Health workers' perceptions of psychosocial support services for cancer patients in rural Victoria
- Authors: Lee, Jillian
- Date: 2007
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Cancer Forum Vol. 31, no. 2 (2007), p. 94-98
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- 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
- Authors: Lee, Jillian
- Date: 2007
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Cancer Forum Vol. 31, no. 2 (2007), p. 94-98
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- 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
Tobacco retailer density and smoking behavior in a rural Australian jurisdiction without a tobacco retailer licensing system
- Baker, John, Masood, Mohd, Rahman, Muhammad Aziz, Thornton, Lukar, Begg, Stephen
- Authors: Baker, John , Masood, Mohd , Rahman, Muhammad Aziz , Thornton, Lukar , Begg, Stephen
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Tobacco Induced Diseases Vol. 19, no. (2021), p. 1-10
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: INTRODUCTION An emerging body of research has developed around tobacco retailer density and its contribution to smoking behavior. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the association between tobacco retailer density and smoking behavior in a rural Australian jurisdiction without a tobacco retailer licensing system in place. METHODS A local government database (updated 2018) of listed tobacco retailers (n=93) was accessed and potential unlisted tobacco retailers (n=230) were added using online searches. All retailers (n=323) were visited in 2019 and GPS coordinates of retailers that sold tobacco (n=125) were assigned to suburbs in ArcMap. A community survey conducted in the Local Government Area provided smoking and sociodemographic data amongst adult respondents (n=8981). Associations between tobacco retailer density (calculated as the number of retailers per km2 based on respondents' suburb of residence) and daily, occasional and experimental smoking were assessed using multilevel logistic regression analysis. Separate models with and without covariates were undertaken. RESULTS Without adjusting for possible confounders, living in suburbs with greater retailer density did not increase the odds of daily smoking (OR=1.01; 95% CI: 0.92-1.12), occasional smoking (OR=1.05; 95% CI: 0.94-1.18), or experimental smoking (OR=0.98; 95% 0.92- 1.05). However, after adjustment, living in suburbs with greater retailer density increased the odds of occasional smoking behavior (AOR=1.37; 95% CI: 1.10-1.71) but not daily or experimental smoking. CONCLUSIONS This study found a significant positive association between tobacco retailer density and the likelihood of occasional smoking in a rural Australian jurisdiction without a tobacco retailer licensing system in place. The findings strengthen calls for the introduction of a comprehensive, positive tobacco retailer licensing system to provide a framework for improving compliance with legislation and to reduce the overall availability of tobacco products in the community. © 2021 Baker J. et al. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
- Authors: Baker, John , Masood, Mohd , Rahman, Muhammad Aziz , Thornton, Lukar , Begg, Stephen
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Tobacco Induced Diseases Vol. 19, no. (2021), p. 1-10
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: INTRODUCTION An emerging body of research has developed around tobacco retailer density and its contribution to smoking behavior. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the association between tobacco retailer density and smoking behavior in a rural Australian jurisdiction without a tobacco retailer licensing system in place. METHODS A local government database (updated 2018) of listed tobacco retailers (n=93) was accessed and potential unlisted tobacco retailers (n=230) were added using online searches. All retailers (n=323) were visited in 2019 and GPS coordinates of retailers that sold tobacco (n=125) were assigned to suburbs in ArcMap. A community survey conducted in the Local Government Area provided smoking and sociodemographic data amongst adult respondents (n=8981). Associations between tobacco retailer density (calculated as the number of retailers per km2 based on respondents' suburb of residence) and daily, occasional and experimental smoking were assessed using multilevel logistic regression analysis. Separate models with and without covariates were undertaken. RESULTS Without adjusting for possible confounders, living in suburbs with greater retailer density did not increase the odds of daily smoking (OR=1.01; 95% CI: 0.92-1.12), occasional smoking (OR=1.05; 95% CI: 0.94-1.18), or experimental smoking (OR=0.98; 95% 0.92- 1.05). However, after adjustment, living in suburbs with greater retailer density increased the odds of occasional smoking behavior (AOR=1.37; 95% CI: 1.10-1.71) but not daily or experimental smoking. CONCLUSIONS This study found a significant positive association between tobacco retailer density and the likelihood of occasional smoking in a rural Australian jurisdiction without a tobacco retailer licensing system in place. The findings strengthen calls for the introduction of a comprehensive, positive tobacco retailer licensing system to provide a framework for improving compliance with legislation and to reduce the overall availability of tobacco products in the community. © 2021 Baker J. et al. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
Grand designs, grim reality : political representation, competition and equity in regional Victoria
- Authors: Tischler, Catherine
- Date: 2020
