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Lowell A, Jones Y, Aitken R, Baker DR, Lovell J, Togni S, Gon D Arra D, Sometimes B, Smith M, Anderson J, Sharp R, Karidakis M, Quinlivan S, Truong M, Lawton P. Why surveys are 'very hard': exploring challenges and insights for collection of authentic patient experience information with speakers of Australian First Nations languages. Rural Remote Health 2024; 24:8380. [PMID: 38632667 DOI: 10.22605/rrh8380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Health services collect patient experience data to monitor, evaluate and improve services and subsequently health outcomes. Obtaining authentic patient experience information to inform improvements relies on the quality of data collection processes and the responsiveness of these processes to the cultural and linguistic needs of diverse populations. This study explores the challenges and considerations in collecting authentic patient experience information through survey methods with Australians who primarily speak First Nations languages. METHODS First Nations language experts, interpreters, health staff and researchers with expertise in intercultural communication engaged in an iterative process of critical review of two survey tools using qualitative methods. These included a collaborative process of repeated translation and back translation of survey items and collaborative analysis of video-recorded trial administration of surveys with languages experts (who were also receiving dialysis treatment) and survey administrators. All research activities were audio- or video-recorded, and data from all sources were translated, transcribed and inductively analysed to identify key elements influencing acceptability and relevance of both survey process and items as well as translatability. RESULTS Serious challenges in achieving equivalence of meaning between English and translated versions of survey items were pervasive. Translatability of original survey items was extensively compromised by the use of metaphors specific to the cultural context within which surveys were developed, English words that are familiar but used with different meaning, English terms with no equivalent in First Nations languages and grammatical discordance between languages. Discordance between survey methods and First Nations cultural protocols and preferences for seeking and sharing information was also important: the lack of opportunity to share the 'full story', discomfort with direct questions and communication protocols that preclude negative or critical responses constrained the authenticity of the information obtained through survey methods. These limitations have serious implications for the quality of information collected and result in frustration and distress for those engaging with the survey. CONCLUSION Profound implications for the acceptability of a survey tool as well as data quality arise from differences between First Nations cultural and communication contexts and the cultural context within which survey methods have evolved. When data collection processes are not linguistically and culturally congruent there is a risk that patient experience data are inaccurate, miss what is important to First Nations patients and have limited utility for informing relevant healthcare improvement. Engagement of First Nations cultural and language experts is essential in all stages of development, implementation and evaluation of culturally safe and effective approaches to support speakers of First Nations languages to share their experiences of health care and influence change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Lowell
- Northern Institute, Charles Darwin University, Ellengowan Dr, Darwin, NT 0909, Australia
| | - Yomei Jones
- Royal Darwin Hospital, PO Box 41096, Rocklands Dr, Casuarina, NT 0811, Australia
| | - Robyn Aitken
- Flinders University, Rocklands Rd, Tiwi, NT 0810, Australia
| | - Dikul R Baker
- Northern Institute, Charles Darwin University, Ellengowan Dr, Darwin, NT 0909, Australia
- Present address: Self Employed, 7 Howley Cres., Anula, NT 0812, Australia
| | - Judith Lovell
- Charles Darwin University, Central Australian Campus, Alice Springs, NT 0870, Australia
- Present address: Batchelor Institute, Central Australian Campus, 475 Stuart Hwy, Alice Springs, NT 0873, Australia
| | - Samantha Togni
- S2 Consulting, PO Box 137, Alice Springs, NT 0871, Australia
| | | | - Beth Sometimes
- Self Employed, 12 Giles St, Alice Springs, NT 0870, Australia
| | - Margaret Smith
- Self Employed, 3 Wilkinson St, Alice Springs, NT 0870, Australia
| | - Julie Anderson
- Self Employed, 3 Wilkinson St, Alice Springs, NT 0870, Australia
| | - Rachael Sharp
- Department of Health, Health House, PO Box 41326, Casuarina, NT 0811, Australia
- Present address: Top End Mental Health Service, RDH Campus, Nightingale Rd, GPO Box 140, Parap, NT 0804, Australia
| | - Maria Karidakis
- School of Languages and Linguistics, The University of Melbourne, Vic. 3010, Australia
| | - Sarita Quinlivan
- The Purple House (Western Desert Nganampa Walytja Palyantjaku Tjutaku Aboriginal Corporation), PO Box 5060, Alice Springs, NT 0871, Australia
- Present address: Warlukurlangu Artists, Ral Ral Ave, Yuendumu, NT 0872, Australia
| | - Mandy Truong
- Menzies School of Health Research, PO Box 41096, Casuarina, NT 0811, Australia
- Present address: Monash Nursing and Midwifery, Monash University, Clayton, Vic. 3800, Australia
| | - Paul Lawton
- Menzies School of Health Research, PO Box 41096, Casuarina, NT 0811, Australia
- Present address: The Central Clinical School, Monash University, The Alfred Centre, Melbourne, Vic. 3004, Australia
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Cheney K, Mignacca E, Black KI, Homer C, Bradfield Z. An exploration of the contraceptive counselling practices of midwives who provide postpartum care in Australia. Midwifery 2024; 131:103948. [PMID: 38335692 DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2024.103948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We sought to explore and describe midwives' attitudes and practices relating to their provision of postpartum contraception counselling. DESIGN We used an exploratory cross-sectional design. Recruitment used an anonymous online survey using electronic communication platforms of professional, and special-interest organisations, over six months . Descriptive and quantitative analysis was used. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Australian Midwives who provide postpartum care. MEANING AND FINDINGS A total of 289 complete responses were included. Findings from this national survey of midwives showed that almost 75% of Australian midwives reported providing some contraceptive advice to women. Those working in continuity of care models were significantly more likely to fulfil this responsibility. More than half (67%) indicated they had not received any formal contraception education or training. Those working in private obstetric-led settings were significantly less likely to have received education compared to midwives in community settings. Systems barriers preventing the provision of contraceptive counselling included: clinical workload; lack of management support; lack of education; and models of care. KEY CONCLUSIONS Most midwives (82%) wanted to provide postpartum contraception counselling as part of their role. They cited barriers from within the health system, ambiguity about roles and responsibilities and offered solutions to improve the provision of postnatal contraception counselling. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Recommendations include the development of education programs for midwives. Continuity of care models provided the time, autonomy and opportunity for midwives to undertake contraceptive counselling and fulfil this part of their professional scope. Consideration should be given to expanding access and provision of continuity of midwifery care. An urgent investment in the education and skills of midwives is recommended to ensure all women across acute and community services benefit from improved outcomes associated with pregnancy spacing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Cheney
- The Sydney School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Susan Wakil Health Building, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
| | - Emily Mignacca
- School of Nursing, Midwifery, Oral Health Therapy, Paramedicine, Faculty of Health Science, Curtin University Perth, WA 6102, Australia
| | - Kirsten I Black
- The Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Susan Wakil Health Building, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Caroline Homer
- Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, Burnet Institute, Melbourne 3004, Australia
| | - Zoe Bradfield
- School of Nursing, Midwifery, Oral Health Therapy, Paramedicine, Faculty of Health Science, Curtin University Perth, WA 6102, Australia
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Nikodijevic CJ, Probst YC, Tan SY, Neale EP. Metabolisable energy from nuts and patterns of nut consumption in the Australian population: a secondary analysis of the 2011-12 National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey. J Hum Nutr Diet 2024; 37:538-549. [PMID: 38238999 DOI: 10.1111/jhn.13278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nut intake is not associated with increased body weight, which may be explained by their metabolisable energy, among other factors. Therefore, total energy intake may be overestimated among nut consumers. This study aimed to describe the metabolisable energy from nuts and nut consumption patterns in the Australian population. METHODS A nut-specific database was expanded to include metabolisable energy of nuts (based on nut type and form) and applied to the 2011-12 National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey (NNPAS). Participants were Australians aged 2 years and older from the 2011-12 NNPAS (n = 12,153, with n = 4,765 nut consumers). Mean metabolisable energy intake was compared with mean energy intake using Atwater factors in nut consumers. Additionally, nut consumption patterns were explored, including the proportion of nuts consumed at meals and snacks. RESULTS Among nut consumers, mean metabolisable energy from nuts based only on nut type was 241.2 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 232.0, 250.5) kJ/day and mean metabolisable energy considering both nut type and form was 260.7 (95% CI: 250.2, 271.2) kJ/day. Energy intake from nuts using Atwater factors was 317.6 (95% CI: 304.8, 330.3) kJ/day. Nuts were more likely to be consumed at snack occasions, with approximately 63% of nut intake occurring as a snack. CONCLUSION Application of metabolisable energy to the 2011-12 NNPAS has a significant impact on calculation of energy intake from nuts. Nut consumption patterns identified a majority of nut consumption occurring as snacks. These findings may inform strategies to support nut consumption in Australia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassandra J Nikodijevic
- School of Medical, Indigenous and Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Yasmine C Probst
- School of Medical, Indigenous and Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sze-Yen Tan
- School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, Australia
| | - Elizabeth P Neale
- School of Medical, Indigenous and Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
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Harney BL, Sacks-Davis R, van Santen DK, Traeger MW, Wilkinson AL, Asselin J, Fairley CK, Roth N, Bloch M, Matthews GV, Donovan B, Guy R, Stoové M, Hellard ME, Doyle JS. Hepatitis C virus reinfection incidence among gay and bisexual men with HIV in Australia from 2016 to 2020. Liver Int 2024; 44:1024-1031. [PMID: 38291946 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is some concern that hepatitis C virus (HCV) reinfection might impact HCV micro-elimination efforts among gay and bisexual men (GBM) with HIV. However, there is a limited understanding of reinfection incidence in the context of unrestricted government-funded HCV treatment. We aimed to estimate HCV reinfection incidence among GBM with HIV in Australia from 2016 to 2020. METHODS Data were from 39 clinics participating in ACCESS, a sentinel surveillance network for blood borne viruses and sexually transmissible infections across Australia. GBM with HIV who had evidence of treatment or spontaneous clearance with at least one positive HCV RNA test, a subsequent negative HCV RNA test, and at least one additional HCV RNA test between 1st January 2016 and 31st December 2020 were eligible for inclusion. A new HCV RNA positive test and/or detectable viral load was defined as a reinfection. Generalised linear modelling was used to examine trends in reinfection. RESULTS Among 12 213 GBM with HIV who had at least one HCV test, 540 were included in the reinfection incidence analysis, of whom 38 (7%) had evidence of reinfection during the observation period. Over 1124 person-years of follow-up, the overall rate of reinfection was 3.4/100PY (95% CI 2.5-4.6). HCV reinfection incidence declined on average 30% per calendar year (Incidence Rate Ratio 0.70, 95% CI 0.54-0.91). CONCLUSION HCV reinfection incidence has declined among GBM with HIV in Australia since government-funded unrestricted DAAs were made available. Ongoing HCV RNA testing following cure and prompt treatment for anyone newly diagnosed is warranted to sustain this.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brendan L Harney
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Infectious Disease, Alfred Health & Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rachel Sacks-Davis
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Daniela K van Santen
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Public Health Service of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Michael W Traeger
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute and Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Anna L Wilkinson
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jason Asselin
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Christopher K Fairley
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Norman Roth
- Prahran Market Clinic, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mark Bloch
- Holdsworth House Medical Practice, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Gail V Matthews
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Basil Donovan
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Rebecca Guy
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Mark Stoové
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Margaret E Hellard
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Infectious Disease, Alfred Health & Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Doherty Institute and School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Joseph S Doyle
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Infectious Disease, Alfred Health & Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Garavelis KN, Hayes N, Rose TA, Maloney M, Liddle K, Moritz K, Gullo M, Gullo HL, McMah R, Heussler H, Reid N. Exploring the experience of service users following attendance at a student-led interprofessional neurodevelopmental clinic. Disabil Rehabil 2024; 46:1298-1308. [PMID: 37029616 DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2023.2193430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of the current study was to understand service users' experiences at a recently established student-led interprofessional neurodevelopmental clinic for children and adolescents with suspected or confirmed prenatal alcohol exposure. METHOD Semi-structured interviews were completed at 3-months post-clinic attendance with 10 service users: eight parents/caregivers and two youth workers/case managers. Interview data were analysed thematically using NVivo12. RESULTS Four main themes were developed: (1) clinic attendance seen as a positive event; (2) validation, clarification, and relief, but also challenges post-assessment; (3) need for further support and importance of advocacy; and (4) drawing on lived experiences for future service improvements. CONCLUSIONS The current study demonstrated that service users reported benefits from tailored services delivered by student practitioners that were validating, supportive, and holistic. Findings from the current study can inform the development and implementation of future innovative service delivery models for individuals with suspected or confirmed prenatal alcohol exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khari Nicola Garavelis
- Child Health Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, South Brisbane, Australia
| | - Nicole Hayes
- Child Health Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, South Brisbane, Australia
| | - Tanya A Rose
- The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Maree Maloney
- Child Health Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, South Brisbane, Australia
| | - Karen Liddle
