RSS 1.0Health and Social Care
The Faculty of Health and Social Care has a long history at University of Chester, being established in the early 1990s as the School of Nursing and Midwifery. A wide variety of programmes are delivered by the Faculty including foundation degrees, undergraduate degrees and postgraduate degrees. All branches (adult, mental health, learning disability and child) of pre-registration nursing can be undertaken, as well as pre-qualification courses in Midwifery and Social Work. Social Work programmes are available at both undergraduate and masters levels. The Faculty also offers a wide ranging and exciting portfolio of post-qualifying programmes with an inter-professional focus. Within the Faculty, research is viewed as integral to the working life of staff, in partnership with local and regional providers of care. The Faculty has a research office which coordinates the activity of the Faculty. The strategic focus is on further development in community/primary care, users and carers support and inter-professional learning. There are opportunities to register for a PhD, with supervision from recognised experts in their field. Individual Professors, Readers and Teaching Fellows lead their own research developments in subjects closely related to practice-based care. These include clinical interventions in eating disorders, supporting individuals with learning disabilities in the penal system, interventions in forensic mental health, supporting carers and users of services, safety factors for single practitioners in the community and pedagogical research.
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“It’s just not something we do at school”. Adolescent boys’ understanding, perceptions, and experiences of muscular fitness activityBACKGROUND: English youth typically do not sufficiently engage in the types and intensities of physical activity that develop muscular fitness. The aim of this study was to use a combination of qualitative techniques to explore adolescent boys' understanding, perceptions, and experiences of physical activity and the role muscular fitness plays within boys' physically active lifestyles. METHODS: Focus group interviews with a write, draw, show, and tell activity were conducted with 32 adolescent boys aged 14-16 years from 3 secondary schools. Three separate sources of data (frequency counts, verbatim transcripts, and visual data) were generated and were pooled together and triangulated. Data were analysed deductively, first using the Youth Physical Activity Promotion model as a thematic framework, and then inductively. RESULTS: Physical activity was frequently associated with organised sport, and most boys were unaware of current UK physical activity guidelines. Co-participation was frequently reported as a reinforcing factor to physical activity. CONCLUSIONS: There was a perceived lack of opportunity to participate in muscular fitness activities, particularly in school, and knowledge of how to conduct muscular fitness activities was limited. The contribution of physical education was highlighted as being key to facilitating exposure to muscular fitness activities.
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The influence of adolescent sport participation on Body Mass Index tracking and the association between Body Mass Index and self-esteem over a three-year periodThis study aimed to (1) investigate gender-specific characteristics associated with low sport participation among UK adolescents, and (2) assess gender-specific BMI tracking, and gender-specific associations between BMI and self-esteem based on different levels of adolescent sport participation. Participants were 9046 (4523 female) UK adolescents. At 11- and 14 years self-esteem was self-reported and BMI was calculated from objectively measured height and weight. At 11- years sport participation was parent-reported. Gender-specific sport participation quartile cut-off values categorised boys and girls separately into four graded groups. Gender-specific χ<sup>2</sup> and independent samples t tests assessed differences in measured variables between the lowest (Q1) and highest (Q4) sport participation quartiles. Adjusted linear regression analyses examined BMI tracking and associations between BMI and self-esteem scores. Gender-specific analyses were conducted separately for sport participation quartiles. Compared to Q4 boys and girls, Q1 boys and girls were more likely to be non-White, low family income, have overweight/obesity at 11 years and report lower self-esteem at 11 years and 14 years. BMI at 11 years was positively associated with BMI at 14 years for boys and girls across sport participation quartiles. BMI at 11 years was inversely associated with self-esteem scores at 11 years for Q1 and Q2 boys, and Q1 and Q4 girls. BMI at 11 years was inversely associated with self-esteem scores at 14 years for Q1, Q3 and Q4 boys, and Q1, Q2, Q3 and Q4 girls. Gender and sport participation influence BMI tracking and the BMI and self-esteem association among adolescents.
