Learning Objective #1: Identify the scope for health promoting activities within their area of practice in proposing approaches to implementation

Learning Objective #2: Apply knowledge and skills to partner with the client in improving the dietary strategies and nutritional behaviors

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Tsing Yi Telehealth Clinic is a community service project co-organized by the School of Nursing of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University and the Princess Margaret Hospital. General health assessment and follow-up are offered to Tsing Yi residents, which aims to build a model of lifelong health record for individual within the community. Areas of focused assessment are identified after completing the General Health Data Set Questionnaire. This study explored the initiation and evaluation of nutritional focused health assessment.

Thirty-six cases of focused assessments in the area of Nutrition were identified and referred during April 2000 – May 2001. The individual dietary strategy session began with a 24-hour diet recall and BMI calculation, while the issues on food choice, portions and simple exercises were also discussed. Partnership intervention model was adopted to facilitate self efficacy, where client was encouraged to set feasible goals for regular exercise. Other than diet, exercise, and physical activity, health related dimensions including smoking, alcohol consumption and stress level were discussed and analyzed.

The age of participants was ranged from 11 to 80 years old, with 12 males and 14 females. The primary concerns for those 15 years old or younger were over weight, insufficient calcium intake and empty caloric food/snack choices. Most prevalent concerns among the middle-aged and the elderly clients were over weight problem and insufficient intake of calcium, fruits and vegetables.

Many people have the misconception of seeking dietary advices mainly for the purpose of weight reduction. People tend to overlook the significance of adopting lifestyle strategies and maintaining nutritional status in health promotion and long term disease prevention. This pilot study helped to support long term research in planning and evaluating dietary needs and lifestyle strategies for health promotion activities for different age groups in a community setting.