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Barr KR, Hawker P, Winata T, Wang S, Smead M, Ignatius H, Kohlhoff J, Schmied V, Jalaludin B, Lawson K, Liaw ST, Lingam R, Page A, Lam-Cassettari C, Boydell K, Lin PI, Katz I, Dadich A, Raman S, Grace R, Doyle AK, McClean T, Di Mento B, Preddy J, Woolfenden S, Eapen V. Family member and service provider experiences and perspectives of a digital surveillance and service navigation approach in multicultural context: a qualitative study in identifying the barriers and enablers to Watch Me Grow-Electronic (WMG-E) program with a culturally diverse community. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:978. [PMID: 39180037 PMCID: PMC11344394 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-024-11397-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 08/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children and families from priority populations experienced significant psychosocial and mental health issues to the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet they also faced significant barriers to service access, particularly families from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds. With most child and family health nurse clinics ceasing in-person consultations due to the pandemic, many children missed out on health and developmental checks. The aim of this study was to investigate the perspectives and experiences of family members and service providers from an urban, CALD community regarding the implementation of a digital, developmental surveillance, Watch Me Grow-Electronic (WMG-E) program. METHODS Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 family members, service navigators, and service providers in a multicultural community in South Western Sydney, Australia. This qualitative study is an implementation evaluation which formed as part of a larger, two-site, randomised controlled trial of the WMG-E program. A reflexive thematic analysis approach, using inductive coding, was adopted to analyse the data. RESULTS Participants highlighted the comprehensive and personalised support offered by existing child and family health services. The WMG-E was deemed beneficial because the weblink was easy and quick to use and it enabled access to a service navigator who support family access to relevant services. However, the WMG-E was problematic because of technology or language barriers, and it did not facilitate immediate clinician involvement when families completed the weblink. CONCLUSIONS Families and service providers in this qualitative study found that using WMG-E empowered parents and caregivers to access developmental screening and learn more about their child's development and engage with relevant services. This beds down a new and innovative solution to the current service delivery gap and create mechanisms that can engage families currently not accessing services, and increases knowledge around navigating the health and social care services. Notwithstanding the issues that were raised by families and service providers, which include accessibility challenges for CALD communities, absence of clinical oversight during screening, and narrow scope of engagement with available services being offered, it is worth noting that improvements regarding these implementation factors must be considered and addressed in order to have longevity and sustainability of the program. TRIAL REGISTRATION The study is part of a large randomised controlled trial (Protocol No. 1.0, Version 3.1) was registered with ANZCTR (registration number: ACTRN12621000766819) on July 21st, 2021 and reporting of the trial results will be according to recommendations in the CONSORT Statement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karlen R Barr
- Academic Unit of Infant, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, South Western Sydney Local Health District, Liverpool, NSW, Australia
- Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Patrick Hawker
- Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Teresa Winata
- Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, NSW, Australia
- National Disability Insurance Scheme Quality and Safeguards Commission, Parramatta, NSW, Australia
| | - Si Wang
- Research and Evaluation Group, The Salvation Army, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Melissa Smead
- Murrumbidgee Local Health District, Wagga Wagga, NSW, Australia
| | - Hilda Ignatius
- South Western Sydney Local Health District, Liverpool, NSW, Australia
| | - Jane Kohlhoff
- Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Karitane, Carramar, NSW, Australia
| | - Virginia Schmied
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Western Sydney University, Parramatta, NSW, Australia
| | - Bin Jalaludin
- South Western Sydney Local Health District, Liverpool, NSW, Australia
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Kenny Lawson
- School of Business, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW, Australia
| | - Siaw-Teng Liaw
- WHO Collaborating Centre for eHealth, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Population Child Health Research Group, School of Women's and Children's Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Raghu Lingam
- Population Child Health Research Group, School of Women's and Children's Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Andrew Page
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Parramatta, NSW, Australia
| | - Christa Lam-Cassettari
- Academic Unit of Infant, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, South Western Sydney Local Health District, Liverpool, NSW, Australia
- Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Katherine Boydell
- Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Black Dog Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Ping-I Lin
- Academic Unit of Infant, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, South Western Sydney Local Health District, Liverpool, NSW, Australia
- Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Ilan Katz
- Social Policy Research Centre, Faculty of Arts, Design, and Architecture, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Ann Dadich
- School of Business, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW, Australia
| | - Shanti Raman
- South Western Sydney Local Health District, Liverpool, NSW, Australia
| | - Rebekah Grace
- Transforming Early Education and Child Health Research Centre, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW, Australia
| | - Aunty Kerrie Doyle
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Parramatta, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Blaise Di Mento
- Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - John Preddy
- Murrumbidgee Local Health District, Wagga Wagga, NSW, Australia
- Rural Clinical School, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Wagga Wagga, NSW, Australia
| | - Susan Woolfenden
- Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Valsamma Eapen
- Academic Unit of Infant, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, South Western Sydney Local Health District, Liverpool, NSW, Australia.
- Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
- Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, NSW, Australia.
