Implementation of evidence-based weekend service recommendations for allied health managers : a cluster randomised controlled trial protocol
- Sarkies, Mitchell, White, Jennifer, Morris, Meg, Taylor, Nicholas, Martin, Jennifer
- Authors: Sarkies, Mitchell , White, Jennifer , Morris, Meg , Taylor, Nicholas , Martin, Jennifer
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Implementation Science Vol. 13, no. 1 (2018), p.
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- Description: Background: It is widely acknowledged that health policy and practice do not always reflect current research evidence. Whether knowledge transfer from research to practice is more successful when specific implementation approaches are used remains unclear. A model to assist engagement of allied health managers and clinicians with research implementation could involve disseminating evidence-based policy recommendations, along with the use of knowledge brokers. We developed such a model to aid decision-making for the provision of weekend allied health services. This protocol outlines the design and methods for a multi-centre cluster randomised controlled trial to evaluate the success of research implementation strategies to promote evidence-informed weekend allied health resource allocation decisions, especially in hospital managers. Methods: This multi-centre study will be a three-group parallel cluster randomised controlled trial. Allied health managers from Australian and New Zealand hospitals will be randomised to receive either (1) an evidence-based policy recommendation document to guide weekend allied health resource allocation decisions, (2) the same policy recommendation document with support from a knowledge broker to help implement weekend allied health policy recommendations, or (3) a usual practice control group. The primary outcome will be alignment of weekend allied health service provision with policy recommendations. This will be measured by the number of allied health service events (occasions of service) occurring on weekends as a proportion of total allied health service events for the relevant hospital wards at baseline and 12-month follow-up. Discussion: Evidence-based policy recommendation documents communicate key research findings in an accessible format. This comparatively low-cost research implementation strategy could be combined with using a knowledge broker to work collaboratively with decision-makers to promote knowledge transfer. The results will assist managers to make decisions on resource allocation, based on evidence. More generally, the findings will inform the development of an allied health model for translating research into practice. © 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 “Jennifer Martin” is provided in this record**
- Authors: Sarkies, Mitchell , White, Jennifer , Morris, Meg , Taylor, Nicholas , Martin, Jennifer
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Implementation Science Vol. 13, no. 1 (2018), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: It is widely acknowledged that health policy and practice do not always reflect current research evidence. Whether knowledge transfer from research to practice is more successful when specific implementation approaches are used remains unclear. A model to assist engagement of allied health managers and clinicians with research implementation could involve disseminating evidence-based policy recommendations, along with the use of knowledge brokers. We developed such a model to aid decision-making for the provision of weekend allied health services. This protocol outlines the design and methods for a multi-centre cluster randomised controlled trial to evaluate the success of research implementation strategies to promote evidence-informed weekend allied health resource allocation decisions, especially in hospital managers. Methods: This multi-centre study will be a three-group parallel cluster randomised controlled trial. Allied health managers from Australian and New Zealand hospitals will be randomised to receive either (1) an evidence-based policy recommendation document to guide weekend allied health resource allocation decisions, (2) the same policy recommendation document with support from a knowledge broker to help implement weekend allied health policy recommendations, or (3) a usual practice control group. The primary outcome will be alignment of weekend allied health service provision with policy recommendations. This will be measured by the number of allied health service events (occasions of service) occurring on weekends as a proportion of total allied health service events for the relevant hospital wards at baseline and 12-month follow-up. Discussion: Evidence-based policy recommendation documents communicate key research findings in an accessible format. This comparatively low-cost research implementation strategy could be combined with using a knowledge broker to work collaboratively with decision-makers to promote knowledge transfer. The results will assist managers to make decisions on resource allocation, based on evidence. More generally, the findings will inform the development of an allied health model for translating research into practice. © 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 “Jennifer Martin” is provided in this record**
Effects of digging by a native and introduced ecosystem engineer on soil physical and chemical properties in temperate grassy woodland
- Ross, Catherine, Munro, Nicola, Barton, Philip, Evans, Maldwyn, Gillen, John
- Authors: Ross, Catherine , Munro, Nicola , Barton, Philip , Evans, Maldwyn , Gillen, John
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: PeerJ Vol. 2019, no. 8 (2019), p.
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- Description: Temperate grasslands and woodlands are the focus of extensive restoration efforts worldwide. Reintroduction of locally extinct soil-foraging and burrowing animals has been suggested as a means to restore soil function in these ecosystems. Yet little is known about the physical and chemical effects of digging on soil over time and how these effects differ between species of digging animal, vegetation types or ecosystems. We compared foraging pits of a native reintroduced marsupial, the eastern bettong (Bettongia gaimardi) and that of the exotic European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus). We simulated pits of these animals and measured pit dimensions and soil chemical properties over a period of 2 years. We showed that bettong and rabbit pits differed in their morphology and longevity, and that pits had a strong moderating effect on soil surface temperatures. Over 75% of the simulated pits were still visible after 2 years, and bettong pits infilled faster than rabbit pits. Bettong pits reduced diurnal temperature range by up to 25 ° C compared to the soil surface. We did not find any effects of digging on soil chemistry that were consistent across vegetation types, between bettong and rabbit pits, and with time since digging, which is contrary to studies conducted in arid biomes. Our findings show that animal foraging pits in temperate ecosystems cause physical alteration of the soil surface and microclimatic conditions rather than nutrient changes often observed in arid areas. © 2019 Ross et al. **Please note that there are multiple authors for this article therefore only the name of the first 5 including Federation University Australia affiliate “Philip Barton” is provided in this record**
- Authors: Ross, Catherine , Munro, Nicola , Barton, Philip , Evans, Maldwyn , Gillen, John
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: PeerJ Vol. 2019, no. 8 (2019), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Temperate grasslands and woodlands are the focus of extensive restoration efforts worldwide. Reintroduction of locally extinct soil-foraging and burrowing animals has been suggested as a means to restore soil function in these ecosystems. Yet little is known about the physical and chemical effects of digging on soil over time and how these effects differ between species of digging animal, vegetation types or ecosystems. We compared foraging pits of a native reintroduced marsupial, the eastern bettong (Bettongia gaimardi) and that of the exotic European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus). We simulated pits of these animals and measured pit dimensions and soil chemical properties over a period of 2 years. We showed that bettong and rabbit pits differed in their morphology and longevity, and that pits had a strong moderating effect on soil surface temperatures. Over 75% of the simulated pits were still visible after 2 years, and bettong pits infilled faster than rabbit pits. Bettong pits reduced diurnal temperature range by up to 25 ° C compared to the soil surface. We did not find any effects of digging on soil chemistry that were consistent across vegetation types, between bettong and rabbit pits, and with time since digging, which is contrary to studies conducted in arid biomes. Our findings show that animal foraging pits in temperate ecosystems cause physical alteration of the soil surface and microclimatic conditions rather than nutrient changes often observed in arid areas. © 2019 Ross et al. **Please note that there are multiple authors for this article therefore only the name of the first 5 including Federation University Australia affiliate “Philip Barton” is provided in this record**
- Baker, Anne, Barker, Samantha, Sampson, Amanda, Martin, Clarissa
- Authors: Baker, Anne , Barker, Samantha , Sampson, Amanda , Martin, Clarissa
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Clinical Rehabilitation Vol. 31, no. 1 (2017), p. 45-60
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: Aim: To identify factors reported with negative and positive outcomes for caregivers of the traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury cohorts, to investigate what interventions have been studied to support carers and to report what effectiveness has been found. Methods: Scoping systematic review. Electronic databases and websites were searched from 1990 to December 2015. Studies were agreed for inclusion using pre-defined criteria. Relevant information from included studies was extracted and quality assessment was completed. Data were synthesised using qualitative methods. Results: A total of 62 studies reported caregiver outcomes for the traumatic brain injury cohort; 51 reported negative outcomes and 11 reported positive outcomes. For the spinal cord injury cohort, 18 studies reported caregiver outcomes; 15 reported negative outcomes and three reported positive outcomes. Burden of care was over-represented in the literature for both cohorts, with few studies looking at factors associated with positive outcomes. Good family functioning, coping skills and social support were reported to mediate caregiver burden and promote positive outcomes. A total of 21 studies further described interventions to support traumatic brain injury caregivers and four described interventions to support spinal cord injury caregivers, with emerging evidence for the effectiveness of problem-solving training. Further research is required to explore the effects of injury severity of the care recipient, as well as caregiver age, on the outcome of the interventions. Conclusion: Most studies reported negative outcomes, suggesting that barriers to caregiving have been established, but not facilitators. The interventions described to support carers are limited and require further testing to confirm their effectiveness. © SAGE Publications.