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The feasibility and acceptability of an online CPD programme to enhance PE teachers’ knowledge of muscular fitness activitySchools provide an opportunity to enhance muscular fitness of English youth during physical education (PE). Continued professional development (CPD) among teachers may improve muscular fitness activity delivery in schools. This study sought to assess the feasibility and acceptability of an online CPD programme to enhance PE teachers' knowledge of muscular fitness activity. METHODS: Co-production of an online CPD platform was undertaken with five secondary school PE teachers. A quasi-experimental pre-post control group design for the CPD was adopted (CPD group <i>n</i> = 76, control <i>n</i> = 32). Upon CPD completion feedback was solicited for qualitative analysis. RESULTS: Pre-and-post CPD knowledge quiz data were available from 65 participants (55.4% male). The median knowledge quiz change score was significantly higher in the CPD group than in the wait list control group (CPD score vs. control score; U =37, z = -5.96, <i>p</i> < 0.01). Three primary themes reflecting factors associated with the acceptability and feasibility were (1) practical application, (2) support and resources, and (3) knowledge and confidence. CONCLUSIONS: Co-production of an online CPD programme can improve knowledge and affect practice. PE teachers that completed the CPD reported the online platform was beneficial to overcoming the limitations of face-to-face CPD such as time and financial constraints and suggested the content covered was beneficial and appropriate to their teaching. Future work is required to establish links between teachers' learning following CPD, the translation into PE practice and student MF outcomes.
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Prevalence of perceived discrimination and associations with mental health inequalities in the UK during 2019–2020: A cross-sectional studyExperiencing discrimination is associated with poorer mental health and the demographic patterning of discrimination may explain social inequalities in mental health. The present research examined prevalence of perceived discrimination in the UK and associations with social inequalities in mental health. Data were taken from the UK Household Longitudinal Study (n = 32,003). Population subgroups (sex, age, ethnicity, health, religiousness, income, education, and occupation), perceived personal discrimination (personal experience) and perceived belonging to a discriminated group (identified as belonging to a group discriminated against in this country), and probable mental health problems (GHQ-12 assessed, cut off 4+) were reported on in 2019/2020. Nineteen percent of participants perceived personal discrimination in the last year, 9% perceived belonging to a discriminated group, and 22% had probable mental health problems. There were significant inequalities in both perceived discrimination and mental health. Being a younger adult, of mixed ethnicity, having health problems, having a university degree, and being unemployed increased risk of mental health problems and these associations were partially explained by perceived discrimination being more common among these groups. Perceived discrimination is common among UK adults, but prevalence differs by population subgroup. Perceived discrimination may contribute to social inequalities in mental health.
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The Physical Behaviour Intensity Spectrum and Body Mass Index in school-aged youth: A compositional analysis of pooled individual participant dataWe examined the compositional associations between the intensity spectrum derived from incremental acceleration intensity bands and the body mass index (BMI) z-score in youth, and investigated the estimated differences in BMI z-score following time reallocations between intensity bands. School-aged youth from 63 schools wore wrist accelerometers, and data of 1453 participants (57.5% girls) were analysed. Nine acceleration intensity bands (range: 0−50 mg to ≥700 mg) were used to generate time-use compositions. Multivariate regression assessed the associations between intensity band compositions and BMI z-scores. Compositional isotemporal substitution estimated the differences in BMI z-score following time reallocations between intensity bands. The ≥700 mg intensity bandwas strongly and inversely associated with BMI z-score (p < 0.001). The estimated differences in BMI z-score when 5 min were reallocated to and from the ≥700 mg band and reallocated equally among the remaining bands were −0.28 and 0.44, respectively (boys), and −0.39 and 1.06, respectively (girls). The time in the ≥700 mg intensity band was significantly associated with BMI z-score, irrespective of sex. When even modest durations of time in this band were reallocated, the asymmetrical estimated differences in BMI z-score were clinically meaningful. The findings highlight the utility of the full physical activity intensity spectrum over a priori-determined absolute intensity cut-point approaches.