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: This work brings new understanding to the subtle ways in which the ability of one rural community to change is curtailed by self-reinforcement of an ideology not entirely of their own making. In a political environment where economic returns and population growth appear to be the true indicators of value and success, the struggle of some rural communities to change a long term and seemingly intractable trajectory of decline is well documented. The historical importance of rural communities as a place where food and fibre are grown has been challenged by market forces, climatic conditions and the relative growth of cities and service-based industries over the last three decades. To people in rural areas experiencing population stasis or decline, the situation appears to be a competition that is not being won at a local level. This thesis employs critical ethnography to understand a layered investigation of the ideological paradigms internalised by leaders in this community in a place-based setting to explore how this influences political advocacy and action. The work focusses on the Wimmera Southern Mallee region in Victoria, Australia with a particular emphasis on the city of Horsham as the major regional centre. The purpose of this work is to understand how ideology and behaviours are used to reinforce a system of power that is dominated by prestige leadership. The work also considers how external political and ideological influences may further reinforce on to leaders in the region a set of values and expectations which negatively impact on action and outcomes. The findings of this work have implications for rural community engagement, regional development, place-based initiatives and regional advocacy.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
- Authors: Tischler, Catherine
- Date: 2020
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: This work brings new understanding to the subtle ways in which the ability of one rural community to change is curtailed by self-reinforcement of an ideology not entirely of their own making. In a political environment where economic returns and population growth appear to be the true indicators of value and success, the struggle of some rural communities to change a long term and seemingly intractable trajectory of decline is well documented. The historical importance of rural communities as a place where food and fibre are grown has been challenged by market forces, climatic conditions and the relative growth of cities and service-based industries over the last three decades. To people in rural areas experiencing population stasis or decline, the situation appears to be a competition that is not being won at a local level. This thesis employs critical ethnography to understand a layered investigation of the ideological paradigms internalised by leaders in this community in a place-based setting to explore how this influences political advocacy and action. The work focusses on the Wimmera Southern Mallee region in Victoria, Australia with a particular emphasis on the city of Horsham as the major regional centre. The purpose of this work is to understand how ideology and behaviours are used to reinforce a system of power that is dominated by prestige leadership. The work also considers how external political and ideological influences may further reinforce on to leaders in the region a set of values and expectations which negatively impact on action and outcomes. The findings of this work have implications for rural community engagement, regional development, place-based initiatives and regional advocacy.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
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
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- 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
- 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
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- 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
The socioeconomic characteristics of childhood injuries in regional Victoria, Australia : what the missing data tells us
- Peck, Blake, Terry, Daniel, Kloot, Kate
- Authors: Peck, Blake , Terry, Daniel , Kloot, Kate
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health Vol. 18, no. 13 (2021), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: Injury is the leading cause of death among those between 1–16 years of age in Australia. Studies have found that injury rates increase with socioeconomic disadvantage. Rural Urgent Care Centres (UCC) represent a key point of entry into the Victorian healthcare system for people living in smaller rural communities, often categorised as lower socio-economic groups. Emergency presentation data from UCCs is not routinely collated in government datasets. This study seeks to compare socioeconomic characteristics of children aged 0–14 attending a UCC to those who attend a 24-h Emergency Departments with an injury-related emergency presentation. This will inform gaps in our current understanding of the links between socioeconomic status and childhood injury in regional Victoria. Methods: A network of rural hospitals in South West Victoria, Australia provide ongoing detailed de-identified emergency presentation data as part of the Rural Acute Hospital Data Register (RAHDaR). Data from nine of these facilities was extracted and analysed for children (aged 0–14 years) with any principal injury-related diagnosis presenting between 1 February 2017 and 31 January 2020. Results: There were 10,137 injury-related emergency presentations of children aged between 0–14 years to a participating hospital. The relationship between socioeconomic status and injury was confirmed, with overall higher rates of child injury presentations from those residing in areas of Disadvantage. A large proportion (74.3%) of the children attending rural UCCs were also Disadvantaged. Contrary to previous research, the rate of injury amongst children from urban areas was significantly higher than their more rural counterparts. Conclusions: Findings support the notion that injury in Victoria differs according to socioeconomic status and suggest that targeted interventions for the reduction of injury should consider socioeconomic as well as geographical differences in the design of their programs. © 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
- Authors: Peck, Blake , Terry, Daniel , Kloot, Kate
