The development and validation of a physical activity recall questionnaire for adults: using a cognitive model of the question-answer process

Research has revealed that regular physical activity (PA) positively affects health. Accurate measurement of physical activity levels among adults is thus required. Recall questionnaires can obtain this in formation but retrieval of accurate in formation is known to be difficult. Accuracy can be enhanced by developing questionnaires that use cognitive techniques and recall cues. This researchde signed a valid and reliable past-seven -day Physical Activity Recall Questionnaire ( P A R Q ), using a model from cognitive psychology. This model explains the memory processesused to answer questions and identifies recall cues that can enhance accuracy. A draft version of PARQ was developed in study one. Items were gene rated following discussions in eight focus groups, conducted in both urban and rural settings. Following analysis of transcripts, descriptions of physical activity -related terms and a variety of recall cues, such as psychological and physiological descriptions, were included in the design of the draft PARQ. The cognitive processes used to complete the questionnaire we reassessed through a series of cognitive interviews, in study two. Identification of cognitive problems in the questionnaire was facilitate by applying Tourangeau’s (1984) model of the question -answer process, during data collection and analysis. Problematic areas, detected in the comprehension and retrieval stages or answering the question, were amended. This produced an improved version of PARQ that was ready for psychometrice valuation. The test-re test reliability of PARQ was comprehensively assessed in study three. Initially, intraclass correlations (0.95) indicated that PARQ is a highly reliable PA measurement tool. High intensity actvity and moderate intensity are equally reliable (0.94). Reliability was better when PARQ included a personal calendar (PC) recall cue (0.95) again st when the PC was not included (0.83). The order of questions in the questionnaire was assessed and found not to significantly affect there liability of PARQ. There liability of PARQ in measuring total, high and moderate intensity physical activity was further asserted, with similar results emerging following analysis by Pearson correlation coefficients and the Coefficient of Repeatability. Assessment of specific types of PA showed that the category with the least amount be recalled was the most reliable (family activity = 0.97). As the volume of recalled activity increased, correlation scores reduced. This reflects Conway’s description of the burden some retrieval of frequently performed memories, due to the structure of autobiographical memory. The final study examined the criterion validity of PARQ, firstly with an RT3 accelerometer (r= 052). The performance of asubmaximal walking treadmill test by each of the participants enabled the assessment of the individual intensity questions. A time -matched heart rate monitor and accelerometercon currently assessed the criterion validity of high intensity (r= 0 5 5 ) and moderate intensity (r=04) Concurrent validity of PARQ with the Stages of Change model of intentional behaviour change was also established, with regularly active participants reporting more activity than the not- regularly active participants. The ability of PARQ to provide valid in formation about the duration and intensity of different types of activities, means that it is capable of proving in formation about energy expenditure. This is important in terms of measuring the dose -response relationship between health and physical activity participation. The personal calendar acts as a recall cue that success fully probes the memory to retrieve accurate information. The application of the cognitive model to the design of PARQ has produced a reliable and valid working questionnaire. It directly provides accurate in formation about minutes of PA participation and indirectly provides information about energy expenditure, both of which are relevant to health - related guidelines, published by the American College of Sports Medecine and the Centre for Disease Control

Societal beliefs about pain may be more balanced than previously thought:Results of the Guernsey pain survey

