Opportunities For Health Promotion Research Articles

Community support for families affected by dementia.

This paper provides and overview of the community support services that may be available for people with dementia and their family carers. The authors introduce dementia, including the impact of the diagnosis on both the person with dementia and the wider family. Using a case study approach, the authors describe the support available, spanning health and social care and third sector organisations. They discuss how this support can enable people with dementia and their carers to maintain wellbeing and cope with the impact of dementia. This article will be of interest to community nurses, and health and social care professionals more generally, who may encounter families affected by dementia in community settings. Having a good knowledge of the support available and how to access it will allow community nurses to capitalise on the health promotion opportunities presented to them, when they come into contact with families affected by dementia in the course of their day-to-day practice.

Co-design personal sleep health technology for and with university students.

University students often experience sleep disturbances and disorders. Personal digital technologies present a great opportunity for sleep health promotion targeting this population. However, studies that engage university students in designing and implementing digital sleep health technologies are scarce. This study sought to understand how we could build digital sleep health technologies that meet the needs of university students through a co-design process. We conducted three co-design workshops with 51 university students to identify design opportunities and to generate features for sleep health apps through workshop activities. The generated ideas were organized using the stage-based model of self-tracking so that our findings could be well-situated within the context of personal health informatics. Our findings contribute new design opportunities for sleep health technologies targeting university students along the dimensions of sleep environment optimization, online community, gamification, generative AI, materializing sleep with learning, and personalization.

A Qualitative Study of Preschool Children's Perspectives on an Oral Health Promotion Program in New South Wales, Australia.

In Australia, dental caries are observed in almost half of children starting school. Oral health promotion programs are being implemented in early childhood education and care (ECEC) settings to promote oral health. This study examined children's perceptions of one such program, the Bright Smiles Bright Futures (BSBF) program in ECEC settings in New South Wales, Australia. Data were collected using focus group discussions from 15 children aged 3-5 years, transcribed verbatim, and analysed through inductive thematic analysis. Three themes were identified as follows: (i) oral health knowledge of children, (ii) oral hygiene practices routine and skills development, and (iii) evaluation of the oral health promotion kit and opportunities for improvement. Children's perspectives highlight the BSBF program's success in communicating key messages to promote oral health. The integration of family-centric approaches, acknowledgement of children's preferences, and the use of interactive tools collectively enhance the overall effectiveness of the oral health promotion program.

Using latent class analysis to operationalize a wholistic assessment of Inuit health and well-being

ABSTRACT Many Indigenous cultures conceptualize health wholistically, whereby physical, mental, spiritual and relational dimensions of health are interconnected. Yet, quantitative approaches to studying Indigenous health remain anchored in western perspectives, that separate the dimensions of health. This paper aims to operationalize a wholistic indicator of health based on the IQI model of Inuit health. Variables from the 2017 Nunavik Health Survey (N = 1196) were selected based on their representativeness of IQI model. Exploratory Latent Class Analysis (LCA) was used to identify wholistic health profiles. Once participants assigned to their health profile, sociodemographic characteristics were compared across profiles, and multinomial regression models were used to examine the relationship between community-level social determinants of health and the profiles. The LCA revealed three health profiles, labelled as “excellent”, “good” and “fair” based on the distribution of answers to the indicators. Nunavimmiut in “excellent” and “good” health were more likely to: rate their health positively; be over 30 years old; be in a relationship; and have participated or volunteered in community events. Nunavimmiut in ”fair” health tended to report lower levels of community cohesion, family relationships, and emotional support. Intergrating culturally relevant models of health can support improved health status assessments and identify opportunities for health promotion.

Multi-professional perspectives to reduce moral distress: A qualitative investigation.

