Perspectives on the training of Chinese Primary Health Care Physicians to reduce chronic illnesses and their burden
- Sun, Wenmin, Li, Yang, Hu, Yitting, Rao, Xin, Xu, Xingzhi, Browning, Colette, Thomas, Shane
- Authors: Sun, Wenmin , Li, Yang , Hu, Yitting , Rao, Xin , Xu, Xingzhi , Browning, Colette , Thomas, Shane
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Frontiers in Public Health Vol. 7, no. (2019), p. 1-7
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- Description: This paper is a commentary on the training of Chinese Primary Health Care Doctors to reduce chronic illness and its burden. First, we will consider the policy position of the Chinese government concerning the development of a competent and enlarged primary physician workforce to deliver the proposed primary health care system reforms. We then turn to a review of the drivers of the high burden of chronic illnesses especially in older people in China. We argue that the curriculum for the training of primary health care medical practitioners should match the demonstrated high prevalence chronic illnesses and their risk factors and that there needs to specific competencies in prevention and mitigation of the diseases and their risk factors.
- Authors: Sun, Wenmin , Li, Yang , Hu, Yitting , Rao, Xin , Xu, Xingzhi , Browning, Colette , Thomas, Shane
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Frontiers in Public Health Vol. 7, no. (2019), p. 1-7
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: This paper is a commentary on the training of Chinese Primary Health Care Doctors to reduce chronic illness and its burden. First, we will consider the policy position of the Chinese government concerning the development of a competent and enlarged primary physician workforce to deliver the proposed primary health care system reforms. We then turn to a review of the drivers of the high burden of chronic illnesses especially in older people in China. We argue that the curriculum for the training of primary health care medical practitioners should match the demonstrated high prevalence chronic illnesses and their risk factors and that there needs to specific competencies in prevention and mitigation of the diseases and their risk factors.
The development of a competency assessment standard for general practitioners in China
- Rao, Xin, Lai, Jinming, Wu, Hua, Li, Yang, Xu, Xingzhi, Browning, Colette, Thomas, Shane
- Authors: Rao, Xin , Lai, Jinming , Wu, Hua , Li, Yang , Xu, Xingzhi , Browning, Colette , Thomas, Shane
- Date: 2020
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Frontiers in Public Health Vol. 8, no. (2020), p.
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- Description: This paper describes the development of a competency assessment standard for General Practitioners in Shenzhen, China. The standard is to be used for developing and delivering the training curriculum for General Practitioners and to enable rigorous assessment of the mastery of the standards by GP trainees. The requirement for the training of General Practitioners in China is mandated by government policy requires an international standard curriculum to meet the needs of patients and the community. A modified Delphi process was employed to arrive at a curriculum consensus. An expert panel and 14 expert working groups derived from the expert panel were established to review and evaluate national and international competency standards for General Practice and develop a set of standards, through a modified Delphi methodology. Forty three experts were involved in the project. The project resulted in a detailed curriculum statement. The curriculum was then used in 2017 and 2018 where pilot examinations of GP trainees (n = 298 and n = 315, respectively) were conducted to assess the trainee's competencies against the Standards. The examination included two modules, a written test (Module A) and a practical test (Module B). The success rate for participants was relatively low with the majority not successfully completing the assessments. The assessments will be further refined in subsequent work. The project achieved its goal of developing a rigorously evaluated standard to support clinical practice and the training and assessment of GPs. © Copyright © 2020 Rao, Lai, Wu, Li, Xu, Browning and Thomas.
- Authors: Rao, Xin , Lai, Jinming , Wu, Hua , Li, Yang , Xu, Xingzhi , Browning, Colette , Thomas, Shane
- Date: 2020
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Frontiers in Public Health Vol. 8, no. (2020), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: This paper describes the development of a competency assessment standard for General Practitioners in Shenzhen, China. The standard is to be used for developing and delivering the training curriculum for General Practitioners and to enable rigorous assessment of the mastery of the standards by GP trainees. The requirement for the training of General Practitioners in China is mandated by government policy requires an international standard curriculum to meet the needs of patients and the community. A modified Delphi process was employed to arrive at a curriculum consensus. An expert panel and 14 expert working groups derived from the expert panel were established to review and evaluate national and international competency standards for General Practice and develop a set of standards, through a modified Delphi methodology. Forty three experts were involved in the project. The project resulted in a detailed curriculum statement. The curriculum was then used in 2017 and 2018 where pilot examinations of GP trainees (n = 298 and n = 315, respectively) were conducted to assess the trainee's competencies against the Standards. The examination included two modules, a written test (Module A) and a practical test (Module B). The success rate for participants was relatively low with the majority not successfully completing the assessments. The assessments will be further refined in subsequent work. The project achieved its goal of developing a rigorously evaluated standard to support clinical practice and the training and assessment of GPs. © Copyright © 2020 Rao, Lai, Wu, Li, Xu, Browning and Thomas.
Trajectories of ageing well among older Australians : a 16-year longitudinal study
- Browning, Colette, Enticott, Joanne, Thomas, Shane, Kendig, Hal
- Authors: Browning, Colette , Enticott, Joanne , Thomas, Shane , Kendig, Hal
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Ageing and Society Vol. 38, no. 8 (2018), p. 1581-1602
- Full Text: false
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- Description: In this study we used individual differences concepts and analyses to examine whether older people achieve different ageing-well states universally or whether there are identifiable key groups that achieve them to different extents. The data used in the modelling were from a prospective 16-year longitudinal study of 1,000 older Australians. We examined predictors of trajectories for ageing well using self-rated health, psychological wellbeing and independence in daily living as joint indicators of ageing well in people aged over 65 years at baseline. We used group-trajectory modelling and multivariate regression to identify characteristics predicting 'ageing well'. The results showed three distinct and sizeable ageing trajectory groups: (a) 'stable-good ageing well' (classified as ageing well in all longitudinal study waves; which was achieved by 30.2% of women and 28.0% of men); (b) 'initially ageing well then deteriorating' (50.5% women and 47.6% men); and (c) 'stable-poor' (not ageing well in any wave; 19.3% women and 24.4% men). Significant gender differences were found in membership in different ageing-well states. In the stable-poor groups there were 103/533 females which was significantly lower than 114/467 men (z-statistic = -2.6, p = 0.005); women had a 'zero' probability of progressing to a better ageing-well classification in later years, whilst males had a one-in-five probability of actually improving. Robust final state outcome predictors at baseline were lower age and fewer medical conditions for both genders; restful sleep and Australian-born for women; and good nutrition, decreased strain, non-smoker and good social support for men. These results support that ageing-well trajectories are influenced by modifiable factors. Findings will assist better targeting of health-promoting activities for older people. © Cambridge University Press 2017.
