American journal of men's health
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Randomized Controlled Trial
The Effect of Ramadan Fasting on Body Composition and Metabolic Syndrome in Apparently Healthy Men.
There are few studies investigating the role of Ramadan fasting on body composition and the characteristics of metabolic syndrome, especially in hot environments. The main aim of the study was to investigate the effect of Ramadan fasting on body composition and the characteristics of metabolic syndrome in apparently healthy men. In a randomized design, 44 college students aged 27.6 ± 5.8 years were selected to participate in the present study. ⋯ No major changes in metabolic syndrome factors were seen except in fasting blood glucose and systolic blood pressure as both factors were slightly but significantly elevated during the month of Ramadan and even after Ramadan, though both of them were within normal levels. This study concludes that Ramadan fasting could be one of the factors that reduce LDL. More studies are needed to clarify the role of Ramadan fasting on different populations such as obese and diabetic patients.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Using Facebook™ to Recruit College-Age Men for a Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Trial.
College-age men were recruited using Facebook™ advertisements (ads), as well as traditional recruitment methods, for a randomized controlled trial to compare immunological responses to human papillomavirus vaccine administered in two dosing schedules. This study compares enrollees who were recruited through traditional recruitment methods versus social networking sites (SNSs), including Facebook. Potential participants were recruited using flyers posted on and off campus(es), and distributed at health fairs, classes, sporting, and other campus events; e-mails to students and student organizations; and print advertisements in student newspapers and on city buses. ⋯ The majority of participants (51%) reported print advertisements as the method by which they first heard about the study, followed by personal contact (29%) and Facebook or other SNSs (20%). The likelihood of a SNS being the source by which the participant first heard about the study compared with traditional methods was increased if the participant reported (a) being homosexual or bisexual or (b) posting daily updates on SNSs. Facebook and other SNSs are a viable recruitment strategy for reaching potential clinical trial participants among groups who typically use social media to stay connected with their friends and hard-to-reach groups such as young men who self-identify as homosexual or bisexual.