- Hilton, Gillean, Unsworth, Carolyn, Murphy, Gregory
- Authors: Hilton, Gillean , Unsworth, Carolyn , Murphy, Gregory
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Disability and Rehabilitation Vol. 40, no. 15 (2018), p. 1745-1753
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: Purpose: This review sought to answer the question “What are the barriers and facilitators influencing people’s experience of return to work following spinal cord injury?” Methods: Studies that met the selection criteria were identified, presented and critically appraised using National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines. Thematic synthesis was completed with studies possessing strong methodological rigor. Synthesis and interpretation involved three stages; coding of primary data; development of descriptive themes reflective of the primary data; and establishment of analytical themes to answer the review question. Results: Data from nine papers were included in the thematic synthesis. Several descriptive themes and three analytical themes were drawn from the data to answer the research question. Analytical themes included: a matrix of personal and environmental factors exists requiring complex navigation in order to create possibilities and opportunities for postinjury employment; the process of seeking or gaining employment shares a reciprocal relationship with the temporal nature of adjustment to spinal cord injury; and there is an intrinsic need for occupational engagement through paid employment. Conclusions: Returning to or gaining employment after spinal cord injury is a fundamentally difficult experience for people. Multiple strategies are required to support the navigation of the process. There is, however, a need in people with spinal cord injury, to be a worker, and with that comes the inherent benefits of being employed. Implications for rehabilitation Returning to work should be a significant focus of spinal cord injury rehabilitation. Employment is both possible and health promoting following spinal cord injury. Multiple strategies are required to support people to navigate the return to work process. It is important to be cognizant of the individual motivations for being a worker and the complexity of the adjustment process. Spinal cord injury centers can provide a consistent and supportive framework and culture of positivity about employment after spinal cord injury. © 2017 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.
Risky behaviors and associated factors among the elderly in rural Vietnam
- Le Mai, Dinh, Nguyen, Huy, Thanh, Nguyen, Staar, Henning
- Authors: Le Mai, Dinh , Nguyen, Huy , Thanh, Nguyen , Staar, Henning
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Aging Science Vol. 5, no. 2 (2017), p.
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- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: The number of older people in Vietnam has increased substantially for recent years and leading to more aging health problems. The purpose of this study was to assess risky behaviors and their associated factors among the elderly in rural Vietnam.
- Authors: Le Mai, Dinh , Nguyen, Huy , Thanh, Nguyen , Staar, Henning
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Aging Science Vol. 5, no. 2 (2017), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: The number of older people in Vietnam has increased substantially for recent years and leading to more aging health problems. The purpose of this study was to assess risky behaviors and their associated factors among the elderly in rural Vietnam.
Evaluating the efficacy of an integrated motivational interviewing and multi-modal exercise intervention for youth with major depression: Healthy Body, Healthy Mind randomised controlled trial protocol
- Nasstasia, Yasmina, Baker, Amanda, Halpin, Sean, Hides, Leanne, Lewin, Terry, Kelly, Brian, Callister, Robin
- Authors: Nasstasia, Yasmina , Baker, Amanda , Halpin, Sean , Hides, Leanne , Lewin, Terry , Kelly, Brian , Callister, Robin
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Contemporary Clinical Trials Communications Vol. 9, no. (2018), p. 13-22
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- Reviewed:
- Description: Background Recent meta-analytic reviews suggest exercise can reduce depression severity among adults with major depressive disorder (MDD); however, efficacy studies with depressed youth are limited. Few studies have investigated the efficacy of multi-modal exercise interventions in this population, addressed treatment engagement, or explored the differential effects of exercise on depressive symptom profiles. Objectives This paper describes the study protocol and recruitment pattern for an assessor blinded, two-arm randomised controlled trial investigating the efficacy of an integrated motivational interviewing (MI) and multi-modal exercise intervention in youth diagnosed with MDD. Associations between depressive symptom profiles (cognitive, somatic and affective) and psychological, physiological (fitness), and biological (blood biomarker) outcomes will also be examined. Methods Participants aged 15–25 years with current MDD were recruited. Eligible participants were randomised and stratified according to gender and depression severity to either an immediate or delayed (control) group. The immediate group received a brief MI intervention followed by a 12-week small group exercise intervention (3 times per week for 1 h), all delivered by personal trainers. The delayed control group received the same intervention 12-weeks later. Both groups were reassessed at mid-treatment or mid-control, post-treatment or post-control, and follow-up (12 weeks post-treatment). Results 68 participants were recruited and randomly allocated to an intervention group. Conclusion This trial will increase our understanding of the efficacy of multi-modal exercise interventions for depression and the specific effects of exercise on depressive symptom profiles. It also offers a novel contribution by addressing treatment engagement in exercise efficacy trials in youth with MDD. © 2017 The Authors
- Authors: Nasstasia, Yasmina , Baker, Amanda , Halpin, Sean , Hides, Leanne , Lewin, Terry , Kelly, Brian , Callister, Robin
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Contemporary Clinical Trials Communications Vol. 9, no. (2018), p. 13-22
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background Recent meta-analytic reviews suggest exercise can reduce depression severity among adults with major depressive disorder (MDD); however, efficacy studies with depressed youth are limited. Few studies have investigated the efficacy of multi-modal exercise interventions in this population, addressed treatment engagement, or explored the differential effects of exercise on depressive symptom profiles. Objectives This paper describes the study protocol and recruitment pattern for an assessor blinded, two-arm randomised controlled trial investigating the efficacy of an integrated motivational interviewing (MI) and multi-modal exercise intervention in youth diagnosed with MDD. Associations between depressive symptom profiles (cognitive, somatic and affective) and psychological, physiological (fitness), and biological (blood biomarker) outcomes will also be examined. Methods Participants aged 15–25 years with current MDD were recruited. Eligible participants were randomised and stratified according to gender and depression severity to either an immediate or delayed (control) group. The immediate group received a brief MI intervention followed by a 12-week small group exercise intervention (3 times per week for 1 h), all delivered by personal trainers. The delayed control group received the same intervention 12-weeks later. Both groups were reassessed at mid-treatment or mid-control, post-treatment or post-control, and follow-up (12 weeks post-treatment). Results 68 participants were recruited and randomly allocated to an intervention group. Conclusion This trial will increase our understanding of the efficacy of multi-modal exercise interventions for depression and the specific effects of exercise on depressive symptom profiles. It also offers a novel contribution by addressing treatment engagement in exercise efficacy trials in youth with MDD. © 2017 The Authors
Noncoding genes on sex chromosomes and their function in sex determination, dosage compensation, male traits, and diseases
- Maier, Michelle, McInerney, Molly-Rose, Graves, Jennifer, Charchar, Fadi
- Authors: Maier, Michelle , McInerney, Molly-Rose , Graves, Jennifer , Charchar, Fadi
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Sexual Development Vol. 15, no. 5-6 (2021), p. 432-440
- Relation: http://purl.org/au-research/grants/nhmrc/1123472
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- Description: The mammalian Y chromosome has evolved in many species into a specialized chromosome that contributes to sex development among other male phenotypes. This function is well studied in terms of protein-coding genes. Less is known about the noncoding genome on the Y chromosome and its contribution to both sex development and other traits. Once considered junk genetic material, noncoding RNAs are now known to contribute to the regulation of gene expression and to play an important role in refining cellular functions. The prime examples are noncoding genes on the X chromosome, which mitigate the differential dosage of genes on sex chromosomes. Here, we discuss the evolution of noncoding RNAs on the Y chromosome and the emerging evidence of how micro, long, and circular noncoding RNAs transcribed from the Y chromosome contribute to sex differentiation. We briefly touch on emerging evidence that these noncoding RNAs also contribute to some other important clinical phenotypes in humans. © 2021 S. Karger AG. All rights reserved.
