Gender differences in beliefs about health:A comparative qualitative study with Ghanaian and Indian migrants living in the United Kingdom

Background There is a well-established association between migration to high income countries and health status, with some groups reporting poorer health outcomes than the host population. However, processes that influence health behaviours and health outcomes across minority ethnic groups are complex and in addition, culture ascribes specific gender roles for men and women, which can further influence perspectives of health. The aim of this study was to undertake a comparative exploration of beliefs of health among male and female Ghanaian and Indian migrants and White British participants residing in an urban area within the UK. Methods Thirty-six participants (12 each Ghanaian, Indian and White British) were recruited through community settings and participated in a semi-structured interview focusing on participant’s daily life in the UK, perceptions of their own health and how they maintained their health. Interviews were analyzed using a Framework approach. Results Three super ordinate themes were identified and labelled (a) beliefs about health; (b) symptom interpretation and (c) self-management and help seeking. Gender differences in beliefs and health behaviour practices were apparent across participants. Conclusions This is the first study to undertake a comparative exploration of health beliefs among people who have migrated to the UK from Ghana and India and to compare with a local (White British) population. The results highlight a need to consider both cultural and gender-based diversity in guiding health behaviours, and such information will be useful in the development of interventions to support health outcomes among migrant populations

Improving prevention, monitoring and management of diabetes among ethnic minorities: contextualizing the six G’s approach

Objective: People from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) groups are known to have an increased risk of devel-oping diabetes and face greater barriers to accessing healthcare resources compared to their ‘white British’ counter-parts. The extent of these barriers varies by demographics and different socioeconomic circumstances that people find themselves in. The purpose of this paper is to present and discuss a new framework to understand, disentangle and tackle these barriers so that improvements in the effectiveness of diabetes interventions for BAME communities can be achieved. Results: The main mediators of lifestyle behavioural change are gender, generation, geography, genes, God/religion, and gaps in knowledge and economic resources. Dietary and cultural practices of these individuals significantly vary according to gender, generation, geographical origin and religion. Recognition of these factors is essential in increas-ing knowledge of healthy eating, engagement in physical activity and utilisation of healthcare services. Use of the six G’s framework alongside a community centred approach is crucial in developing and implementing culturally sensi-tive interventions for diabetes prevention and management in BAME communities. This could improve their health outcomes and overall wellbeing

Illness beliefs and the sociocultural context of diabetes self-management in British South Asians: a mixed methods study

Background: British South Asians have a higher incidence of diabetes and poorer health outcomes compared to the general UK population. Beliefs about diabetes are known to play an important role in self-management, yet little is known about the sociocultural context in shaping beliefs. This study aimed to explore the influence of sociocultural context on illness beliefs and diabetes self-management in British South Asians. Methods: A mixed methods approach was used. 67 participants recruited using random and purposive sampling, completed a questionnaire measuring illness beliefs, fatalism, health outcomes and demographics; 37 participants completed a social network survey interview and semi-structured interviews. Results were analysed using SPSS and thematic analysis. Results: Quantitative data found certain social network characteristics (emotional and illness work) were related to perceived concern, emotional distress and health outcomes (p < 0.05). After multivariate analysis, emotional work remained a significant predictor of perceived concern and emotional distress related to diabetes (p < 0.05). Analysis of the qualitative data suggest that fatalistic attitudes and beliefs influences self-management practices and alternative food ‘therapies’ are used which are often recommended by social networks. Conclusions: Diabetes-related illness beliefs and self-management appear to be shaped by the sociocultural context. Better understanding of the contextual determinants of behaviour could facilitate the development of culturally appropriate interventions to modify beliefs and support self-management in this population

The Reversal Intervention for Metabolic Syndrome (TRIMS) study: rationale, design, and baseline data

