Twinning with Tonga : the experiences of Tongan stakeholders with a long-term partnership with regional Victoria, Australia
- Mornane, Carolyn, Franc, Michelle, Waddington, Maureen, Peck, Blake, Terry, Daniel
- Authors: Mornane, Carolyn , Franc, Michelle , Waddington, Maureen , Peck, Blake , Terry, Daniel
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Universal Journal of Public Health Vol. 7, no. 3 (2019), p. 144-150
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- Description: Twinning programs in health have gained increased recognition as a WHO preferred strategy for providing a sustainable strategy for enhancing the delivery of best practice healthcare globally. The Tonga Twinning Program (TTP), represents a longstanding relationship of some twenty-five years between The Ministry of Health in Tonga and St John of God Hospital, Ballarat, Australia and provides a compelling example of what can be achieved. This article presents the findings from a longitudinal exploration of the experiences and perceptions of the TTP through the voices of those key-stakeholders situated in Tonga who have engaged with the program. Informed by the tenets of hermeneutic phenomenology, a modified thematic analysis highlighted two major themes, ‘A shared mission’ and ‘The outcomes are more than the tangibles’, which supported by a series of sub-themes, identify the core components of the experience of the TTP. This study suggests that the TTP has supported a collective sense of bringing the very best available knowledge and skills to the people of Tonga and has fostered a genuine and open dialogue between partners as a mechanism for change that goes well beyond simply a capacity to replicate skills and instead has establish a genuine reciprocity akin to being a family.
- Authors: Mornane, Carolyn , Franc, Michelle , Waddington, Maureen , Peck, Blake , Terry, Daniel
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Universal Journal of Public Health Vol. 7, no. 3 (2019), p. 144-150
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Twinning programs in health have gained increased recognition as a WHO preferred strategy for providing a sustainable strategy for enhancing the delivery of best practice healthcare globally. The Tonga Twinning Program (TTP), represents a longstanding relationship of some twenty-five years between The Ministry of Health in Tonga and St John of God Hospital, Ballarat, Australia and provides a compelling example of what can be achieved. This article presents the findings from a longitudinal exploration of the experiences and perceptions of the TTP through the voices of those key-stakeholders situated in Tonga who have engaged with the program. Informed by the tenets of hermeneutic phenomenology, a modified thematic analysis highlighted two major themes, ‘A shared mission’ and ‘The outcomes are more than the tangibles’, which supported by a series of sub-themes, identify the core components of the experience of the TTP. This study suggests that the TTP has supported a collective sense of bringing the very best available knowledge and skills to the people of Tonga and has fostered a genuine and open dialogue between partners as a mechanism for change that goes well beyond simply a capacity to replicate skills and instead has establish a genuine reciprocity akin to being a family.
What factors influence midwives to provide obstetric high dependency care on the delivery suite or request care be escalated away from the obstetric unit? Findings of a focus group study
- James, Alison, Cooper, Simon J., Stenhouse, Elizabeth, Endacott, Ruth
- Authors: James, Alison , Cooper, Simon J. , Stenhouse, Elizabeth , Endacott, Ruth
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Bmc Pregnancy and Childbirth Vol. 19, no. 1 (2019), p. 1-15
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- Description: Background In the United Kingdom, midwives will engage in discussions with the multidisciplinary team as to whether they can provide Obstetric High Dependency Care (OHDC) on the Delivery Suite or whether a woman's care should be escalated to the critical care team. This study aimed to explore the question: What factors influence midwives to provide OHDC or request care be escalated away from the obstetric unit in hospitals remote from tertiary referral centres? Methods Focus groups were undertaken with midwives (n = 34) across three obstetric units in England, with annual birth rates ranging from 1500 to 5000 per annum, in District General Hospitals. Three scenarios in the form of video vignettes of handover were used as triggers for the focus groups. Scenario 1; severe pre-eclampsia, physiologically unstable 2; major postpartum haemorrhage requiring invasive monitoring 3; recent admission of woman with chest pain receiving facial oxygen and requiring continuous electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring. Two focus groups were conducted in each of the obstetric units with experienced midwives. Data were analysed using a qualitative framework approach. Results Factors influencing midwives' care escalation decisions included the care environment, a woman's diagnosis and fetal or neonatal factors. The overall plan of care including the need for ECG and invasive monitoring were also influential factors. Midwives in the smallest obstetric unit did not have access to the facilities for OHDC provision. Midwives in the larger obstetric units provided OHDC but identified varying degrees of skill and sometimes used 'workarounds' to facilitate care provision. Midwifery staffing levels, skill mix and workload were also influential. Some differences of opinion were evident between midwives working in the same obstetric units as to whether OHDC could be provided and the support they would enlist to help them provide it. Reliance on clinical guidelines appeared variable. Conclusions Findings indicate that there may be inequitable OHDC provision at a local level. Organisationally robust systems are required to promote safe, equitable OHDC care including skills development for midwives and precise escalation guidelines to minimise workarounds. Training for midwives must include strategies that prevent skills fade.
- Authors: James, Alison , Cooper, Simon J. , Stenhouse, Elizabeth , Endacott, Ruth
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Bmc Pregnancy and Childbirth Vol. 19, no. 1 (2019), p. 1-15
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- Description: Background In the United Kingdom, midwives will engage in discussions with the multidisciplinary team as to whether they can provide Obstetric High Dependency Care (OHDC) on the Delivery Suite or whether a woman's care should be escalated to the critical care team. This study aimed to explore the question: What factors influence midwives to provide OHDC or request care be escalated away from the obstetric unit in hospitals remote from tertiary referral centres? Methods Focus groups were undertaken with midwives (n = 34) across three obstetric units in England, with annual birth rates ranging from 1500 to 5000 per annum, in District General Hospitals. Three scenarios in the form of video vignettes of handover were used as triggers for the focus groups. Scenario 1; severe pre-eclampsia, physiologically unstable 2; major postpartum haemorrhage requiring invasive monitoring 3; recent admission of woman with chest pain receiving facial oxygen and requiring continuous electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring. Two focus groups were conducted in each of the obstetric units with experienced midwives. Data were analysed using a qualitative framework approach. Results Factors influencing midwives' care escalation decisions included the care environment, a woman's diagnosis and fetal or neonatal factors. The overall plan of care including the need for ECG and invasive monitoring were also influential factors. Midwives in the smallest obstetric unit did not have access to the facilities for OHDC provision. Midwives in the larger obstetric units provided OHDC but identified varying degrees of skill and sometimes used 'workarounds' to facilitate care provision. Midwifery staffing levels, skill mix and workload were also influential. Some differences of opinion were evident between midwives working in the same obstetric units as to whether OHDC could be provided and the support they would enlist to help them provide it. Reliance on clinical guidelines appeared variable. Conclusions Findings indicate that there may be inequitable OHDC provision at a local level. Organisationally robust systems are required to promote safe, equitable OHDC care including skills development for midwives and precise escalation guidelines to minimise workarounds. Training for midwives must include strategies that prevent skills fade.
