Focus group interviews with older Australians to explore their awareness of the national age-adjusted dietary recommendations and their suggestions for assisting them to meet these dietary targets

2014 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 182 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sonya Brownie ◽  
Rosanne Coutts
Keyword(s):  
Older People ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Food Choices ◽  
Dietary Guidelines ◽  
Nutrient Requirements ◽  
Food Groups ◽  
Dietary Recommendations ◽  
Focus Group Interviews ◽  
Media Campaigns ◽  
Group Interviews

Promoting a healthy, nutritious diet is central to the goal of assisting individuals to age well. This study used focus groups to explore older people’s awareness of the current age-adjusted nutrient recommendations and age-adjusted core food groups, and to capture their views about these dietary guidelines. Thematic analysis was applied to aggregate data into categories of frequently occurring responses. Data were collected from five focus groups: a total of 29 participants, aged 60–98 years of age. Analysis of responses revealed that participants were generally unaware of government-endorsed dietary guidelines or nutrient recommendations for older people. Their suggestions for assisting older people to meet these age-adjusted dietary targets included: targeted media campaigns to raise awareness about older people’s nutrient requirements; the need for practical meal plans that do meet their dietary needs; and the removal of barriers to supermarket food choices, such as problems with opening jars and excessive packaging.

scholarly journals A community arts programme for older people: an evaluation

2016 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 22-28 ◽  
Author(s):  
Theodore Stickley ◽  
Ada Hui ◽  
Gary Souter ◽  
Danielle Mills
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Older People ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Community Arts ◽  
Focus Group Interviews ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Social Stereotypes ◽  
The Arts ◽  
Group Interviews

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present an evaluation of a community-based arts programme for older people in Nottinghamshire. Design/methodology/approach – The evaluation was conducted using a combination of pre- and post-initiative quantitative questionnaires and qualitative focus group interviews. This paper focuses upon the findings from the focus groups. Findings – Participants reported feeling more positively about ageing and being more motivated to pursue new opportunities at the end of the programme. Five themes emerged from the focus group interviews, namely age and ageing, the finished product, new opportunities, aspirations and the future and personal benefits. These related to increased confidence, having greater creative expression, meaningful occupation and opportunities for socialisation. Social implications – The programme was found to be successful in helping individuals feel more positive about their age, to feel more confident and motivated, to engage with others through mutual creativity, as well as to challenge negative social stereotypes of older people. Originality/value – The paper will be of relevance and value to those working with older people and those with an interest in the arts. This evaluation demonstrates the diversity of the older population with older citizen’s voices being at the heart of the programme.

scholarly journals Comparison of children's dietary intake patterns with US dietary guidelines

2000 ◽  
Vol 84 (3) ◽  
pp. 361-367 ◽  
Author(s):  
Louise M. Brady ◽  
Christine H. Lindquist ◽  
Sara L. Herd ◽  
Michael I. Goran
Keyword(s):  
Dietary Intake ◽  
Nutrition Education ◽  
The United States ◽  
Dietary Guidelines ◽  
United States Department ◽  
Adult Health ◽  
Dietary Intakes ◽  
Food Groups ◽  
Dietary Recommendations ◽  
American Children

Monitoring dietary intake patterns among children is important in order to explore and prevent the onset of adult health problems. The aim of the present study was to compare children's dietary intakes with national recommendations and to determine whether sex or ethnic differences were evident. This was done using a methodology that allows assessment of intake from the major components of the Food Guide Pyramid developed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA: ). The sample studied included 110 African-American and Caucasian males and females (mean age 9·9 years, BMI 20·1 kg/m2) from Birmingham, AL, USA, who were participating in a study investigating the development of obesity. Dietary data were based on three 24 h recalls and food group intake was determined using the USDA Pyramid Servicing Database. The results indicated that a high percentage of subjects failed to meet the recommended number of servings from each of the food groups. For example, only 5 % and 9 % met fruit and dietary group recommendations respectively. Consumption of foods from the Pyramid ‘tip’ (including discretionary fat and added sugar) contributed almost 50 % of the diet. African-Americans were more likely to meet requirements for the meat group, with a higher proportion of Caucasians meeting dietary recommendations. Males were more likely to meet the vegetable group guidelines although females consumed more energy per day from discretionary fat. In conclusion, these results suggest that implementation of nutrition education programmes may be important for promoting healthy nutrition among American children.