- Authors: Maier, Michelle , McInerney, Molly-Rose , Graves, Jennifer , Charchar, Fadi
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Sexual Development Vol. 15, no. 5-6 (2021), p. 432-440
- Relation: http://purl.org/au-research/grants/nhmrc/1123472
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: The mammalian Y chromosome has evolved in many species into a specialized chromosome that contributes to sex development among other male phenotypes. This function is well studied in terms of protein-coding genes. Less is known about the noncoding genome on the Y chromosome and its contribution to both sex development and other traits. Once considered junk genetic material, noncoding RNAs are now known to contribute to the regulation of gene expression and to play an important role in refining cellular functions. The prime examples are noncoding genes on the X chromosome, which mitigate the differential dosage of genes on sex chromosomes. Here, we discuss the evolution of noncoding RNAs on the Y chromosome and the emerging evidence of how micro, long, and circular noncoding RNAs transcribed from the Y chromosome contribute to sex differentiation. We briefly touch on emerging evidence that these noncoding RNAs also contribute to some other important clinical phenotypes in humans. © 2021 S. Karger AG. All rights reserved.
Global, regional, and national mortality among young people aged 10–24 years, 1950–2019 : a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019
- Ward, Joseph, Azzopardi, Peter, Francis, Kate, Santelli, John, Rahman, Muhammad Aziz
- Authors: Ward, Joseph , Azzopardi, Peter , Francis, Kate , Santelli, John , Rahman, Muhammad Aziz
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: The Lancet Vol. 398, no. 10311 (2021), p. 1593-1618
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: Documentation of patterns and long-term trends in mortality in young people, which reflect huge changes in demographic and social determinants of adolescent health, enables identification of global investment priorities for this age group. We aimed to analyse data on the number of deaths, years of life lost, and mortality rates by sex and age group in people aged 10–24 years in 204 countries and territories from 1950 to 2019 by use of estimates from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2019. Methods: We report trends in estimated total numbers of deaths and mortality rate per 100 000 population in young people aged 10–24 years by age group (10–14 years, 15–19 years, and 20–24 years) and sex in 204 countries and territories between 1950 and 2019 for all causes, and between 1980 and 2019 by cause of death. We analyse variation in outcomes by region, age group, and sex, and compare annual rate of change in mortality in young people aged 10–24 years with that in children aged 0–9 years from 1990 to 2019. We then analyse the association between mortality in people aged 10–24 years and socioeconomic development using the GBD Socio-demographic Index (SDI), a composite measure based on average national educational attainment in people older than 15 years, total fertility rate in people younger than 25 years, and income per capita. We assess the association between SDI and all-cause mortality in 2019, and analyse the ratio of observed to expected mortality by SDI using the most recent available data release (2017). Findings: In 2019 there were 1·49 million deaths (95% uncertainty interval 1·39–1·59) worldwide in people aged 10–24 years, of which 61% occurred in males. 32·7% of all adolescent deaths were due to transport injuries, unintentional injuries, or interpersonal violence and conflict; 32·1% were due to communicable, nutritional, or maternal causes; 27·0% were due to non-communicable diseases; and 8·2% were due to self-harm. Since 1950, deaths in this age group decreased by 30·0% in females and 15·3% in males, and sex-based differences in mortality rate have widened in most regions of the world. Geographical variation has also increased, particularly in people aged 10–14 years. Since 1980, communicable and maternal causes of death have decreased sharply as a proportion of total deaths in most GBD super-regions, but remain some of the most common causes in sub-Saharan Africa and south Asia, where more than half of all adolescent deaths occur. Annual percentage decrease in all-cause mortality rate since 1990 in adolescents aged 15–19 years was 1·3% in males and 1·6% in females, almost half that of males aged 1–4 years (2·4%), and around a third less than in females aged 1–4 years (2·5%). The proportion of global deaths in people aged 0–24 years that occurred in people aged 10–24 years more than doubled between 1950 and 2019, from 9·5% to 21·6%. Interpretation: Variation in adolescent mortality between countries and by sex is widening, driven by poor progress in reducing deaths in males and older adolescents. Improving global adolescent mortality will require action to address the specific vulnerabilities of this age group, which are being overlooked. Furthermore, indirect effects of the COVID-19 pandemic are likely to jeopardise efforts to improve health outcomes including mortality in young people aged 10–24 years. There is an urgent need to respond to the changing global burden of adolescent mortality, address inequities where they occur, and improve the availability and quality of primary mortality data in this age group. Funding: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. © 2021 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an Open Access article under the CC BY 4.0 license. **Please note that there are multiple authors for this article therefore only the name of the first 5 including Federation University Australia affiliate “Muhammad Aziz Rahman” is provided in this record**. Erratum: Department of Error (The Lancet (2021) 398(10311) (1593–1618), (S0140673621015464), (10.1016/S0140-6736(21)01546-4)) In figure 8 of this Article, the total deaths and proportion in each age group in 1950 were incorrect. These corrections have been made to the online version as of Feb 24, 2022. © 2022 Elsevier Ltd
- Authors: Ward, Joseph , Azzopardi, Peter , Francis, Kate , Santelli, John , Rahman, Muhammad Aziz
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: The Lancet Vol. 398, no. 10311 (2021), p. 1593-1618
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: Documentation of patterns and long-term trends in mortality in young people, which reflect huge changes in demographic and social determinants of adolescent health, enables identification of global investment priorities for this age group. We aimed to analyse data on the number of deaths, years of life lost, and mortality rates by sex and age group in people aged 10–24 years in 204 countries and territories from 1950 to 2019 by use of estimates from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2019. Methods: We report trends in estimated total numbers of deaths and mortality rate per 100 000 population in young people aged 10–24 years by age group (10–14 years, 15–19 years, and 20–24 years) and sex in 204 countries and territories between 1950 and 2019 for all causes, and between 1980 and 2019 by cause of death. We analyse variation in outcomes by region, age group, and sex, and compare annual rate of change in mortality in young people aged 10–24 years with that in children aged 0–9 years from 1990 to 2019. We then analyse the association between mortality in people aged 10–24 years and socioeconomic development using the GBD Socio-demographic Index (SDI), a composite measure based on average national educational attainment in people older than 15 years, total fertility rate in people younger than 25 years, and income per capita. We assess the association between SDI and all-cause mortality in 2019, and analyse the ratio of observed to expected mortality by SDI using the most recent available data release (2017). Findings: In 2019 there were 1·49 million deaths (95% uncertainty interval 1·39–1·59) worldwide in people aged 10–24 years, of which 61% occurred in males. 32·7% of all adolescent deaths were due to transport injuries, unintentional injuries, or interpersonal violence and conflict; 32·1% were due to communicable, nutritional, or maternal causes; 27·0% were due to non-communicable diseases; and 8·2% were due to self-harm. Since 1950, deaths in this age group decreased by 30·0% in females and 15·3% in males, and sex-based differences in mortality rate have widened in most regions of the world. Geographical variation has also increased, particularly in people aged 10–14 years. Since 1980, communicable and maternal causes of death have decreased sharply as a proportion of total deaths in most GBD super-regions, but remain some of the most common causes in sub-Saharan Africa and south Asia, where more than half of all adolescent deaths occur. Annual percentage decrease in all-cause mortality rate since 1990 in adolescents aged 15–19 years was 1·3% in males and 1·6% in females, almost half that of males aged 1–4 years (2·4%), and around a third less than in females aged 1–4 years (2·5%). The proportion of global deaths in people aged 0–24 years that occurred in people aged 10–24 years more than doubled between 1950 and 2019, from 9·5% to 21·6%. Interpretation: Variation in adolescent mortality between countries and by sex is widening, driven by poor progress in reducing deaths in males and older adolescents. Improving global adolescent mortality will require action to address the specific vulnerabilities of this age group, which are being overlooked. Furthermore, indirect effects of the COVID-19 pandemic are likely to jeopardise efforts to improve health outcomes including mortality in young people aged 10–24 years. There is an urgent need to respond to the changing global burden of adolescent mortality, address inequities where they occur, and improve the availability and quality of primary mortality data in this age group. Funding: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. © 2021 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an Open Access article under the CC BY 4.0 license. **Please note that there are multiple authors for this article therefore only the name of the first 5 including Federation University Australia affiliate “Muhammad Aziz Rahman” is provided in this record**. Erratum: Department of Error (The Lancet (2021) 398(10311) (1593–1618), (S0140673621015464), (10.1016/S0140-6736(21)01546-4)) In figure 8 of this Article, the total deaths and proportion in each age group in 1950 were incorrect. These corrections have been made to the online version as of Feb 24, 2022. © 2022 Elsevier Ltd