Workplace injuries in the Australian allied health workforce
- Anderson, Sarah, Stuckey, Rwth, Fortington, Lauren, Oakman, Jodi
- Authors: Anderson, Sarah , Stuckey, Rwth , Fortington, Lauren , Oakman, Jodi
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Australian Health Review Vol. 43, no. 1 (2019), p. 49-54
- Full Text: false
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- Description: Objective: This study aims to identify the number, costs and reported injury mechanisms of serious injury claims for allied health professionals. Methods: Using Australian Workers' Compensation injury data, the number, mechanism, and costs of injury claims were calculated for eight groups of allied health professions (chiropractors and osteopaths, speech pathologists and audiologists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, psychologists, podiatrists, social workers and prosthetists/orthotists) between the 2000-01 and 2013-14 financial years. Workforce injury rates were calculated using the 2011 Australian Census Workforce data (denominator) and 2011 Workers' Compensation Statistics claims data (numerator). Results: Across the allied health professions, 7023 serious injuries (minimum 5 days absence from work) were recorded with an associated total compensation cost of A$201 970 000. Fewer than 1.5% of each allied health professional group had an injury claim, with the exception of prosthetists/orthotists who had a rate of 25.9% serious injury claims (95% confidence interval 21.9-30.4). The average cost per claim varied across the allied health professions, from the lowest cost of A$19 091 per injury for occupational therapists to the highest of A$48 466 per claim in chiropractic and osteopathy. Body stressing followed by mental stress were the most common mechanisms of injury. Conclusions: Mechanism of injury, both physical and psychosocial, were identified. Prosthetists/orthotists are at the highest risk of workplace injury of all allied health professions. This suggests the need for further investigation and development of appropriately targeted injury prevention programs for each allied health profession. What is known about this topic?: Retention of allied health professionals is a significant issue, with workplace injuries identified as one contributing factor to this problem. Healthcare workers are potentially at high risk of injury as they are exposed to a range of physical and psychosocial hazards in their workplace. What does this paper add?: This paper is the first to report on serious injuries, minimum 5 days absence from work, from Australian Workers' Compensation data, across a range of allied health professions. Various allied health professions were examined to identify the number, mechanism and cost of serious workplace injuries finding there is an average of 500 serious claims per year at a cost of A$14 million. Prosthetists/orthotists were identified as having the highest proportion of claims per workforce population. What are the implications for practitioners?: These results suggest highly varied injury rates across allied health professions. Compensation data does not enable accurate identification of causal factors. Further work is required to identify relevant causal factors so that targeted risk reduction strategies can be developed to reduce workforce injuries. © 2019 AHHA.
"Regardless of age" : Australian university managers' attitudes and practices towards older academics
- Earl, Catherine, Taylor, Philip, Cannizzo, Fabian
- Authors: Earl, Catherine , Taylor, Philip , Cannizzo, Fabian
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Work, Aging and Retirement Vol. 4, no. 3 (2018), p. 300-313
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- Description: As with other industrialized nations Australia's population is aging and older workers are encouraged to work for longer. At the same time, Australia's university sector, which is aging, is being reconfigured through changes that potentially marginalize its older workers as higher education institutions try to become more competitive in a global market. In this context, youthfulness appears to embody competitiveness and academic institutions are increasingly aspiring to a young workforce profile. This qualitative article builds on previous research to explore to what extent ageist assumptions shape attitudes to older workers and human resource management (HRM) practices within Australian universities even when HRM practitioners are well versed in antidiscrimination legislation that (unlike the Age Discrimination in Employment Act in the United States) applies to workers of all ages. Semistructured interviews conducted with 22 HRM practitioners in Australian universities reveal that university HRM practices generally overlook the value of retaining an older workforce by conflating "potential" with "youthfulness," assuming that staff potential and performance share a negative correlation with age. While mostly lower-ranked institutions have attempted to retain older academics to maintain an adequate labor supply, this study finds that university policies targeting the ongoing utilization of older workers generally are underdeveloped. Consequently, the availability of late career employment arrangements is dependent upon institutions' strategic goals, with favorable ad hoc solutions offered to academics with outstanding performance records, while a rhetoric of performance decline threatens to marginalize older academic researchers and teachers more generally.
- Authors: Earl, Catherine , Taylor, Philip , Cannizzo, Fabian
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Work, Aging and Retirement Vol. 4, no. 3 (2018), p. 300-313
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- Description: As with other industrialized nations Australia's population is aging and older workers are encouraged to work for longer. At the same time, Australia's university sector, which is aging, is being reconfigured through changes that potentially marginalize its older workers as higher education institutions try to become more competitive in a global market. In this context, youthfulness appears to embody competitiveness and academic institutions are increasingly aspiring to a young workforce profile. This qualitative article builds on previous research to explore to what extent ageist assumptions shape attitudes to older workers and human resource management (HRM) practices within Australian universities even when HRM practitioners are well versed in antidiscrimination legislation that (unlike the Age Discrimination in Employment Act in the United States) applies to workers of all ages. Semistructured interviews conducted with 22 HRM practitioners in Australian universities reveal that university HRM practices generally overlook the value of retaining an older workforce by conflating "potential" with "youthfulness," assuming that staff potential and performance share a negative correlation with age. While mostly lower-ranked institutions have attempted to retain older academics to maintain an adequate labor supply, this study finds that university policies targeting the ongoing utilization of older workers generally are underdeveloped. Consequently, the availability of late career employment arrangements is dependent upon institutions' strategic goals, with favorable ad hoc solutions offered to academics with outstanding performance records, while a rhetoric of performance decline threatens to marginalize older academic researchers and teachers more generally.
