A pharmacist health coaching trial evaluating behavioural changes in participants with poorly controlled hypertension
- Singh, Harjit, Kennedy, Gerard, Stupans, Ieva
- Authors: Singh, Harjit , Kennedy, Gerard , Stupans, Ieva
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: BMC Family Practice Vol. 22, no. 1 (2021), p.
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- Description: Background: To investigate whether pharmacist health coaching improves progression through the stages of change (SOC) for three modifiable health behaviours; diet, exercise, and medication management in participants with poorly controlled hypertension. Methods: In this four-month controlled group study two community-based pharmacists provided three health coaching sessions to 20 participants with poorly controlled hypertension at monthly intervals. Changes in participants’ stages of change with respect to the modifiable health behaviours; diet, exercise, and medication management were assessed. To confirm the behaviour change outcomes, SOC were also assessed in a control group over the same period. Results: Statistically significant changes in the modifiable health behaviours- medication management (d = 0.19; p = 0.03) and exercise (d = 0.85; p = 0.01) were apparent in participants who received health coaching and were evident through positive changes in the SOC charts. The participants in the control group did not experience significant changes with respect to the SOC. This was parallel to a decrease in mean systolic blood pressure from session one to session four by 7.53 mmHg (p < 0.05, d =
- Authors: Singh, Harjit , Kennedy, Gerard , Stupans, Ieva
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: BMC Family Practice Vol. 22, no. 1 (2021), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: To investigate whether pharmacist health coaching improves progression through the stages of change (SOC) for three modifiable health behaviours; diet, exercise, and medication management in participants with poorly controlled hypertension. Methods: In this four-month controlled group study two community-based pharmacists provided three health coaching sessions to 20 participants with poorly controlled hypertension at monthly intervals. Changes in participants’ stages of change with respect to the modifiable health behaviours; diet, exercise, and medication management were assessed. To confirm the behaviour change outcomes, SOC were also assessed in a control group over the same period. Results: Statistically significant changes in the modifiable health behaviours- medication management (d = 0.19; p = 0.03) and exercise (d = 0.85; p = 0.01) were apparent in participants who received health coaching and were evident through positive changes in the SOC charts. The participants in the control group did not experience significant changes with respect to the SOC. This was parallel to a decrease in mean systolic blood pressure from session one to session four by 7.53 mmHg (p < 0.05, d =
A reevaluation of the factor structure, reliability, and validity of the spiritual well-being questionnaire (SWBQ)
- Gomez, Rapson, Watson, Shaun
- Authors: Gomez, Rapson , Watson, Shaun
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Religion and Health Vol. 62, no. 3 (2023), p. 2112-2130
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- Description: The 20-item Gomez and Fisher (Personal Individ Differ 35:1975–1991, 2003) Spiritual Well-Being Questionnaire (SWBQ) is a widely used measure of spiritual well-being. Its theoretical model is a higher-order model with primary factors for personal, communal, environmental, and transcendental well-being, and a secondary global spiritual well-being factor. The current study, conducted in Australia, reevaluated the factor structure of the SWBQ. Unlike previous studies, the current study also used exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM) to examine the factor structure of the SWBQ and selected the preferred model using not only global model fit values, but also the clarity, reliabilities, and validities of the factors in the models. A total of 227 adults (males = 63; females = 164; M age = 26.1 years; SD = 5.2 years) completed the SWBQ. Based on the model selection criteria applied in the study, the ESEM model with four group factors was selected as the preferred model. However, there was also adequate support for the proposed theoretical higher-order model and the first-order oblique model with the four well-being factors. Concerning our preferred model, its factors showed reasonable clarity for factor loadings and (omega) reliabilities. However, only the communal domain scale was supported empirically for external validity. The implications of the findings for the theoretical model, the use of the SWBQ, and future studies are discussed. In this respect, there are three potential models (theorized higher-order model, 4-factor first-order oblique model, and the ESEM model proposed in this study) that warrant further detailed investigation with a larger, more representative population and additional validation measures. © 2022, The Author(s).
- Authors: Gomez, Rapson , Watson, Shaun
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Religion and Health Vol. 62, no. 3 (2023), p. 2112-2130
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: The 20-item Gomez and Fisher (Personal Individ Differ 35:1975–1991, 2003) Spiritual Well-Being Questionnaire (SWBQ) is a widely used measure of spiritual well-being. Its theoretical model is a higher-order model with primary factors for personal, communal, environmental, and transcendental well-being, and a secondary global spiritual well-being factor. The current study, conducted in Australia, reevaluated the factor structure of the SWBQ. Unlike previous studies, the current study also used exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM) to examine the factor structure of the SWBQ and selected the preferred model using not only global model fit values, but also the clarity, reliabilities, and validities of the factors in the models. A total of 227 adults (males = 63; females = 164; M age = 26.1 years; SD = 5.2 years) completed the SWBQ. Based on the model selection criteria applied in the study, the ESEM model with four group factors was selected as the preferred model. However, there was also adequate support for the proposed theoretical higher-order model and the first-order oblique model with the four well-being factors. Concerning our preferred model, its factors showed reasonable clarity for factor loadings and (omega) reliabilities. However, only the communal domain scale was supported empirically for external validity. The implications of the findings for the theoretical model, the use of the SWBQ, and future studies are discussed. In this respect, there are three potential models (theorized higher-order model, 4-factor first-order oblique model, and the ESEM model proposed in this study) that warrant further detailed investigation with a larger, more representative population and additional validation measures. © 2022, The Author(s).
A systematic review of demographic and background factors associated with the development of children’s aquatic competence
- Duke, Charlotte, Calverley, Hannah, Petrass, Lauren, Peters, Jacqui, Moncrieff, Kate, Konjarski, Loretta, Matthews, Bernadette
- Authors: Duke, Charlotte , Calverley, Hannah , Petrass, Lauren , Peters, Jacqui , Moncrieff, Kate , Konjarski, Loretta , Matthews, Bernadette
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Injury Epidemiology Vol. 10, no. 1 (2023), p.
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- Description: Background: Globally, drowning is a leading cause of unintentional injury and death among children. Teaching aquatic competencies (swimming skills and water safety knowledge) to children has been proposed as a prevention strategy. In Australia, however, many children are not meeting standard aquatic competency benchmarks. Exploration of the connection between demographic and background factors and aquatic competencies could provide insight into why differences in acquisition of aquatic knowledge and skills occur. Main body: A systematic literature review guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses was performed to identify studies that reported on the association between demographic and background factors and aquatic competencies. Nine databases were searched for English language peer-reviewed studies published since 2000. Fourteen studies fulfilled all inclusion criteria. Studies were quasi-experimental or cross-sectional in design, which is considered quality level III-2 or IV, respectively, on the National Health and Medical Research Council Evidence Hierarchy. Study quality was moderate, and risk of bias was high. While aquatic competencies can be taught, this review found that factors including age, gender, geographic residence, medical conditions/disabilities, socioeconomic status, and swimming frequency were significantly associated with the demonstration and/or acquisition of aquatic competencies. Conclusion: This review provides insight into demographic and background factors that are significantly associated with the development of aquatic competence. Whilst further investigation is required to increase the evidence base, these findings may assist in tailoring swimming and water safety programs to accommodate those at-risk of not achieving age-appropriate aquatic competencies. © 2023, Columbia University Center for Injury Epidemiology and Prevention.
- Authors: Duke, Charlotte , Calverley, Hannah , Petrass, Lauren , Peters, Jacqui , Moncrieff, Kate , Konjarski, Loretta , Matthews, Bernadette
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Injury Epidemiology Vol. 10, no. 1 (2023), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: Globally, drowning is a leading cause of unintentional injury and death among children. Teaching aquatic competencies (swimming skills and water safety knowledge) to children has been proposed as a prevention strategy. In Australia, however, many children are not meeting standard aquatic competency benchmarks. Exploration of the connection between demographic and background factors and aquatic competencies could provide insight into why differences in acquisition of aquatic knowledge and skills occur. Main body: A systematic literature review guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses was performed to identify studies that reported on the association between demographic and background factors and aquatic competencies. Nine databases were searched for English language peer-reviewed studies published since 2000. Fourteen studies fulfilled all inclusion criteria. Studies were quasi-experimental or cross-sectional in design, which is considered quality level III-2 or IV, respectively, on the National Health and Medical Research Council Evidence Hierarchy. Study quality was moderate, and risk of bias was high. While aquatic competencies can be taught, this review found that factors including age, gender, geographic residence, medical conditions/disabilities, socioeconomic status, and swimming frequency were significantly associated with the demonstration and/or acquisition of aquatic competencies. Conclusion: This review provides insight into demographic and background factors that are significantly associated with the development of aquatic competence. Whilst further investigation is required to increase the evidence base, these findings may assist in tailoring swimming and water safety programs to accommodate those at-risk of not achieving age-appropriate aquatic competencies. © 2023, Columbia University Center for Injury Epidemiology and Prevention.