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health Vol. 18, no. 13 (2021), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: Injury is the leading cause of death among those between 1–16 years of age in Australia. Studies have found that injury rates increase with socioeconomic disadvantage. Rural Urgent Care Centres (UCC) represent a key point of entry into the Victorian healthcare system for people living in smaller rural communities, often categorised as lower socio-economic groups. Emergency presentation data from UCCs is not routinely collated in government datasets. This study seeks to compare socioeconomic characteristics of children aged 0–14 attending a UCC to those who attend a 24-h Emergency Departments with an injury-related emergency presentation. This will inform gaps in our current understanding of the links between socioeconomic status and childhood injury in regional Victoria. Methods: A network of rural hospitals in South West Victoria, Australia provide ongoing detailed de-identified emergency presentation data as part of the Rural Acute Hospital Data Register (RAHDaR). Data from nine of these facilities was extracted and analysed for children (aged 0–14 years) with any principal injury-related diagnosis presenting between 1 February 2017 and 31 January 2020. Results: There were 10,137 injury-related emergency presentations of children aged between 0–14 years to a participating hospital. The relationship between socioeconomic status and injury was confirmed, with overall higher rates of child injury presentations from those residing in areas of Disadvantage. A large proportion (74.3%) of the children attending rural UCCs were also Disadvantaged. Contrary to previous research, the rate of injury amongst children from urban areas was significantly higher than their more rural counterparts. Conclusions: Findings support the notion that injury in Victoria differs according to socioeconomic status and suggest that targeted interventions for the reduction of injury should consider socioeconomic as well as geographical differences in the design of their programs. © 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
Perspectives of aboriginal issues among non-aboriginal residents of rural Victorian communities
- Bourke, Lisa, Malatzky, Christina, Terry, Daniel, Nixon, Raelene, Ferguson, Karyn, Ferguson, Peter
- Authors: Bourke, Lisa , Malatzky, Christina , Terry, Daniel , Nixon, Raelene , Ferguson, Karyn , Ferguson, Peter
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Australian Journal of Social Issues Vol. 52, no. 3 (2017), p. 278-293
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Racism, in various forms, remains a dominant feature in Australian society. Aboriginal Australians are commonly targets of racial discrimination. However, understanding racism is difficult given that racial attitudes vary towards particular groups of people, across place and time and are difficult to measure. This paper presents responses of residents across four rural shires in Victoria to questions about attitudes towards Aboriginal people/issues. Responses indicated that attitudes towards Aboriginal people were diverse and that individuals varied in their attitudes on specific items. There were subtle differences between the four sites and association between demographic characteristics and some items in particular sites. This suggests that respondents are inconsistent in their attitudes relating to Aboriginal people/issues and that there are place-based influences on these attitudes. We conclude that the many varied understandings of racism and Aboriginal Australians allow the discourses of exclusion, disempowerment and othering to be maintained. © 2017 Australian Social Policy Association.
- Authors: Bourke, Lisa , Malatzky, Christina , Terry, Daniel , Nixon, Raelene , Ferguson, Karyn , Ferguson, Peter
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Australian Journal of Social Issues Vol. 52, no. 3 (2017), p. 278-293
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Racism, in various forms, remains a dominant feature in Australian society. Aboriginal Australians are commonly targets of racial discrimination. However, understanding racism is difficult given that racial attitudes vary towards particular groups of people, across place and time and are difficult to measure. This paper presents responses of residents across four rural shires in Victoria to questions about attitudes towards Aboriginal people/issues. Responses indicated that attitudes towards Aboriginal people were diverse and that individuals varied in their attitudes on specific items. There were subtle differences between the four sites and association between demographic characteristics and some items in particular sites. This suggests that respondents are inconsistent in their attitudes relating to Aboriginal people/issues and that there are place-based influences on these attitudes. We conclude that the many varied understandings of racism and Aboriginal Australians allow the discourses of exclusion, disempowerment and othering to be maintained. © 2017 Australian Social Policy Association.
A scoping review of community-based adult suicide prevention initiatives in rural and regional australia
- Dabkowski, Elissa, Porter, Joanne, Barbagallo, Michael, Prokopiv, Valerie, Jackson, Megan
- Authors: Dabkowski, Elissa , Porter, Joanne , Barbagallo, Michael , Prokopiv, Valerie , Jackson, Megan
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health Vol. 19, no. 12 (2022), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: The need for continued research into suicide prevention strategies is undeniable, with high global statistics demonstrating the urgency of this public health issue. In Australia, approximately 3000 people end their lives each year, with those living in rural and regional areas identified as having a higher risk of dying by suicide. Due to decreased access and support services in these areas, community-based suicide prevention initiatives provide opportunities to educate and support local communities. A scoping review was conducted to explore the literature pertaining to such programs in rural and/or regional communities in Australia. This review follows the five-stage Arksey and O’Malley (2005) framework and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) checklist. Nine databases were searched, from which studies were considered eligible if suicide prevention programs were community-based and catered for adults (aged
- Authors: Dabkowski, Elissa , Porter, Joanne , Barbagallo, Michael , Prokopiv, Valerie , Jackson, Megan