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Changes in the prevalence of perceived discrimination and associations with probable mental health problems in the UK from 2015 to 2020: A repeated cross-sectional analysis of the UK Household Longitudinal StudyBackground: Significant social and political changes occurred in the UK between 2015 and 2020. Few studies have examined population level trends in experiencing discrimination and mental health problems during this period. Aims: To determine prevalence trends in perceived discrimination and probable mental health problems amongst UK adults during 2015-2020. Method: Repeated cross-sectional data from the UK Household Longitudinal Study was used to estimate nationally representative trends in perceived discrimination and probable mental health problems (GHQ-12; 4+ threshold) among adults between 2015/2016-2019/2020 (25,756 observations). Weighted logistic regression models with post-estimation margins commands determined changes between survey waves controlling for sociodemographic characteristics. Mediation models explored whether changes in perceived discrimination prevalence trends explained trends in probable mental health problems. Results: From 2015/2016 to 2019/2020 perceived discrimination and probable mental health problems increased significantly by 6·1% (95% CI: 3·4-8·8, <i>p</i> <·001) and 4·5% (95% CI: 1·3-7·7, <i>p</i> = ·006), respectively. These changes did not tend to reliably differ by sociodemographic grouping. Increased prevalence of probable mental health problems from 2015/2016 to 2019/2020 was partially explained (15·2% of association mediated) by the increase in perceived discrimination observed during the same time period. Conclusions: Amongst UK adults, the prevalence of perceived discrimination and probable mental health problems increased between 2015/2016 to 2019/2020. Increases in perceived discrimination partially explained increases in probable mental health problems. National measures designed to reduce both discrimination and mental health problems have potential to make substantial improvements to public health and should be prioritised in the UK.
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Adolescent time use and mental health: a cross-sectional, compositional analysis in the Millennium Cohort StudyOBJECTIVE: To examine the association of 24-hour time-use compositions with mental health in a large, geographically diverse sample of UK adolescents. DESIGN: Cross-sectional, secondary data analysis. SETTING: Millennium Cohort Study (sixth survey), a UK-based prospective birth cohort. PARTICIPANTS: Data were available from 4642 adolescents aged 14 years. Analytical samples for weekday and weekend analyses were n=3485 and n=3468, respectively (45% boys, 85% white ethnicity). PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary outcome measures were the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ, socioemotional behaviour), Mood and Feelings Questionnaire (MFQ, depressive symptoms) and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSE, self-esteem). Behavioural exposure data were derived from 24-hour time-use diaries. RESULTS: On weekdays, participants spent approximately 54% of their time in sleep, 3% in physical activity, 9% in school-related activities, 6% in hobbies, 11% using electronic media and 16% in domestic activities. Predicted differences in SDQ, MFQ and RSE were statistically significant for all models (weekday and weekend) that simulated the addition or removal of 15 min physical activity, with an increase in activity being associated with improved mental health and vice versa. Predicted differences in RSE were also significant for simulated changes in electronic media use; an increase in electronic media use was associated with reduced self-esteem. CONCLUSION: Small but consistent associations were observed between physical activity, electronic media use and selected markers of mental health. Findings support the delivery of physical activity interventions to promote mental health during adolescence, without the need to specifically target or protect time spent in other activities.
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Reference values for wrist-worn accelerometer physical activity metrics in England children and adolescentsBackground: Over the last decade use of raw acceleration metrics to assess physical activity has increased. Metrics such as Euclidean Norm Minus One (ENMO), and Mean Amplitude Deviation (MAD) can be used to generate metrics which describe physical activity volume (average acceleration), intensity distribution (intensity gradient), and intensity of the most active periods (MX metrics) of the day. Presently, relatively little comparative data for these metrics exists in youth. To address this need, this study presents age- and sex-specific reference percentile values in England youth and compares physical activity volume and intensity profiles by age and sex. Methods: Wrist-worn accelerometer data from 10 studies involving youth aged 5 to 15 y were pooled. Weekday and weekend waking hours were first calculated for youth in school Years (Y) 1&2, Y4&5, Y6&7, and Y8&9 to determine waking hours durations by age-groups and day types. A valid waking hours day was defined as accelerometer wear for ≥ 600 min·d−1 and participants with ≥ 3 valid weekdays and ≥ 1 valid weekend day were included. Mean ENMO- and MAD-generated average acceleration, intensity gradient, and MX metrics were calculated and summarised as weighted week averages. Sex-specific smoothed percentile curves were generated for each metric using Generalized Additive Models for Location Scale and Shape. Linear mixed models examined age and sex differences. Results: The analytical sample included 1250 participants. Physical activity peaked between ages 6.5–10.5 y, depending on metric. For all metrics the highest activity levels occurred in less active participants (3rd-50th percentile) and girls, 0.5 to 1.5 y earlier than more active peers, and boys, respectively. Irrespective of metric, boys were more active than girls (p < .001) and physical activity was lowest in the Y8&9 group, particularly when compared to the Y1&2 group (p < .001). Conclusions: Percentile reference values for average acceleration, intensity gradient, and MX metrics have utility in describing age- and sex-specific values for physical activity volume and intensity in youth. There is a need to generate nationally-representative wrist-acceleration population-referenced norms for these metrics to further facilitate health-related physical activity research and promotion.