Encounters of moral distress have long-term consequences on healthcare workers' physical and mental health, leading to job dissatisfaction, reduced patient care, and high levels of burnout, exhaustion, and intentions to quit. Yet, research on approaches to ameliorate moral distress across the health workforce is limited. The aim of our study was to qualitatively explore multi-professional perspectives of healthcare social workers, chaplains, and patient liaisons on ways to reduce moral distress and heighten well-being at a southern U.S. academic medical center. Purposive sampling and chain-referral methods assisted with recruitment through hospital listservs, staff meetings, and newsletters. Interested participants contacted the principal investigator and all interviews were conducted in-person. Consent was attained prior to interviews. All interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Directed content analysis was used to deductively organize codes and to develop themes in conjunction with the National Academy of Medicine's National Plan for Health Workforce Well-Being. Rigor was attained through peer-debriefing, data triangulation methods, and frequent research team meetings. Ethics approval was obtained from the university and medical center institutional review boards. Themes demonstrate that rather than offering interventions in the aftermath of moral distress, multilevel daily practices ought to be considered that pre-emptively identify and reduce morally distressing encounters through (1) the care team, (2) management and leadership, and (3) the health care industry. Strategies include interdisciplinary decision-making, trusting managerial relationships, and organizational policies and practices that explicitly invest in mental health promotion and diverse leadership opportunities. Moral distress interventions ought to target short-term stress reactions while also addressing the long-term impacts of moral residue. Health systems must financially commit to an ethical workplace culture that explicitly values mental health and well-being.

A missed opportunity for health promotion? Perceptions of large‐scale housing developments in Aotearoa New Zealand

AbstractLarge‐scale housing developments (LHD) are increasingly being used to accommodate population growth in (sub)urban Aotearoa, but their market‐oriented and delivery‐focused approach raises questions about whether resulting housing supplies meet residents' expectations for a healthy living environment. Based on a mixed‐methods survey with expert and non‐expert residents in the Wellington Region, this research critically examines LHD and underscores the pressing need for a stronger emphasis on health promotion in rapidly growing (sub)urban environments. The study reveals a strong desire among study participants for more social infrastructure in LHD, responsibility on part of LHD developers towards communal values and community engagement.

Associations between Health-Related Use of Social Media and Positive Lifestyle Behaviors: Findings from a Representative Sample of US Adult Smokers

Background: Cigarette smokers have elevated cardiovascular risk factors, which contributes significantly to mortality. Although social media is a potential avenue to deliver smoking interventions, its role in health promotion among smokers remains relatively unexplored.Objective: To examine the uptake and impact of health-related social media use in cigarette smokers.Methods: Using data from the 2017–2020 Health Information National Trends Survey, we evaluated differences in health-related social media use between smokers and nonsmokers. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to examine the association between social media use and positive health behaviors.Results: We included 1863 current smokers and 13,560 nonsmokers; Most participants were women (51.0%), White (64.6%), and 49.2% were aged ≥50 years. Smokers who used ≥1 social media site for health-related purposes in the past year were significantly more likely to meet the guideline recommendations for: (i) weekly physical activity (AOR 2.00, 95% CI 1.23–3.24), (ii) daily vegetable intake (AOR 2.48, 95% CI 1.10–5.59), and (iii) weekly strength training (AOR 1.80, 95% CI 1.10–2.94). However, the odds of reporting intentions to quit smoking (AOR 1.81, 95% CI 0.98–3.34) and attempts at smoking cessation (AOR 1.68, 95% CI 0.90–3.12) did not differ by health-related social media use.Conclusion: Smokers use social media for health-related purposes at comparable rates to nonsmokers. While our findings indicate that these platforms present a novel opportunity for health promotion among smokers, future research exploring the utility of social media in smoking cessation is crucial.

Mixed methods feasibility and usability testing of a childhood obesity risk estimation tool