Acceptability of a Dyadic Tai Chi intervention for older people living with dementia and their informal carers
- Barrado-Martín, Yolanda, Heward, Michelle, Polman, Remco, Nyman, Samuel
- Authors: Barrado-Martín, Yolanda , Heward, Michelle , Polman, Remco , Nyman, Samuel
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Aging and Physical Activity Vol. 27, no. 2 (2019), p. 166-183
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- Description: Exercise is effective in preventing falls among older adults. However, few studies have included people living with dementia and their carers and explored their experiences. The aim of this study is to explore what affects the acceptability of exercise interventions to better meet the needs of people with dementia and their carers as a dyad. Observations, field notes containing participant's and instructor's feedback, and focus groups with 10 dyads involved in Tai Chi classes for 3 or 4 weeks in two sites in the South of England were thematically analyzed to understand their experiences. Findings suggest that dyads' determination to achieve the benefits of Tai Chi facilitated their adherence, whereas a member of the dyad's low sense of efficacy performing the movements during classes was a barrier. Simplifying class content and enhancing the clarity of instructions for home-based practice will be key to support the design of future exercise interventions. © 2019 The Authors.
- Authors: Barrado-Martín, Yolanda , Heward, Michelle , Polman, Remco , Nyman, Samuel
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Aging and Physical Activity Vol. 27, no. 2 (2019), p. 166-183
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Exercise is effective in preventing falls among older adults. However, few studies have included people living with dementia and their carers and explored their experiences. The aim of this study is to explore what affects the acceptability of exercise interventions to better meet the needs of people with dementia and their carers as a dyad. Observations, field notes containing participant's and instructor's feedback, and focus groups with 10 dyads involved in Tai Chi classes for 3 or 4 weeks in two sites in the South of England were thematically analyzed to understand their experiences. Findings suggest that dyads' determination to achieve the benefits of Tai Chi facilitated their adherence, whereas a member of the dyad's low sense of efficacy performing the movements during classes was a barrier. Simplifying class content and enhancing the clarity of instructions for home-based practice will be key to support the design of future exercise interventions. © 2019 The Authors.
Acupuncture for comorbid depression and insomnia in perimenopause : a feasibility patient-assessor-blinded, randomized, and sham-controlled clinical trial
- Zhao, Fei, Zheng, Zhen, Fu, Qiang-Qiang, Conduit, Russell, Xu, Hong, Wang, Hui-ru, Huang, Yu-Ling, Jiang, Ting, Zhang, Wen-Jing, Kennedy, Gerard
- Authors: Zhao, Fei , Zheng, Zhen , Fu, Qiang-Qiang , Conduit, Russell , Xu, Hong , Wang, Hui-ru , Huang, Yu-Ling , Jiang, Ting , Zhang, Wen-Jing , Kennedy, Gerard
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Frontiers in Public Health Vol. 11, no. (2023), p.
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- Description: Background and objective: Whilst acupuncture is widely used for treating psychosomatic diseases, there is little high-quality evidence supporting its application in comorbid perimenopausal depression (PMD) and insomnia (PMI) which are common complaints during climacteric. This feasibility, patient-assessor-blinded, randomized, sham-controlled clinical trial addresses this gap by investigating the efficacy and safety of acupuncture on depressed mood and poor sleep in women with comorbid PMD and PMI. Methods: Seventy eligible participants were randomly assigned to either real-acupuncture (RA) or sham-acupuncture (SA) groups. Either RA or SA treatment were delivered in 17 sessions over 8 weeks. The primary outcomes for mood and sleep were changes on 17-items Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D17) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scores, from baseline to 16-week follow-up. Secondary outcome measures involved anxiety symptoms, perimenopausal symptoms, quality of life, participants' experience of and satisfaction with the acupuncture treatment. Blood samples were taken to measure reproductive hormone levels. Intention-To-Treat and Per-Protocol analyses were conducted with linear mixed-effects models. The James' and Bang's blinding indices were used to assess the adequacy of blinding. Results: Sixty-five participants completed all treatment sessions, and 54 and 41 participants completed the eight- and 16-week follow-ups, respectively. At post-treatment and 8-week follow-up, the RA group showed a significantly greater reduction in PSQI scores than the SA group did; although the reduction of HAM-D17 scores in RA group was significant, the change was not statistically different from that of SA. There were no significant mean differences between baseline and 16-week follow-up in either HAM-D17 or PSQI in either group. There were no significant between-group differences in serum reproductive hormone levels. All treatments were tolerable and no serious adverse events were reported, and the blinding was successful. Conclusion: Acupuncture is safe and can contribute to clinically relevant improvements in comorbid PMD and PMI, with satisfactory short-and medium-term effects. Whether the anti-depressive benefit of acupuncture is specific or non-specific remains to be determined. No evidence was found for any longer-term benefit of acupuncture compared to sham at 16 weeks. Further research is required to elucidate mechanisms underlying the short to medium term effects of acupuncture. Copyright © 2023 Zhao, Zheng, Fu, Conduit, Xu, Wang, Huang, Jiang, Zhang and Kennedy.
- Authors: Zhao, Fei , Zheng, Zhen , Fu, Qiang-Qiang , Conduit, Russell , Xu, Hong , Wang, Hui-ru , Huang, Yu-Ling , Jiang, Ting , Zhang, Wen-Jing , Kennedy, Gerard
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Frontiers in Public Health Vol. 11, no. (2023), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background and objective: Whilst acupuncture is widely used for treating psychosomatic diseases, there is little high-quality evidence supporting its application in comorbid perimenopausal depression (PMD) and insomnia (PMI) which are common complaints during climacteric. This feasibility, patient-assessor-blinded, randomized, sham-controlled clinical trial addresses this gap by investigating the efficacy and safety of acupuncture on depressed mood and poor sleep in women with comorbid PMD and PMI. Methods: Seventy eligible participants were randomly assigned to either real-acupuncture (RA) or sham-acupuncture (SA) groups. Either RA or SA treatment were delivered in 17 sessions over 8 weeks. The primary outcomes for mood and sleep were changes on 17-items Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D17) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scores, from baseline to 16-week follow-up. Secondary outcome measures involved anxiety symptoms, perimenopausal symptoms, quality of life, participants' experience of and satisfaction with the acupuncture treatment. Blood samples were taken to measure reproductive hormone levels. Intention-To-Treat and Per-Protocol analyses were conducted with linear mixed-effects models. The James' and Bang's blinding indices were used to assess the adequacy of blinding. Results: Sixty-five participants completed all treatment sessions, and 54 and 41 participants completed the eight- and 16-week follow-ups, respectively. At post-treatment and 8-week follow-up, the RA group showed a significantly greater reduction in PSQI scores than the SA group did; although the reduction of HAM-D17 scores in RA group was significant, the change was not statistically different from that of SA. There were no significant mean differences between baseline and 16-week follow-up in either HAM-D17 or PSQI in either group. There were no significant between-group differences in serum reproductive hormone levels. All treatments were tolerable and no serious adverse events were reported, and the blinding was successful. Conclusion: Acupuncture is safe and can contribute to clinically relevant improvements in comorbid PMD and PMI, with satisfactory short-and medium-term effects. Whether the anti-depressive benefit of acupuncture is specific or non-specific remains to be determined. No evidence was found for any longer-term benefit of acupuncture compared to sham at 16 weeks. Further research is required to elucidate mechanisms underlying the short to medium term effects of acupuncture. Copyright © 2023 Zhao, Zheng, Fu, Conduit, Xu, Wang, Huang, Jiang, Zhang and Kennedy.
Adherence to the class-based component of a tai chi exercise intervention for people living with dementia and their informal carers
- Barrado-Martín, Yolanda, Heward, Michelle, Polman, Remco, Nyman, Samuel
- Authors: Barrado-Martín, Yolanda , Heward, Michelle , Polman, Remco , Nyman, Samuel
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Aging and Physical Activity Vol. 29, no. 5 (2021), p. 721-734
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: The objective of this study was to understand the experiences of people living with dementia and their informal carers' taking part together (in dyads) in Tai Chi classes and the aspects influencing their adherence. Dyads' experiences of taking part in Tai Chi classes for 20 weeks within the TACIT Trial were explored through class observations (n = 22 dyads), home-interviews (n = 15 dyads), and feedback. Data were inductively coded following thematic analysis. Tai Chi classes designed for people with dementia and their informal carers were enjoyable and its movements, easy to learn. Facilitators of participants' adherence were the socializing component and their enjoyment of the classes, whereas unexpected health problems were the main barrier. Finding the optimal level of challenge in the class setting might be crucial for people with dementia to feel satisfied with their progression over sessions and enable their continued participation. © 2021 Human Kinetics, Inc.