- Faculty of Medicine, Child Health Research Centre, The University of Queensland, South Brisbane, Australia
| | - Karen Moritz
- Faculty of Medicine, Child Health Research Centre, The University of Queensland, South Brisbane, Australia
| | - Matthew Gullo
- National Centre for Youth Substance Abuse Research, The University of Queensland, Saint Lucia, Australia
| | - Hannah L Gullo
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Therapies Annexe, St Lucia Campus, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Rebeccah McMah
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Therapies Annexe, St Lucia Campus, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Helen Heussler
- Faculty of Medicine, Child Health Research Centre, The University of Queensland, South Brisbane, Australia
| | - Natasha Reid
- Child Health Program, Children's Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service, Brisbane, Australia
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Lim G, Bourne A, Hill A, McNair R, Lyons A, Amos N. Community connection is associated with lower psychological distress for sexual minority women who view community connection positively. Cult Health Sex 2024; 26:513-530. [PMID: 37452686 DOI: 10.1080/13691058.2023.2231043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
We examined factors associated with sexual minority women's evaluations of belonging to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) community in Australia, and assessed whether a positive view of community participation impacted levels of psychological distress. 2424 cisgender sexual minority women participated in a national, online, cross-sectional survey of LGBTIQ adult Australians' health and well-being. Multivariable regression analyses were conducted to investigate sociodemographic factors associated with sexual minority women's belonging to the LGBTQ community, feelings towards community connection, and associations between community connection and recent psychological distress. Most sexual minority women (58.9%) reported feeling that they are part of the LGBTQ community, and a majority of the participants felt positive about being connected to this community (68.5%). Participants who were bisexual, non-university educated, and who resided in an outer-suburban location were least likely to evaluate participation in the LGBTQ community positively. Feeling positive about community connection was associated with lower levels of psychological distress. Feeling a part of LGBTQ community was associated with lower psychological distress, but this link appears contingent upon positive feelings about community participation. Sexual minority women's' relationships to the LGBTQ community are often complex, and community connection and participation in and of itself is not a panacea for the negative outcomes associated with sexual minority stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gene Lim
- Australian Research Centre for Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Adam Bourne
- Australian Research Centre for Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Adam Hill
- Graduate School of Public Health, St. Luke's International University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ruth McNair
- Department of General Practice, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Anthony Lyons
- Australian Research Centre for Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Natalie Amos
- Australian Research Centre for Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Aslan AT, Paterson DL. Epidemiology and clinical significance of carbapenemases in Australia: a narrative review. Intern Med J 2024; 54:535-544. [PMID: 38584572 DOI: 10.1111/imj.16374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Carbapenemase-producing gram-negative bacteria (CP-GNB) infections threaten public health with high mortality, morbidity and treatment costs. Although frequencies remain low in Australia (total number of CP-GNB infections reported was 907 in 2022), blaIMP-4 has established low levels of endemicity in many states. Imipenemase metallo-β-lactamase types alone accounted for more than half of all carbapenemases in carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales isolates in Australia, particularly in Enterobacter cloacae complex. New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase constitutes almost 25% of all carbapenemases in Australia and was identified predominantly in Escherichia coli. The OXA-48-like carbapenemases include almost 10% of all carbapenemases and are mainly seen in Klebsiella pneumoniae and E. coli. Although K. pneumoniae carbapenemase-type carbapenemases are rare in Australia, some local outbreaks have occurred. Most carbapenem-resistant (CR) Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains in Australia do not produce carbapenemases. Finally, OXA-23-like carbapenemases are overwhelmingly positive in CR-Acinetobacter baumannii strains in Australia. Treatment of CR-GNB infections challenges physicians. Of 10 new antibiotics active against at least some CR-GNB infections that are approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, just three are approved for use in Australia. In this context, there is still an unmet need for novel antibacterials that can be used for the treatment of CR-GNB infections in Australia, as well as a pressing requirement for new mechanisms to 'de-link' antibiotic sales from their availability. In this narrative review, we aim to overview the epidemiology and clinical significance of carbapenem resistance in Australia as it pertains to Enterobacterales, P. aeruginosa and A. baumannii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah Tarik Aslan
- UQ Centre for Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - David L Paterson
- ADVANCE-ID, Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Infectious Diseases Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
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Igwe EO, Nealon J, O'Shaughnessy P, Ormonde C, Traynor V. Perioperative knowledge, self-efficacy and clinical practices related to postoperative delirium care in older people across geographical regions in Australia. Aust J Rural Health 2024; 32:354-364. [PMID: 38456229 DOI: 10.1111/ajr.13097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In older people undergoing surgery, there is a lower tolerance for complications. This highlights the need for documented clinical practices on proper prevention, pre-screening and management of complications such as postoperative delirium (POD). Evidence-based clinical practice guidelines exist for delirium management; however, the management of delirium in clinical settings differs widely. OBJECTIVE This study aims to develop an understanding of the knowledge, components of self-efficacy (confidence/competence), and clinical practice related to POD care among preoperative and recovery nurses across different types of geographical locations in Australia. DESIGN A 27-item online survey was sent out to professional associations focused on perioperative care across Australia. The participants included practicing registered nurses specialising in perioperative care. The main outcome measures were Knowledge, confidence/competence and clinical practice relating to POD care in older patients. FINDINGS Respondents were categorised into two groups-major cities and rural and remote. Mean age was 46.3 years for respondents in Australian major cities and 49.5 for the comparison group. There was a statistically significant difference between Australian major cities and 'rural and remote' in confidence in detecting hyperactive delirium, 25.2% versus 11.7% respectively as well as managing hyperactive delirium, 13.8% versus 1.7%, respectively. Similar results were also observed on hypoactive delirium. Respondents from both groups did not mirror the ideal situation in managing a hyperactive delirium. DISCUSSION Results from this study are inconclusive and there is no clear-cut observation in clinical practice or knowledge between the two geographical categories in this study. CONCLUSION The absence of a distinct strategy with POD prevention highlights the need for a uniform approach and consensus on POD prevention and management in older people. This can be achieved by creating more awareness and education through professional development related to POD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ezinne O Igwe
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Medical, Indigenous and Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jessica Nealon
- School of Medical, Indigenous and Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Pauline O'Shaughnessy
- Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences, School of Mathematics and Applied Statistics, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Callum Ormonde
- School of Medical, Indigenous and Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Victoria Traynor
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
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Le Moal F, Michaud M, Coveney J. Exploring unequal class logics of mealtime food socialisation. An ethnography of family meals in France and Australia. Appetite 2024; 195:107195. [PMID: 38160732 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2023.107195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Regular family mealtimes are occasions to model food consumption and have been associated with health and well-being benefits for children. This study aimed to investigate children's mealtime food socialisation in socially diverse households. Nine families from France and five from Australia were recruited, ranging from lower middle-class to upper-class positions, with children mostly between the ages of five to eight. The data is composed of the observations of 47 mealtimes and semi-directive interviews with both parents. The results showed that food socialisation and parents' understanding of children's taste development were linked to the household's social class position as well as to the temporal, cognitive and emotional resources parents possessed at mealtimes, in a similar manner across France and Australia. The more capital and resources the parents had, the more they were able to perform an intensive food socialisation style, which led them to prepare balanced menus and get children to eat the food served. The less capital and resources the parents had, the more they engaged in a hands-off food socialisation style, leading them to serve more child-oriented and less diverse menus. Importantly, all parents strived to serve healthy food, but limited resources prevented some of them from doing so. These food socialisation styles were also connected to the development of different social skills in children: with the intensive model, children were closely managed by their parents at the table but also learnt negotiation skills, whereas with the hands-off style, children learnt to be quite autonomous in their eating. The findings presented here contribute to Hays' intensive mothering concept and to Lareau's class-based parenting models. They also challenge Bourdieu's differentiation between a taste of necessity and a taste of luxury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fairley Le Moal
- College of Nursing and Health Sciences of Flinders University, Australia; Centre Max Weber UM5283, France; Institut Paul Bocuse Research Centre, France.
| | | | - John Coveney
- College of Nursing and Health Sciences of Flinders University, Australia
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Forbes D, Lisy K, Wood C, White V, Evans S, Afshar N, Ristevski E, Sharma A, Changrani K, Jefford M. Factors beyond diagnosis and treatment that are associated with return to work in Australian cancer survivors-A systematic review. Asia Pac J Clin Oncol 2024; 20:198-209. [PMID: 37357383 DOI: 10.1111/ajco.13973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
Return to work (RTW) is a marker of functional recovery for working-age cancer survivors. Identifying factors that impact on RTW in cancer survivors is an essential step to guide further research and interventions to support RTW. This systematic review aimed to identify nontreatment, non-cancer-related variables impacting RTW in Australian cancer survivors. A systematic search was conducted in EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, PubMed, and Google Scholar. Studies were eligible if they included: (1) adults living post diagnosis of malignancy; (2) quantitative data for nontreatment, non-cancer-related variables impacting RTW; (3) only Australian participants. Included studies were critically appraised, and relevant data extracted and synthesized narratively. Six studies were included in the review, published between 2008 and 2020. Studies were of variable quality and mixed methodologies. One study included malignancies of any type with the remainder focusing on survivors of colorectal cancer (n = 3), oropharyngeal cancer (n = 1), and glioblastoma multiforme (n = 1). Multiple factors were related to RTW in individual studies, including older age, presence of three or more comorbidities, fewer work hours pre-morbidly, lower body mass index, longer than recommended sleep duration, and not having private health insurance; however, there was limited consistency in findings between studies. Other variables examined included: occupation type, household income, healthy lifestyle behaviors, flexibility, and duration of employment with workplace; however, no significant associations with RTW were reported. Further research is required to gather compelling evidence on factors that influence RTW in Australian cancer survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Forbes
- Department of Medical Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Karolina Lisy
- Department of Health Services Research, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Australian Cancer Survivorship Centre, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Colin Wood
- Department of Health Services Research, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Australian Cancer Survivorship Centre, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Victoria White
- Centre for Behavioural Research in Cancer, Cancer Council Victoria, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sue Evans
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Victorian Cancer Registry, Cancer Council Victoria, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nina Afshar
- Cancer Epidemiology Division, Cancer Council Victoria, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Cancer Health Services Research Unit, Centre for Health Policy, School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Eli Ristevski
- Monash Rural Health, Monash University, Warragul, Victoria, Australia
| | - Arun Sharma
- Australian Cancer Survivorship Centre, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Krisha Changrani
- Australian Cancer Survivorship Centre, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Michael Jefford
- Department of Medical Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Health Services Research, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Australian Cancer Survivorship Centre, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Fox H, Hempenstall A, Pilot P, Callander E, Smith S, McDonald MI, Hanson J. Significant healthcare resource utilisation in the management of skin and soft tissue infections in the Torres Strait, Australia. Rural Remote Health 2024; 24:8572. [PMID: 38632695 DOI: 10.22605/rrh8572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples (First Nations Australians) living in remote communities are hospitalised with skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) at three times the rate of non-First Nations Australians. The Torres Strait in tropical northern Australia has a highly dispersed population mainly comprising First Nations Australians. This study aimed to define the health service utilisation and health system costs associated with SSTIs in the Torres Strait and to improve the quality of regional healthcare delivery. METHODS The research team conducted a retrospective, de-identified audit of health records for a 2-year period, 2018-2019. The aim was to define health service utilisation, episodes of outpatient care, emergency department care, inpatient care and aeromedical retrieval services for SSTIs. RESULTS Across 2018 - 2019, there were 3509 outpatient episodes of care for SSTIs as well as 507 emergency department visits and 100 hospitalisations. For individuals with an SSTI, the mean outpatient clinic episode cost $240; the mean emergency department episode cost $400.85, the mean inpatient episode cost $8403.05 while an aeromedical retrieval service cost $18,670. The total costs to the health system for all services accessed for SSTI management was $6,169,881 per year, 3% of the total annual health service budget. CONCLUSION Healthcare costs associated with SSTIs in the Torres Strait are substantial. The implementation of effective preventative and primary care interventions may enable resources to be reallocated to address other health priorities in the Torres Strait.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haylee Fox