BackgroundA Childhood Obesity Risk Estimation tool (SLOPE CORE) has been developed based on prediction models using routinely available maternity and early childhood data to estimate risk of childhood obesity at 4–5 years. This study aims to test the feasibility, acceptability and usability of SLOPE CORE within an enhanced health visiting (EHV) service in the UK, as one context in which this tool could be utilised.MethodsA mixed methods approach was used to assess feasibility of implementing SLOPE CORE. Health Visitors (HVs) were trained to use the tool, and in the processes for recruiting parents into the study. HVs were recruited using purposive sampling and parents by convenience sampling. HVs and parents were invited to take part in interviews or focus groups to explore their experiences of the tool. HVs were asked to complete a system usability scale (SUS) questionnaire.ResultsFive HVs and seven parents took part in the study. HVs found SLOPE CORE easy to use with a mean SUS of 84.4, (n = 4, range 70–97.5) indicating excellent usability. Five HVs and three parents took part in qualitative work. The tool was acceptable and useful for both parents and HVs. Parents expressed a desire to know their child’s risk of future obesity, provided this was accompanied by additional information, or support to modify risk. HVs appreciated the health promotion opportunity that the tool presented and felt that it facilitated difficult conversations around weight, by providing ‘clinical evidence’ for risk, and placing the focus of the conversation onto the tool result, rather than their professional judgement. The main potential barriers to use of the tool included the need for internet access, and concerns around time needed to have a sensitive discussion around a conceptually difficult topic (risk).ConclusionsSLOPE CORE could potentially be useful in clinical practice. It may support targeting limited resources towards families most at risk of childhood obesity. Further research is needed to explore how the tool might be efficiently incorporated into practice, and to evaluate the impact of the tool, and any subsequent interventions, on preventing childhood obesity.

Multilevel Factors Associated with Participation in Group Well-Child Care.

To identify factors associated with participation in group well-child care (GWCC), wherein families share preventive health care visits. We extracted electronic health record data of mother-infant dyads with infants born 2013-2018 at Yale New Haven Hospital and followed at the primary care center. Using chi-square analysis and multivariate logistic regression, we examined the extent to which (1) maternal/infant characteristics and recruitment timing were associated with GWCC initiation and continued engagement and (2) initiation was associated with primary care visits. Of 2,046 eligible mother-infant dyads, 11.6% initiated GWCC. The odds of initiation were higher among mothers with Spanish versus English primary language (OR:2.36 [95% CI:1.52-3.66]), with 1 child versus >3 children (1.58 [1.13-2.22]), and of non-Hispanic Black versus non-Hispanic White infants (2.72 [1.39-5.32]). Initiation was lower among infants born in 2016 (0.53 [0.32-0.88]) and 2018 (0.29 [0.17-0.52]) versus 2013. Among GWCC initiators with follow-up data (n=217), continued engagement (n=132, 60.8%) was positively associated with maternal age of 20-29 years (2.85 [1.10-7.34]) and >30 years (3.46 [1.15-10.43]) compared with <20 years, and mothers with 1 child versus ≥3 (2.28 [1.04-4.98]). GWCC initiators, versus non-initiators, had 5.06 times higher adjusted odds of attending >9 primary care appointments in the first 18 months (95% CI:3.74-6.85). As evidence builds on health and social benefits of GWCC, recruitment efforts may gain from considering multi-level socio-economic, demographic, and cultural factors associated with GWCC participation. Higher participation among systemically marginalized groups may present unique opportunities for family-based health promotion to mitigate health inequities.

College Students’ Healthy Leisure: Latent Profile Analyses of Constraints and Negotiation Strategies

College presents opportunities for health promotion, but students may be constrained in their ability to engage in healthy leisure. Leisure constraints and constraint negotiation strategies are important influences of healthy leisure, but few studies have examined the potential for heterogeneity among students in the constraints they face and how they negotiate these constraints. The present study therefore used a person-centered approach, latent profile analysis, to identify patterns of college students’ constraints and negotiation of healthy leisure. Using a sample of 605 students at a U.S. university, results indicated a four-profile solution for healthy leisure constraints and a two-profile solution for healthy leisure negotiation. Results also showed interrelationships between profiles and among profiles and participant demographics, healthy leisure motivation and identity, subjective health, and healthy leisure activities. Findings are discussed in terms of future research and the development of more tailored leisure education interventions for college populations.

Neo-traditionalist, egalitarian and progressive masculinities in men's heterosexual intimate partner relationships