- Authors: Barrado-Martín, Yolanda , Heward, Michelle , Polman, Remco , Nyman, Samuel
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Aging and Physical Activity Vol. 29, no. 5 (2021), p. 721-734
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: The objective of this study was to understand the experiences of people living with dementia and their informal carers' taking part together (in dyads) in Tai Chi classes and the aspects influencing their adherence. Dyads' experiences of taking part in Tai Chi classes for 20 weeks within the TACIT Trial were explored through class observations (n = 22 dyads), home-interviews (n = 15 dyads), and feedback. Data were inductively coded following thematic analysis. Tai Chi classes designed for people with dementia and their informal carers were enjoyable and its movements, easy to learn. Facilitators of participants' adherence were the socializing component and their enjoyment of the classes, whereas unexpected health problems were the main barrier. Finding the optimal level of challenge in the class setting might be crucial for people with dementia to feel satisfied with their progression over sessions and enable their continued participation. © 2021 Human Kinetics, Inc.
Aerosol exposure of live bird market workers to viable influenza A/H5N1 and A/H9N2 viruses, Cambodia
- Horwood, Paul, Horm, Srey, Yann, Sokhoun, Tok, Songha, Chan, Malen, Suttie, Annika, Phalla, Y, Rith, Sareth, Siegers, Jurre, San, Sorn, Davun, Holl, Tum, Sothyra, Ly, Sowath, Tarantola, Arnaud, Dussart, Philippe, Karlsson, Erik
- Authors: Horwood, Paul , Horm, Srey , Yann, Sokhoun , Tok, Songha , Chan, Malen , Suttie, Annika , Phalla, Y , Rith, Sareth , Siegers, Jurre , San, Sorn , Davun, Holl , Tum, Sothyra , Ly, Sowath , Tarantola, Arnaud , Dussart, Philippe , Karlsson, Erik
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Zoonoses and Public Health Vol. 70, no. 2 (2023), p. 171-175
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Live bird markets (LBMs) have been identified as key factors in the spread, persistence and evolution of avian influenza viruses (AIVs). In addition, these settings have been associated with human infections with AIVs of pandemic concern. Exposure to aerosolised AIVs by workers in a Cambodian LBM was assessed using aerosol impact samplers. LBM vendors were asked to wear an air sampler for 30 min per day for 1 week while continuing their usual activities in the LBM during a period of high AIV circulation (February) and a period of low circulation (May). During the period of high circulation, AIV RNA was detected from 100% of the air samplers using molecular methods and viable AIV (A/H5N1 and/or A/H9N2) was isolated from 50% of air samplers following inoculation into embryonated chicken eggs. In contrast, AIV was not detected by molecular methods or successfully isolated during the period of low circulation. This study demonstrates the increased risk of aerosol exposure of LBM workers to AIVs during periods of high circulation and highlights the need for interventions during these high-risk periods. Novel approaches, such as environmental sampling, should be further explored at key high-risk interfaces as a potentially cost-effective alternative for monitoring pandemic threats. © 2022 The Authors. Zoonoses and Public Health published by Wiley-VCH GmbH.
Aerosol exposure of live bird market workers to viable influenza A/H5N1 and A/H9N2 viruses, Cambodia
- Authors: Horwood, Paul , Horm, Srey , Yann, Sokhoun , Tok, Songha , Chan, Malen , Suttie, Annika , Phalla, Y , Rith, Sareth , Siegers, Jurre , San, Sorn , Davun, Holl , Tum, Sothyra , Ly, Sowath , Tarantola, Arnaud , Dussart, Philippe , Karlsson, Erik
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Zoonoses and Public Health Vol. 70, no. 2 (2023), p. 171-175
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Live bird markets (LBMs) have been identified as key factors in the spread, persistence and evolution of avian influenza viruses (AIVs). In addition, these settings have been associated with human infections with AIVs of pandemic concern. Exposure to aerosolised AIVs by workers in a Cambodian LBM was assessed using aerosol impact samplers. LBM vendors were asked to wear an air sampler for 30 min per day for 1 week while continuing their usual activities in the LBM during a period of high AIV circulation (February) and a period of low circulation (May). During the period of high circulation, AIV RNA was detected from 100% of the air samplers using molecular methods and viable AIV (A/H5N1 and/or A/H9N2) was isolated from 50% of air samplers following inoculation into embryonated chicken eggs. In contrast, AIV was not detected by molecular methods or successfully isolated during the period of low circulation. This study demonstrates the increased risk of aerosol exposure of LBM workers to AIVs during periods of high circulation and highlights the need for interventions during these high-risk periods. Novel approaches, such as environmental sampling, should be further explored at key high-risk interfaces as a potentially cost-effective alternative for monitoring pandemic threats. © 2022 The Authors. Zoonoses and Public Health published by Wiley-VCH GmbH.
An adaptive model of health system organization and responses helped Vietnam to successfully halt the Covid-19 pandemic : what lessons can be learned from a resource-constrained country
- Nguyen, Huy, Van Hoang, Minh, Dao, An, Nguyen, Hoa, Van Nguyen, Tien, Nguyen, Phuong, Khuong, Long, Le, Phuong, Gilmour, Stuart
- Authors: Nguyen, Huy , Van Hoang, Minh , Dao, An , Nguyen, Hoa , Van Nguyen, Tien , Nguyen, Phuong , Khuong, Long , Le, Phuong , Gilmour, Stuart
- Date: 2020
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Health Planning and Management Vol. 35, no. 5 (2020), p. 988-992
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Coping with the COVID-19 pandemic has been painful and no single model for such a purpose is perfect. However, sharing experiences is the best way for countries to learn real-time lessons and adapt to this rapidly changing pandemic. This commentary shares with the international community how an adaptive model of health system organization and responses helped Vietnam to break transmission of coronavirus. We find that an effective model is adaptive to time and context, and mobilizes and engages the wider society. We identify merging of different health system units into Center for Diseases Controls as a health system organization that saved massive resources. The early establishment of a formal committee responding to the pandemic helped unify every public health strategy. The mobilization of different stakeholders and communities added resources and facilitated a synchronous implementation of response strategies, even where those strategies involved significant personal or financial sacrifice. National training on Covid-19 treatment for healthcare professionals across the entire hospital system was useful to expand the health service availability. Quickly published response guidelines helped to activate every level of the health system and involve every sector of society. A strategy of keeping high alert and preemptive action is also essential for coping with the pandemic. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
- Authors: Nguyen, Huy , Van Hoang, Minh , Dao, An , Nguyen, Hoa , Van Nguyen, Tien , Nguyen, Phuong , Khuong, Long , Le, Phuong , Gilmour, Stuart
- Date: 2020
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Health Planning and Management Vol. 35, no. 5 (2020), p. 988-992
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Coping with the COVID-19 pandemic has been painful and no single model for such a purpose is perfect. However, sharing experiences is the best way for countries to learn real-time lessons and adapt to this rapidly changing pandemic. This commentary shares with the international community how an adaptive model of health system organization and responses helped Vietnam to break transmission of coronavirus. We find that an effective model is adaptive to time and context, and mobilizes and engages the wider society. We identify merging of different health system units into Center for Diseases Controls as a health system organization that saved massive resources. The early establishment of a formal committee responding to the pandemic helped unify every public health strategy. The mobilization of different stakeholders and communities added resources and facilitated a synchronous implementation of response strategies, even where those strategies involved significant personal or financial sacrifice. National training on Covid-19 treatment for healthcare professionals across the entire hospital system was useful to expand the health service availability. Quickly published response guidelines helped to activate every level of the health system and involve every sector of society. A strategy of keeping high alert and preemptive action is also essential for coping with the pandemic. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An exploratory application of machine learning methods to optimize prediction of responsiveness to digital interventions for eating disorder symptoms
- Linardon, Jake, Fuller-Tyszkiewicz, Matthew, Shatte, Adrian, Greenwood, Christopher
- Authors: Linardon, Jake , Fuller-Tyszkiewicz, Matthew , Shatte, Adrian , Greenwood, Christopher
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Eating Disorders Vol. 55, no. 6 (2022), p. 845-850
