A cross-sectional analysis of motivation and decision-making in referrals to lifestyle interventions by primary care general practitioners: a call for guidance

Aim: To explore 1) GPs´ motivation to refer to lifestyle interventions and to investigate the association between GPs’ own lifestyle-behaviors and their referral behavior, and 2) patient indicators in the decision-making process of the GPs’ referral to lifestyle interventions. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 99 Dutch primary care GPs. Their motivation to refer was assessed by beliefs regarding lifestyle interventions. GPs’ referral behaviors were assessed - considering referral and self-reported actual referral - and their own lifestyle behaviors - physical activity, dieting, being overweight). Decision-making regarding referring patients to lifestyle interventions was assessed by imposed patient indicators, spontaneously suggested decisive patient indicators, and by case-based referring (vignettes). Results: A substantial group of GPs was not motivated for referral to lifestyle interventions. GPs’ refer behavior was significantly associated with their perceived subjective norm, behavioral control, and their own physical activity and diet. Most important patient indicators in referral to lifestyle interventions were somatic indicators, and patients’ motivation for lifestyle interventions. Conclusions: GPs motivation and referral behavior might be improved by providing them with tailored resources about evidence based lifestyle interventions, with support from allied health professionals, and with official guidelines for a more objective and systematic screening of patients

The barrier-belief approach in the counseling of physical activity

Objective: To understand inactivity and relapse from PA, and to develop theory-based behaviour change strategies to stimulate and support maintenance of PA. Methods: We conducted a literature search to explore barriers to PA. Social cognitive theories and empirical evidence were evaluated and guided the process developing a theoretical framework and counselling strategies. Results: A theoretical framework is presented to understand why people do not engage in PA and often relapse once they started PA. A distinction is made between three related types of BBs. In PA counselling these three beliefs are addressed using four different BB behaviour change strategies. Conclusion: BB counselling aims to develop an individual pattern of PA for the long term that is adapted to the (often limited) motivation of the client, thereby preventing the occurrence of BBs. The client will learn to cope with factors that may inhibit PA in the future. Practice implications: The BBs approach composes a way of counselling around the central construct of barrier-beliefs to stimulate engagement in PA independently, in the long term

Hepatic lipase gene expression is transiently induced by gonadotropic hormones in rat ovaries

Hepatic lipase (HL) gene expression was studied in rat ovaries. A transcript lacking exons 1 and 2 could be detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in the ovaries of mature cyclic females and of immature rats treated with pregnant mare serum followed by human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) to induce superovulation. By competitive RT-PCR the HL transcript was quantified. Low levels of HL mRNA were detected in ovaries of mature cyclic females and of immature rats. During superovulation HL mRNA was several fold higher than in mature cyclic rats and transiently increased to a maximum at 2 days after hCG treatment. Pulse-labelling of ovarian cells and ovarian slices with [35S]methionine followed by immunoprecipitation with polyclonal anti-HL IgGs showed de novo synthesis of a 47 kDa HL-related protein. Expression of the protein was transiently induced by gonadotropins with a peak at 2 days after hCG treatment. Induction of liver-type lipase activity occurred only after HL mRNA and synthesis of the HL-related protein had returned to pre-stimulatory levels. We conclude that in rat ovaries the HL gene is expressed into a variant mRNA and a 47 kDa protein. The expression of the HL gene in ovaries is inducible and precedes the expression of the mature, enzymatically active liver-type lipase

Maine Perspective, v 3, i 6

The Maine Perspective, a publication for the University of Maine, was a campus newsletter produced by the Department of Public Affairs which eventually transformed into the Division of Marketing and Communication. Regular features include listings of newly released titles by UMaine authors, Look Who\u27s On Campus, an opinion column entitled Viewpoint, and Classified Ads. Included in this issue are articles covering the addition of computers and cable television to UM Residence Halls, the implementation of the Public Service Fund, the opening of Hilltop Market, and the opening of Doris Twitchell Allen Village

Maine Perspective, v 3, i 5

The Maine Perspective, a publication for the University of Maine, was a campus newsletter produced by the Department of Public Affairs which eventually transformed into the Division of Marketing and Communication. Regular features include listings of newly released titles by UMaine authors, Look Who\u27s On Campus, an opinion column entitled Viewpoint, and Classified Ads. Included in this issue are articles covering the future of computing on campus, survey results on the male perspective of sexual harassment, the re-telling of the story of Columbus: The New World Order, and the reorganization of the Memorial Union

Maine Perspective, v 3, i 3

The Maine Perspective, a publication for the University of Maine, was a campus newsletter produced by the Department of Public Affairs which eventually transformed into the Division of Marketing and Communication. Regular columns included Along the Mall, Campus Notes, the UM Calendar, Sponsored Programs, Faculty Publications, and employment openings. Included in this issue are articles covering a symposium on World Peace featuring Samantha Smith, Eunice Baumann-Nelson, Robert Chandler Jr., Bernard Lown, and Doris Twitchell Allen, opening of the Counseling Center and Student Health and Substance Abuse Services at Cutler Health Center, and the history of labor in Maine

Maine Perspective, v 3, i 2

The Maine Perspective, a publication for the University of Maine, was a campus newsletter produced by the Department of Public Affairs which eventually transformed into the Division of Marketing and Communication. Regular columns included Along the Mall, Campus Notes, the UM Calendar, Sponsored Programs, Faculty Publications, and employment openings. Included in this issue is an article covering high school students joining UM Researchers in the SEED project

Maine Perspective, v 3, i 2

The Maine Perspective, a publication for the University of Maine, was a campus newsletter produced by the Department of Public Affairs which eventually transformed into the Division of Marketing and Communication. Regular columns included Along the Mall, Campus Notes, the UM Calendar, Sponsored Programs, Faculty Publications, and employment openings. Included in this issue is an article covering high school students joining UM Researchers in the SEED project