- Dowling, Nicki, Oldenhof, Erin, Shandley, Kerrie, Youssef, George, Thomas, Shane
- Authors: Dowling, Nicki , Oldenhof, Erin , Shandley, Kerrie , Youssef, George , Thomas, Shane
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Addictive Behaviors Vol. 77, no. (2018), p. 16-20
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- Description: Introduction The risk for developing a gambling problem is greater among offspring who have a problem gambling parent, yet little research has directly examined the mechanisms by which this transmission of problem gambling occurs. For this reason, the present study sought to examine the degree to which children's expectancies and motives relating to gambling explain, at least in part, the intergenerational transmission of problem gambling. Methods Participants (N = 524; 56.5% male) were recruited from educational institutions, and retrospectively reported on parental problem gambling. Problem gambling was measured using the Problem Gambling Severity Index and a range of positive and negative expectancies and gambling motives were explored as potential mediators of the relationship between parent-and-participant problem gambling. Results The relationship between parent-and-participant problem gambling was significant, and remained so after controlling for sociodemographic factors and administration method. Significant mediators of this relationship included self-enhancement expectancies (feeling in control), money expectancies (financial gain), over-involvement (preoccupation with gambling) and emotional impact expectancies (guilt, shame, and loss), as well as enhancement motives (gambling to increase positive feelings) and coping motives (gambling to reduce or avoid negative emotions). All mediators remained significant when entered into the same model. Conclusions The findings highlight that gambling expectancies and motives present unique pathways to the development of problem gambling in the offspring of problem gambling parents, and suggest that gambling cognitions may be potential candidates for targeted interventions for the offspring of problem gamblers. © 2017 Elsevier Ltd **Please note that there are multiple authors for this article therefore only the name of the first 5 including Federation University Australia affiliate “Shane Thomas” is provided in this record**
- Dowling, Nicki, Shandley, Kerrie, Oldenhof, Erin, Affleck, Julia, Thomas, Shane
- Authors: Dowling, Nicki , Shandley, Kerrie , Oldenhof, Erin , Affleck, Julia , Thomas, Shane
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: American Journal on Addictions Vol. 26, no. 7 (2017), p. 707-712
- Full Text: false
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- Description: Background and Objectives: Although parenting practices are articulated as underlying mechanisms or protective factors in several theoretical models, their role in the intergenerational transmission of gambling problems has received limited research attention. This study therefore examined the degree to which parenting practices (positive parenting, parental involvement, and inconsistent discipline) moderated the intergenerational transmission of paternal and maternal problem gambling. Methods: Students aged 12–18 years (N = 612) recruited from 17 Australian secondary schools completed a survey measuring parental problem gambling, problem gambling severity, and parenting practices. Results: Participants endorsing paternal problem gambling (23.3%) were 4.3 times more likely to be classified as at-risk/problem gamblers than their peers (5.4%). Participants endorsing maternal problem gambling (6.9%) were no more likely than their peers (4.0%) to be classified as at-risk/problem gamblers. Paternal problem gambling was a significant predictor of offspring at-risk/problem gambling after controlling for maternal problem gambling and participant demographic characteristics. The relationship between maternal problem gambling and offspring at-risk/problem gambling was buffered by parental involvement. Discussion and Conclusions: Paternal problem gambling may be important in the development of adolescent at-risk/problem gambling behaviours and higher levels of parental involvement buffers the influence of maternal problem gambling in the development of offspring gambling problems. Further research is therefore required to identify factors that attenuate the seemingly greater risk of transmission associated with paternal gambling problems. Scientific Significance: Parental involvement is a potential candidate for prevention and intervention efforts designed to reduce the intergenerational transmission of gambling problems. (Am J Addict 2017;26:707–712). © 2017 American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry. **Please note that there are multiple authors for this article therefore only the name of the first 5 including Federation University Australia affiliate “Shane Thomas” is provided in this record**
Effect of a health coach intervention for the management of individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus in China : a pragmatic cluster randomized controlled trial
- Chapman, Anna, Browning, Colette, Enticott, Joanne, Yang, Hui, Liu, Shuo, Zhang, Tuohong, Thomas, Shane
- Authors: Chapman, Anna , Browning, Colette , Enticott, Joanne , Yang, Hui , Liu, Shuo , Zhang, Tuohong , Thomas, Shane
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Frontiers in Public Health Vol. 6, (2018)
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- Description: Aim: To determine the effect of a health coach intervention for the management of glycemic control, as well as physiological, psychological and self-care outcomes of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), compared with usual care. Methods:This pragmatic cluster RCT was conducted in the Fengtai district of Beijing from August 2011 to December 2013. Forty-one community health stations (CHSs) were cluster randomized (stratified geographically, 1:1 ratio) and eligible, randomly selected T2DM patients were sequentially contacted by CHSs. Control participants received usual care according to the Chinese Guideline for Diabetes Prevention and Management. Intervention participants received 18-months of health coaching based on principles of Motivational Interviewing (MI) plus usual care. Medical and pathology fees were waived for both groups. Outcome assessment was performed at baseline, 6, 12, and 18-months. The primary outcome was glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c); secondary outcomes encompassed a suite of physiological, psychological and self-care measures. Results:No differential treatment effect was found at 18-months for HbA1c (adj. difference -0.07, 95% CI -0.53 to 0.39, p = 0.769) or any specified secondary outcomes. Interestingly, both groups displayed a statistically and clinically significant within-group improvement of the same magnitude at 18-months for HbA1c (intervention: mean change -3.65, 95% CI -3.92 to -3.37; control: mean change -3.38, 95% CI -3.67 to -3.08). Conclusions:The lack of differential treatment effects observed indicate that it may be premature to recommend the routine delivery of health coach interventions based on MI principles for the management of T2DM in China. However, the large, comparable within-group improvement in mean HbA1c promotes the establishment of free, regular clinical health assessments for individuals with T2DM in China. © 2018 Chapman, Browning, Enticott, Yang, Liu, Zhang and Thomas.
- Authors: Chapman, Anna , Browning, Colette , Enticott, Joanne , Yang, Hui , Liu, Shuo , Zhang, Tuohong , Thomas, Shane
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Frontiers in Public Health Vol. 6, (2018)
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- Description: Aim: To determine the effect of a health coach intervention for the management of glycemic control, as well as physiological, psychological and self-care outcomes of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), compared with usual care. Methods:This pragmatic cluster RCT was conducted in the Fengtai district of Beijing from August 2011 to December 2013. Forty-one community health stations (CHSs) were cluster randomized (stratified geographically, 1:1 ratio) and eligible, randomly selected T2DM patients were sequentially contacted by CHSs. Control participants received usual care according to the Chinese Guideline for Diabetes Prevention and Management. Intervention participants received 18-months of health coaching based on principles of Motivational Interviewing (MI) plus usual care. Medical and pathology fees were waived for both groups. Outcome assessment was performed at baseline, 6, 12, and 18-months. The primary outcome was glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c); secondary outcomes encompassed a suite of physiological, psychological and self-care measures. Results:No differential treatment effect was found at 18-months for HbA1c (adj. difference -0.07, 95% CI -0.53 to 0.39, p = 0.769) or any specified secondary outcomes. Interestingly, both groups displayed a statistically and clinically significant within-group improvement of the same magnitude at 18-months for HbA1c (intervention: mean change -3.65, 95% CI -3.92 to -3.37; control: mean change -3.38, 95% CI -3.67 to -3.08). Conclusions:The lack of differential treatment effects observed indicate that it may be premature to recommend the routine delivery of health coach interventions based on MI principles for the management of T2DM in China. However, the large, comparable within-group improvement in mean HbA1c promotes the establishment of free, regular clinical health assessments for individuals with T2DM in China. © 2018 Chapman, Browning, Enticott, Yang, Liu, Zhang and Thomas.