Musculoskeletal pain is multidimensional and associated with significant societal impact. Persistent or chronic pain is a public health priority. A step towards high-value care is a contemporary understanding of pain. While pain-related knowledge has been examined in specific conditions (e.g. neck pain) knowledge of the public's broader understanding regarding musculoskeletal pain per se, warrants investigation. This study examined the public's knowledge and beliefs regarding musculoskeletal pain and pain management. This observational cohort study was conducted in Guernsey (January 2019-February 2020). Participants (n = 1656; 76.0% female) completed an online questionnaire capturing: demographics, pain experience, work absenteeism, understanding of pain and pain management, multidimensional influences, physical activity, pain catastrophising and healthcare decision-making. Statements were deemed true/false/equivocal and mapped to biopsychosocial/biomedical/neutral perspectives based upon contemporary literature. Descriptive statistics were analysed for each statement. Participants' responses were examined for alignment to a contemporary viewpoint and themes within responses derived using a semi-quantitative approach modelled on direct content analysis. Comparisons between participants with/without pain were examined (χ -squared/Wilcoxon Rank Sum test). Within the cohort 83.6% reported currently experiencing pain. The overarching theme was perspectives that reflected both biomedical and contemporary, multidimensional understandings of pain. Sub-themes included uncertainty about pain persistence and evidence-based means to reduce recurrence, and reliance upon healthcare professionals for guiding decision-making. Compared to those with pain, those without had a greater belief that psychological interventions may help and lower pain catastrophising. Participants' understanding of pain demonstrated both biomedical and multidimensional pain understanding consistent with elements of a contemporary understanding of pain. [Abstract copyright: © 2024. The Author(s).

Levels of wellbeing, resilience, and physical activity amongst Irish pre-service teachers: a baseline study

The current study examines the wellbeing, resilience and physical activity (PA) levels among Irish pre-service teachers. Participants were a sample of 128 higher education students (29% male; 71% female; mean age range 18–27 years old) who completed a self-report questionnaire, using a combination of established instruments for wellbeing, resilience, and PA. Descriptive data revealed that 39.1% presented with low levels of resilience, and 74% were not meeting the PA guidelines for health. One sample t-tests further revealed the sample population of higher education students had lower wellbeing (t (127) = −3.05, p = .003) and resilience (t (127) = −6.48, p = .003) levels, when compared to the population normative data. Results from the existing study suggest that a structured mental health and PA education awareness intervention for Irish pre-service teachers may be warranted, specifically to increase the lower than expected levels of resilience. The existing sample of pre-service teachers are at a critical time of transition, as they move forward into a profession where self-awareness of wellbeing is required at the beginning of their careers to sustain health both inside and outside of the classroom

Diageo's 'Stop Out of Control Drinking' Campaign in Ireland: An Analysis.

BACKGROUND: It has been argued that the alcohol industry uses corporate social responsibility activities to influence policy and undermine public health, and that every opportunity should be taken to scrutinise such activities. This study analyses a controversial Diageo-funded 'responsible drinking' campaign ("Stop out of Control Drinking", or SOOCD) in Ireland. The study aims to identify how the campaign and its advisory board members frame and define (i) alcohol-related harms, and their causes, and (ii) possible solutions. METHODS: Documentary analysis of SOOCD campaign material. This includes newspaper articles (n = 9), media interviews (n = 11), Facebook posts (n = 92), and Tweets (n = 340) produced by the campaign and by board members. All material was coded inductively, and a thematic analysis undertaken, with codes aggregated into sub-themes. RESULTS: The SOOCD campaign utilises vague or self-defined concepts of 'out of control' and 'moderate' drinking, tending to present alcohol problems as behavioural rather than health issues. These are also unquantified with respect to actual drinking levels. It emphasises alcohol-related antisocial behaviour among young people, particularly young women. In discussing solutions to alcohol-related problems, it focuses on public opinion rather than on scientific evidence, and on educational approaches and information provision, misrepresenting these as effective. "Moderate drinking" is presented as a behavioural issue ("negative drinking behaviours"), rather than as a health issue. CONCLUSIONS: The 'Stop Out of Control Drinking' campaign frames alcohol problems and solutions in ways unfavourable to public health, and closely reflects other Diageo Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activity, as well as alcohol and tobacco industry strategies more generally. This framing, and in particular the framing of alcohol harms as a behavioural issue, with the implication that consumption should be guided only by self-defined limits, may not have been recognised by all board members. It suggests a need for awareness-raising efforts among the public, third sector and policymakers about alcohol industry strategies

Demodex-Associated Bacillus Proteins Induce an Aberrant Wound Healing Response in a Corneal Epithelial Cell Line: Possible Implications for Corneal Ulcer Formation in Ocular Rosacea

