The Effectiveness and Perceptions of Three Moderate Intensity Walking Cadence Aids and their Effects on Affective States: A Mixed Methods Study.

Substantial health benefits can be derived from walking at a moderate intensity cadence. To help regulate this cadence, three distinct aids exist 1) self-perception; 2) cadence prescription; 3) auditory cues. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness and explore perceptions of these aids to promote moderate intensity walking and effects on affective states, thereby addressing an important research gap.

Menopause as a window of opportunity: the benefits of designing more effective theory-driven behaviour change interventions to promote healthier lifestyle choices at midlife.

Menopause is a natural developmental phase that all women go through from their early forties to mid-fifties, marking the transition from the reproductive to the non-reproductive years. This is characterised as the permanent cessation of menses due to progressive ovarian failure. Each woman's experience of the menopause is unique.

Living with and without an intestinal stoma: Factors that promote psychological well-being and self-care: A cross-sectional study.

Aims: This study compared those living with and without an intestinal stoma in relation to physical and psychological health, stress and coping, quality of life and resilience. Also, identifying factors that could be used to promote better self-care in stoma patients in the future.

Design: A cross-sectional and comparative study design was employed.

Head and neck continued: a retrospective analysis of neck dissections from a New Zealand oral and maxillofacial surgery unit.

Aims: The aim of this study is to analyse the demographics, diagnosis, nodal yield, metastatic rates and outcomes of patients undergoing neck dissections within the Waikato Hospital Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMS) Department.

Methods: All patients that underwent neck dissections under the care of OMS at Waikato Hospital between January 2016 and December 2021 were included. Data on patient demographics, diagnosis, surgery details, nodal yields, histological results and clinical outcome were collected retrospectively for analysis.

Prevalence, knowledge and factors associated with e-cigarette use among parents of secondary school children.

Objectives: Identify prevalence rates and attitudes towards e-cigarette use among parents to inform prevention strategies designed to reduce uptake in young people.

Study Design: A mixed methods sequential study guided by the Theory of Planned Behaviour.

Methods: This research involved two phases.

Microvascular reconstruction outcomes from a New Zealand Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Unit.

The Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMS) Department at Waikato District Health Board (WDHB) is the only current OMS unit within New Zealand to reconstruct oral cavity defects with microvascular free flaps. The primary objective of the study was to retrospectively analyse the demographics, outcomes and complications of free flap surgery patients at WDHB.An OMS reconstruction database was developed and data collected retrospectively.

An education on pharmacologically active complementary and alternative medicine and its effects on cancer treatment: literature review.

Purpose: This literature review examines the provision of an education on pharmacologically active complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs), to people with cancer, their carers and oncology health professionals.

Methods: A search of the published literature between 2000 and 2020, in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines, was conducted. The search retrieved 1121 studies, 1080 were excluded based on their title or abstract and 26 articles were excluded based on their text.

The impact of physical activity on psychological well-being in women aged 45-55 years during the Covid pandemic: A mixed-methods investigation.

Evidence suggests that being physically active may improve quality of life through the menopausal transition. This study is one of the first to investigate how meeting the UK Physical Activity Guidelines (PAG) impacted quality of life, stress, coping and menopausal symptoms in UK midlife women, aged 45-55 years, during the unfolding Covid pandemic (Phase 1 quantitative, n=164). The study also explored their motivation to undertake regular physical activity during Covid lockdown (Phase 2 qualitative, n=4).

Comparison of barriers and facilitators of MIND diet uptake among adults from Northern Ireland and Italy.

Background: The aim of the study was to identify and compare components of the COM-B (capability, opportunity, motivation and behaviour) model, that influences behaviour to modify dietary patterns in 40-55-year olds living in Northern Ireland (NI) and Italy, in order to reduce the risk of cognitive decline in later life.

Methods: This was a qualitative study examining factors influencing Mediterranean-DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet behaviour. This study further elaborated the COM-B components into the 14 domains of the Theoretical Domains Framework to further understand behaviour.

Are dietary interventions with a behaviour change theoretical framework effective in changing dietary patterns? A systematic review.

Background: The term 'whole dietary pattern' can be defined as the quantity, frequency, variety and combination of different foods and drinks typically consumed and a growing body of research supports the role of whole dietary patterns in influencing the risk of non-communicable diseases. For example, the 'Mediterranean diet', which compared to the typical Western diet is rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and oily fish, is associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer. Social Cognition Models provide a basis for understanding the determinants of behaviour and are made up of behavioural constructs that interventions target to change dietary behaviour.

Using the COM-B model to identify barriers and facilitators towards adoption of a diet associated with cognitive function (MIND diet).

Objective: The aim of the study was to identify components of the COM-B (capability, opportunity, motivation and behaviour) model that influences behaviour to modify dietary patterns in 40-55-year-olds living in the UK, in order to influence the risk of cognitive decline in later life.

Design: This is a qualitative study using the COM-B model and theoretical domains framework (TDF) to explore beliefs to adopting the Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative delay (MIND) diet.

Setting: Northern Ireland.

The Impact of an Evidence-Based Education on Complementary and Alternative Medicine Usage in People with Cancer: Pilot Study.

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) usage amongst cancer patients is high globally and in Australia. CAM use in cancer care has the ability to increase chemotherapy toxicity or cause sub-therapy due to altered metabolism as well as increase a patient's bleeding risk. Furthering these risks, people with cancer are largely obtaining their CAM use information from non-evidence-based sources.