Necrophilous insect dynamics at small vertebrate carrion in a temperate eucalypt woodland
- Barton, Philip, Evans, Maldwyn, Pechal, Jennifer, Benbow, M. Eric
- Authors: Barton, Philip , Evans, Maldwyn , Pechal, Jennifer , Benbow, M. Eric
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Medical Entomology Vol. 54, no. 4 (2017), p. 964-973
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: Insects associated with carrion are critical to the decomposition process and nutrient cycling in ecosystems. Yet the communities of insects associated with carrion vary between locations, and detailed case studies are necessary for identifying differences and similarities among contrasting habitats. In this study, we examined temporal changes in the crawling insect community collected from rabbit carcasses placed in contrasting grassland and tree habitats in southeastern Australia. We collected 18,400 adult insects, including 22 species of fly, 57 species of beetle, and 37 species of ant. We found significant effects of habitat type and time, but not their interaction, on the composition of the entire insect community. Several ant species showed early and rapid colonization and highest abundances during early stages of decay, including Iridomyrmex purpureus (Smith, 1858) under trees, and Iridomyrmex rufoniger (Lowne, 1865) and Rhytidoponera metallica (Smith, 1858) in grassland. We found that most fly species showed highest abundance during active decay, but Chrysomya varipes (Macquart 1851) was more abundant under trees than in grassland during this time. Beetles peaked during active or advanced decay stages, with Saprinus and Omorgus the most abundant genera. Our study demonstrates that strong replication of contrasting environmental treatments can reveal new information on habitat preferences of important carrion insect species. The numerical dominance of ants early in decomposition has implications for insect community structure via potential competitive interactions with flies, and should be more rigorously examined in future carrion studies. © The Authors 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Entomological Society of America.
- Nasstasia, Yasmina, Baker, Amanda, Lewin, Terry, Halpin, Sean, Hides, Leanne
- Authors: Nasstasia, Yasmina , Baker, Amanda , Lewin, Terry , Halpin, Sean , Hides, Leanne
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Affective Disorders Vol. 259, no. (2019), p. 413-423
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: Exercise is increasingly recognised as an efficacious intervention for major depressive disorder (MDD) but to our knowledge differential treatment effects on depressive symptom profiles (cognitive, somatic and affective) and associated changes in psychological, physiological and behavioural factors have not been examined among youth with MDD. Methods: Sixty-eight participants (mean age 20.8) meeting DSM-IV diagnostic criteria for MDD were randomised to an Immediate intervention or Control/delayed condition (n = 34 per group). The integrated intervention comprised an initial session of motivational interviewing (MI) followed by a 12-week, multi-modal exercise program. Changes in depressive symptom profiles were assessed with the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) total score and factorial symptom subscales. Results: There were significant differential improvements in BDI-II total scores post-treatment among intervention participants, which were also observed across the cognitive and affective subscales. Individual BDI-II items from the cognitive subscale showing significant differential improvement related to negative self-concept, while those from the affective subscale related to interest/activation; the energy item within the somatic subscale also revealed significant differential improvement. Significant differential improvements were also observed in exercise participation, negative automatic thoughts, behavioural activation and bench press repetitions among intervention participants, which correlated significantly with depression improvements. Limitations: The exercise intervention was delivered in a supervised, group format and potential social meditators of change cannot be excluded. Conclusions: Exercise differentially effects depressive symptom profiles with similar antidepressant effects as would be expected from psychological therapies improving negative cognition and emotional health. © 2019. **Please note that there are multiple authors for this article therefore only the name of the first 5 including Federation University Australia affiliate “Yasmina Nasstasia” is provided in this record**
Human resources for commune health centers as per national standards : the case of Vietnam
- Nguyen, Huy, Hieu, Tran, Mai, Nguyen, Thang, Nguyen, Nga, Tran
- Authors: Nguyen, Huy , Hieu, Tran , Mai, Nguyen , Thang, Nguyen , Nga, Tran
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Family Medicine and Medical Science Research Vol. 8, no. (2019), p. 1-7
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Vietnam is among a few countries which have established a model of Commune Health Centers (CHCs) to serve primary health care for all people. Using quota sampling technique, 30 CHCs per each among nine provinces nationwide were equally selected for data collection to assess human resources for CHCs as national standards in Vietnam. A total of 239 CHCs finally completed the survey. Overall, the average number of Health Care Workers (HCWs) in each CHC was 6.3 ± 1.7, which met the national standards (at least five HCWs per CHC). However, only 24.4% of CHCs had 5 required job positions, and 59.7% of CHCs had at least one doctor. These shortages were more emerging in mountainous and remote areas. Further, mountainous and remote areas have been underrepresented of female HCWs, as compared to those in rural and urban areas. Our data provide a quite strong case for policy makers and health managers to improve human resources structure for CHCs. Keywords: Human resources for health (HRH); Commune health center (CHC); Community health services; Healthcare workers; National standards; Vietnam. **Please note that there are multiple authors for this article therefore only the name of the first 5 including Federation University Australia affiliate “Huy Nguyen” is provided in this record**
- Authors: Nguyen, Huy , Hieu, Tran , Mai, Nguyen , Thang, Nguyen , Nga, Tran
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Family Medicine and Medical Science Research Vol. 8, no. (2019), p. 1-7
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- Description: Vietnam is among a few countries which have established a model of Commune Health Centers (CHCs) to serve primary health care for all people. Using quota sampling technique, 30 CHCs per each among nine provinces nationwide were equally selected for data collection to assess human resources for CHCs as national standards in Vietnam. A total of 239 CHCs finally completed the survey. Overall, the average number of Health Care Workers (HCWs) in each CHC was 6.3 ± 1.7, which met the national standards (at least five HCWs per CHC). However, only 24.4% of CHCs had 5 required job positions, and 59.7% of CHCs had at least one doctor. These shortages were more emerging in mountainous and remote areas. Further, mountainous and remote areas have been underrepresented of female HCWs, as compared to those in rural and urban areas. Our data provide a quite strong case for policy makers and health managers to improve human resources structure for CHCs. Keywords: Human resources for health (HRH); Commune health center (CHC); Community health services; Healthcare workers; National standards; Vietnam. **Please note that there are multiple authors for this article therefore only the name of the first 5 including Federation University Australia affiliate “Huy Nguyen” is provided in this record**
Study design for the 2016 baseline survey of a health system strengthening project in Quoc Oai District, Hanoi, Vietnam
- Hoang, Van, Oh, Juhwan, Nguyen, Bao, Dat, Le, Nguyen, Huy
- Authors: Hoang, Van , Oh, Juhwan , Nguyen, Bao , Dat, Le , Nguyen, Huy
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Korean Medical Science Vol. 34, no. 5 (2019), p.