PURPOSE. The aim of the work presented here was to establish the response of a corneal epithelial cell line (hTCEpi) to protein extracted from a bacterium (Bacillus oleronius) previously isolated from a Demodex mite from a rosacea patient. METHODS. The response of the corneal epithelial cell line to Bacillus proteins was measured in terms of alterations in cell migration and invasiveness. Changes in the expression of metalloproteinase genes and proteins were also assessed. RESULTS. The results indicated increased cell migration (14.5- fold, P ¼ 0.001) as measured using 8-lm PET inserts (BD Falcon) in a transwell assay and invasiveness (1.7-fold, P ¼ 0.003) as measured using 8-lm Matrigel (BD Biocoat) invasion inserts in a 24-well plate assay format, following exposure to the Bacillus proteins. Cells exposed to the Bacillus protein showed a dose-dependent increase in expression of genes coding for matrix metalloprotease (MMP)-3 (61-fold) and MPP-9 (301-fold). This dose-dependent increase in gene expression was also reflected in elevated levels of MMP-9 protein (1.34- fold, P ¼ 0.033) and increased matrix metalloprotease activity (1.96-fold, P¼0.043) being present in the culture supernatant. Cells also displayed reduced levels of b-integrin (1.25-fold, P ¼ 0.01), indicative of increased motility and elevated levels of vinculin (2.7-fold, P ¼ 0.0009), suggesting altered motility. CONCLUSIONS. The results indicate that exposure of corneal epithelial cells to Bacillus proteins results in an aberrant wound healing response as visualized using a scratch wound assay. These results suggest a possible link between the high density of Demodex mites on the eyelashes of ocular rosacea patients and the development of corneal ulcers. (Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2012;53:3250–3259) DOI:10.1167/ iovs.11-929

Demodex-Associated Bacillus Proteins Induce an Aberrant Wound Healing Response in a Corneal Epithelial Cell Line: Possible Implications for Corneal Ulcer Formation in Ocular Rosacea

PURPOSE. The aim of the work presented here was to establish the response of a corneal epithelial cell line (hTCEpi) to protein extracted from a bacterium (Bacillus oleronius) previously isolated from a Demodex mite from a rosacea patient. METHODS. The response of the corneal epithelial cell line to Bacillus proteins was measured in terms of alterations in cell migration and invasiveness. Changes in the expression of metalloproteinase genes and proteins were also assessed. RESULTS. The results indicated increased cell migration (14.5- fold, P ¼ 0.001) as measured using 8-lm PET inserts (BD Falcon) in a transwell assay and invasiveness (1.7-fold, P ¼ 0.003) as measured using 8-lm Matrigel (BD Biocoat) invasion inserts in a 24-well plate assay format, following exposure to the Bacillus proteins. Cells exposed to the Bacillus protein showed a dose-dependent increase in expression of genes coding for matrix metalloprotease (MMP)-3 (61-fold) and MPP-9 (301-fold). This dose-dependent increase in gene expression was also reflected in elevated levels of MMP-9 protein (1.34- fold, P ¼ 0.033) and increased matrix metalloprotease activity (1.96-fold, P¼0.043) being present in the culture supernatant. Cells also displayed reduced levels of b-integrin (1.25-fold, P ¼ 0.01), indicative of increased motility and elevated levels of vinculin (2.7-fold, P ¼ 0.0009), suggesting altered motility. CONCLUSIONS. The results indicate that exposure of corneal epithelial cells to Bacillus proteins results in an aberrant wound healing response as visualized using a scratch wound assay. These results suggest a possible link between the high density of Demodex mites on the eyelashes of ocular rosacea patients and the development of corneal ulcers. (Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2012;53:3250–3259) DOI:10.1167/ iovs.11-929

Facilitating access to health research through a participatory research register:a feasibility study in outpatient clinics

