Search

Primary care providers have a role to play in supporting the development of healthy eating habits, particularly in a child's early years. This study examined the feasibility of implementing the NutriSTEP® screen-a 17-item nutrition risk screening tool validated for use with both toddler and preschooler populations-integrated with an electronic medical record (EMR) in primary care practices in Ontario, Canada, to inform primary care decision-making and public health surveillance.Five primary care practices implemented the NutriSTEP screen as a standardized form into their EMRs. To understand practitioners' experiences with delivery and assess factors associated with successful implementation, we conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews with primary care providers who were most knowledgeable about NutriSTEP implementation at their site. We assessed the quality of the extracted patient EMR data by determining the number of fully completed NutriSTEP screens and documented growth measurements of children.Primary care practices implemented the NutriSTEP screen as part of a variety of routine clinical contacts; specific data collection processes varied by site. Valid NutriSTEP screen data were captured in the EMRs of 80% of primary care practices. Approximately 90% of records had valid NutriSTEP screen completions and 70% of records had both valid NutriSTEP screen completions and valid growth measurements.Integration of NutriSTEP as a standardized EMR form is feasible in primary care practices, although implementation varied in our study. The application of EMR-integrated NutriSTEP screening as part of a comprehensive childhood healthy weights surveillance system warrants further exploration.Les fournisseurs de soins primaires ont un rôle à jouer dans l’acquisition de saines habitudes alimentaires, en particulier au cours des premières années de vie. Cette étude porte sur la faisabilité de l’intégration de NutriSTEP® – un outil valide de dépistage des risques nutritionnels en 17 points chez les tout‑petits et les enfants d’âge préscolaire – au dossier médical électronique (DME) dans les établissements de soins primaires de l’Ontario (Canada), afin d’éclairer la prise de décisions en matière de soins primaires et la surveillance en santé publique.Cinq établissements de soins primaires ont intégré, au moyen d’un questionnaire normalisé, le programme de dépistage NutriSTEP au DME. Afin de comprendre les expériences vécues par les professionnels en la matière et d’évaluer les facteurs associés à la réussite de l’implantation de NutriSTEP, nous avons mené des entrevues semi‑dirigées de nature qualitative auprès des fournisseurs de soins primaires connaissant le mieux les détails de sa mise en oeuvre dans leur établissement. Nous avons évalué la qualité des données extraites des DME en déterminant le nombre de questionnaires de dépistage NutriSTEP dûment remplis et avons consigné les mesures de croissance des enfants.Les établissements de soins primaires ont mis en oeuvre le questionnaire de dépistage NutriSTEP dans le cadre de diverses rencontres cliniques périodiques, avec des processus de collecte de données variables selon l’établissement. Des données de dépistage NutriSTEP valides ont été recueillies dans les DME de 80 % des établissements de soins primaires. Dans près de 90 % de ces dossiers, le questionnaire avait été entièrement rempli et 70 % des dossiers comportaient à la fois un questionnaire de dépistage NutriSTEP valide complet et des mesures de croissance valides.Il est possible d’intégrer NutriSTEP dans les établissements de soins primaires sous la forme d’un questionnaire normalisé dans le DME, même si, dans notre étude, la façon dont NutriSTEP avait été mis en oeuvre variait selon les établissements. L’utilisation, dans le cadre d’un système de surveillance global du poids santé des enfants, du questionnaire de dépistage NutriSTEP intégré au DME mérite d’être étudiée davantage.Primary care practices present an opportunity to identify nutrition risk in children using the NutriSTEP screening tool. Successful implementation of an EMR-integrated NutriSTEP screen varied by primary care practice site. Extraction of NutriSTEP data from EMRs is feasible; extracted data were of good quality. Implementation of an EMR-integrated NutriSTEP screen presents an opportunity to improve the care and management of children and their families, as well as support population health outcomes and health system quality improvement.Les milieux de soins primaires offrent l’opportunité d’identifier les risques nutritionnels chez les enfants en utilisant l’outil de dépistage NutriSTEP. La réussite de l’intégration de l’outil de dépistage NutriSTEP au DME s’est révélée variable d’un établissement de soins primaires à l’autre. L’extraction des données NutriSTEP à partir du DME est possible, et les données extraites se sont révélées de bonne qualité. L’intégration de l’outil de dépistage NutriSTEP au DME offre l’opportunité d’améliorer les soins et la prise en charge des enfants et de leur famille ainsi que de favoriser l’amélioration des résultats en matière de santé de la population et de qualité du système de santé.