scholarly journals Focus Group Interviews in Child, Youth, and Parent Research: An Integrative Literature Review

2019 ◽  
Vol 18 ◽  
pp. 160940691988727 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristin Adler ◽  
Sanna Salanterä ◽  
Maya Zumstein-Shaha
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Focus Group Interviews ◽  
Research Focus ◽  
Child Research ◽  
Adult Participants ◽  
Group Interviews

Focus groups are becoming increasingly popular in research, especially in parent and child research. Focus group interviews allow participants to tell their own stories, express their opinions, and even draw pictures without having to adhere to a strict sequence of questions. This method is very suitable for collecting data from children, youths, and parents. However, focus group interviews must be carefully planned and conducted. The literature on focus group interviews with adult participants is extensive, but there are no current summaries of the most important issues to consider when conducting focus group interviews with children, youths, or parents. This article outlines the use of focus groups in child, youth, and parent research and the important factors to be considered when planning, conducting, and analyzing focus groups with children, youths, or parents.

scholarly journals Researchers’ perceptions of research misbehaviours: a mixed methods study among academic researchers in Amsterdam

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tamarinde L. Haven ◽  
Joeri K. Tijdink ◽  
H. Roeline Pasman ◽  
Guy Widdershoven ◽  
Gerben ter Riet ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Natural Sciences ◽  
Academic Rank ◽  
Aggregate Level ◽  
Focus Group Interviews ◽  
Academic Researchers ◽  
Disciplinary Field ◽  
Group Interviews

Abstract Background There is increasing evidence that research misbehaviour is common, especially the minor forms. Previous studies on research misbehaviour primarily focused on biomedical and social sciences, and evidence from natural sciences and humanities is scarce. We investigated what academic researchers in Amsterdam perceived to be detrimental research misbehaviours in their respective disciplinary fields. Methods We used an explanatory sequential mixed methods design. First, survey participants from four disciplinary fields rated perceived frequency and impact of research misbehaviours from a list of 60. We then combined these into a top five ranking of most detrimental research misbehaviours at the aggregate level, stratified by disciplinary field. Second, in focus group interviews, participants from each academic rank and disciplinary field were asked to reflect on the most relevant research misbehaviours for their disciplinary field. We used participative ranking methodology inducing participants to obtain consensus on which research misbehaviours are most detrimental. Results In total, 1080 researchers completed the survey (response rate: 15%) and 61 participated in the focus groups (3 three to 8 eight researchers per group). Insufficient supervision consistently ranked highest in the survey regardless of disciplinary field and the focus groups confirmed this. Important themes in the focus groups were insufficient supervision, sloppy science, and sloppy peer review. Biomedical researchers and social science researchers were primarily concerned with sloppy science and insufficient supervision. Natural sciences and humanities researchers discussed sloppy reviewing and theft of ideas by reviewers, a form of plagiarism. Focus group participants further provided examples of particular research misbehaviours they were confronted with and how these impacted their work as a researcher. Conclusion We found insufficient supervision and various forms of sloppy science to score highly on aggregate detrimental impact throughout all disciplinary fields. Researchers from the natural sciences and humanities also perceived nepotism to be of major impact on the aggregate level. The natural sciences regarded fabrication of data of major impact as well. The focus group interviews helped to understand how researchers interpreted ‘insufficient supervision’. Besides, the focus group participants added insight into sloppy science in practice. Researchers from the natural sciences and humanities added new research misbehaviours concerning their disciplinary fields to the list, such as the stealing of ideas before publication. This improves our understanding of research misbehaviour beyond the social and biomedical fields.

scholarly journals A Blind Man Leads a Blind Man? Personalised Nutrition-Related Attitudes, Knowledge and Behaviours of Fitness Trainers in Hungary