Health cognitions mediate physical (in)activity and walking in midlife women.

This study sought to identify which of the many facilitators and barriers to physical activity (PA) and walking are most significant to changing midlife women's exercise behaviour, with a view to informing future interventions. A cross-sectional survey explored associations of PA and sedentary time with self-reported health value, health locus of control (HLOC) and physical and mental health. Open-ended questions were included to elicit barriers and facilitators to walking.

The effect of a randomized 12-week soy drink intervention on everyday mood in postmenopausal women.

Objective: Dietary soy may improve menopausal symptoms, and subsequently mediate mood. This novel study examines various doses of dietary soy drink on everyday mood stability and variability in postmenopausal women.

Methods: Community-dwelling women (n = 101), within 7 years postmenopause, consumed daily either a low (10 mg, n = 35), medium (35 mg, n = 37), or high (60 mg, n = 29) dose of isoflavones, for 12 weeks.

Consumption of a soy drink has no effect on cognitive function but may alleviate vasomotor symptoms in post-menopausal women; a randomised trial.

Purpose: Cognitive decline is commonly reported during the menopausal transition, with memory and attention being particularly affected. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a commercially available soy drink on cognitive function and menopausal symptoms in post-menopausal women.

Methods: 101 post-menopausal women, aged 44-63 years, were randomly assigned to consume a volume of soy drink providing a low (10 mg/day; control group), medium (35 mg/day), or high (60 mg/day) dose of isoflavones for 12 weeks.

Genetic Polymorphisms and Zinc Status: Implications for Supplementation in Metabolic Diseases.

Background: Zinc is an essential component for all living organisms, representing the second most abundant trace element, after iron. This element is widely distributed in the tissues of a human body where it is involved in normal growth, reproduction and several biological functions including immunity, energy metabolism and antioxidant processes. Because of its essential role, zinc levels in the human body must remain constant, independently of dietary intake fluctuations.

Walk with Me: a protocol for a pilot RCT of a peer-led walking programme to increase physical activity in inactive older adults.

Background: Levels of physical activity decline with age. Some of the most disadvantaged individuals in society, such as those from lower socio-economic position, are also the most inactive. Increasing physical activity levels, particularly among those most inactive, is a public health priority.

Understanding pre-, peri- and post-menopausal women's intentions to perform muscle-strengthening activities using the Theory of Planned Behaviour.

Although physical activity guidelines recommend muscle-strengthening activities (MSA), public health initiatives tend to focus on increasing aerobic activity and fail to mention MSA. This study sought to identify the issues influencing pre-, peri- and post-menopausal women's intentions to perform MSA with a view to informing future interventions for these populations. Mixed methods guided by the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) were used to explore factors that influence women's intentions to perform MSA.

A qualitative investigation of physical activity compensation among older adults.

Objectives: This study explored the mechanisms of physical activity (PA) compensation among older adults who recently reduced their non-exercise physical activity (NEPA) in response to a structured PA intervention.

Design: A post-trial, retrospective qualitative process evaluation using interviews was employed.

Methods: Levels of PA compensation were determined by comparing NEPA prior to and during the final week of a 4-week structured PA intervention.

A preliminary randomised control trial of the effects of Dru yoga on psychological well-being in Northern Irish first time mothers.

Background: the transition to motherhood can be stressful, especially for first time mothers. Recent research has shown that yoga can be effective for enhancing psychological well-being.

Objectives: the purpose of this study was to establish if a postpartum Dru yoga intervention improves psychological well-being in first time mothers.

Help-seeking intentions for early dementia diagnosis in a sample of Irish adults.

Objectives: To identify factors that may increase intentions to seek help for an early dementia diagnosis. Early dementia diagnosis in Ireland is low, reducing the opportunity for intervention, which can delay progression, reduce psychological distress and increase social supports.

Method: Using the theory of planned behaviour (TPB), and a mixed methods approach, three focus groups were conducted (N = 22) to illicit attitudes and beliefs about help seeking for an early dementia diagnosis.

Motives and Barriers to Physical Activity Among Older Adults of Different Socioeconomic Status.

This study explored motives and barriers to physical activity (PA) among older adults of differing socioeconomic status (SES) utilizing a self-determination theory and self-efficacy theory framework. Focus groups (n = 4) were conducted with older adults (n = 28) from two SES groups, using thematic analysis to identify motives and barriers. Integrated and identified regulations and, to a lesser extent, intrinsic motives, were evident across SES groups.

Mood and cognition in healthy older European adults: the Zenith study.

Background: The study aim was to determine if state and trait intra-individual measures of everyday affect predict cognitive functioning in healthy older community dwelling European adults (n = 387), aged 55-87 years.

Methods: Participants were recruited from centres in France, Italy and Northern Ireland. Trait level and variability in positive and negative affect (PA and NA) were assessed using self-administered PANAS scales, four times a day for four days.

Intracellular cytokine production and cognition in healthy older adults.

Elevated concentrations of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-6 have been associated with impaired cognitive performance. There are, however, few studies that have examined the relationship between cytokine production and specific aspects of cognition in healthy older individuals. Two-colour flow cytometry was used to determine intracellular cytokine production by activated monocytes, and neuropsychological tests were performed using the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB) in 93 apparently healthy men and women aged 55-70 years.