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Bhadelia A, Barr KR, John JR, Jalaludin B, Dissanyake C, Williams K, Woolfenden S, Eapen V. Difficult Toddler Temperament - Prevalence and Associated Factors at 18-Month Follow-Up of a Birth Cohort. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2024; 20:967-977. [PMID: 38741582 PMCID: PMC11090188 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s454949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Difficult temperament coupled with other risk factors may lead to mental health problems in childhood and have long-lasting effects in adolescence and adulthood. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of parental perception of difficult temperament in toddlers and identify significant factors associated with individual and family-level sociodemographic risk factors. Patients and Methods The prevalence of parental perception of difficult temperament was derived from items in the 18-month follow-up questionnaire within the Watch Me Grow (WMG) longitudinal birth cohort study in a multicultural and socioeconomically disadvantaged community in Sydney, Australia. Data was available for 500 children and their parents. Descriptive analysis was used to calculate the participant characteristics and the prevalence of parental perception of difficult temperament, whereas multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to assess significant risk factors associated with a difficult temperament. Results Parental perception of difficult temperament in the cohort was 7.3% (n = 492). Findings of the multivariable logistic regression showed that screen time >2 hours a day (AOR 2.43, 95% CI: 1.2, 4.9), child not being read to (AOR 3.92, 95% CI: 1.8, 8.5), and family history of mental health problems (AOR 2.69, 95% CI: 1.1, 6.5) significantly increased the odds of having a difficult temperament. Conclusion Toddlers with difficult temperament were less likely to have received stimulatory experiences, and their families were more likely to be under greater stress. The findings emphasize the importance of parental support and anticipatory guidance in promoting nurturing care to facilitate child health and development, particularly in disadvantaged communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- A’ishah Bhadelia
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Karlen R Barr
- South Western Sydney Local Health District, Liverpool, NSW, Australia
| | - James Rufus John
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- South Western Sydney Local Health District, Liverpool, NSW, Australia
- Ingham Institute of Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, NSW, Australia
| | - Bin Jalaludin
- Ingham Institute of Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, NSW, Australia
- School of Population Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Cheryl Dissanyake
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Katrina Williams
- Department of Paediatrics, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Susan Woolfenden
- Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Valsamma Eapen
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- South Western Sydney Local Health District, Liverpool, NSW, Australia
- Ingham Institute of Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, NSW, Australia
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Montedori KT, Lima MCMP. Early childhood development monitoring during the first thousand days: Investigating the relationship between the developmental surveillance instrument and standardized scales. Early Hum Dev 2024; 190:105965. [PMID: 38354455 DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2024.105965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aims to investigate the relationship between the Developmental Surveillance Instrument -Instrumento de Vigilância do Desenvolvimento (IVD), found in the Child's Booklet Caderneta da Crianca (CC), and standardized scales: Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS) and Denver Developmental Screening Test (Denver-II). METHODS Employing an exploratory observational approach, we adopted a prospective longitudinal design with a quantitative approach. The convenience sample included 83 Brazilian children born between May and August 2019 in a public hospital. Of the total, 45 (54.22 %) were male, and 38 (45.78 %) were female. Developmental screening utilized the IVD, AIMS and Denver-II tests. Comparative analysis between groups employed Mann-Whitney or Kruskal-Wallis tests for numerical variables and chi-square/Fisher tests for categorical variables, with a significance level of 5 % (p < 0.05). RESULTS A significant correlation was observed between the IVD and the AIMS and Denver-II tests (p < 0.001) at months 1, 4, and 8. CONCLUSION The presence of a robust correlation between the IVD and the AIMS and Denver-II tests at months 1, 4, and 8 implies that the IVD in the Child's Booklet serves as a reliable and effective indicator for screening infant development during this critical period. Detecting issues early through these methods is crucial to ensure the well-being of children, allowing for appropriate interventions as needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kedma Teixeira Montedori
- Faculty of Medical Sciences of the State University of Campinas, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas da Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Brazil.