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health Vol. 19, no. 12 (2022), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: The need for continued research into suicide prevention strategies is undeniable, with high global statistics demonstrating the urgency of this public health issue. In Australia, approximately 3000 people end their lives each year, with those living in rural and regional areas identified as having a higher risk of dying by suicide. Due to decreased access and support services in these areas, community-based suicide prevention initiatives provide opportunities to educate and support local communities. A scoping review was conducted to explore the literature pertaining to such programs in rural and/or regional communities in Australia. This review follows the five-stage Arksey and O’Malley (2005) framework and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) checklist. Nine databases were searched, from which studies were considered eligible if suicide prevention programs were community-based and catered for adults (aged
Acute circulatory complications in people with diabetes mellitus type 2 : How admission varies between urban and rural Victoria
- Gardiner, Samantha, Robins, Shalley, Terry, Daniel
- Authors: Gardiner, Samantha , Robins, Shalley , Terry, Daniel
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Australian Journal of Rural Health Vol. 27, no. 1 (2019), p. 49-56
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Objective: To identify the extent to which rurality influences the admission and mortality rates for acute circulatory complications among people with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Design: Retrospective study. Setting: All Victorian hospitals. Participants: State-wide hospital admissions from 1 July 2010 to 30 June 2015 using the Victorian Admitted Episodes Dataset. Data included patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and diagnosis of acute cardiovascular events, acute cerebrovascular haemorrhage or infarction, acute peripheral vascular events or hypertensive diseases. Main outcome measure: Rates of admission and mortality were calculated for local government areas and Department of Health regions. Regression analysis identified the influence between admission rates and various predictor variables. Results: In total, 5785 emergency hospital admissions occurred during the study period, with the highest and lowest mortality and admission rates occurring in rural areas. Moderately high admission rates were identified in urban areas. Cardiovascular events far outnumbered other acute circulatory admissions. Regression analysis identified a number of significant socioeconomic variables, primarily for metropolitan residents. Socioeconomic disadvantage was the only significant factor in rural areas. Conclusion: Victorian admission and mortality rates for acute circulatory complications are greatest in rural areas; yet, there is considerable heterogeneity in the admission rates within both rural and metropolitan areas. Furthermore, socioeconomic status is more influential than remoteness in determining emergency admissions. Further research needs to investigate the particular variables that lead to poorer outcomes rurally, investigate socioeconomic disadvantage in rural areas and have greater emphasis on peripheral vascular disease prevention.
- Authors: Gardiner, Samantha , Robins, Shalley , Terry, Daniel
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Australian Journal of Rural Health Vol. 27, no. 1 (2019), p. 49-56
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Objective: To identify the extent to which rurality influences the admission and mortality rates for acute circulatory complications among people with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Design: Retrospective study. Setting: All Victorian hospitals. Participants: State-wide hospital admissions from 1 July 2010 to 30 June 2015 using the Victorian Admitted Episodes Dataset. Data included patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and diagnosis of acute cardiovascular events, acute cerebrovascular haemorrhage or infarction, acute peripheral vascular events or hypertensive diseases. Main outcome measure: Rates of admission and mortality were calculated for local government areas and Department of Health regions. Regression analysis identified the influence between admission rates and various predictor variables. Results: In total, 5785 emergency hospital admissions occurred during the study period, with the highest and lowest mortality and admission rates occurring in rural areas. Moderately high admission rates were identified in urban areas. Cardiovascular events far outnumbered other acute circulatory admissions. Regression analysis identified a number of significant socioeconomic variables, primarily for metropolitan residents. Socioeconomic disadvantage was the only significant factor in rural areas. Conclusion: Victorian admission and mortality rates for acute circulatory complications are greatest in rural areas; yet, there is considerable heterogeneity in the admission rates within both rural and metropolitan areas. Furthermore, socioeconomic status is more influential than remoteness in determining emergency admissions. Further research needs to investigate the particular variables that lead to poorer outcomes rurally, investigate socioeconomic disadvantage in rural areas and have greater emphasis on peripheral vascular disease prevention.
Place matters! Rural as an ‘enabling culture’ for female GPs
- Schwarz, Imogen, McDonald, John
- Authors: Schwarz, Imogen , McDonald, John
- Date: 2007
- Type: Text , Conference paper
- Relation: Paper presented at 9th National rural health conference: Standing up for rural health., Albury, Australia : March, 2007 p. 1-9
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: E1
- Description: 2003005837
- Authors: Schwarz, Imogen , McDonald, John
- Date: 2007
- Type: Text , Conference paper
- Relation: Paper presented at 9th National rural health conference: Standing up for rural health., Albury, Australia : March, 2007 p. 1-9
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: E1
- Description: 2003005837
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
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- 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.
- 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
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- 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.
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
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- 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.
- 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
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- 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.
