11 research outputs found
Comprehending nutrition and lifestyle behaviors of people with metabolic syndrome:A focus group study
No full textDemographically and socio-culturally appropriate care is critical for empowering people with metabolic syndrome (MetS) to self-manage their condition. This focus group study aimed to explore the understanding of nutrition and lifestyle behaviors (NLBs) of Malaysians with MetS. Adults with MetS (N = 21) participated in four focus groups at a university’s research clinic in Malaysia. A thematic framework analysis approach was applied to the focus group data using an initial coding framework developed from the Health Belief Model. Six main themes were identified on perceived motivations, barriers, and threats toward healthy NLBs. Motivations to adopt healthy NLBs were body image, personal experience of adverse complications, and family and social support. The perception that healthcare is a business model, the idea that changes in NLBs are difficult and expensive, and cultural influence on food intake were identified as barriers to healthy NLBs. Inadequate knowledge of MetS was identified as a subtheme in this study. Health education and health promotion activities that aim to modify the NLBs of people with MetS should consider the community’s perception of motivation and barriers to change. Addressing these aspects in the development of programs can potentially increase program adoption and adherence, ensuring the success of community-based lifestyle interventions.</p
Nutrition and lifestyle behavior peer support program for adults with metabolic syndrome:Outcomes and lessons learned from a feasibility trial
No full textBackground: While peer support interventions have shown to benefit adults with certain chronic conditions, there is limited evidence on its feasibility and effectiveness among people with metabolic syndrome (MetS). This paper describes the outcomes of a pre-post feasibility trial of “PEeR SUpport program for ADults with mEtabolic syndrome” (PERSUADE), an evidence-based and community-specific nutrition and lifestyle behavior peer support program for Malaysian adults with MetS. Methods: We recruited 48 peers (median age: 46 (IQR = 11) years old) into four peer groups, who underwent 3 months of PERSUADE, followed by 3 months of follow-up period. Statistical analyses were conducted at post-intervention and post-follow-up to assess the changes in nutrition intake, anthropometry, and metabolic parameters. Results: Although there were significant overall increases in total carbohydrate intake and glycemic load (both p < 0.001), we noted significant reductions in the intakes of total energy and fat (both p < 0.001). Physical activity (total METS/week) also showed a significant improvement (p < 0.001). Overall, significant but marginal improvements in anthropometric and vital metabolic parameters were also observed. Conclusions: The feasibility trial supported the adoption of PERSUADE, though there is a need to assess the long-term impact of the peer support program in local community settings.</p
Process evaluation of a nutrition and lifestyle behavior peer support program for adults with metabolic syndrome
No full textMetabolic Syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of risk factors that increases the risk for diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Lifestyle intervention is the gold standard of MetS management and prevention. Despite the growing positive influence of peer support-based interventions on management of various chronic diseases, its potential among adults with MetS has not been elucidated. We describe the development and process evaluation of a nutrition and lifestyle behavior “PEeR SUpport program for ADults with mEtabolic syndrome” (PERSUADE) using a systematic five-step approach—(i) review of evidence; (ii) focus group discussions; (iii) behavioral matrix development; (iv) module development; and (v) feasibility and process evaluation. High program adherence was recorded with 81.3% of participants attending all peer sessions. Participants’ content satisfaction score was high (93.3%) while peer leadership score was satisfactory (70.0%). There were significant reductions in all anthropometric and metabolic parameters assessed post intervention, except for diastolic blood pressure. Significant correlations were found between reductions in body fat and triglyceride, and content satisfaction. Peer leadership was only significantly correlated with reduction in triglyceride. Future studies can explore aspects of module interactivity, use of social media, and other means to stimulate consistent engagement of participants, as well as extending the implementations to other lifestyle-related diseases.</p
Group-Based Lifestyle Intervention Strategies for Metabolic Syndrome: A Scoping Review and Strategic Framework for Future Research
No full textBackground and Objectives: Group-based lifestyle interventions reap social support benefits and have been implemented among individuals with various chronic diseases. However, there is a lack of consolidated evidence on its approaches to prevent or manage metabolic syndrome (MetS). This scoping review aims to assess the group-based lifestyle interventional strategies for MetS and provide a strategic framework for future research in this area. Materials and Methods: Scholarly databases (OVID Medline, SCOPUS, PUBMED, PsycINFO, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) and reference lists of included publications were systematically searched using appropriate keywords and MeSH terms. Peer-reviewed articles published from the start of indexing to 31 December 2020 focused on individuals with or at risk for MetS were included. Results: Thirteen interventions were identified, with seven conducted among adults with MetS and six in the population at risk for MetS. Three study designs were reported—randomised controlled trials (RCTs), pre–post interventions, and quasi-experiments. Most of the interventions were based in the community or community organisations, multifaceted, led by a multidisciplinary healthcare team, and assisted by peer educators. Waist circumference showed the most promising MetS-related improvement, followed by blood pressure. Conclusions: There is growing evidence supporting group-based lifestyle interventions to improve MetS-related risk factors. In summary, four strategies are recommended for future research to facilitate group-based interventions in preventing and managing MetS