| | - Maria Cecília Marconi Pinheiro Lima
- Faculty of Medical Sciences of the State University of Campinas, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas da Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Brazil
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Barbaro J, Winata T, Gilbert M, Nair R, Khan F, Lucien A, Islam R, Masi A, Diaz AM, Dissanayake C, Karlov L, Descallar J, Eastwood J, Hasan I, Jalaludin B, Kohlhoff J, Liaw ST, Lingam R, Ong N, Tam CWM, Woolfenden S, Eapen V. General practitioners' perspectives regarding early developmental surveillance for autism within the australian primary healthcare setting: a qualitative study. BMC PRIMARY CARE 2023; 24:159. [PMID: 37563549 PMCID: PMC10416397 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-023-02121-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Significant challenges remain in the early identification of child developmental disabilities in the community. Implementing supports and services early in the life course has been shown to promote positive developmental outcomes for children at high likelihood of developmental disabilities, including autism. As part of a cluster randomised controlled trial, this study seeks to examine and compare the perspectives and experiences of Australian general practitioners (GPs) in relation to a digital developmental surveillance program for autism and usual care pathway, in general practice clinics. METHODS A qualitative research methodology with semi-structured interviews and thematic inductive analysis underpinned by grounded theory was utilised. All GPs from South Western Sydney (NSW) and Melbourne (Victoria) who participated in the main program ("GP Surveillance for Autism") were invited to the interview. GPs who provided consent were interviewed either over online or in-person meeting. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and coded using NVivo12 software. Inductive interpretive approach was adopted and data were analysed thematically. RESULTS Twenty-three GPs across the two sites (NSW: n = 11; Victoria: n = 12) agreed to be interviewed; data saturation had reached following this number of participants. Inductive thematic coding and analysis yielded eight major themes and highlighted common enablers such as the role of GPs in early identification and subsequent supports, enhanced communication between clinicians/professionals, relationship-building with patients, and having standardised screening tools. Specific facilitators to the feasibility and acceptability of a digital screening program for the early identification of developmental disabilities, including the early signs of autism, and encouraging research and education for GPs. However, several practical and socioeconomic barriers were identified, in addition to limited knowledge and uptake of child developmental screening tools as well as COVID-19 lockdown impacts. Common and specific recommendations involve supporting GPs in developmental/paediatrics training, streamlined screening process, and funding and resources in the primary healthcare services. CONCLUSIONS The study highlighted the need for practice and policy changes, including further training of GPs alongside sufficient time to complete developmental checks and appropriate financial remuneration through a Medicare billing item. Further research is needed on implementation and scale up of a national surveillance program for early identification of developmental disabilities, including autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josephine Barbaro
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
- Cooperative Research Centre for Living with Autism (Autism CRC), The University of Queensland, Indooroopilly, QLD, Australia
| | - Teresa Winata
- Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Academic Unit of Infant, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, South Western Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, NSW, Australia
| | - Melissa Gilbert
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
- Cooperative Research Centre for Living with Autism (Autism CRC), The University of Queensland, Indooroopilly, QLD, Australia
| | - Radhika Nair
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
- Cooperative Research Centre for Living with Autism (Autism CRC), The University of Queensland, Indooroopilly, QLD, Australia
| | - Feroza Khan
- Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Abbie Lucien
- Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Raisa Islam
- Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Anne Masi
- Cooperative Research Centre for Living with Autism (Autism CRC), The University of Queensland, Indooroopilly, QLD, Australia
- Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Antonio Mendoza Diaz
- Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Academic Unit of Infant, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, South Western Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, NSW, Australia
| | - Cheryl Dissanayake
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
- Cooperative Research Centre for Living with Autism (Autism CRC), The University of Queensland, Indooroopilly, QLD, Australia
| | - Lisa Karlov
- Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Academic Unit of Infant, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, South Western Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Joseph Descallar
- Academic Unit of Infant, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, South Western Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, NSW, Australia
| | - John Eastwood
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Medicine, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Women and Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Iqbal Hasan
- Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Bin Jalaludin
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Population Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jane Kohlhoff
- Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Siaw-Teng Liaw
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Population Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Raghu Lingam
- Population Child Health Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Natalie Ong
- Children's Hospital Westmead Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Chun Wah Michael Tam
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Population Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Primary and Integrated Care Unit, South Western Sydney Local Health District, Liverpool, NSW, Australia
| | - Sue Woolfenden
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Women and Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Population Child Health Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Valsamma Eapen
- Cooperative Research Centre for Living with Autism (Autism CRC), The University of Queensland, Indooroopilly, QLD, Australia.
- Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
- Academic Unit of Infant, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, South Western Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
- Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, NSW, Australia.
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5
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Eapen V, Winata T, Gilbert M, Nair R, Khan F, Lucien A, Islam R, Masi A, Lam-Cassettari C, Mendoza Diaz A, Dissanayake C, Karlov L, Descallar J, Eastwood J, Hasan I, Jalaludin B, Kohlhoff J, Liaw ST, Lingam R, Ong N, Tam CWM, Woolfenden S, Barbaro J. Parental experience of an early developmental surveillance programme for autism within Australian general practice: a qualitative study. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e064375. [PMID: 36442896 PMCID: PMC9710335 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-064375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Implementing support and services early in the life course has been shown to promote positive developmental outcomes for children at high likelihood of developmental conditions including autism. This study examined parents'/caregivers' experiences and perceptions about a digital developmental surveillance pathway for autism, the autism surveillance pathway (ASP), and usual care, the surveillance as usual (SaU) pathway, in the primary healthcare general practice setting. DESIGN This qualitative study involves using a convenience selection process of the full sample of parents/caregivers that participated in the main programme, 'General Practice Surveillance for Autism', a cluster-randomised controlled trial study. All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and coded using NVivo V.12 software. An inductive thematic interpretive approach was adopted and data were analysed thematically. PARTICIPANTS Twelve parents/caregivers of children with or without a developmental condition/autism (who participated in the main programme) in South Western Sydney and Melbourne were interviewed. SETTINGS All interviews were completed over the phone. RESULTS There were seven major themes and 20 subthemes that included positive experiences, such as pre-existing patient-doctor relationships and their perceptions on the importance of knowing and accessing early support/services. Barriers or challenges experienced while using the SaU pathway included long waiting periods, poor communication and lack of action plans, complexity associated with navigating the healthcare system and lack of understanding by general practitioners (GPs). Common suggestions for improvement included greater awareness/education for parents/carers and the availability of accessible resources on child development for parents/caregivers. CONCLUSION The findings support the use of digital screening tools for developmental surveillance, including for autism, using opportunistic contacts in the general practice setting. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ANZCTR (ACTRN12619001200178).