Still on the outer edges? Progress towards and prospects for the development of a rural and remote evidence base for clinical practice
- McDonald, John, Murphy, Angela
- Authors: McDonald, John , Murphy, Angela
- Date: 2005
- Type: Text , Conference paper
- Relation: Paper presented at the 8th National Rural Health Conference, Alice Springs, Australia : 10th - 13th March, 2005
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: One of the most significant issues in clinical practice for rural and remote Australia is the need for improved evidence about the most effective and appropriate interventions. Clinical research is fundamental to effective evidence-based practice. This paper assesses the extent to which an Australian rural evidence base for clinical practice has emerged over the past five years. The methodology for this study involves an analysis of one input (research funding) and one output (published evidence) concerning Australian research that specifically addresses rural health issues and includes rural, regional and/or remote populations in clinical research. The first project involves the analysis of extant databases of rural clinical research funding and funding for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) research allocated during the period 2000 to 2004 by two major national organisations: the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), and the National Institute of Clinical Studies (NICS). Data are analysed in terms of the number of grants allocated and the level of funding. The results show that, of the 5995 grants (exceeding $1.3 billion) awarded by the NHMRC, only 126 grants (2.1%) amounting to $21 million (1.6% of the total dollars) were allocated to rural/regional/remote and ATSI research. NICS has funded one rural/remote clinical research project, and has commissioned a literature review and conducted a workshop on the use of evidence by rural and remote health practitioners.
- Description: E1
- Description: 2003001235
- Authors: McDonald, John , Murphy, Angela
- Date: 2005
- Type: Text , Conference paper
- Relation: Paper presented at the 8th National Rural Health Conference, Alice Springs, Australia : 10th - 13th March, 2005
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: One of the most significant issues in clinical practice for rural and remote Australia is the need for improved evidence about the most effective and appropriate interventions. Clinical research is fundamental to effective evidence-based practice. This paper assesses the extent to which an Australian rural evidence base for clinical practice has emerged over the past five years. The methodology for this study involves an analysis of one input (research funding) and one output (published evidence) concerning Australian research that specifically addresses rural health issues and includes rural, regional and/or remote populations in clinical research. The first project involves the analysis of extant databases of rural clinical research funding and funding for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) research allocated during the period 2000 to 2004 by two major national organisations: the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), and the National Institute of Clinical Studies (NICS). Data are analysed in terms of the number of grants allocated and the level of funding. The results show that, of the 5995 grants (exceeding $1.3 billion) awarded by the NHMRC, only 126 grants (2.1%) amounting to $21 million (1.6% of the total dollars) were allocated to rural/regional/remote and ATSI research. NICS has funded one rural/remote clinical research project, and has commissioned a literature review and conducted a workshop on the use of evidence by rural and remote health practitioners.
- Description: E1
- Description: 2003001235
Exploring hospital inpatients’ awareness of their falls risk : a qualitative exploratory study
- Dabkowski, Elissa, Cooper, Simon, Duncan, Jhodie, Missen, Karen
- Authors: Dabkowski, Elissa , Cooper, Simon , Duncan, Jhodie , Missen, Karen
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health Vol. 20, no. 1 (2023), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Patient falls in hospital may lead to physical, psychological, social and financial impacts. Understanding patients’ perceptions of their fall risk will help to direct fall prevention strategies and understand patient behaviours. The aim of this study was to explore the perceptions and experiences that influence a patient’s understanding of their fall risk in regional Australian hospitals. Semi-structured, individual interviews were conducted in wards across three Australian hospitals. Participants were aged 40 years and over, able to communicate in English and were mobile prior to hospital admission. Participants were excluded from the study if they returned a Standardised Mini-Mental State Examination (SMMSE) score of less than 18 when assessed by the researcher. A total of 18 participants with an average age of 69.8 years (SD ± 12.7, range 41 to 84 years) from three regional Victorian hospitals were interviewed for this study. Data were analysed using a reflexive thematic analysis identifying three major themes; (1) Environment (extrinsic) (2) Individual (intrinsic), and (3) Outcomes, as well as eight minor themes. Participants recognised the hazardous nature of a hospital and their personal responsibilities in staying safe. Falls education needs to be consistently delivered, with the focus on empowering the patient to help them adjust to changes in their clinical condition, whether temporary or permanent. © 2022 by the authors.
- Authors: Dabkowski, Elissa , Cooper, Simon , Duncan, Jhodie , Missen, Karen
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health Vol. 20, no. 1 (2023), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Patient falls in hospital may lead to physical, psychological, social and financial impacts. Understanding patients’ perceptions of their fall risk will help to direct fall prevention strategies and understand patient behaviours. The aim of this study was to explore the perceptions and experiences that influence a patient’s understanding of their fall risk in regional Australian hospitals. Semi-structured, individual interviews were conducted in wards across three Australian hospitals. Participants were aged 40 years and over, able to communicate in English and were mobile prior to hospital admission. Participants were excluded from the study if they returned a Standardised Mini-Mental State Examination (SMMSE) score of less than 18 when assessed by the researcher. A total of 18 participants with an average age of 69.8 years (SD ± 12.7, range 41 to 84 years) from three regional Victorian hospitals were interviewed for this study. Data were analysed using a reflexive thematic analysis identifying three major themes; (1) Environment (extrinsic) (2) Individual (intrinsic), and (3) Outcomes, as well as eight minor themes. Participants recognised the hazardous nature of a hospital and their personal responsibilities in staying safe. Falls education needs to be consistently delivered, with the focus on empowering the patient to help them adjust to changes in their clinical condition, whether temporary or permanent. © 2022 by the authors.