Shifts in gender roles, identities and relations since the 1980s are continuing to influence masculinities within intimate partner relationships. Forefront in men's contemporary heterosexual relationships have been calls for gender equality and gender equity as a means to promoting the mental health and well-being of partners and their families. Most previous research has focused on a pathologized role of men in relationships (e.g., intimate partner violence). Little is known about how men perceive intimate partner relationships using a strength-based perspective. The current photovoice study addressed the research question, ‘What are the connections between masculinities and men's heterosexual intimate partner relationships?’ to highlight young men's (19-43 years-old) experiences of, and perspectives about their intimate partner relationships. Drawing from individual Zoom interviews with 92 heterosexual, cisgender men from 14 countries, we abductively derived three masculine typologies: 1) neo-traditionalist, 2) egalitarian and 3) progressive. Twenty-two (24%) participants embodied neo-traditionalist masculinities characterized by reliance's on traditional masculine norms that assign domesticities as feminine and prize masculine breadwinner and protector roles. Half of the participants (50%, n = 46) purposefully distanced themselves from traditional masculine norms to engage egalitarian masculinities. These men idealized equal (50-50) contributions and reciprocity wherein counts were often used to evaluate each partner's relative efforts and contributions to the relationship. Progressive masculinities were evident in 26% (n = 24) of participants who focused on fairness and social justice, checking their own privilege to justly operate within the relationship, and more broadly in society. The three typologies are grounded in men's heterosexual intimate partner gender relations, and advance masculinity frameworks to guide future health-research, policy and practice. In addition, there are opportunities for men's mental health promotion by prompting readers' reflexivity to thoughtfully consider what they idealize, and where they map in relation to the masculine typologies featured in the current article.

An SMS Text Message-Based Type 2 Diabetes Prevention Program for Hispanic Adolescents With Obesity: Qualitative Co-Design Process.

SMS text message-based interventions are a promising approach for reaching and engaging high-risk youths, such as Hispanic adolescents with obesity, in health promotion and disease prevention opportunities. This is particularly relevant, given that SMS text messaging is widely accessible and available and that adolescents are frequent texters. Including youths in the development of SMS text message content can lead to more acceptable and relevant messaging; however, few studies include this group as cocollaborators. This study aimed to use a co-design process to inform the development of SMS text messages that promote healthy physical activity (PA) and sleep behaviors among Hispanic adolescents with obesity. The co-design framework uses multiple methods across several phases. Self-determination theory and a literature review of SMS text message-based interventions guided the background and research phases. In the co-design phase, Hispanic adolescents (n=20) completed in-depth interviews to identify barriers and facilitators of PA and sleep, preferences for ways to emphasize key self-determination theory constructs (autonomy, competence, and relatedness), and suggestions for making SMS text message content engaging. In the design and content phase, interview findings were used to develop initial SMS text messages, which were then evaluated in the early evaluation phase by experts (n=6) and adolescents (n=6). Feedback from these panels was integrated into the SMS text message content during refinement. The background phase revealed that few SMS text message-based interventions have included Hispanic adolescents. Common barriers and facilitators of activity and sleep as well as preferences for ways in which SMS text messages could provide autonomy, competence, and relatedness support were identified in the co-design phase. The youths also wanted feedback about goal attainment. Suggestions to make SMS text messages more engaging included using emojis, GIFs, and media. This information informed an initial bank of SMS text messages (N=116). Expert review indicated that all (116/116, 100%) SMS text messages were age and culturally appropriate; however, some (21/116, 18.1%) did not adequately address youth-identified barriers and facilitators of PA and sleep, whereas others (30/116, 25.9%) were not theoretically adherent. Adolescents reported that SMS text messages were easy to understand (116/116, 100%), provided the support needed for behavior change (103/116, 88.8%), and used mostly acceptable language (84/116, 72.4%). Feedback was used to refine and develop the final bank of 125 unique text messages. Using a co-design process, a theoretically grounded, appealing, and relevant bank of SMS text messages promoting healthy PA and sleep behaviors to adolescents was developed. The SMS text messages will be further evaluated in a pilot study to assess feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy. The co-design process used in this study provides a framework for future studies aimed at developing SMS text message-based strategies among high-risk adolescents. RR2-10.1016/j.cct.2023.107117.