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Objective: Digital interventions show promise to address eating disorder (ED) symptoms. However, response rates are variable, and the ability to predict responsiveness to digital interventions has been poor. We tested whether machine learning (ML) techniques can enhance outcome predictions from digital interventions for ED symptoms. Method: Data were aggregated from three RCTs (n = 826) of self-guided digital interventions for EDs. Predictive models were developed for four key outcomes: uptake, adherence, drop-out, and symptom-level change. Seven ML techniques for classification were tested and compared against the generalized linear model (GLM). Results: The seven ML methods used to predict outcomes from 36 baseline variables were poor for the three engagement outcomes (AUCs = 0.48–0.52), but adequate for symptom-level change (R2 =.15–.40). ML did not offer an added benefit to the GLM. Incorporating intervention usage pattern data improved ML prediction accuracy for drop-out (AUC = 0.75–0.93) and adherence (AUC = 0.92–0.99). Age, motivation, symptom severity, and anxiety emerged as influential outcome predictors. Conclusion: A limited set of routinely measured baseline variables was not sufficient to detect a performance benefit of ML over traditional approaches. The benefits of ML may emerge when numerous usage pattern variables are modeled, although this validation in larger datasets before stronger conclusions can be made. © 2022 The Authors. International Journal of Eating Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
- Authors: Linardon, Jake , Fuller-Tyszkiewicz, Matthew , Shatte, Adrian , Greenwood, Christopher
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Eating Disorders Vol. 55, no. 6 (2022), p. 845-850
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Objective: Digital interventions show promise to address eating disorder (ED) symptoms. However, response rates are variable, and the ability to predict responsiveness to digital interventions has been poor. We tested whether machine learning (ML) techniques can enhance outcome predictions from digital interventions for ED symptoms. Method: Data were aggregated from three RCTs (n = 826) of self-guided digital interventions for EDs. Predictive models were developed for four key outcomes: uptake, adherence, drop-out, and symptom-level change. Seven ML techniques for classification were tested and compared against the generalized linear model (GLM). Results: The seven ML methods used to predict outcomes from 36 baseline variables were poor for the three engagement outcomes (AUCs = 0.48–0.52), but adequate for symptom-level change (R2 =.15–.40). ML did not offer an added benefit to the GLM. Incorporating intervention usage pattern data improved ML prediction accuracy for drop-out (AUC = 0.75–0.93) and adherence (AUC = 0.92–0.99). Age, motivation, symptom severity, and anxiety emerged as influential outcome predictors. Conclusion: A limited set of routinely measured baseline variables was not sufficient to detect a performance benefit of ML over traditional approaches. The benefits of ML may emerge when numerous usage pattern variables are modeled, although this validation in larger datasets before stronger conclusions can be made. © 2022 The Authors. International Journal of Eating Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
An overview of long covid support services in australia and international clinical guidelines, with a proposed care model in a global context
- Luo, Shiqi, Zheng, Zhen, Bird, Stephen, Plebanski, Magdalena, Figueiredo, Bernardo, Jessup, Rebecca, Stelmach, Wanda, Robinson, Jennifer, Xenos, Sophia, Olasoji, Micheal, Wan, Dawn, Sheahan, Jacob, Itsiopoulos, Catherine
- Authors: Luo, Shiqi , Zheng, Zhen , Bird, Stephen , Plebanski, Magdalena , Figueiredo, Bernardo , Jessup, Rebecca , Stelmach, Wanda , Robinson, Jennifer , Xenos, Sophia , Olasoji, Micheal , Wan, Dawn , Sheahan, Jacob , Itsiopoulos, Catherine
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Public Health Reviews Vol. 44, no. (2023), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Objective: To identify gaps among Australian Long COVID support services and guidelines alongside recommendations for future health programs. Methods: Electronic databases and seven government health websites were searched for Long COVID-specific programs or clinics available in Australia as well as international and Australian management guidelines. Results: Five Long COVID specific guidelines and sixteen Australian services were reviewed. The majority of Australian services provided multidisciplinary rehabilitation programs with service models generally consistent with international and national guidelines. Most services included physiotherapists and psychologists. While early investigation at week 4 after contraction of COVID-19 is recommended by the Australian, UK and US guidelines, this was not consistently implemented. Conclusion: Besides Long COVID clinics, future solutions should focus on early identification that can be delivered by General Practitioners and all credentialed allied health professions. Study findings highlight an urgent need for innovative care models that address individual patient needs at an affordable cost. We propose a model that focuses on patient-led self-care with further enhancement via multi-disciplinary care tools. Copyright © 2023 Luo, Zheng, Bird, Plebanski, Figueiredo, Jessup, Stelmach, Robinson, Xenos, Olasoji, Wan, Sheahan and Itsiopoulos.
- Authors: Luo, Shiqi , Zheng, Zhen , Bird, Stephen , Plebanski, Magdalena , Figueiredo, Bernardo , Jessup, Rebecca , Stelmach, Wanda , Robinson, Jennifer , Xenos, Sophia , Olasoji, Micheal , Wan, Dawn , Sheahan, Jacob , Itsiopoulos, Catherine
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Public Health Reviews Vol. 44, no. (2023), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Objective: To identify gaps among Australian Long COVID support services and guidelines alongside recommendations for future health programs. Methods: Electronic databases and seven government health websites were searched for Long COVID-specific programs or clinics available in Australia as well as international and Australian management guidelines. Results: Five Long COVID specific guidelines and sixteen Australian services were reviewed. The majority of Australian services provided multidisciplinary rehabilitation programs with service models generally consistent with international and national guidelines. Most services included physiotherapists and psychologists. While early investigation at week 4 after contraction of COVID-19 is recommended by the Australian, UK and US guidelines, this was not consistently implemented. Conclusion: Besides Long COVID clinics, future solutions should focus on early identification that can be delivered by General Practitioners and all credentialed allied health professions. Study findings highlight an urgent need for innovative care models that address individual patient needs at an affordable cost. We propose a model that focuses on patient-led self-care with further enhancement via multi-disciplinary care tools. Copyright © 2023 Luo, Zheng, Bird, Plebanski, Figueiredo, Jessup, Stelmach, Robinson, Xenos, Olasoji, Wan, Sheahan and Itsiopoulos.
Australian men’s sheds and their role in the health and wellbeing of men : a systematic review
- Barbagallo, Michael, Brito, Sara, Porter, Joanne
- Authors: Barbagallo, Michael , Brito, Sara , Porter, Joanne
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Health & Social care in the Community Vol. 2023, no. (2023), p. 1-9
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Men’s sheds are a community-based organisation that allows a space for a community of men to interact and engage with one another with hands-on activities. As such, men’s sheds form an appropriate setting to deliver health and wellbeing initiatives. This review aims to understand the role of Australian men’s sheds with respect to the health and wellbeing of their male participants. This review was conducted in accordance with the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis (PRISMA) following a three-step process of planning, conducting, and reporting the review. All three authors reviewed all the eligible articles. There was significant methodological heterogeneity between the sources identified (n = 11). A narrative synthesis identified three key themes: health promotion, wellbeing, and socialisation intergenerational mentoring and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men’s health. Men’s sheds serve as ideal locations for the delivery of initiatives that can positively impact on the health and wellbeing of their male participants. Furthermore, research is needed to explore the implementation and evaluation of these health and wellbeing initiatives for men in their respective communities.
- Authors: Barbagallo, Michael , Brito, Sara , Porter, Joanne
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Health & Social care in the Community Vol. 2023, no. (2023), p. 1-9
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Men’s sheds are a community-based organisation that allows a space for a community of men to interact and engage with one another with hands-on activities. As such, men’s sheds form an appropriate setting to deliver health and wellbeing initiatives. This review aims to understand the role of Australian men’s sheds with respect to the health and wellbeing of their male participants. This review was conducted in accordance with the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis (PRISMA) following a three-step process of planning, conducting, and reporting the review. All three authors reviewed all the eligible articles. There was significant methodological heterogeneity between the sources identified (n = 11). A narrative synthesis identified three key themes: health promotion, wellbeing, and socialisation intergenerational mentoring and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men’s health. Men’s sheds serve as ideal locations for the delivery of initiatives that can positively impact on the health and wellbeing of their male participants. Furthermore, research is needed to explore the implementation and evaluation of these health and wellbeing initiatives for men in their respective communities.