Parent-mediated pathways to care for rural adolescents with depression
- Authors: Jamieson, Rachel
- Date: 2008
- Type: Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: This research aimed to explore the role of parents in seeking help for rural adolescents with depression.
- Description: Doctor of Psychology (Clinical)
- Authors: Jamieson, Rachel
- Date: 2008
- Type: Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: This research aimed to explore the role of parents in seeking help for rural adolescents with depression.
- Description: Doctor of Psychology (Clinical)
The emergence of water markets in Australia and implications for rural social work
- Mason, Robyn, McDonald, John, Ollerenshaw, Alison
- Authors: Mason, Robyn , McDonald, John , Ollerenshaw, Alison
- Date: 2006
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Rural Social Work and Community Practice Vol. 11, no. (2006), p. 6- 17
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: The aim of this paper is to consider the implications for rural social work practice of the widespread and severe drought coupled with the emergence of water markets in Australia. The National Water Initiative was signed at the June 2004 Council of Australian Governments meeting with the aim of producing a nationally-compatible, market, regulatory and planning-based system of managing water resources to optimise economic, social and environmental outcomes. The National Water Commission and the National Competition Council have since assessed progress on the implementation of the initiative: none of their reports gives adequate consideration to the impact of water reform on rural communities. In this paper, we draw upon previous research and written submissions made to the Commission and the Council to examine the social and political consequences of the drought and the emergence of water markets. We discuss the implications for rural practice, and conclude by proposing seven recommendations to assert the role of rural social workers as change agents. This role could encompass community education and advocacy, piloting schemes such as community water banks, reinstating community development in social work curriculum, and facilitating collaborative rural partnerships.
- Description: C1
- Description: 2003001997
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
- Authors: Gottschalk, Lorene
- Date: 2007
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Rural Social Work and Community Practice Vol. 12, no. 2 (2007), p. 31-46
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- 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
- Authors: Gottschalk, Lorene
- Date: 2007
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Rural Social Work and Community Practice Vol. 12, no. 2 (2007), p. 31-46
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- 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
What is evidence-based practice anyway? A rural survey
- Authors: Murphy, Angela
- Date: 2003
- Type: Text , Conference paper
- Relation: Paper presented at the 7th National Rural Health Conference, Canberra : 1st - 4th March, 2003
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Health service system developments in recent decades have, both nationally and internationally, been increasingly focused on quality service delivery and the attainment of improved health outcomes. Evidence-based practice (EBP) has been promoted as a central mechanism through which to achieve improved quality and safety in health service delivery (World Health Organisation, 1999; Australian Health Ministers Advisory Council,1996).
- Description: E1
- Description: 2003000515
- Authors: Murphy, Angela
- Date: 2003
- Type: Text , Conference paper
- Relation: Paper presented at the 7th National Rural Health Conference, Canberra : 1st - 4th March, 2003
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Health service system developments in recent decades have, both nationally and internationally, been increasingly focused on quality service delivery and the attainment of improved health outcomes. Evidence-based practice (EBP) has been promoted as a central mechanism through which to achieve improved quality and safety in health service delivery (World Health Organisation, 1999; Australian Health Ministers Advisory Council,1996).
- Description: E1
- Description: 2003000515
Help-seeking by rural residents for mental health problems: The importance of agrarian values
- Judd, Fiona, Jackson, Henry, Komiti, Angela, Murray, Greg, Fraser, Caitlin, Grieve, Aaron, Gomez, Rapson
- Authors: Judd, Fiona , Jackson, Henry , Komiti, Angela , Murray, Greg , Fraser, Caitlin , Grieve, Aaron , Gomez, Rapson
- Date: 2006
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry Vol. 40, no. 9 (2006), p. 769-776
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Objective: To examine the role of stoicism, self-efficacy and perceived stigma in predicting help-seeking by rural residents, for mental health problems. Method: A cross-sectional community survey was conducted with a sample of 467 rural residents (58% female), who completed self-report questionnaires assessing current levels of symptomatology, disability, perceived stigma, self-efficacy, stoicism, attitudes towards and experience of seeking help for psychological problems. Results: Overall, 7.6% (n = 129) of respondents had sought help from a general practitioner and/or mental health professional for psychological problems or a mental health issue. More women than men reported having sought such help. Lifetime help-seeking for a psychological problem or mental health issue was positively associated with higher levels of distress and lower levels of stoicism and, to a lesser extent, lower levels of self-efficacy. Conclusions: Efforts to improve help-seeking by rural residents for mental health problems should focus on understanding and addressing attitudes, such as stoicism which act as barriers to help-seeking. © 2006 The Authors; Journal compilation © 2006 The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists.
