Unmet demand for training among mature age Australians: Prevalence, differentials and perceived causes
- Authors: Adair, Tim , Lourey, Emma , Taylor, Philip
- Date: 2016
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Australasian Journal on Ageing Vol. 35, no. 1 (2016), p. 36-41
- Full Text: false
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- Description: Aim To explore the prevalence of unmet demand for training by mature age Australians and to identify the main barriers to accessing training. Methods A total of 3007 Australians aged 45-74 years were surveyed using Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing. The sample frame was randomly selected and stratified based on the capital city and the rest of the state, and data were weighted to be nationally representative. Results Over one-third (37%) of respondents who had worked in the past five years reported wanting to attend some form of training but were unable to; these were most likely women and those aged 45-54 year. Commonly cited reasons for not being able to attend training included not being able to fit it in with work commitments, affordability and employer reluctance. Conclusion Reduction of these barriers to workplace training can improve mature age people's ability to remain engaged in the workforce.
Do retirement villages enhance social connectedness?
- Authors: Blume, Suzanne , Macgill, Jennifer
- Date: 2012
- Type: Text , Conference paper
- Relation: Australian Association of Gerontology, 45th National Conference, Australasian Journal on Ageing Vol. 31, p. 6-6
- Full Text: false
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- Description: C1
- Description: In Australia, there is a growing trend toward early retirement at 50 plus years. Many early retirees also make lifestyle changes and move into cluster housing ‘retirement villages’. Some retirement villages offer a range of care services to support inhabitants as they age. The cluster housing concept is designed to enhance security, social collectiveness and connection for older people. This research will look at the relationship of social connectedness and retirement village design through exploration of theoretical concepts and analysis of inhabitants’ stories about life and living in a regional retirement village in Victoria, Australia.
Are patients with concussion getting optimal discharge advice at a regional emergency department?
- Authors: Brown, Ashlee , Twomey, Dara , Wong Shee, Anna
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Australian Journal of Rural Health Vol. 26, no. 2 (2018), p. 134-135
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- Description: Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), known as concussion, is receiving increasing global attention. Growing concerns about the potential long-term effects of mTBI have highlighted the need for good management and follow- up care.1 Given that regional emergency departments (EDs) experience higher rates of mTBI presentations compared with metropolitan EDs and are often the first point of contact, the provision of evidence-based care in these settings is crucial for positive patient outcomes.2 Followup after mTBI has shown promising results in reducing the number and severity of symptoms.
Child and adolescent exposure to alcohol advertising in Australia's major televised sports
- Authors: Carr, Sherilene , O'Brien, Kerry , Ferris, Jason , Room, Robin , Livingston, Michael , Vandenberg, Brian , Donovan, Robert , Lynott, Dermot
- Date: 2016
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Drug and Alcohol Review Vol. 35, no. 4 (2016), p. 406-411
- Full Text: false
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- Description: INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: Exposure to alcohol advertising is associated with greater alcohol consumption in children and adolescents, and alcohol advertising is common in Australian sport. We examine child, adolescent and young adult exposure to alcohol advertising during three televised sports in Australia: Australian Football League (AFL), cricket and the National Rugby League (NRL). METHODS: Alcohol advertising and audience viewing data were purchased for all AFL, cricket and NRL TV programs in Australia for 2012. We estimated children and adolescents (0-17 years) and young adults (18-29 years) exposure to alcohol advertising during AFL, cricket and NRL programs in the daytime (06:00-20:29 h), and night-time (20:30-23:59 h). RESULTS: There were 3544 alcohol advertisements in AFL (1942), cricket (941) and NRL programs (661), representing 60% of all alcohol advertising in sport TV, and 15% of all alcohol advertisements on Australian TV. These programs had a cumulative audience of 26.9 million children and adolescents, and 32 million young adults. Children and adolescents received 51 million exposures to alcohol advertising, with 47% of this exposure occurring during the daytime. Children and adolescents exposure to alcohol advertising was similar to young adults and peaked after 8.30pm. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Child and adolescent and young adult's exposure to alcohol advertising is high when viewing sport TV in Australia in the daytime and night-time. Current alcohol advertising regulations are not protecting children and adolescents from exposure, particularly in prominent televised sports. The regulations should be changed to reduce children and adolescent excessive exposure to alcohol advertising when watching sport. [Carr S, O'Brien KS, Ferris J, Room R, Livingston M, Vandenberg B, Donovan RJ, Lynott D. Child and adolescent exposure to alcohol advertising in Australia's major televised sports. Drug Alcohol Rev 2016;35:406-411].
