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This cross-sectional study examined students' perspectives on the ramifications of obesity being recognized as a chronic disease in Canada.Undergraduate and graduate students (n = 150) in health-related programs at a major Canadian university.An online survey featured open-ended questions to capture student perspectives on recognizing obesity as a disease. Data were evaluated using content analysis methods.Positive themes identified included: (a) treatment accessibility; (b) improved healthcare provider attitudes; (c) de-stigmatization of obesity; (d) promotion of health behaviors; and (e) greater research/funding. Negative themes included potential: (a) healthcare system burdens; (b) perpetuation of obesity stigma; (c) medicalization of obesity; and (d) de-emphasis on modifiable risk factors as contributing to obesity.There is a need to increase students' understanding of the multifaceted nature of obesity and the prevention of obesity-related stigma within healthcare. Findings may inform post-secondary health curricula and obesity initiatives.

Introduction La conjugaison d’une augmentation du comportement sédentaire et d’une baisse de la santé mentale globale chez les enfants et les jeunes canadiens dans les dernières décennies est le signe évident que l’on a besoin de recherche appliquée axée sur l’élaboration et l’évaluation d’interventions interdisciplinaires. Les espaces extérieurs offrent des possibilités d’activité physique et d’interactions sociales, ce qui en fait un cadre idéal pour répondre à ces préoccupations essentielles en matière de santé chez les enfants et les jeunes. Méthodologie Nous avons procédé à une revue rapide de la littérature évaluée par les pairs (n = 3 096) et de la littérature grise (n = 7) afin de sélectionner les interventions en faveur de l’activité physique et de l’appartenance sociale portant sur les espaces extérieurs et visant les enfants et les jeunes (19 ans ou moins) en Australie et en Nouvelle­Zélande, au Canada, en Europe et aux États­Unis. Nous avons déterminé si les interventions étaient efficaces en analysant la conception de l’étude, les intervalles de confiance et les limites signalées, puis en réalisant une synthèse narrative des interventions efficaces. Résultats Nous avons relevé 104 études, dont 70 (67 %) ont été jugées efficaces. Sur l’ensemble, 55 interventions visaient l’activité physique, 10 visaient l’appartenance sociale et 5 visaient les deux. Le jeu (n = 47) et le contact avec la nature (n = 25) étaient les thèmes dominants dans toutes les interventions, la plupart ayant lieu dans une école ou un parc. Nous rendons compte des caractéristiques, des limites et des conséquences de ces interventions. Conclusion L’intégration d’éléments naturels et ludiques dans les espaces extérieurs peut être un moyen efficace d’améliorer l’activité physique et l’appartenance sociale. Il y a un besoin considérable de recherches plus spécifiques au Canada. De nouvelles stratégies, comme l’intégration de la technologie des téléphones intelligents dans la conception et l’évaluation de ces interventions, méritent d’être envisagées.

