Differential associations of hypoxia, sleep fragmentation, and depressive symptoms with cognitive dysfunction in obstructive sleep apnea
- Authors: Alomri, Ridwan , Kennedy, Gerard , Wali, Siraj , Ahejaili, Faris , Robinson, Stephen
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Sleep Vol. 44, no. 4 (2021), p.
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- Description: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is characterized by recurrent episodes of partial or complete cessation of breathing during sleep and increased effort to breathe. This study examined patients who underwent overnight polysomnographic studies in a major sleep laboratory in Saudi Arabia. The study aimed to determine the extent to which intermittent hypoxia, sleep disruption, and depressive symptoms are independently associated with cognitive impairments in OSA. In the sample of 90 participants, 14 had no OSA, 30 mild OSA, 23 moderate OSA, and 23 severe OSA. The findings revealed that hypoxia and sleep fragmentation are independently associated with impairments of sustained attention and reaction time (RT). Sleep fragmentation, but not hypoxia, was independently associated with impairments in visuospatial deficits. Depressive symptoms were independently associated with impairments in the domains of sustained attention, RT, visuospatial ability, and semantic and episodic autobiographical memories. Since the depressive symptoms are independent of hypoxia and sleep fragmentation, effective reversal of cognitive impairment in OSA may require treatment interventions that target each of these factors. © Sleep Research Society 2020. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Sleep Research Society. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail journals.permissions@oup.com.
Feasibility of brief distress screening for family caregivers of adults diagnosed with schizophrenia in Changsha, Hunan, China
- Authors: Guan, Ziyao , Cross, Wendy , Lam, Louisa , Wiley, James , Sun, Mei , Bai, Xiaoling , Tang, Siyuan
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing Vol. 28, no. 2 (2021), p. 174-185
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- Description: What is known on the subject? Distress screening amongst FGs is emphasized in worldwide studies, but existing general tools were found time-consuming and sometimes inconvenient when using them amongst FGs of patients diagnosed with schizophrenia. The DT, a single-item scale, was widely used to detect distress amongst FGs of cancer patients, showing good reliability, validity and discrimination power. The 21-item Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS21) can identify distress in the general population and serve as a criterion to determine an optimal cut-off score of the DT. What does the paper add to existing knowledge?: The DT presented good reliability, validity and discriminatory power amongst FGs of adults diagnosed with schizophrenia. A cut-off score of six maximized sensitivity (77%) and specificity (76%). Over half of the FGs of adults diagnosed with schizophrenia reached this cut-off score and experienced significant distress. Distress was higher in FGs of male patients, when FGs were parents, and for FGs whose educational background was primary school or below. What are the implications for practice?: The DT is an effective alternative to existing instruments in identifying distressed FGs of adults diagnosed with schizophrenia. It is important to provide FGs with distress screening programmes and interventions (e.g. skill-building psychoeducation) to identify and relieve distress. In addition, future research could explore brief measures to simultaneously recognize potential negative and positive impacts of caregiving in FGs. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons Ltd
Feasibility of modifying the hospital environment to reduce the length of amnesia after traumatic brain injury : a pilot randomized controlled trial
- Authors: Lannin, Natasha , Galea, Claire , Coulter, Megan , Gruen, Russell , Jolliffe, Laura , Ownsworth, Tamara , Schmidt, Julia , Unsworth, Carolyn
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International journal for quality in health care : journal of the International Society for Quality in Health Care Vol. 33, no. 1 (2021), p.