- Petrass, Lauren, Blitvich, Jennifer
- Authors: Petrass, Lauren , Blitvich, Jennifer
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Community Health Vol. 43, no. 4 (2018), p. 688-693
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- Description: Drowning is an important public health issue with major impacts on young adults aged 15–24 years, yet little is known about the causal factors for drowning for this group. As young adults recreate with peers in unpatrolled aquatic environments, the capacity to perform effective and efficient rescues seems pivotal. This study examined perceived ability of young adults to perform a rescue; determined the level of aquatic rescue knowledge; and measured the effect of an aquatic rescue intervention. In total, 135 participants completed pre- and post-intervention surveys and rescue practical testing. Wilcoxon matched pairs signed rank tests were used to assess significant differences pre- and post-intervention and Mann–Whitney tests used to compare groups. Pre-intervention, participants had a low level of rescue knowledge (Mdn = 50) and the relationship between perceived rescue ability and practical rescue testing was weak (rs = 0.33, p ≤ 0.001). Post-intervention, ability to perform a contact tow demonstrated significant improvement (z = − 9.09, p < 0.001, r = − 0.79) and rescue knowledge also improved significantly (Mdn = 100, z = − 9.42, p < 0.001, r = − 0.81). Many young adults lacked both the physical capacity and knowledge required to safely perform a rescue, a factor that may place them at increased drowning risk if they attempt an aquatic rescue. As a rescue based intervention can significantly improve competency of young adults regardless of previous experience and/or qualifications, research needs to consider how best these competencies can be promoted and/or developed with this high risk group.
A molecular survey of tick-borne pathogens from ticks collected in Central Queensland
- Chalada, Melissa, Stenos, John, Vincent, Gemma, Barker, Dayana, Bradbury, Richard
- Authors: Chalada, Melissa , Stenos, John , Vincent, Gemma , Barker, Dayana , Bradbury, Richard
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Vector-borne and zoonotic diseases Vol. 18, no. 3 (2018), p. 151-163
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- Description: Central Queensland (CQ) is a large and isolated, low population density, remote tropical region of Australia with a varied environment. The region has a diverse fauna and several species of ticks that feed upon that fauna. This study examined 518 individual ticks: 177 Rhipicephalus sanguineus (brown dog tick), 123 Haemaphysalis bancrofti (wallaby tick), 102 Rhipicephalus australis (Australian cattle tick), 47 Amblyomma triguttatum (ornate kangaroo tick), 57 Ixodes holocyclus (paralysis tick), 9 Bothriocroton tachyglossi (CQ short-beaked echidna tick), and 3 Ornithodoros capensis (seabird soft tick). Tick midguts were pooled by common host or environment and screened for four genera of tick-borne zoonoses by PCR and sequencing. The study examined a total of 157 midgut pools of which 3 contained DNA of Coxiella burnetii, 13 Rickettsia gravesii, 1 Rickettsia felis, and 4 other Rickettsia spp. No Borrelia spp. or Babesia spp. DNA were recovered.
A patient agent to manage blockchains for remote patient monitoring
- Uddin, Ashraf, Stranieri, Andrew, Gondal, Iqbal, Balasubramanian, Venki
- Authors: Uddin, Ashraf , Stranieri, Andrew , Gondal, Iqbal , Balasubramanian, Venki
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Conference proceedings
- Relation: 7th International Conference on Global Telehealth, GT 2018; Colombo, Sri Lanka; 10th-11th October 2018; published in Studies in Health Technology and Informatics Vol. 254, p. 105-115
- Full Text: false
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- Description: Continuous monitoring of patient's physiological signs has the potential to augment traditional medical practice, particularly in developing countries that have a shortage of healthcare professionals. However, continuously streamed data presents additional security, storage and retrieval challenges and further inhibits initiatives to integrate data to form electronic health record systems. Blockchain technologies enable data to be stored securely and inexpensively without recourse to a trusted authority. Blockchain technologies also promise to provide architectures for electronic health records that do not require huge government expenditure that challenge developing nations. However, Blockchain deployment, particularly with streamed data challenges existing Blockchain algorithms that take too long to place data in a block, and have no mechanism to determine whether every data point in every stream should be stored in such a secure way. This article presents an architecture that involves a Patient Agent, coordinating the insertion of continuous data streams into Blockchains to form an electronic health record.
- Description: Studies in Health Technology and Informatics
Assessment and monitoring practices of Australian fitness professionals
- Bennie, Jason, Wiesner, Glen, van Uffelen, Jannique, Harvey, Jack, Craike, Melinda, Biddle, Stuart
- Authors: Bennie, Jason , Wiesner, Glen , van Uffelen, Jannique , Harvey, Jack , Craike, Melinda , Biddle, Stuart
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport Vol. 21, no. 4 (2018), p. 433-438
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- Description: Objectives: Assessment and monitoring of client health and fitness is a key part of fitness professionals’ practices. However, little is known about prevalence of this practice. This study describes the assessment/monitoring practices of a large sample of Australian fitness professionals. Design: Cross-sectional. Methods: In 2014, 1206 fitness professionals completed an online survey. Respondents reported their frequency (4 point-scale: [1] ‘never’ to [4] ‘always’) of assessment/monitoring of eight health and fitness constructs (e.g. body composition, aerobic fitness). This was classified as: (i) ‘high’ (‘always’ assessing/monitoring ≥5 constructs); (ii) ‘medium’ (1–4 constructs); (iii) ‘low’ (0 constructs). Classifications are reported by demographic and fitness industry characteristics. The odds of being classified as a ‘high assessor/monitor’ according to social ecological correlates were examined using a multiple-factor logistic regression model. Results: Mean age of respondents was 39.3 (±11.6) years and 71.6% were female. A total of 15.8% (95% CI: 13.7%–17.9%) were classified as a ‘high’ assessor/monitor. Constructs with the largest proportion of being ‘always’ assessed were body composition (47.7%; 95% CI: 45.0%–50.1%) and aerobic fitness (42.5%; 95% CI: 39.6%–45.3%). Those with the lowest proportion of being ‘always’ assessed were balance (24.0%; 95% CI: 24.7%–26.5%) and mental health (20.2%; 95% CI: 18.1%–29.6%). A perceived lack of client interest and fitness professionals not considering assessing their responsibility were associated with lower odds of being classified as a ‘high assessor/monitor’. Conclusions: Most fitness professionals do not routinely assess/monitor client fitness and health. Key factors limiting client health assessment and monitoring include a perceived lack of client interest and professionals not considering this their role. © 2017
Cardiac response to exercise in normal ageing : What can we learn from masters athletes?
- Beaumont, Alexander, Campbell, Amy, Grace, Fergal, Sculthorpe, Nicholas
- Authors: Beaumont, Alexander , Campbell, Amy , Grace, Fergal , Sculthorpe, Nicholas
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Current Cardiology Reviews Vol. 14, no. 4 (2018), p. 245-253
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- Description: Background: Ageing is associated with an inexorable decline in cardiac and vascular function, resulting in an increased risk of Cardiovascular Disease (CVD). Lifestyle factors such as exercise have emerged as a primary therapeutic target in the prevention of CVD, yet older individuals are frequently reported as being the least active, with few meeting the recommended physical activity guidelines. In contrast, well trained older individuals (Masters athletes) have superior functional capacity than their sedentary peers and are often comparable with young non-athletes. Therefore, the 'masters' athlete may be viewed as a unique non-pharmacological model which may allow researchers to disentangle the inexorable from the preventable and the magnitude of the unavoidable 'true' reduction in cardiac function due to ageing. Conclusion: This review examines evidence from studies which have compared cardiac structure and function in well trained older athletes, with age-matched controls but otherwise healthy. © 2018 Bentham Science Publishers.
