loss of 6,000 nursing jobs, Labour claims.

 

Children under 10 in Northern Ireland treated for eating disorders

A number of children under 10 have been treated in hospitals in Northern Ireland for eating disorders.

via BBC News – Children under 10 in Northern Ireland treated for eating disorders.

Royal College of GPs joins calls for Health Bill to be scrapped

via Royal College of GPs joins calls for Health Bill to be scrapped | News | Health Service Journal.

This article is solely the work of the HSJ. For a full copy of the article please contact the library.

The UK’s largest medical royal college has called for the prime minister to scrap the Health and Social Care Bill, branding it “damaging, unnecessary and expensive”.