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Affiliation(s)
- Valsamma Eapen
- Faculty of Medicine, Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Academic Unit of Infant, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, South Western Sydney Local Health District, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Teresa Winata
- Faculty of Medicine, Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Academic Unit of Infant, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, South Western Sydney Local Health District, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia
- Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Melissa Gilbert
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Cooperative Research Centre for Living with Autism, The University of Queensland, Saint Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Radhika Nair
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Cooperative Research Centre for Living with Autism, The University of Queensland, Saint Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Feroza Khan
- Faculty of Medicine, Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Abbie Lucien
- Faculty of Medicine, Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Raisa Islam
- Faculty of Medicine, Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Anne Masi
- Faculty of Medicine, Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Christa Lam-Cassettari
- Faculty of Medicine, Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Academic Unit of Infant, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, South Western Sydney Local Health District, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Antonio Mendoza Diaz
- Faculty of Medicine, Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Academic Unit of Infant, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, South Western Sydney Local Health District, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia
- Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Cheryl Dissanayake
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Cooperative Research Centre for Living with Autism (Autism CRC), The University of Queensland, Saint Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Lisa Karlov
- Faculty of Medicine, Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Academic Unit of Infant, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, South Western Sydney Local Health District, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Joseph Descallar
- Academic Unit of Infant, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, South Western Sydney Local Health District, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia
- Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia
| | - John Eastwood
- Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Medicine, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Iqbal Hasan
- Faculty of Medicine, Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Bin Jalaludin
- Centre for Research, Evidence Management and Surveillance, South Western Sydney Local Health District, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Population Health, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jane Kohlhoff
- Faculty of Medicine, Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Siaw-Teng Liaw
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Raghu Lingam
- Population Child Health Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Natalie Ong
- Children's Hospital Westmead Clinical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Chun Wah Michael Tam
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Population Health, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Primary and Integrated Care Unit, South Western Sydney Local Health District, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Susan Woolfenden
- Population Child Health Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Josephine Barbaro
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Cooperative Research Centre for Living with Autism, The University of Queensland, Saint Lucia, Queensland, Australia
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6
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Eapen V, Liaw ST, Lingam R, Woolfenden S, Jalaludin B, Page A, Kohlhoff J, Scott JG, Lawson KD, Lam-Cassettari C, Heussler H, Descallar J, Karlov L, Ong N, Colditz PB, Littlewood R, Murphy E, Deering A, Short K, Garg P, Blight V, Rodgers K, Chalmers L, Webb KL, Atkins H, Newcomb D, Beswick R, Thomas C, Marron C, Chambers A, Scheinpflug S, Statham M, Samaranayake D, Chay P, Tam CWM, Khan F, Mendoza Diaz A, Cibralic S, Winata T, Pritchard M. Watch me grow integrated (WMG-I): protocol for a cluster randomised controlled trial of a web-based surveillance approach for developmental screening in primary care settings. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e065823. [PMID: 35977775 PMCID: PMC9389092 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-065823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The increasing prevalence of developmental disorders in early childhood poses a significant global health burden. Early detection of developmental problems is vital to ensure timely access to early intervention, and universal developmental surveillance is recommended best practice for identifying issues. Despite this, there is currently considerable variation in developmental surveillance and screening between Australian states and territories and low rates of developmental screening uptake by parents. This study aims to evaluate an innovative web-based developmental surveillance programme and a sustainable approach to referral and care pathways, linking primary care general practice (GP) services that fall under federal policy responsibility and state government-funded child health services. METHODS AND ANALYSIS The proposed study describes a longitudinal cluster randomised controlled trial (c-RCT) comparing a 'Watch Me Grow Integrated' (WMG-I) approach for developmental screening, to Surveillance as Usual (SaU) in GPs. Forty practices will be recruited across New South Wales and Queensland, and randomly allocated into either the (1) WMG-I or (2) SaU group. A cohort of 2000 children will be recruited during their 18-month vaccination visit or opportunistic visit to GP. At the end of the c-RCT, a qualitative study using focus groups/interviews will evaluate parent and practitioner views of the WMG-I programme and inform national and state policy recommendations. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The South Western Sydney Local Health District (2020/ETH01625), UNSW Sydney (2020/ETH01625) and University of Queensland (2021/HE000667) Human Research Ethics Committees independently reviewed and approved this study. Findings will be reported to the funding bodies, study institutes and partners; families and peer-reviewed conferences/publications. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ANZCTR12621000680864.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valsamma Eapen
- ICAMHS, South Western Sydney Local Health District, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia
- Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Siaw-Teng Liaw
- University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Raghu Lingam
- University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Susan Woolfenden
- University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Sydney Institute for Women, Children and their Families, Sydney Local Health District, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Bin Jalaludin
- South Western Sydney Local Health District, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia
- Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Andrew Page
- Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith South, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jane Kohlhoff
- University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Karitane, Villawood, New South Wales, Australia
| | - James G Scott
- The University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research, Herston, Queensland, Australia
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - K D Lawson
- Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith South, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Christa Lam-Cassettari
- Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Academic Unit of Infant, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Helen Heussler
- Children's Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service, Herston, Queensland, Australia
- Centre for Children's Health Research, The University of Queensland, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Joseph Descallar
- Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia
- Academic Unit of Infant, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Lisa Karlov
- University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- South Western Sydney Local Health District, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Natalie Ong
- University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Sydney Institute for Women, Children and their Families, Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Paul B Colditz
- The University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Robyn Littlewood
- Children's Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service, Herston, Queensland, Australia
- Health and Wellbeing, Milton, Queensland, Australia
| | - Elisabeth Murphy
- New South Wales Ministry of Health, St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia
| | - April Deering
- New South Wales Ministry of Health, St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kate Short
- South Western Sydney Local Health District, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Pankaj Garg
- University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- South Western Sydney Local Health District, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Victoria Blight
- South Western Sydney Local Health District, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kim Rodgers
- South Western Sydney Local Health District, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Kerri-Lyn Webb
- Developmental Paediatrics, Children's Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Heidi Atkins
- Queensland Child & Youth Clinical Network, Queensland Health, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Dana Newcomb
- Integrated Care, Children's Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- The University of Queensland Primary Care Clinical Unit, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Rachael Beswick
- Queensland Child & Youth Clinical Network, Queensland Health, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Clare Thomas
- Queensland Child & Youth Clinical Network, Queensland Health, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Catherine Marron
- Queensland Child & Youth Clinical Network, Queensland Health, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Aaron Chambers
- Integrated Care, Children's Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Sue Scheinpflug
- Brisbane South PHN, Upper Mount Gravatt, Queensland, Australia
| | - Matt Statham
- Brisbane South PHN, Upper Mount Gravatt, Queensland, Australia
| | - Dimuthu Samaranayake
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Penrith South, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Paul Chay
- University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- South Western Sydney Local Health District, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Chun Wah Michael Tam
- University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- South Western Sydney Local Health District, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Feroza Khan
- Academic Unit of Infant, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Antonio Mendoza Diaz
- Academic Unit of Infant, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sara Cibralic
- Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Teresa Winata
- ICAMHS, South Western Sydney Local Health District, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia
- Academic Unit of Infant, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Margo Pritchard
- Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland, Australia
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Barbaro J, Masi A, Gilbert M, Nair R, Abdullahi I, Descallar J, Dissanayake C, Eastwood J, Hasan I, Jalaludin B, Karlov L, Khan F, Kohlhoff J, Liaw ST, Lingam R, Mendoza Diaz A, Ong N, Tam CWM, Unwin K, Woolfenden S, Eapen V. A Multistate Trial of an Early Surveillance Program for Autism Within General Practices in Australia. Front Pediatr 2021; 9:640359. [PMID: 33968847 PMCID: PMC8102783 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2021.640359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The early detection of developmental conditions such as autism is vital to ensure children can access appropriate and timely evidence-based supports, services, and interventions. Children who have undetected developmental conditions early in life are more likely to develop later health, developmental, learning, and behavioral issues, which in turn can have a cumulative effect over the life course. Methods: The current protocol describes a multi-site, cluster randomized control trial comparing a developmental surveillance pathway for autism to usual care, using opportunistic visits to general practitioners (GPs). Units of randomization are GP clinics across two Australian states (New South Wales and Victoria), with thirty clinics within each state, each of which will aim to recruit approximately forty children aged between ~18- and 24-months, for a total of ~2,400 participants. Children will be randomized to two clusters; namely, an autism surveillance pathway (ASP) or surveillance as usual (SaU). The screening process for the ASP arm involves primary and secondary screenings for developmental concerns for autism, using both parent and GP reports and observations. Children in both arms who show signs of developmental concerns for autism will be offered a full developmental assessment by the research team at 24 months of age to determine the efficacy of developmental surveillance in successfully identifying children with autism. Trial Registration: The trial is registered with ANZCTR (ACTRN12619001200178) and reporting of the trial results will be according to recommendations in the CONSORT Statement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josephine Barbaro
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, School of Psychology and Public Health, College of Science, Health & Engineering, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia.,Cooperative Research Centre for Living With Autism (Autism CRC), The University of Queensland, Indooroopilly, QLD, Australia
| | - Anne Masi
- Cooperative Research Centre for Living With Autism (Autism CRC), The University of Queensland, Indooroopilly, QLD, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Melissa Gilbert
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, School of Psychology and Public Health, College of Science, Health & Engineering, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
| | - Radhika Nair
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, School of Psychology and Public Health, College of Science, Health & Engineering, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
| | - Ifrah Abdullahi
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, School of Psychology and Public Health, College of Science, Health & Engineering, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