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- Description: Background: In order to provide essential scientific evidence on the population's health status and social health determinants as well as the current capacity of the health care system in Vietnam to health policy makers and managers, Vietnam Ministry of Health, Hanoi University of Public Health, Hanoi Medical University, and Ho Chi Minh University of Medicine and Pharmacy collaborated with Seoul National University (Korea) and conducted a health system survey in the Quoc Oai district (of Hanoi capital) that represented northern rural Vietnam. Methods: The study design was a cross-sectional study. The survey covered different topics (more than 200 questions) and was administered in three separate questionnaires: 1) Basic information of all household members; 2) Household characteristics; and 3) Individual characteristics. Socio-demographic characteristics among the households and individuals were collected from 2,400 households sampled by multi-stage cluster sampling method: more than 200 questions. Results: The household size of Quoc Oai was larger than the national average and there was no significant difference in gender composition. In addition, the proportions of pre-elderly, age 55-64, and elderly group (65 years old and over) were higher than the national population statistics. In this context, demographic transition has begun in Quoc Oai. Conclusion: This study design description provides the basic information about a baseline survey of a future prospective cohort (as a part of a collaborative project on strengthening the health system in Vietnam) to the prospective data user of this survey. © 2019 The Korean Academy of Medical Sciences. **Please note that there are multiple authors for this article therefore only the name of the first 5 including Federation University Australia affiliate “Huy Nguyen” is provided in this record**
- Authors: Hoang, Van , Oh, Juhwan , Nguyen, Bao , Dat, Le , Nguyen, Huy
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Korean Medical Science Vol. 34, no. 5 (2019), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: In order to provide essential scientific evidence on the population's health status and social health determinants as well as the current capacity of the health care system in Vietnam to health policy makers and managers, Vietnam Ministry of Health, Hanoi University of Public Health, Hanoi Medical University, and Ho Chi Minh University of Medicine and Pharmacy collaborated with Seoul National University (Korea) and conducted a health system survey in the Quoc Oai district (of Hanoi capital) that represented northern rural Vietnam. Methods: The study design was a cross-sectional study. The survey covered different topics (more than 200 questions) and was administered in three separate questionnaires: 1) Basic information of all household members; 2) Household characteristics; and 3) Individual characteristics. Socio-demographic characteristics among the households and individuals were collected from 2,400 households sampled by multi-stage cluster sampling method: more than 200 questions. Results: The household size of Quoc Oai was larger than the national average and there was no significant difference in gender composition. In addition, the proportions of pre-elderly, age 55-64, and elderly group (65 years old and over) were higher than the national population statistics. In this context, demographic transition has begun in Quoc Oai. Conclusion: This study design description provides the basic information about a baseline survey of a future prospective cohort (as a part of a collaborative project on strengthening the health system in Vietnam) to the prospective data user of this survey. © 2019 The Korean Academy of Medical Sciences. **Please note that there are multiple authors for this article therefore only the name of the first 5 including Federation University Australia affiliate “Huy Nguyen” is provided in this record**
Healthcare workers' knowledge and attitudes regarding the World Health Organization's "my 5 moments for hand hygiene" : evidence from a Vietnamese central general hospital
- Nguyen, Huy, Tran, Hieu, Khuong, Long, Nguyen, Thanh, Ho, Na
- Authors: Nguyen, Huy , Tran, Hieu , Khuong, Long , Nguyen, Thanh , Ho, Na
- Date: 2020
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health Vol. 53, no. 4 (2020), p. 236-244
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- Description: Objectives: Although the World Health Organization (WHO) initiative "My 5 Moments for Hand Hygiene"has been lauded as effective in preventing hospital-associated infections, little is known about healthcare workers (HCWs)' hand hygiene behavior. In this study, we sought to assess knowledge and attitudes towards the concepts in this initiative, as well as associated factors, among Vietnamese HCWs at a general hospital. Methods: A structured questionnaire was administered to HCWs at a central Vietnamese general hospital in 2015. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with HCWs' knowledge and attitudes towards hand hygiene. Results: Of 120 respondents, 65.8% and 67.5% demonstrated appropriate knowledge and a positive attitude, respectively, regarding all 5 hand hygiene moments. Logistic regression indicated better knowledge of hand hygiene in workers who were over 30 years old, who were direct HCWs (rather than managers), who had frequent access to clinical information, and who received their clinical information from training. Those who worked in infectious and tropical disease wards, who had frequent access to clinical information, and who received information from training were more likely to have a positive attitude towards hand hygiene than their counterparts. Conclusions: Although many Vietnamese HCWs displayed moderate knowledge and positive attitudes towards the WHO hand hygiene guidelines, a key gap remained. Regular education and training programs are needed to increase knowledge and to improve attitudes and practices towards hand hygiene. Furthermore, a combination of multimodal strategies and locally-adapted interventions is needed for sustainable hand hygiene adherence. Copyright © 2020 The Korean Society for Preventive Medicine. **Please note that there are multiple authors for this article therefore only the name of the first 5 including Federation University Australia affiliate “Huy Nguyen” is provided in this record**
- Authors: Nguyen, Huy , Tran, Hieu , Khuong, Long , Nguyen, Thanh , Ho, Na
- Date: 2020
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health Vol. 53, no. 4 (2020), p. 236-244
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Objectives: Although the World Health Organization (WHO) initiative "My 5 Moments for Hand Hygiene"has been lauded as effective in preventing hospital-associated infections, little is known about healthcare workers (HCWs)' hand hygiene behavior. In this study, we sought to assess knowledge and attitudes towards the concepts in this initiative, as well as associated factors, among Vietnamese HCWs at a general hospital. Methods: A structured questionnaire was administered to HCWs at a central Vietnamese general hospital in 2015. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with HCWs' knowledge and attitudes towards hand hygiene. Results: Of 120 respondents, 65.8% and 67.5% demonstrated appropriate knowledge and a positive attitude, respectively, regarding all 5 hand hygiene moments. Logistic regression indicated better knowledge of hand hygiene in workers who were over 30 years old, who were direct HCWs (rather than managers), who had frequent access to clinical information, and who received their clinical information from training. Those who worked in infectious and tropical disease wards, who had frequent access to clinical information, and who received information from training were more likely to have a positive attitude towards hand hygiene than their counterparts. Conclusions: Although many Vietnamese HCWs displayed moderate knowledge and positive attitudes towards the WHO hand hygiene guidelines, a key gap remained. Regular education and training programs are needed to increase knowledge and to improve attitudes and practices towards hand hygiene. Furthermore, a combination of multimodal strategies and locally-adapted interventions is needed for sustainable hand hygiene adherence. Copyright © 2020 The Korean Society for Preventive Medicine. **Please note that there are multiple authors for this article therefore only the name of the first 5 including Federation University Australia affiliate “Huy Nguyen” is provided in this record**
A novel counterbalanced implementation study design : methodological description and application to implementation research
- Sarkies, Mitchell, Skinner, Elizabeth, Bowles, Kelly-Ann, Morris, Meg, Martin, Jennifer
- Authors: Sarkies, Mitchell , Skinner, Elizabeth , Bowles, Kelly-Ann , Morris, Meg , Martin, Jennifer
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Implementation Science Vol. 14, no. 1 (2019), p.