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An ethnographic study of multidisciplinary collaboration: the role of psychological safety at a high secure forensic inpatient hospital in GermanyPurpose: This study aims to provide an in-depth understanding of staff perspectives of enablers and barriers to multidisciplinary team (MDT) collaboration and the role of psychological safety (PS) within a high secure forensic inpatient hospital. Design/methodology/approach: A qualitative ethnographic design was adopted. Data were sourced for thematic analysis from 10 observations of treatment meetings, 13 in-depth interviews, and informal conversations among 49 professionals belonging to seven professions, between March 2017 and June 2018. Findings: Four central themes were discovered: a shared approach to care, informal relationships, leadership–power–hierarchy, and PS – influenced by all and influencing all. The absence of a shared approach to care, informal relationships, inclusive leadership, construction of meetings, perceived equality between professions, and feelings of belonging and value to the MDT exert the greatest influence on PS and MDT collaboration. Practical implications: Leaders and knowledgeable staff are advised to: - adopt an inclusive leadership style, - give meeting ownership and chairing to professions low in the hierarchy – design a multidisciplinary concept of treatment with informal relationships, and establish clear roles/responsibilities that enhance equality, value, and belonging to promote PS and diminish perceived power distance between professions. Originality/value: MDT collaboration that aims to socially construct knowledge and share information about patients through communication in meetings is not possible without first consciously creating a safe organisational culture and local context that enables staff to overcome the perceived power distance between professions.
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Perceptions of social careThe initial findings of a study evaluating the perspectives of learners and educators in higher education institutions (HEIs) in England.
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Common sense, clarity and a feel for the game: participation in child and family social work through a Bourdieusian lensIn child protection social work, children and their circumstances are unique, often lacking in clarity and requiring a subjective view. For social workers, the dominant discourse is safeguarding and, in certain circumstances, identifying, predicting and analysing risk of harm may be straightforward. Once established, social workers can offer appropriate support, money and access to services for the child and family. However, whilst social workers regularly assign ‘risk of harm’ as the dominant discourse, the deeper layers and lived experiences of children and families create alternative, competing discourses from a service user perspective, leading to a false clarity. With children and their parents often excluded from iterative participatory processes, their progression in the field of child protection is curtailed and their experiences and opinions unheard. Lack of clarity is then evident in what children and families do not know about their own child protection planning. Using Bourdieu’s (1990) concepts of social space (field) and illusio, this chapter will explore how ‘common sense’ and ‘clarity’ practice for social workers and related actors may be new and confusing to children and parents with no previous experience of social work. For children who may already have a ‘feel for the game’ (illusio), the “rhetoric of participation does not sit easily within statutory child protection services, particularly when the child is an involuntary high-risk client” (Dillon, Greenop and Hills, 2016:75). This chapter will therefore suggest creative ways in which children can gain clarity and meaningfully participate in their own child protection planning.