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- Description: BACKGROUND: Reorientation programmes have been an important component of neurotrauma rehabilitation for adults who suffer from post-traumatic amnesia (PTA) after traumatic brain injury (TBI); however, research testing the efficacy of acute programmes is limited. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine if it is feasible to provide a standardized environmental reorientation programme to adults suffering from PTA after TBI in an acute care hospital setting, and whether it is likely to be beneficial. METHODS: We conducted a randomized controlled trial with concealed allocation and intention-to-treat analysis. A total of 40 participants suffering from PTA after TBI were included. The control group received usual care; the experimental group received usual care plus a standardized orientation programme inclusive of environmental cues. The primary outcome measure was time to emergence from PTA measured by the Westmead PTA Scale, assessed daily from hospital admission or on regaining consciousness. RESULTS: Adherence to the orientation programme was high, and there were no study-related adverse responses to the environmental orientation programme. Although there were no statistically significant between-group differences in time to emergence, the median time to emergence was shorter for those who received the standardized reorientation programme (9.0 (6.4-11.6) versus 13.0 (4.5-21.5) days). Multivariate analysis showed that the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) at scene (P = 0.041) and GCS at arrival at hospital (P = 0.0001) were significant factors contributing to the longer length of PTA. CONCLUSION: Providing an orientation programme in acute care is feasible for adults suffering from PTA after TBI. A future efficacy trial would require 216 participants to detect a between-group difference of 5 days with an alpha of 0.05 and a power of 80%. © The Author(s) 2021. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of International Society for Quality in Health Care. All rights reserved.
- Description: BACKGROUND: Reorientation programmes have been an important component of neurotrauma rehabilitation for adults who suffer from post-traumatic amnesia (PTA) after traumatic brain injury (TBI); however, research testing the efficacy of acute programmes is limited. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine if it is feasible to provide a standardized environmental reorientation programme to adults suffering from PTA after TBI in an acute care hospital setting, and whether it is likely to be beneficial. METHODS: We conducted a randomized controlled trial with concealed allocation and intention-to-treat analysis. A total of 40 participants suffering from PTA after TBI were included. The control group received usual care; the experimental group received usual care plus a standardized orientation programme inclusive of environmental cues. The primary outcome measure was time to emergence from PTA measured by the Westmead PTA Scale, assessed daily from hospital admission or on regaining consciousness. RESULTS: Adherence to the orientation programme was high, and there were no study-related adverse responses to the environmental orientation programme. Although there were no statistically significant between-group differences in time to emergence, the median time to emergence was shorter for those who received the standardized reorientation programme (9.0 (6.4-11.6) versus 13.0 (4.5-21.5) days). Multivariate analysis showed that the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) at scene (P = 0.041) and GCS at arrival at hospital (P = 0.0001) were significant factors contributing to the longer length of PTA. CONCLUSION: Providing an orientation programme in acute care is feasible for adults suffering from PTA after TBI. A future efficacy trial would require 216 participants to detect a between-group difference of 5 days with an alpha of 0.05 and a power of 80%. © The Author(s) 2021. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of International Society for Quality in Health Care. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.
Reducing health inequities for asylum seekers with chronic non-communicable diseases : Australian context
- Authors: Nkhoma, Gloria , Lim, Chiao , Kennedy, Gerard , Stupans, Leva
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Australian Journal of Primary Health Vol. 27, no. 2 (2021), p. 130-135
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- Description: Asylum seekers are susceptible to chronic non-communicable diseases pre- and post-arrival due to poor living conditions, unhealthy lifestyles and restrictive and poor access to health services. Despite their need for constant and continuous health care access due to poor health, they face healthcare services access restrictions dependent on their visa conditions in Australia. Some visas only allow access to hospital services with restrictions on primary health services access such as GPs and free or discounted pharmaceutical products. In comparison, disadvantaged host populations have access to free/discounted pharmaceutical products and unrestricted access to primary and secondary health care. Ten professionals who constantly engage with asylum seekers in three large asylum seeker centres in Melbourne were interviewed either face-to-face or over the phone. The interviews were essential to understand how health inequities may be addressed for asylum seekers. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using a thematic analysis framework. Their recommendations, based mainly on their experience and evaluation of programs, were: (1) cultural competence training (2) use of interpreters (3) free access to health services and medications (4) use of English learning to promote health literacy and community integration (5) robust chronic non-communicable diseases screening and (6) health promotion and accessible food programs. © 2021 La Trobe University.