Assessment of the impact of a workplace intervention to reduce prolonged occupational sitting time
- Authors: Cooley, Dean , Pedersen, Scott , Mainsbridge, Casey
- Date: 2014
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Qualitative Health Research Vol. 24, no. 1 (2014), p. 90-101
- Full Text: false
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- Description: We aim to provide a better picture of the outcomes associated with implementing a nonpurposeful, physical activity, e-health intervention in a professional workplace. There is a need for health professionals to evaluate physical-activity-based workplace health interventions with a full range of measures. Using a social ecological model as a basis, we identify a range of subjective outcomes from 15 interviews of a cross section of participants. We document that not only did participants report a range of positive outcomes across multiple systems of influence, but they experienced some negative outcomes because of disruption to work flow and a changing of work habit. We conclude that using subjective evaluations provides a comprehensive picture of the factors that influence judgments of the efficacy of a workplace health intervention. © The Author(s) 2013.
Predictors of support service use by rural and regional men with cancer
- Authors: Corboy, Denise , McLaren, Suzanne , McDonald, John
- Date: 2011
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Australian Journal of Rural Health Vol. 19, no. 4 (2011), p. 185-190
- Full Text: false
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- Description: Objective: The current study examined how sociodemographic, psychological, physical and social support variables predict participation in formal support services. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Participants were recruited from oncology clinics, cancer specialist clinics and cancer support groups. Participants: Seventy-six men living outside major Australian cities, the majority with prostate cancer (n=55). Main outcome measures: Participants completed the Brief Symptom Inventory, the List of Physical Complaints, the Social Support Subscale of the Coping Resources Inventory and questionnaires related to levels of awareness of, and participation in support services. Results: Most (82%) of the men were aware of at least one formal service offering emotional support, and 49% of the men had used such a service. Telephone- and Internet-based services were the most used type of support. The only predictor of participation in a formal service was lower age. Conclusions: Use of a support service was not predicted by psychological or physical symptoms, levels of social support or distance from service centres. Attitudes to different types of services, and support services in general, might be more predictive of actual use. The current findings point to the potential of telephone- and Internet-based support as an acceptable means of formal support for rural and regional men who experience cancer-related distress. © 2011 The Authors. Australian Journal of Rural Health © National Rural Health Alliance Inc.
Responding to a rural health workforce shortfall : Double degree preparation of the nurse midwife
- Authors: Francis, Karen , Birks, Melanie , Al-Motlaq, Mohammad , Davis, Jenny , Miles, Maureen , Bailey, Carolyn
- Date: 2010
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Australian Journal of Rural Health Vol. 18, no. 5 (2010), p. 210-211
- Full Text: false
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- Description: Nursing education in Australia has been provided in the tertiary sector since the mid 1980s although the complete transfer of hospital based programs was not finalised until 1993.1,2 Pre-service nursing programs produce and graduate nurses who are generalist prepared and able to work in any practice context as novice registered nurses. Specialist education that traditionally incorporated midwifery was undertaken following registration and after a period of practice as a nurse.3 In recent years, views regarding midwifery as a specialism of nursing have been challenged by champions including the peak professional body representing midwifery, the Australian College of Midwives. Advocates maintained that women desire choices regarding birthing options and that midwives have, and continue to be dissatisfied with the current health care system that restricts their practice.4 By the beginning of the 21st Century, direct entry midwifery programs were part of the educational landscape
Effect of comorbidity on relative survival following hospitalisation for fall-related hip fracture in older people
- Authors: Hindmarsh, Diane , Loh, Ming , Finch, Caroline , Hayen, Andrew , Close, Jacqueline
- Date: 2012
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Australasian Journal on Ageing Vol. 33, no. 3 (2012), p. E1-E7
- Relation: http://purl.org/au-research/grants/nhmrc/565900
- Full Text: false
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- Description: To assess the effect of comorbidity on relative survival after hip fracture.
