Authors: Ching Li Lee, Harvinder Kaur, Gilcharan Singh, Winnie Siew Swee Chee

ABSTRACT

Introduction: This pilot study assessed the impact of a structured lifestyle intervention combined with mobile health application on chronic disease risk in a healthcare-based university.

Methods: A total of 24 overweight/obese university employees participated in a 12-week intervention that included group nutrition education and exercise sessions, a structured low-calorie meal plan, meal replacements, and a mobile health application.

Results: A pre- and post-intervention analysis showed that the participants had weight loss (p < 0.001), a reduction in blood triglyceride (p = 0.010), and a reduction in systolic blood pressure (p < 0.001). There was an increase in the proportion of participants who achieved their clinical targets for systolic blood pressure from 16.7% at baseline to 58.3% after the intervention (p = 0.004). A focus group discussion demonstrated good acceptability of the intervention that was driven by the use of practical nutrition knowledge gained from the group education sessions and structured meal plans, and timely feedback on eating behaviour from use of the mobile heath application.

Conclusion: A structured lifestyle intervention combined with mobile health application supports significant clinical improvements including weight loss and reductions in blood triglyceride and blood pressure.

Keywords: Chronic diesease, Mobile health, Obesity, Structured lifestyle intervention, Workplace wellness

Citations: IeJSME 2022 16 (1): 3-15

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56026/imu.16.1.3

Authors: Wei Xiang Wong, Ting Xuan Wong, Shu Hwa Ong, Sangeetha Shyam, Seong Ting Chen, Winnie Siew Swee Chee

ABSTRACT

Background: Malnutrition is common among cancer patients, and it can impact the surgical outcomes of the patients undergoing elective surgery. Addressing malnutrition at the early stage of treatment will enhance the recovery process of the patients after anti-cancer treatments. Our study aimed to assess the nutritional status among breast and colorectal cancer patients who were scheduled for elective surgery and treatment.

Methods: A total of 89 patients, 46 breast cancer patients and 43 colorectal cancer patients participated in the study. Sociodemographic information and medical history were collected using a questionnaire. Body weight and height were measured using a weighing scale and stadiometer. Body composition data were collected using an 8-point bioimpedance analysis machine. Dietary intake was collected using a 7-day diet history. Handgrip strength was evaluated using a dynamometer. The prevalence of malnutrition was determined based on the AND/ASPEN malnutrition clinical characteristics. The differences between groups were analysed using independent sample t-test, Mann Whitney U test and chi-square test.

Results: Out of 89 patients, 51.7% were diagnosed as being malnourished based on the AND/ASPEN characteristics. The most common malnutrition characteristic observed among the breast and colorectal cancer patients was reduced handgrip strength (56.2%), followed by experience of muscle loss (43.8%) and reduced food intake (42.7%).

Conclusion: There was a high prevalence of patients at risk of malnutrition among breast and colon cancer patients undergoing surgery. Early detection of malnutrition in cancer patients allows healthcare professionals to provide prompt intervention and improve their prognosis.

Keywords: Malnutrition; nutrition assessment; hospital; breast cancer; colorectal cancer

Citations: IeJSME 2022 16 (1): 16-29

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56026/imu.16.1.16