Burnout, stress and resilience of an Australian regional hospital during COVID-19 : a longitudinal study
- Armstrong, Samantha, Porter, Joanne, Larkins, Jo-Ann, Mesagno, Christopher
- Authors: Armstrong, Samantha , Porter, Joanne , Larkins, Jo-Ann , Mesagno, Christopher
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: BMC Health Services Research Vol. 22, no. 1 (2022), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has placed huge strain on hospital staff around the world. The aim of the current longitudinal study was to investigate the resilience, stress and burnout of hospital staff located at a large, regional hospital in Victoria, Australia during the COVID-19 pandemic over time via cross-sectional surveys. The surveys were disseminated six times from August 2020 to March 2021, with the first three data collection points distributed during a state-wide lockdown. A total of 558 responses from various professional roles within the hospital over the survey period were included in the sample. Analysis of variance indicated significant main effects for the psychological variables across time, age, and workload. Hospital staff reported an increase in burnout levels throughout the eight-months. Significant negative relationships were observed between resilience and burnout, and between resilience and stress. A backward regression highlighted the contribution of resilience, stress, age, and nursing roles on burnout. Hierarchical regression analysis indicated that resilience contributed to the stress-burnout relationship. This study strengthens the evidence between resilience and burnout among healthcare workers and hospital staff and highlights the need for psychological wellbeing programs to be implemented for hospital staff impacted by a prolonged worldwide pandemic. © 2022, The Author(s).
- Authors: Armstrong, Samantha , Porter, Joanne , Larkins, Jo-Ann , Mesagno, Christopher
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: BMC Health Services Research Vol. 22, no. 1 (2022), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has placed huge strain on hospital staff around the world. The aim of the current longitudinal study was to investigate the resilience, stress and burnout of hospital staff located at a large, regional hospital in Victoria, Australia during the COVID-19 pandemic over time via cross-sectional surveys. The surveys were disseminated six times from August 2020 to March 2021, with the first three data collection points distributed during a state-wide lockdown. A total of 558 responses from various professional roles within the hospital over the survey period were included in the sample. Analysis of variance indicated significant main effects for the psychological variables across time, age, and workload. Hospital staff reported an increase in burnout levels throughout the eight-months. Significant negative relationships were observed between resilience and burnout, and between resilience and stress. A backward regression highlighted the contribution of resilience, stress, age, and nursing roles on burnout. Hierarchical regression analysis indicated that resilience contributed to the stress-burnout relationship. This study strengthens the evidence between resilience and burnout among healthcare workers and hospital staff and highlights the need for psychological wellbeing programs to be implemented for hospital staff impacted by a prolonged worldwide pandemic. © 2022, The Author(s).
Compliance with the zero suicide initiative by mental health clinicians at a regional mental health service : development and testing of a clinical audit tool
- Porter, Joanne, Dabkowski, Elissa, Connolly, Owen, Prokopiv, Valerie
- Authors: Porter, Joanne , Dabkowski, Elissa , Connolly, Owen , Prokopiv, Valerie
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Nursing Reports Vol. 13, no. 1 (2023), p. 29-42
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Aim: The aim of this study is to investigate the compliance of mental health clinicians in applying the Zero Suicide (ZS) approach to their clinical practice in a rural and regional health community setting. Methods: A retrospective clinical audit of six mental health teams was undertaken at a single site. A clinical audit tool was developed and validated using a six-step approach. The data was extracted and analysed via descriptive and inferential statistics and compared to a specialised mental health team, experienced with the ZS approach. Results: A total of 334 clinical records were extracted for January, April, August, November 2019 and June 2020. The clinical audit and analysis confirmed that the mental health teams are not consistently using the assessments from their training and are therefore not implementing all of these elements into their practice. This could have implications for the risk formulation and treatment for people at risk of suicide. Conclusions: The use of a validated clinical audit tool can be beneficial to establish compliance with the mental health clinicians and to determine any areas requiring further improvement. Further education and reinforcement may be required to ensure consistency with incorporating the elements of ZS into everyday clinical practice. © 2022 by the authors.
- Authors: Porter, Joanne , Dabkowski, Elissa , Connolly, Owen , Prokopiv, Valerie
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Nursing Reports Vol. 13, no. 1 (2023), p. 29-42
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Aim: The aim of this study is to investigate the compliance of mental health clinicians in applying the Zero Suicide (ZS) approach to their clinical practice in a rural and regional health community setting. Methods: A retrospective clinical audit of six mental health teams was undertaken at a single site. A clinical audit tool was developed and validated using a six-step approach. The data was extracted and analysed via descriptive and inferential statistics and compared to a specialised mental health team, experienced with the ZS approach. Results: A total of 334 clinical records were extracted for January, April, August, November 2019 and June 2020. The clinical audit and analysis confirmed that the mental health teams are not consistently using the assessments from their training and are therefore not implementing all of these elements into their practice. This could have implications for the risk formulation and treatment for people at risk of suicide. Conclusions: The use of a validated clinical audit tool can be beneficial to establish compliance with the mental health clinicians and to determine any areas requiring further improvement. Further education and reinforcement may be required to ensure consistency with incorporating the elements of ZS into everyday clinical practice. © 2022 by the authors.
Constructions of athlete mental health post-retirement: a discursive analysis of stigmatising and legitimising versions of transition distress in the Australian broadcast media
- Cosh, Suzanne, Crabb, Shona, McNeil, Dominic, Tully, Phillip
- Authors: Cosh, Suzanne , Crabb, Shona , McNeil, Dominic , Tully, Phillip
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Qualitative Research in Sport, Exercise and Health Vol. 14, no. 7 (2022), p. 1045-1069
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Athletes are vulnerable to experiencing mental health disorders, yet, disclosure and help-seeking around mental health remains low, with stigma the most widely reported barrier. However, the ways in which stigma around mental health may be produced (or resisted) in dominant constructions of athlete mental health remain under examined. This study explores constructions of athlete mental health into retirement in an example of Australian broadcast media, with consideration of the ways in which these representations might function to reproduce and perpetuate (or not) stigmatising versions of athlete mental health. Data from a two-part special of a current affairs programme focusing on transition difficulties and poor mental health of nine retired athletes were analysed using Discursive Psychology. Analysis focused on identifying the constructions of mental health and recovery produced in this broadcast, with consideration as to how these depictions might function to perpetuate and/or resist stigma. Mental health was constructed in two key ways–biomedical and life-stress–which externalised mental health. Recovery was, conversely, located as solely the individual’s responsibility and was depicted as achieved through self-awareness and engaging in new pursuits. Thus, individual experiences of mental health disorders were partially legitimised through externalising blame and presenting a plurality of depictions, yet did not redress stigma around transition distress more broadly by overlooking contextual factors. Depictions trivialised recovery, potentially functioning to stigmatise long-term or chronic mental health experiences as well as help-seeking. These results inform ways in which stigma around athlete mental health may be challenged, and implications for practice are discussed. © 2022 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.
- Authors: Cosh, Suzanne , Crabb, Shona , McNeil, Dominic , Tully, Phillip
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Qualitative Research in Sport, Exercise and Health Vol. 14, no. 7 (2022), p. 1045-1069
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Athletes are vulnerable to experiencing mental health disorders, yet, disclosure and help-seeking around mental health remains low, with stigma the most widely reported barrier. However, the ways in which stigma around mental health may be produced (or resisted) in dominant constructions of athlete mental health remain under examined. This study explores constructions of athlete mental health into retirement in an example of Australian broadcast media, with consideration of the ways in which these representations might function to reproduce and perpetuate (or not) stigmatising versions of athlete mental health. Data from a two-part special of a current affairs programme focusing on transition difficulties and poor mental health of nine retired athletes were analysed using Discursive Psychology. Analysis focused on identifying the constructions of mental health and recovery produced in this broadcast, with consideration as to how these depictions might function to perpetuate and/or resist stigma. Mental health was constructed in two key ways–biomedical and life-stress–which externalised mental health. Recovery was, conversely, located as solely the individual’s responsibility and was depicted as achieved through self-awareness and engaging in new pursuits. Thus, individual experiences of mental health disorders were partially legitimised through externalising blame and presenting a plurality of depictions, yet did not redress stigma around transition distress more broadly by overlooking contextual factors. Depictions trivialised recovery, potentially functioning to stigmatise long-term or chronic mental health experiences as well as help-seeking. These results inform ways in which stigma around athlete mental health may be challenged, and implications for practice are discussed. © 2022 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.