Management of type 2 diabetes in China : the happy life club, a pragmatic cluster randomised controlled trial using health coaches
- Browning, Colette, Chapman, Anna, Yang, Hui, Liu, Shuo, Zhang, Tuohong, Enticott, Joanne, Thomas, Shane
- Authors: Browning, Colette , Chapman, Anna , Yang, Hui , Liu, Shuo , Zhang, Tuohong , Enticott, Joanne , Thomas, Shane
- Date: 2016
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: BMJ Open Vol. 6, no. 3 (2016), p.
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- Description: Objective: To assess the effectiveness of a coach-led motivational interviewing (MI) intervention in improving glycaemic control, as well as clinical, psychosocial and self-care outcomes of individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) compared with usual care. Design: Pragmatic cluster randomised controlled trial (RCT). Setting: Community Health Stations (CHSs) in Fengtai district, Beijing, China. Participants: Of the 41 randomised CHSs (21 intervention and 20 control), 21 intervention CHSs (372 participants) and 18 control CHSs (296 participants) started participation. Intervention: Intervention participants received telephone and face-to-face MI health coaching in addition to usual care from their CHS. Control participants received usual care only. Medical fees were waived for both groups. Outcome measures: Outcomes were assessed at baseline, 6 and 12 months. Primary outcome measure was glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c). Secondary outcomes included a suite of anthropometric, blood pressure (BP), fasting blood, psychosocial and self-care measures. Results: At 12 months, no differential treatment effect was found for HbA1c (adjusted difference 0.02, 95% CI -0.40 to 0.44, p=0.929), with both treatment and control groups showing significant improvements. However, two secondary outcomes: psychological distress (adjusted difference -2.38, 95% CI -4.64 to -0.12, p=0.039) and systolic BP (adjusted difference -3.57, 95% CI -6.08 to -1.05, p=0.005) were robust outcomes consistent with significant differential treatment effects, as supported in sensitivity analyses. Interestingly, in addition to HbA1c, both groups displayed significant improvements in triglycerides, LDL cholesterol and HDL cholesterol. Conclusions: In line with the current Chinese primary healthcare reform, this study is the first large-scale cluster RCT to be implemented within real-world CHSs in China, specifically addressing T2DM. Although a differential treatment effect was not observed for HbA1c, numerous outcomes (including HbA1c) improved in both groups, supporting the establishment of regular, free clinical health checks for people with T2DM in China. Trial registration number: ISRCTN01010526; Preresults.
- Authors: Browning, Colette , Chapman, Anna , Yang, Hui , Liu, Shuo , Zhang, Tuohong , Enticott, Joanne , Thomas, Shane
- Date: 2016
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: BMJ Open Vol. 6, no. 3 (2016), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Objective: To assess the effectiveness of a coach-led motivational interviewing (MI) intervention in improving glycaemic control, as well as clinical, psychosocial and self-care outcomes of individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) compared with usual care. Design: Pragmatic cluster randomised controlled trial (RCT). Setting: Community Health Stations (CHSs) in Fengtai district, Beijing, China. Participants: Of the 41 randomised CHSs (21 intervention and 20 control), 21 intervention CHSs (372 participants) and 18 control CHSs (296 participants) started participation. Intervention: Intervention participants received telephone and face-to-face MI health coaching in addition to usual care from their CHS. Control participants received usual care only. Medical fees were waived for both groups. Outcome measures: Outcomes were assessed at baseline, 6 and 12 months. Primary outcome measure was glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c). Secondary outcomes included a suite of anthropometric, blood pressure (BP), fasting blood, psychosocial and self-care measures. Results: At 12 months, no differential treatment effect was found for HbA1c (adjusted difference 0.02, 95% CI -0.40 to 0.44, p=0.929), with both treatment and control groups showing significant improvements. However, two secondary outcomes: psychological distress (adjusted difference -2.38, 95% CI -4.64 to -0.12, p=0.039) and systolic BP (adjusted difference -3.57, 95% CI -6.08 to -1.05, p=0.005) were robust outcomes consistent with significant differential treatment effects, as supported in sensitivity analyses. Interestingly, in addition to HbA1c, both groups displayed significant improvements in triglycerides, LDL cholesterol and HDL cholesterol. Conclusions: In line with the current Chinese primary healthcare reform, this study is the first large-scale cluster RCT to be implemented within real-world CHSs in China, specifically addressing T2DM. Although a differential treatment effect was not observed for HbA1c, numerous outcomes (including HbA1c) improved in both groups, supporting the establishment of regular, free clinical health checks for people with T2DM in China. Trial registration number: ISRCTN01010526; Preresults.
Food, eating, and happy aging : the perceptions of older Chinese people
- Browning, Colette, Qiu, Zeqi, Yang, Hui, Zhang, Touhong, Thomas, Shane
- Authors: Browning, Colette , Qiu, Zeqi , Yang, Hui , Zhang, Touhong , Thomas, Shane
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Frontiers in Public Health Vol. 7, no. APR (2019), p.
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- Description: China's government and its people have for a long time focused on food security for its population as one of the most important issues in economic and social development. Many older people in China have lived in times when food security was not stable. Thus, while food has a central position in Chinese culture for all Chinese people, it is of particular pertinence to older people. In this paper we explore the meaning of food and eating in the lives of older Chinese people in China and how it contributes to healthy, thus happy aging. Focus groups and qualitative interviews were used in this study. Participants were recruited from the rural Yongfu Province of Southwest China, and the urban Fangzhuang and Haidan districts in Beijing. Forty-two participants were recruited aged 62-83 years of age. All focus groups and interviews were conducted in Mandarin and audiotaped with the participants' permission. Audio-tapes were transcribed by a Chinese speaking researcher and then were translated into English. Data were analyzed continuously and comparatively, transcripts were coded, and themes and sub-themes were identified. The initial analysis and interpretation were then presented and discussed at a workshop with all the authors. Two major themes emerged-the quantity of food and the quality of food required to have a happy old age. Participants discussed the desire to eat "until you are full" because of their experiences of famine during childhood. However, they also believed that as an older person they should eat less for their health, particularly less high fat foods. The importance of the food quality and food affordability was also discussed. Grain and meat were characterized as "good" foods and important in their diets for a happy old age. The participants, especially those from urban areas, were concerned with food safety. The high cultural importance of food for older Chinese in China was confirmed in this study. Social and economic lifespan experiences continue to impact on the food and eating attitudes and practices of older Chinese. The food related life experiences of older Chinese in China are quite different from younger Chinese and health promotion messaging needs to be informed by these unique perspectives in order to maximize its effectiveness. © 2019 Browning, Qiu, Yang, Zhang and Thomas.
