Improving Vitamin D Intake in Young Children—Can an Infographic Help Parents and Carers Understand the Recommendations?

Vitamin D deficiency is a serious public health issue in the United Kingdom. Those at increased risk, such as pregnant women, children under 5 years and people from ethnic groups with dark skin, are not all achieving their recommended vitamin D. Effective vitamin D education is warranted. A qualitative study was undertaken to evaluate the acceptability and understanding of a vitamin D infographic, developed using recommendations from previous research. Fifteen parents/carers, recruited through local playgroups and adverts on popular parent websites, participated in focus groups and telephone interviews. The majority were female, White British and educated to degree level. A thematic analysis methodology was applied. The findings indicated that understanding and acceptability of the infographic were satisfactory, but improvements were recommended to aid interpretation and create more accessible information. These included additional content (what vitamin D is; other sources; its health benefits; methods/doses for administration and scientific symbols used) and improved presentation (eye-catching, less text, simpler language, more images and a logo). Once finalized, the infographic could be a useful tool to educate families around vitamin D supplementation guidelines, support the UK Healthy Start vitamins scheme and help improve vitamin D status for pregnant and lactating women and young children

Views on risk, prevention and management of type 2 diabetes among UK Black Caribbeans

Background: Development of effective, culturally-tailored interventions to address excess risk of type 2 diabetes among Black Caribbeans in the United Kingdom (UK) requires understanding of the views and experiences of the target population. We explored the social context of views on risk, prevention and management of type 2 diabetes among this ethnic group. Methods: The Food, Diabetes and Ethnicity (FOODEY) study included 56 Black Caribbean men and women aged 24-90 years (21 (38%) diagnosed with diabetes or pre-diabetes). Nine focus groups were conducted in community hubs in Leeds, Bradford, Birmingham, and Huddersfield, UK. Inductive themes were identified through thematic analysis of transcripts. Results: While family history was considered a key risk factor, there was a clearly articulated view of the interaction between “bad genes” and unfavourable dietary and physical activity (PA) habits. Rich descriptions of food habits and food related negotiations among family and friends included cost and low availability as barriers to maintaining traditional foodways, and high intake of convenience foods. The perception that diabetes risk was greater in the UK than in home countries was widely held, and it was felt that this was due to the lack of PA, cold weather and stress due to racism experienced in the UK. The Caribbean was deemed a suitable setting for consuming traditional foods and high sugar intake as this was mitigated by active living, organic vegetable consumption, and the hot climate. Trust in health professionals’ diabetes advice was evident, however behaviour change was preferred to medication, and the need for choice regarding healthcare decisions was emphasised. Faith beliefs coincided with acceptability of health-related advice and underpinned views on personal responsibility for health. Conclusions: Complex explanatory models of risk, encompassing lifestyle, economic, cultural, religious and psychosocial contexts, have implications for developing interventions to address type 2 diabetes among UK Black Caribbeans

Nutrient Composition of Popularly Consumed African and Caribbean Foods in The UK.

(1) Background: Traditional foods are important in the diets of Black Africans and Caribbeans and, more widely, influence UK food culture. However, little is known about the nutritional status of these ethnic groups and the nutrient composition of their traditional foods. The aim was to identify and analyse African and Caribbean dishes, snacks and beverages popularly consumed in the UK for energy, macronutrients and micronutrients. (2) Methods: Various approaches including focus group discussions and 24-h dietary recalls were used to identify traditional dishes, snacks, and beverages. Defined criteria were used to prioritise and prepare 33 composite samples for nutrient analysis in a UK accredited laboratory. Quality assurance procedures and data verification were undertaken to ensure inclusion in the UK nutrient database. (3) Results: Energy content ranged from 60 kcal in Malta drink to 619 kcal in the shito sauce. Sucrose levels did not exceed the UK recommendation for adults and children. Most of the dishes contained negligible levels of trans fatty acid. The most abundant minerals were Na, K, Ca, Cu, Mn and Se whereas Mg, P, Fe and Zn were present in small amounts. (4) Conclusion: There was wide variation in the energy, macro- and micronutrients composition of the foods analysed

Applying the trigger review method after a brief educational intervention: potential for teaching and improving safety in GP specialty training?

