RSS 1.0Welcome to the University of Bedfordshire Repository - an open access repository giving you access to the continuing research activity undertaken at the university.
Searching the repository is easy - you can use the search box or the browse options on the left.
Submissions to the Repository (other than theses) are currently managed via our Research Management System. Do not try to upload your publication here. If you have any queries about this please email us at oap@beds.ac.uk.
If you’d like further information or have a query about the repository then please contact us.
Recently Added
-
Interventions to support breastfeeding for infants under six months with growth falteringBackground: Infants with growth faltering often require tailored interventions to support their breastfeeding. We systematically synthesised and examined evidence from qualitative studies on stakeholder perspectives about feasibility of breastfeeding interventions for infants aged <6months with growth faltering. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive search of six electronic databases in addition to manual searches to identify qualitative studies published during January 2000-June 2024 on interventions to support breastfeeding for infants aged <6m with growth faltering. Identified articles were screened in two stages against an inclusion criteria with titles and abstract screened first followed by full-text screening. Included studies were quality appraised using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist. The primary outcome was intervention feasibility. Results: Thirty studies, conducted in 15 countries were included. Interventions included pumping with machine, manual expression, cup/spoon/bottle supplementation, and minimal enteral feeding. Key factors that were seen to influence feasibility across interventions were: 1. Health service factors including availability of equipment, professional support, communication between healthcare professionals and mothers/parents, and consensus on interventions among healthcare professionals; 2. Mother and infant related factors including mothers’ motivation, preparedness and family support. Overall stakeholder perspectives reflected a dominance of health service factors across all interventions, acting as either a barrier or facilitator for uptake. Conclusions: Pumping breast milk with machine and manual expression were the most commonly reported interventions. There is a need to address health-service related barriers, both at policy and practice levels, to ensure feasibility of interventions to support breastfeeding for infants aged <6m with growth faltering. Key messages: • Pumping breast milk with machine and manual expression were the most commonly reported interventions to support breast feeding for infants aged <6 months with growth faltering. • Health service factors are key to ensure feasibility of interventions support breast feeding for infants aged <6 months with growth faltering.
-
Perspectives on prenatal care among mothers in an ethnically diverse neighbourhoodBackground: Timely initiation of prenatal care is critical to maximising positive maternal and infant health outcomes. Women from ethnic minority backgrounds in high income countries are likely to initiate prenatal care later than the recommended 10 weeks. We explored experiences and perspectives of prenatal care among mothers in an ethnically diverse area in the United Kingdom. Methods: We conducted in-depth qualitative semi-structured interviews with 20 expectant and recent mothers who started prenatal care after 10 weeks in an ethnically diverse area. Mothers were recruited using purposive and snowball sampling, through local networks and online advertisements. Interviews were conducted in-person, over the phone or online based on participants’ preferences. Data were analysed using a thematic framework guided by Levesque Conceptual Framework. Results: Three key themes emerged: 1.experiences of and perceptions about prenatal care appointments; 2.factors hindering timely initiation of prenatal care; and 3.strategies to enhance prenatal care uptake. Women felt dissatisfied with limited engagement during appointments and suggested that seeing the same professional could improve trust and confidence. Delays were linked to low awareness and insufficient information on scheduling, as well as employment and childcare constraints. Participants recommended simplified health information about care pathways, appointment reminders, and multilingual resources to improve access. Conclusions: Key barriers in prenatal care highlight the need for targeted co-produced interventions, including provision of simplified health information and culturally inclusive resources to enhance timely uptake among women in ethnically diverse areas in high income countries. Key messages: • Women in ethnically diverse area perceived several barriers for timely prenatal care initiation. • Key barriers in prenatal care highlight the need for targeted coproduced interventions, to support mothers in ethnically diverse areas to start prenatal care on time.
-
Defensive Dentistry: Perceptions and Experiences Among General Dental Practitioners in Primary Care.Introduction: Although the term ‘defensive dentistry' is documented, with a range of opinions around practising dentists, little is understood about the perception and the lived experiences of general dental practitioners (GDPs) about practising in a defensive way. Aim To explore how defensive dentistry is understood and experienced by GDPs working in primary care. Methodology An interpretive mixed-methods approach was adopted using an online questionnaire followed by semi-structured interviews. In total, 25 participants completed the questionnaire and six follow-up interviews were completed. Results Three main themes were identified: the sense of fear; practising the ‘act of avoidance' with certain patients and/or procedures; and the overall impact on the profession. Conclusion GDPs unanimously identified the negative aspects of defensive practice as actions carried out for self-protection rather than the interests of patients. The reasoning for such practices included fear of litigation and/or investigation by the General Dental Council, heightening in recent years due to increased public awareness of litigation, and loss of public trust. Participants reported stress, low morale and deskilling as outcomes for practising defensively.
-
Psychological Capital and Perceived Environmental Uncertainty: Influence on Growth Aspirations and Quality of Life of Nascent EntrepreneursPurpose: This paper investigates the influence of Psychological Capital (PsyCap) on the Growth Aspiration (GAsp) and Quality of Life (QoL) of nascent entrepreneurs. We expand existing research by testing a conceptual model that examines how PsyCap shapes GAsp and the realisation of these aspirations through QoL, within the context of Perceived Environmental Uncertainty (PEU) and its three dimensions. Design/methodology/approach: We used multiple regression analysis on data from 264 active nascent entrepreneurs. Findings: Results show PsyCap is significantly and positively linked to QoL. PEU also demonstrates a significant positive association with both GAsp and QoL. Of the three PEU dimensions, operational uncertainty’s effect on GAsp is positively moderated by PsyCap. Perceived uncertainty appears to encourage nascent entrepreneurship. As a personal resource, PsyCap helps entrepreneurs overcome self-limitations and adapt to environmental change. These findings deepen understanding of the personal and contextual factors shaping nascent entrepreneurs’ aspirations. Originality: This study advances the entrepreneurial behaviour literature by drawing on Conservation of Resources (COR) theory to explain the significance of PEU and PsyCap for entrepreneurial aspirations in the context of transition economies.
-
Increasing phytochemical-rich foods and Lactobacillus probiotics in men with low-risk prostate cancer: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trialMen on active surveillance (AS), with prostate cancer, are very interested in dietary strategies that could improve their symptoms and help prevent progression of their disease. In this real-world trial involving 208 men, intake of phytochemical-rich food capsules helped slow prostate-specific antigen (PSA) progression significantly, and improved urinary symptoms and erectile function. What was novel about this study was that men randomised to take an additional blend of five Lactobacillus probiotics had a further three-fold slowing of PSA progression as well as reduction of inflammation. Currently, nearly 50% of men opt out of AS within 5 yr. If confirmed with further follow-up, these dietary interventions, alongside other lifestyle manoeuvres, could reassure men to remain on AS, and hence avoid the risks of radiotherapy, hormones, or surgery.