http://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/services/Feed ${session.getAttribute("locale")} 5 http://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/manager/Repository/uon:9361 Background: The primary aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of three physical activity (PA) behavioural intervention strategies in a sample of adults with type 2 diabetes. Method/Design: Participants (N = 287) were randomly assigned to one of three groups consisting of the following intervention strategies: (1) standard printed PA educational materials provided by the Canadian Diabetes Association [i.e., Group 1/control group)]; (2) standard printed PA educational materials as in Group 1, pedometers, a log book and printed PA information matched to individuals' PA stage of readiness provided every 3 months (i.e., Group 2); and (3) PA telephone counseling protocol matched to PA stage of readiness and tailored to personal characteristics, in addition to the materials provided in Groups 1 and 2 (i.e., Group 3). PA behaviour measured by the Godin Leisure Time Exercise Questionnaire and related social-cognitive measures were assessed at baseline, 3, 6, 9, 12 and 18-months (i.e., 6-month follow-up). Clinical (biomarkers) and health-related quality of life assessments were conducted at baseline, 12-months, and 18-months. Linear Mixed Model (LMM) analyses will be used to examine time-dependent changes from baseline across study time points for Groups 2 and 3 relative to Group 1. Discussion: ADAPT will determine whether tailored but low-cost interventions can lead to sustainable increases in PA behaviours. The results may have implications for practitioners in designing and implementing theory-based physical activity promotion programs for this population. 2012-01-30T05:19:02.832Z ]]> http://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/manager/Repository/uon:7016 The purpose of this study was to assess the dietary glycemic index (GI) and glycemic load (GL) of adolescents, based on a Web-based 24-h recall, and to investigate dietary predictors of GI and GL. In addition, the relationship between GI and GL and weight status was examined. A Web-based 24-h recall was completed by 4936 adolescents, aged 9–17 years; macronutrient and food group intakes were assessed using the ESHA Food Processor, the Canadian Nutrient File, and Canada’s Food Guide. Dietary GI and GL were calculated based on published GI values for foods. Students provided self-reported height and mass. Multiple regression models assessed the ability of food group choices and food behaviours to predict GI and GL. Mean GI was 55 for girls and 56 for boys. Mean GL was 128 for girls and 168 for boys. Food group choices explained 26% of the variation in GI (p < 0.01) and 84% of the variation in GL (p < 0.01). The number of meals per day explained 10% (p < 0.01), and eating meals outside of the home accounted for 2.5% (p < 0.01) of the variation in GL; however, these results disappeared when adjusted for total energy intake. The GI was positively correlated with body mass index in girls (r = 0.05, p = 0.02), and GL was significantly higher among nonoverweight boys than overweight boys. This study identified eating patterns related to daily GI and GL, and suggests certain dietary patterns that could have beneficial effects on health. It also showed that GI and GL were weakly related to weight status. 2012-01-30T05:05:40.120Z ]]> http://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/manager/Repository/uon:9378 Objective: The objective of this study was to determine if differences existed in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) between individuals with prediabetes who are physically active (i.e., achieving ≥600 MET min per week) compared to those who are inactive. Method: Individuals with prediabetes (N = 232) residing in Northern Alberta, Canada completed a mailed questionnaire assessing self-reported PA, and health-related quality of life in August–September 2008. Results: Thirty-eight percent of individuals with prediabetes were meeting prediabetes PA guidelines. Covarying on age, gender, income, smoking and BMI, a significant multivariate analysis of covariance model [Wilks’ λ = 0.967, F(2,224) = 3.791, p < .05] indicated those achieving PA guidelines reported higher Physical Health (Mean diff = 2.7, p < .05, ES = .27) and Mental Health (Mean diff = 3.0, p < .05, ES = .31) compared to those not achieving PA guidelines. Conclusion: These findings demonstrate people with prediabetes who achieve prediabetes PA guidelines have higher levels of physical and mental HRQoL than people who are inactive. Further, these results support the rationale for developing strategically designed PA programs for individuals with prediabetes. 2011-11-14T06:00:04.126Z ]]> http://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/manager/Repository/uon:9377 Objectives: To reflect upon a population health intervention for obesity and chronic disease prevention, with specific attention to the processes of change and developing, implementing and evaluating an intervention in a community–university–government partnership context. Methods: To capture the value, process and context of our interventions, we employed a multi-layered, mixed methods research and evaluation design. Guided by assumptions of community-based participatory research, and using a validated capacity-building tool, the investigators described and reflected critically upon the level and nature of capacity built (for both research and intervention) as indicators of the process and contextual influences on intervention success. Results: Capacity was built in communities through collaborative approaches. We captured complexity of change in social context to advance understanding of how to intervene to transform environments. Developing novel community evaluation strategies can help to advance understanding of how environmental interventions affect health before health outcomes data demonstrate change. Conclusions: Our experience provides an example of operationalizing an ecological framework. As a community–university–government partnership, Healthy Alberta Communities provides an opportunity for developing promising practices for the health of communities, as well as a unique research platform for evaluating the process and establishing effectiveness of population health interventions. 2011-11-14T05:50:06.289Z ]]> http://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/manager/Repository/uon:9368 This article explores facilitators and barriers to individual and organizational capacity to address priority strategies for community-level chronic disease prevention. Interviews were conducted with a group of participants who previously participated in a community priority-setting workshop held in two Alberta communities. The goal of the workshop was to bring together key community stakeholders to collaboratively identify action strategies for preventing chronic diseases in their communities. While capacity building was not the specific aim of the workshop, it could be considered an unintended byproduct of bringing together community representatives around a specific issue. One purpose of this study was to examine the participants’ capacity to take action on the priority strategies identified at the workshop. Eleven one-on-one semi-structured interviews were conducted with workshop participants to examine facilitators and barriers to individual and organizational level capacity building. Findings suggest that there were several barriers identified by participants that limited their capacity to take action on the workshop strategies, specifically: (i) organizations’ lack of priorities or competing priorities; (ii) priorities secondary to the organizational mandate; (iii) disconnect between organizational and community priorities; (iv) disconnect between community organization priorities; (v) disconnect between organizations and government/funder priorities; (vi) limited resources (i.e. time, money and personnel); and, (vii) bigger community issues. The primary facilitator of individual capacity to take action or priority strategies was supportive organizations. Recognition of these elements will allow practitioners, organizations, governments/funders, and communities to focus on seeking ways to improve capacity for chronic disease prevention. 2011-11-14T02:00:03.957Z ]]>