NutriSTEP(®) screens for nutritional risk in preschoolers (3-5 years of age). Availability has been limited to paper versions. The objective is to test reliability for Internet and Onscreen use.Two studies were conducted with parents in several Ontario Early Years Centres (Internet (n = 63)) and in the community and schools in Timmons, Guelph, and Ottawa, Ontario (Onscreen (n = 64)). Parents completed NutriSTEP(®) either on paper or using Internet or Onscreen versions. Two weeks later, the alternate mode was completed. Reliability was assessed using Intraclass Correlations (ICC) and Pearson Correlations (PC) on total and attribute scores, Kappa coefficients (κ) for risk, and Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test for responses on individual questions.For total scores, Internet and Onscreen ICCs were 0.94 and 0.91, respectively, with PCs of 0.89 and 0.84, respectively. Attribute scores were 0.69-0.91 (ICC) and 0.70-0.84 (PC) for Internet, and 0.81-0.92 (ICC) and 0.68-0.85 (PC) for Onscreen. κ amongst risk categories was 0.58 (P = 0.000) for Internet and 0.50 (P = 0.000) for Onscreen. For individual dichotomized questions, 5 of 17 (Onscreen and Internet) were excellent (κ0.75); 11 of 17 (Internet) and 9 of 17 (Onscreen) were adequate (0.40κ0.75); 0 of 17 (Internet) and 2 of 17 (Onscreen) questions were poor (κ0.4) in agreement between modes.Internet and Onscreen versions of NutriSTEP(®) are reliable.

Nutrition screening with NutriSTEP (Nutrition Screening Tool for Every Preschooler) requires parents to complete a 17-item, self-administered questionnaire and follow through with appropriate recommendations. Parents’ perceptions of screening and referral procedures can be used to evaluate the process of an ethical child nutrition screening program. Targeted implementation of NutriSTEP took place in 3 diverse Ontario communities using an assisted or self-referral model. Of the 364 respondents, 264 parents consented to a follow-up telephone interview, with 164 (62%) interviews conducted in English or French. The interview focused on parents’ reasons for participating, their perspectives of screening and referral processes, and any perceived barriers to, concerns about, and benefits of screening. Most parents reported that screening confirmed their perception of risk; reminded them about healthy preschool diets and areas to improve; increased their nutrition awareness, motivation, and confidence; and informed them about additional information sources. Some barriers to seeking referrals or further education included not being concerned, no time for referrals or dietary changes, and not knowing where to go for more information. Overall, nutrition risk screening using NutriSTEP was well accepted, yet referral uptake was modest. Efforts are needed to encourage parents of children at risk to follow through with recommendations.

ObjectivePublic health renewal in Canada has highlighted the need for development and expansion of the public health nutrition workforce, particularly in northern and rural communities. The purpose of the present paper is to describe the planning of a more accessible graduate programme for experienced nutrition professionals. The planning effort was challenged by a short timeframe between programme approval and implementation and required intense collaboration with stakeholders and students.DesignThe programme planning model developed by The Health Communication Unit (THCU) at the Centre for Health Promotion was used to guide the process. This six-step model was familiar to key stakeholders and involved pre-planning, conducting a situational assessment, establishing goals and objectives, developing strategies and outcome indicators, and monitoring feedback.ResultsResource constraints, short timelines and debates around distance education options presented challenges that were overcome by conducting a thorough needs assessment, creating an advisory committee, engaging key stakeholders in the planning process, and building on existing resources. Extensive involvement of the first cohort of students in ongoing planning and evaluation was particularly helpful in informing the evolution of the programme.ConclusionsThe THCU planning model provided a useful framework for stakeholder collaboration and for planning and implementing the new graduate programme in public health nutrition. Preliminary data suggest that graduates are benefiting from their educational experiences through career enhancement opportunities. The evaluation strategies built into the programme design will be useful in informing ongoing programme development.

