List of Titles

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Risky behaviors and associated factors among the elderly in rural Vietnam

- Le Mai, Dinh, Nguyen, Huy, Thanh, Nguyen, Staar, Henning

Authors: Le Mai, Dinh , Nguyen, Huy , Thanh, Nguyen , Staar, Henning
Date: 2017
Type: Text , Journal article
Relation: Journal of Aging Science Vol. 5, no. 2 (2017), p.
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Description: Background: The number of older people in Vietnam has increased substantially for recent years and leading to more aging health problems. The purpose of this study was to assess risky behaviors and their associated factors among the elderly in rural Vietnam.

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The urban-rural divide : hypertensive disease hospitalisations in Victoria 2010–2015

- Robins, Shalley, Gardiner, Samantha, Terry, Daniel

Authors: Robins, Shalley , Gardiner, Samantha , Terry, Daniel
Date: 2017
Type: Text , Journal article
Relation: Australasian Medical Journal Vol. 10, no. 11 (2017), p. 953-963
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Description: Background Hypertension is present in 23–32 per cent of Australians, making it one of the most prevalent diseases in the country. It is the greatest risk factor for cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death in Australia and it affects rural populations at a higher rate than urban residents. Aims The aims of this study were to investigate the differences in hypertensive disease hospitalisations across rural and urban Victoria, and to determine predicting variables. Methods Hospital admission data from 1 July 2010 to 30 June 2015 were obtained through the Victorian Admitted Episodes Dataset and other organisations. Data included various patient demographics for each hospital admission entry. The rates of hospitalisation for each Local Government Area were analysed. Further regression analysis was undertaken to examine the association between hypertensive disease hospitalisation and various predictor variables. Results From 2010–2015 11,205 hypertensive disease hospital admissions were recorded of which 64.8 per cent were female, 74.7 per cent admissions were at urban hospitals, and 65.0 per cent were public patients. Hospitalisation rates were consistently higher in rural areas than in urban areas, and rural residents on average stayed in hospital for longer. Significant predictor variables for hypertensive disease hospitalisation included various indicators of socioeconomic disadvantage, GPs per 1,000 population and GP attendance per 1,000 population. Conclusion Hypertensive disease hospitalisation in Victoria continues to rise and rates of hospitalisation of rural Victorians continue to be higher than their urban counterparts. Females were hospitalised almost twice as often as males. Further research is required to identify the specific factors that impede access to health services, particularly in the identified high-risk populations. © 2017, Australasian Medical Journal Pty Ltd. All rights reserved.

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A descriptive study of health, lifestyle and sociodemographic characteristics and their relationship to known dementia risk factors in rural Victorian communities

- Ervin, Kaye, Pallant, Julie, Terry, Daniel, Bourke, Lisa, Pierce, David, Glenister, Kristen

Authors: Ervin, Kaye , Pallant, Julie , Terry, Daniel , Bourke, Lisa , Pierce, David , Glenister, Kristen
Date: 2015
Type: Text , Journal article
Relation: Aims Medical Science Vol. 2, no. 3 (2015), p. 246-260
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Description: It is essential to determine the key health risk factors among populations to specifically plan future services and explore interventions that modify risk factors for communities. This aims to reduce risks and delay the onset of chronic conditions, which frequently results in dementia, particularly for small rural communities which experience health workforce shortages, a higher proportion of those in the chronic conditions age group, and reduced access to care. The aim of the study was to determine existing rates of chronic disease, and current lifestyle and sociodemographic factors which may predispose the population to higher risk of dementia. Residents from three shires in rural Victoria, Australia were recruited by random and non-random sampling techniques to complete a survey regarding health perceptions, pre-existing illnesses, health behaviors and social activity in their community. A total of 1474 people completed the survey. Positive factors reported were social participation and low rates of smoking. Negative factors included low rates of physical activity, high rates of obesity and high rates of chronic conditions that indicate significant risk factors for dementia in these communities. Although some factors are modifiable, these communities also have a large population of older residents. This study suggests that community interventions could modify lifestyle risk factors in these rural communities. These lifestyle factors, age of residents and the current chronic conditions are also important for rural service planning to increase preventive actions, and warn of the likely increase in the number of people developing chronic conditions with predispositon to dementia.