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Griffith University, 1 Parklands Drive, Gold Coast, Qld 4215, Australia
| | - Allison Hempenstall
- Thursday Island Hospital, Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service, 165 Douglas St, Thursday Island, Qld 4875, Australia
| | - Pelista Pilot
- Thursday Island Hospital, Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service, 165 Douglas St, Thursday Island, Qld 4875, Australia
| | - Emily Callander
- School of Public Health, University of Technology Sydney, 15 Broadway, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
- College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, 1/14-88 McGregor Rd, Smithfield, Qld 4878, Australia
| | - Simon Smith
- Cairns Hospital, Cairns Hospital and Hinterland Health Service, 165 The Esplanade, Cairns, Qld 4870, Australia
| | - Malcolm I McDonald
- College of Public Health, Medical and Vet Sciences, James Cook University, 1/14-88 McGregor Rd, Smithfield, Qld 4878, Australia
| | - Josh Hanson
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Cnr High St and Botony St, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia
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Kral P, Allen FL, Larsen S, Holst-Hansen T, Olivieri AV, Manton A. Treatment effect of semaglutide 2.4 mg on health-related quality of life from STEP 1 SF-6D derived from SF-36 with Australian weights. Diabetes Obes Metab 2024; 26:1171-1179. [PMID: 38195847 DOI: 10.1111/dom.15426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
AIM This study aimed to determine the comparative treatment effects of semaglutide 2.4 mg and placebo on health utility index scores [6-dimension short-form survey (SF-6D)] with Australian weights in full analysis set (FAS) and in post-hoc subgroups of the STEP 1 trial, defined according to different body mass index (BMI) cut-off points and presence of comorbidities at baseline. The study also explored the correlation between baseline BMI and SF-6D in the STEP 1 trial population. METHODS The 36-item SF survey (SF-36) scores from STEP 1 were mapped to SF-6D health states and converted to utility index scores using an Australian valuation algorithm. The change from baseline in SF-6D utility score (95% confidence intervals) was compared between semaglutide 2.4 mg and placebo at week 68 using the mixed model for repeated measurements approach. The relationship between utility scores and BMI at baseline was assessed by multiple linear regression analyses, controlling for demographic and clinical parameters. RESULTS The estimated mean treatment difference in SF-6D utility score favoured semaglutide 2.4 mg, and, at week 68, it was 0.057 (0.038-0.076) for the FAS. A greater treatment effect was noted in subgroups with presence of symptomatic comorbidities, i.e. 0.077 (0.027-0.128) to 0.105 (0.030-0.179) at week 68. A 1-unit increase in BMI was associated with a utility loss of 0.0075 (-0.0089 to -0.0062) for the FAS population, while controlling for demographic and clinical parameters. CONCLUSION To our knowledge, this is the first study showing statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvements in SF-6D utility scores with weight-loss pharmacotherapy in Australia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavol Kral
- IQVIA, Bratislava, Slovakia, IQVIA, Bratislava, Slovakia
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Youlden DR, Gupta S, Frazier AL, Moore AS, Gottardo NG, Aitken JF. Incidence and survival for childhood cancer by endorsed non-stage prognostic indicators in Australia. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2024; 71:e30889. [PMID: 38265260 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.30889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND An international expert panel recently recommended 15 'non-stage prognostic indicators' (NSPIs) across eight childhood cancers, classified as essential or additional, for collection in population-based cancer registries. We aimed to describe the incidence distribution and survival of each of these NSPIs. PROCEDURES Cases were extracted from the Australian Childhood Cancer Registry. The study cohort (n = 4187) comprised all children aged under 15 years diagnosed with an eligible cancer between 2010 and 2018, with follow-up until 31 December 2020. NSPI data were collected directly from each patient's medical records. Differences in 5-year relative survival were assessed using multivariable flexible parametric models, adjusted for sex and age group at diagnosis. RESULTS The availability of data varied, exceeding 85% for all essential NSPIs apart from histologic subtype for Wilms tumours (69%) and lineage for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (78%). Information on additional NSPIs tended to be recorded less often, particularly cytogenetic subtype for non-alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (28%) and astrocytoma (4%). Eight NSPIs exhibited a significant difference in survival, with the largest disparity occurring among children with astrocytoma according to tumour grade (5-year relative survival of 18% for grade IV disease compared with 99% for grade I disease; p < .001). CONCLUSIONS Our findings demonstrate that most of the recommended NSPIs can be retrieved from medical records in Australia in recent years, allowing the capability of assessing survival within patient subgroups of clinical interest. Reporting of NSPI data has the capability to inform local and global understanding of population-level disparities in childhood cancer survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danny R Youlden
- Viertel Cancer Research Centre, Cancer Council Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Sumit Gupta
- Division of Haematology/Oncology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - A Lindsay Frazier
- Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Andrew S Moore
- Oncology Service, Queensland Children's Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Child Health Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Nicholas G Gottardo
- Department of Paediatric and Adolescent Oncology/Haematology, Perth Children's Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Brain Tumour Research Program, Telethon Kids Cancer Centre, Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Joanne F Aitken
- Viertel Cancer Research Centre, Cancer Council Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- School of Public Health and Social Work, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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Abbas G, Bauquier J, Beasley A, Jacobson C, El-Hage C, Wilkes EJA, Carrigan P, Cudmore L, Hurley J, Beveridge I, Nielsen MK, Hughes KJ, Stevenson MA, Jabbar A. Worm control practices used by Thoroughbred horse managers in Australia: A national survey. Vet Parasitol 2024; 327:110116. [PMID: 38244523 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2024.110116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
This study assessed worm control practices used by Australian Thoroughbred farm managers with an online questionnaire survey. The questionnaire comprised 52 questions (close-ended: 44; open-ended: 8) about farm demography and general husbandry practices, farm managers' knowledge of gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) and their importance, diagnosis, worm control strategies and anthelmintics, anthelmintic resistance (AR) and grazing management. Following the pilot survey, the link for the questionnaire survey was sent to all (n = 657) registered members of the Thoroughbred Breeders Australia on 12th April 2020. The response rate for the questionnaire was 18.5% (122 of 675). The farm managers reported a good understanding of GIN and their importance in different age groups of horses as most respondents (70% of 122) perceived worm-related illness to be more important in young (i.e., foals, weanlings and yearlings) than adult (> 3 years old) horses. Although most respondents (93%, 113 of 122) used anthelmintics prophylactically to control GIN, only 15% (18 of 122) observed worm-related illness in their horses. Just under 40% of respondents were performing faecal egg counts, with less than 20% using the results of faecal egg counts to guide deworming decisions. The interval-based deworming strategy was the most common method (≥55% of 122 respondents) to control GIN in all age groups of horses. Macrocyclic lactones were the first choice of anthelmintics for all age groups of horses. Although the majority of respondents (88%, 107 of 122) perceived resistance in GIN against commonly used anthelmintics as an important issue in managing worms in horses, only 29% assessed the efficacy of anthelmintics and 91% (111 of 122) were unaware of AR on their properties. Grazing management practices, such as manure removal, were more frequently performed on smaller paddocks (<0.20 ha: 58%) than on larger paddocks (>0.20 ha: 18%). Multiple correspondence analyses showed that the likelihood of suboptimal worm control practices on small farms (n = ≤50 horses) was greater than that of medium (n = 51-100) and large (n = >100) farms. This study provides insights into the demography of Thoroughbred farms in Australia, husbandry practices used by stud managers and their knowledge about worms, control options and AR concerns, thereby paving the way for taking any initiatives to address the problem of AR in GIN of Australian Thoroughbred horses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghazanfar Abbas
- Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria 3030, Australia
| | - Jenni Bauquier
- Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria 3030, Australia
| | - Anne Beasley
- School of Agriculture and Food Sustainability, University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland, Australia
| | - Caroline Jacobson
- Centre for Animal Production and Health, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Charles El-Hage
- Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria 3030, Australia
| | | | - Peter Carrigan
- Scone Equine Hospital, Scone, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Lucy Cudmore
- Scone Equine Hospital, Scone, New South Wales, Australia
| | - John Hurley
- Swettenham Stud, Nagambie, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ian Beveridge
- Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria 3030, Australia
| | - Martin K Nielsen
- M.H. Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Kristopher J Hughes
- School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Mark A Stevenson
- Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria 3030, Australia
| | - Abdul Jabbar
- Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria 3030, Australia.
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Griebsch C, Kirkwood N, Ward MP, Norris JM. Serological evidence of exposure of healthy dogs to Leptospira in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Aust Vet J 2024; 102:215-221. [PMID: 38220214 DOI: 10.1111/avj.13315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
In 2017, highly fatal canine leptospirosis emerged in Sydney, Australia. Based on results of microscopic agglutination testing (MAT), serovar Copenhageni appeared to be the most common causative serovar. Prior to this, no clinical cases had been reported since 1976. In a serosurvey of healthy dogs in Australian shelters in 2004, 2.4% of 431 New South Wales dogs had serological evidence of exposure to Copenhageni, the most prevalent serovar. The aim of this study was to estimate the current prevalence of Leptospira exposure and associated serovars in healthy Sydney dogs, previously unvaccinated against Leptospira. Serum samples from 411 healthy dogs in leptospirosis hotspots and neighbouring suburbs were collected before vaccination. MAT for 23 serovars was performed at the WHO Leptospirosis Reference Laboratory in Queensland, Australia. The overall seroprevalence was 4.1% (17/411) with low titres (1/50-1/200) detected. Eleven dogs were from known leptospirosis hotspots. Eight dogs were known to hunt rodents. One dog had been in contact with a leptospirosis positive dog 1 year prior. Serovar Topaz was the most prevalent serovar (n = 5) followed by serovars Australis (n = 4), Copenhageni (n = 4), Djasiman (n = 2), Cynopteri (n = 1), Javanica (n = 1), Medanensis (n = 1), and Pomona (n = 1). In conclusion, serological evidence of exposure of dogs in Sydney to Leptospira is low, but apparently has increased since 2004. Positive titres to serovars not previously reported to cause disease in dogs could be due to low virulence of those serovars or cross-reactivity with other serovars.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Griebsch
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - N Kirkwood
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - M P Ward
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - J M Norris
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
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Watanabe C, Yanagihara A, Miyata R, Mitsui T, Honda C, Fujinami D, Kumazawa S. Catechol-O-methyltransferase and monoamine oxidase B inhibitory activities of Australian bee pollen. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem 2024:zbae041. [PMID: 38561637 DOI: 10.1093/bbb/zbae041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Bee pollen is an apicultural product collected by honeybees from flower stamens and used as a functional food worldwide. In the present study, we aimed to elucidate the functions of Australian bee pollen. Australian bee pollen extracts and their main components were tested for catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) and monoamine oxidase B (MAOB) inhibitory activities. These enzymes are key neurotransmitters involved in Parkinson's disease and depression. Myricetin (5), tricetin (6), and luteolin (7) exhibited high COMT inhibitory activities (half maximal inhibitory concentration [IC50] = 23.3, 13.8, and 47.4 µM, respectively). In contrast, 5, 7, and annulatin (8) exhibited MAOB inhibitory activities (IC50 = 89.7, 32.8, and 153 µM, respectively). Quantitative analysis via high-performance liquid chromatography revealed that 5 was abundant in Australian bee pollen extracts. Our findings suggest that 5 contributes to the COMT and MAOB inhibitory activities of Australian bee pollen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chie Watanabe
- Graduate School of Integrated Pharmaceutical and Nutritional Sciences, University of Shizuoka, 52-1 Yada, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Aoi Yanagihara
- Graduate School of Integrated Pharmaceutical and Nutritional Sciences, University of Shizuoka, 52-1 Yada, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Ryo Miyata
- Graduate School of Integrated Pharmaceutical and Nutritional Sciences, University of Shizuoka, 52-1 Yada, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka, Japan
- Health and Medical Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), 2217-14 Hayashi-cho, Takamatsu, Kagawa, Japan
| | - Taichi Mitsui
- Nagaragawa Research Center, API Co., Ltd., 692-3 Nagara, Gifu, Japan
| | - Chihiro Honda
- Graduate School of Integrated Pharmaceutical and Nutritional Sciences, University of Shizuoka, 52-1 Yada, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Daisuke Fujinami
- Graduate School of Integrated Pharmaceutical and Nutritional Sciences, University of Shizuoka, 52-1 Yada, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Shigenori Kumazawa
- Graduate School of Integrated Pharmaceutical and Nutritional Sciences, University of Shizuoka, 52-1 Yada, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka, Japan
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Gardener SL, Fuller SJ, Naismith SL, Baker L, Kivipelto M, Villemagne VL, Grieve SM, Yates P, Rainey‐Smith SR, Chen J, Thompson B, Armstrong NJ, Fernando MG, Blagojevic Castro C, Meghwar S, Raman R, Gleason A, Ireland C, Clarnette R, Anstey KJ, Taddei K, Garg M, Sohrabi HR, Martins RN. The AUstralian multidomain Approach to Reduce dementia Risk by prOtecting brain health With lifestyle intervention study (AU-ARROW): A study protocol for a single-blind, multi-site, randomized controlled trial. Alzheimers Dement (N Y) 2024; 10:e12466. [PMID: 38596483 PMCID: PMC11002765 DOI: 10.1002/trc2.12466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The Finnish Geriatric Intervention Study (FINGER) led to the global dementia risk reduction initiative: World-Wide FINGERS (WW-FINGERS). As part of WW-FINGERS, the Australian AU-ARROW study mirrors aspects of FINGER, as well as US-POINTER. METHOD AU-ARROW is a randomized, single-blind, multisite, 2-year clinical trial (n = 600; aged 55-79). The multimodal lifestyle intervention group will engage in aerobic exercise, resistance training and stretching, dietary advice to encourage MIND diet adherence, BrainHQ cognitive training, and medical monitoring and health education. The Health Education and Coaching group will receive occasional health education sessions. The primary outcome measure is the change in a global composite cognitive score. Extra value will emanate from blood biomarker analysis, positron emission tomography (PET) imaging, brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and retinal biomarker tests. DISCUSSION The finalized AU-ARROW protocol is expected to allow development of an evidence-based innovative treatment plan to reduce cognitive decline and dementia risk, and effective transfer of research outcomes into Australian health policy. Highlights Study protocol for a single-blind, randomized controlled trial, the AU-ARROW Study.The AU-ARROW Study is a member of the World-Wide FINGERS (WW-FINGERS) initiative.AU-ARROW's primary outcome measure is change in a global composite cognitive score.Extra significance from amyloid PET imaging, brain MRI, and retinal biomarker tests.Leading to development of an innovative treatment plan to reduce cognitive decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha L. Gardener