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Suicide in prison: The potentials and pitfalls of film-research collaborationsPrisoner suicide rates are consistently higher than rates among communities outside prisons. Between 2012 and 2016, England and Wales’s prison suicide rates more than doubled, hitting record numbers in 2016. Often those most invested in prison safety are those personally impacted, and campaigns by prisoners’ families can have material effects on imprisonment. This article critically reflects on a collaboration between an academic research team (who authored this article), a bereaved mother and a theatre company, which aimed to raise awareness of prison suicide through verbatim film. Drawing upon interviews with the filmmakers and audience surveys, we examine the potentials and challenges of such collaborations. We conclude that film can engage audiences within and beyond social science, making complex subjects accessible, humanising marginalised people and potentially inspiring social change, but a sustained ethic of care is required to mitigate harms and manage expectations, which may involve difficult decisions for researchers.
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Observational study of the pre-service vulnerabilities, in-service exposures and post-service antecedents of suicide in veterans of the UK Armed Forces, 2007–2018INTRODUCTION: Although there have been a number of epidemiological studies of suicide in veterans, there have been few in-depth studies of those who have died. Studies have not explored the relative contribution of pre-service, in-service and post-service factors. We aimed to investigate the adversities veterans face before they take their lives, their contact with support services that could be preventative and whether these differ in younger and older veterans. METHODS: Using national databases of discharged personnel and suicide deaths, we identified deaths by suicide in personnel who left the UK Armed Forces (UKAF) between 2007 and 2018. We extracted information on the antecedents of suicide in a random sample of these deaths from official investigations, mostly coroners’ records. RESULTS: In total, we obtained data for 145 individuals; 134 (92%) were male and 11 (8%) were female. Seven (5%) were from a minority ethnic group. The median age at death was 36 years (21–65 years). 18 (12%) veterans had experienced childhood adversity. Relatively few (10, 7%) experienced trauma relating to deployment on combat operations or had difficulty adjusting to civilian life (6, 4%). Most (140, 97%) veterans had been in contact with support services, particularly primary care (130, 90%), but undertreatment was common with only 10 (5%) veterans having received psychological intervention. Unemployment, alcohol and drug misuse, mental and physical ill health, workplace, housing and relationship problems were common antecedents. CONCLUSIONS: Veterans experience a range of challenges after leaving the UKAF. Common antecedents to suicide, such as self-harm, suicidal ideation and drug misuse, are open to intervention. However, despite most veterans seeking help from a range of support services, few were receiving psychological intervention. Prevention should also focus on addressing the needs of veterans beyond mental ill health, like employment and housing.
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‘Give me a minute, I just need to put you into your groups’: Transferring group activities to the online space using breakout roomsTransitions to online learning as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic challenged how group-based activities were delivered. This paper explores how a quantitative social research design project allowed insights into digital pedagogy. Transition to group working in breakout rooms required planning to be centred on an imagined student learning experience. As a Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA), this included understanding the dynamics by group, supporting learning in the digital space, presenting accessible materials, facilitating the learning process across multiple groups, and (re)planning teaching sessions successfully for the online milieu. Breakout rooms are dispersed digital learning spaces and were in use at a time when students were experiencing significant declines in mental health, challenges with digital exclusion, disengagement, and a lack of online confidence in peer-to-peer relationships (Peper et al., 2021; Savage et al., 2020). Addressing these key factors required a more student-centred planning approach, based on individual and group needs, in ways which were not seen within face-to-face delivery. Drawing on experiences of the potential for isolation and uncertainty for students in breakout room spaces, I reimagined the digital space in terms of material presentation, facilitating student empowerment, and communicating and managing across multiple breakout rooms concurrently. These strategies contributed towards positive student experiences, providing pedagogical insights into newer online teaching practices for GTAs.
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‘Excuse me, I have a delivery’ The [re] construction of interview ‘space' in the Covid-19 pandemicCovid-19 has transformed the qualitative interview process, as remote video methods have become mainstream, challenging the domination of face-to-face interviews. In the pandemic churn, researchers’ focus was on ensuring participants’ safety and care in the virtual interview environment. There was more limited consideration of what this ‘new normal’ meant for the researcher. This reflection draws on two qualitative research projects conducted during the 2020/2021 pandemic period in the UK. We propose that assumptions of ‘space’ in the qualitative interview process have been (re)constructed in remote interviews during Covid19. To be present virtually creates geographic freedoms of participant access, but subjective risks from interviewing in the virtual space. Context can no longer be understood through the shared experience of an interview space. There is a delineation of what is ‘public’ or ‘private’ as participants and researchers share their domestic spheres. Using ethnographic reflections, we explore the changing notions of geographic, public and private space in the Covid-19 interview.