The rise in sedentary behaviour, coupled with the decline in overall mental health among Canadian children and youth in recent decades, demonstrates a clear need for applied research that focusses on developing and evaluating cross-disciplinary interventions. Outdoor spaces provide opportunities for physical activity and social connectedness, making them an ideal setting to address these critical health concerns among children and youth.We conducted a rapid review of peer-reviewed (n = 3096) and grey literature (n = 7) to identify physical activity and/or social connectedness outdoor space interventions targeted at children and youth (19 years and under) in Australia and New Zealand, Canada, Europe and the United States. We determined if interventions were effective by analyzing their research design, confidence intervals and reported limitations, and then conducted a narrative synthesis of the effective interventions.We found 104 unique studies, of which 70 (67%) were determined to be effective. Overall, 55 interventions targeted physical activity outcomes, 10 targeted social connectedness outcomes and 5 targeted both. Play (n = 47) and contact with nature (n = 25) were dominant themes across interventions, with most taking place in a school or park. We report on the identifying features, limitations and implications of these interventions.The incorporation of natural and play-focussed elements into outdoor spaces may be effective ways to improve physical activity and social connectedness. There is a considerable need for more Canadian-specific research. Novel methods, such as incorporating smartphone technology into the design and evaluation of these interventions, warrant consideration.La conjugaison d’une augmentation du comportement sédentaire et d’une baisse de la santé mentale globale chez les enfants et les jeunes canadiens dans les dernières décennies est le signe évident que l’on a besoin de recherche appliquée axée sur l’élaboration et l’évaluation d’interventions interdisciplinaires. Les espaces extérieurs offrent des possibilités d’activité physique et d’interactions sociales, ce qui en fait un cadre idéal pour répondre à ces préoccupations essentielles en matière de santé chez les enfants et les jeunes.Nous avons procédé à une revue rapide de la littérature évaluée par les pairs (n = 3 096) et de la littérature grise (n = 7) afin de sélectionner les interventions en faveur de l’activité physique et de l’appartenance sociale portant sur les espaces extérieurs et visant les enfants et les jeunes (19 ans ou moins) en Australie et en Nouvelle­Zélande, au Canada, en Europe et aux États­Unis. Nous avons déterminé si les interventions étaient efficaces en analysant la conception de l’étude, les intervalles de confiance et les limites signalées, puis en réalisant une synthèse narrative des interventions efficaces.Nous avons relevé 104 études, dont 70 (67 %) ont été jugées efficaces. Sur l’ensemble, 55 interventions visaient l’activité physique, 10 visaient l’appartenance sociale et 5 visaient les deux. Le jeu (n = 47) et le contact avec la nature (n = 25) étaient les thèmes dominants dans toutes les interventions, la plupart ayant lieu dans une école ou un parc. Nous rendons compte des caractéristiques, des limites et des conséquences de ces interventions.L’intégration d’éléments naturels et ludiques dans les espaces extérieurs peut être un moyen efficace d’améliorer l’activité physique et l’appartenance sociale. Il y a un besoin considérable de recherches plus spécifiques au Canada. De nouvelles stratégies, comme l’intégration de la technologie des téléphones intelligents dans la conception et l’évaluation de ces interventions, méritent d’être envisagées.Contact with nature and play are integral elements of interventions that effectively promote higher physical activity and improve social connectedness among children and youth in outdoor spaces. Technology is an emerging delivery mechanism for outdoor-based interventions that target physical activity and social connectedness outcomes among primary school (5–12 years old) and teenage (13– 19 years old) populations. Youth (13–19 years old) are an understudied population for interventions with physical activity and social connectedness outcomes. Canadian-specific research about physical activity and social connectedness among children and youth in outdoor spaces is limited, even though there is government policy tailored to address these activities.Le contact avec la nature et le jeu font partie intégrante des interventions qui favorisent de manière efficace un niveau d’activité physique plus élevé et améliorent l’appartenance sociale chez les enfants et les jeunes dans les espaces extérieurs. La technologie est un nouveau mécanisme d’exécution d’interventions en plein air qui ciblent l’activité physique et l’appartenance sociale chez les élèves du primaire (5 à 12 ans) et les adolescents (13 à 19 ans). Les jeunes (13 à 19 ans) sont une population sous­étudiée en matière d’interventions dans le cadre de l’activité physique et de l’appartenance sociale. La recherche canadienne sur l’activité physique et l’appartenance sociale chez les enfants et les jeunes dans les espaces extérieurs est limitée, même si le gouvernement a adopté une politique adaptée à ces activités.

Supplemental Digital Content is Available in the Text., This systematic review explores experiences of household food insecurity in rural areas of developed countries. A search of 5 databases resulted in 32 peer-reviewed articles for inclusion. Data were analyzed using directed content analysis to broaden the understanding of rural household food insecurity. Elements of food security (ie, availability, accessibility, acceptability, adequacy, and agency) were exemplified across the literature. In addition, 4 key themes were found: exercising human capital, realizing social capital, coping with compounding stressors, and navigating complex systems. This review demonstrates the need for interventions that improve social connectedness, individual coping skills, and system navigation.

Objective The purpose of this scoping review is to identify and describe the existing literature on the impact of the overarching awareness and concerns of climate change on children's mental health and well-being. Introduction Children are widely acknowledged as being disproportionately at risk to the effects of climate change, yet research overlooks the impact that climate change has on their mental health. Children's overarching awareness of climate change, and its global effects, may influence their mental health and well-being. Inclusion criteria This review will include all research that addresses school-aged children's (aged 3-19) mental-health issues stemming from an awareness of climate change. It will not include research that examines direct impacts of climate change on children's mental health, such as trauma from a specific climate-related event. Methods Searches will be conducted across eight research databases (Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, CINAHL, Embase, GreenFILE, PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and Scopus) and three unpublished/gray literature databases (ProQuest Dissertations and Theses, GreyLit.org, and OpenGrey). Data will be extracted for author(s), year of publication, country of origin, purpose, population, methodology, concepts of interest, outcomes, and key findings relating to the scoping review objectives. Findings will be presented as a narrative summary.