- Description: C1
- Description: 2003002045
- Authors: Judd, Fiona , Jackson, Henry , Komiti, Angela , Murray, Greg , Fraser, Caitlin , Grieve, Aaron , Gomez, Rapson
- Date: 2006
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry Vol. 40, no. 9 (2006), p. 769-776
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Objective: To examine the role of stoicism, self-efficacy and perceived stigma in predicting help-seeking by rural residents, for mental health problems. Method: A cross-sectional community survey was conducted with a sample of 467 rural residents (58% female), who completed self-report questionnaires assessing current levels of symptomatology, disability, perceived stigma, self-efficacy, stoicism, attitudes towards and experience of seeking help for psychological problems. Results: Overall, 7.6% (n = 129) of respondents had sought help from a general practitioner and/or mental health professional for psychological problems or a mental health issue. More women than men reported having sought such help. Lifetime help-seeking for a psychological problem or mental health issue was positively associated with higher levels of distress and lower levels of stoicism and, to a lesser extent, lower levels of self-efficacy. Conclusions: Efforts to improve help-seeking by rural residents for mental health problems should focus on understanding and addressing attitudes, such as stoicism which act as barriers to help-seeking. © 2006 The Authors; Journal compilation © 2006 The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists.
- Description: C1
- Description: 2003002045
Chronic ill health in a regional Victoria setting: A 13-year comparison
- Glenister, Kristen, Bourke, Lisa, Terry, Daniel, Simmons, David
- Authors: Glenister, Kristen , Bourke, Lisa , Terry, Daniel , Simmons, David
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Australian Journal of Rural Health Vol. 27, no. 6 (2019), p. 527-534
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Objective: High-quality data regarding the prevalence of chronic disease in rural areas are essential in understanding the challenges faced by rural populations and for informing strategies to address health care needs. This study compared the prevalence of a range of self-reported chronic conditions and utilisation of GP services and emergency department in a regional Victorian setting between two studies conducted in the same region in 2001-2003 and 2014. Design: Repeat cross-sectional studies conducted over a decade apart. Setting: The projects were conducted in the Goulburn Valley in regional Victoria. Participants: The earlier study randomly selected households from local government lists. The later study randomly selected householders from the telephone directory. Main outcome measures: Participants were asked whether they had been diagnosed with a range of chronic health conditions and how often they had visited a general practitioner or emergency department in the past 12 months. Results: The age-standardised prevalence of depression was higher in the 2014 study than the 2001-2003 study in men (increased by 8.0% (95% CI 4.5, 11.5%)) and women (increased by 13.7% (95% CI 8.4, 19.0%)). Similarly, the prevalence of age-standardised diabetes and hypertension was higher in 2014 than 2001-2003 (men increased by 3.6% (95% CI 0.7, 6.5% (diabetes)) and 13.6% (95% CI 8.6, 18.6% (hypertension)), women increased by 3.1% (95% CI 0.3, 6.5% (diabetes)) and 8.4% (95% CI 2.3, 14.5% (hypertension))). Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that the prevalence of self-reported depression, diabetes and hypertension has increased in this regional Victorian area over the past 13 years. The reasons for these observed increases and the subsequent impact on the health care needs of regional communities warrants further investigation. © 2019 National Rural Health Alliance Ltd.
- Authors: Glenister, Kristen , Bourke, Lisa , Terry, Daniel , Simmons, David
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Australian Journal of Rural Health Vol. 27, no. 6 (2019), p. 527-534
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Objective: High-quality data regarding the prevalence of chronic disease in rural areas are essential in understanding the challenges faced by rural populations and for informing strategies to address health care needs. This study compared the prevalence of a range of self-reported chronic conditions and utilisation of GP services and emergency department in a regional Victorian setting between two studies conducted in the same region in 2001-2003 and 2014. Design: Repeat cross-sectional studies conducted over a decade apart. Setting: The projects were conducted in the Goulburn Valley in regional Victoria. Participants: The earlier study randomly selected households from local government lists. The later study randomly selected householders from the telephone directory. Main outcome measures: Participants were asked whether they had been diagnosed with a range of chronic health conditions and how often they had visited a general practitioner or emergency department in the past 12 months. Results: The age-standardised prevalence of depression was higher in the 2014 study than the 2001-2003 study in men (increased by 8.0% (95% CI 4.5, 11.5%)) and women (increased by 13.7% (95% CI 8.4, 19.0%)). Similarly, the prevalence of age-standardised diabetes and hypertension was higher in 2014 than 2001-2003 (men increased by 3.6% (95% CI 0.7, 6.5% (diabetes)) and 13.6% (95% CI 8.6, 18.6% (hypertension)), women increased by 3.1% (95% CI 0.3, 6.5% (diabetes)) and 8.4% (95% CI 2.3, 14.5% (hypertension))). Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that the prevalence of self-reported depression, diabetes and hypertension has increased in this regional Victorian area over the past 13 years. The reasons for these observed increases and the subsequent impact on the health care needs of regional communities warrants further investigation. © 2019 National Rural Health Alliance Ltd.