School-Based Cardiovascular Health Promotion in Adolescents

School-based interventions offer an opportunity for health promotion in adolescence. To assess the effect of 2 multicomponent educational health promotion strategies of differing duration and intensity on adolescents' cardiovascular health (CVH). The SI! Program for Secondary Schools is a 4-year cluster randomized clinical intervention trial conducted in 24 secondary schools from Barcelona and Madrid, Spain, from September 7, 2017, to July 31, 2021. Eligible participants were adolescents enrolled in the first grade of secondary school. Schools and their participants were randomized to receive a health promotion intervention (SI! Program) over 4 school years (long-term intervention [LTI], 8 schools, 412 adolescents) or 2 school years (short-term intervention [STI], 8 schools, 504 adolescents) or to receive the standard curriculum (control, 8 schools, 441 adolescents). The primary end point was the between-group difference at 2 and 4 years in the change from baseline of the overall CVH score, as defined by the American Heart Association (range, 0-14 points, with a higher score indicating a healthier CVH profile). Intervention effects were tested with multilevel mixed-effects models. A complete-case intention-to-treat analysis was performed as the primary analysis. Of the randomized students, the study enrolled 1326 adolescents (684 [51.6%] boys, mean [SD] age, 12.5 [0.4] years at recruitment) with a study completion rate of 86.0%. Baseline overall CVH scores were 10.3 points in the LTI group, 10.6 points in the STI group, and 10.5 points in the control group. After 2 years, at halfway through the LTI and at the end of the STI, the difference in the CVH score change was 0.44 points (95% CI, 0.01-0.87; P = .04) between the LTI group and the control group and 0.18 points (95% CI, -0.25 to 0.61; P = .39) between the STI group and the control group. At 4 years, differences for the LTI and STI groups vs control were 0.12 points (LTI: 95% CI, -0.19 to 0.43; P = .42) and 0.13 points (STI: 95% CI, -0.17 to 0.44; P = .38). No adverse events were reported. Overall, the tested school-based health promotion strategies in this randomized clinical trial had a neutral effect on the CVH of the adolescents. Although there was evidence of a marginal beneficial effect at a point halfway through implementation in the LTI group, such a benefit was not noted at 4 years. Further research is warranted into the efficacy of school-based health promotion programs. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03504059.

Is breakfast consumption detrimental, unnecessary, or an opportunity for health promotion? A review of cardiometabolic outcomes and functional food choices.

Breakfast consumption is generally considered a health-promoting habit for cardiometabolism, particularly with regard to chrononutrition. Glucose uptake is enhanced by proper insulin secretion triggered by the pancreatic clock, averting metabolic dysregulation related to insulin resistance. Breakfast skipping, in turn, is often considered a behaviour detrimental to health, in part due to putative inverse metabolic actions compared to breakfast consumption, such that breakfast skipping may promote circadian desynchrony. However, most ill health concerns about breakfast skipping are inferred from observational research, and recent well-controlled randomized clinical trials have shown benefits of breakfast skipping for cardiovascular risk factors. Accordingly, this review describes the effects of breakfast consumption versus breakfast skipping on cardiovascular risk factors (blood pressure and glycaemic and lipid indices). In addition, the view of breakfast consumption as an opportunity for functional food ingestion is considered to provide further insights into decision-making practice. Collectively, both breakfast consumption and breakfast skipping can be considered viable habits, but they depend on individual preferences, planning, and the specific foods being consumed or omitted. When consumed, breakfast should consist primarily of functional foods typical for this meal (e.g., eggs, dairy products, nuts, fruits, whole grains, coffee, tea, etc.). While breakfast consumption aligns with chrononutrition principles, breakfast skipping can contribute to a calorie deficit over time, which has the potential for widespread cardiometabolic benefits for patients with overweight/obesity. The concepts and practical considerations discussed in the present review may aid health care personnel in personalising breakfast consumption recommendations for diverse patient populations.

Intersections of Racial/Ethnic and Religious Identities on Bodily Well-Being for Black College-Attending Emerging Adults.