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The anglo-celtic construction of national identity in Australia and the acculturation of the ‘other’ doctors

- Terry, Daniel, Lê, Quynh

Authors: Terry, Daniel , Lê, Quynh
Date: 2015
Type: Text , Journal article
Relation: International Journal of Innovative Interdisciplinary Research Vol. 2, no. (2015), p. 63 - 76
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Description: International Medical Graduates (IMG) remain integral to the Australian health workforce, particularly in rural areas. Stakeholders who recruit, support and acts as educators assist IMGs in their transition into and through the Australian health care setting. A study was conducted to examine IMGs and their acculturation in rural Tasmania. Twenty-three IMG stakeholders were interviewed regarding the challenges facing IMGs who live and work in rural Tasmania. Critical Discourse Analysis was used to determine if social power, dominance, and inequality are enacted and reproduced through the text and talk of stakeholders. The results indicate dominant views and practices were both intentionally and unintentionally produced within the Tasmanian health care setting. These issues were reported to be contributing to the marginalisation of IMGs in Tasmania, thus impacting on their retention. However, the participants were positive and respectful in their vocalisation of IMGs and their contribution to the Tasmanian health system and community

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Living in a regional area : access, utilisation and health care quality

- Lê, Quynh, Auckland, Stuart, Nguyên, Hoang, Terry, Daniel, Hoang, Ha

Authors: Lê, Quynh , Auckland, Stuart , Nguyên, Hoang , Terry, Daniel , Hoang, Ha
Date: 2013
Type: Text , Journal article
Relation: International Journal of Innovative Interdisciplinary Research Vol. 2, no. (2013), p. 20-32
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Description: Primary health care plays a significant role in the well-being of individuals and communities, yet access to these services can vary. Factors such as socio-economic status and location of residence can impact this access. A study was conducted to investigate the relationship between location, utilisation, quality and health outcomes of primary health care services in the Meander Valley municipality of Tasmania, Australia. This paper reports the findings of the study which adopted a mixed-methods approach with multiple sources of data including government reports, survey questionnaires and interviews. The regional socio-economic disadvantage reflected not only the health disparities and poorer health conditions, but also the affordability to seek care. This was compounded by the lower levels of available health services and private health insurance. The lack of local services or their low quality was the main motivation for many to seek care outside of the region, which was unaffordable and at times logistically impossible. On the basis of the findings, a number of recommendations are provided to guide the current and future health care services and to improve the well-being of the Meander Valley community.

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The shortage-surplus paradox : a literature review of primary health care accessibility

- Terry, Melissa, Terry, Daniel, Hoang, Ha, Hannah, Chona

Authors: Terry, Melissa , Terry, Daniel , Hoang, Ha , Hannah, Chona
Date: 2013
Type: Text , Journal article
Relation: Universal Journal of Public Health Vol. 1, no. 3 (2013), p. 40-50
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Description: The National Primary Health Care Strategy in Australia recommends primary health care services need to be clinically and culturally appropriate and delivered in a timely and affordable manner. However simultaneously recognised, access is still inequitable in among various population groups and many areas of Australia. Geographical Information System (GIS) have been used to explore geographical health disparities, planning health care service delivery and provide data in a meaningful way to inform public health strategies. Moreover, GIS has also been used to spatially analyse, measure and provide insight into a population’s accessibility to health care services. A literature search was conducted to identify studies which examined primary health care accessibility using GIS techniques among various urban and rural populations. A limited number of studies demonstrated in addition to distance; time; and location, low socioeconomic status, Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) background among other factors influences health care access. In addition, other factors were identified to impact health care access, which is an individualised process, influenced by individual characteristics, beliefs, attitudes, and an individual’s activity space. As health care accessibility becomes more prominent within policy, among practitioners and increasingly researched, it has the potential to move beyond recognising areas of poor accessibility among individuals and communities. With a greater integration of both spatial and aspatial data, the process has the likelihood, to provide greater insight into patient behaviour, public perception, amelioration service quality and improve population health and wellbeing.