- Authors: Browning, Colette , Qiu, Zeqi , Yang, Hui , Zhang, Touhong , Thomas, Shane
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Frontiers in Public Health Vol. 7, no. APR (2019), p.
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- Description: China's government and its people have for a long time focused on food security for its population as one of the most important issues in economic and social development. Many older people in China have lived in times when food security was not stable. Thus, while food has a central position in Chinese culture for all Chinese people, it is of particular pertinence to older people. In this paper we explore the meaning of food and eating in the lives of older Chinese people in China and how it contributes to healthy, thus happy aging. Focus groups and qualitative interviews were used in this study. Participants were recruited from the rural Yongfu Province of Southwest China, and the urban Fangzhuang and Haidan districts in Beijing. Forty-two participants were recruited aged 62-83 years of age. All focus groups and interviews were conducted in Mandarin and audiotaped with the participants' permission. Audio-tapes were transcribed by a Chinese speaking researcher and then were translated into English. Data were analyzed continuously and comparatively, transcripts were coded, and themes and sub-themes were identified. The initial analysis and interpretation were then presented and discussed at a workshop with all the authors. Two major themes emerged-the quantity of food and the quality of food required to have a happy old age. Participants discussed the desire to eat "until you are full" because of their experiences of famine during childhood. However, they also believed that as an older person they should eat less for their health, particularly less high fat foods. The importance of the food quality and food affordability was also discussed. Grain and meat were characterized as "good" foods and important in their diets for a happy old age. The participants, especially those from urban areas, were concerned with food safety. The high cultural importance of food for older Chinese in China was confirmed in this study. Social and economic lifespan experiences continue to impact on the food and eating attitudes and practices of older Chinese. The food related life experiences of older Chinese in China are quite different from younger Chinese and health promotion messaging needs to be informed by these unique perspectives in order to maximize its effectiveness. © 2019 Browning, Qiu, Yang, Zhang and Thomas.
Barriers and enablers to the delivery of psychological care in the management of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in China : a qualitative study using the theoretical domains framework
- Chapman, Anna, Yang, Hui, Thomas, Shane, Searle, Kendall, Browning, Colette
- Authors: Chapman, Anna , Yang, Hui , Thomas, Shane , Searle, Kendall , Browning, Colette
- Date: 2016
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: BMC Health Services Research Vol. 16, no. 1 (2016), p.
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- Description: Background: China has the largest number of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) cases globally and individuals with T2DM have an increased risk of developing mental health disorders and functional problems. Despite guidelines recommending that psychological care be delivered in conjunction with standard T2DM care; psychological care is not routinely delivered in China. Community Health Centre (CHC) doctors play a key role in the management of patients with T2DM in China. Understanding the behavioural determinants of CHC doctors in the implementation of psychological care recommendations allows for the design of targeted and culturally appropriate interventions. As such, this study aimed to examine barriers and enablers to the delivery of psychological care to patients with T2DM from the perspective of CHC doctors in China. Methods: Two focus groups were conducted with 23 CHC doctors from Shenzhen, China. The discussion guide applied the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) that examines current practice and identifies key barriers and enablers perceived to influence practice. Focus groups were conducted with an interpreter, and were digitally recorded and transcribed. Two researchers independently coded transcripts into pre-defined themes using deductive thematic analysis. Results: Barriers and enablers perceived by doctors as being relevant to the delivery of psychological care for patients with T2DM were primarily categorised within eight TDF domains. Key barriers included: CHC doctors' knowledge and skills; time constraints; and absence of financial incentives. Other barriers included: societal perception that treating psychological aspects of health is less important than physical health; lack of opinion leaders; doctors' intentional disregard of psychological care; and doubts regarding the efficacy of psychological care. In contrast, perceived enablers included: Training of CHC doctors in psychological skills; identification of afternoon/evening clinic times when recommendations could be implemented; introduction of financial incentives; and the creation of a professional role (e.g. diabetes educator), that could implement psychological care recommendations to patients with T2DM. © 2016 Chapman et al..
- Authors: Chapman, Anna , Yang, Hui , Thomas, Shane , Searle, Kendall , Browning, Colette
- Date: 2016
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: BMC Health Services Research Vol. 16, no. 1 (2016), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: China has the largest number of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) cases globally and individuals with T2DM have an increased risk of developing mental health disorders and functional problems. Despite guidelines recommending that psychological care be delivered in conjunction with standard T2DM care; psychological care is not routinely delivered in China. Community Health Centre (CHC) doctors play a key role in the management of patients with T2DM in China. Understanding the behavioural determinants of CHC doctors in the implementation of psychological care recommendations allows for the design of targeted and culturally appropriate interventions. As such, this study aimed to examine barriers and enablers to the delivery of psychological care to patients with T2DM from the perspective of CHC doctors in China. Methods: Two focus groups were conducted with 23 CHC doctors from Shenzhen, China. The discussion guide applied the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) that examines current practice and identifies key barriers and enablers perceived to influence practice. Focus groups were conducted with an interpreter, and were digitally recorded and transcribed. Two researchers independently coded transcripts into pre-defined themes using deductive thematic analysis. Results: Barriers and enablers perceived by doctors as being relevant to the delivery of psychological care for patients with T2DM were primarily categorised within eight TDF domains. Key barriers included: CHC doctors' knowledge and skills; time constraints; and absence of financial incentives. Other barriers included: societal perception that treating psychological aspects of health is less important than physical health; lack of opinion leaders; doctors' intentional disregard of psychological care; and doubts regarding the efficacy of psychological care. In contrast, perceived enablers included: Training of CHC doctors in psychological skills; identification of afternoon/evening clinic times when recommendations could be implemented; introduction of financial incentives; and the creation of a professional role (e.g. diabetes educator), that could implement psychological care recommendations to patients with T2DM. © 2016 Chapman et al..