- Authors: Beaumont, Alexander , Campbell, Amy , Grace, Fergal , Sculthorpe, Nicholas
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Current Cardiology Reviews Vol. 14, no. 4 (2018), p. 245-253
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: Ageing is associated with an inexorable decline in cardiac and vascular function, resulting in an increased risk of Cardiovascular Disease (CVD). Lifestyle factors such as exercise have emerged as a primary therapeutic target in the prevention of CVD, yet older individuals are frequently reported as being the least active, with few meeting the recommended physical activity guidelines. In contrast, well trained older individuals (Masters athletes) have superior functional capacity than their sedentary peers and are often comparable with young non-athletes. Therefore, the 'masters' athlete may be viewed as a unique non-pharmacological model which may allow researchers to disentangle the inexorable from the preventable and the magnitude of the unavoidable 'true' reduction in cardiac function due to ageing. Conclusion: This review examines evidence from studies which have compared cardiac structure and function in well trained older athletes, with age-matched controls but otherwise healthy. © 2018 Bentham Science Publishers.
Co-circulation of influenza A H5, H7, and H9 viruses and co-infected poultry in live bird markets, Cambodia
- Horwood, Paul, Horm, Srey, Suttie, Annika, Thet, Sopheak, Rith, Phalla, Sorn, San, Holl, Davun, Tum, Sothyra, Ly, Sowath, Karlsson, Erik, Tarantola, Arnaud, Dussart, Philippe
- Authors: Horwood, Paul , Horm, Srey , Suttie, Annika , Thet, Sopheak , Rith, Phalla , Sorn, San , Holl, Davun , Tum, Sothyra , Ly, Sowath , Karlsson, Erik , Tarantola, Arnaud , Dussart, Philippe
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Emerging Infectious Diseases Vol. 24, no. 2 (2018), p. 352-355
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- Description: Longitudinal surveillance of 2 live bird markets in Cambodia revealed year-round, high co-circulation of H5, H7, and H9 influenza viruses. We detected influenza A viruses in 51.3% of ducks and 39.6% of chickens, and co-infections, mainly by H5 and H9 viruses, in 0.8% of ducks and 4.5% of chickens. © 2018 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). All rights Reserved.
- Authors: Horwood, Paul , Horm, Srey , Suttie, Annika , Thet, Sopheak , Rith, Phalla , Sorn, San , Holl, Davun , Tum, Sothyra , Ly, Sowath , Karlsson, Erik , Tarantola, Arnaud , Dussart, Philippe
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Emerging Infectious Diseases Vol. 24, no. 2 (2018), p. 352-355
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- Description: Longitudinal surveillance of 2 live bird markets in Cambodia revealed year-round, high co-circulation of H5, H7, and H9 influenza viruses. We detected influenza A viruses in 51.3% of ducks and 39.6% of chickens, and co-infections, mainly by H5 and H9 viruses, in 0.8% of ducks and 4.5% of chickens. © 2018 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). All rights Reserved.
Competing food consumption discourses and proper gendered behaviour among over 50s: are you really what you eat?
- Malatzky, Christina, Terry, Daniel, Bourke, Lisa, Glenister, Kristen, Ervin, Kaye
- Authors: Malatzky, Christina , Terry, Daniel , Bourke, Lisa , Glenister, Kristen , Ervin, Kaye
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Research for Consumers Vol. , no. 32 (2018), p. 1-31
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- Description: The national narratives about proper food consumption and its relationship to health and wellbeing has been articulated in many Australian public health campaigns. These shape awareness, knowledge and behaviours as well as reporting on food consumption. This paper reports on the findings of a large-scale community health survey, conducted in four Victorian regional areas, related to the self-reported eating practices of respondents aged 50 years and over. It was found that women were more likely to report trying to eat a diet consistent with public health messages than men. Overall, however there was strong agreement amongst respondents that they tried to eat a healthy diet. These findings are contextualised within broader societal discourses, including the Australian national narrative about food consumption, proper gendered behaviour, good, moral, responsible citizenship, and the competing social meanings attached to food and food consumption. It is argued that understanding the social circumstances in which people report their dietary behaviours is essential to understanding why behavioural change is such a complex goal for public health and health promotion.
- Authors: Malatzky, Christina , Terry, Daniel , Bourke, Lisa , Glenister, Kristen , Ervin, Kaye
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Research for Consumers Vol. , no. 32 (2018), p. 1-31
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: The national narratives about proper food consumption and its relationship to health and wellbeing has been articulated in many Australian public health campaigns. These shape awareness, knowledge and behaviours as well as reporting on food consumption. This paper reports on the findings of a large-scale community health survey, conducted in four Victorian regional areas, related to the self-reported eating practices of respondents aged 50 years and over. It was found that women were more likely to report trying to eat a diet consistent with public health messages than men. Overall, however there was strong agreement amongst respondents that they tried to eat a healthy diet. These findings are contextualised within broader societal discourses, including the Australian national narrative about food consumption, proper gendered behaviour, good, moral, responsible citizenship, and the competing social meanings attached to food and food consumption. It is argued that understanding the social circumstances in which people report their dietary behaviours is essential to understanding why behavioural change is such a complex goal for public health and health promotion.
Demographic characteristics and type/frequency of physical activity participation in a large sample of 21,603 Australian people
- Eime, Rochelle, Harvey, Jack, Charity, Melanie, Nelson, Rayoni
- Authors: Eime, Rochelle , Harvey, Jack , Charity, Melanie , Nelson, Rayoni
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Bmc Public Health Vol. 18, no. 1 (2018), p. 1-10
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- Description: Background: Regular physical activity (PA) is imperative for good health and there are many different ways that people can be active. There are a range of health, PA and sport policies aiming to get more people active more often. Much research has been directed towards understanding the determinants of inactivity and PA. However, it is important to understand the differences not only between inactive and active people, but also between activity contexts (for example participation in sport compared to non-sport activities), in order to align policies and strategies to engage market segments who have different participation preferences and accessibility. The aim of this study was to investigate demographic correlates of the propensity to be physically inactive or active within different contexts, and at different levels of frequency of participation. Methods: Data from the Australian Exercise, Recreation and Sport Survey was used for this analysis. This included information on the type, frequency and duration of leisure-time PA for Australians aged 15 years and over. Reported PA participation in the two-week period prior to the survey was used to allocate respondents into three categories: no PA, non-sport PA only, and sport. Subsequently, sport participants were further categorised according to frequency of participation. Potential demographic correlates included sex, age, education, employment, marital status, language spoken, having a condition that restricts life, children, and socio-economic status. Results: The survey included 21,603 people. Bivariate chi-squared analysis showed that there were significant differences between the profiles of leisure-time PA participation across all demographic variables, except the variable languages spoken at home. Ordinal regression analysis showed that the same demographic variables were also correlated with the propensity to engage in more organised and competitive PA contexts, and to participate more frequently. Conclusions: People who were female, older, married or had a disability were less likely to participate in sport. Therefore when designing PA opportunities to engage those who are inactive, particularly those that are organised by a club or group, we need to ensure that appropriate strategies are developed, and tailored sport products offered, to ensure greater opportunities for increased diversity of participation in sport.
