Quality and presence of behaviour change techniques in mobile apps for the Mediterranean diet:a content analysis of Android Google Play and Apple Store apps

Smartphone apps might represent an opportunity to promote adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet). This study aimed to evaluate the quality of commercially available apps for the MedDiet and the presence of behavioural change techniques (BCTs) used by these apps. A systematic search was conducted on the Apple App and Google Play stores in November 2021. Apps were included if they provided information on the MedDiet or if their objective was to promote a healthy lifestyle through adherence to the MedDiet. Eligible apps were independently evaluated by two reviewers with regard to their quality (engagement, functionality, aesthetics and information quality) using the 5-point Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS; with higher scores indicating higher quality), and the presence of BCTs using an established 26-item BCT taxonomy. Of the 55 analysed apps, 52 (94.5%) were free, 50 (90.9%) provided recipe ideas, 29 (52.7%) provided meal plans, and 22 (40%) provided information on the health benefits of the MedDiet. The overall quality mean MARS score was 2.84 (standard deviation (SD) = 0.42), with functionality being the highest scored MARS domain (mean = 3.58, SD = 0.44) and engagement the lowest (mean = 2.29, SD = 0.61). The average number of BCTs in the analysed apps was 2.3 (SD = 1.4; range: 0–6 per app). The number of BCTs was positively correlated with app information quality (r(rho) = 0.269, p = 0.047), overall MARS score (r(rho) = 0.267, p = 0.049), app subjective quality (r(rho) = 0.326, p = 0.015) and app-specific quality (r(rho) = 0.351, p = 0.009). These findings suggest that currently available apps might provide information on the MedDiet, but the incorporation of more BCTs is warranted to maximise the potential for behaviour change towards the MedDiet

Features of recording practices and communication during nursing handover: a cluster analysis

Objective: To record and identify the characteristics of nursing handovers in a tertiary hospital. Method: Observational study. Twenty-two nurses participated in 11 nursing handovers in 2015/16, using a recorded audio system and an unstructured observation form. Hierarchical cluster analysis was performed. Results: Thirty characteristics were identified. The nursing handovers were based on the clinical status of patients, and all nurses obtained specialized scientific knowledge specific to the clinical environment. The information used was not based on nursing diagnoses and not in accordance with best nursing clinical practice. The following four clusters emerged among the 30 characteristics: 1) the use of evidence-based nursing practice, 2) the nonuse of evidencebased nursing practice and its correlation with strained psychological environment, 3) patient management and the clinical skills/knowledge of nurses, and 4) handover content, quality of information transferred and specialization. Conclusion: Multiple characteristics were observed. The majority of characteristics were grouped based on common features, and 4 main clusters emerged. The investigation and understanding of structural relations between these characteristics and their respective clusters may lead to an improvement in the quality of nursing health care services

Seasonal physical performance of a professional team’s football players in a national league and European matches

To quantify the seasonal motor skills profile by a professional team’s football players in official matches covered all pre-season matches in national and European championships of the 2016/2017 season. Twenty-seven players were sampled using Global-Positioning-System Technology (GPS). Total distance in meters-(TD), Maximal-Sprinting-Speed running (MS), Very-High-Intensity speed running (VHS), relative Distance/time (D/T) were estimated at two high speed categories: VHS; from 19.8 to 25.2Km/h and MS;>25.2Km/h). Analysis of variance was performed. Midfielders players seem to cover significantly greater mean TD than defenders and forwards (10363 vs. 9887 and 9717 meters, respectively, p<0.001). Furthermore, Midfield players covered greater mean D/T than forward group (99.3 vs. 92.0 meters/mins, respectively, p=0.001). With regard to the match outcome, lower average of TD was covered in matches were the end result was the defeat than those with match outcome win or draw (9488 vs. 10188 and 10148 meters, respectively, p<0.001). Similarly, the same was noted when the TD levels were controlled for the match outcome, with adjustment of the characteristics of the players, playing position and the three periods of the competitive season. This study showed the changes in all types of tested motor skills by the top national team across an annual season. The use of this monitoring approach may contribute to the development of individual training programs for the football players according to their position and specific demands through the season which serve to further enhance soccer performance and reduce the incidence of fatigue or injury

Effects of Greek orthodox christian church fasting on serum lipids and obesity

BACKGROUND: No study to date has focused on the impact of Greek Orthodox Christian fasting on serum lipoproteins and obesity yet. METHODS: 120 Greek adults were followed longitudinally for one year. Sixty fasted regularly in all fasting periods (fasters) and 60 did not fast at all (controls). The three major fasting periods under study were: Christmas (40 days), Lent (48 days) and Assumption (August, 15 days). A total of 6 measurements were made during one year including pre- and end-fasting blood collection, serum lipoprotein analyses and anthropometric measurements. RESULTS: Statistically significant end-fasting total and LDL cholesterol differences were found in fasters. Fasters compared to controls presented 12.5% lower end-total cholesterol (p < 0.001), 15.9% lower end-LDL cholesterol (p < 0.001) and 1.5% lower end-BMI (p < 0.001). The end- LDL/HDL ratio was lower in fasters (6.5%, p < 0.05) while the change in end- HDL cholesterol in fasters (4.6% decline) was not significant. Similar results were found when the pre- and end-fasting values of fasters were compared. No change was found in control subjects. CONCLUSIONS: Adherence to Greek Orthodox fasting periods contributes to a reduction in the blood lipid profile including a non-significant reduction in HDL cholesterol and possible impact on obesity

Smoke-free hospitals in Greece: Personnel perceptions, compliance and smoking habit

Smoke-free environments in Greece are scarce. Despite existent legislation that forbids smoking in all health care service centers, smoking is still evident. Using a random sample of hospital personnel from a large university hospital in Greece, we evaluated their smoking habits, perceptions and compliance towards hospital smoking regulations. 57.8% of the nursing personnel and 34.5% of medical/research staff were found to be current smokers (p < 0.05). Although 66% of the staff does not oppose the complete hospital smoking ban, 95% responded that they would prefer it to be partial. The above findings warrant the necessity for nurturing efforts to reduce smoking and increase the health professionals' awareness of their position as a role model to both patients and the society