The relationships between self-compassion, rumination, and depressive symptoms among older adults : the moderating role of gender
- Authors: Hodgetts, Jessica , McLaren, Suzanne , Bice, Bridget , Trezise, Alexandra
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Aging and Mental Health Vol. 25, no. 12 (2021), p. 2337-2346
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- Description: Objectives: Depression is a significant mental health issue for older adults. Rumination is a key risk factor for depressive symptoms, and self-compassion is a protective factor. The aim of the current study was to test the processes by which self-compassion might act as a protective factor among older adults by investigating a mediation model, and whether the model is conditional on gender. It was hypothesised that self-compassion and its six components (self-kindness, common humanity, mindfulness, self-judgement, isolation, and over-identification) would be indirectly associated with depressive symptoms via rumination. Method: A sample of 135 older Australian women and 106 older Australian men aged between 65 and 89 years completed the Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, the Ruminative Thought Style Questionnaire, and the Self-Compassion Scale. Results: Results supported the mediation models for self-compassion for both men and women, however, support for the models involving the individual components of self-compassion varied according to gender. The mediation effects were stronger for women than men. Conclusion: Interventions aimed at increasing self-compassion might have benefits for older adults. Future research investigating whether tailoring interventions according to gender of participants is efficacious is needed. © 2020 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.
A survey study of attitudes toward, and preferences for, e-therapy interventions for eating disorder psychopathology
- Authors: Linardon, Jake , Shatte, Adrian , Tepper, Hannah , Fuller-Tyszkiewicz, Matthew
- Date: 2020
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Eating Disorders Vol. 53, no. 6 (2020), p. 907-916
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- Description: Objective: E-therapy shows promise as a solution to the barriers that stand in the way of people receiving eating disorder (ED) treatment. Despite the potential for e-therapy to reduce the well-known treatment gap, little is known about public views and perspectives on this mode of intervention delivery. This study explored attitudes toward, and preferences for, e-therapy among individuals spanning the spectrum of eating pathology. Method: Survey data assessing e-therapy attitudes and preferences were analyzed from 713 participants recruited from the public. Participants were categorized into one of five subgroups based on the type of self-reported ED symptoms and severity/risk level, ranging from high risk to a probable threshold or subthreshold ED. Results: Attitudes toward e-therapies appeared to be relatively positive; participants largely supported health care insurance coverage of costs for e-therapies, and were optimistic about the wide-ranging benefits of e-therapy. Although three-quarters of participants expressed a preference for face-to-face therapy, a significant percentage of participants (
Cognitive behaviour therapy for insomnia and depression : qualitative reflections from older adults who participated in a randomised controlled trial
- Authors: Sadler, Paul , McLaren, Suzanne , Klein, Britt , Jenkins, Megan
- Date: 2020
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Aging and Mental Health Vol. 24, no. 6 (2020), p. 932-938
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- Description: Objectives: To explore the experiences of older adults who participated in a randomised controlled trial (RCT) that tested cognitive behaviour therapy for insomnia and depression. Methods: Focus groups were conducted post treatment for older adults (M age = 75 years; 61% female) who participated in a RCT that tested two experiential interventions targeting comorbid insomnia and depression (cognitive behaviour therapy for insomnia, CBT-I; cognitive behaviour therapy for insomnia plus positive mood strategies, CBT-I+). Six semi-structured focus group interviews (N = 31) were analysed using a qualitative thematic analysis. Results: Interview data were transcribed into 424 sentences and 60 codes were extracted. Thirty-four initial themes emerged, which were transformed into 3 themes and 10 subthemes. The three primary themes were (1) positive experiences, (2) negative experiences, and (3) suggested modifications. The positive subthemes were (1a) therapists, (1b) togetherness, (1c) use of strategies reduced symptoms, and (1d) acceptance. The negative subthemes were (2a) persistent symptoms, (2b) program too condensed, and (2c) attendance obstacles. The suggested modifications were (3a) lengthen program, (3b) multi-dimensional learning, and (3c) multi-modal delivery options. Conclusion: The experiences and suggestions identified in this study strengthen the foundation to advance therapeutic program development for older adults with comorbid insomnia and depression. Future CBT-I programs for older adults may be improved by increasing the length of therapy (e.g. 8 sessions to 12 sessions), adding multi-dimensional learning opportunities (e.g. visual/audio/mentorship), and offering various modes of treatment delivery (e.g. group, individual, internet, telephone). © 2019, © 2019 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.