| | - Joseph Descallar
- Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, NSW, Australia.,South Western Sydney Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Cheryl Dissanayake
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, School of Psychology and Public Health, College of Science, Health & Engineering, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia.,Cooperative Research Centre for Living With Autism (Autism CRC), The University of Queensland, Indooroopilly, QLD, Australia
| | - John Eastwood
- Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, NSW, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Medicine, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, School of Women and Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Iqbal Hasan
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Bin Jalaludin
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Population Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Lisa Karlov
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Academic Unit of Psychiatry, Infant Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, South Western Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Feroza Khan
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jane Kohlhoff
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - S T Liaw
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Population Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Raghu Lingam
- Population Child Health Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Antonio Mendoza Diaz
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Academic Unit of Psychiatry, Infant Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, South Western Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Natalie Ong
- Children's Hospital Westmead Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Chun Wah Michael Tam
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Population Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Primary and Integrated Care Unit, South Western Sydney Local Health District, Liverpool, NSW, Australia
| | - Katy Unwin
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, School of Psychology and Public Health, College of Science, Health & Engineering, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
| | - Sue Woolfenden
- Population Child Health Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Valsamma Eapen
- Cooperative Research Centre for Living With Autism (Autism CRC), The University of Queensland, Indooroopilly, QLD, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, NSW, Australia.,Academic Unit of Psychiatry, Infant Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, South Western Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Ayer C, Eapen V, Overs B, Descallar J, Jalaludin B, Eastwood JG, Dissanayake C, Williams K, Murphy E, Woolfenden S. Risk factors for non-participation in a universal developmental surveillance program in a population in Australia. AUST HEALTH REV 2020; 44:512-520. [PMID: 32731919 DOI: 10.1071/ah18236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Objectives This study examined the risk factors for non-participation in a developmental surveillance program in a population in south-west Sydney with a high proportion of culturally diverse and socioeconomically disadvantaged people. Methods Data from 850 and 625 12- and 18-month-old children respectively from the Watch Me Grow (WMG) birth cohort were used for this study. Logistic regression models were used to assess risk factors for 12- and 18-month non-attendance at Well Child Visits, as well as non-completion of the developmental surveillance questionnaire Parents' Evaluation of Developmental Status (PEDS) in the child's personal health record (PHR). Results Independent risk factors for non-attendance at Well Child Visits were female sex of the child (odds ratio (OR) 12 months 1.5; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.0-2.3), mother's country of birth Australia (OR 18 months 1.8; 95% CI 1.2-2.7), annual household income less than A$25001 (OR 12 months 1.8; 95% CI 1.0-3.2) and residing in a socioeconomically disadvantaged neighbourhood (OR 12 months 1.7; 95% CI 1.1-2.5). Independent risk factors for non-completion of PEDS in those who did not attend the Well Child Visit compared with those who did attend and did complete PEDS were household annual income at birth less than A$25001 (OR 12 months 3.9; 95% CI 1.9-8.1) and residing in a socioeconomically disadvantaged neighbourhood (OR 12 months 2.1 (95% CI 1.2-3.7) and OR 18 months 2.0 (95% CI 1.2-3.6)). Conclusions In this population, children exposed to socioeconomic disadvantage are less likely to have attended a Well Child Visit and to have a completed PEDS in their PHR at 12 and/or 18 months of age. What is known about the topic? Developmental problems are common in early childhood, and children from socioeconomically disadvantaged households are at higher risk. Universal developmental surveillance programs may be effective at early identification of children at risk of developmental problems. Early childhood interventions, when accessed, can lessen the effects of developmental problems in later years. What does this paper add? This paper highlights that children exposed to socioeconomic disadvantage in early childhood who are at higher risk of having developmental problems are also at higher risk of missing out on early identification by non-participation in universal developmental surveillance. What are the implications for practitioners? A more equitable model of developmental surveillance should include a framework of proportionate universalism to ensure optimal engagement of high-risk population groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chandra Ayer
- Royal Far West, PO Box 52, Manly, NSW 1655, Australia; and Kogarah Diagnostic Assessment Service, St George Hospital, 90 Railway Parade, Kogarah, NSW 2217, Australia; and Corresponding author.
| | - Valsamma Eapen
- Psychiatry Research and Teaching Unit, School of Psychiatry, UNSW, Level 1, Mental Health Centre, Liverpool Hospital, corner Forbes and Campbell Streets, Liverpool, NSW 2170, Australia. ; and Academic Unit of Child Psychiatry, Ingham Institute of Applied Medical Research, PO Box 3151 (Westfields), Liverpool, NSW 2170, Australia; and South Western Sydney Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW, Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool, NSW 2170, Australia
| | | | - Joseph Descallar
- South Western Sydney Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW, Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool, NSW 2170, Australia; and Ingham Institute of Applied Medical Research, PO Box 3151 (Westfields), Liverpool, NSW 2170, Australia. ;
| | - Bin Jalaludin
- Ingham Institute of Applied Medical Research, PO Box 3151 (Westfields), Liverpool, NSW 2170, Australia. ; ; and School of Public Health and Community Medicine, UNSW, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - John Graeme Eastwood
- Ingham Institute of Applied Medical Research, PO Box 3151 (Westfields), Liverpool, NSW 2170, Australia. ; ; and Community Paediatrics, Sydney Local Health District, Level 11 KGV Building, Missenden Road, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia. ; and School of Public Health, Menzies Centre for Health Policy, University of Sydney, Edward Ford Building, A27 Fisher Road, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; and School of Medicine, Griffith University, Parklands Drive, Southport, Gold Coast, Qld 4222, Australia; and School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Cheryl Dissanayake
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, La Trobe University, Kingsbury Drive, Bundoora, Vic. 3083, Australia.