- Centre of Excellence for Alzheimer's Disease Research and CareSchool of Medical and Health SciencesEdith Cowan UniversityJoondalupWestern AustraliaAustralia
- Alzheimer's Research AustraliaRalph and Patricia Sarich Neuroscience Research InstituteNedlandsWestern AustraliaAustralia
- Lifestyle Approaches Towards Cognitive Health Research GroupMurdoch UniversityMurdochWestern AustraliaAustralia
| | - Stephanie J. Fuller
- Department of Biomedical SciencesMacquarie UniversitySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | | | - Laura Baker
- Wake Forest University School of MedicineWinston‐SalemNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Miia Kivipelto
- Karolinska InstitutetSolnaStockholmSweden
- FINGERS Brain Health InstituteStockholmSweden
| | - Victor L. Villemagne
- Centre of Excellence for Alzheimer's Disease Research and CareSchool of Medical and Health SciencesEdith Cowan UniversityJoondalupWestern AustraliaAustralia
- University of PittsburghPittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
- Austin Health, Department of Nuclear Medicine and Centre for Positron Emission TomographyHeidelbergVictoriaAustralia
| | - Stuart M. Grieve
- Imaging and Phenotyping Laboratory, Charles Perkins Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Paul Yates
- Austin Health, Department of Nuclear Medicine and Centre for Positron Emission TomographyHeidelbergVictoriaAustralia
| | - Stephanie R. Rainey‐Smith
- Centre of Excellence for Alzheimer's Disease Research and CareSchool of Medical and Health SciencesEdith Cowan UniversityJoondalupWestern AustraliaAustralia
- Alzheimer's Research AustraliaRalph and Patricia Sarich Neuroscience Research InstituteNedlandsWestern AustraliaAustralia
- Lifestyle Approaches Towards Cognitive Health Research GroupMurdoch UniversityMurdochWestern AustraliaAustralia
- The University of Western AustraliaPerthWestern AustraliaAustralia
- Centre for Healthy AgeingMurdoch UniversityMurdochWestern AustraliaAustralia
| | - Juliana Chen
- Department of Biomedical SciencesMacquarie UniversitySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
- Discipline of Nutrition and DieteticsSusan Wakil School of Nursing and MidwiferyCharles Perkins CentreThe University of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Belinda Thompson
- Department of Health SciencesAustralian Lymphoedema EducationResearch and TreatmentMacquarie UniversitySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | | | - Malika G. Fernando
- Department of Biomedical SciencesMacquarie UniversitySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Carolina Blagojevic Castro
- Alzheimer's Research AustraliaRalph and Patricia Sarich Neuroscience Research InstituteNedlandsWestern AustraliaAustralia
- Centre for Healthy AgeingMurdoch UniversityMurdochWestern AustraliaAustralia
| | - Silochna Meghwar
- Department of Biomedical SciencesMacquarie UniversitySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Rema Raman
- Alzheimer's Therapeutic Research InstituteUniversity of Southern CaliforniaSan DiegoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Andrew Gleason
- Department of Biomedical SciencesMacquarie UniversitySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental HealthUniversity of MelbourneParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
- Department of NeuroscienceCentral Clinical SchoolThe Alfred CentreMonash UniversityVictoriaAustralia
| | | | - Roger Clarnette
- The University of Western AustraliaPerthWestern AustraliaAustralia
| | | | - Kevin Taddei
- Centre of Excellence for Alzheimer's Disease Research and CareSchool of Medical and Health SciencesEdith Cowan UniversityJoondalupWestern AustraliaAustralia
| | - Manohar Garg
- Department of Biomedical SciencesMacquarie UniversitySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Hamid R. Sohrabi
- Centre of Excellence for Alzheimer's Disease Research and CareSchool of Medical and Health SciencesEdith Cowan UniversityJoondalupWestern AustraliaAustralia
- Alzheimer's Research AustraliaRalph and Patricia Sarich Neuroscience Research InstituteNedlandsWestern AustraliaAustralia
- Department of Biomedical SciencesMacquarie UniversitySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
- Centre for Healthy AgeingMurdoch UniversityMurdochWestern AustraliaAustralia
| | - Ralph N. Martins
- Centre of Excellence for Alzheimer's Disease Research and CareSchool of Medical and Health SciencesEdith Cowan UniversityJoondalupWestern AustraliaAustralia
- Alzheimer's Research AustraliaRalph and Patricia Sarich Neuroscience Research InstituteNedlandsWestern AustraliaAustralia
- Department of Biomedical SciencesMacquarie UniversitySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
- Centre for Healthy AgeingMurdoch UniversityMurdochWestern AustraliaAustralia
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Kettlewell N, Zhang Y. Age penalties and take-up of private health insurance. Health Econ 2024; 33:636-651. [PMID: 38141165 DOI: 10.1002/hec.4784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023]
Abstract
Financial penalties for delayed enrollment could be useful tools to encourage people to enroll earlier in health insurance markets, but little is known about how effective they are. We use a large administrative dataset for a 10% random sample of all Australian tax-filers to study how people respond to a step-wise age-based penalty, and whether the effect has changed over time. Individuals must pay a 2% premium surcharge for each year they delay enrollment beyond age 31. The penalty stops after 10 years of continuous hospital cover. The age-based penalty creates discontinuities in the incentive to insure by age, which we exploit to estimate causal effects. We find that people respond as expected to the initial age-penalty, but not to subsequent penalties. The 2% premium loading results in a 0.78-3.69 percentage points (or 2.1%-9.0%) increase in the take-up rate at age 31. We simulate the penalty impact and implications of potential reforms, and conclude that modest changes around the policy make little difference in the age distribution of insured, premiums or take-up rates. Our study provides important evidence on an understudied area in the literature and offers insights for countries considering financial penalties.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yuting Zhang
- Melbourne Institute: Applied Economic & Social Research, Faculty of Business and Economics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Prowse SR, Treweek S, Kiezebrink K, Hanna C. Evidencing the impacts of health research: Insights from trials reported in the 2018 Australian Engagement and Impact Assessment. Health Promot J Austr 2024; 35:423-432. [PMID: 37493241 DOI: 10.1002/hpja.772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 06/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
ISSUE ADDRESSED While definitions of impact may vary, they often refer to the wider benefits of research evidenced beyond academia. We evaluated case studies featuring randomised trials from the 2018 Engagement and Impact Assessment to better understand how the impacts of health research are evidenced and assessed within Australia. METHODS We collated and evaluated 'high' scoring case studies submitted by higher education institutions with a focus on randomised trials across all areas of health research. A qualitative coding system was used for manual content analysis to assess the key characteristics of trials reported, subsequent impacts and the methods used to evidence impacts. RESULTS A total of 14 case studies were identified citing 35 clinical trials. The majority of interventions were behavioural with a focus on mental, behavioural or neurodevelopmental disorders. Most trials were phase III, focused on the treatment of the indication and were funded by industry. Contribution to clinical guidelines was the highest cited research impact. While there was evidence of researchers seeking to maximise trial impact, case studies lacked details on the role of trial participants and other beneficiaries in generating impact. CONCLUSIONS The impacts of health research can be improved through a better understanding of the priorities and agendas of funders, providing evidence of tangible impact rather than information that is contextual or predictive, and through the early development of impact strategies involving both researchers and beneficiaries. SO WHAT?: Large-scale impact exercises intended for a broad range of disciplines may not be reflective of the depth and scope of health sciences research including trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah R Prowse
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Shaun Treweek
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Kirsty Kiezebrink
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Catherine Hanna
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
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Hanson J, Radlof S, Littlejohn M, Hempenstall A, Edwards R, Nakata Y, Gregson S, Hayes R, Smith S, McKinnon M, Binks P, Tong SYC, Davies J, Davis JS. Hepatitis B genotypes in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians: correlation with clinical course and implications for management. Intern Med J 2024; 54:647-656. [PMID: 37548345 DOI: 10.1111/imj.16181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevalence of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians in Far North Queensland (FNQ) is greater than twice that of the general Australian population. CHB is common in Torres Strait Islanders diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) - and in Aboriginals with HCC living in the Northern Territory - however, Aboriginals diagnosed with HCC in FNQ very rarely have CHB. The explanation for this apparent disparity is uncertain. AIMS To determine the HBV genotypes in the FNQ Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population and their correlation with clinical phenotype. METHODS We determined the HBV genotype of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians living with CHB in FNQ and correlated this with demographic and clinical findings. RESULTS 134/197 (68%) enrolled individuals had a sufficient viral load for genotyping. All 40 people with HBV/D genotype had Aboriginal heritage, whereas 85/93 (91%) with HBV/C had Torres Strait Islander heritage (P < 0.0001). Individuals with HBV/D were younger than those with HBV/C (median (interquartile range) age: 43 (39-48) vs 53 (42-66) years, P = 0.0002). However, they were less likely to be HBeAg positive (1/40 (3%) vs 23/93 (25%), P = 0.001). All three HCCs developed in Torres Strait Islanders; two-thirds were infected with HBV/C14; genotyping was not possible in the other individual. All 10 diagnoses of cirrhosis occurred in Torres Strait Islanders, 6/10 were infected with HBV/C14, genotyping was not possible in the other four individuals. CONCLUSIONS HBV genotypes in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians in FNQ differ markedly, which could explain the significant differences in the clinical phenotype in the two populations and might be used to inform cost-effective CHB care in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josh Hanson
- Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service, Cairns, Queensland, Australia
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Sharna Radlof
- Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service, Cairns, Queensland, Australia
| | - Margaret Littlejohn
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Melbourne, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Ros Edwards
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Yoko Nakata
- Torres and Cape Health and Hospital Service, Cairns, Queensland, Australia
| | - Sandra Gregson
- Torres and Cape Health and Hospital Service, Cairns, Queensland, Australia
| | - Richard Hayes
- Torres and Cape Health and Hospital Service, Cairns, Queensland, Australia
| | - Simon Smith
- Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service, Cairns, Queensland, Australia
| | - Melita McKinnon
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Paula Binks
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Steven Y C Tong
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Melbourne, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Service, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jane Davies
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Joshua S Davis
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
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O'Brien A, Hart J, Higgins A, Arthur I, Lee GH, Leung M, Kennedy K, Bradbury S, Foster S, Warren S, Korman TM, Abbott IJ, Heney C, Bletchley C, Warner M, Wells N, Wilson D, Varadhan H, Stevens R, Lahra M, Newton P, Maley M, van Hal S, Ingram PR. Nocardia species distribution and antimicrobial susceptibility within Australia. Intern Med J 2024; 54:613-619. [PMID: 37929813 DOI: 10.1111/imj.16234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nocardia is a ubiquitous saprophyte capable of causing human disease. Disease is primarily respiratory or cutaneous, usually acquired via inhalation or inoculation. Under the influence of environmental and host factors, Nocardia incidence and species distribution demonstrate geographical variation. AIMS To examine for differences in Nocardia incidence within Western Australia (WA) and analyse species distribution in the context of prior published studies. To analyse antibiogram data from a nationwide passive antimicrobial resistance surveillance program. METHODS Retrospective extraction of laboratory data for Western Australian Nocardia isolates over a 21-year period. Analysis of Nocardia antimicrobial susceptibility testing data submitted to the Australian Passive Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance (APAS) program between 2005 and 2022. RESULTS Nine hundred sixty WA isolates were identified, giving an annual incidence of 3.03 per 100 000 population with apparent latitudinal variation. The four most common species identified within WA and amongst APAS isolates were N. nova, N. cyriacigeorgica, N. brasiliensis and N. farcinica. APAS data demonstrated that all species exhibited high rates of susceptibility to linezolid (100%) and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (98%). Amikacin (>90% susceptibility for all species except N. transvalensis) was the next most active parenteral agent, superior to both carbapenems and third-generation cephalosporins. Susceptibility to oral antimicrobials (other than linezolid) demonstrated significant interspecies variation. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrate geographical variation in the distribution of Nocardia incidence. Four species predominate in the Australian setting, and nationwide data confirm a high in vitro susceptibility to trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole and linezolid, justifying their ongoing role as part of first-line empiric therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aine O'Brien
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Julie Hart
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Sir Charles Gardiner Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Ammie Higgins
- PathWest Laboratory Medicine, Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Ian Arthur
- PathWest Laboratory Medicine, Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Gar-Hing Lee
- PathWest Laboratory Medicine, Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Michael Leung
- PathWest Laboratory Medicine, Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Karina Kennedy
- ACT Health, Canberra Hospital, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Susan Bradbury
- ACT Health, Canberra Hospital, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Sarah Foster
- Launceston General Hospital, Tasmanian Health Service (THS), Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Sanchia Warren
- Royal Hobart Hospital, Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Tony M Korman
- Monash Health, Monash Infectious Diseases, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Claire Heney
- Pathology Queensland, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | | | - Morgyn Warner
- Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Department, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Nicholas Wells
- South Australia Pathology, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Desley Wilson
- South Australia Pathology, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Hemalatha Varadhan
- Hunter New England, NSW Health Pathology, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Robert Stevens
- South Eastern Sydney, NSW Health Pathology, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Monica Lahra
- NSW Health Pathology, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Peter Newton
- Illawarra-Shoalhaven, NSW Health Pathology, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Michael Maley
- South Western Sydney, NSW Health Pathology, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Microbiology, Liverpool Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sebastian van Hal
- NSW Health Pathology, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
- Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Paul R Ingram
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
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Hsieh MT, Shakespeare TP, Winkley L, Goonetilleke D, Yap SZL, Tahir ARM. Long-term outcomes of definitive radiation with volumetric modulated arc therapy and concurrent chemotherapy for squamous cell carcinoma of the anus in a regional Australian cancer centre. J Med Imaging Radiat Oncol 2024; 68:325-332. [PMID: 38450897 DOI: 10.1111/1754-9485.13630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Concurrent chemoradiotherapy is the standard of care in the curative intent treatment of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the anus. Volumetric arc therapy (VMAT) is a highly conformal radiation therapy technique that has been implemented to reduce toxicity for these patients. However, there are few reports evaluating the long-term outcomes of VMAT. Thus, we evaluated the survival and toxicity outcomes of anal cancer patients treated in our regional cancer centre undergoing curative intent chemoradiotherapy using VMAT and following the Australian EviQ guidelines. METHODS All consecutive patients treated with the VMAT technique for curative-intent definitive chemoradiotherapy for anal SCC at our institution from 2013 until 2022 were retrospectively reviewed for survival and toxicity outcomes. Kaplan-Meier estimates of locoregional control, distant metastasis-free survival, disease-free survival, anal cancer-specific survival and overall survival were obtained. RESULTS In total, 44 patients were analysed. The median follow-up was 48.9 months (Range 7.8-107). 97.7% of patients completed the prescribed radiation therapy and 88.6% chemotherapy. Five patients (11.4%) recurred. Four (9.1%) had isolated local failures, and one (2.3%) had an isolated distant failure. There were no regional nodal failures. The Kaplan-Meier estimates for locoregional control, distant metastasis-free survival, disease-free survival, anal cancer-specific survival and overall survival were 90.3%, 97.7%, 88.1%, 97.1% and 87% at 3 years, and 90.3%, 97.7%, 88.1%, 93.0% and 72.3% at 5 years, respectively. Acute grade 3 genitourinary (GU), gastrointestinal (GI) and skin toxicities occurred in 2.2%, 6.8% and 13.6% of patients, respectively. There were no acute grade 4 toxicities. Late grade 2 GU and GI toxicities occurred in 6.8% and 11.3% of patients, respectively. There were no late grade 3 or 4 toxicities or treatment-related deaths. The 5 -year colostomy-free survival rate was 86.4%. CONCLUSION Outcomes for anal SCC after definitive chemoradiotherapy using VMAT in our regional cancer centre results in low rates of grade 3/4 toxicity, high rates of organ preservation and excellent survival outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Ti Hsieh
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Mid North Coast Cancer Institute, Coffs Harbour Health Campus, Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, Australia
- RCS Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Thomas Philip Shakespeare
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Mid North Coast Cancer Institute, Coffs Harbour Health Campus, Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, Australia
- RCS Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Lauren Winkley
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Mid North Coast Cancer Institute, Coffs Harbour Health Campus, Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Daniel Goonetilleke
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Mid North Coast Cancer Institute, Coffs Harbour Health Campus, Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Shaun Zheng Liang Yap
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Mid North Coast Cancer Institute, Coffs Harbour Health Campus, Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Abdul Rahim Mohd Tahir
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Mid North Coast Cancer Institute, Coffs Harbour Health Campus, Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, Australia
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Payne M, Williamson S, Wang Q, Zhang X, Sintchenko V, Pavic A, Lan R. Emergence of Poultry-Associated Human Salmonella enterica Serovar Abortusovis Infections, New South Wales, Australia. Emerg Infect Dis 2024; 30:691-700. [PMID: 38526124 PMCID: PMC10977856 DOI: 10.3201/eid3004.230958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Salmonella enterica serovar Abortusovis is a ovine-adapted pathogen that causes spontaneous abortion. Salmonella Abortusovis was reported in poultry in 2009 and has since been reported in human infections in New South Wales, Australia. Phylogenomic analysis revealed a clade of 51 closely related isolates from Australia originating in 2004. That clade was genetically distinct from ovine-associated isolates. The clade was widespread in New South Wales poultry production facilities but was only responsible for sporadic human infections. Some known virulence factors associated with human infections were only found in the poultry-associated clade, some of which were acquired through prophages and plasmids. Furthermore, the ovine-associated clade showed signs of genome decay, but the poultry-associated clade did not. Those genomic changes most likely led to differences in host range and disease type. Surveillance using the newly identified genetic markers will be vital for tracking Salmonella Abortusovis transmission in animals and to humans and preventing future outbreaks.
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Nielsen TC, Nassar N, Boulton KA, Guastella AJ, Lain SJ. Estimating the Prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder in New South Wales, Australia: A Data Linkage Study of Three Routinely Collected Datasets. J Autism Dev Disord 2024; 54:1558-1566. [PMID: 36652127 PMCID: PMC10981615 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-022-05887-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Routinely collected data help estimate the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in jurisdictions without active autism surveillance. We created a population-based cohort of 1,211,834 children born in 2002-2015 in New South Wales, Australia using data linkage. Children with ASD were identified in three datasets - disability services, hospital admissions, and ambulatory mental health data. The prevalence of ASD in the cohort was 1.3% by age 12 and prevalence at age 6 increased an average of 4.1% per year (95% Confidence Interval, 3.3%, 4.8%). Most children with ASD were identified in disability services data (87%), although data linkage identified 1,711 additional cases that were more likely female, older at first contact, and living in major cities and less disadvantaged areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy C Nielsen
- Children's Hospital Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia.
| | - Natasha Nassar
- Children's Hospital Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Kelsie A Boulton
- Brain and Mind Centre, Children's Hospital Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Adam J Guastella
- Brain and Mind Centre, Children's Hospital Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Samantha J Lain
- Children's Hospital Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia
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Liu R, Mazza D, Li CK, Subasinghe AK. What do women need to know about long-acting reversible contraception? Perspectives of women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Health Promot J Austr 2024; 35:276-284. [PMID: 37161644 DOI: 10.1002/hpja.743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To identify components of an online education intervention to improve preference for, and uptake of, long-acting reversible contraception in women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds (CALD). ISSUE ADDRESSED Women from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds have greater rates of unintended pregnancies than those born locally and are less likely to use long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs), which are highly effective at reducing unintended pregnancy. Increasing the uptake of LARC in women from CALD backgrounds may reduce the burden of unintended pregnancy in this high-risk group. An online education intervention has been shown to be effective at increasing preference for and uptake of LARC in young women. We aimed to describe what women from CALD backgrounds thought were the potentially effective components of an online education intervention to increase preference for, and uptake of, long-acting reversible contraception. METHODS This qualitative study involved semi-structured interviews with six Australian English-speaking women from each of Chinese, Indian, and Middle Eastern cultural backgrounds. Women were recruited through targeted Facebook advertising. Data were analysed using Braun and Clarke thematic analysis. RESULTS A total of 18 participants were interviewed. We have demonstrated the importance of messages tailored to cultural values, translating the video, widening the target audience to both men and women and using specific social media platforms. For all women, the video needs to highlight the covertness of contraceptive methods, alongside stating cost and approach to access. For Indian women, the video needs to highlight the effect of LARC methods on the menstrual period for Indian women and include basic information on women's health. For Middle Eastern women the video should be explicit about LARC not equating to abortion and emphasise the low efficacy of natural contraceptive methods. For Chinese women, the video should address the misconception that hormones damage the body. Regarding delivery of the video, it should be translated and delivered by a female doctor from the same culture. For Chinese women, the video should include women from the same culture sharing anecdotes and use WeChat and Chinese schools as a platform for dissemination. For Middle Eastern and Indian women government websites should be used for dissemination. The video should be made available to all decision-makers in the reproductive planning process including male partners of Middle Eastern women, parents and peers of Chinese women, and for Indian women the male partner, family, and community leaders. CONCLUSIONS There is a wide range of cultural adaptations that can be made to the online education videos about LARCs to improve uptake of LARCs and hence reduce the burden of unintended pregnancy in women from CALD grounds. SO WHAT?: Our findings will be used to modify an online education video about LARCs so that it is culturally appropriate for women from CALD backgrounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rose Liu
- Department of General Practice, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Danielle Mazza
- Department of General Practice, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ching Kay Li
- Department of General Practice, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Ronto R, Alves Lopes CV, Bogueva D, Davis B, Bhatti AJ, Navarrete P, Chau JY. Exploring Australian News Media Portrayals of Sustainable and Plant-Based Diets. Nutrients 2024; 16:996. [PMID: 38613028 PMCID: PMC11013140 DOI: 10.3390/nu16070996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Dietary behaviour transformation is imperative for the attainment of more sustainable food systems, including an increased intake of plant-based foods and lower consumption of red meat and highly processed foods. The influence of news media coverage on public opinion regarding dietary behaviours is significant. Therefore, this study aimed to explore how sustainable/plant-based diets have been portrayed in Australian news media. (2) Methods: The Factiva global news database was used to search news articles published in Australia between 2018 and 2020. Relevant news articles were selected if they included keywords relating to sustainable diets, plant-based diets, and meat alternatives. We used a coding protocol to extract key information, such as date of publication, article topic, and any health, environmental and economic impacts. Then, we performed a framing and thematic analysis of the data. (3) Results: From 357 included articles, more than half of the articles encouraged increasing the intake of plant-based foods (53.5%) and reducing animal-derived food intake (55.2%). Several reasons for such shift from animal protein centric Australian diets were identified throughout the articles such as health benefits (15.4%), environmental impacts (11.2%), animal welfare (4.8%), seasonality and local food intake (5.3%), avoiding overconsumption (4.5%) and food wastage (4.5%). (4) Conclusions: The predominant frame in Australian news coverage about sustainable diets has been about consumption, more plant- and less animal-based products, with little nuance about the complex interplay of diet quality and environment in influencing food choices. Australian news media should broaden its coverage of sustainable diets to include health, environmental, and economic factors to improve public understanding and facilitate informed and sustainable food choices. Further research is needed to enhance comprehension of how the audience perceives media coverage on this topic, which will provide a more thorough understanding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rimante Ronto
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Carla Vanessa Alves Lopes
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Diana Bogueva
- Curtin University Sustainability Policy Institute (CUSP), Curtin University, Perth, WA 6102, Australia
| | - Barbara Davis
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Alexandra J. Bhatti
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Priscilla Navarrete
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Josephine Y. Chau
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, NSW 2109, Australia
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Morris JN, Loyer J, Blunt J. Stigma, risks, and benefits of medicinal cannabis use among Australians with cancer. Support Care Cancer 2024; 32:252. [PMID: 38532234 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-024-08439-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE People with cancer who use medicinal cannabis do so despite risks associated with limited clinical evidence, legalities, and stigma. This study investigated how Australians with cancer rationalise their medicinal cannabis use despite its risks. METHODS Ten adults (5 males and 5 females; mean age of 53.3) who used cannabis medicinally for their cancer were interviewed in 2021-2022 about how they used and accessed the substance, attitudes and beliefs underpinning their use, and conversations with others about medicinal cannabis. RESULTS Participants had cancer of the bowel, skin, oesophagus, stomach, thyroid, breast, and Hodgkin lymphoma for which they were receiving treatment (n = 5) or under surveillance (n = 5), with most (n = 6) encountering metastatic disease. Cannabis was used to treat a variety of cancer-related symptoms such as pain, poor sleep, and low mood. Cannabis was perceived as natural and thus less risky than pharmaceuticals. Participants legitimised their medicinal cannabis use by emphasising its natural qualities and distancing themselves from problematic users or riskier substances. Cost barriers and a lack of healthcare professional communication impeded prescription access. Similarly, participants navigated medicinal cannabis use independently due to a lack of guidance from healthcare professionals. CONCLUSION Findings highlight the need for robust data regarding the harms and efficacy of medicinal cannabis and dissemination of such information among healthcare professionals and to patients who choose to use the substance. Ensuring healthcare professionals are equipped to provide non-judgmental and evidence-based guidance may mitigate potential safety and legal risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia N Morris
- Cancer Council SA, 202 Greenhill Road, Eastwood, SA, 5063, Australia.