- Description: Federation University Australia and the Australian Government Research Training Program Scholarship
Lifeline caller response times and suicide prevention
- Authors: Watson, Robert , Spiteri, Jessica
- Date: 2020
- Type: Text , Journal article , Editorial Material
- Relation: Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry Vol. 54, no. 1 (Jan 2020), p. 10-11
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Perceptions of shared decision-making in severe mental illness : an integrative review
- Authors: Huang, Chongmei , Plummer, Virginia , Lam, Louisa , Cross, Wendy
- Date: 2020
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing Vol. 27, no. 2 (Apr 2020), p. 103-127
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- Description: Accessible SummaryWhat is known about shared decision-making? There is increasing evidence of the positive impact of shared decision-making on health outcomes. There has been little exploration of shared decision-making regarding people diagnosed with serious mental illness from the perspectives of key stakeholders including consumers, families and mental health professionals. What this paper adds to existing knowledge? Consumers show variability in the preference for their involvement. Most stakeholders acknowledge the importance of family involvement. MHPs should share the responsibility and right to facilitate consumer involvement. There is bidirectional association between shared decision-making and therapeutic relationships. The practice of shared decision-making is related to multiple factors, and one main perceived barrier is time. The majority of studies are from Western countries. What are the implications for practice? Elicit consumer preferences and establish a collaborative therapeutic relationship. Encourage and engage families in treatment decision-making. Inter-professional collaboration should be integrated into shared decision-making. It might require lengthier consultation time. Studies in non-Western countries are needed to fully understand the impact of culture on shared decision-making. Shared decision-making (SDM) has been broadly advocated in health services and constitutes an important component of patient-centred care and relationship-based care. To review available literature related to perceptions of key stakeholders about shared decision-making in serious mental illness. An integrative review was conducted through a search of four online databases from January 2012 to June 2019. Forty-six articles were included. Six themes were generated from the data analysis: (a) dynamic preferences for SDM, (b) various stakeholders are rarely involved, (c) SDM is not routinely implemented, (d) multiple facilitators and barriers to SDM, (e) SDM and therapeutic relationships interact, (f) SDM has a promising impact on health outcomes. Overall, most stakeholders have recognized the importance and flexibility of SDM in serious mental illness, although it is not routine in mental health service. Consumer preferences show variability in their involvement. Most stakeholders acknowledged the importance of family involvement to treatment decision-making. There are several significant challenges to practice SDM. It may require extended consultation times and increasing empirical evidence regarding the SDM outcomes, as well as integrating inter-professional collaboration into SDM. Most studies were conducted in Western culture. Mental health nurses should elicit consumer preferences and establish a collaborative therapeutic relationship. Encourage and engage families in treatment decision-making when consumers prefer their families to be involved. Inter-professional collaboration should be integrated into shared decision-making. The practice of shared decision-making might need extended consultation time and more robust evidence about the outcome of shared decision-making. Studies in non-Western cultures are needed to fully understand cultural issues of shared decision-making. IntroductionAimMethodResultsDiscussionImplications for practice
Shared decision-making in serious mental illness : a comparative study
- Authors: Huang, Chongmei , Plummer, Virginia , Lam, Louisa , Cross, Wendy
- Date: 2020
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Patient Education and Counseling Vol. 103, no. 8 (2020), p. 1637-1644
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- Description: Objective: To compare consumer and mental health professionals’ (MHPs) preferences for decision-making in China and Europe. Methods: This study used cross-sectional design; Chinese data were collected by questionnaires and European data were obtained from the literature. Data were analysed using t-test, One-way ANOVA and Pearson correlation coefficient as appropriate. Results: This study involved 800 people diagnosed with severe mental illness and 506 MHPs. Chinese participants rated lower scores on preference for participation in decision-making (PD = 1.88) and information (IN = 2.70) than European participants (PD = 2.05, IN = 2.83). Chinese consumers rated a higher score on IN (2.78) but lower on for PD (1.75) than MHPs (IN = 2.64, PD = 1.97). Chinese consumers’ education level is positively associated with preference for PD and IN. The gender, occupation and age of Chinese MHPs are associated with preference for PD. Conclusion: Both Chinese and Europeans had preference for shared involvement in mental health, while the preference in China is less. Opinions of consumers and MHPs might be different, regarding the level of patient involvement in specific decisions. Practice implication: It is essential that consumers’ preferences are understood for provision of optimal support for a shared decision-making approach. © 2020 Elsevier B.V.