Abstract Background A research register (Reach West) has been established to facilitate recruitment of people and patients to health-related research. We conducted a prospective feasibility study to investigate the practicality of recruiting through outpatient clinics. Methods Patients over 18 years of age attending dental, eye or oncology outpatient clinics in an acute hospital in the West of England were provided with the opportunity to participate in Reach West. In Phase I, recruitment packs were handed to clinic attendees who could place completed consent forms in secure drop-box or return them later on-line or by post. In Phase II, recruitment packs were posted directly to patients with consent forms to be returned by post or on-line. Response rates by age, sex, postcode (for level of deprivation), and clinic type were recorded for those agreeing to participate on paper or on-line. Results In Phase I, 2,314 of 4,500 (51.4%) of recruitment packs were handed out to clinic attendees, and 114 (5%) consented to join Reach West. In Phase II, 7,173 of 9000 packs were posted (79.7%), and 387 (5.4%) consented to participate. The overall consent rate was 6% (580), with the majority doing so on paper (87%) rather than on-line. The sample was balanced by sex, but mostly comprised people over 50 years located in less deprived postcodes. Non-staff costs for postal recruitment were lower than hand-outs in clinic (£6.84 compared with £8.05 per participant). Conclusions Recruiting participants to the Reach West register was feasible among those with oncology, dental or eye outpatient appointments by post or with packs given out in the clinic. Response rates were similar to those achieved for other registers. Recruitment of participants can be achieved through outpatient clinics but other strategies will also be required to attract large numbers of participants and more diverse populations

Facilitating access to health research through a participatory research register:a feasibility study in outpatient clinics

Abstract Background A research register (Reach West) has been established to facilitate recruitment of people and patients to health-related research. We conducted a prospective feasibility study to investigate the practicality of recruiting through outpatient clinics. Methods Patients over 18 years of age attending dental, eye or oncology outpatient clinics in an acute hospital in the West of England were provided with the opportunity to participate in Reach West. In Phase I, recruitment packs were handed to clinic attendees who could place completed consent forms in secure drop-box or return them later on-line or by post. In Phase II, recruitment packs were posted directly to patients with consent forms to be returned by post or on-line. Response rates by age, sex, postcode (for level of deprivation), and clinic type were recorded for those agreeing to participate on paper or on-line. Results In Phase I, 2,314 of 4,500 (51.4%) of recruitment packs were handed out to clinic attendees, and 114 (5%) consented to join Reach West. In Phase II, 7,173 of 9000 packs were posted (79.7%), and 387 (5.4%) consented to participate. The overall consent rate was 6% (580), with the majority doing so on paper (87%) rather than on-line. The sample was balanced by sex, but mostly comprised people over 50 years located in less deprived postcodes. Non-staff costs for postal recruitment were lower than hand-outs in clinic (£6.84 compared with £8.05 per participant). Conclusions Recruiting participants to the Reach West register was feasible among those with oncology, dental or eye outpatient appointments by post or with packs given out in the clinic. Response rates were similar to those achieved for other registers. Recruitment of participants can be achieved through outpatient clinics but other strategies will also be required to attract large numbers of participants and more diverse populations

Mental fitness in higher education: Intervention Mapping programme design

Purpose: Higher Education Institutions observe that many students are experiencing mental health issues, such as high levels of anxiety and stress. Young adults are recognised as a vulnerable group who carry the burden of mental health problems worldwide. Mental health interventions can be effective in positively influencing students' emotional and behavioural wellbeing. Design/methodology/approach: In the current study, the principles of Intervention Mapping (IM) were applied to guide the development, implementation, and evaluation of a specifically tailored mental health programme for a selected student cohort in a large Higher Education Institute in Ireland. Mixed qualitative (Delphi technique and focus group discussions) and quantitative (survey) data were gathered to gain a broad perspective of mental health concerns and learning needs among a sample of higher education students (n = 99). Findings: Existing evidence guided by theoretical frameworks were blended to create a specifically tailored mental health programme to meet the needs of higher education students in Ireland. Results indicate that the established six-stages of IM provide an empirical process that has the potential to effectively respond to the mental health needs of students in higher education. IM identifies the priority needs of students in higher education and ensures that suitable behaviour change techniques for mental health are addressed. 10; Originality/value: IM is a suitable method to critically and collaboratively develop a mental health intervention for the overall wellbeing of the general higher education student population, both nationally and globally