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Objective: Previous research on food, nutrition and dining practices in Australian residential aged care (RAC) homes has been based on a limited sample of single‐home or multiple‐home providers, but a nationwide study has not been conducted. The aim of this study was to provide a preliminary overview of current food, nutrition and dining practices across Australian RAC facilities using a nationwide survey. Methods: A survey was distributed to Australian RAC homes in August–September 2020, as part of the National Congress on Food, Nutrition and the Dining Experience in Aged Care (February 2021). The survey, administered via an online portal, consisted of 38 semistructured questions including yes/no or multiple‐choice responses, free text, frequency scales and number entry. Six key topics were explored, including 'food service system and environment', 'catering style', 'menu planning and evaluation', 'nutrition planning and requirements', 'nutrition‐related screening and assessment' and 'training and additional information', which were informed by the Australian Government Department of Health and reflected the interests of the Congress. Results: The final sample included 292 respondents (204 individual homes and 88 multiple‐home proprietors) representing 1152 homes and 125,393 residents, encompassing approximately 43% of RAC homes (of a possible 2671) and 57% of residents (of a possible 219,965) in Australia. Survey respondents representing RAC homes included service managers, catering managers, Chief Executive Officers, cooks, chefs, dietitians or staff from other roles within homes. A number of potential areas of need were identified, included increasing the autonomy of residents to select the foods they desire, increasing the variety and choice (including timing) of meals, enhancing the dining environments in homes to stimulate food intake and increasing staff training and the number of trained chefs in homes, so that meals are prepared which address diverse nutritional needs of residents. Conclusions: This study provides insight into the food service and mealtime practices of over a third of Australian RAC homes. The findings of this survey may help to identify key targets for intervention to improve the food, nutrition and quality of life of aged care residents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is a common medical complication of pregnancy, which is associated with increased risk of future diabetes. mHealth (mobile health, in this paper applications abbreviated to apps) can facilitate health modifications to decrease future risks. This study aims to understand mHealth app use and preferences among women with past GDM and healthcare professionals (HCP) in Australia. An explorative cross-sectional online survey was disseminated via social media, a national diabetes registry, and professional networks. Descriptive analyses were conducted on valid responses (women with prior GDM: n = 1475; HCP: n = 75). One third (33%) of women with prior GDM have used health apps, and a further 80% of non-app users were open to using a health app if recommended by their HCP. Over half (53%) of HCPs supported health information delivery via mHealth, although only 14% had recommended a health app to women post-GDM, and lack of knowledge about mHealth apps was common. Health app users reported that they preferred tracking features, while non-users desired credible health and dietary information and plans. Expanding mHealth app use could facilitate healthy behaviours, but endorsement by HCPs is important to women and is still currently lacking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the effectiveness of a health care professional delivered low-carbohydrate diet program (Diversa Health Program) aiming to improve obesity/type-2-diabetes management for people living in Australia. 511 adults (Age:57.1 ± 13.7 [SD] yrs) who participated between January 2017–August 2021 for ≥30 days with pre-post data collected for ≥1 key outcome variable (body weight and HbA1c) were included in the analysis. Average participation duration was 218 ± 207 days with 5.4 ± 3.9 reported consultation visits. Body weight reduced from 92.3 ± 23.0 to 86.3 ± 21.1 kg (n = 506, p < 0.001). Weight loss was 0.9 ± 2.8 kg (1.3%), 4.5 ± 4.3 kg (5.7%) and 7.9 ± 7.2 kg (7.5%), respectively, for those with a classification of normal weight (n = 67), overweight (n = 122) and obese (n = 307) at commencement. HbA1c reduced from 6.0 ± 1.2 to 5.6 ± 0.7% (n = 212, p < 0.001). For members with a commencing HbA1c of <5.7% (n = 110), 5.7–6.4% (n = 55), and ≥6.5% (n = 48), HbA1c reduced −0.1 ± 0.2%, −0.3 ± 0.3%, and −1.4 ± 1.3%, respectively. For members with a commencing HbA1c ≥6.5%, 90% experienced a HbA1c reduction and 54% achieved a final HbA1c < 6.5%. With inclusion and exclusion of metformin, respectively, 124 and 82 diabetes medications were prescribed to 63 and 42 members that reduced to 82 and 35 medications prescribed to 51 and 26 members at final visit. A health care professional delivered low-carbohydrate diet program can facilitate weight loss and improve glycaemic control with greatest improvements and clinical relevance in individuals with worse baseline parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: This study aims to identify critically important features of digital type two diabetes mellitus (T2DM) prevention interventions. Methods: A stakeholder mapping exercise was undertaken to identify key end-user and professional stakeholders, followed by a three-round Delphi procedure to generate and evaluate evidence statements related to the critical elements of digital T2DM prevention interventions in terms of product (intervention), price (funding models/financial cost), place (distribution/delivery channels), and promotion (target audiences). Results: End-user (n = 38) and professional (n = 38) stakeholders including patients, dietitians, credentialed diabetes educators, nurses, medical doctors, research scientists, and exercise physiologists participated in the Delphi study. Fifty-two critical intervention characteristics were identified. Future interventions should address diet, physical activity, mental health (e.g. stress, diabetes-related distress), and functional health literacy, while advancing behaviour change support. Programs should be delivered digitally or used multiple delivery modes, target a range of population subgroups including children, and be based on collaborative efforts between national and local and government and non-government funded organisations. Conclusions: Our findings highlight strong support for digital health to address T2DM in Australia and identify future directions for T2DM prevention interventions. The study also demonstrates the feasibility and value of stakeholder-led intervention development processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim Method Results Conclusion To qualitatively explore the experiences of individuals with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) in Australia, and to recognise opportunities for leveraging digital health to enhance the support of GDM management.A cross sectional online survey assessed the experiences of individuals with GDM, the healthcare system and their digital health usage. Respondents (recruited via a national diabetes registry or social media) were adults receiving GDM care within Australia in the last 5 years, who responded to any of three open‐ended questions (n = 815) exploring positive, negative and other GDM experiences. Thematic analysis was utilised, and themes were mapped to the socio‐ecological systems framework.At a system level, themes related to (1) accessibility of care including the value of digital health and the inflexible or inconsistent perception of the (2) implementation of guidelines. At an interpersonal level, themes covered the need for adequate (3) health information provision, and (4) supportive care, as well as highlighting (5) experiences of stigma including a desire for greater awareness of GDM. Individual‐level themes included: (6) differential barriers to accessing care; (7) negative emotional burden; (8) internalisation of stigma; (9) dietary freedom and social impact and (10) opportunity for change derived from having GDM.Findings suggest a demand for more supportive, person‐centred GDM care, improved information provision and individualised implementation of clinical guidelines. Such mechanisms may support reduced barriers to accessing care or negative psychosocial impacts of GDM. Though not central to the identified experiences, digital health tools may help address the need for optimised GDM care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]