Sleep and mental health among paramedics from Australia and Saudi Arabia : a comparison study
- Authors: Khan, Wahaj , Conduit, Russell , Kennedy, Gerard , Alslamah, Ahmed , Alsuwayeh, Mohammad , Jackson, Melinda
- Date: 2020
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Clocks & Sleep Vol. 2, no. 2 (JUN 2020), p. 246-257
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- Description: Paramedics face many challenges while on duty, one of which is working different types of shifts. Shift work has been linked to a number of health issues such as insomnia, depression, and anxiety. Besides shift work, Saudi paramedics, a group that has not been investigated for sleep or mental health issues previously, may be facing more demands than Australian paramedics due to lower numbers of paramedics in comparison to the general population. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of sleep and mental health disorders among paramedics in Saudi Arabia and Australia. Paramedics were invited to complete a survey to assess stress, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, daytime sleepiness, insomnia, sleep quality, shift work disorder, obstructive sleep apnoea, fatigue, and general health. A total of 104 males Saudi paramedics (M age = 32.5 +/- 6.1 years) and 83 males paramedics from Australia (M age = 44.1 +/- 12.1 years) responded to the survey. Significantly higher rates of depression, PTSD, insomnia, and fatigue, along with significantly poorer physical functioning were observed among Saudi paramedics in comparison with Australian paramedics. However, Australian paramedics reported significantly poorer sleep quality and general health in comparison to Saudi paramedics. After removing the effect of driving and working durations, outcomes were no longer significant. The higher burden of depression and PTSD among Saudi paramedics may be explained by longer hours spent driving and longer work durations reported by this group. Taking into consideration the outcomes reported in this study, more investigations are needed to study their possible effects on paramedics' cognition, performance, and safety.
The relationship between living alone, sense of belonging, and depressive symptoms among older men: the moderating role of sexual orientation
- Authors: McLaren, Suzanne
- Date: 2020
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Aging & Mental Health Vol. 24, no. 1 (Jan 2020), p. 103-109
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- Description: Objectives: Living alone is a risk factor for depressive symptoms among older men, and is likely to occur due to belongingness needs being unmet. It is proposed the living alone-sense of belonging and living alone-depressive symptoms relations are stronger for gay men than heterosexual men, due to different family circumstances. This research tested a moderated mediation model, specifically whether the relationship between living alone and depressive symptoms is mediated by sense of belonging, and whether the living alone-sense of belonging and living alone-depressive symptoms relationships are moderated by sexual orientation. Method: A community sample of 169 Australian gay men aged 65 to 93 years and 187 Australian heterosexual men aged 65 to 94 years completed the Psychological subscale of the Sense of Belonging Instrument and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. Results: Results supported the simple mediation model, with living alone being associated directly and indirectly with depressive symptoms via sense of belonging. The conditional indirect effect of living alone on depressive symptoms via sense of belonging was not significant, and therefore the moderated mediation model was not supported. Conclusion: Results imply that older men who live alone are at increased risk of depressive symptoms directly and indirectly via lower levels of sense of belonging.