The intergenerational transmission of problem gambling : the mediating role of parental psychopathology
- Dowling, Nicki, Shandley, Kerrie, Oldenhof, Erin, Youssef, George, Thomas, Shane
- Authors: Dowling, Nicki , Shandley, Kerrie , Oldenhof, Erin , Youssef, George , Thomas, Shane
- Date: 2016
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Addictive Behaviors Vol. 59, no. (2016), p. 12-17
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- Description: The present study investigated the intergenerational transmission of problem gambling and the potential mediating role of parental psychopathology (problem drinking, drug use problems, and mental health issues). The study comprised 3953 participants (1938 males, 2015 females) recruited from a large-scale Australian community telephone survey of adults retrospectively reporting on parental problem gambling and psychopathology during their childhood. Overall, 4.0% [95%CI 3.0, 5.0] (n = 157) of participants reported paternal problem gambling and 1.7% [95%CI 1.0, 2.0] (n = 68) reported maternal problem gambling. Compared to their peers, participants reporting paternal problem gambling were 5.1 times more likely to be moderate risk gamblers and 10.7 times more likely to be problem gamblers. Participants reporting maternal problem gambling were 1.7 times more likely to be moderate risk gamblers and 10.6 times more likely to be problem gamblers. The results revealed that the relationships between paternal-and-participant and maternal-and-participant problem gambling were significant, but that only the relationship between paternal-and-participant problem gambling remained statistically significant after controlling for maternal problem gambling and sociodemographic factors. Paternal problem drinking and maternal drug use problems partially mediated the relationship between paternal-and-participant problem gambling, and fully mediated the relationship between maternal-and-participant problem gambling. In contrast, parental mental health issues failed to significantly mediate the transmission of gambling problems by either parent. When parental problem gambling was the mediator, there was full mediation of the effect between parental psychopathology and offspring problem gambling for fathers but not mothers. Overall, the study highlights the vulnerability of children from problem gambling households and suggests that it would be of value to target prevention and intervention efforts towards this cohort. © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. **Please note that there are multiple authors for this article therefore only the name of the first 5 including Federation University Australia affiliate “Shane Thomas” is provided in this record**
- Authors: Dowling, Nicki , Shandley, Kerrie , Oldenhof, Erin , Youssef, George , Thomas, Shane
- Date: 2016
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Addictive Behaviors Vol. 59, no. (2016), p. 12-17
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- Description: The present study investigated the intergenerational transmission of problem gambling and the potential mediating role of parental psychopathology (problem drinking, drug use problems, and mental health issues). The study comprised 3953 participants (1938 males, 2015 females) recruited from a large-scale Australian community telephone survey of adults retrospectively reporting on parental problem gambling and psychopathology during their childhood. Overall, 4.0% [95%CI 3.0, 5.0] (n = 157) of participants reported paternal problem gambling and 1.7% [95%CI 1.0, 2.0] (n = 68) reported maternal problem gambling. Compared to their peers, participants reporting paternal problem gambling were 5.1 times more likely to be moderate risk gamblers and 10.7 times more likely to be problem gamblers. Participants reporting maternal problem gambling were 1.7 times more likely to be moderate risk gamblers and 10.6 times more likely to be problem gamblers. The results revealed that the relationships between paternal-and-participant and maternal-and-participant problem gambling were significant, but that only the relationship between paternal-and-participant problem gambling remained statistically significant after controlling for maternal problem gambling and sociodemographic factors. Paternal problem drinking and maternal drug use problems partially mediated the relationship between paternal-and-participant problem gambling, and fully mediated the relationship between maternal-and-participant problem gambling. In contrast, parental mental health issues failed to significantly mediate the transmission of gambling problems by either parent. When parental problem gambling was the mediator, there was full mediation of the effect between parental psychopathology and offspring problem gambling for fathers but not mothers. Overall, the study highlights the vulnerability of children from problem gambling households and suggests that it would be of value to target prevention and intervention efforts towards this cohort. © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. **Please note that there are multiple authors for this article therefore only the name of the first 5 including Federation University Australia affiliate “Shane Thomas” is provided in this record**
Primary health care and older people
- Browning, Colette, Davis, Jenny, Thomas, Shane
- Authors: Browning, Colette , Davis, Jenny , Thomas, Shane
- Date: 2016
- Type: Text , Book chapter
- Relation: Ageing in Australia: Challenges and Opportunities p. 225-237
- Full Text: false
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- Description: This chapter examines the role of primary health care in the health of older people. As background to the chapter we discuss how primary health care operates in Australia, the workforce challenges and the recent policy reforms. Next we discuss primary health care use by older Australians and the types of services accessed. A main theme in the chapter is the lack of co-ordination between the health and aged care system in the delivery of primary health care services to older people, and the need for integrated care that addresses issues of multi-morbidity and multi-professional input to the care of older people. Addressing these issues through a skilled workforce, better communication between health professionals and a funding approach that does not disadvantage older multiple users of the primary health care system, will assist in the prevention of entry of older people into the more expensive secondary and tertiary health care and residential aged care systems.
- Dowling, Nicki, Francis, K., Dixon, R., Merkouris, Stephanie, Thomas, Shane
- Authors: Dowling, Nicki , Francis, K. , Dixon, R. , Merkouris, Stephanie , Thomas, Shane
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Gambling Studies Vol. 37, no. 2 (2021), p. 689-710
- Full Text: false
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- Description: There are considerable gaps in our understanding of the familial transmission of gambling problems. This convergent mixed-methods study aimed to explore the: (1) sources of heterogeneity in the familial (paternal, maternal, and sibling) transmission of gambling problems; (2) degree to which family-of-origin characteristics are associated with family-of-origin problem gambling; and (3) beliefs of gamblers about the nature of the familial transmission of problem gambling. The sample consisted of 97 treatment-seeking gamblers in Australia. One-quarter (25.5%) of participants reported that at least one family member (16.5% father, 7.5% mother, 7.6% siblings) living with them when they were growing up had a gambling problem. Most participants reported that family members with a positive history of problem gambling were biological relatives, lived with them full-time, and experienced long-term difficulties with gambling. Participants with a family history of problem gambling were young (less than 12 years of age) at the onset of parental, but not sibling, problem gambling, were women, and reported difficulties with the same gambling activity as their family member. Participants raised in families with problem gambling were more likely to report parental separation (risk ratio [RR] = 2.32) and divorce (RR = 2.83), and extreme family financial hardship (RR = 1.80), as well as low levels of paternal authoritative parenting than participants raised in non-problem gambling families. Qualitatively, both social learning and genetics were perceived to play a central role in the familial transmission of gambling problems. These findings inform theories of the familial transmission of gambling problems and the design of targeted prevention and intervention strategies. © 2020, Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature. **Please note that there are multiple authors for this article therefore only the name of the first 5 including Federation University Australia affiliate “Shane Thomas” is provided in this record**
Problem gambling and family violence : findings from a population-representative study
- Dowling, Nicki, Ewin, Carrie, Youssef, George, Merkouris, Stephanie, Thomas, Shane
- Authors: Dowling, Nicki , Ewin, Carrie , Youssef, George , Merkouris, Stephanie , Thomas, Shane
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Behavioral Addictions Vol. 7, no. 3 (2018), p. 806-813