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Recent attention has focused on strategies to combat the forecast epidemic of type-2 diabetes (T2DM) and its major vascular sequelae. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) comprises a constellation of factors that increase the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and T2DM. Our study aims to develop a structured self-management education programme for people with MetS, which includes management of cardiovascular and diabetes risk factors, and to determine its impact. This paper describes the rationale and design of the TRIMS study, including intervention development, and presents baseline data.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Subjects recruited from a mixed-ethnic population with MetS were randomised to intervention or control arms. The intervention arm received structured group education based on robust psychological theories and current evidence. The control group received routine care. Follow-up data will be collected at 6 and 12 months. The primary outcome measure will be reversal of metabolic syndrome in the intervention group subjects compared to controls at 12 months follow-up.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>82 participants (44% male, 22% South Asian) were recruited between November 2009 and July 2010. Baseline characteristics were similar for both the intervention (n = 42) and control groups (n = 40). Median age was 63 years (IQR 57 - 67), mean waist size 106 cm (SD ± 11), and prescribing of statins and anti-hypertensives was 51% in each case.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Results will provide information on changes in diabetes and CVD risk factors and help to inform primary prevention strategies in people with MetS from varied ethnic backgrounds who are at high risk of developing T2DM and CVD. Information gathered in relation to the programme's acceptability and effectiveness in a multi-ethnic population would ensure that our results are widely applicable.</p> <p>Trial registration</p> <p>The study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, study identifier: <a href="http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01043770">NCT01043770</a>.</p

IZ KAJKAVSKE MORFOLOGIJE (o DL sg. im. ž. roda)

U radu se nastoji dati odgovor na pitanje: da li je u svim govorima kajkavskoga narječja u kojima je u DL sg. imenica ženskoga roda morfem –i riječ o generalizaciji toga morfema iz nekadašnjih ja-osnova ili se u govorima s ograničenom distribucijom kontinuante jata i šva (u dijelu govora samo jata) i njegovom zamjenom vokalom i, ili vokalom i-tipa, u nenaglašenim slogovima, može govoriti o morfemu –i < -ẹ < ě

Novolac epoxy resin based inhibition system for composite propellants

34-39<span style="font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:" calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-fareast-font-family:="" "times="" new="" roman";mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;mso-hansi-theme-font:="" minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:arial;mso-ansi-language:en-us;mso-fareast-language:="" en-us;mso-bidi-language:ar-sa"="">Thirty one compositions based on commercially available Dobeckot E4, polyamide hardener EH411, polyamine hardener 758, reactive diluent, Dobeckot C and antimony trioxide filler have been made and studied in terms of characteristics such as gel time, exotherm peak temperature, tensile strength, elongation, burning rate, loss in weight, water absorption and bond strength with composite propellants. Based on important characteristics, composition 28 has been selected for inhibition of composite propellants (booster and sustainer mode) and statically evaluated after conditioning at ambient temperature (+27o C for 24 h), cold (- 40o C for 20 h) and hot (+ 50o C for 16 h). The <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">P-t profiles show that the composition 28 is a potential inhibition system for composite propellants from -40 to + 50o C.</span

Unlocking the potential of nanobiohybrids to combat environmental pollution

The destructive effects of the world's population growth, which have led to the overuse of primary resources, are evident today. Recently, the world has hit an 8 billion population mark, which is accompanied by an increase in waste generation. Anthropogenic activities lead to environmental pollution that is a problem of great importance, and it is essential to develop economically sound, eco-friendly, and sustainable technologies to tackle this ever-increasing problem of the 21st century. Innovations are required since they can contribute to the creation of sophisticated, sustainable, and novel goods for ecological repair. Such properties can be seen in the current advancements of nanotechnologies and new performing nanomaterials. They have a substantial surface area, enzymatic activity, and responsiveness and are easily functionalized to chemically modify their characteristics. This chapter examines current advancements in bioremediation methods used in conjunction with various nanocomposites and nanobiohybrids to recover the environment from pollution. Special focus is placed on environmentally friendly and regenerative nanosolutions, as well as their secure properties

Feasibility of Tensile Membrane Structure in Ahmednagar City

Membrane structures are hugely popular in the rapidly developing world of civil engineering and there use is increasing in different aspects of buildings. There is an increasing trend concerning the use of membrane structures within architectural design for better aesthetical view and better alternative for traditional roofing materials. It is important to recognize the reasoning behind the growth in popularity. The implementation of these new technique needs to be boosted in Ahmednagar city as there are very few practical applications at present. This paper contains the survey of the city for the locations where these structures can be assembled. Market survey is also mentioned to ultimately check that is a tensile membrane structure really feasible in current scenario of Ahmednagar district