https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/48633 Thu, 16 Apr 2026 00:47:46 GMT 2026-04-16T00:47:46Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/111767 Title: Quality of life of coeliac patients before and after initiation of the gluten-free diet Abstract: Coeliac disease is characterised by malabsorption resulting from inflammatory injury to the mucosa of the small intestine after ingestion of wheat gluten or related rye and barley proteins. There is clinical and histologic improvement on a strict gluten-free diet (GFD) and relapse when dietary gluten is reintroduced. Quality of life of coeliac patients is often impaired since the GFD has an impact on a person's social and physiological well-being. The study consisted of two parts. In Study I, the quality of life of newly diagnosed coeliac patients was assessed by means of a questionnaire, and compared to the quality of life of coeliac patients established on a gluten-free diet and to control groups. In Study II, focus groups were held on two occasions to discuss issues affecting Coeliac patients eg: availability of gluten-free food, factors leading to lack of compliance, food labeling etc. Results of Study I show that the quality of life, as assessed by the Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI) and SF-36, was highest in the Control Group patients, lower in Coeliac patients who had been following the gluten-free diet for over a year and lowest in newly diagnosed coeliac patients. Results of Study II show that Coeliac patients are troubled by a number of factors which include: the limited availability of gluten-free foods, presence of gluten in medications, food labeling, low availability of restaurants which cater for Coeliac patients both in the local scenario and abroad and future risk of developing malignancies. This study concludes that individuals suffering from Coeliac disease would greatly benefit from unified dietary guidelines, specific goals for the management of Coeliac disease and increased sensitivity to the psychological and emotional impact diagnosis and treatment has on such patients. Description: P.Q.DIP.NUTRITION&DIETETICS Sun, 01 Jan 2006 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/111767 2006-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/48639 Title: Food-borne diseases : E. COLI 0157:H7 and the role of an environmental health officer. Abstract: A large number or infections or intoxifications may be included under the definition of food borne-illness. The first introductory chapter will deal with an overview of food-borne illness in general. The rest of the dissertation will focus on E. coli 0157:H7 as an example of a food-borne zoonotic illness which has been of a major concern all round the world attributed mainly by undercooked ground beef and also raw unpasteurized milk. In the following chapters one would observe the modes of infection, routes of transmission, diagnosis, resulting symptoms, treatment and also recommended precautions needed to minimise this pathogen to the least. The role of an environmental health officer is of primary importance when dealing with prevention and control, this was clearly demonstrated in the worst recorded outbreak in European history between the year 1996-1997 were 20 people died after attending a church lunch at Wishaw, Scotland. Thanks to the environmental health department the source of contamination was identified and action was taken, giving closure to the case. The role of the environmental health officer will be outlined and further discussed in later chapters together with the necessary operating procedures required when tackling a food-borne illness outbreak. Description: DIP.ENV.HEALTH Sun, 01 Jan 2006 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/48639 2006-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/46151 Title: Knowledge, attitude and behaviour change in participants attending an eight-week weight reduction programme. Abstract: The importance of continuous evaluation and improvement of weight reduction programmes has been dearly established the literature. This small-scale exploratory-descriptive research, which opted for both quantitative and qualitative data was conducted to evaluate the knowledge, attitude and behaviour change in participants attending the eight week weight reduction programme held by the Maltese Health Promotion Department. It also attempts to explore the motivations, expectations and slimming strategies adopted by obese people. The data was obtained from pre- and post-intervention self-administered questionnaires. The findings indicated that the weight loss of the participants was statistically significant and that there was an improvement in the knowledge on healthy eating and healthy lifestyle by the end of the programme. Attitudes and eating behaviours changed positively. The results suggest that the Health Promotion Department weight reduction programme is effective in empowering people to change their eating habits and lifestyle. This study identified key aspects where the programme can be changed to address certain issues more deeply and improve further its achievements. Recommendations were made accordingly. Description: P.Q.DIP.NUTRITION&DIETETICS Sun, 01 Jan 2006 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/46151 2006-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/45901 Title: The role of calcium in the prevention of osteoporotic fractures. Abstract: Osteoporosis is a disease affecting millions of people around the world. It is a significant medical problem that may increase the risk of fracture and subsequently impact quality of life. In the United States, more than 1 million fractures occur annually at a cost of approximately $14 billion (Ray et al. 1997). The number of hip fractures in the United States is predicted to at least triple over the next 40 years (Schneider & Guralnik, 1990). Osteoporosis has received attention in women, but its effect in men should also be noteworthy. The lifetime fracture risk in women is approximately 50%; however, in men, it ranges from 10% to 25% (Looker, 1997). Osteoporosis is characterised by low bone mass and micro-architectural deterioration of bone tissue, leading to bone fragility and a consequent increase in fracture risk (WHO/F AO, 2003). It is defined as 'a disease characterised by low bone mass and micro-architectual deterioration of bone tissue, leading to enhanced bone fragility and a consequent increase in fracture risk' (Consensus Development Conference, 1991). Diet appears to be linked to osteoporosis, in fact several studies have shown that both calcium and Vitamin D alone or a combination of both, have shown positive effects on femoral bone mineral density (Di Daniele et al. 2004). Wallace (2003) shows that adequate calcium may help to enhance bone mass, thus decreasing the risk of osteoporotic fracture later in life. Thus this study focused on calcium intake in a sample of patients who were referred for a bone density examination between July and September 2005. The study was carried out at St. James Hospital Sliema. Calcium intake was calculated using a food frequency questionnaire designed by the researcher. Calcium intake was then compared with the bone density result. It was found that the calcium intake in patients having a normal bone density was significantly higher than in patients having an abnormal bone density result. The study also showed that the mean daily calcium intake was 940mg. Although the sample size of the study was small the results showed general agreement with larger-scale similar studies carried out abroad. Description: P.Q.DIP.NUTRITION&DIETETICS Sun, 01 Jan 2006 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/45901 2006-01-01T00:00:00Z