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 663 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Kiss ◽  
Laura Pfeiffer ◽  
József Popp ◽  
Judit Oláh ◽  
Zoltán Lakner
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Professional Knowledge ◽  
Dietary Guidelines ◽  
Nutritional Knowledge ◽  
Focus Group Interviews ◽  
Personalised Nutrition ◽  
Simulation Based ◽  
Group Interviews ◽  
Working Out

It is well-documented that fitness trainers could play an important role in the nutrition-related behaviour of their clients based on their personalised nutrition-related counselling activities, but there are considerable concerns all over the world about the level of their knowledge to become nutritional coaches. In the framework of the current study based on qualitative (focus-group interviews) and quantitative (questionnaire and analysis of responses by multivariable methods, as well as structural equation modelling) methods, it has been proven that (1) theoretically, both the trainers and the dietitians acknowledge the importance of cooperation in the optimisation of coaching efficiency and advisory work due to some “professional jealousness” and differences in professional background, as well as in culture, so it is hard to find a common platform for cooperation, especially in market segments characterised by relative low levels of purchasing power; (2) due to lack of regulation, there is a high heterogeneity of professional competences of trainers in general and their nutritional competences, in particular; (3) the majority of trainers do not have an objective picture on his/her effective nutritional knowledge, and they often offer a much wider scope of services (e.g., nutritional counselling for clients with chronic diseases) which are well beyond their professional knowledge and (4) the dietary guidelines have not become an integral part of professional knowledge, even at the level of specialists. To improve the current—in some cases, dangerous—situation, the following steps should be taken: (1) enhancement of the level of professional qualification of future trainers, integrating the practice-oriented approaches and emphasising the role of teamwork by simulation-based practices; (2) highlighting in a clear way the professional and ethical boundaries of the activities of trainers and (3) working out an efficient incentive system for the continuous professional development of trainers.

scholarly journals Aspectos quantitativos e qualitativos sobre as barreiras para o uso de bicicleta em adultos de Curitiba, Brasil

2018 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 29-42 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marilson Kienteka ◽  
Edina Maria de Camargo ◽  
Rogério César Fermino ◽  
Rodrigo Siqueira Reis
Keyword(s):  
Comparative Analysis ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Physical Environment ◽  
Heavy Traffic ◽  
Household Survey ◽  
Focus Group Interviews ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Group Interviews ◽  
Bad Weather

The implementation of bicycling promotion programs should consider the barriers to this behavior. The aim of this study was to quantitative and qualitatively characterize barriers to leisure and commuting bicycle use for adults from Curitiba, Brazil. The first phase comprised a cross-sectional household survey involving 677 adults (53% women). Of these, 16.7% and 11.2% reported leisure and commuting bicycle use, respectively. Then, 24 bicycle users (50% women) were recruited and participated in focus group interviews. The content of answers was analyzed with a conceptual matrix. The most reported barriers to leisure bicycle use were “bad weather” (65.5%), “heavy traffic” (53.1%), “lack of bike lanes” (48.7%) and “lack of security “(44.2%). In commuting, the most reported were “bad weather” (69.7%), “heavy traffic”, “lack of safety” and “fear of accidents” (51.3% each). The comparative analysis between barriers reported in the survey and those reported in the focus groups showed a combination of seven of the 11 barriers reported in questionnaires. Some of the barriers identified in the survey were not mentioned in the focus groups (“poor street quality”, “pollution”, “not having a bicycle”, “lack of parking”, “distance to destinations”). The main barriers to bicycle use are related to physical environment and safety aspects, regardless of approach adopted and purpose of use.

scholarly journals Äldre, alkohol och omsorgsbehov: Biståndshandläggare om arbetet med äldre personer med missbruksproblem

2017 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 43-56 ◽  
Author(s):  
Evy Gunnarsson ◽  
Lis-Bodil Karlsson
Keyword(s):  
Alcohol Abuse ◽  
Home Care ◽  
Older People ◽  
Addiction Treatment ◽  
Focus Group Interviews ◽  
Care Managers ◽  
Group Interviews ◽  
People Today