Convenient consumption : a critical qualitative inquiry into the gambling practices of younger women in Australia
- Thomas, Samantha, Pitt, Hannah, Randle, Melanie, Cowlishaw, Sean, Rintoul, Angela, Kairouz, Sylvie, Daube, Mike
- Authors: Thomas, Samantha , Pitt, Hannah , Randle, Melanie , Cowlishaw, Sean , Rintoul, Angela , Kairouz, Sylvie , Daube, Mike
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Health promotion international Vol. 37, no. 6 (2022), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: There are a range of stereotypes and assumptions associated with women's gambling behaviours. While researchers have demonstrated that the practices associated with women's gambling are changing and becoming increasingly normalized, there is a limited understanding of how younger women ascribe meanings to these practices. This study explored the gambling practices of younger women. Forty-one women (20-40 years) participated in qualitative telephone interviews. Participants were asked open-ended questions about personal engagement in gambling, including experiences of gambling, gambling engagement, and experiences with different gambling products and environments. Data interpretation was guided by reflexive thematic analysis. Three themes were constructed from the data: (i) gambling infrastructures, including both products and the embedding of gambling in community environments, contributed to the convenient and regular consumption of gambling, with gambling easy to access and engage with; (ii) social networks and intergenerational gambling practices impacted the perceived social value and competencies related to gambling; and (iii) technology facilitated new gambling practices, routinizing gambling behaviours through automation and building perceived competencies with a range of gambling products. Gambling regulation and public health responses to gambling often focus on either individual behaviours or product characteristics. This study suggests that this focus is too narrow and excludes important influences on younger women's gambling practices, which include the infrastructure that supports the provision and consumption of gambling products. Public health research, policy and practice must consider the full range of determinants that may contribute to the initiation and continuation of gambling in younger women. © The Author(s) 2022. Published by Oxford University Press. Younger women’s engagement with gambling is changing. While there has been a significant focus on the gambling behaviours of men, very little research has investigated how women engage in different forms of gambling. We conducted in-depth telephone interviews with n = 41 women (20–40 years) in Australia about their personal engagement in gambling, their experiences of gambling, their motivations to gamble, and their engagement with different gambling products and environments. First, we found that the embedding of gambling in community environments (e.g. lotteries at shopping centres) meant that gambling was easy to access and engage with. This led to the convenient and regular consumption of some gambling products. Second, existing social practices among participants’ social networks (including friends and family members) contributed to women feeling that gambling had social value, and that they had the skills to successfully participate in different forms of gambling. Finally, new technologies created routine gambling behaviours. For example, women automated the purchase of lottery tickets or used apps to help to build complex bets on activities such as sports. We conclude that public health and health promotion research, policy and practice must consider the unique factors that may influence the gambling behaviours of younger women.
- Authors: Thomas, Samantha , Pitt, Hannah , Randle, Melanie , Cowlishaw, Sean , Rintoul, Angela , Kairouz, Sylvie , Daube, Mike
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Health promotion international Vol. 37, no. 6 (2022), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: There are a range of stereotypes and assumptions associated with women's gambling behaviours. While researchers have demonstrated that the practices associated with women's gambling are changing and becoming increasingly normalized, there is a limited understanding of how younger women ascribe meanings to these practices. This study explored the gambling practices of younger women. Forty-one women (20-40 years) participated in qualitative telephone interviews. Participants were asked open-ended questions about personal engagement in gambling, including experiences of gambling, gambling engagement, and experiences with different gambling products and environments. Data interpretation was guided by reflexive thematic analysis. Three themes were constructed from the data: (i) gambling infrastructures, including both products and the embedding of gambling in community environments, contributed to the convenient and regular consumption of gambling, with gambling easy to access and engage with; (ii) social networks and intergenerational gambling practices impacted the perceived social value and competencies related to gambling; and (iii) technology facilitated new gambling practices, routinizing gambling behaviours through automation and building perceived competencies with a range of gambling products. Gambling regulation and public health responses to gambling often focus on either individual behaviours or product characteristics. This study suggests that this focus is too narrow and excludes important influences on younger women's gambling practices, which include the infrastructure that supports the provision and consumption of gambling products. Public health research, policy and practice must consider the full range of determinants that may contribute to the initiation and continuation of gambling in younger women. © The Author(s) 2022. Published by Oxford University Press. Younger women’s engagement with gambling is changing. While there has been a significant focus on the gambling behaviours of men, very little research has investigated how women engage in different forms of gambling. We conducted in-depth telephone interviews with n = 41 women (20–40 years) in Australia about their personal engagement in gambling, their experiences of gambling, their motivations to gamble, and their engagement with different gambling products and environments. First, we found that the embedding of gambling in community environments (e.g. lotteries at shopping centres) meant that gambling was easy to access and engage with. This led to the convenient and regular consumption of some gambling products. Second, existing social practices among participants’ social networks (including friends and family members) contributed to women feeling that gambling had social value, and that they had the skills to successfully participate in different forms of gambling. Finally, new technologies created routine gambling behaviours. For example, women automated the purchase of lottery tickets or used apps to help to build complex bets on activities such as sports. We conclude that public health and health promotion research, policy and practice must consider the unique factors that may influence the gambling behaviours of younger women.
Dietary supplements in people with metastatic cancer who are experiencing malnutrition, cachexia, sarcopenia, and frailty : a scoping review
- Johal, Jolyn, Han, Chad, Joseph, Ria, Munn, Zachary, Agbejule, Oluwaseyifunmi, Crawford‐Williams, Fiona, Wallen, Matthew, Chan, Raymond, Hart, Nicolas
- Authors: Johal, Jolyn , Han, Chad , Joseph, Ria , Munn, Zachary , Agbejule, Oluwaseyifunmi , Crawford‐Williams, Fiona , Wallen, Matthew , Chan, Raymond , Hart, Nicolas
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Nutrients Vol. 14, no. 13 (2022), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Cancer‐associated malnutrition, or cachexia, stemming from cancer or its treatments, is particularly prevalent in metastatic cancers, and is often interrelated with sarcopenia and frailty. Evidence suggests that dietary supplements play a role in managing these conditions. As metastatic cancer cells are associated with notable genomic and phenotypic alterations, response to dietary supplements may differ between metastatic and non‐metastatic cancers. However, research in this area is lacking. This scoping review aims to identify the dietary supplements that have been studied in patients with metastatic cancers and malnutrition‐related conditions, along with their proposed effects, mechanisms, outcome measures, and tools used. A systematic search was conducted across databases, including MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and clinical trial registries. Of the initial 6535 records screened, a total of 48 studies were included, covering a range of dietary supplements— vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, proteins, amino acids, fatty acids, fiber, and others. While the types of dietary supplements included varied across cancer types, omega‐3 and carnitine were investigated most often. Proposed relevant attributes of dietary supplements included their antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, anti‐cancer, and immunomodulatory properties. Overall, there was a paucity of interventional studies, and more randomized controlled trials are warranted. © 2022 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
- Authors: Johal, Jolyn , Han, Chad , Joseph, Ria , Munn, Zachary , Agbejule, Oluwaseyifunmi , Crawford‐Williams, Fiona , Wallen, Matthew , Chan, Raymond , Hart, Nicolas
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Nutrients Vol. 14, no. 13 (2022), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Cancer‐associated malnutrition, or cachexia, stemming from cancer or its treatments, is particularly prevalent in metastatic cancers, and is often interrelated with sarcopenia and frailty. Evidence suggests that dietary supplements play a role in managing these conditions. As metastatic cancer cells are associated with notable genomic and phenotypic alterations, response to dietary supplements may differ between metastatic and non‐metastatic cancers. However, research in this area is lacking. This scoping review aims to identify the dietary supplements that have been studied in patients with metastatic cancers and malnutrition‐related conditions, along with their proposed effects, mechanisms, outcome measures, and tools used. A systematic search was conducted across databases, including MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and clinical trial registries. Of the initial 6535 records screened, a total of 48 studies were included, covering a range of dietary supplements— vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, proteins, amino acids, fatty acids, fiber, and others. While the types of dietary supplements included varied across cancer types, omega‐3 and carnitine were investigated most often. Proposed relevant attributes of dietary supplements included their antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, anti‐cancer, and immunomodulatory properties. Overall, there was a paucity of interventional studies, and more randomized controlled trials are warranted. © 2022 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
Disrespect and abuse during facility‐based childbirth in central Ethiopia
- Adinew, Yohannes, Hall, Helen, Marshall, Amy, Kelly, Janet
- Authors: Adinew, Yohannes , Hall, Helen , Marshall, Amy , Kelly, Janet
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Global Health Action Vol. 14, no. 1 (2021), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: Respectful maternity care is a fundamental human right, and an important component of quality maternity care. Objective: The aim of this study was to quantify the frequency and categories of D&A and identify factors associated with reporting D&A among women in north Showa zone of Ethiopia. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 435 randomly selected women who had given birth at public health facility within the previous 12 months in North Showa zone of Ethiopia. A digital (tablet-based) structured and researcher administered tool was used for data collection. Frequencies of D&A items organised around the Bowser and Hill categories of D&A and presented in the White Ribbon Alliance’s Universal Rights of Childbearing Women Framework were calculated. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify the association between experience of disrespect and abuse and interpersonal and structural factors at p-value <0.05 and odds ratio values with 95% confidence interval. Results: All participants reported at least one form of disrespect and abuse during childbirth. Types of disrespect and abuse experienced by participants were physical abuse 435 (100%), non-consented care 423 (97.2%), non-confidential care 288 (66.2%), abandonment/neglect (34.7%), non-dignified care 126 (29%), discriminatory care 99 (22.8%) and detention 24 (5.5%). Hospital birth [AOR: 3.04, 95% CI: 1.75, 5.27], rural residence [AOR: 1.44, 95% CI: 0.76, 2.71], monthly household income less than 1,644 Birr (USD 57) [AOR: 2.26, 95% CI: 1.20, 4.26], being attended by female providers [AOR: 1.74, 95% CI: 1.06, 2.86] and midwifery nurses [AOR: 2.23, 95% CI: 1.13, 4.39] showed positive association with experience of disrespect and abuse. Conclusion: Hospital birth showed consistent association with all forms of disrespect and abuse. Expanding the size and skill mix of professionals in the hospitals, sensitizing providers consequences of disrespect and abuse could promote dignified and respectful care. © 2021 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.