Black undergraduates face threats to healthy weight and body image (i.e., bodily well-being). Having a strong racial/ethnic identity can promote health during emerging adulthood. However, less is known about the intersections of racial/ethnic and religious identities on the bodily well-being of Black college-attending emerging adults, despite evidence to indicate that aspects of religiosity are also associated with health. We use quantitative data from 767 Black college-attending emerging adults in the Multi-University Study of Identity and Culture to examine the independent contributions of racial/ethnic and religious identity for bodily health, and test a potential interaction between racial/ethnic and religious identity on bodily health outcomes. Results from a multivariate linear regression model indicate that Black college-attending emerging adults with both high religious identity and high racial/ethnic identity exploration had higher body mass index and less positive body image. Findings suggest ways to strengthen the development of culturally appropriate public health prevention and intervention efforts that target body image and weight for Black college-attending emerging adults. IMPACT STATEMENT: Black college-attending emerging adults face challenges to their health, particularly threats to healthy weight and body image during this period of psychosocial transitions. The developmental process of navigating racial/ethnic and religious identities during this time raises challenges and opportunities for health promotion for this population. Yet, research that explores the role of these identities remains scarce. We found that Black college-attending emerging adults had higher body mass index and more negative body image when they reported more racial/ethnic identity exploration coupled with higher religious identities. Results shed light on the complex ways that navigating both racial/ethnic and religious identities may put some Black college-attending emerging adults at greater health risk. Health education and promotion practice focused on improving Black emerging adult health in college contexts should ensure that behavioral interventions are appropriately nuanced and situated in these populations' developmental and cultural considerations.

Environmental health perceptions of urban youth from low-income communities: A qualitative photovoice study and framework.

Children are amongst the most susceptible groups to environmental exposures, for both immediate and life-course health outcomes. Despite their increased susceptibility, children's knowledge, experiencesand voices are understudied. A deeper understanding of children's environmental health perceptions has the potential to better inform policy, develop targeted interventionsand improve public health outcomes. In this study, our community-academic partnership used the Photovoice research method to examine how urban children from low-income communities perceive environmental influences on their health. Twenty children, ages 10-12, took photographs and participated in focus group interviews regarding their perspectives on how the environment influences their health. Qualitative analyses revealed five major thematic categories: environmental exposures, environmental health sentiments, environmental health outcomes, interest in environmental healthand environmental health solutions. We used the findings to develop an environmental health perspective theoretical framework that can inform future work designed to promote the environmental health and well-being of children from low-income communities in urban communities. Photovoice enabledchildren from low-income communities to capture and communicate their environmental health perceptions. These findings have the potential to inform and identify potential targets and opportunities for environmental health interventions and promotion in their communities. Partnerships with community-based organizations were central to the present study. By design, these community-based partners were involved in the conduct and procedures of the study.

Assessment of health‐related behaviors among medical students: A cross‐sectional study

AbstractBackground and AimStudents sometimes participate in harmful activities that adversely influence their behaviors and well‐being throughout college, which is one of the sensitive phases in an individual's life. Aim: To assess the health‐related behaviors of university students.MethodsA cross‐sectional study that includes systematic randomly selected 383 students from various colleges of Ras Al Khaimah Medical and Health Sciences University (RAKMHSU), Ras Al Khaimah Emirate, United Arab Emirates. A self‐reported questionnaire included students' demographic traits and behaviors, including safety, medication intake, cigarette smoking, nutrition, physical activity, and health‐related topics.ResultsMost participants were females (69.7%), 13.3% were obese while 28.2% were overweight. The data revealed a significant difference between male and female students regarding medication intake without prescription, nutrition, physical activity, and health‐related topics. The data also revealed that the majority of the students were attempting to lose weight, and the former male smokers had fewer trials to quit the use of all tobacco products than females.ConclusionMore than a quarter of participants were overweight, and the majority of students did not adhere to the guidelines for safety and nutritious eating. This study recognized significant health promotion opportunities for university students that can be carried out to establish a healthier youth for society.

Qualitative systematic review of general practitioners’ (GPs’) views and experiences of providing postnatal care

ObjectivesDevelop an understanding of the views and experiences of general practitioners (GPs) about their role in postnatal care, including barriers and facilitators to good care, and timing and content of...

5612969 INSIGHTS FROM AN ENGAGEMENT EVENT TO SUPPORT COLLABORATION BETWEEN CHILDREN WITH SICKLE CELL DISORDER, THEIR FAMILIES AND HEALTH SERVICES