Multivitamin and mineral use:A rapid review of meta-analyses on health outcomes
No full textMultivitamin and mineral (MVM) supplements are among the most widely used dietary supplements globally, however, their role in promoting healthspan and longevity remains unclear. This review evaluated comprehensive findings from meta-analyses to clarify their health effects. A rapid review of MEDLINE and EMBASE identified 19 eligible meta-analyses published from 2000 to 2025, encompassing 5535,426 participants, including over 333,943 pregnancies and 904,947 children exposed to maternal MVM supplementation. Randomized controlled trials indicated that MVM use improved global cognition, episodic memory, and immediate recall in older or cognitively intact adults, reduced psychological symptoms in healthy individuals, and lowered systolic blood pressure in at-risk populations. However, no benefits were found for all-cause mortality, COVID-19 outcomes, visual acuity, or multiple cognitive domains, and a higher risk of age-related macular degeneration progression was reported. Observational studies found associations between MVM use and a reduced risk of colorectal cancer, coronary heart disease, cataracts, and fragility hip fractures, but not breast or prostate cancer, stroke, or overall mortality. During pregnancy, MVM supplementation was linked to reduced risks of small-for-gestational-age births and pediatric cancers, but not to preterm birth, stillbirth, or low birth weight. Overall, the findings revealed a lack of consistency in the definition of MVM supplementation, and substantial variability in MVM effectiveness depending on population, age, and health status. These results highlighted the importance of shifting from generalized supplementation approaches to more targeted, personalized nutritional strategies to support healthspan and longevity.</p
Chilaiditi’s sign, a cause of pseudo-pneumoperitoneum:A case report
No full textThe differentiation between a pseudo-pneumoperitoneum and true pneumoperitoneum on an initial chest radiograph is challenging but essential to clinical practice. The former is managed conservatively whereas the latter may require surgical intervention. Chilaiditi's sign describes a rare incidental radiological finding of gas filled bowel interpositioned between the right hemi-diaphragm and the liver, which is visible on a plain abdominal or chest radiograph. It is often misdiagnosed as a pneumoperitoneum. Correct diagnosis of Chilaiditi's sign in an asymptomatic patient can prevent unnecessary procedures. We have reported one incidental chest radiograph with Chilaiditi's sign in a patient presenting and treated for pneumonia. The report aims to illustrate the diagnostic dilemma experienced by clinicians in distinguishing a true versus pseudo-pneumoperitoneum on a chest radiograph
Chilaiditi’s sign, a cause of pseudo-pneumoperitoneum: A case report
No full textThe differentiation between a pseudo-pneumoperitoneum and true pneumoperitoneum on an initial chest radiograph is challenging but essential to clinical practice. The former is managed conservatively whereas the latter may require surgical intervention. Chilaiditi’s sign describes a rare incidental radiological finding of gas filled bowel interpositioned between the right hemi-diaphragm and the liver, which is visible on a plain abdominal or chest radiograph. It is often misdiagnosed as a pneumoperitoneum. Correct diagnosis of Chilaiditi’s sign in an asymptomatic patient can prevent unnecessary procedures. We have reported one incidental chest radiograph with Chilaiditi’s sign in a patient presenting and treated for pneumonia. The report aims to illustrate the diagnostic dilemma experienced by clinicians in distinguishing a true versus pseudo-pneumoperitoneum on a chest radiograph
A diabetes education app for people living with type 2 diabetes: co-design study
No full textType 2 diabetes (T2D) is a growing global health concern, including in Singapore. Diabetes education programs have been shown to be effective in improving health outcomes and diabetes self-management skills. Mobile health apps have emerged as useful tools for diabetes education; however, their use and acceptance by the target population remain inconsistent. Therefore, end-user participation in the design and development of a mobile health app is crucial for designing an acceptable app that can improve outcomes for populations with a chronic disease.Ministry of Health (MOH)National Medical Research Council (NMRC)Published versionThis research is supported by the Singapore Ministry of Health’s National Medical Research Council under Health Services Research Grant (HSRG-DB17Nov002), and the Ministry of Health [grant number MOH/NIC/CDM2/2018]
Empowering foot care literacy among people living with diabetes and their carers with an mhealth app: protocol for a feasibility study
No full textDiabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) cause significant morbidity affecting 19% to 34% of people living with diabetes mellitus. DFUs not only impair quality of life but may also result in limb loss and mortality. Patient education has been advocated to raise awareness of proper foot self-care and the necessity of seeking assistance when a foot wound occurs. Modern technologies, including mobile health (mHealth) interventions such as health apps, bring the potential for more cost-effective and scalable interventions.Ministry of Health (MOH)National Medical Research Council (NMRC)Published versionThis research is supported by the Singapore Ministry of Health’s National Medical Research Council under Health Services Research Grant (HSRG-DB17Nov002