<p>Background: The Trigger Review Method (TRM) is a structured approach to screening clinical records for undetected patient safety incidents (PSIs) and identifying learning and improvement opportunities. In Scotland, TRM participation can inform GP appraisal and has been included as a core component of the national primary care patient safety programme that was launched in March 2013. However, the clinical workforce needs up-skilled and the potential of TRM in GP training has yet to be tested. Current TRM training utilizes a workplace face-to-face session by a GP expert, which is not feasible. A less costly, more sustainable educational intervention is necessary to build capability at scale. We aimed to determine the feasibility and impact of TRM and a related training intervention in GP training.</p> Methods We recruited 25 west of Scotland GP trainees to attend a 2-hour TRM workshop. Trainees then applied TRM to 25 clinical records and returned findings within 4-weeks. A follow-up feedback workshop was held. <p>Results: 21/25 trainees (84%) completed the task. 520 records yielded 80 undetected PSIs (15.4%). 36/80 were judged potentially preventable (45%) with 35/80 classified as causing moderate to severe harm (44%). Trainees described a range of potential learning and improvement plans. Training was positively received and appeared to be successful given these findings. TRM was valued as a safety improvement tool by most participants.</p> <p>Conclusion: This small study provides further evidence of TRM utility and how to teach it pragmatically. TRM is of potential value in GP patient safety curriculum delivery and preparing trainees for future safety improvement expectations.</p&gt

Diet and Nutritional Status of West African and Caribbean Adults in the United Kingdom: Perspectives to Inform Community-Based Approaches to Healthy Eating

Reliable data on the diet and nutritional status of African and Caribbean adults in the UK is essential for the implementation of targeted interventions to prevent diseases, and to ensure health equity. This review provides an overview of diet and nutritional status, and research and intervention priorities for West African and Caribbean adults in the UK. Cross-sectional studies that compared the two groups with their counterparts in their country of origin and/or in Europe were identified from PubMed, SCOPUS, Cochrane and CINAHL electronic databases and manual searches of bibliographies. Six eligible studies were reviewed. Reported nutrient composition focused predominantly on energy, and macronutrients, with limited information on micronutrients. Carbohydrates and fats were the main sources of energy. Low quantities of non-starch polysaccharides fibre and protein were reported. Participants from rural areas in Ghana had lower average BMI and smaller waist circumference compared to their counterparts in urban Ghana and Europe. Ghanaians in Europe consumed more alcohol and were less physically active than those in the home country. The studies measured limited nutrient composition and health-related outcomes. Studies that measure a wide range of anthropometric and clinical outcomes and key micronutrients, and use objective measures of health-related risk behaviours are needed

‘Health Connections’: study protocol for the development of a coproduced, community-based diet, physical activity, and healthy weight intervention for UK black and Asian adults

Introduction: A limited number of diet, physical activity and weight management programmes suitable for UK black and Asian populations have been evaluated. We aim to coproduce ‘Health Connections’—an ambitious new intervention to support dietary and physical activity choices, and maintaining a healthier weight, tailored to the needs of black Caribbean, black African and South Asian adults. Our existing research and public engagement work suggests that the intervention should be designed to be embedded in communities and delivered by peer educators supported by health professionals. Methods and analysis: The project is underpinned by a systems perspective that posits collective efficacy within communities, behaviour change theory and coproduction. Project activities will be conducted in three stages. Stage 1: semistructured interviews will be conducted with adults from diverse South Asian ethnic groups to understand their experiences, perspectives and intervention needs, adding to our existing data from black ethnic groups. We will synthesise the data, literature, available intervention resources and local practice, and develop the theoretical framework to codevelop intervention goals, programme theory and a draft logic model of change. Stage 2: a theorised list of potential intervention components, session content and mode/s of delivery will be explored in a modified Delphi exercise and workshop to achieve consensus on the intervention format. We will also develop prototype materials and a formal implementation plan. Stage 3: a description of the intervention will be documented. Ethics and dissemination: The study has received ethical approval from the School of Health Research Ethics Committee, Leeds Beckett University. Information on the project aims and voluntary participation is provided in the study participation information sheet. Consent will be certified by the completion and signing of a consent form prior to data collection. Dissemination for a range of stakeholders and audiences will include publications, presentations, short films and an infographic