Introduction: The APPG inquiry into sickle cell disorder (SCD) services found “serious care failings,” detailing SCD patients avoiding hospitals due to fear and lack of trust.1 It is often said that patients and families ‘do not engage’ or are ‘hard to reach,’ reflecting that services are not always accessible. Aims: In response, we organised a collaborative event reaching out to children and young people (CYP) with SCD and their families in a fun, accessible way. This aimed to test the theory that in an alternative and informal environment, there would be significant uptake of health promotion opportunities. Methods: The organising committee invited patient and parent representation, working closely with targeted charities. Three NHS trust charities contributed to funding and Tottenham Hotspur provided the venue. The event was widely advertised through health services via mailing lists, flyers and social media. Health promotion activities included Expert Panel Question and Answer session, myth busting and research stalls, transition workshops and complementary therapies. Performances from the B positive choir, celebrity DJing, arts and crafts, outdoor games and dance ensured the event was entertaining. Additionally, there was a session on career advice, as suggested by one of the patient representatives. Volunteers collected written feedback with open questions aiming to identify what attendees enjoyed, learnt, and improvement suggestions. Results: The event proved popular with 212 people cared for by 24 trusts (across London, Bedfordshire, Bristol, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire and Kent) registered in addition to their friends and family members. Despite train strikes on the day, 123 adults and 153 CYP across a range of ages (15% 1-4 y/o, 29% 5-10, 39% 11-15, 20% 16-18) attended. 64 submitted event feedback. We asked carers and CYP what was most valued about the event. Responses demonstrated: 61% said education about SCD, particularly learning about general management and emerging treatments such as gene therapy. 44% stated Fun and Enjoyment encouraged positive engagement for children and families rather than solely focused on health education. 16% valued the Sense of Community through connecting with other families as well as professionals in an informal setting. Conclusion: This demonstrates the feasibility of large-scale public health events through collaboration with stakeholders. There is demand for accessible, inclusive, and fun educational events in non-clinical settings. The high proportion of attendees learning more about SCD shows this does not detract from educational gain, but can strengthen care in an empowering way. It is important that the event feedback shapes further work. Attendees including families with newly diagnosed children were invited to peer support groups and people signed up to be informed of future events. Future plans include: Hosting similar events with interested networks. Event development to include more interactive workshops, events for young adults and opportunities for CYP and families to connect and form supportive communities. Deep Dive Event into the Experience of Care to investigate and guide what improvements can be made to SCD services. Reference 1. All Party Parlimentary Group (APPG) and the Sickle Cell Society, No One’s Listening: An Inquiry into the Avoidable Deaths and Failures of Care for Sickle Cell Patients in Secondary Care 2021 https://www.sicklecellsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/No-Ones-Listening-PDF-Final.pdf

Life in lockdown: a qualitative study exploring the experience of living through the initial COVID-19 lockdown in the UK and its impact on diet, physical activity and mental health

BackgroundIn response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the UK imposed a national lockdown prompting change to daily routines. Among behaviours impacted by the lockdown, diet and physical activity may be particularly important due to their association with mental health and physical health. The aim of this study was to explore people’s experiences of how lockdown impacted their physical activity, dietary behaviours and mental health, with a view to informing public health promotion.MethodsThis phenomenological qualitative study used semi-structured telephone interviews. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was conducted, guided by the Framework Approach.ResultsForty participants (28 female) completed an interview (mean duration: 36 min) between May and July 2020. The overarching themes identified were (i) Disruption (loss of routines, social interaction and cues to physical activity) and (ii) Adaptation (structuring the day, accessing the outdoor environment, finding new ways for social support). The disruption to daily routines altered people’s cues for physical activity and eating; some participants spoke of comfort eating and increased alcohol intake in the early days of lockdown, and how they consciously tried to change these when restrictions lasted longer than first anticipated. Others spoke of adapting to the restrictions using food preparation and meals to provide both routine and social time for families. Disruptions from the closure of workplaces resulted in flexible working times for some, allowing for physical activity to be built into the day. In later stages of restrictions, physical activity became an opportunity for social interaction and several participants reported intending to continue to replace sedentary means of socialising (e.g., meeting in cafes) with more active, outdoor activities (e.g., walking) once restrictions were lifted. Staying active and building activity into the day was seen as important to support physical and mental health during the challenging times of the pandemic.ConclusionsWhilst many participants found the UK lockdown challenging, adaptations to cope with the restrictions presented some positive changes related to physical activity and diet behaviours. Helping people sustain their new healthier activities since restrictions have lifted is a challenge but presents an opportunity for public health promotion.