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Does sports club participation contribute to health-related quality of life?

- Eime, Rochelle, Harvey, Jack, Brown, Wendy, Payne, Warren

Authors: Eime, Rochelle , Harvey, Jack , Brown, Wendy , Payne, Warren
Date: 2010
Type: Text , Journal article
Relation: Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise Vol. 42, no. 5 (2010), p. 1022-1028
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Description: Does Sports Club Participation Contribute to Health-Related Quality of Life? Med. Sci. Sports Exerc., Vol. 42, No. 5, pp. 1022-1028, 2010. Given the social nature of participation in sport, we hypothesized that club sports participants would have greater well-being and quality of life than participants in other forms of physical activity (PA). Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine health-related quality of life and life satisfaction in women who participate in three contrasting forms of PA: club sport, gym activities, and walking. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of the relationship between type of PA setting and measures of health-related quality of life (Short-Form Health Survey [SF-36]) and life satisfaction in 818 women living in rural Victoria, Australia, in 2007. Data were also compared with those from a normative sample of 2345 women. Results: After adjustment for potential confounders (age,! education, marital status, children aged <16 yr, perceived financial stress, and level of recreational PA), four of the eight SF-36 subscales, the SF-36 mental health component summary score, and life satisfaction were significantly higher in the club sport group than that in the other groups. Conclusion: Although cross-sectional research cannot establish causal links, the results suggest that participation in club sport may enhance the health benefits of PA.
Description: 2003008119

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'They're funny bloody cattle': encouraging rural men to learn

- Vallance, Soapy, Golding, Barry

Authors: Vallance, Soapy , Golding, Barry
Date: 2008
Type: Text , Journal article
Relation: Australian Journal of Adult Learning Vol. 48, no. 2 (Jul 2008), p. 369-384
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Description: Our paper examines and analyses the contexts and organisations in rural and regional communities that informally and effectively encourage men to learn. It is based on a combination of local, rural adult education practice and a suite of studies in Australia and elsewhere of learning in community contexts, most recently into community-based men's sheds. It is underpinned by both experience and research evidence that many rural men tend to have an aversion to formal learning. The intention of our paper and its specific, practical conclusions and recommendations is to focus on and share positive and practical ways, demonstrated through practice and validated through research, of encouraging rural men to learn.
Description: C1

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Houses and sheds in Australia : an exploration of the genesis and growth of neighbourhood houses and men's sheds in community settings

- Golding, Barry, Kimberley, Helen, Foley, Annette, Brown, Michael

Authors: Golding, Barry , Kimberley, Helen , Foley, Annette , Brown, Michael
Date: 2008
Type: Text , Journal article
Relation: Australian Journal of Adult Learning Vol. 48, no. 2 (Jul 2008), p. 237-262
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Description: This article reviews research into the genesis and spread of both neighbourhood houses and learning centres in Victoria and community-based men's sheds in Australia to identify some similarities and differences. Our article asks questions about the gendered communities of practice that underpin houses for women on the one hand, and sheds for men on the other. Our particular interest is with the gender issues associated with the development of the relatively mature neighbourhood house 'sector', and those associated with the very recent and developing community-based men's sheds 'sector'. Our underpinning research question has to do with the desirability (or otherwise) in each of these sectors of political and strategic decisions being either gender specific or gender neutral. We identify a number of tantalising parallels between the rationale behind the establishment of both sectors,for women and men, albeit in very different circumstances, along with some obvious differences.
Description: C1

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Mental health problems in rural contexts : A broader perspective

- Boyd, Candice, Hayes, Louise, Sewell, Jessica, Caldwell, Kirra, Kemp, Evan, Harvie, Lisa, Aisbett, Damon, Nurse, Sarah