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The efficacy of Cotrimoxazole for the prevention of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia among HIV-exposed and infected children: A systematic reviewBACKGROUND: HIV-related opportunistic infections like Pneumocystis jirovecii Pneumonia (PCP) remain a major contributor to child morbidity and mortality globally. PCP accounts for over 60% of AIDS in the first year of life and is responsible for a third of AIDS in children globally. Cotrimoxazole prophylaxis, which is an intervention directed towards tackling this burden, has not attained remarkable coverage despite advocacy towards scale-up. This work was therefore aimed at evaluating the efficacy of cotrimoxazole in the prevention of PCP among children exposed to and infected with HIV by carrying out a systematic review. METHODS: Key scientific databases were searched for primary studies not older than 15 years old without language restrictions. Randomized Control Trials (RCTs) and Cohorts comparing the effectiveness of cotrimoxazole versus placebo in the prevention of PCP among children (<17 years) exposed to and infected with HIV were selected. Studies with a duration of follow-up not less than 3 months long were included. A meta-analysis was conducted on RevMan 5.3 statistical application software following data extraction, and the data quality and risk of bias were also assessed. Exactly Ten (10) studies were selected and analyzed. FINDINGS: It was observed that cotrimoxazole had beneficial effects in terms of a reduction in mortality among HIV-exposed and infected children, as 72 fewer children in 1000 (based on an absolute 95% CI) will die as a result of cotrimoxazole compared to a placebo. Cotrimoxazole also significantly reduces hospital admissions (p-value of 0.008). The adverse events associated with cotrimoxazole are comparable to a placebo when co-administered with ARTS (p = 0.90), which did not impact adherence. CONCLUSION: The benefits of cotrimoxazole prophylaxis far outweigh its risks. Therefore, scaling up the intervention is recommended as a prophylactic for wider coverage, especially in resource-limited settings.
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Accumulation of perceived discrimination over time and likelihood of probable mental health problems in UK adults: A longitudinal cohort studyBACKGROUND: Limited research has examined whether accumulation of discrimination over time is associated with worse mental health and whether such experiences are related to socioeconomic status (SES). METHODS: A sample of UK adults with self-reported discrimination experiences (n = 3863) was taken from three waves of the UK Household Longitudinal Study (2015–2020). Multinomial logistic regression assessed associations between SES (income, education, occupation) and cumulative discrimination (number of timepoints discrimination was reported). Logistic regression models assessed prospective associations between cumulative discrimination and probable mental health problems (GHQ-12; 4+ threshold). RESULTS: Those with lower income were more likely to report discrimination at one timepoint (vs. none). No SES measures were associated with experiencing discrimination at multiple timepoints. Participants who reported one timepoint of discrimination (vs. no experiences) were significantly more likely to report probable mental health problems (OR = 1.47, p < .001, 95% CI 1.20–1.80). Moreover, compared to those experiencing one timepoint, participants reporting multiple timepoints of discrimination were significantly more likely to report probable mental health problems (OR = 1.46, p = .002, 95% CI 1.15–1.86), indicating a cumulative association between discrimination and mental health. There was limited evidence that SES moderated this cumulative association. LIMITATIONS: Mental health measures were based on self-report questionnaires and not a clinical diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: Amongst a sample of UK adults, perceiving discrimination at multiple timepoints increased the likelihood of experiencing probable mental health problems. There was limited evidence that this cumulative association differed by SES. National measures designed to reduce discrimination may benefit mental health.