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Kidman R, McKnight DT, Schwarzkopf L, Nordberg EJ. How turtles keep their cool: Seasonal and diel basking patterns in a tropical turtle. J Therm Biol 2024; 121:103834. [PMID: 38669745 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2024.103834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Behavioural thermoregulation by ectotherms is an important mechanism for maintaining body temperatures to optimise physiological performance. Experimental studies suggest that nocturnal basking by Krefft's river turtles (Emydura macquarii krefftii) in the tropics may allow them to avoid high water temperatures, however, this hypothesis has yet to be tested in the field. In this study, we examined the influence of environmental temperature on seasonal and diel patterns of basking in E. m. krefftii in tropical north Queensland, Australia. Wildlife cameras were used to document turtle basking events for seven consecutive days and nights for each month over a year (April 2020-March 2021). Air and water temperatures were recorded simultaneously using temperature loggers. We used a negative binomial mixed effects model to compare mean basking durations (min) occurring among four environmental temperature categories based on population thermal preference (26 °C): 1) air temperature above and water temperature below preferred temperature; 2) air temperature below and water temperature above preferred temperature; 3) air and water temperatures both above preferred temperature; and 4) air and water temperatures both below preferred temperature. Basking behaviour was influenced significantly by the relationship between air and water temperature. During the day, turtles spent significantly less time basking when both air and water temperatures were above their preferred temperatures. Conversely, at night, turtles spent significantly more time basking when water temperatures were warm and air temperatures were cool relative to their preferred temperature. This study adds to the growing body of work indicating pronounced heat avoidance as a thermoregulatory strategy among tropical reptile populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosie Kidman
- Ecosystem Management, School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, 2351, Australia.
| | - Donald T McKnight
- Savanna Field Station, La Democracia, Belize District, Belize; College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, 4811, Australia
| | - Lin Schwarzkopf
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, 4811, Australia
| | - Eric J Nordberg
- Ecosystem Management, School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, 2351, Australia; College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, 4811, Australia
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Grinham A, Costantini T, Deering N, Jackson C, Klein C, Lovelock C, Pandolfi J, Eyal G, Linde M, Dunbabin M, Duncan B, Hutley N, Byrne I, Wilson C, Albert S. Nitrogen loading resulting from major floods and sediment resuspension to a large coastal embayment. Sci Total Environ 2024; 918:170646. [PMID: 38325481 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Major floods pose a severe threat to coastal receiving environments, negatively impacting environmental health and ecosystem services through direct smothering with sediment and nutrient loading. This study examined the short and long-term impacts of the February 2022 major flood event on mud extent and sediment nitrogen flux in Moreton Bay (the Bay), a large, sub-tropical embayment in Southeast Queensland, Australia. Short-term impacts were assessed three days after the flood peak by sampling surface water at 47 sites in the direction of the predominant circulation pattern. Longer-term impacts were assessed by undertaking an intensive sediment survey of 223 sites and a nutrient flux experiment using sediment core incubations to simulate calm and resuspension conditions for the four key sediment classes. Short-term impacts revealed elevated turbidity levels extended across the Bay but were highest at the Brisbane River mouth, ammonium concentrations varied inversely with surface turbidity, whereas nitrate concentrates closely tracked surface turbidity. The sediment survey confirmed fine sediment deposition across 98 % of the Bay. Porewater within the upper 10 cm contained a standing pool of 280 t of ammonium, with concentrations more than three orders of magnitude higher than overlying surface waters. The nutrient flux experiment revealed an order of magnitude higher sediment ammonium flux rate in the sandy mud sediment class compared to the other sediment classes; and for simulated resuspension conditions compared to calm conditions for sand, muddy sand, and mud sediment classes. Scaling across the whole Bay, we estimated a mean annual sediment flux of 17,700 t/year ammonium, with a range of 13,500 to 21,900 t/year. Delivery of fine sediments by major floods over the last 50 years now impact >98 % of the benthic zone and provide a major loading pathway of available nitrogen to surface waters of Moreton Bay; representing a significant threat to ecosystem health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alistair Grinham
- School of Civil Engineering, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia.
| | | | - Nathaniel Deering
- School of Civil Engineering, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | | | - Carissa Klein
- School of the Environment, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Catherine Lovelock
- School of the Environment, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - John Pandolfi
- School of the Environment, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Gal Eyal
- School of the Environment, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; The Mina & Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan 5290002, Israel
| | - Michael Linde
- Port of Brisbane Pty Ltd., Brisbane, QLD 4178, Australia
| | - Matthew Dunbabin
- Biopixel Oceans Foundation, Fortitude Valley, QLD 4006, Australia
| | - Brendon Duncan
- School of Civil Engineering, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Nicholas Hutley
- School of Civil Engineering, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Ilha Byrne
- School of the Environment, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Craig Wilson
- Port of Brisbane Pty Ltd., Brisbane, QLD 4178, Australia
| | - Simon Albert
- School of Civil Engineering, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
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80
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Murray S, Gale F, Adams D, Dalton L. Evolution of Food and Nutrition Policy: A Tasmanian Case Study from 1994 to 2023. Nutrients 2024; 16:918. [PMID: 38612952 PMCID: PMC11013732 DOI: 10.3390/nu16070918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Food security is a concept with evolving definitions and meanings, shaped by contested knowledge and changing contexts. The way in which food security is understood by governments impacts how it is addressed in public policy. This research investigates the evolution of discourses and practices in Tasmanian food and nutrition policies from 1994 to 2023. Four foundational documents were analysed using qualitative document analysis, revealing persistent food insecurity issues over three decades. The analysis identified a duality in addressing the persistent policy challenges of nutrition-related health issues and food insecurity: the balancing act between advancing public health improvements and safeguarding Tasmania's economy. The research revealed that from 1994 to 2023, Tasmania's food and nutrition policies and strategies have been characterised by various transitions and tensions. Traditional approaches, predominantly emphasising food availability and, to a limited extent, access, have persisted for over thirty years. The transition towards a more contemporary approach to food security, incorporating dimensions of utilisation, stability, sustainability, and agency, has been markedly slow, indicating systemic inertia. This points to an opportunity for future policy evolution, to move towards a dynamic and comprehensive approach. Such an approach would move beyond the narrow focus of food availability to address the complex multi-dimensional nature of food security.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Murray
- School of Health Science, University of Tasmania, Launceston, TAS 7250, Australia
| | - Fred Gale
- School of Social Sciences, University of Tasmania, Launceston, TAS 7250, Australia;
| | - David Adams
- Tasmanian School of Business and Economics, University of Tasmania, Launceston, TAS 7250, Australia;
| | - Lisa Dalton
- School of Health Science, University of Tasmania, New Norfolk, TAS 7140, Australia;
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81
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Elms L, Hand B, Skubisz M, Best KP, Grzeskowiak LE, Rogers GB, Green TJ, Taylor SL. The Effect of Iron Supplements on the Gut Microbiome of Females of Reproductive Age: A Randomized Controlled Trial. J Nutr 2024:S0022-3166(24)00163-9. [PMID: 38521191 DOI: 10.1016/j.tjnut.2024.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency worldwide, particularly for young children and females of reproductive age. Although oral iron supplements are routinely recommended and generally considered safe, iron supplementation has been shown to alter the fecal microbiota in low-income countries. Little is known about the effect of iron supplementation on the fecal microbiota in high-income settings. OBJECTIVES To assess the effect of oral iron supplementation compared with placebo on the gut microbiome in nonpregnant females of reproductive age in a high-income country. METHODS A 21-d prospective parallel design double-blind, randomized control trial conducted in South Australia, Australia. Females (18-45 y) were randomly assigned to either iron (65.7 mg ferrous fumarate) or placebo. Fecal samples were collected prior to commencing supplements and after 21 d of supplementation. The primary outcome was microbiota β-diversity (paired-sample weighted unique fraction metric dissimilarity) between treatment and placebo groups after 21 d of supplementation. Exploratory outcomes included changes in the relative abundance of bacterial taxa. RESULTS Of 82 females randomly assigned, 80 completed the trial. There was no significant difference between the groups for weighted unique fraction metric dissimilarity (mean difference: 0.003; 95% confidence interval: -0.007, 0.014; P = 0.52) or relative abundance of common bacterial taxa or Escherichia-Shigella (q > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Iron supplementation did not affect the microbiome of nonpregnant females of reproductive age in Australia. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT05033483.
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Affiliation(s)
- Levi Elms
- Microbiome and Host Health Programme, South Australia Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia; Infection and Immunity, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
| | - Brittany Hand
- College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
| | - Monika Skubisz
- SAHMRI Women and Kids Theme, South Australia Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia; Discipline of Pediatrics, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Karen P Best
- SAHMRI Women and Kids Theme, South Australia Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia; Discipline of Pediatrics, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Luke E Grzeskowiak
- SAHMRI Women and Kids Theme, South Australia Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia; College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Geraint B Rogers
- Microbiome and Host Health Programme, South Australia Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia; Infection and Immunity, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
| | - Tim J Green
- College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia; SAHMRI Women and Kids Theme, South Australia Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Steven L Taylor
- Microbiome and Host Health Programme, South Australia Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia; Infection and Immunity, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia.
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82
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Bittleston H, Hocking JS, Temple-Smith M, Sanci L, Goller JL, Coombe J. What sexual and reproductive health issues do young people want to discuss with a doctor, and why haven't they done so? Findings from an online survey. Sex Reprod Healthc 2024; 40:100966. [PMID: 38522395 DOI: 10.1016/j.srhc.2024.100966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Young people are a priority group for sexual and reproductive health (SRH) care. We considered which SRH topics young Australians want to discuss with a general practitioner (GP) and explored barriers they encounter to discussing these issues. METHODS We conducted an online survey (2nd May - 21st June 2022) of Australians aged 16-29 years. Participants were asked to identify from a list of SRH topics which they wanted to discuss, but never had, with a GP. Those who selected any topic/s (with 'undiscussed SRH issues') were asked a free-text follow-up question about what prevented them from discussing issues. We explored characteristics associated with having undiscussed issues using multivariate logistic regression. Free-text comments were analysed using content analysis. RESULTS A total of 1887 people completed relevant survey questions. Most (67.1 %) were women and 48.5 % were heterosexual. Two-thirds (67.0 %) had a usual GP. Nearly half (45.6 %) had undiscussed issues. Most commonly, women wanted to discuss cervical screening and sexual problems, and men wanted to discuss sexual problems and STIs. Participants who were male, older, heterosexual, and with a usual GP were least likely to have undiscussed issues. Barriers to accessing care for SRH were identified from free-text comments, including discomfort, lack of opportunity, fear of negative outcomes, low priority of SRH issues, and perceptions about the role and expertise of GPs. CONCLUSIONS Many young people would welcome more preventative SRH care. Young people may be reassured that all issues, including sexual difficulties and dysfunction, are appropriate to discuss with a GP.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Bittleston
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, The University of Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - J S Hocking
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, The University of Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, Melbourne, Australia
| | - M Temple-Smith
- Department of General Practice, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - L Sanci
- Department of General Practice, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - J L Goller
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, The University of Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, Melbourne, Australia
| | - J Coombe
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, The University of Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, Melbourne, Australia
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83
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Dias-Karunaratne N, Whop L, Ward J, Vujovich-Dunn C, Amin J, Dakiniewich A, Dyda A. Representation of marginalised populations in digital surveillance for notifiable conditions in Australia: a systematic review. Perspect Public Health 2024:17579139241237101. [PMID: 38509693 DOI: 10.1177/17579139241237101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
AIM This study aims to establish whether digital surveillance methods for notifiable diseases in Australia collect and report data in relation to marginalised populations. METHODS The literature was systematically reviewed to identify primary research studies published between January 2005 and July 2023. Studies were included if they described an Australian digital surveillance system for notifiable conditions. The results were synthesised with a focus on evaluating the collection and reporting of data in relation to marginalised populations. RESULTS A total of 13 articles reporting on seven surveillance systems were identified. Influenza and adverse events following immunisation were the two most common notifiable conditions monitored. A total of six surveillance systems encompassing 16 articles reported information on sub-populations. Of these, three surveillance systems (nine articles) included data on marginalised populations. CONCLUSION The data collected or reported in relation to sub-groups that characterise diversity in terms of health care needs, access, and marginalised populations are minimal. It is recommended that a set of equity and reporting principles is established for the future creation and use of any digital surveillance system.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Dias-Karunaratne
- School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - L Whop
- National Centre for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Wellbeing Research, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - J Ward
- Poche Centre for Indigenous Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - C Vujovich-Dunn
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - J Amin
- Department of Health Science, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - A Dakiniewich
- School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - A Dyda
- School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, 288 Herston Road, Herston, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
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84
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Ryan GE, Shearer FM, McCaw JM, McVernon J, Golding N. Estimating measures to reduce the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in Australia to guide a 'National Plan' to reopening. Epidemics 2024; 47:100763. [PMID: 38513465 DOI: 10.1016/j.epidem.2024.100763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The availability of COVID-19 vaccines promised a reduction in the severity of disease and relief from the strict public health and social measures (PHSMs) imposed in many countries to limit spread and burden of COVID-19. We were asked to define vaccine coverage thresholds for Australia's transition to easing restrictions and reopening international borders. Using evidence of vaccine effectiveness against the then-circulating Delta variant, we used a mathematical model to determine coverage targets. The absence of any COVID-19 infections in many sub-national jurisdictions in Australia posed particular methodological challenges. We used a novel metric called Transmission Potential (TP) as a proxy measure of the population-level effective reproduction number. We estimated TP of the Delta variant under a range of PHSMs, test-trace-isolate-quarantine (TTIQ) efficiencies, vaccination coverage thresholds, and age-based vaccine allocation strategies. We found that high coverage across all ages (≥70%) combined with ongoing TTIQ and minimal PHSMs was sufficient to avoid lockdowns. At lesser coverage (≤60%) rapid case escalation risked overwhelming of the health sector or the need to reimpose stricter restrictions. Maintaining low case numbers was most beneficial for health and the economy, and at higher coverage levels (≥80%) further easing of restrictions was deemed possible. These results directly informed easing of COVID-19 restrictions in Australia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerard E Ryan
- Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, WA, Australia; Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
| | - Freya M Shearer
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - James M McCaw
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, VIC, Australia; School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jodie McVernon
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Melbourne Medical School, University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Australia; Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, The Royal Melbourne Hospital at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Nick Golding
- Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, WA, Australia; Curtin University, Perth, Australia
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85
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Robbers GML, Cousins N, Lim YL, Estoesta J, Botfield JR. Views and experiences of young women from a migrant or refugee background regarding the contraceptive implant in Australia. Cult Health Sex 2024:1-18. [PMID: 38497422 DOI: 10.1080/13691058.2024.2328223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Young people comprise a significant proportion of migrants and refugees in Australia. Many encounter challenges in accessing contraception information and services. This study explored the views and experiences of young women from migrant and/or refugee backgrounds regarding the contraceptive implant and related decision-making. Interviews were conducted with 33 women, aged 15-24, living in New South Wales, Australia, who spoke a language other than English and had some experience of the implant. Three themes were developed from the data as follows: 'Finding your own path': contraception decision-making (in which participants described sex and contraception as being taboo in their community, yet still made independent contraceptive choices); Accessing 'trustworthy' contraception information and navigating services (in which participants consulted online resources and social media for contraception information, and preferred discussions with healthcare providers from outside their community); and Views and experiences of the contraceptive implant (while the implant was described as a 'Western' method, most participants regarded it as an acceptable, convenient, cost-effective, and confidential means of contraception). Decision-making regarding the implant is influenced by many factors which must be considered in health promotion efforts and when providing clinical care. Consideration of more informative health promotion resources, peer education strategies, and healthcare provider training is warranted to support contraception decision-making and choice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yen Li Lim