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- Description: Background and aims: Few studies have investigated the association between problem gambling (PG) and violence extending into the family beyond intimate partners. This study aimed to explore the association between PG and family violence (FV) in a population-representative sample. It was hypothesized that: (a) PG would be positively associated with FV, even after adjusting for sociodemographic variables and comorbidities and (b) these relationships would be significantly exacerbated by substance use and psychological distress. A secondary aim was to explore whether gender moderated these relationships. Methods: Computer-assisted telephone interviews were conducted with a population-representative sample of 4,153 Australian adults. Results: Moderate-risk (MR)/problem gamblers had a 2.73-fold increase in the odds of experiencing FV victimization (21.3%; 95% CI: 13.1-29.4) relative to nonproblem gamblers (9.4%; 95% CI: 8.5-10.4). They also had a 2.56-fold increase in the odds of experiencing FV perpetration (19.7%; 95% CI: 11.8-27.7) relative to non-problem gamblers (9.0%; 95% CI: 8.0-10.0). Low-risk gamblers also had over a twofold increase in the odds of experiencing FV victimization (20.0%; 95% CI: 14.0-26.0) and perpetration (19.3%; 95% CI: 13.5-25.1). These relationships remained robust for low-risk gamblers, but were attenuated for MR/problem gamblers, after adjustment for substance use and psychological distress. MR/problem gamblers had a greater probability of FV victimization, if they reported hazardous alcohol use; and low-risk gamblers had a greater probability of FV perpetration if they were female. Discussion and conclusion: These findings provide further support for routine screening, highlight the need for prevention and intervention programs, and suggest that reducing alcohol use may be important in these efforts. © 2018 The Author(s). **Please note that there are multiple authors for this article therefore only the name of the first 5 including Federation University Australia affiliate “Shane Thomas” is provided in this record**
- Authors: Dowling, Nicki , Ewin, Carrie , Youssef, George , Merkouris, Stephanie , Thomas, Shane
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Behavioral Addictions Vol. 7, no. 3 (2018), p. 806-813
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background and aims: Few studies have investigated the association between problem gambling (PG) and violence extending into the family beyond intimate partners. This study aimed to explore the association between PG and family violence (FV) in a population-representative sample. It was hypothesized that: (a) PG would be positively associated with FV, even after adjusting for sociodemographic variables and comorbidities and (b) these relationships would be significantly exacerbated by substance use and psychological distress. A secondary aim was to explore whether gender moderated these relationships. Methods: Computer-assisted telephone interviews were conducted with a population-representative sample of 4,153 Australian adults. Results: Moderate-risk (MR)/problem gamblers had a 2.73-fold increase in the odds of experiencing FV victimization (21.3%; 95% CI: 13.1-29.4) relative to nonproblem gamblers (9.4%; 95% CI: 8.5-10.4). They also had a 2.56-fold increase in the odds of experiencing FV perpetration (19.7%; 95% CI: 11.8-27.7) relative to non-problem gamblers (9.0%; 95% CI: 8.0-10.0). Low-risk gamblers also had over a twofold increase in the odds of experiencing FV victimization (20.0%; 95% CI: 14.0-26.0) and perpetration (19.3%; 95% CI: 13.5-25.1). These relationships remained robust for low-risk gamblers, but were attenuated for MR/problem gamblers, after adjustment for substance use and psychological distress. MR/problem gamblers had a greater probability of FV victimization, if they reported hazardous alcohol use; and low-risk gamblers had a greater probability of FV perpetration if they were female. Discussion and conclusion: These findings provide further support for routine screening, highlight the need for prevention and intervention programs, and suggest that reducing alcohol use may be important in these efforts. © 2018 The Author(s). **Please note that there are multiple authors for this article therefore only the name of the first 5 including Federation University Australia affiliate “Shane Thomas” is provided in this record**
Cognitive distortions among older adult gamblers in an Asian context
- Subramaniam, Mythily, Chong, Siow, Browning, Colette, Thomas, Shane
- Authors: Subramaniam, Mythily , Chong, Siow , Browning, Colette , Thomas, Shane
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: PLoS ONE Vol. 12, no. 5 (2017), p.
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- Description: Aims: The study aims to describe the construct of cognitive distortions based on the narratives of older adult gamblers (aged 60 years and above) in Singapore. Methods: Singapore residents (citizens or permanent residents) aged 60 years and above, who were current or past regular gamblers were included in the study. Participants were recruited using a combination of venue based approach, referrals from service providers as well as by snowball sampling. In all, 25 in-depth interviews were conducted with older adult gamblers. The six-step thematic network analysis methodology was adopted for data analysis. Results: The mean age of the participants was 66.2 years. The majority were male (n = 18), of Chinese ethnicity (n = 16), with a mean age of gambling initiation at 24.5 years. Among older adult gamblers, cognitive distortions emerged as a significant global theme comprising three organizing themes-illusion of control, probability control and interpretive control. The organizing themes comprised nine basic themes: perception of gambling as a skill, near miss, concept of luck, superstitious beliefs, entrapment, gambler's fallacy, chasing wins, chasing losses, and beliefs that wins are more than losses. Conclusions: Cognitive distortions were endorsed by all gamblers in the current study and were shown to play a role in both maintaining and escalating the gambling behaviour. While the surface characteristics of the distortions had a culture-specific appearance, the deeper characteristics of the distortions may in fact be more universal than previously thought. Future research must include longitudinal studies to understand causal relationships between cognitive distortions and gambling as well as the role of culture-specific distortions both in the maintenance and treatment of the disorder. © 2017 Subramaniam et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
- Authors: Subramaniam, Mythily , Chong, Siow , Browning, Colette , Thomas, Shane
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: PLoS ONE Vol. 12, no. 5 (2017), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Aims: The study aims to describe the construct of cognitive distortions based on the narratives of older adult gamblers (aged 60 years and above) in Singapore. Methods: Singapore residents (citizens or permanent residents) aged 60 years and above, who were current or past regular gamblers were included in the study. Participants were recruited using a combination of venue based approach, referrals from service providers as well as by snowball sampling. In all, 25 in-depth interviews were conducted with older adult gamblers. The six-step thematic network analysis methodology was adopted for data analysis. Results: The mean age of the participants was 66.2 years. The majority were male (n = 18), of Chinese ethnicity (n = 16), with a mean age of gambling initiation at 24.5 years. Among older adult gamblers, cognitive distortions emerged as a significant global theme comprising three organizing themes-illusion of control, probability control and interpretive control. The organizing themes comprised nine basic themes: perception of gambling as a skill, near miss, concept of luck, superstitious beliefs, entrapment, gambler's fallacy, chasing wins, chasing losses, and beliefs that wins are more than losses. Conclusions: Cognitive distortions were endorsed by all gamblers in the current study and were shown to play a role in both maintaining and escalating the gambling behaviour. While the surface characteristics of the distortions had a culture-specific appearance, the deeper characteristics of the distortions may in fact be more universal than previously thought. Future research must include longitudinal studies to understand causal relationships between cognitive distortions and gambling as well as the role of culture-specific distortions both in the maintenance and treatment of the disorder. © 2017 Subramaniam et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
Gambling and family : a two-way relationship
- Subramaniam, Mythily, Chong, Siow, Satghare, Pratika, Browning, Colette, Thomas, Shane
- Authors: Subramaniam, Mythily , Chong, Siow , Satghare, Pratika , Browning, Colette , Thomas, Shane
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Behavioral Addictions Vol. 6, no. 4 (2017), p. 689-698
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- Description: Background and aims: Families play an important role in the evolution of gambling and are also adversely affected by the disordered gambling of any one of their members. The aims of this study were to explore both the role families play in gambling initiation, maintenance, and help-seeking, and the harm caused to families by the gambling behavior using a qualitative approach. Methods: Regular older adult gamblers were included in the study. In-depth interviews were conducted with 25 older adults to gain an understanding of gambling from their perspective. Older adult gamblers described their lived experience of gambling ranging from initiation to harm and attempts to cut down or limit gambling. Data were analyzed using thematic network analysis. Results: The mean age of the 25 participants was 66.2 years. The majority were male (n = 18), of Chinese ethnicity (n = 16), had secondary education (n = 9), were married (n = 20), and currently employed (n = 15). Four organizing themes related to the role of families in initiation and maintenance of gambling, harm caused to family members, and their role in help-seeking were identified. Discussion and conclusions: The study emphasizes the role of Asian families in both initiation and maintenance of gambling. Hence, families must be involved in prevention and outreach programs. Family members must be educated, so that they can encourage help-seeking to ensure early treatment and recovery. There is a need for interventional studies for reducing stress and improving coping among family members. © 2017 The Author(s).