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Extrinsic goals benefit capitalism but not well-being. Rethinking the economy’s goal for a healthier futureThe dramatic rise in non-communicable diseases around the world but notably in high-income countries like the UK is a manifestation of a global economic system—capitalism—that prioritizes wealth over health. A decade ago, the former WHO Director-General, Margaret Chan highlighted how ‘efforts to prevent non-communicable diseases go against the business interests of powerful economic operators’ [United Nations. (2013) Take Action for the Sustainable Development Goals. https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/sustainable-development-goals/ (last accessed 16 February 2024)]. While there is a growing literature on how politics and economics influence population health—for better or worse—less attention has been given to exploring how economic systems like capitalism influence people’s psychological well-being. To fill this gap, the following article examines how the continued pursuit of economic growth under capitalism (neoliberal free-market forms especially) impacts well-being through challenging basic psychological needs for security, autonomy, competence and relatedness. In doing so, I hope to shed important light on the sources and possible solutions to our growing health and social problems, and stimulate a conversation on how to achieve a healthier future for us all.
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Supply of energy and selected nutrients in meals consumed by Moroccan students at home and on a university campusBACKGROUND: Student life is often accompanied by changes in eating behavior. Adopting a balanced and varied diet and healthy eating habits can promote the health, growth and intellectual development of young people at different stages of life. According to the WHO, a healthy diet helps protect against all forms of malnutrition, as well as against noncommunicable diseases. The nutritional and energy intake must follow nutritional norms, for example energy intake must be adapted to expenditure. To avoid excessive weight gain, fat should not exceed 30% of total energy intake OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to compare energy consumption, macronutrients and selected minerals in food rations consumed by students at university campus and at home. MATERIALS AND METHOD: The subjects were chosen at random from among volunteer students from Hassan II University in Casablanca. A sample of 130 students (54 women and 76 men) aged 18 to 25, participated in this study. Anthropometric measurements were performed to assess general characteristics, and records of one-day food intakes at university and at the parental home were performed by 24-hour food diary, and as well as conducting face-to-face. Variables were expressed as mean ± standard deviation (SD). The Kolmogorov–Smirnov test was used to check the normality of data. RESULTS: In accordance with the body mass index classifications, 69.5% of male university students and 77.7% of female were in normal weight categories. The overweight classes were 25.1% and 5.6%, respectively, for men and women. Assessment of the energy and nutritional intakes of university and home meals shows that students consume more calories, protein, carbohydrates, sodium, potassium, and iodine at home than at university, but these contributions remain insufficient in relation to the RDAs. Students consume more fat, especially saturated fatty acids, at university than at home. More than half of students exceed the recommended daily recommendations for saturated fatty acids. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that a university students’ diet is influenced by their behaviors, attitudes, and knowledge. Hence the importance of nutrition education, based on what foods to consume rather than what foods to avoid, a societal issue that requires a multidisciplinary, multisectoral and culturally appropriate approach.
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Creative Health a joke or valuable learning experience; A mixed methods studyBACKGROUND: Creative Health has been recognised to be beneficial for wellbeing and population health. Recommendations have been made that health care students and professionals should receive education and practical experience of the arts. This paper reports on a pilot creative health placement for undergraduate nurses at a UK University. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a Creative Health placement, investigating the placements impact on student's knowledge and understanding of arts-based activities, including social prescribing. To reflect on the overall value of Creative Health placements for nursing students and to make recommendations for future Creative Health placements. DESIGN: A mixed methods approach was adopted using the principles of ethnography to evaluate the experiences of the students, artists, service users and practice assessors/supervisors. SETTING: Data was collected from one University Centre that facilitated the Creative Health placement. PARTICIPANTS: 60 Bachelor of Nursing Students, 4 practice assessors/supervisors and 6 Creative Health artists and 89 service users participated. METHODS: Ethnographic data, including artefacts, photographs, diaries, qualitative reflections were collected alongside a quantitative evaluation survey that students completed. Service user feedback forms were used to collect user experiences and two focus groups for the artist and practice assessor were employed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: The placement provided the students insights and understanding about creative health and social prescribing, however there were challenges regarding conceptualising creative health as part of their nursing practice. Students talked about the impact the placement had on their own wellbeing. 81.8 % agreed working with the artists provided insight into Creative Health practice and 86.4 % indicated the placement enabled them to understand the impact of Creative Health on wellbeing. Creative Health artists and the practice assessors/supervisors wanted greater collaboration to support learning and assessment. Service users provided positive feedback about their experiences. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the placement was a success and there were valuable lessons learnt for future placement plans. We concluded that creative health placements should be an essential part of the nursing programme.
