Energy balance is influenced by understudied genetic, social and other environmental factors. The frequency of family meals (FFM) may be one of these factors since it is associated with a healthier dietary pattern in children and adolescents. The objective of this review is to evaluate the scientific evidence on the association between FFM and the risk of childhood and adolescent overweight. The electronic literature search identified 394 articles published during 2005-2012. Of these, 15 studies gave precise information of the studied association, of which four were longitudinal. We found great variability regarding the measurement of FFM. Six out of 11 cross-sectional studies and 1 out of 4 longitudinal studies found statistically significant inverse associations between FFM and being overweight, mainly in children, with odds ratios ranging from 0.11 to 0.93. Of those, only one adjusted for all the potential confounding factors considering socio-demographic, physical activity- and diet-related variables. Therefore, this review found inconsistent and weak evidence of an inverse association between FFM and risk of childhood overweight. In conclusion, further research is needed to establish whether family meals have an effect on childhood overweight. These studies ideally should have longitudinal or experimental designs, a clear and standardized definition of the exposure under study, a measure of the exposure based on direct observation or validated questionnaires and an adequate adjustment for potential confounders.

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Objectives: To evaluate the subjective overload and perceived pain in caregivers of dependent elderly, and to determine if the intensity of perceived pain is associated with the caregiver overload. Material and methods: A transversal study. Variables: age, sex, family relationship, living with the patient, educational level, time as a caregiver, paid work, Caregiver Stress Index (IEC) and pain intensity (VAS).Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis: Student t test, Pearson r and ANOVA, as appropriate.

Nursing diagnoses in patients with chronic diseases, at hospital discharge, by taxonomy Nanda-I.