- Authors: Eime, Rochelle , Harvey, Jack , Charity, Melanie , Nelson, Rayoni
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Bmc Public Health Vol. 18, no. 1 (2018), p. 1-10
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: Regular physical activity (PA) is imperative for good health and there are many different ways that people can be active. There are a range of health, PA and sport policies aiming to get more people active more often. Much research has been directed towards understanding the determinants of inactivity and PA. However, it is important to understand the differences not only between inactive and active people, but also between activity contexts (for example participation in sport compared to non-sport activities), in order to align policies and strategies to engage market segments who have different participation preferences and accessibility. The aim of this study was to investigate demographic correlates of the propensity to be physically inactive or active within different contexts, and at different levels of frequency of participation. Methods: Data from the Australian Exercise, Recreation and Sport Survey was used for this analysis. This included information on the type, frequency and duration of leisure-time PA for Australians aged 15 years and over. Reported PA participation in the two-week period prior to the survey was used to allocate respondents into three categories: no PA, non-sport PA only, and sport. Subsequently, sport participants were further categorised according to frequency of participation. Potential demographic correlates included sex, age, education, employment, marital status, language spoken, having a condition that restricts life, children, and socio-economic status. Results: The survey included 21,603 people. Bivariate chi-squared analysis showed that there were significant differences between the profiles of leisure-time PA participation across all demographic variables, except the variable languages spoken at home. Ordinal regression analysis showed that the same demographic variables were also correlated with the propensity to engage in more organised and competitive PA contexts, and to participate more frequently. Conclusions: People who were female, older, married or had a disability were less likely to participate in sport. Therefore when designing PA opportunities to engage those who are inactive, particularly those that are organised by a club or group, we need to ensure that appropriate strategies are developed, and tailored sport products offered, to ensure greater opportunities for increased diversity of participation in sport.
Depression, Internet Gaming Disorder, and the moderating effect of the gamer-avatar relationship : An exploratory longitudinal study
- Burleigh, Tyrone, Stavropoulos, Vasileios, Liew, Lucas, Adams, Baxter, Griffiths, Mark
- Authors: Burleigh, Tyrone , Stavropoulos, Vasileios , Liew, Lucas , Adams, Baxter , Griffiths, Mark
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction Vol. 16, no. 1 (2018), p. 102-124
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Research into Internet gaming disorder (IGD) literature largely uses cross-sectional designs and seldom examines gaming context-related factors. Therefore, the present study combined a cross-sectional and longitudinal design to examine depression and the gameravatar relationship (GAR) as risk factors in the development of IGD among emerging adults. IGD behaviors of 125 gamers (64 online gamers, Mage = 23.3 years, SD = 3.4; 61 offline gamers, Mage = 23.0 years, SD = 3.4) were assessed using the nine-item Internet Gaming Disorder Scale Short Form (IGDS-SF9; Pontes and Griffiths Revista Argentina de Ciencias del Comportamiento, 7, 102–118, 2015a; Computers in Human Behavior, 45, 137–143, 2015b). The Self-Presence Scale (Ratan and Dawson Communication Research, 2015) and the Beck Depression Inventory (Beck et al. 1996) were also used to assess gamers’ levels of GAR and depressive symptoms, respectively. Regression and moderation analyses revealed that depression and the GAR act as individual risk factors in the development of IGD over time. Furthermore, the GAR exacerbates the IGD risk effect of depression.
- Authors: Burleigh, Tyrone , Stavropoulos, Vasileios , Liew, Lucas , Adams, Baxter , Griffiths, Mark
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction Vol. 16, no. 1 (2018), p. 102-124
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Research into Internet gaming disorder (IGD) literature largely uses cross-sectional designs and seldom examines gaming context-related factors. Therefore, the present study combined a cross-sectional and longitudinal design to examine depression and the gameravatar relationship (GAR) as risk factors in the development of IGD among emerging adults. IGD behaviors of 125 gamers (64 online gamers, Mage = 23.3 years, SD = 3.4; 61 offline gamers, Mage = 23.0 years, SD = 3.4) were assessed using the nine-item Internet Gaming Disorder Scale Short Form (IGDS-SF9; Pontes and Griffiths Revista Argentina de Ciencias del Comportamiento, 7, 102–118, 2015a; Computers in Human Behavior, 45, 137–143, 2015b). The Self-Presence Scale (Ratan and Dawson Communication Research, 2015) and the Beck Depression Inventory (Beck et al. 1996) were also used to assess gamers’ levels of GAR and depressive symptoms, respectively. Regression and moderation analyses revealed that depression and the GAR act as individual risk factors in the development of IGD over time. Furthermore, the GAR exacerbates the IGD risk effect of depression.
Detection of low pathogenicity influenza a(H7n3) virus during duck mortality event, Cambodia, 2017
- Suttie, Annika, Yann, Sokhoun, Phalla, Y., Tum, Sothyra, Deng, Yi-Mo, Hul, Vibol, Horm, Viseth, Barr, Ian, Greenhill, Andrew, Horwood, Paul, Osbjer, Kristina, Karlsson, Erik, Dussart, Philippe
- Authors: Suttie, Annika , Yann, Sokhoun , Phalla, Y. , Tum, Sothyra , Deng, Yi-Mo , Hul, Vibol , Horm, Viseth , Barr, Ian , Greenhill, Andrew , Horwood, Paul , Osbjer, Kristina , Karlsson, Erik , Dussart, Philippe
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Emerging Infectious Diseases Vol. 24, no. 6 (2018), p. 1103-1107
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: In January 2017, an estimated 3,700 (93%) of 4,000 Khaki Campbell ducks (Anas platyrhynchos domesticus) died in Kampong Thom Province, Cambodia. We detected low pathogenicity avian influenza A(H7N3) virus and anatid herpesvirus 1 (duck plague) in the affected flock; however, the exact cause of the mortality event remains unclear.