ObjectiveFolic acid food fortification has successfully reduced neural tube defect-affected pregnancies across Canada. The effect of this uncontrolled public health intervention on folate intake among Canadian children is, however, unknown. Our objectives were to determine folic acid intake from food fortification and whether fortification promoted adequate folate intakes, and to describe folic acid-fortified food usage among Ontario preschoolers.DesignCross-sectional data were used from the NutriSTEP™ validation project with preschoolers recruited using convenience sampling. Mean daily total folate and folic acid intakes were estimated from 3 d food records, which included multivitamin supplement use. Comparisons were made to Dietary Reference Intakes, accounting for and excluding fortificant folic acid, to determine the prevalence of inadequate and excessive intakes.SettingCanada.SubjectsTwo hundred and fifty-four preschoolers (aged 3–5 years).ResultsAll participants (130 girls, 124 boys) ate folic acid-fortified foods and 30 % (n76) used folic acid-containing supplements. Mean (se) fortificant folic acid intake was 83 (2) μg/d, which contributed 30 % and 50 % to total folate intake for supplement users and non-users, respectively. The prevalence of total folate intakes below the Estimated Average Requirement was ConclusionsFolic acid food fortification promotes dietary folate adequacy and did not appear to result in excessive folic acid intake unless folic acid-containing supplements were consumed.

Study 1: To establish the validity of scores on Nutrition Screening Tool for Every Preschooler (NutriSTEP), a community-based parent-administered screening tool for assessing nutrition risk, by comparing scores to an expert rating. Study 2: To demonstrate test-retest reliability of NutriSTEP.Study 1: Parents of 269 preschoolers (of 294 parents recruited from the community), completed the NutriSTEP questionnaire; a registered dietitian (RD) assessed the nutritional status (based on medical and nutritional history, 3 days of dietary recall and anthropometric measurements) of these preschoolers and rated their nutritional risk (1 (low) to 10 (high risk)). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to establish validity and determine appropriate cut points based on sensitivity and specificity. Study 2: Parents of 140 preschoolers (of 161 recruited) completed NutriSTEP on two occasions. Intraclass correlation (ICC) and kappa were used to assess reliability.Study 1: Scores on NutriSTEP and the RD rating were correlated (r=0.48, P=0.01). Area under the ROC curve for the high risk RD rating (score 8+) and the moderate risk rating (score 5+) were 81.5 and 73.8%, respectively. A moderate risk cut point of20 and high risk cut point of25 were identified for the NutriSTEP scores. Study 2: The NutriSTEP score was reliable between administrations (ICC=0.89, F=16.7, P0.001). Most items on the questionnaire had adequate (kappa0.5) or excellent (kappa0.75) agreement.The NutriSTEP questionnaire is both valid and reliable for determining nutritional risk in preschoolers.

Nutrition is vital for optimal growth and development of young children. Nutrition risk screening can facilitate early intervention when followed by nutritional assessment and treatment. NutriSTEP (Nutrition Screening Tool for Every Preschooler) is a valid and reliable nutrition risk screening questionnaire for preschoolers (aged 3–5 years). A need was identified for a similar questionnaire for toddlers (aged 18–35 months). The purpose was to develop a reliable and valid Toddler NutriSTEP. Toddler NutriSTEP was developed in 4 phases. Content and face validity were determined with a literature review, parent focus groups (n = 6; 48 participants), and experts (n = 13) (phase A). A draft questionnaire was refined with key intercept interviews of 107 parents/caregivers (phase B). Test–retest reliability (phase C), based on intra-class correlations (ICC), Kappa (κ) statistics, and Wilcoxon tests was assessed with 133 parents/caregivers. Criterion validity (phase D) was assessed using Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves by comparing scores on the Toddler NutriSTEP to a comprehensive nutritional assessment of 200 toddlers with a registered dietitian (RD). The Toddler NutriSTEP was reliable between 2 administrations (ICC = 0.951, F = 20.53, p < 0.001); most questions had moderate (κ ≥ 0.6) or excellent (κ ≥ 0.8) agreement. Scores on the RD nutrition risk rating and the Toddler NutriSTEP were correlated (r = 0.67, p < 0.000). The area under the ROC curve for moderate and high RD risk ratings were 84.6% and 82.7%, respectively. Cut-points of ≥21 (sensitivity 86%; specificity 61%) (moderate risk) and ≥26 (sensitivity 95%; specificity 63%) (high risk) were determined. The Toddler NutriSTEP questionnaire is both reliable and valid for screening for nutritional risk in toddlers.

This systematic review sought to answer the question what is the effectiveness of community-based interventions to increase fruit and vegetable consumption in people 4 years of age and older? A search was conducted through electronic databases, hand-searching, and retrieval from reference lists. Each article retrieved was rated for relevance and validity by two independent readers, and then data abstraction was done by two people for the studies that were rated as strong or moderate. One hundred and eighty-nine articles were retrieved. Sixty were rated as relevant. After validity rating, one was rated “strong,” 17 “moderate,“ and 42 “weak.” Four studies were targeted to parents of young children, six to school-aged children, and five to adults. The most effective interventions gave clear messages about increasing fruit and vegetable consumption; incorporated multiple strategies that reinforced the messages; involved the family; were more intensive; were provided over a longer period of time, rather than one or two contacts; and were based on a theoretical framework. People in public health positions or making decisions about nutrition interventions need to give priority to those interventions that are multipronged, flexible, open to input from target groups, and theoretically based.