Mental health at the COVID-19 frontline : an assessment of distress, fear, and coping among staff and attendees at screening clinics of rural/regional settings of Victoria, Australia
- Rahman, Muhammad Aziz, Ford, Dale, Sousa, Grace, Hedley, Lorraine, Greenstock, Louise, Cross, Wendy, Brumby, Susan
- Authors: Rahman, Muhammad Aziz , Ford, Dale , Sousa, Grace , Hedley, Lorraine , Greenstock, Louise , Cross, Wendy , Brumby, Susan
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Rural Health Vol. 38, no. 4 (2022), p. 773-787
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Purpose: Research examining psychological well-being associated with COVID-19 in rural/regional Australia is limited. This study aimed to assess the extent of psychological distress, fear of COVID-19, and coping strategies among the attendees in COVID-19 screening clinics at 2 rural Victorian settings. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted during July 2020 to February 2021 inclusive. Participants were invited to fill in an online questionnaire. Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K-10), Fear of COVID-19 Scale, and Brief Resilient Coping Scale were used to assess psychological distress, fear of COVID-19, and coping, respectively. Findings: Among 702 total participants, 69% were females and mean age (±SD) was 49 (±15.8) years. One in 5 participants (156, 22%) experienced high to very high psychological distress, 1 in 10 (72, 10%) experienced high fear, and more than half (397, 57%) had medium to high resilient coping. Participants with mental health issues had higher distress (AOR 10.4, 95% CI: 6.25-17.2) and fear (2.56, 1.41-4.66). Higher distress was also associated with having comorbidities, increased smoking (5.71, 1.04-31.4), and alcohol drinking (2.03, 1.21-3.40). Higher fear was associated with negative financial impact, drinking alcohol (2.15, 1.06-4.37), and increased alcohol drinking. Medium to high resilient coping was associated with being ≥60 years old (1.84, 1.04-3.24) and completing Bachelor and above levels of education. Conclusion: People who had pre-existing mental health issues, comorbidities, smoked, and consumed alcohol were identified as high-risk groups for poorer psychological well-being in rural/regional Victoria. Specific interventions to support the mental well-being of these vulnerable populations, along with engaging health care providers, should be considered. © 2021 The Authors. The Journal of Rural Health published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of National Rural Health Association.
- Authors: Rahman, Muhammad Aziz , Ford, Dale , Sousa, Grace , Hedley, Lorraine , Greenstock, Louise , Cross, Wendy , Brumby, Susan
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Rural Health Vol. 38, no. 4 (2022), p. 773-787
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Purpose: Research examining psychological well-being associated with COVID-19 in rural/regional Australia is limited. This study aimed to assess the extent of psychological distress, fear of COVID-19, and coping strategies among the attendees in COVID-19 screening clinics at 2 rural Victorian settings. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted during July 2020 to February 2021 inclusive. Participants were invited to fill in an online questionnaire. Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K-10), Fear of COVID-19 Scale, and Brief Resilient Coping Scale were used to assess psychological distress, fear of COVID-19, and coping, respectively. Findings: Among 702 total participants, 69% were females and mean age (±SD) was 49 (±15.8) years. One in 5 participants (156, 22%) experienced high to very high psychological distress, 1 in 10 (72, 10%) experienced high fear, and more than half (397, 57%) had medium to high resilient coping. Participants with mental health issues had higher distress (AOR 10.4, 95% CI: 6.25-17.2) and fear (2.56, 1.41-4.66). Higher distress was also associated with having comorbidities, increased smoking (5.71, 1.04-31.4), and alcohol drinking (2.03, 1.21-3.40). Higher fear was associated with negative financial impact, drinking alcohol (2.15, 1.06-4.37), and increased alcohol drinking. Medium to high resilient coping was associated with being ≥60 years old (1.84, 1.04-3.24) and completing Bachelor and above levels of education. Conclusion: People who had pre-existing mental health issues, comorbidities, smoked, and consumed alcohol were identified as high-risk groups for poorer psychological well-being in rural/regional Victoria. Specific interventions to support the mental well-being of these vulnerable populations, along with engaging health care providers, should be considered. © 2021 The Authors. The Journal of Rural Health published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of National Rural Health Association.