Housing type and depressive symptoms among older adults: a test of sense of belonging as a mediating and moderating variable
- Authors: McLaren, Suzanne , Turner, Jayne , Gomez, Rapson , McLachlan, Angus , Gibbs, Petah
- Date: 2013
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Aging & Mental Health Vol. 17, no. 8 (November 2013), p. 1023-1029
- Full Text: false
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- Description: Objectives: Higher levels of depression have been documented among older adults who reside in an assisted living facility, compared with those who remain in their own homes. The aims of the current study were to test whether the relationship between housing type and depressive symptoms was mediated by a sense of belonging and whether housing type and sense of belonging interact to influence the depressive symptoms among older adults (moderation model).Method: A sample of 257 older adults who lived in their own homes and 166 older adults who lived in an assisted living facility completed the psychological subscale of the Sense of Belonging Instrument and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale.Results: Results showed that a sense of belonging partially mediated the relationship between housing type and depressive symptoms, such that living in a nursing home was associated with lower levels of belonging, and lower levels of belonging were, in turn, associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms. Residing in an assisted living facility was associated with depressive symptoms at low and average levels of belonging.Conclusion: Results highlight the need for more research on the role of sense of belonging as an influencing factor on depressive symptoms among institutionalised older adults for both theoretical and treatment goals.
- Description: C1
Towards good dementia care : Awareness and uptake of an online Dementia Pathways tool for rural and regional primary health practitioners
- Authors: Ollerenshaw, Alison , Shee, Anna Wong , Yates, Mark
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Australian Journal of Rural Health Vol. 26, no. 2 (2017), p. 112-118
- Full Text: false
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- Description: OBJECTIVE: To explore the awareness and usage of an online Dementia Pathways tool (DPT; including decision tree and region-specific dementia services) for primary health practitioners (general practitioners (GPs) and nurses) in regional Victoria. DESIGN: Quantitative pilot study using surveys and Google Analytics. SETTING: A large regional area (48 000 square kilometres, population 220 000) in Victoria. PARTICIPANTS: Two hundred and sixty-three GPs and 160 practice nurses were invited to participate, with 42 respondents (GPs, n = 21; practice nurses, n = 21). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary care practitioners' awareness and usage of the DPT website usage. RESULTS: Survey respondents that had used the tool (n = 14) reported accessing information about diagnosis, management and referral. Practitioners reported improvements in knowledge, skills and confidence about core dementia topics. There were 9683 page views between August 2013 and February 2015 (monthly average: 509 page views). The average time spent on page was 2.03 min, with many visitors (68%) spending more than 4 min at the site. This research demonstrates that the tool has been well received by practitioners and has been consistently used since its launch. Health practitioners' valued the content and the availability of local resources. CONCLUSION: Primary health practitioners reported that the DPT provided access to region-specific referral and management resources for all stages of dementia. Such tools have broad transferability in other health areas with further research needed to determine their contribution to learning in the practice setting and over time.
Using a voice-centered relational method of data analysis in a feminist study exploring the working world of nursing unit managers
- Authors: Paliadelis, Penny , Cruickshank, Mary
- Date: 2008
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Qualitative Health Research Vol. 18, no. 10 (2008), p. 1444-1453
- Full Text: false
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- Description: In this article, we discuss the application of a data analysis method used in a feminist study that explored the working world of nursing unit managers in Australia. The decision to use a voice-centered relational approach to the data was based on a desire to delve into the working world of nursing unit managers and uncover the layers within the narratives that specifically related to their perceptions of themselves, their world, and the context in which they work. Throughout this article, the focus is on how this method was applied to uncover multiple layers of meaning within the data, rather than on the researchers' and participants' roles in the coconstruction of interview data. An excerpt from an interview transcript is used to illustrate how the stories of the participants were explored using this method.
Hermeneutic Constructivism : An ontology for qualitative research
- Authors: Peck, Blake , Mummery, Jane
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Qualitative Health Research Vol. 28, no. 3 (2018), p. 389-407
- Full Text: false
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- Description: Qualitative research is entirely an operation with language, in language, and occasionally on language. This article suggests a tension between theoretical recognition of a multiplicity of human experience on one hand and a reliance upon practices of thematic representation that prioritize the common or the general over individualized experience. The fulcrum of this tension is the nature of language itself and its role in human experience and meaning-making. This article sets out the theoretical foundations of Hermeneutic Constructivism as one proposed approach to redress this problematic within many qualitative frameworks and open up an opportunity for a deeper and more nuanced understanding of human being. Within Hermeneutic Constructivism, a Fundamental Postulate and 11 elaborative corollaries detail a cogent relationship between language and the structures and processes of mental activity that support the human comportment toward understanding. The authors argue that this theoretical position is able to inform a model for qualitative research that makes possible an exploration of a person’s experience at a deeper level of abstraction and that may provide an avenue for overcoming this identified tension. © 2017, © The Author(s) 2017.
