Dedication of Livingston C. Lord Library

Dedication speech of Livingston Lord Library 1961 by Ada Comstock Notestein who recalled the early days of Moorhead Normal School and its faculty and first President Livingston Lord

What can secondary data tell us about household food insecurity in a high-income country context?

In the absence of routinely collected household food insecurity data, this study investigated what could be determined about the nature and prevalence of household food insecurity in Scotland from secondary data. Secondary analysis of the Living Costs and Food Survey (2007–2012) was conducted to calculate weekly food expenditure and its ratio to equivalised income for households below average income (HBAI) and above average income (non-HBAI). Diet Quality Index (DQI) scores were calculated for this survey and the Scottish Health Survey (SHeS, 2008 and 2012). Secondary data provided a partial picture of food insecurity prevalence in Scotland, and a limited picture of differences in diet quality. In 2012, HBAI spent significantly less in absolute terms per week on food and non-alcoholic drinks (£53.85) compared to non-HBAI (£86.73), but proportionately more of their income (29% and 15% respectively). Poorer households were less likely to achieve recommended fruit and vegetable intakes than were more affluent households. The mean DQI score (SHeS data) of HBAI fell between 2008 and 2012, and was significantly lower than the mean score for non-HBAI in 2012. Secondary data are insufficient to generate the robust and comprehensive picture needed to monitor the incidence and prevalence of food insecurity in Scotland.</p

Reliability of Hand-Held Dynamometry for Measuring Force Production in People with Parkinson’s Disease

Purpose: People with Parkinson’s disease (PD) have impaired force production, which is associated with decreased mobility and falls risk. Reliable measurement of force production is important. Design: A repeated-measures, intra- and inter-rater reliability study was undertaken. Participants: 24 people with mild PD were measured by one or two raters. Outcome measures: Isometric force of the major upper and lower limb muscle groups was measured using hand-held dynamometry. Results: Fourteen participants were measured by the same rater on two occasions to determine intra-rater reliability. Ten participants were measured on two occasions by two different raters to determine inter-rater reliability. The intra-rater reliability of hand-held dynamometry was excellent in every muscle group, except the dorsiflexors. Intra-rater reliability was highest when measuring wrist extensors (ICC(2,1) = 0.98, 95% CI: 0.94 to 0.99) and lowest when measuring ankle dorsiflexors (ICC(2,1) = 0.87, 95% CI: 0.43 to 0.97). Inter-rater reliability was variable ranging from poor (wrist flexors: ICC(2,2) = -0.15, 95% CI: -1.14 to 0.60) to excellent (grip strength: ICC(2,2) = 0.97, 95% CI: 0.88 to 0.99). Conclusion: Hand-held dynamometry has good to excellent intra-rater reliability, but poor inter-rater reliability, for measuring force in the upper and lower limb in people with mild PD

Assessing the potential for integrating routine data collection on complementary feeding to child health visits: a mixed-methods study

There is no routine data collection in the UK on infant dietary diversity during the transition to solid foods, and health visitors (HVs) (nurses or midwives with specialist training in children and family health) have the potential to play a key role in nutrition surveillance. We aimed to assess items for inclusion in routine data collection, their suitability for collecting informative data, and acceptability among HVs. A mixed-methods study was undertaken using: (i) an online survey testing potential questionnaire items among parents/caregivers, (ii) questionnaire redevelopment in collaboration with community staff, and (iii) a survey pilot by HVs followed by qualitative data collection. Preliminary online questionnaires (n = 122) were collected to identify useful items on dietary diversity. Items on repeated exposure to foods, aversive feeding behaviors, flavor categories, and sugar intake were selected to correspond to nutrition recommendations, and be compatible with electronic records via tablet. HVs surveyed 187 parents of infants aged 12 months. Semi-structured interviews indicated that HVs found the questionnaire comparable with standard nutrition conversations, which prompted helpful discussions, but questions on eating behavior did not prompt such useful discussions and, in some cases, caused confusion about what was ‘normal.’ Lack of time among HVs, internet connectivity issues, and fear of losing rapport with parents were barriers to completing electronic questionnaires, with 91% submitted by paper. Routine nutrition data collection via child health records seems feasible and could inform quality improvement projects

The Utility and Value of The Physiotherapy eSkills Training Online Resource During Work-integrated learning: A mixed methods study.

ABSTRACT Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the use and value of the Physiotherapy eSkills Training Online resource during work-integrated learning in naïve physiotherapy students. Method: A mixed methods study design was used. Participants: Forty-four final year physiotherapy students participating in neurological work-integrated learning units of study participated in this study. Intervention: Students had access to the Physiotherapy eSkills Training Online resource during their 6-week neurological work-integrated learning unit of study, which includes video footage and written information about 25 practical skills related to the physiotherapy management of stroke. Outcome Measures: Use of the Physiotherapy eSkills Training Online resource was examined by recording the number of hits on the resource, the number of students who accessed it, the number of times each student accessed it, and the time it was accessed. Students’ perception of the value of the resource was explored through semi-structured interviews. Results: There were 46 hits on the resource, by 13 (30%) students during the neurological work-integrated learning unit of study. Ten students accessed the resource twice or more. Double the number of hits occurred outside of work hours compared with during work hours. Qualitative analysis revealed five themes regarding the low usage of the resource by students: content of the resource; learning style; learning behavior and expectations; technical issues; and practical issues. Conclusion: Use of the resource was low, with only a small number of students using the resource on a few occasions. Value of the resource could not be clearly established