Authors: Boyd, Candice , Hayes, Louise , Sewell, Jessica , Caldwell, Kirra , Kemp, Evan , Harvie, Lisa , Aisbett, Damon , Nurse, Sarah
Date: 2008
Type: Text , Journal article
Relation: Australian Psychologist Vol. 43, no. 1 (2008), p. 2-6
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Description: The objectives of this article are to expand and comment upon a recent review in Australian Psychologist of the literature in relation to mental health problems in rural contexts by Jackson et al. (2007). In the present article we review recently published qualitative research on the help-seeking attitudes and experiences of rural Australian adolescents. While we agree on the utility of the Macintyre, Ellaway, and Cummins (2002) conceptual framework based on notions of health and place, we note that this framework specifically emphasises the importance of the collective dimension. We present a broader perspective on health and place than Jackson et al. (2007) by incorporating social geographic research. We argue that rural mental health research has been hampered by a simplistic view of social stigma of mental illness and that a more thorough conceptualisation of the phenomenon is needed. Finally, we make some further recommendations based on a broader perspective of mental health in rural contexts: one that incorporates an in-depth understanding of the help-seeking attitudes and experiences of rural adolescents as well as an appreciation of the collective social functioning of rural communities.
Description: C1

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Coping with stigma : Coming out and living as lesbians and gay men in regional and rural areas in the context of rural confidentiality and social exclusion

- Gottschalk, Lorene

Authors: Gottschalk, Lorene
Date: 2007
Type: Text , Journal article
Relation: Rural Social Work and Community Practice Vol. 12, no. 2 (2007), p. 31-46
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Description: The lesbian and gay community largely depend on each other to organise services and support. This informal system (in that it is removed from the State) enjoys some success in Melbourne where there is a sizeable lesbian and gay population, but does not work so well in regional and rural Victoria where the lesbian and gay population is smaller and more dispersed. This study, conducted for the Department of Human Services (Grampians Region) in Victoria, found that gay men and lesbians experience similar types of stigma and discrimination in rural areas as those in urban centres, but that this was exacerbated by the lack of anonymity in the smaller communities. Furthermore it was found that few services and little support were available for lesbians and gay men in regional and rural areas and indeed were difficult to provide in the context of rural confidentiality and social exclusion.
Description: C1
Description: 2003005681

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Health workers' perceptions of psychosocial support services for cancer patients in rural Victoria

- Lee, Jillian

Authors: Lee, Jillian
Date: 2007
Type: Text , Journal article
Relation: Cancer Forum Vol. 31, no. 2 (2007), p. 94-98
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Description: Literature attests to the fact that psychosocial needs for cancer patients are not being adequately addressed. The tools, frameworks and guidelines developed, reflect differing professional perspectives and models of disease. Most studies have usually looked at what is happening from the patient and family's viewpoint in terms of medical and other needs. New national initiatives in psychosocial care include the organisation of nationwide practitioner workshops to encourage the implementation of the Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Psychosocial Care of Adults with Cancer. These guidelines focus mainly on the emotional and existential areas of need. The aim of this study was to: understand how a diversity of approaches and professional perspectives play out in everyday practice within a rural context; see how issues of distance and access affect this process; and highlight the deficiencies in the delivery of psychosocial services for cancer patients in rural Victoria. The study involved 59 questionnaire respondents (a 71% response rate), from which two interviews and six focus group discussions were drawn. Key findings were: regional and metropolitan hospitals and specialists not referring for support services; private patients missing out; general practitioners not referring to support services; late referrals to palliative care and district nursing; haphazard continuity of care for support needs of patients; and disputed responsibility for initial assessment.
Description: C1

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The development of 'expert-ness': Rural practitioners and role boundaries

- Gregory, Raeleene, Green, Rosemary, McLaren, Suzanne

Authors: Gregory, Raeleene , Green, Rosemary , McLaren, Suzanne
Date: 2007
Type: Text , Journal article
Relation: Rural Social Work and Community Practice Vol. 12, no. 2 (2007), p. 16-21
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Description: Health and welfare practitioners have reported challenges in their personal and professional lives brought about by the realities of dual and multiple relationships in small communities. This paper reports the findings of a qualitative grounded theory study of 70 such practitioners living and working in rural Victoria. Australia, with regard to the development of worker expertise in dealing with personal and professional role boundary issues. The research findings suggested that this group of rural health and welfare practitioners dealt with personal and professional boundary issues through a process of sensitive decision-making and strategic behaviour that became increasingly intuitive over time. Participants oftern adopted elastic and fluid boundaries using their personal experience and local knowledge to inform their professional judgement. These findings have implications for practitioners, for employers, and for educators.
Description: C1
Description: 2003005777

