Objective: To identify the most important motivations for food choice from the point of view of the consumer in the Irish population, and to characterize those subjects who do and do not regard nutrition as a signi®cant consideration in food choice. Design: As part of a pan-European Union (EU) survey on consumer attitudes to food, nutrition and health, a quota-controlled, nationally representative sample of Irish adults (n = 1009) aged 15 years upwards, completed an interview-assisted, closeended questionnaire. Subjects selected three factors, from a list of 15, which they believed had the greatest in¯uence on their food choice. Setting: The interviews for the survey were conducted in subjects' homes. Results:`Quality/freshness of food' was the most frequently selected food choice factor (51%) followed by`taste' (43%) and`trying to eat a healthy diet' (36%). Female gender, increasing age and higher levels of education were found to be independent sociodemographic factors affecting the selection of`trying to eat a healthy diet' as an important factor in food choice. Conclusions: Although included in the top ®ve most frequently selected factors affecting food choice, nutrition/healthy eating does not appear to have top priority for the majority of Irish adults. There are differences between the various sociodemographic groups within the population; males and younger subjects appear to require speci®c nutrition promotion messages.

Objective: The purpose of conducting this survey was to identify data on consumer attitudes towards and beliefs about physical activity, body weight and health among the 15 countries of the EU. Design: A cross-sectional study to get a picture of the attitudes to physical activity, body weight and health in the EU. For this, it was considered important that samples be nationally representative so that inferences drawn from the data could be applied to the population in each country as well as to the EU population as a whole. Using a non-probability sampling method employing quota controls (and the national weight) we obtained large sample sizes from each country which were nationally representative in terms of the variables age, sex and regional distribution. To ensure samples were truly nationally representative a national weight was used when analysing the data using the same characteristics as those used to define quotas. When examining pooled estimates for the total EU sample a population weight was applied. Results: In total, 15 239 subjects aged 15 years and upwards in the EU completed the survey. This article gives details on the methods used in carrying out the survey from design of the questionnaire to sample selection, questionnaire administration and analysis of the data. The methods and their limitations are discussed. Keywords Cross-sectional survey Sampling analysis European UnionThe purpose of conducting this survey was to identify data on consumer attitudes towards, and beliefs about, physical activity, body weight and health among the 15 countries of the EU. Data on the sociocultural and demographic differences in such attitudes will help those involved in the promotion of physical activity in the general population to develop more focused and effective campaigns. This article gives details on the methods used in carrying out the survey from the design of the questionnaire to sample selection, questionnaire administration and analysis of the data, all of which were similar to those used in an earlier pan-EU survey of consumer attitudes to food, nutrition and health 1 . Subsequent articles covering different issues from the survey will provide more details on the specific questions and their particular analyses. Questionnaire designA project management group developed the questionnaire. This group consisted of scientists from each member state and representatives from the food industry along with members of the Institute of European Food Studies (Appendix 1). A workshop was held to design the questionnaire firstly by reviewing existing studies on attitudes and secondly reviewing the methodology for measuring physical activity in large population surveys. The specific objectives of this pan-EU survey were as follows.X To identify the main attitudes to physical activity/ exercise, body weight and health in different countries in the EU and among different sociodemographic groups. X To examine the motivating factors and perceived barriers to participating in physical activity/exercise. X To d...

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Radiation therapy (RT) is beneficial in Head and Neck Cancer (HNC) in both the definitive and adjuvant setting. Highly complex and conformal planning techniques are becoming standard practice in delivering increased doses in HNC. A sharp falloff in dose outside the high dose area is characteristic of highly complex techniques and geometric uncertainties must be minimised to prevent under dosage of the target volume and possible over dosage of surrounding critical structures. CTV-PTV margins are employed to account for geometric uncertainties such as set up errors and both interfraction and intrafraction motion. Robust immobilisation and Image Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT) is also essential in this group of patients to minimise discrepancies in patient position during the treatment course. IGRT has evolved with increased 2-Dimensional (2D) and 3-Dimensional (3D) IGRT modalities available for geometric verification. 2D and 3D IGRT modalities are both beneficial in geometric verification while 3D imaging is a valuable tool in assessing volumetric changes that may have dosimetric consequences for this group of patients. IGRT if executed effectively and efficiently provides clinicians with confidence to reduce CTV-PTV margins thus limiting treatment related toxicities in patients. Accumulated exposure dose from IGRT vary considerably and may be incorporated into the treatment plan to avoid excess dose. However, there are considerable variations in the application of IGRT in RT practice. This paper aims to summarise the advances in IGRT in HNC treatment and provide clinics with recommendations for an IGRT strategy for HNC in the clinic.

Introduction: While Computerised Tomography (CT) remains the gold standard in radiation therapy (RT) planning, inferior soft tissue definition remains a challenge. Intravenous contrast (IVC) use during CT planning can enhance soft tissue contrast optimising Target Volume (TV) and Organ at Risk visualisation and delineation. Despite this known benefit, there are no guidelines for when and how to use IVC in RT planning scans in Ireland. Aim: The study aims to examine the patterns of practice in relation to the use of IVC in RT planning scans in Ireland and to determine the level of compliance with international guidelines. Radiation Therapists (RTT) IVC training will also be investigated. Materials and methods: An anonymised online survey was designed based on previously-reported literature. This was distributed to all RT departments in Ireland. The survey contained open, closed and Likert scale questions that investigated IVC practices in each department. Results: 75% (n = 9/12) of Irish departments responded. All responding departments reported using IVC. RTTs cannulated patients in 67% (n = 6/9) of the departments and administration contrast in all departments. Variations from recommended guidelines were found in disease sites where IVC was routinely used and in the assessment of renal functioning prior to contrast administration. IVC training varied in duration and number of supervised procedures required to fulfill competencies. Conclusion: IVC is used extensively in Irish RT departments. There are variations in IVC practice between departments and with international recommended guidelines.

Background and Purpose: The European SocieTy for Radiotherapy and Oncology Radiation Therapist Committee (ESTRO RTTC) published a guidance document and infographic providing recommendations to minimise risk of COVID-19 transmission in radiotherapy (RT) departments. The purpose of this study was to investigate the changes embedded in RT practice in the COVID-19 era and to recommend proactive measures to protect RT practice in future pandemics. Materials and Methods: The study was initiated by the ESTRO Radiation Oncology Safety and Quality Committee (ROSQC). A survey consisting of multiple choice, open ended and Likert scale questions was created to analyse the extent of changes embedded in RT practice in response to the COVID-19 pandemic under the four domains: patient care, RTT workflow, remote working and RT practice. This online survey was distributed globally in May 2020. Results: 229 respondents across 27 countries completed the survey. 60% of respondents reported continuing/commencing RT in COVID-19 patients. Routine testing of patients and RTTs was not common. Split teams' procedures, hot linacs and separate entrances were implemented by 50% of respondents. Remote working was implemented for RT team members where face to face patient contact was not essential. Lack of staff, connectivity issues and lack of confirmed positive cases in the department were the main reasons cited for not implementing recommended measures. Conclusion: It is suggested that RT departments have responded to the COVID-19 pandemic and implemented certain changes in RT practice. RT departments should act now to implement recommended proactive measures to protect patients and RTTs -frontline healthcare workers.

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