| | - Katrina Williams
- Department of Paediatrics, Melbourne Medical School, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic. 3010, Australia; and Present address: Department of Paediatrics, Monash University, School of Clinical Sciences, Level 5, Monash Children's Hospital, 246 Clayton Road, Clayton, Vic. 3168, Australia.
| | - Elisabeth Murphy
- NSW Ministry of Health, Child, Youth and Family Health Services, PO Box 4007, Royal North Shore LPO, St Leonards, NSW 2065, Australia.
| | - Susan Woolfenden
- School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia; and Department of Community Paediatrics, Sydney Children's Hospital Network, High Street, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia.
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Doyle FL, Mendoza Diaz A, Eapen V, Frick PJ, Kimonis ER, Hawes DJ, Moul C, Richmond JL, Mehta D, Sareen S, Morgan BG, Dadds MR. Mapping the Specific Pathways to Early-Onset Mental Health Disorders: The "Watch Me Grow for REAL" Study Protocol. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:553. [PMID: 32636770 PMCID: PMC7319093 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND From birth, the human propensity to selectively attend and respond to critical super-stimuli forms the basis of future socio-emotional development and health. In particular, the first super-stimuli to preferentially engage and elicit responses in the healthy newborn are the physical touch, voice and face/eyes of caregivers. From this grows selective attention and responsiveness to emotional expression, scaffolding the development of empathy, social cognition, and other higher human capacities. In this paper, the protocol for a longitudinal, prospective birth-cohort study is presented. The major aim of this study is to map the emergence of individual differences and disturbances in the system of social-Responsiveness, Emotional Attention, and Learning (REAL) through the first 3 years of life to predict the specific emergence of the major childhood mental health problems, as well as social adjustment and impairment more generally. A further aim of this study is to examine how the REAL variables interact with the quality of environment/caregiver interactions. METHODS/DESIGN A prospective, longitudinal birth-cohort study will be conducted. Data will be collected from four assessments and mothers' electronic medical records. DISCUSSION This study will be the first to test a clear developmental map of both the unique and specific causes of childhood psychopathology and will identify more precise early intervention targets for children with complex comorbid conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frances L. Doyle
- Faculty of Science, School of Psychology, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Antonio Mendoza Diaz
- Faculty of Science, School of Psychology, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Valsamma Eapen
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Paul J. Frick
- Institute for Learning Sciences & Teacher Education, Australian Catholic University, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
| | - Eva R. Kimonis
- Faculty of Science, School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - David J. Hawes
- Faculty of Science, School of Psychology, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Caroline Moul
- Faculty of Science, School of Psychology, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jenny L. Richmond
- Faculty of Science, School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Divya Mehta
- School of Psychology and Counselling, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Sinia Sareen
- Faculty of Science, School of Psychology, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Bronte G. Morgan
- Faculty of Science, School of Psychology, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Mark R. Dadds
- Faculty of Science, School of Psychology, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Baker J, Kohlhoff J, Onobrakpor SI, Woolfenden S, Smith R, Knebel C, Eapen V. The Acceptability and Effectiveness of Web-Based Developmental Surveillance Programs: Rapid Review. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2020; 8:e16085. [PMID: 32324149 PMCID: PMC7206511 DOI: 10.2196/16085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2019] [Revised: 01/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Web-based developmental surveillance programs may be an innovative solution to improving the early detection of childhood developmental difficulties, especially within disadvantaged populations. Objective This review aimed to identify the acceptability and effectiveness of web-based developmental surveillance programs for children aged 0 to 6 years. Methods A total of 6 databases and gray literature were searched using a Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses–informed protocol. Data extraction included variables related to health equity. Results In total, 20 studies were identified. Most papers implemented web-based versions of the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised with Follow-Up screener for autism spectrum disorder or Parent Evaluation of Developmental Status screeners for broad developmental delay. Caregivers and practitioners indicated a preference for web-based screeners, primarily for user-friendliness, improved follow-up accuracy, time, and training efficiencies. Conclusions Although evidence is limited as to the necessity of web- versus face-to-face–based developmental screening, there are clear efficiencies in its use. Trial Registration PROSPERO CRD42019127894; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=127894
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Affiliation(s)
- Jess Baker
- The University of New South Wales, Liverpool, Australia
| | - Jane Kohlhoff
- The University of New South Wales, Carramarr, Australia
| | | | | | - Rebecca Smith
- South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, Australia