- Authors: Subramaniam, Mythily , Chong, Siow , Satghare, Pratika , Browning, Colette , Thomas, Shane
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Behavioral Addictions Vol. 6, no. 4 (2017), p. 689-698
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background and aims: Families play an important role in the evolution of gambling and are also adversely affected by the disordered gambling of any one of their members. The aims of this study were to explore both the role families play in gambling initiation, maintenance, and help-seeking, and the harm caused to families by the gambling behavior using a qualitative approach. Methods: Regular older adult gamblers were included in the study. In-depth interviews were conducted with 25 older adults to gain an understanding of gambling from their perspective. Older adult gamblers described their lived experience of gambling ranging from initiation to harm and attempts to cut down or limit gambling. Data were analyzed using thematic network analysis. Results: The mean age of the 25 participants was 66.2 years. The majority were male (n = 18), of Chinese ethnicity (n = 16), had secondary education (n = 9), were married (n = 20), and currently employed (n = 15). Four organizing themes related to the role of families in initiation and maintenance of gambling, harm caused to family members, and their role in help-seeking were identified. Discussion and conclusions: The study emphasizes the role of Asian families in both initiation and maintenance of gambling. Hence, families must be involved in prevention and outreach programs. Family members must be educated, so that they can encourage help-seeking to ensure early treatment and recovery. There is a need for interventional studies for reducing stress and improving coping among family members. © 2017 The Author(s).
Responsible gambling among older adults : a qualitative exploration
- Subramaniam, Mythily, Satghare, Pratika, Vaingankar, Janhavi, Picco, Louisa, Browning, Colette, Chong, Siow, Thomas, Shane
- Authors: Subramaniam, Mythily , Satghare, Pratika , Vaingankar, Janhavi , Picco, Louisa , Browning, Colette , Chong, Siow , Thomas, Shane
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: BMC Psychiatry Vol. 17, no. 1 (2017), p.
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- Description: Background: Responsible gambling (RG) is defined as gambling for pleasure and entertainment but with an awareness of the likelihood of losing, an understanding of the associated risks and the ability to exercise control over one's gambling activity. The current study describes a qualitative approach to explore RG among older adults (aged 60 years and above) in Singapore and reports on the cognitive and behavioural strategies employed by them to regulate their gambling. Methods: Inclusion criteria included Singapore residents aged 60 years and above, who could speak in English, Chinese, Malay or Tamil and were current or past regular gamblers. Participants were recruited using a combination of network and purposive sampling. Socio-demographic information on age, age of onset of gambling, gender, ethnicity, marital status, education and employment was collected. The South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS) was used to collect information on gambling activities and problems associated with gambling behaviour. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 25 older adults (60 years and above) who currently gambled. The data was analyzed using thematic network analysis. Results: This global theme of RG comprised two organising themes: self -developed strategies to limit gambling related harm and family interventions to reduce gambling harm. The basic themes included delayed gratification, perception of futility of gambling, setting limits, maintaining balance, help-seeking and awareness of disordered gambling in self or in others. Family interventions included pleading and threatening, compelling help-seeking as well as family exclusion order. Conclusions: The study highlights the significant role that families play in Asian societies in imposing RG. Education of family members both in terms of the importance of RG, and communication of the ways in which older adults can incorporate RG behaviours including the use of exclusion in specific scenarios is important. © 2017 The Author(s).
- Authors: Subramaniam, Mythily , Satghare, Pratika , Vaingankar, Janhavi , Picco, Louisa , Browning, Colette , Chong, Siow , Thomas, Shane
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: BMC Psychiatry Vol. 17, no. 1 (2017), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: Responsible gambling (RG) is defined as gambling for pleasure and entertainment but with an awareness of the likelihood of losing, an understanding of the associated risks and the ability to exercise control over one's gambling activity. The current study describes a qualitative approach to explore RG among older adults (aged 60 years and above) in Singapore and reports on the cognitive and behavioural strategies employed by them to regulate their gambling. Methods: Inclusion criteria included Singapore residents aged 60 years and above, who could speak in English, Chinese, Malay or Tamil and were current or past regular gamblers. Participants were recruited using a combination of network and purposive sampling. Socio-demographic information on age, age of onset of gambling, gender, ethnicity, marital status, education and employment was collected. The South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS) was used to collect information on gambling activities and problems associated with gambling behaviour. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 25 older adults (60 years and above) who currently gambled. The data was analyzed using thematic network analysis. Results: This global theme of RG comprised two organising themes: self -developed strategies to limit gambling related harm and family interventions to reduce gambling harm. The basic themes included delayed gratification, perception of futility of gambling, setting limits, maintaining balance, help-seeking and awareness of disordered gambling in self or in others. Family interventions included pleading and threatening, compelling help-seeking as well as family exclusion order. Conclusions: The study highlights the significant role that families play in Asian societies in imposing RG. Education of family members both in terms of the importance of RG, and communication of the ways in which older adults can incorporate RG behaviours including the use of exclusion in specific scenarios is important. © 2017 The Author(s).