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- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: Implementation research is increasingly being recognised for optimising the outcomes of clinical practice. Frequently, the benefits of new evidence are not implemented due to the difficulties applying traditional research methodologies to implementation settings. Randomised controlled trials are not always practical for the implementation phase of knowledge transfer, as differences between individual and organisational readiness for change combined with small sample sizes can lead to imbalances in factors that impede or facilitate change between intervention and control groups. Within-cluster repeated measure designs could control for variance between intervention and control groups by allowing the same clusters to receive a sequence of conditions. Although in implementation settings, they can contaminate the intervention and control groups after the initial exposure to interventions. We propose the novel application of counterbalanced design to implementation research where repeated measures are employed through crossover, but contamination is averted by counterbalancing different health contexts in which to test the implementation strategy. Methods: In a counterbalanced implementation study, the implementation strategy (independent variable) has two or more levels evaluated across an equivalent number of health contexts (e.g. community-acquired pneumonia and nutrition for critically ill patients) using the same outcome (dependent variable). This design limits each cluster to one distinct strategy related to one specific context, and therefore does not overburden any cluster to more than one focussed implementation strategy for a particular outcome, and provides a ready-made control comparison, holding fixed. The different levels of the independent variable can be delivered concurrently because each level uses a different health context within each cluster to avoid the effect of treatment contamination from exposure to the intervention or control condition. Results: An example application of the counterbalanced implementation design is presented in a hypothetical study to demonstrate the comparison of 'video-based' and 'written-based' evidence summary research implementation strategies for changing clinical practice in community-acquired pneumonia and nutrition in critically ill patient health contexts. Conclusion: A counterbalanced implementation study design provides a promising model for concurrently investigating the success of research implementation strategies across multiple health context areas such as community-acquired pneumonia and nutrition for critically ill patients. © 2019 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 “Jennifer Martin" is provided in this record**
- Authors: Sarkies, Mitchell , Skinner, Elizabeth , Bowles, Kelly-Ann , Morris, Meg , Martin, Jennifer
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Implementation Science Vol. 14, no. 1 (2019), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: Implementation research is increasingly being recognised for optimising the outcomes of clinical practice. Frequently, the benefits of new evidence are not implemented due to the difficulties applying traditional research methodologies to implementation settings. Randomised controlled trials are not always practical for the implementation phase of knowledge transfer, as differences between individual and organisational readiness for change combined with small sample sizes can lead to imbalances in factors that impede or facilitate change between intervention and control groups. Within-cluster repeated measure designs could control for variance between intervention and control groups by allowing the same clusters to receive a sequence of conditions. Although in implementation settings, they can contaminate the intervention and control groups after the initial exposure to interventions. We propose the novel application of counterbalanced design to implementation research where repeated measures are employed through crossover, but contamination is averted by counterbalancing different health contexts in which to test the implementation strategy. Methods: In a counterbalanced implementation study, the implementation strategy (independent variable) has two or more levels evaluated across an equivalent number of health contexts (e.g. community-acquired pneumonia and nutrition for critically ill patients) using the same outcome (dependent variable). This design limits each cluster to one distinct strategy related to one specific context, and therefore does not overburden any cluster to more than one focussed implementation strategy for a particular outcome, and provides a ready-made control comparison, holding fixed. The different levels of the independent variable can be delivered concurrently because each level uses a different health context within each cluster to avoid the effect of treatment contamination from exposure to the intervention or control condition. Results: An example application of the counterbalanced implementation design is presented in a hypothetical study to demonstrate the comparison of 'video-based' and 'written-based' evidence summary research implementation strategies for changing clinical practice in community-acquired pneumonia and nutrition in critically ill patient health contexts. Conclusion: A counterbalanced implementation study design provides a promising model for concurrently investigating the success of research implementation strategies across multiple health context areas such as community-acquired pneumonia and nutrition for critically ill patients. © 2019 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 “Jennifer Martin" is provided in this record**
- Miller, Elizabeth, Porter, Joanne, Barbagallo, Michael
- Authors: Miller, Elizabeth , Porter, Joanne , Barbagallo, Michael
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Health Environments Research and Design Journal Vol. 15, no. 1 (2022), p. 268-291
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: Aim: To review the latest qualitative literature on how the physical hospital environment affects palliative patients and their families. Background: People with a life-limiting illness may receive palliative care to improve their quality of life in hospital and may have multiple admissions as their illness progresses. Yet, despite a preference for a death at home, more than half of the dying population will receive end-of-life care in hospital. The physical hospital environment consists of ambiance, aesthetics, and architectural factors, and it is well known that the hospital’s acute wards are not a homely environment. Demand is increasing for the physical environment to be improved to better meet the needs and demands of palliative and end-of-life patients and their families. Method: Combining thematic analysis and meta-ethnography methodologies, 12 international qualitative papers were analyzed and synthesized by the three authors. Results: Findings resulted in the development of the SSAFeR Place approach that incorporates the concepts that are important to palliative and end-of-life patients and their families by describing an environment within the acute or palliative care units that feels safe, is private, customizable, and accommodates family; is a space to share with others, is homelike in ambiance and aesthetics, and is conducive for reflection. The concepts of identity, belonging, and safety are connected to the notions of home. Conclusions: To provide person-centered care and to move the focus toward the palliative approach of comfort and quality of life, attention to room size, layout, aesthetics, and ambiance is needed. © The Author(s) 2021.