Background: Recently, our team implemented a 13-week group-based intervention for parents of children with obesity (&ldquo, C.H.A.M.P. Families&rdquo, ). The primary objective of this study was to explore, qualitatively, parents&rsquo, perspectives of their experiences in and influence of C.H.A.M.P. Families, as well as their recommendations for future paediatric obesity treatment interventions. Methods: Twelve parents (seven mothers, five fathers/step-fathers) representing seven children (four girls, three boys) with obesity participated in one of two focus groups following the intervention. Focus groups were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim and data were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. Results: Findings showed that parents perceived their participation in C.H.A.M.P. Families to be a positive experience. Participants highlighted several positive health-related outcomes for children, families, and parents. Parents also underscored the importance and positive impact of the group environment, specific educational content, and additional program components such as free child-minding. Recommendations for future interventions were also provided, including greater child involvement and more practical strategies. Finally, parents identified several barriers including socioenvironmental issues, time constraints, and parenting challenges. Conclusions: Researchers developing family-based childhood obesity interventions should consider the balance of parent and child involvement, as well as emphasize group dynamics strategies and positive family communication.

Childhood obesity represents a significant global health challenge, and treatment interventions are needed. The purpose of this paper is to describe the components and theoretical model that was used in the development and implementation of a unique parent-focussed paediatric overweight/obesity intervention. C.H.A.M.P. Families was a single-centre, prospective intervention offered to parents of children aged between 6–14 years with a body mass index (BMI) ≥85th percentile for age and sex. The intervention included: (1) eight group-based (parent-only) education sessions over 13-weeks; (2) eight home-based activities; and (3) two group-based (family) follow-up support sessions. The first section of the manuscript contains a detailed description of each intervention component, as well as an overview of ongoing feasibility analyses. The theoretical portion details the use of evidence-based group dynamics principles and motivational interviewing techniques within the context of a broader social cognitive theory foundation. This paper provides researchers with practical examples of how theoretical constructs and evidence-based strategies can be applied in the development and implementation of parent-focussed paediatric obesity interventions. Given the need for transparent reporting of intervention designs and theoretical foundations, this paper also adds to the areas of implementation science and knowledge translation research.

The development of antibiotics is one of the greatest advances of modern medicine. While antibiotics have dramatically improved morbidity and mortality rates worldwide, current evidence asserts that one should err on the side of caution when prescribing antibiotics. The medical literature is accumulating studies on alarming consequences of inappropriate antibiotic use. Due to antibiotic overexposure, a North American “hypervirulant” strain of Clostridium difficile has emerged causing more severe gastrointestinal manifestations than previous strains. More recently, antibiotic overuse has been associated with obesity and diabetes mellitus. Unnecessary antibiotic use has led to increasing rates of bacterial resistance rendering more antibiotics ineffective. We are currently on the brink of an era which could reverse all the progress made with the introduction of antibiotics. The salient health consequences of inappropriate antibiotic prescriptions and the threat of a postantibiotic era command attention to practical initiatives that improve antibiotic prescribing patterns.

Chronic disease is becoming increasingly prevalent in Canada. Many of these diseases could be prevented by adoption of healthy lifestyle habits including physical activity and healthy eating. Men, especially those in rural areas, are disproportionately affected by chronic disease. However, men are often underrepresented in community-based chronic disease prevention and management (CDPM) programs, including those that focus on physical activity and/or healthy eating. The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences and perceptions of program delivery staff regarding the challenges in recruitment and participation of men in physical activity and healthy eating programs in rural communities, and suggestions for improvement. Semistructured interviews were conducted by telephone with 10 CDPM program delivery staff from rural communities in Southwest Ontario, Canada. Time and travel constraints, relying on spouses, and lack of male program leaders were cited as barriers that contributed to low participation levels by men in CDPM programs. Hiring qualified male instructors and engaging spouses were offered as strategies to increase men’s participation. The results of this study highlight many of the current issues faced by rural health organizations when offering CDPM programming to men. Health care organizations and program delivery staff can use the recommendations in this report to improve male participation levels.