Is Gippsland environmentally iodine deficient? Water iodine concentrations in the Gippsland region of Victoria, Australia
- Authors: Rahman, Ashequr , Deacon, Nicholas , Panther, Barbara , Chesters, Janice , Savige, Gayle
- Date: 2010
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Australian Journal of Rural Health Vol. 18, no. 6 (2010), p. 223-229
- Full Text: false
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- Description: Objective:This paper provides evidence of environmental iodine deficiency in the Gippsland region. Design:Quantitative study; water samples were collected from 18 water treatment plants and four rain water tanks across Gippsland and water iodine concentrations were measured. Setting:Gippsland region of Victoria, Australia. Main outcome measures:This paper reports on the iodine concentration of drinking water from sources across Gippsland and examines the contribution of iodine from water to the Gippsland diet. This study also briefly examines the relationship between the concentration of iodine in water and distance from the sea. The cut-off value for water iodine concentrations considered to be indicative of environmental iodine deficiency is <2 µg L−1. Results:The mean iodine concentration of water from 18 Gippsland water treatment plants was 0.38 µg L−1 and would therefore make negligible difference to the dietary intake of iodine. This finding also falls well below the suggested dietary intake of iodine from water estimated by the 22nd Australian Total Diet Study. Our study found no linear relationship between the water iodine concentration and distance from the sea. Conclusion:As Gippsland has environmental iodine deficiency there is a greater probability that people living in this region are at higher risk of dietary iodine deficiency than those living in environmentally iodine sufficient regions. Populations living in areas known to have environmental iodine deficiency should be monitored regularly to ensure that problems of iodine deficiency, especially amongst the most vulnerable, are addressed promptly.
The association between physical activity and social isolation in community-dwelling older adults
- Authors: Robins, Lauren , Hill, Keith , Finch, Caroline , Clemson, Lindy , Haines, Terry
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Aging and Mental Health Vol. 22, no. 2 (2018), p. 175-182
- Relation: http://purl.org/au-research/grants/nhmrc/565900
- Full Text: false
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- Description: Objectives: Social isolation is an increasing concern in older community-dwelling adults. There is growing need to determine effective interventions addressing social isolation. This study aimed to determine whether a relationship exists between physical activity (recreational and/or household-based) and social isolation. An examination was conducted for whether group- or home-based falls prevention exercise was associated with social isolation. Methods: Cross-sectional analysis of telephone survey data was used to investigate relationships between physical activity, health, age, gender, living arrangements, ethnicity and participation in group- or home-based falls prevention exercise on social isolation. Univariable and multivariable ordered logistic regression analyses were conducted. Results: Factors found to be significantly associated with reduced social isolation in multivariable analysis included living with a partner/spouse, reporting better general health, higher levels of household-based physical activity (OR = 1.03, CI = 1.01–1.05) and feeling less downhearted/depressed. Being more socially isolated was associated with symptoms of depression and a diagnosis of congestive heart failure (pseudo R2 = 0.104). Discussion: Findings suggest that household-based physical activity is related to social isolation in community-dwelling older adults. Further research is required to determine the nature of this relationship and to investigate the impact of group physical activity interventions on social isolation.
Australian employer usage of the practice of offering reduced working hours to workers close to retirement : Extent and determinants
- Authors: Taylor, Philip , Earl, Catherine , McLoughlin, Christopher
- Date: 2016
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Australasian Journal on Ageing Vol. 35, no. 2 (2016), p. E13-E17
- Full Text: false
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- Description: Aim: This study aimed to determine factors associated with the implementation by employers of the practice of offering reduced working hours for workers nearing retirement. Methods: Data came from a survey of 2000 employers of more than 50 employees each (30% response rate). Results: A minority (33%) of employers offered reduced working hours to older workers nearing retirement. Factors associated with offering reduced working hours were: expecting workforce ageing to cause a loss of staff to retirement; being a large employer; being a public/not-for-profit sector employer; not experiencing difficulties recruiting labourers; having a larger proportion of workers aged over 50; experiencing national competition for labour; not experiencing difficulties recruiting machinery operators/drivers; not expecting workforce ageing to increase workplace injuries; and experiencing difficulties with the quality of candidates. Conclusion: A minority of employers were found to offer reduced working hours to those nearing retirement. Factors associated with their propensity to do so included industry sector, size of employer, concerns about labour supply and the effects of workforce ageing. © 2016 AJA Inc.