Validation of the persian version of spiritual well-being questionnaires
- Biglari Abhari, Mrayam, Fisher, John, Kheiltash, Azita, Nojomi, Marzieh
- Authors: Biglari Abhari, Mrayam , Fisher, John , Kheiltash, Azita , Nojomi, Marzieh
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Iranian journal of medical sciences Vol. 43, no. 3 (2018), p. 276-285
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- Description: Spiritual well-being is an important issue in health sciences, hence the need for validated instruments to assess this aspect of health in the Iranian population. The aim of the current study was to determine the validity of the Persian versions of 2 most common measures of spiritual health (Spiritual Well-Being Questionnaire [SWBQ] or Spiritual Health and Life-Orientation Measure [SHALOM] and Spiritual Well-Being Scale [SWBS]). This was a cross-sectional study via a convenience sampling method in Iran University of Medical Sciences with 170 participants aged above 18 years comprising students, teachers, and administrative staff and managers. The study was conducted from September 7, 2014 to September 20, 2015 in Tehran. Four questionnaires, namely the SWBQ, SWBS, General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), and Oxford Happiness Questionnaire (OHQ), were used. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS 18 and LISREL (version 8.2). Cronbach's alpha, intra-class correlation coefficient, Pearson correlation, and confirmatory factor analysis were employed to assess the validity and reliability of the questionnaires. Cronbach's alpha for the SWBQ and the SWBS was greater than 0.85. The repeatability of both questionnaires was between 0.88 and 0.98. The Pearson correlation for the SWBQ and the SWBS ranged from 0.33 to 0.53 and all the correlations were significant. The respondents who indicated a higher spiritual well-being also reported better general health and happiness. The Persian versions of the SWBS and the SWBQ have good reliability, repeatability, and validity to assess spiritual health in the Iranian population.
- Authors: Biglari Abhari, Mrayam , Fisher, John , Kheiltash, Azita , Nojomi, Marzieh
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Iranian journal of medical sciences Vol. 43, no. 3 (2018), p. 276-285
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Spiritual well-being is an important issue in health sciences, hence the need for validated instruments to assess this aspect of health in the Iranian population. The aim of the current study was to determine the validity of the Persian versions of 2 most common measures of spiritual health (Spiritual Well-Being Questionnaire [SWBQ] or Spiritual Health and Life-Orientation Measure [SHALOM] and Spiritual Well-Being Scale [SWBS]). This was a cross-sectional study via a convenience sampling method in Iran University of Medical Sciences with 170 participants aged above 18 years comprising students, teachers, and administrative staff and managers. The study was conducted from September 7, 2014 to September 20, 2015 in Tehran. Four questionnaires, namely the SWBQ, SWBS, General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), and Oxford Happiness Questionnaire (OHQ), were used. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS 18 and LISREL (version 8.2). Cronbach's alpha, intra-class correlation coefficient, Pearson correlation, and confirmatory factor analysis were employed to assess the validity and reliability of the questionnaires. Cronbach's alpha for the SWBQ and the SWBS was greater than 0.85. The repeatability of both questionnaires was between 0.88 and 0.98. The Pearson correlation for the SWBQ and the SWBS ranged from 0.33 to 0.53 and all the correlations were significant. The respondents who indicated a higher spiritual well-being also reported better general health and happiness. The Persian versions of the SWBS and the SWBQ have good reliability, repeatability, and validity to assess spiritual health in the Iranian population.
Information sharing and willingness-to-pay for CBPP vaccine in rural Kenya
- Iles, Richard, Gatumu, Haniel, Kagundu, Samuel, Draheim, Christopher
- Authors: Iles, Richard , Gatumu, Haniel , Kagundu, Samuel , Draheim, Christopher
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Vaccine Vol. 37, no. 12 (2019), p. 1659-1666
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: •Improved sharing of CBPP risk information increases CBPP vaccine up-take.•Demand increases by 1.5 and 2.3 per cent for improved access and information.•WTP for a 1 h reduction in travel duration is KES 54 (USD 0.52) per vaccine.•WTP for receipt of CBPP risk information is KES 52 (USD 0.67) per vaccine.•Controlling for attribute non-attendance improves model fit and estimates. The study estimates cattle owners' willingness-to-pay (WTP) for Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP) vaccine in Samburu county, Kenya. Of particular policy relevance, the study presents findings on WTP for i) improved access to vaccines and ii) timely access to disease-risk information. The mean price for a CBPP vaccine was estimated at KES 66 (USD 0.64). This price relates to a CBPP vaccine that requires a 1.8 h commute, cattle owners' receipt of timely information that the CBPP disease risk is low-moderate and the vaccine lowers the risk of either tail-drop or post-vaccine abortion. The conditional WTP for mean travel duration and high-risk information are similar at KES 53.9 and KES 51.5. The marginal effect on demand for a 1 h additional travel duration and provision of CBPP disease risk information was estimated as a 1.5 per cent reduction and 2.3 increase. The results of this study indicate that cattle owners value greater levels of knowledge concerning the changing risk profile of CBPP in their community and improved access to CBPP vaccination services. Enhanced engagement with cattle owners concerning CBPP would likely result in a greater utilisation of available CBPP vaccines, conditional on the perceived CBPP disease risk.
Evaluation of an assessment model to reduce waitlist times for occupational therapy in a rural community health setting
- Missen, Karen, Mills, Alyssa, McDonald, Georgia, Di Corleto, Erin, Telling, Laura, Davey, Alice
- Authors: Missen, Karen , Mills, Alyssa , McDonald, Georgia , Di Corleto, Erin , Telling, Laura , Davey, Alice
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Australian Journal of Rural Health Vol. 29, no. 6 (2021), p. 987-992
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- Reviewed:
- Description: Objective Community occupational therapy services have seen an increase in demand over the last three years, resulting in longer waitlist times for service provision, particularly in rural areas where it is difficult to recruit experienced occupational therapists. Utilising a demand management model, the Basic Assessment Model Pre‐Screening Tool was developed by a team of Occupational Therapists and allied health assistants to decrease client waitlist times at one rural community health service. Design An evaluation of the implementation of an assessment model with comparison of quantitative data pre and post intervention. Setting Rural Community Health Service in Victoria, Australia Participants 456 clients that were registered as community‐based clients requiring occupational therapy services. Main Outcome measure Following the implementation of the newly developed Basic Assessment Model the number of occupational therapy assessments increased and there was a decrease in the median wait time that clients were on the waitlist in comparison to pre implementation. Results There was a statistically significant decrease (p<0.001) in the median number of days spent on the waitlist for the post intervention group (80 days) compared to the pre intervention group (105 days). Conclusion The results of this study suggest that waiting lists for community occupational therapy services can be reduced by implementing this basic assessment model ultimately improving the health outcomes of clients.
- Authors: Missen, Karen , Mills, Alyssa , McDonald, Georgia , Di Corleto, Erin , Telling, Laura , Davey, Alice
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Australian Journal of Rural Health Vol. 29, no. 6 (2021), p. 987-992
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Objective Community occupational therapy services have seen an increase in demand over the last three years, resulting in longer waitlist times for service provision, particularly in rural areas where it is difficult to recruit experienced occupational therapists. Utilising a demand management model, the Basic Assessment Model Pre‐Screening Tool was developed by a team of Occupational Therapists and allied health assistants to decrease client waitlist times at one rural community health service. Design An evaluation of the implementation of an assessment model with comparison of quantitative data pre and post intervention. Setting Rural Community Health Service in Victoria, Australia Participants 456 clients that were registered as community‐based clients requiring occupational therapy services. Main Outcome measure Following the implementation of the newly developed Basic Assessment Model the number of occupational therapy assessments increased and there was a decrease in the median wait time that clients were on the waitlist in comparison to pre implementation. Results There was a statistically significant decrease (p<0.001) in the median number of days spent on the waitlist for the post intervention group (80 days) compared to the pre intervention group (105 days). Conclusion The results of this study suggest that waiting lists for community occupational therapy services can be reduced by implementing this basic assessment model ultimately improving the health outcomes of clients.