- Family Planning Australia, Newington, NSW, Australia
| | - Jane Estoesta
- Family Planning Australia, Newington, NSW, Australia
| | - Jessica R Botfield
- Family Planning Australia, Newington, NSW, Australia
- Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
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86
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Duffy JF, Woods CA, Douglass AG. Optometrists who leave the profession in Australia: 2011 to 2019. Clin Exp Optom 2024:1-8. [PMID: 38494452 DOI: 10.1080/08164622.2024.2325633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
CLINICAL RELEVANCE The number, demographics, registration status and geographic distribution of optometrists in Australia who do not renew their registration is reported. BACKGROUND The size of the optometry workforce in Australia is determined by the number of new entrants to the profession and the number of optometrists leaving it. Limited attention has been paid to the latter. METHODS A dataset obtained from the Australian Health Practitioner Registration Agency about registered optometrists during the period 1 January 2011 to 31 December 2019 was analysed. It included registrants' first year of registration, gender, year of birth (in five-year bands), optometry qualification; and annual collection of registration type and postcode of principal place of practice. RESULTS Data for 6,595 registrants were analysed. Over the study period, 626 optometrists left the register. When those leaving the register were examined by year of birth bands, two main groups emerged - optometrists aged in their fifties or older, and optometrists who were under forty years of age and disproportionately male. Registration type had a significant effect on whether a registrant left or remained on the register (p < 0.05). Those holding Non-practising Registration or Limited Registration were more likely to leave the register. Registrants with an optometry qualification from an overseas institution, including from New Zealand, were more likely to leave the register (p < 0.05). Optometrists whose registration was not endorsed were more likely to leave the register (p < 0.05). No significant difference was found when the geographic location of optometrists who left the register was compared with those who remained. CONCLUSION Optometrists who left the register fell into two main groups - late-career and early-career. An unanticipated finding was that younger optometrists who left the register were disproportionately male. What motivates optometrists in Australia to leave the register is worthy of future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane F Duffy
- Doctor of Medicine Program, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Australia
| | - Craig A Woods
- School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Amanda G Douglass
- Optometry Program, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Australia
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87
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Mojica-Perez Y, Willoughby B, Anderson-Luxford D, Wilkinson C, Kuntsche E, Callinan S, Ritter A. Exploring the relationship between solitary drinking and living without other adults on alcohol consumption during the COVID-19 pandemic. Alcohol Alcohol 2024; 59:agae013. [PMID: 38497163 PMCID: PMC10945291 DOI: 10.1093/alcalc/agae013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
AIMS The COVID-19 pandemic presents the opportunity to learn about solitary drinking as many people were forced to spend time at home. The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between solitary drinking and living without other adults on alcohol consumption. METHODS A longitudinal study with four survey waves (between May and November 2020) obtained seven-day drinking diary data from Australian adults living in New South Wales. In May, a convenience sample of 586 participants (Mage = 35.3, SD = 14.8; 65.3% women) completed the first wave. Participants then completed a survey in June (n = 319, 54.4% response rate), July/August (n = 225, 38.4% response rate), and November (n = 222, 37.9% response rate). Information about alcohol consumption including risky drinking (more than four drinks on one occasion), household structure, solitary drinking, and demographics were collected. We conducted random-effects panel bivariate and multivariable regression analyses predicting the number of standard drinks and risky drinking. RESULTS Participants with solitary drinking occasions consumed more and had more risky drinking occasions than participants with no solitary drinking occasions, which was also found to be the case during lockdown. Living without other adults was associated with less consumption and less risky drinking than living with other adults. However, participants who lived without other adults and had frequent solitary drinking occasions (solitary drinking in >50% drinking occasions) reported more consumption than participants without a solitary drinking occasion. CONCLUSIONS Individuals who consume alcohol alone and live without other adults or spend long periods of time at home may be more at risk of alcohol-related harm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvette Mojica-Perez
- Centre for Alcohol Policy Research, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC 3086, Australia
| | - Bree Willoughby
- Centre for Alcohol Policy Research, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC 3086, Australia
| | - Dan Anderson-Luxford
- Centre for Alcohol Policy Research, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC 3086, Australia
| | - Claire Wilkinson
- Drug Policy Modelling Program, Social Policy Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Emmanuel Kuntsche
- Centre for Alcohol Policy Research, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC 3086, Australia
- Institute of Psychology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest 1088, Hungary
| | - Sarah Callinan
- Centre for Alcohol Policy Research, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC 3086, Australia
| | - Alison Ritter
- Drug Policy Modelling Program, Social Policy Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
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88
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Kwon JA, Bretaña NA, Kronfli N, Dussault C, Grant L, Galouzis J, Hoey W, Blogg J, Lloyd AR, Gray RT. Preparing correctional settings for the next pandemic: a modeling study of COVID-19 outbreaks in two high-income countries. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1279572. [PMID: 38560445 PMCID: PMC10978752 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1279572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Correctional facilities are high-priority settings for coordinated public health responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. These facilities are at high risk of disease transmission due to close contacts between people in prison and with the wider community. People in prison are also vulnerable to severe disease given their high burden of co-morbidities. Methods We developed a mathematical model to evaluate the effect of various public health interventions, including vaccination, on the mitigation of COVID-19 outbreaks, applying it to prisons in Australia and Canada. Results We found that, in the absence of any intervention, an outbreak would occur and infect almost 100% of people in prison within 20 days of the index case. However, the rapid rollout of vaccines with other non-pharmaceutical interventions would almost eliminate the risk of an outbreak. Discussion Our study highlights that high vaccination coverage is required for variants with high transmission probability to completely mitigate the outbreak risk in prisons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jisoo A. Kwon
- Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Nadine Kronfli
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
- McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Camille Dussault
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Luke Grant
- Corrective Services NSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Wendy Hoey
- Justice Health Forensic Mental Health Network NSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - James Blogg
- Justice Health Forensic Mental Health Network NSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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89
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Wu H, West SR. Co-optimisation of wind and solar energy and intermittency for renewable generator site selection. Heliyon 2024; 10:e26891. [PMID: 38444508 PMCID: PMC10912462 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e26891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Sites for the construction of wind and solar farms have typically been chosen to maximise total energy generation of an individual site, but rarely consider the intermittency of the renewable resource available at each location. As more renewable generation is added to electricity grids around the world, this intermittency is rapidly becoming a major factor constraining the volume of renewable generation that can be added cost-effectively, as additional fast-response storage or dispatchable generation must compensate for periods of low renewable generation. We present a statistical approach to selecting wind and solar generation sites that assesses energy and intermittency of individual wind, solar and co-sited wind plus solar farm locations, allowing energy and intermittency to be given weight when selecting sites for new generation. A new multi-objective pareto-front approach to identifying high-performing renewable generation sites that allows for optimising multi-site selection using the median (energy) and median absolute difference (intermittency) of historical weather resource is proposed. This technique is then applied to a 30-year, hourly, Australian weather reanalysis dataset to show the potential improvement over the fleet of wind and solar farms currently operating in the Australian National Energy Market. Finally, an analysis of potential sites for optimal offshore wind and combined offshore wind and solar is presented. The proposed wind-only and solar-only sites show an average energy increase of 9% (solar, 67 sites), 28% (wind, 50 sites) more energy for the same level of intermittency, as compared to the existing generation sites. Three existing combined wind and solar sites were compared to the best three proposed sites, which showed a 3-16% energy increase for the same intermittency, or a 2-11% intermittency decrease for the same energy generated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Wu
- CSIRO, 10 Murray Dwyer Cct, Mayfield West, 2304, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Samuel R. West
- CSIRO, 10 Murray Dwyer Cct, Mayfield West, 2304, New South Wales, Australia
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90
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Garrett C, Steffens D, Solomon M, Koh C. Surgical and survival outcomes of early-onset colorectal cancer patients: a single-centre descriptive Australian study. ANZ J Surg 2024. [PMID: 38475933 DOI: 10.1111/ans.18938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early-onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC) incidence is increasing in Australia. However, no Australian studies have reported on EOCRC patients' surgical management and survival patterns. METHODS A retrospective study of 111 EOCRC patients treated at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital (RPAH), Sydney, Australia between January 2013 and December 2021 was performed. RPAH is a quaternary referral centre for pelvic exenteration (PE) and cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS/HIPEC). RESULTS Most patients had left-sided tumours (76.58%) and stage IV disease at the time of presentation (37.85%). 27.93% of patients underwent either CRS/HIPEC and PE and 72.07% of patients underwent other colorectal resections of which the most common was low anterior resection (19.82%). A stoma was fashioned in 50.54% of patients. Complications occurred in 54.95% of patients of which most were Clavien-Dindo grade II (47.54%). Absolute 1-, 3- and 5-year time intervals were 93.69%, 87.39% and 85.48%. Disease-free and overall survival were poorer in stage IV patients who had PE, followed by CRS/HIPEC then other colorectal resections (P < 0.001 and P = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS Stoma formation, PE and CRS/HIPEC and minor postoperative complications were common in our EOCRC cohort. Despite this, the 5-year absolute survival rate was acceptable. Thus, an aggressive surgical approach in EOCRC patients at a quaternary referral centre may be feasible at the cost of greater postoperative morbidity. This information is imperative in the surgical consent and preoperative counselling of EOCRC patients and highlights the need for further research to assess the postoperative functional outcomes and quality of life of EOCRC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celine Garrett
- Surgical Outcomes Research Centre, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine & Health, Central Clinical School, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine & Health, St George and Sutherland Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Daniel Steffens
- Surgical Outcomes Research Centre, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine & Health, Central Clinical School, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Michael Solomon
- Surgical Outcomes Research Centre, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine & Health, Central Clinical School, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Cherry Koh
- Surgical Outcomes Research Centre, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine & Health, Central Clinical School, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
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91
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Berridge V, Fairchild AL, Morphett K, Gartner C, Hall W, Bayer R. E-cigarettes: A framework for comparative history and policy. Addiction 2024. [PMID: 38467572 DOI: 10.1111/add.16462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND England, Australia and the United States have approached the regulation of e-cigarettes in very different ways, yet all three countries have appealed to the concept of evidence as underpinning policy responses. We compared these policy responses using a combination of the methodologies of historians and policy scientists in order to elucidate the factors that had influenced policy in each country. ARGUMENT/ANALYSIS Each country's evidence and values intersected in different ways, producing very different responses within specific national contexts and histories. Our analysis accordingly emphasized the historical precursors of the policy issues raised by e-cigarettes and placed the policy debate within the context of regulatory bodies and the networks of researchers and advocates who influenced policy. Issues also of importance were the nature of the state; political context; the pre-history of nicotine for smoking cessation; the role of activism and its links with government; the influence of harm reduction ideas from drugs and HIV; and finally, whom policy was perceived to benefit. In the United Kingdom, based on this pre-history of the smoking issue, it was the existing smoker, while in the United States and Australia, protecting children and adolescents has played a central role. CONCLUSIONS Structural and historical factors appear to underpin differences in e-cigarette policy development in England, Australia and the United States.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia Berridge
- Department of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | - Kylie Morphett
- School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Coral Gartner
- School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Wayne Hall
- Centre for Youth Substance Abuse Research, The University of Queensland, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Ronald Bayer
- Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
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92
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Hirani R, Hoad VC, Gosbell IB, Irving DO. Has the frequency of ABO RhD blood groups in Australian blood donors changed as a result of the removal of the variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease-based deferral? Vox Sang 2024. [PMID: 38451394 DOI: 10.1111/vox.13614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Until 25 July 2022, Australians who had spent more than 6 months in the United Kingdom or territories between 1980 and 1996 were deferred from blood donation due to the risk of variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. Removal of this geography-based donor deferral on RhD-negative blood availability has not been reported. MATERIALS AND METHODS All donors who donated at least once from 25 July 2022 to 25 July 2023 were included. UK donor status, first-time donor and ABO RhD data were extracted from the National Blood Management System. RESULTS Data from 566,447 blood donors with a valid ABO RhD result were analysed. Of these, 34,560 were new or returning lapsed donors following removal of the UK donor deferral. The median age [range] in years for all donors was 43 [75] with UK donors being older 53 [70]. There was a higher prevalence of RhD-negative status in UK donors (20.2%) compared with first-time blood donors (15.7%). CONCLUSION UK donors were generally older, female and more likely to be RhD-negative. Although UK donors provided a boost to RhD-negative blood collections, the overall prevalence of ABO RhD blood groups in the total Australian blood donor panel remained similar to previous estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rena Hirani
- Australian Red Cross Lifeblood, Sydney, Australia
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Iain B Gosbell
- Australian Red Cross Lifeblood, Sydney, Australia
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Sydney, Australia
| | - David O Irving
- Australian Red Cross Lifeblood, Sydney, Australia
- Faculty of Health, University of Technology, Sydney, Australia
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93
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Koomson I, Lenzen S, Afoakwah C. Informal care and financial stress: Longitudinal evidence from Australia. Stress Health 2024:e3393. [PMID: 38451735 DOI: 10.1002/smi.3393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
The number of people providing informal care has increased considerably in the last years while, at the same time, about one in four Australians have financial stress problems. This study uses rich longitudinal data from the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) survey to estimate the effect of informal care on financial stress. To establish causality, we exploit a fixed effect-instrumental variable approach to address omitted variable bias and reverse causality problems. Our findings show that informal caregiving increases financial stress between 9.9 and 14.5 percentage points. This finding is robust across a battery of quasi-experimental methods. The effect of informal caregiving on financial stress is more pronounced among males, rural residents and those living in low socioeconomic areas. Our analyses further show that financial fragility and social isolation are important channels through which informal caregiving affects financial stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isaac Koomson
- Centre for the Business and Economics of Health, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
- Network for Socioeconomic Research and Advancement (NESRA), Accra, Ghana
| | - Sabrina Lenzen
- Centre for the Business and Economics of Health, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Clifford Afoakwah
- Australian Centre for Health Services Innovation (AusHSI), Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Jamieson Trauma Institute, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Herston, Queensland, Australia
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94
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Attwell K, Wiley K, Leask J, Seale H, Carlson SJ, Cashman P, Karras J, Danchin M, Kaufman J. The collaboration on social science and immunisation (COSSI): Global lessons from a successful Australian research and practice network. Vaccine 2024; 42:1420-1423. [PMID: 38336562 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2024.01.107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Katie Attwell
- VaxPol Lab, Political Science and International Relations, School of Social Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Crawley, Western Australia 6009, Australia; Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines and Infectious Diseases, Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, Nedlands, Western Australia 6009, Australia.