Everyday discrimination in the Australian workplace : Assessing its prevalence and age and gender differences
- Authors: Taylor, Philip , McLoughlin, Christopher , Earl, Catherine
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Australasian Journal on Ageing Vol. 37, no. 4 (2018), p. 245-251
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: Objective: This study aimed to increase understanding of the nature and prevalence of discriminatory experiences in the workplace, focusing on issues of age and gender. Methods: The concept of everyday discrimination was operationalised in a survey of a representative sample of Australian workers. Results: It was observed that overall, experiences of everyday discrimination were rare. Among men, such experiences declined with age, whereas for women almost no age differences were observed. Conclusion: It is argued that the nature of labour market age barriers has been misunderstood and the extent of discrimination faced by older workers possibly overstated.
Resiliency among older adults : Dispositional hope as a protective factor in the insomnia–depressive symptoms relation
- Authors: Trezise, Alexandra , McLaren, Suzanne , Gomez, Rapson , Bice, Bridget , Hodgetts, Jessica
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Aging and Mental Health Vol. 22, no. 8 (2018), p. 1088-1096
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: Objectives: Depression is a significant mental health issue among older Australian adults. Research has indicated that insomnia is a key risk factor for the development of depressive symptoms in older adults, and that dispositional hope may be protective against the development of depressive symptoms in this population. This study examined whether dispositional hope and its dimensions, agency and pathways, moderated the relationship between insomnia symptoms and depressive symptoms among older Australian adults. Method: A community sample of 88 men (Mage = 71.11, SDage = 5.54) and 111 women (Mage = 70.25, SDage = 4.64), aged 65–94 years, completed the Insomnia Severity Index, Adult Dispositional Hope Scale, and Centre of Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. Results: After controlling for gender, age, relationship status, education level, method of participation, and perceived physical health, results supported the moderation models. The insomnia–depressive symptoms relation was significant for older adults with low and average (but not high) levels of dispositional hope, agency, and pathways. The Johnson–Neyman analyses indicated that the insomnia–depressive symptoms relation was significant for older adults who scored below 27.10 on dispositional hope, below 13.73 on agency, and below 13.49 and above 15.64 on pathways. Conclusion: The results of this study imply that interventions aimed at increasing dispositional hope, agency, and pathways among older adults who experience symptoms of insomnia may reduce their depressive symptoms. A cautionary note, however, is that very high scores on pathways among older adults who experience insomnia symptoms may be detrimental to their mental health.
A study of caregiver characteristics and carer burden when caring for people with cognitive impairment from a Cognitive Dementia and Memory Service (CDAMS) clinic in regional Australia
- Authors: Tyagi, Vaibhav , Yates, Mark , Muhi, Steve , Harvey, Jack , Dalziel, Alison
- Date: 2013
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Australasian Journal on Ageing Vol. 32, no. (June 2013), p. 42-42
- Full Text: false
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Older peoples’ experiences of living in a residential aged care facility in Australia
- Authors: Walker, Helen , Paliadelis, Penny
- Date: 2016
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Australasian Journal on Ageing Vol. 35, no. 3 (2016), p. E6-E10
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: Aim: The objectives of the study were to investigate the lived experience of older people in residential aged care facilities (RACFs) in Australia, to explore their perceptions of their lives in RACFs and how care might be improved. Methods: This qualitative study used a phenomenological approach to explore the lived experience of older persons in RACFs across two Australian states. In-depth interviews regarding independence, dignity, autonomy, communication and relationships were conducted with 18 participants. The interviews were audiotaped, transcribed and thematically analysed. Results: Three themes emerged reflecting the reality of RACF life for these participants: (i) loss of autonomy, dignity and control; (ii) valuing important relationships; and (iii) resigned acceptance. Conclusion: Older people were not included in decision-making and found it difficult to maintain their autonomy and dignity, and forge meaningful relationships. They traded their independence and dignity for the safety and assistance they needed; however, they accepted this trade-off with stoicism and remained positive. © 2016 AJA Inc.