A community-wide approach to reducing risky drinking cultures in young people in rural Australia
- Murphy, Angela, Ollerenshaw, Alison
- Authors: Murphy, Angela , Ollerenshaw, Alison
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Australian Journal of Rural Health Vol. 31, no. 2 (2023), p. 204-217
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- Reviewed:
- Description: Objective: This study evaluated the impact of a multi-faceted, harm minimisation program addressing youth alcohol change and risky drinking behaviours in rural Australia. The role and influence of a multi-tiered community approach to changing alcohol cultures is examined. Setting: An alcohol culture change project for young people (12–18 years) was implemented in rural Victoria. It was informed by the Alcohol Cultures Framework, comprising community-wide events and youth-focused activities, co-designed with young people. The approach aimed at maximising engagement and reducing alcohol-related harm by targeting the shared activities and drinking practices of young people, parents and the community. Participants: Participants (n = 446) provided feedback specific to three key program activities for promoting alcohol change. Design: Mixed methods: Feedback sheets were collected, and interviews and focus groups were conducted with program participants. Results: Participants indicated that the program had informed their understanding of the way people in their region drink, and the social norms and practices around alcohol that encourage risky drinking. It influenced their short- and medium-term reactions, learnings and activities relating to alcohol consumption. The impact of the program was greatest in adults than young people although reflective learning and some behaviour change were evident across all age groups and community clusters. Conclusion: Community-wide health promotion events offer participants a deeper understanding of the ways in which dominant alcohol cultures inform the practices and activities of young people within a broader community context. Ensuring health promotion programs within a whole-of-community approach are established longer term, is recommended. © 2022 The Authors. Australian Journal of Rural Health published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of National Rural Health Alliance Ltd.
- Authors: Murphy, Angela , Ollerenshaw, Alison
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Australian Journal of Rural Health Vol. 31, no. 2 (2023), p. 204-217
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Objective: This study evaluated the impact of a multi-faceted, harm minimisation program addressing youth alcohol change and risky drinking behaviours in rural Australia. The role and influence of a multi-tiered community approach to changing alcohol cultures is examined. Setting: An alcohol culture change project for young people (12–18 years) was implemented in rural Victoria. It was informed by the Alcohol Cultures Framework, comprising community-wide events and youth-focused activities, co-designed with young people. The approach aimed at maximising engagement and reducing alcohol-related harm by targeting the shared activities and drinking practices of young people, parents and the community. Participants: Participants (n = 446) provided feedback specific to three key program activities for promoting alcohol change. Design: Mixed methods: Feedback sheets were collected, and interviews and focus groups were conducted with program participants. Results: Participants indicated that the program had informed their understanding of the way people in their region drink, and the social norms and practices around alcohol that encourage risky drinking. It influenced their short- and medium-term reactions, learnings and activities relating to alcohol consumption. The impact of the program was greatest in adults than young people although reflective learning and some behaviour change were evident across all age groups and community clusters. Conclusion: Community-wide health promotion events offer participants a deeper understanding of the ways in which dominant alcohol cultures inform the practices and activities of young people within a broader community context. Ensuring health promotion programs within a whole-of-community approach are established longer term, is recommended. © 2022 The Authors. Australian Journal of Rural Health published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of National Rural Health Alliance Ltd.
Sustaining rural pharmacy workforce understanding key attributes for enhanced retention and recruitment
- Terry, Daniel, Peck, Blake, Hills, Danny, Bishop, Jaclyn, Kirschbaum, Mark, Obamiro, Kehinde, Phan, Hoang, Baker, Ed, Schmitz, David
- Authors: Terry, Daniel , Peck, Blake , Hills, Danny , Bishop, Jaclyn , Kirschbaum, Mark , Obamiro, Kehinde , Phan, Hoang , Baker, Ed , Schmitz, David
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Australian Journal of Rural Health Vol. 31, no. 2 (2023), p. 218-229
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Objective: To pilot the Pharmacist Community Apgar Questionnaire (PharmCAQ) and evaluate its usability and capacity to develop a greater understanding of the unique factors that impact the rural recruitment and retention of pharmacists. Design: Cross-sectional design involving face-to-face, telephone or video conferencing interviews. Setting: Twelve rural communities across Tasmania and Western Victoria, Australia. Participants: Participants (n = 24) included pharmacists, a Director of Clinical Services, pharmacy practice managers and senior pharmacy assistants. Main Outcome Measures: Interviews enabled the completion of the PharmCAQ, which assigns quantitative values to 50 key factors to ascertain a community's strengths and challenges associated with recruitment and retention and their relative importance to the pharmacist workforce. Results: The cumulative PharmCAQ scores indicated the tool was sensitive enough to differentiate high- and low-performing communities. Overall, the highest-rated factors considered most vital to pharmacist recruitment and retention were the reputation of the pharmacy, the ability of the pharmacist to be independent and autonomous, the loyalty of the community to the pharmacy, the level and stability of monetary compensation and the breadth of tasks available to a pharmacist. Conclusions: This study identified the strengths and challenges of participating communities and provided an insight into the shared factors to consider in recruiting and retaining pharmacists. Further, each community has unique strengths that can further be promoted in recruitment, flagging where limited resources are best used to address site specific challenges. This is more likely to ensure the matching of the right candidate with the right community. © 2022 The Authors. Australian Journal of Rural Health published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of National Rural Health Alliance Ltd.
- Authors: Terry, Daniel , Peck, Blake , Hills, Danny , Bishop, Jaclyn , Kirschbaum, Mark , Obamiro, Kehinde , Phan, Hoang , Baker, Ed , Schmitz, David
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Australian Journal of Rural Health Vol. 31, no. 2 (2023), p. 218-229
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Objective: To pilot the Pharmacist Community Apgar Questionnaire (PharmCAQ) and evaluate its usability and capacity to develop a greater understanding of the unique factors that impact the rural recruitment and retention of pharmacists. Design: Cross-sectional design involving face-to-face, telephone or video conferencing interviews. Setting: Twelve rural communities across Tasmania and Western Victoria, Australia. Participants: Participants (n = 24) included pharmacists, a Director of Clinical Services, pharmacy practice managers and senior pharmacy assistants. Main Outcome Measures: Interviews enabled the completion of the PharmCAQ, which assigns quantitative values to 50 key factors to ascertain a community's strengths and challenges associated with recruitment and retention and their relative importance to the pharmacist workforce. Results: The cumulative PharmCAQ scores indicated the tool was sensitive enough to differentiate high- and low-performing communities. Overall, the highest-rated factors considered most vital to pharmacist recruitment and retention were the reputation of the pharmacy, the ability of the pharmacist to be independent and autonomous, the loyalty of the community to the pharmacy, the level and stability of monetary compensation and the breadth of tasks available to a pharmacist. Conclusions: This study identified the strengths and challenges of participating communities and provided an insight into the shared factors to consider in recruiting and retaining pharmacists. Further, each community has unique strengths that can further be promoted in recruitment, flagging where limited resources are best used to address site specific challenges. This is more likely to ensure the matching of the right candidate with the right community. © 2022 The Authors. Australian Journal of Rural Health published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of National Rural Health Alliance Ltd.