Biomechanical Evaluations of Bed-to-Wheelchair Transfer: Gait Belt Versus Walking Belt

Nursing personnel, particularly caregivers who frequently perform manual patient transfer tasks, are at risk for work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). The purpose of this study was to perform biomechanical evaluations of bed-to-wheelchair transfer using two low-cost assistive devices: walking belt and gait belt. Twenty-eight college students, serving as caregivers, transferred 14 students, serving as patients. "Caregiver" spinal loading and strength requirements at major joints were measured using a 3D Static Strength Prediction Model. "Caregiver"-perceived stresses were assessed using the Borg CR-10 Scale. "Patient" safety and comfort ratings were determined using Likert-type scales. The findings indicated that transferring "patients" using walking belts with a pulling technique produced significantly lower biomechanical stress than using gait belts. "Patients" also felt more comfortable and safer during walking belt transfers. It is recommended that health care facilities should consider use of walking belts in place of gait belts to transfer partially weight-bearing patients.

Use of focus groups to explore nutrition practices and health beliefs of urban Caribbean Latinos with diabetes

OBJECTIVE

Although Caribbean Latinos are two to three times more likely than non-Hispanic whites to develop diabetes, cultural influences on nutrition and health are poorly understood. To provide insight into important features of diabetes prevention and management, we conducted focus groups to explore nutrition practices and health beliefs.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Thirty low-income urban Caribbean Latinos with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) and four family members participated in four focus group interviews that were conducted in Boston and Cambridge, Massachusetts. Interviews were conducted in Spanish, were tape recorded, and were led and analyzed by Latino professionals from a community-based health organization.

RESULTS

Consistent themes described by participants were feelings of social isolation, little understanding of long-term consequences of diabetes, fatalism regarding the course of the disease, multiple barriers to diet and exercise interventions, skepticism regarding the value of preventive health behaviors, prevalent use of traditional nonmedical remedies, and a clear need for culturally sensitive health-care providers and services.

CONCLUSIONS

The information from focus groups provides useful information for planning innovative intervention programs for chronic disease risk reduction that emphasize practical skills development, family/peer networks, empowerment techniques, and bilingual providers. We conclude that the focus group technique can be used effectively with low-income, urban minority populations to provide information on lifestyle behaviors and beliefs regarding chronic diseases that impact on health and nutritional status.