Patterns of family and intimate partner violence in problem gamblers
- Suomi, Aino, Dowling, Nicki, Thomas, Shane, Abbott, Max, Bellringer, Maria
- Authors: Suomi, Aino , Dowling, Nicki , Thomas, Shane , Abbott, Max , Bellringer, Maria
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of gambling studies Vol. 35, no. 2 (2019), p. 465-484
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: While the evidence about the statistical co-occurrence of family violence and problem gambling is growing, the mechanism by which the two behaviours are related is less clear. This study sought to clarify the dynamics of the problem behaviours, including the role of gender in victimisation and perpetration of violence in the family. Two-hundred-and-twelve treatment seeking problem gamblers (50.5% females) were recruited for interviews about past year FV and IPV experiences. The interviews included questions about the types of FV and IPV using the HITS tool (Sherin et al. in Fam Med Kans City 30:508-512, 1998). The questions addressed multiple family members, the temporal order of violence and gambling and the perceived associations between the two behaviours. The result show that well over half (60.8%; 95 CI = 54.1-67.2) of the participants reported some form of violence in the past 12 months, with no gender differences in relation to perpetration and victimisation. Bidirectional violence (43.9%; 95 CI = 37.4-50.6) was significantly more common than 'perpetration only' (11.3%; 95 CI = 7.7-16.3) or 'victimisation only' (5.7%; 95 CI = 3.3-9.6). Violence was mostly verbal, although considerable rates of physical violence also featured in the responses. 'Participants' own gambling preceded violence in a majority of the interviews but a small group of IPV victims reported that being a victim had led to their problematic gambling. These results can be used inform prevention, better treatment matching and capacity building in family violence and problem gambling services, where a significant focus should be on situational IPV.
Problem gambling and intimate partner violence : a systematic review and meta-analysis
- Dowling, Nicki, Suomi, Aino, Jackson, Alun, Lavis, Tiffany, Thomas, Shane
- Authors: Dowling, Nicki , Suomi, Aino , Jackson, Alun , Lavis, Tiffany , Thomas, Shane
- Date: 2016
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Trauma, Violence, and Abuse Vol. 17, no. 1 (2016), p. 43-61
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- Description: This study provides a systematic review of the empirical evidence related to the association between problem gambling and intimate partner violence (IPV). We identified 14 available studies in the systematic search (8 for victimisation only, 4 for perpetration only and 2 for both victimisation and perpetration). Although there were some equivocal findings, we found that most of the available research suggests that there is a significant relationship between problem gambling and being a victim of IPV. There was more consistent evidence that there is a significant relationship between problem gambling and perpetration of IPV. Meta-analyses revealed that over one third of problem gamblers report being victims of physical IPV (38.1%) or perpetrators of physical IPV (36.5%) and that the prevalence of problem gambling in IPV perpetrators is 11.3%. Although the exact nature of the relationships between problem gambling and IPV is yet to be determined, the findings suggest that less than full employment and clinical anger problems are implicated in the relationship between problem gambling and IPV victimization and that younger age, less than full employment, clinical anger problems, impulsivity, and alcohol and substance use are implicated in the relationship between problem gambling and IPV perpetration. The findings highlight the need for treatment services to undertake routine screening and assessment of problem gambling, IPV, alcohol and substance use problems, and mental health issues and provide interventions designed to manage this cluster of comorbid conditions. Further research is also required to investigate the relationship between problem gambling and violence that extends into the family beyond intimate partners. © 2014, The Author(s) 2014. **Please note that there are multiple authors for this article therefore only the name of the first 5 including Federation University Australia affiliate “Shane Thomas” is provided in this record**
- Authors: Dowling, Nicki , Suomi, Aino , Jackson, Alun , Lavis, Tiffany , Thomas, Shane
- Date: 2016
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Trauma, Violence, and Abuse Vol. 17, no. 1 (2016), p. 43-61
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: This study provides a systematic review of the empirical evidence related to the association between problem gambling and intimate partner violence (IPV). We identified 14 available studies in the systematic search (8 for victimisation only, 4 for perpetration only and 2 for both victimisation and perpetration). Although there were some equivocal findings, we found that most of the available research suggests that there is a significant relationship between problem gambling and being a victim of IPV. There was more consistent evidence that there is a significant relationship between problem gambling and perpetration of IPV. Meta-analyses revealed that over one third of problem gamblers report being victims of physical IPV (38.1%) or perpetrators of physical IPV (36.5%) and that the prevalence of problem gambling in IPV perpetrators is 11.3%. Although the exact nature of the relationships between problem gambling and IPV is yet to be determined, the findings suggest that less than full employment and clinical anger problems are implicated in the relationship between problem gambling and IPV victimization and that younger age, less than full employment, clinical anger problems, impulsivity, and alcohol and substance use are implicated in the relationship between problem gambling and IPV perpetration. The findings highlight the need for treatment services to undertake routine screening and assessment of problem gambling, IPV, alcohol and substance use problems, and mental health issues and provide interventions designed to manage this cluster of comorbid conditions. Further research is also required to investigate the relationship between problem gambling and violence that extends into the family beyond intimate partners. © 2014, The Author(s) 2014. **Please note that there are multiple authors for this article therefore only the name of the first 5 including Federation University Australia affiliate “Shane Thomas” is provided in this record**
- Thomas, Shane, Browning, Colette
- Authors: Thomas, Shane , Browning, Colette
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Book chapter
- Relation: Encyclopedia of Geropsychology p.
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: Burden of disease (BoD) is a population measure of the effects of a specific disease or health problem. It is usually measured by Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) and/or by the related concept of Quality-Adjusted Life Years (QALYs). A DALY is a year of healthy life that is “lost” because of a specific condition. When the DALYs associated with a condition within a population are summed, this is the burden of disease (BoD). The burden of disease is the number of healthy years lost in a population compared to full health. The QALY is the person’s length of life multiplied by a valuation of their health-related quality of life. QALY measures are frequently used in the economic evaluation of health interventions. The World Health Organization coordinates a major ongoing global study of BoD, the Global Burden of Disease Study.
- Browning, Colette, Thomas, Shane, Kendig, Hal, Ory, Marcia
- Authors: Browning, Colette , Thomas, Shane , Kendig, Hal , Ory, Marcia
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Book chapter
- Relation: Encyclopedia of Geropsychology p.
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: In the last 40 years, there have been many attempts to define healthy aging and its synonyms. The evolution of the definitions of healthy aging and its many synonyms has reflected contemporary thinking and a high level of interest in the health and quality of life of older people. The WHO now defines healthy aging as: The process of developing and maintaining the functional ability that enables well being in old age. (World Health Organization 2015, p. 40) An earlier similar definition was provided by Health Canada as part of a systematic research program on aging and the maximization of quality of life. A lifelong process of optimising opportunities for improving and preserving health and physical, social and mental wellness, independence, quality of life and enhancing successful life-course transitions. (Health Canada 2001, p. 1) The European Union Healthy Ageing Project (Swedish National Institute of Public Health 2006) defined it as “… the process of optimising opportunities for physical, social and mental health to enable older people to take an active part in society without discrimination and to enjoy an independent and good quality of life.” Other definitions include: …the development and maintenance of optimal physical, mental and social well-being and function in older adults. It is most likely to be achieved by individuals who live in physical environments and communities that are safe and support the adoption and maintenance of attitudes and behaviors known to promote health and well-being; and the effective use of health services to prevent or minimize the impact of acute and chronic disease on function. (US Health Promotion Research Centre Healthy Aging Research Network) … a process whereby people can achieve or maintain the best possible state of physical, cognitive and mental health and well being, meaningful and positive engagement with people, community and institutions, and a personal sense of security, choice and autonomy, with active adaptation to ageing processes from the individual, familial and societal perspectives. (Browning and Thomas 2007)