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Welfare workers' experiences of rural practice - similar but different

- Green, Rosemary

Authors: Green, Rosemary
Date: 2007
Type: Text , Journal article
Relation: Rural Social Work and Community Practice Vol. 12, no. 1 (2007), p. 41-46
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Description: This research project investigated the experiences of six rural welfare professionals living in the Western region of Victoria, Australia. In particular, this paper reports on their experiences of managing dual and multiple roles, confidentiality and their privacy. The six participants, five women and one man, were purposely chosen for in-depth interviews using criterion sampling from 23 survey respondents who participated in a larger rural practice study. Issues of particular interest to participants were managing confidential information gathered from formal and informal sources, providing services that are non-stigmatising, managing complex ethical dilemmas arising from fual and multiple roles, and lack of anonymity and privacy. Participants' experiences of these issues had varied considerably. Some expressed feeling of anxiety and stress, while others expressed strong confidence about their management of these matters in their daily practice. Many participants were anxious about whethr their practice fully met the ethical guidelines of the profession, however they felt their practice appropriate to the context. Most of the participants commented that their pre-service education did not adequately address rural issues or prepare them for their work role in small communities.
Description: C1
Description: 2003005771

Barriers to higher education for Australian rural students

- Sewell, Jessica

Authors: Sewell, Jessica
Date: 2006
Type: Text , Journal article
Relation: Rural Social Work and Community Practice Vol. 10, no. 2 (2006), p. 23-27
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Description: This article considers the barriers to higher education currently faced by rural students in Australia. Three barriers to participation in higher education for rural students that appear consistently in the literature are financial pressures, family and community attributes, and physical location. Results of recent studies in this area suggest that these factors often coexist to create one, complex and intertwined barrier which needs to be approach by all involved in a collaborative and cooperative way in order to provide rural people with equitable access to higher education.
Description: C1
Description: 2003001979

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Dimensions of pastoral care: Student wellbeing in rural Catholic schools

- Ollerenshaw, Alison, McDonald, John

Authors: Ollerenshaw, Alison , McDonald, John
Date: 2006
Type: Text , Journal article
Relation: Australian Journal of Primary Health Vol. 12, no. 2 (2006), p. 137-145
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Description: This paper investigates the health and welfare needs of students (n = 15,806) and the current service model in Catholic schools in the Ballarat Diocese of Victoria, Australia. Catholic schools use a service model underpinned by an ethos of pastoral care; there is a strong tradition of self-reliance within the Catholic education system for meeting students' health and welfare needs. The central research questions are: What are the emerging health and welfare needs of students? How does pastoral care shape the service model to meet these needs? What model/s might better meet students' primary health care needs? The research methods involved analysis of(1) extant databases of expressed service needs including referrals (n = 1,248) to Student Services over the last 2.5 years, (2) trends in the additional funding support such as special needs funding for students and the Education Maintenance Allowance for families, and (3) semi-structured individual and group interviews with 98 Diocesan and school staff responsible for meeting students' health and welfare needs. Analysis of expressed service needs revealed a marked increase in service demand, and in the complexity and severity of students' needs. Thematic analysis of qualitative interview data revealed five pressing issues: the health and welfare needs of students; stressors in the school community; rural isolation; role boundaries and individualised interventions; and self-reliant networks of care. Explanations for many of these problems can be located in wider social and economic forces impacting upon the church and rural communities. It was concluded that the pastoral care model-as it is currently configured-is not equipped to meet the escalating primary health care needs of students in rural areas. This paper considers the implications for enhanced primary health care in both rural communities and in schools.
Description: C1
Description: 2003001995

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