- Authors: Adinew, Yohannes , Hall, Helen , Marshall, Amy , Kelly, Janet
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Global Health Action Vol. 14, no. 1 (2021), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: Respectful maternity care is a fundamental human right, and an important component of quality maternity care. Objective: The aim of this study was to quantify the frequency and categories of D&A and identify factors associated with reporting D&A among women in north Showa zone of Ethiopia. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 435 randomly selected women who had given birth at public health facility within the previous 12 months in North Showa zone of Ethiopia. A digital (tablet-based) structured and researcher administered tool was used for data collection. Frequencies of D&A items organised around the Bowser and Hill categories of D&A and presented in the White Ribbon Alliance’s Universal Rights of Childbearing Women Framework were calculated. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify the association between experience of disrespect and abuse and interpersonal and structural factors at p-value <0.05 and odds ratio values with 95% confidence interval. Results: All participants reported at least one form of disrespect and abuse during childbirth. Types of disrespect and abuse experienced by participants were physical abuse 435 (100%), non-consented care 423 (97.2%), non-confidential care 288 (66.2%), abandonment/neglect (34.7%), non-dignified care 126 (29%), discriminatory care 99 (22.8%) and detention 24 (5.5%). Hospital birth [AOR: 3.04, 95% CI: 1.75, 5.27], rural residence [AOR: 1.44, 95% CI: 0.76, 2.71], monthly household income less than 1,644 Birr (USD 57) [AOR: 2.26, 95% CI: 1.20, 4.26], being attended by female providers [AOR: 1.74, 95% CI: 1.06, 2.86] and midwifery nurses [AOR: 2.23, 95% CI: 1.13, 4.39] showed positive association with experience of disrespect and abuse. Conclusion: Hospital birth showed consistent association with all forms of disrespect and abuse. Expanding the size and skill mix of professionals in the hospitals, sensitizing providers consequences of disrespect and abuse could promote dignified and respectful care. © 2021 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.
Do health service waiting areas contribute to the health literacy of consumers? A scoping review
- McDonald, Cassie, Voutier, Catherine, Govil, Dhruv, D'Souza, Aruska, Truong, Dominic, Abo, Shaza, Remedios, Louisa, Granger, Catherine
- Authors: McDonald, Cassie , Voutier, Catherine , Govil, Dhruv , D'Souza, Aruska , Truong, Dominic , Abo, Shaza , Remedios, Louisa , Granger, Catherine
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Health Promotion International Vol. 38, no. 4 (2023), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Health service waiting areas commonly provide health information, resources and supports for consumers; however, the effect on health literacy and related outcomes remains unclear. This scoping review of the literature aimed to explore the use of waiting areas as a place to contribute to the health literacy and related outcomes of consumers attending health appointments. Articles were included if they focussed on health literacy or health literacy responsiveness (concept) in outpatient or primary care health service waiting areas (context) for adult consumers (population) and were published after 2010. Ten bibliographic databases, one full-text archive, dissertation repositories and web sources were searched. The search yielded 5095 records. After duplicate removal, 3942 title/abstract records were screened and 360 full-text records assessed. Data were charted into a standardized data extraction tool. A total of 116 unique articles (published empirical and grey literature) were included. Most articles were set in primary and community care (49%) waiting areas. A diverse range of health topics and resource types were available, but results demonstrated they were not always used by consumers. Outcomes measured in intervention studies were health knowledge, intentions and other psychological factors, self-reported and observed behaviours, clinical outcomes and health service utilization. Intervention studies overall demonstrated positive trends in health literacy-related outcomes, although the benefit declined after 3-6 months. Research on using waiting areas for health literacy purposes is increasing globally. Future research investigating the needs of consumers to inform optimal intervention design is needed. © 2023 The Author(s). Published by Oxford University Press.
- Authors: McDonald, Cassie , Voutier, Catherine , Govil, Dhruv , D'Souza, Aruska , Truong, Dominic , Abo, Shaza , Remedios, Louisa , Granger, Catherine
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Health Promotion International Vol. 38, no. 4 (2023), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Health service waiting areas commonly provide health information, resources and supports for consumers; however, the effect on health literacy and related outcomes remains unclear. This scoping review of the literature aimed to explore the use of waiting areas as a place to contribute to the health literacy and related outcomes of consumers attending health appointments. Articles were included if they focussed on health literacy or health literacy responsiveness (concept) in outpatient or primary care health service waiting areas (context) for adult consumers (population) and were published after 2010. Ten bibliographic databases, one full-text archive, dissertation repositories and web sources were searched. The search yielded 5095 records. After duplicate removal, 3942 title/abstract records were screened and 360 full-text records assessed. Data were charted into a standardized data extraction tool. A total of 116 unique articles (published empirical and grey literature) were included. Most articles were set in primary and community care (49%) waiting areas. A diverse range of health topics and resource types were available, but results demonstrated they were not always used by consumers. Outcomes measured in intervention studies were health knowledge, intentions and other psychological factors, self-reported and observed behaviours, clinical outcomes and health service utilization. Intervention studies overall demonstrated positive trends in health literacy-related outcomes, although the benefit declined after 3-6 months. Research on using waiting areas for health literacy purposes is increasing globally. Future research investigating the needs of consumers to inform optimal intervention design is needed. © 2023 The Author(s). Published by Oxford University Press.
Does the national competency standards framework for pharmacists in Australia support the provision of behaviour change interventions?
- Singh, Harjit, Kennedy, Gerard, Stupans, Ieva
- Authors: Singh, Harjit , Kennedy, Gerard , Stupans, Ieva
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Health Promotion Journal of Australia Vol. 33, no. 2 (2022), p. 480-487
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Issue addressed: Australian pharmacists are increasingly moving towards the provision of patient-centred professional pharmacy services for chronic disease management. Some of these services are targeted towards improving patients’ health and wellbeing through the facilitation of patient-driven health behaviour change. This paper investigates whether the provision of behaviour change interventions by Australian pharmacists is adequately underpinned by the current competency framework. Methods: The foundation and behaviour change competences within each of the domains in the generic health behaviour change competency framework (GHBC-CF), was mapped to the Australian pharmacist competency framework. Results: Although the Australian competency framework underpins most of the foundation and behaviour change competences of the GHB-CF required to undertake low-intensity interventions, for medium to high-intensity interventions four specific task-related competences need to be addressed. These are F12 ‘Ability to recognise barriers to and facilitators of implementing interventions’, BC4 ‘ability to agree on goals for the intervention’, BC5 ‘capacity to implement behaviour change models in a flexible but coherent manner’ and BC6 ‘capacity to select and skilfully apply most appropriate intervention method’. Conclusion: Additional training is necessary if pharmacists aspire to provide behaviour change interventions for chronic disease management, in particular those that are complex as they involve changes to multiple health behaviours. So what?: The identification of these gaps is critical and can potentially be addressed in postgraduate training programs and as pharmacy curricula are updated. © 2021 Australian Health Promotion Association.
