BackgroundTheories of the policy process are recommended as tools to help explain both policy stasis and change.MethodsA systematic review of the application of such theoretical frameworks within the field of obesity prevention policy was conducted. A meta-synthesis was also undertaken to identify the key influences on policy decision-making.ResultsThe review identified 17 studies of obesity prevention policy underpinned by political science theories. The majority of included studies were conducted in the United States (US), with significant heterogeneity in terms of policy level (e.g., national, state) studied, areas of focus, and methodologies used. Many of the included studies were methodologically limited, in regard to rigour and trustworthiness. Prominent themes identified included the role of groups and networks, political institutions, and political system characteristics, issue framing, the use of evidence, personal values and beliefs, prevailing political ideology, and timing.ConclusionsThe limited application of political science theories indicates a need for future theoretically based research into the complexity of policy-making and multiple influences on obesity prevention policy processes.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12889-016-3639-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

BackgroundLife transitions often involve complex decisions, challenges and changes that affect diabetes management. Transition to motherhood is a major life event accompanied by increased risk that the pregnancy will lead to or accelerate existing diabetes-related complications, as well as risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, all of which inevitably increase anxiety. The frequency of hyperglycaemia and hypoglycaemia often increases during pregnancy, which causes concern for the health and physical well-being of the mother and unborn child. This review aimed to examine the experiences of women with T1DM focusing on the pregnancy and postnatal phases of their transition to motherhood.MethodsThe structured literature review comprised a comprehensive search strategy identifying primary studies published in English between 1990–2012. Standard literature databases were searched along with the contents of diabetes-specific journals. Reference lists of included studies were checked. Search terms included: ‘diabetes’, ‘type 1’, ‘pregnancy’, ‘motherhood’, ‘transition’, ‘social support’, ‘quality of life’ and ‘psychological well-being’.ResultOf 112 abstracts returned, 62 articles were reviewed in full-text, and 16 met the inclusion criteria. There was a high level of diversity among these studies but three common key themes were identified. They related to physical (maternal and fetal) well-being, psychological well-being and social environment. The results were synthesized narratively.ConclusionWomen with type 1 diabetes experience a variety of psychosocial issues in their transition to motherhood: increased levels of anxiety, diabetes-related distress, guilt, a sense of disconnectedness from health professionals, and a focus on medicalisation of pregnancy rather than the positive transition to motherhood. A trusting relationship with health professionals, sharing experiences with other women with diabetes, active social support, shared decision and responsibilities for diabetes management assisted the women to make a positive transition. Health professionals can promote a positive transition to motherhood by proactively supporting women with T1DM in informed decision-making, by facilitating communication within the healthcare team and co-ordinating care for women with type 1 diabetes transitioning to motherhood.

Introduction Despite global recommendations for governments to implement a comprehensive suite of policies to address obesity, policy adoption has been deficient globally. This paper utilised political science theory and systems thinking methods to examine the dynamics underlying decisions regarding obesity prevention policy adoption within the context of the Australian state government initiative, Healthy Together Victoria (HTV) (2011–2016). The aim was to understand key influences on policy processes, and to identify potential opportunities to increase the adoption of recommended policies. Methods Data describing government processes in relation to the adoption of six policy interventions considered as part of HTV were collected using interviews (n = 57), document analyses (n = 568) and field note observations. The data were analysed using multiple political science theories. A systematic method was then used to develop a Causal Loop Diagram (CLD) for each policy intervention. A simplified meta-CLD was generated from synthesis of common elements across each of the six policy interventions. Results The dynamics of policy change could be explained using a series of feedback loops. Five interconnected balancing loops served to reduce the propensity for policy change. These pertained to an organisational norm of risk aversion, and the complexity resulting from a whole-of-government policy approach and in-depth stakeholder consultation. However, seven virtuous reinforcing loops helped overcome policy resistance through policy actor capabilities that were improved over time as policy actors gained experience in advocating for change. Conclusion Policy processes for obesity prevention are complex and resistant to change. In order to increase adoption of recommended policies, several capabilities of policy actors, including policy skills, political astuteness, negotiation skills and consensus building, should be fostered and strengthened. Strategies to facilitate effective and broad-based consultation, both across and external to government, need to be implemented in ways that do not result in substantial delays in the policy process.

Twelve-hour shifts are currently regarded by many workers as one solution to the disruptive effects of shiftwork on health, well-being and lifestyle. Twelve-hour shifts offer larger and more frequent blocks of leisure time than do 8-h shifts. Nevertheless, concern must be addressed about the possible effects of working these additional hours on work quality and productivity and whether they are worked at significant extra cost to the worker. In a study of 75 computer operators, the effect of changing from a predominantly 8 h per shift irregular roster to a 12 h per shift regular roster was investigated. Operators completed a questionnaire covering demographic and health details including the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ), and details about general job satisfaction including the Work Environment Scale (WES). They also completed a 14-day diary of sleeping and eating patterns and mood state at the beginning and end of each shift for the same period. The questionnaires and diaries were completed first under the 8-h shift roster, then again 12 months later after the 12-h shift roster had been worked for 7 months. Work quality, productivity, staff turnover and sickness and other absence data were also collected under the two shift systems. The results showed that changing to the 12-h shift roster produced improvements in health, particularly in psychological health and in reduced feelings of tiredness throughout the work period. The change in working hours was at no cost to feelings of job satisfaction or the worker's perceptions of any particular aspects of the work environment, or to measures of productivity.