Translation and psychometric testing of a decision-making scale
- Authors: Huang, Chongmei , Plummer, Virginia , Lam, Louisa , Cross, Wendy
- Date: 2020
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing Vol. 27, no. 5 (2020), p. 533-542
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- Description: What is known about shared decision-making?: There is increasing investigation of shared decision-making in mental health services. Exploration of shared decision-making and relevant instrument is scant in China. What this paper adds to existing knowledge?: In this study, the Clinical Decision-making Involvement and Satisfaction (CDIS) was translated into Chinese and validated with patients and mental health professionals. The Chinese version of the CDIS is a reliable and valid instrument for measuring perception of involvement and satisfaction with treatment decision for schizophrenia. What are the implications for practice?: Mental health nurses could use the CDIS patient-rated and health professional-rated versions to compare their perceptions of the decision-making process. Abstract: Introduction There is growing interest in shared decision-making in Chinese mental health services. However, few specific instruments are available to measure decision-making satisfaction and involvement. Aim To translate and validate Clinical Decision-making Involvement and Satisfaction (CDIS) in a Chinese population. Methods The translation process was completed based on the Brislin translation method. Convenience sampling of 505 participants including 212 people diagnosed with schizophrenia and 293 mental health professionals for psychometric testing (e.g., content and construct validity, and test-retest reliability). Results The CDIS Chinese version has good internal consistency and temporal stability. Factor analysis determined two factors including satisfaction and involvement subscales, explaining 60.08% of the total variance. The Cronbach's α was 0.70, and the intraclass correlation coefficient ranged from 0.83 to 0.89. The composite reliability value was 0.85, and the average variance extracted was 0.50. Critical Ratio values ranged from 5.28 to 17.95, and item-total correlation values ranged from 0.48 to 0.75. Discussion The CDIS Chinese version is a feasible and reliable instrument. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons Ltd
- Description: Chongmei Huang is supported by a China Scholarship Council (Res: [2017] 3109).
An evaluation of a positive psychological intervention to reduce burnout among nurses
- Authors: Luo, Yuan-Hui , Li, Hui , Plummer, Virginia , Cross, Wendy , Lam, Louisa , Guo, Yu-Fang , Yin, Yi-Zhen , Zhang, Jing-Ping
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Archives of Psychiatric Nursing Vol. 33, no. 6 (Dec 2019), p. 186-191
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- Description: This quasi-experimental study aimed to evaluate the positive psychological intervention of recording three good things on alleviating nurses' burnout. Eighty-seven nurses with burnout were recruited. Nurses in the study group recorded three good things using communication tool WeChat for six months, no records were made in the control group. After intervention, the score of exhaustion decreased considerably for nurses in the study group. Nurses recording three good things on average twice a week returned the lowest score of exhaustion. This intervention combined with appropriate surveillance and encouragement is recommended to reduce nurses' burnout and create a positive work environment.
Associations between polygenic risk for tobacco and alcohol use and liability to tobacco and alcohol use, and psychiatric disorders in an independent sample of 13,999 Australian adults
- Authors: Chang, Lun-Hsien , Whitfield, John , Liu, Mengzhen , Medland, Sarah , Hickie, Ian , Martin, Nicholas , Verhulst, Brad , Heath, Andrew , Madden, Pamela , Statham, Dixie , Gillespie, Nathan , Gscan Consortium
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Drug and Alcohol Dependence Vol. 205, no. (2019), p.
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- Description: Background: Substance use, substance use disorders (SUDs), and psychiatric disorders commonly co-occur. Genetic risk common to these complex traits is an important explanation; however, little is known about how polygenic risk for tobacco or alcohol use overlaps the genetic risk for the comorbid SUDs and psychiatric disorders. Methods: We constructed polygenic risk scores (PRSs) using GWAS meta-analysis summary statistics from a large discovery sample, GWAS & Sequencing Consortium of Alcohol and Nicotine use (GSCAN), for smoking initiation (SI; N = 631,564), age of initiating regular smoking (AI; N = 258,251), cigarettes per day (CPD; N = 258,999), smoking cessation (SC; N = 312,273), and drinks per week (DPW; N = 527,402). We then estimated the fixed effect of these PRSs on the liability to 15 phenotypes related to tobacco and alcohol use, substance use disorders, and psychiatric disorders in an independent target sample of Australian adults. Results: After adjusting for multiple testing, 10 of 75 combinations of discovery and target phenotypes remained significant. PRS-SI (R2 range: 1.98%–5.09 %) was positively associated with SI, DPW, and with DSM-IV and FTND nicotine dependence, and conduct disorder. PRS-AI (R2: 3.91 %) negatively associated with DPW. PRS-CPD (R2: 1.56 %–1.77 %) positively associated with DSM-IV nicotine dependence and conduct disorder. PRS-DPW (R2: 3.39 %–6.26 %) positively associated with only DPW. The variation of DPW was significantly influenced by sex*PRS-SI, sex*PRS-AI and sex*PRS-DPW. Such interaction effect was not detected in the other 14 phenotypes. Conclusions: Polygenic risks associated with tobacco use are also associated with liability to alcohol consumption, nicotine dependence, and conduct disorder. © 2019 Elsevier B.V.
