https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/48548 Mon, 20 Apr 2026 19:13:02 GMT 2026-04-20T19:13:02Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/48565 Title: Sampling programmes carried out by environmental health officers in Malta Abstract: From the experience obtained, it is evident that sampling programmes needs a lot of time to be carried out and may take hours to be finalized. The whole project is to examine the importance of the sampling programmes and the need to be carried out. It must also show how affective these are and if changes are being forced to take place through the implementation of such programmes. Sampling programmes are an important part for an Environmental Health Officer since it monitors mainly the activity of food distribution around the island. This work will show up what happens if something wrong is detected and what procedures are taken in order to get the problem under control. This project will point out how samples are elevated, the size of the sample, their importance, the equipment used and many more factors. The objective of this project is to know the steps that need to be taken, any precautions or any misleading factors that may influence the result of the samples carried out. This project helped me to learn more about the importance of sampling programmes and the effects put on the general public. It will also analyse if the number of sampling programs carried out annually are enough, if there is the need to increase the number of programs or if there is the need to focus on a limited number of samples. It will explain how the sample size should be adequate to allow, if necessary, repeat analysis and any regulations regarding this issue, such as the; EC Regulation 2073 of 2005 as amended by EC Regulation 1441 of 2007 on the microbiological criteria for foodstuffs. The project will also contain the amount/ quantity of sample needed for analysis, how the division of samples is done. Besides the parameter/s to be tested the project will show and explain the purpose of the investigations which are carried out continuously by the Environmental Health Directorate. Description: DIP.ENV.HEALTH Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/48565 2009-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/45922 Title: Protein-energy malnutrition in elderly patients admitted in medical wards of an acute Maltese hospital. Abstract: Due to the gradual improvement in health care and living conditions, the Maltese population is getting older. Thus the proportion of elderly patients in our acute hospitals is likely to continue to increase. Moreover, the elderly are at an increased risk of Protein Energy Malnutrition (PEM), especially when admitted to hospital. Thus, nutrition screening can detect those at risk and enables prompt nutritional intervention. This would reduce PEM-related complications and consequently the average length of stay together with hospital costs leading to a more effective health care system. Hence, the aim of the study was to identify the prevalence and factors contributing to PEM amongst elderly hospitalised patients. Using interviewer-administered questionnaires, mainly quantitative data was obtained from a sample of 50 elderly patients within 72 hours of admission to a medical ward of an acute Maltese public hospital. Using the Mini-Nutrition Assessment (MNA) tool 38% were identified as having PEM, and a further 30% as being at risk of developing PEM. Moreover, multiple regression analysis revealed that an impaired functional status, depression, aging and a low number of prescribed treatment were associated with PEM. Thus, in light of these findings, it is recommended that the MNA is introduced in the hospital assessment to facilitate the recognition of PEM and thus prompt intervention. Description: P.Q.DIP.NUTRITION&DIETETICS Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/45922 2009-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/45453 Title: The influence of dietary intake on blood glucose control in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Abstract: Research demonstrates that there is limited evidence concerning the optimal type of dietary therapy and the nutritional requirements of children and young people with diabetes. However, there is a consensus that children and young people with diabetes have the same basic nutritional requirements as other children and young people for the promotion of good health. The aim of this study was to assess the dietary intake of children with Diabetes Mellitus type 1 and to assess its influence on blood glucose control. A descriptive design was undertaken using a questionnaire and a food and physical activity diary. A convenience sample of 25 Maltese children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus were recruited with a response rate of 62.5% during the time period. The sample included 14 males and 11 females aged between 2 and 14 years, with a mean age of 9.12 years. Results showed that there is a correlation between glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and the sugar taken by the participant, as patients with a high measurement of sugar tend to have a high measurement of HbA1c. Moreover, the dietary intake varied between participants; some opted for a healthy balanced diet while others preferred to eat unhealthy foods. In addition, most of the participants perform some type of physical activity during the day. Their blood glucose level varied during the day and was highest at dinnertime followed by the late evening snack. A set of recommendations were oriented to clinical practice, education and further research. Description: P.Q.DIP.NUTRITION&DIETETICS Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/45453 2009-01-01T00:00:00Z