| | - Kerrie Wiley
- Social and Behavioural Insight in Immunisation Research Group, Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney. Edward Ford Building, Fisher Rd, Camperdown, New South Wales 2006, Australia; Sydney Infectious Diseases Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney. Level 6 Block K Westmead Hospital, Westmead, New South Wales 2145, Australia.
| | - Julie Leask
- Social and Behavioural Insight in Immunisation Research Group, Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney. Edward Ford Building, Fisher Rd, Camperdown, New South Wales 2006, Australia; Sydney Infectious Diseases Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney. Level 6 Block K Westmead Hospital, Westmead, New South Wales 2145, Australia.
| | - Holly Seale
- School of Population Health, Samuels Building F25, Samuel Terry Ave, University of New South Wales, Kensington, New South Wales 2052, Australia.
| | - Samantha J Carlson
- VaxPol Lab, Political Science and International Relations, School of Social Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Crawley, Western Australia 6009, Australia; Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines and Infectious Diseases, Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, Nedlands, Western Australia 6009, Australia.
| | - Patrick Cashman
- National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS), Kids Research, Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, Cnr Hawkesbury Rd & Hainsworth St, Westmead, New South Wales 2145, Australia.
| | - Joshua Karras
- School of Population Health, Samuels Building F25, Samuel Terry Ave, University of New South Wales, Kensington, New South Wales 2052, Australia.
| | - Margie Danchin
- Vaccine Uptake Group, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, 50 Flemington Rd, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, 50 Flemington Rd, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia; Department of General Medicine, The Royal Children's Hospital, 50 Flemington Rd, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia.
| | - Jessica Kaufman
- Vaccine Uptake Group, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, 50 Flemington Rd, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, 50 Flemington Rd, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia.
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95
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Mahar PD, Robertson SJ, Orchard D, Baker C, Foley P. Paediatric indications and dosing guidance for advanced targeted treatments in Australia. Australas J Dermatol 2024. [PMID: 38445760 DOI: 10.1111/ajd.14230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
As with adults, paediatric patients may benefit from a number of advanced targeted therapies for inflammatory skin disease. This brief report aims to be an accessible reference tool with respect to regulatory approval and reimbursement of these treatments within Australia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick D Mahar
- Skin Health Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Dermatology, The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry & Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Susan J Robertson
- Department of Dermatology, The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Dermatology, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - David Orchard
- Department of Dermatology, The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry & Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Christopher Baker
- Skin Health Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry & Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Dermatology, St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Peter Foley
- Skin Health Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry & Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Dermatology, St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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96
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COVID-19 Australia: Epidemiology Report 80: Reporting period ending 22 October 2023. Commun Dis Intell (2018) 2024; 48. [PMID: 38442899 DOI: 10.33321/cdi.2024.48.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
This is the eightieth epidemiological report for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), reported in Australia as at 23:59 Australian Eastern Daylight Time [AEST] 22 October 2023. It includes data on COVID-19 cases diagnosed in Australia and the international situation.
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97
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Puskic PS, Slocombe R, Ploeg R, Roman L, Lea MA, Hutton I, Bridle AR. Exploring the pathology of liver, kidney, muscle, and stomach of fledgling seabirds associated with plastic ingestion. J Hazard Mater 2024; 465:133306. [PMID: 38147759 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.133306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
There remain significant gaps in knowledge about 'sub-lethal' impacts of plastic ingestion, particularly chronic impacts on cells, tissues, or organs. Few studies have applied traditional animal health tools, such as histopathology, to assess physiological damage to wildlife, with fewer still providing information on the dosage or exposure to plastics needed to elicit negative effects. Our study seeks to investigate a common hypothesis in plastic pollution research; that an increasing plastics burden will have an impact on an animal's health, examining two wild species with high levels of environmental exposure to plastic through their diet. Here we assess the histopathology of the muscle, upper digestive tract, liver and kidney of two seabird species that are known to be commonly exposed to plastic, comparing exposed and non-exposed individuals. Fledgling seabirds showed histopathological evidence of cumulative pressures such as starvation, disease, and endoparasite burden. However, we observed no evidence of chronic harm that could be explicitly linked to the plastics. We found one case of haemorrhage, reaffirming that large/sharp plastic foreign bodies may cause acute physical damage. Given the numerous interacting pressures on the health of fledging seabirds, including exposure to plastic, this study highlights the need to scrutinise plastic-animal interactions and research though a One Health lens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter S Puskic
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia; Centre for Marine Sociology, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.
| | - Ron Slocombe
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria, Australia
| | - Richard Ploeg
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lauren Roman
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia; CSIRO Environment, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Mary-Anne Lea
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia; Centre for Marine Sociology, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Ian Hutton
- Lord Howe Island Museum, Lord Howe Island, Australia
| | - Andrew R Bridle
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
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98
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Atala-Acevedo C, McGrath R, Capurro D, Glenister K, Bourke L, Morgan M, Simmons D, Mariño R. Identifying Frailty in Older Adults in Rural Victoria, Australia: A Secondary Analysis of Population Health Data. J Aging Health 2024; 36:170-181. [PMID: 37260112 DOI: 10.1177/08982643231180045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Objectives: To determine the prevalence of frailty among community-dwelling older adults in regional Victoria, Australia. Methods: Frailty status of 376 participants from the Crossroads II cross-sectional study was assessed by selected markers of frailty. The selected variables were psychometrically tested. Associations between frailty and socio-demographic, environmental and health factors were analysed using chi-square, ANOVA and binary logistic regression (BLR). Results: Estimated prevalence of frailty was 39.4%. BLR indicated that frailty decreased with higher educational attainment, (OR = .23; 95% CI: .10-.51) increased for divorced/separated participants (OR = 2.68; 95% CI: 1.29-5.56) and when having three (OR = 3.27; 95% CI: 1.07-9.98), four (OR = 7.20; 95% CI: 2.22-23.31) or five or more chronic conditions (OR = 9.18; 95% CI: 2.83-29.72). Discussion: Frailty in this Australian regional community-dwelling sample was higher than other studies conducted in urban areas of Australia. Present results highlight the importance of exploring the multidimensionality of the frailty construct to have a better understanding which factors are associated with the development of this syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Atala-Acevedo
- Faculty of Dentistry, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
- Melbourne Dental School, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC Australia
| | - Roisin McGrath
- Melbourne Dental School, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC Australia
| | - Daniel Capurro
- School of Computing and Information Systems, Centre for the Digital Transformation of Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC Australia
| | - Kristen Glenister
- Department of Rural Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC Australia
| | - Lisa Bourke
- Department of Rural Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC Australia
| | - Mike Morgan
- Melbourne Dental School, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC Australia
| | - David Simmons
- Department of Rural Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC Australia
- Macarthur Clinical School, Western Sydney University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Rodrigo Mariño
- Melbourne Dental School, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC Australia
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99
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Newberry-Dupé J, Chu W, Craig S, Borschmann R, O'Reilly G, Yates P, Melvin G, King K, Hiscock H. Adult Mental Health Presentations to Emergency Departments in Victoria, Australia between January 2018 and October 2020: Changes Associated with COVID-19 Pandemic Public Health Restrictions. Psychiatr Q 2024; 95:33-52. [PMID: 37938493 PMCID: PMC10901934 DOI: 10.1007/s11126-023-10057-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic and associated public health measures altered patterns of help-seeking for mental health, with increases in emergency department utilisation reported. We examined the association between COVID-19 restrictions and adult emergency department (ED) mental health presentations in Victoria, Australia, through secondary analysis of data from 39 public EDs across the state. Participants were all patients (18+ years) presenting between 1 January 2018 and 31 October 2020 with mental health or intentional self-harm. The main outcome was number of presentations for each mental health condition, by patient age, socioeconomic status (SES), location, and ED triage category. We used a Poisson regression model to compare predicted monthly ED presentations based on trends from 2018, 2019 and 2020 (up to 31 March), with observed presentations during the initial months of the COVID-19 pandemic (1 April to 31 October 2020). There was an average of 4,967 adult mental health presentations per month pre-COVID-19 (1 January-31 March 2020) and 5,054 per month during the COVID-19 period (1 April-31 October 2020). Compared to predicted incidence, eating disorder presentations increased 24.0% in the COVID-19 period, primarily among higher SES females aged 18-24 years. Developmental/behavioural disorder presentations decreased by 19.7% for all age groups. Pandemic restrictions were associated with overall increases in monthly adult ED presentations for mental health, with some disorders increasing and others decreasing. Accessibility of acute mental health services needs to be addressed to meet changing demand and ensure services are responsive to changes in presentations resulting from future public health challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jackson Newberry-Dupé
- Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
- Centre for Adolescent Health, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, 50 Flemington Rd, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC, 3052, Australia.
| | - Wanyu Chu
- Centre for Health Services, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Simon Craig
- Paediatric Emergency Department, Monash Medical Centre, Emergency Service, Monash Health, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Emergency Research Group, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Rohan Borschmann
- Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Centre for Adolescent Health, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, 50 Flemington Rd, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC, 3052, Australia
- Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Psychiatry, Warneford Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7JX, UK
| | - Gerard O'Reilly
- Emergency and Trauma Centre, The Alfred, Melbourne, Australia
- National Trauma Research Institute, The Alfred, Melbourne, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Alfred Campus, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Paul Yates
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Continuing Care Clinical Service Unit, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Glenn Melvin
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Kylie King
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Harriet Hiscock
- Centre for Health Services, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Centre for Community Child Health, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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100
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Baako KT, Mintah K, Churchill SA, Farrell L. Betting on the House: The Impact of Gambling on Homeownership in Australia. J Gambl Stud 2024; 40:159-179. [PMID: 37284991 PMCID: PMC10246535 DOI: 10.1007/s10899-023-10217-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Gambling is commonly associated with social and economic disadvantage. In this paper we examine the impact of gambling on homeownership, using Australian panel data. We find that gambling is associated with a lower probability of homeownership. Specifically, our endogeneity corrected estimates show that an increase in problem gambling is associated with between 1.6 and 1.8 percentage point decrease in the probability of owning a home depending on the model. Our result show that financial stress and social capital are channels through which gambling influences the probability of homeownership.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kingsley Tetteh Baako
- School of Property, Construction and Project Management, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
| | - Kwabena Mintah
- School of Property, Construction and Project Management, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | | | - Lisa Farrell
- School of Economics, Finance and Marketing, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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