Primed to perform : Comparing different pre-performance routine interventions to improve accuracy in closed, self-paced motor tasks
- Authors: Mesagno, Christopher , Beckmann, Jurgen , Wergin, Vanessa , Gröpel, Peter
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Psychology of Sport and Exercise Vol. 43, no. (2019), p. 73-81
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- Description: Objectives: Two experimental studies were conducted to test and compare whether different pre-performance routines (i.e., left-hand dynamic handgrip and an extensive routine) can improve (and potentially have a combined effect on) accuracy in closed, self-paced motor tasks. Design/method: Study 1 used a standardised laboratory task to measure motor performance, while Study 2 was a field experiment measuring tenpin bowling accuracy and in-game performance as outcome variables. Both studies consisted of a pretest phase followed by one or two test phases using a group-specific pre-performance routine (PPR), or control, condition. Results: Results of both studies indicated that the inexperienced students (Study 1) and experienced athletes (Study 2) within the intervention groups were more accurate when using the intervention than a control group (not provided an intervention). Using a combined (i.e., left-hand dynamic handgrip and extensive) PPR may not have additive performance effects. Furthermore, using a PPR intervention did not equate to better in-game performance in Study 2. Conclusions: These studies indicate that the element of left-hand dynamic handgrip as a PPR may be comparable to control groups, but further research is needed to determine if it is comparable to extensive PPR interventions that promote concentration on the task for increased performance generally (and under pressure).
The adapted Autobiographical interview : A systematic review and proposal for conduct and reporting
- Authors: Miloyan, Beyon , McFarlane, Kimberley , Vasquez-Echeverria, Alejandro
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Behavioural Brain Research Vol. 370, no. (2019), p. 1-6
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- Description: The adapted Autobiographical Interview (AI) is one of the most commonly used and widely cited measures of prospection in adult humans. The use of this instrument requires investigators to make many decisions that can influence the outcomes of studies. Here, we performed a systematic review of studies utilizing the adapted AI. We assessed and characterized the studies on various aspects of methodological quality and reporting. We then investigated and reported on several properties of adapted AI scores that have implications for their interpretation. We conclude by proposing Conduct and Reporting of Autobiographical Interview (CRAI) guidelines to contribute to the improvement of the reporting quality for studies that use the adapted AI, and hope that this will contribute to future efforts to validate this influential measurement instrument of prospection in humans.
The lived experience of Australian opioid replacement therapy recipients in a community-based program in regional Victoria
- Authors: Patil, Tejaswini , Cash, Penelope , Cant, Robyn , Mummery, Jane , Penney, Wendy
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Drug and Alcohol Review Vol. 38, no. 6 (2019), p. 656-663
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- Description: Introduction and Aims Treatment of opioid dependence through opioid replacement therapy is widely recognised as effective. Nonetheless, while there has been a community-based program in the state of Victoria for over two decades, consumer experiences have received little attention. This study aimed to describe the experiences of opioid replacement therapy consumers living in rural and regional areas of the state. Design and Methods A qualitative design employed an interpretative phenomenological approach. Sixteen consumers were interviewed. Thematic analysis was conducted by the researchers to examine the phenomena of consumers ' experiences and findings were verified by a stakeholder group. Results Findings centred on themes of consumers ' experience of becoming recipients; consumer perceptions of pharmacists and pharmacy settings and psychosocial impacts on consumers. A majority of participants believed opioid replacement therapy brought increased normality to their life, however systemic and psychosocial barriers impacted on well-being. The pharmacy setting itself as a public dosing space commonly provoked feelings of stigma and discrimination among consumers. Other barriers prominently reported were restrictions on number of takeaways, cost of dispensing and lack of access to medical practitioners and allied supports. Discussion and Conclusions There were psychosocial impacts on opioid replacement therapy consumers relating to financial and social burdens, stigma and discrimination. Access to medical care and a choice of pharmacy appeared to be restricted in rural regions. The findings suggest a need to address, in particular, the financial and dispensing point burdens experienced by consumers to facilitate program retention.