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate how care managers went about in their work with older people living at home and having alcohol abuse problems. Method: Six focus group interviews and one interview with two participants were carried out. In total, 23 care managers from five different municipalities participated. Results: The care managers all stressed the fact that within home care, no addiction treatment was conducted. The role of home care was to provide good care helping older people in their everyday lives irrespective of their problems. The care managers had to push the limits for the available services to be able to help older people with alcohol abuse problems. The services offered are however strictly regulated in guidelines. Many older people with alcohol abuse problems were not interested in receiving home care, and they were seldom interested in having contact with the addiction unit. The self-determination of older people in need of home care is strongly stressed in legislation. If the older person did not want any help, there was not much the care managers could do. Conclusions: Since older people today drink more alcohol than earlier generations, there is a need for services and addiction treatment specifically directed at older people with alcohol abuse problems suitable for their needs.

scholarly journals Focus Groups to Reveal Parents’ Needs for Prenatal Education

2002 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Louise Dumas
Keyword(s):  
Focus Groups ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Original Problem ◽  
Community Health Education ◽  
Prenatal Education ◽  
Community Centers ◽  
Focus Group Interviews ◽  
Health Agencies ◽  
Group Interviews ◽  
User Friendly

Focus group interviews are a useful qualitative research technique to obtain data from small groups about their opinions, attitudes, and/or feelings on a given subject. This particular technique has been used in Western Quebec in order to reveal the opinions, needs, and feelings of health professionals and future parents concerning prenatal education. As part of the region’s priorities for 2002, all future parents in this part of the province were to be offered prenatal, government-paid, community health education. Consequently, the Ministry of Health at the regional level sought a customized program for all community centers, based on identified regional needs and recent research. This program had to prove to be innovative, user-friendly, effective, and efficient. After reviewing the literature and conducting discussions with representatives from all regional health agencies throughout the province, the author of this article designed and conducted focus groups with perinatal health professionals from all community centers and hospitals of the Outaouais region. Later, focus groups were also conducted with parents. Following the analysis of the data and comparisons with existing resources, the author of this paper designed and proposed a specific program aimed at the empowerment of future parents. This paper reports the original problem and its context, the research methodology, and the proposed program (underlying philosophy, objectives, content, and educational techniques).

scholarly journals Spiritually motivated restrictions on animal products have a limited impact on consumption of healthy plant-based foods

2019 ◽  
Vol 122 (07) ◽  
pp. 808-819 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hilary J. Bethancourt ◽  
Mario Kratz ◽  
Kathleen O’Connor
Keyword(s):  
Dietary Guidelines ◽  
Healthy Plant ◽  
Food Groups ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Dietary Recommendations ◽  
Food Record ◽  
Animal Products ◽  
Refined Grains ◽  
Added Sugars ◽  
The Usa

AbstractPlant-based diets are considered healthier than many omnivorous diets. However, it is unclear that restriction of animal products necessarily motivates increased consumption of nutrient- and fibre-rich plant-based foods as opposed to energy-dense but nutrient-poor plant-based foods containing refined grains and added sugars and fats. The present study examined FFQ and food record data from ninety-nine individuals in the USA with varying degrees of adherence to the Orthodox Christian tradition of restricting meat, dairy and egg (MDE) products for 48 d prior to Easter to investigate whether restricting MDE products in the absence of explicit nutritional guidance would lead to increased consumption of healthy plant-based foods and greater likelihood of meeting dietary recommendations. Multiple linear regression models assessed changes in major food groups, energy and nutrients in relation to the degree of reduction in MDE consumption. Logistic regression analyses tested the odds of meeting 2015–2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans on plant-based foods in relation to MDE restriction. Each serving reduction in MDE products was associated with small (approximately 0·1–0·7 serving) increases in legumes, soya products and nuts/seeds (all P values < 0·005). MDE restriction was not associated with higher odds of meeting recommendations on vegetable, fruit or whole-grain intake. Consumption of refined grains and added sugars did not change in relation to MDE restriction but remained above recommended thresholds, on average. These findings demonstrate that a reduction of MDE products for spiritual purposes may result in increases in some nutrient-rich plant-based foods but may not uniformly lead to a healthier dietary composition.

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