Effect of a health coach intervention for the management of individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus in China : a pragmatic cluster randomized controlled trial
- Chapman, Anna, Browning, Colette, Enticott, Joanne, Yang, Hui, Liu, Shuo, Zhang, Tuohong, Thomas, Shane
- Authors: Chapman, Anna , Browning, Colette , Enticott, Joanne , Yang, Hui , Liu, Shuo , Zhang, Tuohong , Thomas, Shane
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Frontiers in Public Health Vol. 6, (2018)
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Aim: To determine the effect of a health coach intervention for the management of glycemic control, as well as physiological, psychological and self-care outcomes of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), compared with usual care. Methods:This pragmatic cluster RCT was conducted in the Fengtai district of Beijing from August 2011 to December 2013. Forty-one community health stations (CHSs) were cluster randomized (stratified geographically, 1:1 ratio) and eligible, randomly selected T2DM patients were sequentially contacted by CHSs. Control participants received usual care according to the Chinese Guideline for Diabetes Prevention and Management. Intervention participants received 18-months of health coaching based on principles of Motivational Interviewing (MI) plus usual care. Medical and pathology fees were waived for both groups. Outcome assessment was performed at baseline, 6, 12, and 18-months. The primary outcome was glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c); secondary outcomes encompassed a suite of physiological, psychological and self-care measures. Results:No differential treatment effect was found at 18-months for HbA1c (adj. difference -0.07, 95% CI -0.53 to 0.39, p = 0.769) or any specified secondary outcomes. Interestingly, both groups displayed a statistically and clinically significant within-group improvement of the same magnitude at 18-months for HbA1c (intervention: mean change -3.65, 95% CI -3.92 to -3.37; control: mean change -3.38, 95% CI -3.67 to -3.08). Conclusions:The lack of differential treatment effects observed indicate that it may be premature to recommend the routine delivery of health coach interventions based on MI principles for the management of T2DM in China. However, the large, comparable within-group improvement in mean HbA1c promotes the establishment of free, regular clinical health assessments for individuals with T2DM in China. © 2018 Chapman, Browning, Enticott, Yang, Liu, Zhang and Thomas.
- Authors: Chapman, Anna , Browning, Colette , Enticott, Joanne , Yang, Hui , Liu, Shuo , Zhang, Tuohong , Thomas, Shane
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Frontiers in Public Health Vol. 6, (2018)
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Aim: To determine the effect of a health coach intervention for the management of glycemic control, as well as physiological, psychological and self-care outcomes of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), compared with usual care. Methods:This pragmatic cluster RCT was conducted in the Fengtai district of Beijing from August 2011 to December 2013. Forty-one community health stations (CHSs) were cluster randomized (stratified geographically, 1:1 ratio) and eligible, randomly selected T2DM patients were sequentially contacted by CHSs. Control participants received usual care according to the Chinese Guideline for Diabetes Prevention and Management. Intervention participants received 18-months of health coaching based on principles of Motivational Interviewing (MI) plus usual care. Medical and pathology fees were waived for both groups. Outcome assessment was performed at baseline, 6, 12, and 18-months. The primary outcome was glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c); secondary outcomes encompassed a suite of physiological, psychological and self-care measures. Results:No differential treatment effect was found at 18-months for HbA1c (adj. difference -0.07, 95% CI -0.53 to 0.39, p = 0.769) or any specified secondary outcomes. Interestingly, both groups displayed a statistically and clinically significant within-group improvement of the same magnitude at 18-months for HbA1c (intervention: mean change -3.65, 95% CI -3.92 to -3.37; control: mean change -3.38, 95% CI -3.67 to -3.08). Conclusions:The lack of differential treatment effects observed indicate that it may be premature to recommend the routine delivery of health coach interventions based on MI principles for the management of T2DM in China. However, the large, comparable within-group improvement in mean HbA1c promotes the establishment of free, regular clinical health assessments for individuals with T2DM in China. © 2018 Chapman, Browning, Enticott, Yang, Liu, Zhang and Thomas.
- Vriend, Ingrid, Hesselink, Arlette, Kemler, Ellen, Gouttebarge, Vincent, van Mechelen, Willem, Verhagen, Evert
- Authors: Vriend, Ingrid , Hesselink, Arlette , Kemler, Ellen , Gouttebarge, Vincent , van Mechelen, Willem , Verhagen, Evert
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Injury Prevention Vol. 24, no. 3 (2018), p. 205-212
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: Objective Helmet use in Dutch recreational skiers and snowboarders (DRSS) remains low. This study evaluated the effects of exposure to a nationwide intervention on relevant determinants of helmet use and helmet use in DRSS. Methods The intervention mapping protocol was used to develop an in-season intervention programme targeted at adult DRSS. A prospective single-cohort study was conducted to evaluate the impact of intervention exposure on determinants of helmet use (ie, knowledge about head injury risk and preventive measures, risk perception, attitudes to head injury risk and helmet use and intention to helmet use) and self-reported helmet use. A random sample of 363 DRSS from an existing panel participated in this study. Data were collected using online questionnaires before and immediately after the 2010/2011 intervention season. In a separate sample of 363 DRSS, intervention reach was assessed after the 2010/2011 season. Results Overall, no significant associations were found between intervention exposure and the determinants of helmet use. However, subgroup analyses revealed intervention effects on risk perception and knowledge in specific subpopulations. Intervention exposure had a significant, positive effect on helmet use in DRSS (β=0.23; 95% CI 0.017 to 0.44). Subgroup analyses revealed that this effect was found in: (1) skiers, (2) female DRSS, (3) young skiers and (4) intermediate skiers. Overall, intervention reach was 28.1%, with differences found between skiers and snowboarders. Conclusions Exposure to a nationwide intervention programme was associated with increased selfreported helmet use in DRSS. Differences were found in intervention effectiveness and reach between subpopulations. These differences must be taken into account when developing and evaluating future interventions.