Introduction Promoting healthy weight is a top priority in Canada. Recent federal guidelines call for sustained, multisectoral partnerships that address childhood obesity on multiple levels. Current healthy weight messaging does not fully acknowledge the influence of social determinants of health on weight. Methods An interactive workshop was developed and implemented by a team of academic researchers and health promoters from the psychology and public health disciplines to raise awareness about 1) weight bias and its negative effect on health, 2) ways to balance healthy weight messaging to prevent the triggering of weight and shape preoccupation, and 3) the incorporation of mental health promotion into healthy weight messaging. We conducted a full-day workshop with 342 Ontario public health promoters and administered a survey at preintervention, postintervention, and follow-up. Results Participation in the full-day workshop led to significant decreases in antifat attitudes and the internalization of media stereotypes and to significant increases in self-efficacy to address weight bias. Participants reported that the training heightened their awareness of their own personal weight biases and the need to broaden their scope of healthy weight promotion to include mental health promotion. There was consensus that additional sessions are warranted to help translate knowledge into action. Buy-in and resource support at the organizational level was also seen as pivotal. Conclusion Professional development training in the area of weight bias awareness is associated with decreases in antifat attitudes and the internalization of media stereotypes around thinness. Health promoters’ healthy weight messaging was improved by learning to avoid messages that trigger weight and shape preoccupation or unhealthful eating practices among children and youth. Participants also learned ways to integrate mental health promotion and resiliency-building into daily practice.

To examine if zinc food fortification makes a significant contribution to dietary zinc intake and to describe zinc-fortified food usage, amongst Canadian preschoolers.Cross-sectional data were used from the NutriSTEP validation project for which preschoolers (3-5 years) from across Ontario were recruited using convenience sampling. Three-day food records were used to estimate mean daily zinc intake and children were stratified by age group for analysis. Comparisons were then made to the Dietary Reference Intakes, whilst accounting for zinc from zinc-fortified foods and supplements and also whilst excluding zinc from zinc-fortified foods, to determine the prevalence of inadequate (Estimated Average Requirement (EAR)) and excessive (Tolerable Upper Intake Level (TUL)) zinc intakes. The contributions (%) made to total zinc intake by zinc-fortified foods, unfortified foods and zinc-containing supplements were determined as were contributions made to zinc intake by zinc-fortified foods, categorized by fortified-food type.Fewer than a third (30%, n = 76) of participants ate zinc-fortified foods and only 3% (n = 7) used a zinc-containing supplement. Including the contribution from zinc-fortified foods, 25% (n = 32) of 3-year-olds (n = 128) had mean zinc intake (range 7.0-7.6 mg/day) marginally above the TUL (7 mg/day). Zinc-fortified foods contributed only 2.3 +/- 5.8% (mean% +/- SD) to total zinc intake. The mean intake of the 25% of 3-year-olds above the TUL is attributed to their higher mean energy and protein intakes (p0.001) as compared to 3-year-olds not consuming zinc at levels above the TUL. Even excluding zinc-fortified foods, the prevalence of inadequate zinc intakes (EAR) (n = 254) was zero. Fortified breakfast cereals contributed most (77 +/- 41%) (mean% +/- SD) to zinc intake derived from zinc-fortified foods.Overall, zinc-fortified foods and supplements contributed minimally to the total dietary zinc intake amongst these preschoolers. These children did not have inadequate intakes of zinc and intakes in excess of the TUL were only evident in the youngest age group. Food fortification and parental choice to use a multivitamin-mineral supplement did not appear to play a role in either preventing inadequate or causing excessive zinc intake.

Le programme de santé et de bien-être au travail LE TRAVAIL PAR QUARTS… ÇA S’AMÉ-LIORE a été conçu par une équipe interdisciplinaire de Sudbury et Timmins afin de répondreà des besoins identifiés dans le nord de l’Ontario. Cet article discute des effets du travail parquarts et décrit le développement, la mise en oeuvre et l’évaluation d’un programme de promotionde la santé et du bien-être pour les travailleuses et travailleurs de quarts.