- Authors: Singh, Harjit , Kennedy, Gerard , Stupans, Ieva
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Health Promotion Journal of Australia Vol. 33, no. 2 (2022), p. 480-487
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Issue addressed: Australian pharmacists are increasingly moving towards the provision of patient-centred professional pharmacy services for chronic disease management. Some of these services are targeted towards improving patients’ health and wellbeing through the facilitation of patient-driven health behaviour change. This paper investigates whether the provision of behaviour change interventions by Australian pharmacists is adequately underpinned by the current competency framework. Methods: The foundation and behaviour change competences within each of the domains in the generic health behaviour change competency framework (GHBC-CF), was mapped to the Australian pharmacist competency framework. Results: Although the Australian competency framework underpins most of the foundation and behaviour change competences of the GHB-CF required to undertake low-intensity interventions, for medium to high-intensity interventions four specific task-related competences need to be addressed. These are F12 ‘Ability to recognise barriers to and facilitators of implementing interventions’, BC4 ‘ability to agree on goals for the intervention’, BC5 ‘capacity to implement behaviour change models in a flexible but coherent manner’ and BC6 ‘capacity to select and skilfully apply most appropriate intervention method’. Conclusion: Additional training is necessary if pharmacists aspire to provide behaviour change interventions for chronic disease management, in particular those that are complex as they involve changes to multiple health behaviours. So what?: The identification of these gaps is critical and can potentially be addressed in postgraduate training programs and as pharmacy curricula are updated. © 2021 Australian Health Promotion Association.
Estimates, trends, and drivers of the global burden of type 2 diabetes attributable to PM2·5 air pollution, 1990–2019 : an analysis of data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019
- Burkart, Katrin, Causey, Kate, Cohen, Aaron, Wozniak, Sarah, Salvi, Devashri, Abbafati, Cristiana, Adekanmbi, Victor, Adsuar, Jose, Ahmadi, Keivan, Alahdab, Fares, Al-Aly, Ziyad, Alipour, Vahid, Alvis-Guzman, Nelson, Amegah, Adeladza, Andrei, Catalina, Andrei, Tudorel, Ansari, Fereshteh, Arabloo, Jalal, Aremu, Olatunde, Aripov, Timur, Babaee, Ebrahim, Banach, Maclej, Barnett, Anthony, Bärnighausen, Till, Bedi, Neeraj, Behzadifar, Masoud, Béjot, Yannick, Bennett, Derrick, Rahman, Muhammad Aziz
- Authors: Burkart, Katrin , Causey, Kate , Cohen, Aaron , Wozniak, Sarah , Salvi, Devashri , Abbafati, Cristiana , Adekanmbi, Victor , Adsuar, Jose , Ahmadi, Keivan , Alahdab, Fares , Al-Aly, Ziyad , Alipour, Vahid , Alvis-Guzman, Nelson , Amegah, Adeladza , Andrei, Catalina , Andrei, Tudorel , Ansari, Fereshteh , Arabloo, Jalal , Aremu, Olatunde , Aripov, Timur , Babaee, Ebrahim , Banach, Maclej , Barnett, Anthony , Bärnighausen, Till , Bedi, Neeraj , Behzadifar, Masoud , Béjot, Yannick , Bennett, Derrick , Rahman, Muhammad Aziz
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: The Lancet Planetary Health Vol. 6, no. 7 (2022), p. e586-e600
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: Experimental and epidemiological studies indicate an association between exposure to particulate matter (PM) air pollution and increased risk of type 2 diabetes. In view of the high and increasing prevalence of diabetes, we aimed to quantify the burden of type 2 diabetes attributable to PM2·5 originating from ambient and household air pollution. Methods: We systematically compiled all relevant cohort and case-control studies assessing the effect of exposure to household and ambient fine particulate matter (PM2·5) air pollution on type 2 diabetes incidence and mortality. We derived an exposure–response curve from the extracted relative risk estimates using the MR-BRT (meta-regression—Bayesian, regularised, trimmed) tool. The estimated curve was linked to ambient and household PM2·5 exposures from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study 2019, and estimates of the attributable burden (population attributable fractions and rates per 100 000 population of deaths and disability-adjusted life-years) for 204 countries from 1990 to 2019 were calculated. We also assessed the role of changes in exposure, population size, age, and type 2 diabetes incidence in the observed trend in PM2·5-attributable type 2 diabetes burden. All estimates are presented with 95% uncertainty intervals. Findings: In 2019, approximately a fifth of the global burden of type 2 diabetes was attributable to PM2·5 exposure, with an estimated 3·78 (95% uncertainty interval 2·68–4·83) deaths per 100 000 population and 167 (117–223) disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) per 100 000 population. Approximately 13·4% (9·49–17·5) of deaths and 13·6% (9·73–17·9) of DALYs due to type 2 diabetes were contributed by ambient PM2·5, and 6·50% (4·22–9·53) of deaths and 5·92% (3·81–8·64) of DALYs by household air pollution. High burdens, in terms of numbers as well as rates, were estimated in Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, and South America. Since 1990, the attributable burden has increased by 50%, driven largely by population growth and ageing. Globally, the impact of reductions in household air pollution was largely offset by increased ambient PM2·5. Interpretation: Air pollution is a major risk factor for diabetes. We estimated that about a fifth of the global burden of type 2 diabetes is attributable PM2·5 pollution. Air pollution mitigation therefore might have an essential role in reducing the global disease burden resulting from type 2 diabetes. Funding: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. © 2022 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an Open Access article under the CC BY 4.0 license. **Please note that there are multiple authors for this article therefore only the name of the first 30 including Federation University Australia affiliate “Muhammad Aziz Rahman” is provided in this record**
- Authors: Burkart, Katrin , Causey, Kate , Cohen, Aaron , Wozniak, Sarah , Salvi, Devashri , Abbafati, Cristiana , Adekanmbi, Victor , Adsuar, Jose , Ahmadi, Keivan , Alahdab, Fares , Al-Aly, Ziyad , Alipour, Vahid , Alvis-Guzman, Nelson , Amegah, Adeladza , Andrei, Catalina , Andrei, Tudorel , Ansari, Fereshteh , Arabloo, Jalal , Aremu, Olatunde , Aripov, Timur , Babaee, Ebrahim , Banach, Maclej , Barnett, Anthony , Bärnighausen, Till , Bedi, Neeraj , Behzadifar, Masoud , Béjot, Yannick , Bennett, Derrick , Rahman, Muhammad Aziz
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: The Lancet Planetary Health Vol. 6, no. 7 (2022), p. e586-e600
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: Experimental and epidemiological studies indicate an association between exposure to particulate matter (PM) air pollution and increased risk of type 2 diabetes. In view of the high and increasing prevalence of diabetes, we aimed to quantify the burden of type 2 diabetes attributable to PM2·5 originating from ambient and household air pollution. Methods: We systematically compiled all relevant cohort and case-control studies assessing the effect of exposure to household and ambient fine particulate matter (PM2·5) air pollution on type 2 diabetes incidence and mortality. We derived an exposure–response curve from the extracted relative risk estimates using the MR-BRT (meta-regression—Bayesian, regularised, trimmed) tool. The estimated curve was linked to ambient and household PM2·5 exposures from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study 2019, and estimates of the attributable burden (population attributable fractions and rates per 100 000 population of deaths and disability-adjusted life-years) for 204 countries from 1990 to 2019 were calculated. We also assessed the role of changes in exposure, population size, age, and type 2 diabetes incidence in the observed trend in PM2·5-attributable type 2 diabetes burden. All estimates are presented with 95% uncertainty intervals. Findings: In 2019, approximately a fifth of the global burden of type 2 diabetes was attributable to PM2·5 exposure, with an estimated 3·78 (95% uncertainty interval 2·68–4·83) deaths per 100 000 population and 167 (117–223) disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) per 100 000 population. Approximately 13·4% (9·49–17·5) of deaths and 13·6% (9·73–17·9) of DALYs due to type 2 diabetes were contributed by ambient PM2·5, and 6·50% (4·22–9·53) of deaths and 5·92% (3·81–8·64) of DALYs by household air pollution. High burdens, in terms of numbers as well as rates, were estimated in Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, and South America. Since 1990, the attributable burden has increased by 50%, driven largely by population growth and ageing. Globally, the impact of reductions in household air pollution was largely offset by increased ambient PM2·5. Interpretation: Air pollution is a major risk factor for diabetes. We estimated that about a fifth of the global burden of type 2 diabetes is attributable PM2·5 pollution. Air pollution mitigation therefore might have an essential role in reducing the global disease burden resulting from type 2 diabetes. Funding: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. © 2022 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an Open Access article under the CC BY 4.0 license. **Please note that there are multiple authors for this article therefore only the name of the first 30 including Federation University Australia affiliate “Muhammad Aziz Rahman” is provided in this record**