Evaluating mild traumatic brain injury management at a regional emergency department
- Brown, Ashlee, Twomey, Dara, Shee, Anna
- Authors: Brown, Ashlee , Twomey, Dara , Shee, Anna
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Injury Prevention Vol. 24, no. 5 (2018), p. 390-394
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: background: Emergency departments (EDs) are usually the first point of contact, and often the only medical service available, for patients with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) in rural and regional areas. Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) have been created to ensure best practice management of mTBI in EDs. Adherence to mTBI CPGs has rarely been evaluated in rural and regional areas. Aim: The aim of this paper was to assess a regional health service's adherence to their mTBI CPG. Methods: This was a 12-month retrospective audit of 1280 ED records of patients ≥16 years presenting with mTBI to a regional Australian ED. Case selection used the Victorian Admitted Episodes Dataset codes for suspected head injury: principal diagnosis codes (S00-T98), concussive injury recorded in diagnosis codes (S06.00-S06.05) and unintentional external cause code (V00-X59). The data were collected to determine 4-hour observation rates, CT scan rates, safe discharge and appropriate referral documentation. Results: Fewer people received a CT scan than qualified (n=245, 65.3%), only 45% had 4-hour observations recorded, safe discharge was documented in 74.1% of cases and 33% received educational resources. Discussion/conclusion: Several key elements for the management of mTBI were under-recorded, particularly 4-hour observations, safe discharge and education. Acquired brain injury clinic referrals were received in overwhelmingly fewer cases than had a CT scan (n=19, 6.3%). Overall, this study suggests that the regional health service does not currently fully adhere to the CPG and that the referral services are potentially underutilised.
- Authors: Brown, Ashlee , Twomey, Dara , Shee, Anna
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Injury Prevention Vol. 24, no. 5 (2018), p. 390-394
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: background: Emergency departments (EDs) are usually the first point of contact, and often the only medical service available, for patients with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) in rural and regional areas. Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) have been created to ensure best practice management of mTBI in EDs. Adherence to mTBI CPGs has rarely been evaluated in rural and regional areas. Aim: The aim of this paper was to assess a regional health service's adherence to their mTBI CPG. Methods: This was a 12-month retrospective audit of 1280 ED records of patients ≥16 years presenting with mTBI to a regional Australian ED. Case selection used the Victorian Admitted Episodes Dataset codes for suspected head injury: principal diagnosis codes (S00-T98), concussive injury recorded in diagnosis codes (S06.00-S06.05) and unintentional external cause code (V00-X59). The data were collected to determine 4-hour observation rates, CT scan rates, safe discharge and appropriate referral documentation. Results: Fewer people received a CT scan than qualified (n=245, 65.3%), only 45% had 4-hour observations recorded, safe discharge was documented in 74.1% of cases and 33% received educational resources. Discussion/conclusion: Several key elements for the management of mTBI were under-recorded, particularly 4-hour observations, safe discharge and education. Acquired brain injury clinic referrals were received in overwhelmingly fewer cases than had a CT scan (n=19, 6.3%). Overall, this study suggests that the regional health service does not currently fully adhere to the CPG and that the referral services are potentially underutilised.
Exploring young Australian adults’ asthma management to develop an educational video
- Coombs, Nicole, Allen, Louise, Cooper, Simon J., Cant, Robyn, Beauchamp, Alison, Laszcyk, Jacki, Giannis, Anita, Hopmans, Ruben, Bullock, Shane, Waller, Susan, McKenna, Lisa, Peck, Blake
- Authors: Coombs, Nicole , Allen, Louise , Cooper, Simon J. , Cant, Robyn , Beauchamp, Alison , Laszcyk, Jacki , Giannis, Anita , Hopmans, Ruben , Bullock, Shane , Waller, Susan , McKenna, Lisa , Peck, Blake
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Health Education Journal Vol. 77, no. 2 (2018), p. 179-189
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Objective: This study explored young university students’ (aged 18–24 years) health literacy, asthma experiences and help-seeking behaviours to inform the development of a web-based asthma education intervention relevant to this age group. Design: Exploratory mixed-methods design incorporateing a health literacy survey and interviews, plus the development of a web-based educational video. Setting: Participants were students at two universities in the state of Victoria, Australia. Method: In total, 20 asthma sufferers were interviewed by trained pairs of university students. Interpretative phenomenology underpinned the narrative analysis and enabled the description of the participants’ lived experience. A branching e-simulation video was developed. Results: A number of key themes were identified: ‘Life with asthma’, including ‘A life of vigilance’ regarding asthma triggers, lifestyle limitations and heightened sensitivities; ‘Asthma management – call Mum’, a lack of knowledge and support systems with substantial maternal reliance; ‘Health literacy: family and Dr Google’, denoting low health literacy levels with passive reluctant involvement in personal health management; and ‘Information gathering – one size doesn’t fit all’ – in the form of the need for immediate gratification and resource variety. Based on interviewees’ words and terminology, we designed an interactive branching educational video for YouTube portraying a young person (an actor) during an asthma flare-up. Conclusion: Young adults lacked insight into their condition and even after moving away from home, relied on Google searches and/or parents’ advice. To enhance health-seeking behaviours, interactive programmes with smartphone access may be valuable. Our open access programme Help Trent Vent provides an educational resource for young people with asthma and for health education teams, to reinforce asthma knowledge. © 2017, © The Author(s) 2017.
- Authors: Coombs, Nicole , Allen, Louise , Cooper, Simon J. , Cant, Robyn , Beauchamp, Alison , Laszcyk, Jacki , Giannis, Anita , Hopmans, Ruben , Bullock, Shane , Waller, Susan , McKenna, Lisa , Peck, Blake
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Health Education Journal Vol. 77, no. 2 (2018), p. 179-189
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Objective: This study explored young university students’ (aged 18–24 years) health literacy, asthma experiences and help-seeking behaviours to inform the development of a web-based asthma education intervention relevant to this age group. Design: Exploratory mixed-methods design incorporateing a health literacy survey and interviews, plus the development of a web-based educational video. Setting: Participants were students at two universities in the state of Victoria, Australia. Method: In total, 20 asthma sufferers were interviewed by trained pairs of university students. Interpretative phenomenology underpinned the narrative analysis and enabled the description of the participants’ lived experience. A branching e-simulation video was developed. Results: A number of key themes were identified: ‘Life with asthma’, including ‘A life of vigilance’ regarding asthma triggers, lifestyle limitations and heightened sensitivities; ‘Asthma management – call Mum’, a lack of knowledge and support systems with substantial maternal reliance; ‘Health literacy: family and Dr Google’, denoting low health literacy levels with passive reluctant involvement in personal health management; and ‘Information gathering – one size doesn’t fit all’ – in the form of the need for immediate gratification and resource variety. Based on interviewees’ words and terminology, we designed an interactive branching educational video for YouTube portraying a young person (an actor) during an asthma flare-up. Conclusion: Young adults lacked insight into their condition and even after moving away from home, relied on Google searches and/or parents’ advice. To enhance health-seeking behaviours, interactive programmes with smartphone access may be valuable. Our open access programme Help Trent Vent provides an educational resource for young people with asthma and for health education teams, to reinforce asthma knowledge. © 2017, © The Author(s) 2017.