The relationship between phobic anxiety and 2-year readmission after Acute Coronary Syndrome : What is the role of heart rate variability?
- Authors: O'Neil, Adrienne , Taylor, Barr , Hare, David , Thomas, Emma , Toukhsati, Samia , Oldroyd, John , Scovelle, Anna , Oldenburg, Brian
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Affective Disorders Vol. 247, no. (2019), p. 73-80
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- Description: Objective: Phobic anxiety is a risk factor for poor prognosis following Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS). A psychophysiological marker of vagal function, autonomic dysfunction may play a critical role in this relationship. The aim of the study was two-fold: to assess whether phobic anxiety was characterised by autonomic dysfunction (heart rate variability) in the short (1-month) and longer term (12-months) following ACS, and (ii) to quantify the extent to which HRV parameters modified the effect of phobic anxiety on all-cause hospital readmission over 2 years. Methods: The ADVENT study followed 416 ACS patients. At 1-month following discharge (T0), phobic anxiety and autonomic functioning were assessed using the Crown Crisp Index (CCI) and 11 indices of heart rate variability (HRV), respectively. HRV was measured again at 12-months (T1) (n = 359). Hospital readmission (all cause) was derived from an audit of hospital records by two medically trained research fellows. Generalised linear modelling (GLM) was used to first determine the association between CCI score at T0 and HRV parameters at T0 and T1. Binary logistic regression was used to measure the relationship between CCI scores and readmission (yes/no) and the extent to which HRV parameters modified this effect. Results: CCI scores were associated with 7 of the 11 indices of HRV: Average RR (ms), SDRR (ms), RMSSD (ms), SDSD (ms), pRR50 (%), LF Powers (ms2) and HF Powers (ms2) at T0 but not T1. CCI scores at T0 significantly predicted likelihood of readmission to hospital in the subsequent 2 year period. No parameter of HRV at T0 modified this effect. Limitations: We were unable to provide adjudicated major adverse coronary events outcome data, or account for changes in medication adherence, diet or physical activity. Conclusions: While phobic anxiety is associated with both reduced vagal function in the short term after an ACS event and 2 year all cause readmission, HRV does not appear to be the pathway by which phobic anxiety drives this outcome.
When this happens, you want the best care : Players' experiences of barriers and facilitators of the immediate management of rugby-related acute spinal cord injury
- Authors: Badenhorst, Marelise , Verhagen, Evert , Lambert, Mike , van Mechelen, Willem , Brown, James
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Qualitative Health Research Vol. 29, no. 13 (2019), p. 1862-1876
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- Description: Most contact sports, including rugby union, carry a risk of injury. Although acute spinal cord injuries (ASCIs) in rugby are rare, the consequences of such injuries are far-reaching. Optimal management of these injuries is challenging, and a detailed understanding of the different barriers and facilitators to optimal care is needed. In this study, we aimed to describe the perception of players, regarding factors related to the optimal immediate management of a catastrophic injury in a developing country with socioeconomic and health care inequities. The most frequently reported barriers were transportation delays after injury and admission to appropriate medical facilities. Other barriers included inadequate equipment, the quality of first aid care, and barriers within the acute hospital setting. Barriers were more prevalent in rural and lower socioeconomic areas. These findings are relevant for all rugby stakeholders and may help shape education, awareness, and future policy around the immediate management of ASCIs.