Girls' transition from participation in a modified sport program to club sport competition - A study of longitudinal patterns and correlates
- Eime, Rochelle, Harvey, Jack, Charity, Melanie
- Authors: Eime, Rochelle , Harvey, Jack , Charity, Melanie
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: BMC Public Health Vol. 18, no. 1 (2018), p. 1-7
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: Participation in sport is very popular for young children. Many children participate in entry-level modified sports programs. These programs are modified to match the developmental capacity of children and are aimed at development of fundamental motor skills and sport-specific skills, rather than competition. There is limited research on the longitudinal tracking of children in these programs and into club-based competition. Research suggests that most children drop-out of the sport and do not transition into club-based competition. Furthermore, more females than males drop-out of sport. The aim of this study is to investigate longitudinally, the patterns and demographic predictors of children's transition from modified sport programs to club sport competition for females. Methods: This study analysed sport participation for females in a popular Australian, predominantly female, sport. Players of the modified sports program were followed over 4 years to determine their pattern of transition: transition to junior player status, withdraw from the sport, or continue in the modified program. Pattern of transition was compared across age (4-10), geographical region (metropolitan/non-metropolitan) and socio-economic status (SES). Logistic regression was used to model the effect of the three factors on the likelihood of transition. Results: A total of 13,760 female children (aged 4-10) participated in the modified sport in the first year. The majority (59%) transitioned from the modified sport program and into club competition. However the rate of transition varied with age, residential location and socio-economic status, and there was an interaction between region and SES, with SES having a significant influence on transition in the metropolitan region. The peak sport entry age with the highest rates of transition was 7-9 years. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that whilst the majority of female participants continued participantion and tranisitioned from the modified sport program and into club competition, the strongest correlate of transition was age of entry, with transition rate peaking among those who commenced at age 7-9 years. It is recommended that, in order to maximise continued participation, sport policy and strategic developments should consider the possibility that targeting the very young is not the optimum recruitment strategy for fostering continued sport participation. © 2018 The Author(s).
- Authors: Eime, Rochelle , Harvey, Jack , Charity, Melanie
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: BMC Public Health Vol. 18, no. 1 (2018), p. 1-7
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: Participation in sport is very popular for young children. Many children participate in entry-level modified sports programs. These programs are modified to match the developmental capacity of children and are aimed at development of fundamental motor skills and sport-specific skills, rather than competition. There is limited research on the longitudinal tracking of children in these programs and into club-based competition. Research suggests that most children drop-out of the sport and do not transition into club-based competition. Furthermore, more females than males drop-out of sport. The aim of this study is to investigate longitudinally, the patterns and demographic predictors of children's transition from modified sport programs to club sport competition for females. Methods: This study analysed sport participation for females in a popular Australian, predominantly female, sport. Players of the modified sports program were followed over 4 years to determine their pattern of transition: transition to junior player status, withdraw from the sport, or continue in the modified program. Pattern of transition was compared across age (4-10), geographical region (metropolitan/non-metropolitan) and socio-economic status (SES). Logistic regression was used to model the effect of the three factors on the likelihood of transition. Results: A total of 13,760 female children (aged 4-10) participated in the modified sport in the first year. The majority (59%) transitioned from the modified sport program and into club competition. However the rate of transition varied with age, residential location and socio-economic status, and there was an interaction between region and SES, with SES having a significant influence on transition in the metropolitan region. The peak sport entry age with the highest rates of transition was 7-9 years. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that whilst the majority of female participants continued participantion and tranisitioned from the modified sport program and into club competition, the strongest correlate of transition was age of entry, with transition rate peaking among those who commenced at age 7-9 years. It is recommended that, in order to maximise continued participation, sport policy and strategic developments should consider the possibility that targeting the very young is not the optimum recruitment strategy for fostering continued sport participation. © 2018 The Author(s).
Guidance for sports injury surveillance : The 20-year influence of the australian sports injury data dictionary
- Finch, Caroline, Staines, Carolyn
- Authors: Finch, Caroline , Staines, Carolyn
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Injury Prevention Vol. 24, no. 5 (2018), p. 372-380
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background Injury prevention requires information about how, why, where and when injuries occur. The Australian Sports Injury Data Dictionary (ASIDD) was developed to guide sports injury data collection and reporting. Sports Medicine Australia (SMA) disseminated associated data collection forms and an online tool to practitioners and the sports community. This paper assesses the long-term value, usefulness and relevance of the ASIDD and SMA tools. Methods A systematic search strategy identified both peer-reviewed and grey literature that used the ASIDD and/or the SMA tools, during 1997-2016. A text-based search was conducted within 10 electronic databases, as well as a Google Image search for the SMA tools. Documents were categorised according to ASIDD use as: (1) collected injury data; (2) informed data coding; (3) developed an injury data collection tool and/or (4) reference only. Results Of the 36 peer-reviewed articles, 83% directly referred to ASIDD and 17% mentioned SMA tools. ASIDD was mainly used for data coding (42%), reference (36%), data collection (17%) or resource development (14%). In contrast, 86% of 66 grey literature sources referenced, used or modified the SMA data collection forms. Conclusions The ASIDD boasts a long history of use and relevance. Its ongoing use by practitioners has been facilitated by the ready availability of specific data collection forms by SMA for them to apply to directly their settings. Injury prevention practitioners can be strongly engaged in injury surveillance activities when formal guidance is supported by user-friendly tools directly relevant to their settings and practice. © Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2018.
- Authors: Finch, Caroline , Staines, Carolyn
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Injury Prevention Vol. 24, no. 5 (2018), p. 372-380
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background Injury prevention requires information about how, why, where and when injuries occur. The Australian Sports Injury Data Dictionary (ASIDD) was developed to guide sports injury data collection and reporting. Sports Medicine Australia (SMA) disseminated associated data collection forms and an online tool to practitioners and the sports community. This paper assesses the long-term value, usefulness and relevance of the ASIDD and SMA tools. Methods A systematic search strategy identified both peer-reviewed and grey literature that used the ASIDD and/or the SMA tools, during 1997-2016. A text-based search was conducted within 10 electronic databases, as well as a Google Image search for the SMA tools. Documents were categorised according to ASIDD use as: (1) collected injury data; (2) informed data coding; (3) developed an injury data collection tool and/or (4) reference only. Results Of the 36 peer-reviewed articles, 83% directly referred to ASIDD and 17% mentioned SMA tools. ASIDD was mainly used for data coding (42%), reference (36%), data collection (17%) or resource development (14%). In contrast, 86% of 66 grey literature sources referenced, used or modified the SMA data collection forms. Conclusions The ASIDD boasts a long history of use and relevance. Its ongoing use by practitioners has been facilitated by the ready availability of specific data collection forms by SMA for them to apply to directly their settings. Injury prevention practitioners can be strongly engaged in injury surveillance activities when formal guidance is supported by user-friendly tools directly relevant to their settings and practice. © Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2018.