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Garg P, Ha MT, Eastwood J, Harvey S, Woolfenden S, Murphy E, Dissanayake C, Williams K, Jalaludin B, McKenzie A, Einfeld S, Silove N, Short K, Eapen V. Health professional perceptions regarding screening tools for developmental surveillance for children in a multicultural part of Sydney, Australia. BMC FAMILY PRACTICE 2018; 19:42. [PMID: 29609547 PMCID: PMC5879732 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-018-0728-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2016] [Accepted: 03/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Background Encouraging early child development and the early identification of developmental difficulties is a priority. The Ministry of Health in the Australian State of New South Wales (NSW), has recommended a program of developmental surveillance using validated screening questionnaires, namely, the Parents’ Evaluation of Development Status (PEDS) and Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQs), however, the use of these tools has remained sub-optimal. A longitudinal prospective birth cohort “Watch Me grow” study was carried out in the South Western Sydney (SW) region of NSW to ascertain the uptake as well as the strategies and the resources required to maximise engagement in the surveillance program. This paper reports on a qualitative component of the study examining the attitudes, enablers and barriers to the current developmental surveillance practices, with reference to screening tools, amongst health professionals. Methods Qualitative data from 37 primary health care providers in a region of relative disadvantage in Sydney was analysed. Results The major themes that emerged from the data were the “difficulties/problems” and “positives/benefits” of surveillance in general, and “specificity” of the tools which were employed. Barriers of time, tool awareness, knowledge and access of referral pathways, and services were important for the physician providers, while the choice of screening tools and access to these tools in other languages were raised as important issues by Child and Family Health Nurses (CFHN). The use of these tools by health professionals was also influenced by what the professionals perceived as the parents’ understanding of their child’s development. While the PEDS and ASQs was utilised by CFHNs, both General Practitioners (GPs) and paediatricians commented that they lacked awareness of developmental screening tools and highlighted further training needs. Conclusions The results highlight the practical challenges to, and limited knowledge and uptake of, the use of recommended screening tools as part of developmental surveillance. There is a need for further research regarding the most effective integrated models of care which will allow for a better collaboration between parents and service providers and improve information sharing between different professionals such as CFHNs GPs, Practices nurses and Paediatricians involved in screening and surveillance programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pankaj Garg
- Department of Community Paediatrics, Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool, NSW, Australia.,School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW, Sydney, Australia.,School of Medicine, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,Specialist Disability Health Team, Fairfield, Australia.,Ingham Institute of Applied Medicine, Liverpool, Australia
| | - My Trinh Ha
- ICAMHS, South Western Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,University of Western Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - John Eastwood
- School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW, Sydney, Australia.,School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Ingham Institute of Applied Medicine, Liverpool, NSW, Australia.,School of Medicine, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia.,Department of Community Paediatrics, Sydney Local Health District, Croydon Community Health Centre, Croydon, Sydney, Australia
| | - Susan Harvey
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Griffiths University, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Sue Woolfenden
- Sydney Children's Hospital Network (Randwick), Randwick, Australia.,UNSW, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Cheryl Dissanayake
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Katrina Williams
- Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.,Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Bin Jalaludin
- NSW Ministry of Health, Sydney, Australia.,South Western Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Anne McKenzie
- Child and Family Health Nursing, Primary and Community Health, South Western Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Stewart Einfeld
- Centre for Disability Research and Policy and Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Natalie Silove
- The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, NSW, Australia.,University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Kate Short
- University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,Liverpool Hospital, South Western Sydney LHD, Liverpool, NSW, Australia
| | - Valsamma Eapen
- School of Medicine, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia. .,UNSW, ICAMHS, South Western Sydney LHD, Sydney, NSW, Australia. .,Chair, Infant Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Head, Academic Unit of Child Psychiatry, South West Sydney (AUCS), ICAMHS, Mental Health Centre, L1, Liverpool Hospital, Elizabeth Street, Liverpool, Sydney, NSW, 2170, Australia.
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Eapen V, Walter A, Guan J, Descallar J, Axelsson E, Einfeld S, Eastwood J, Murphy E, Beasley D, Silove N, Dissanayake C, Woolfenden S, Williams K, Jalaludin B, The 'Watch Me Grow' Study Group. Maternal help-seeking for child developmental concerns: Associations with socio-demographic factors. J Paediatr Child Health 2017; 53:963-969. [PMID: 28661061 DOI: 10.1111/jpc.13607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2016] [Revised: 03/27/2017] [Accepted: 04/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
AIM To examine socio-demographic factors associated with maternal help-seeking for child developmental concerns in a longitudinal birth cohort study. An understanding of these factors is critical to improving uptake of services to maximise early identification and intervention for developmental concerns. METHODS A birth cohort was recruited from the post-natal wards of two teaching hospitals and through community nurses in South Western Sydney, Australia, between November 2011 and April 2013. Of the 4047 mothers approached, 2025 consented to participate (response rate = 50%). Socio-demographic and service use information was collected after the child's birth and when the child was 18 months of age. Sources of help were divided into three categories (formal health services, other formal services and informal supports) and compound variables were created by summing the number of different sources identified by mothers. RESULTS Significantly more sources of help were intended to be used and/or actually accessed by mothers born in Australia, whose primary language was English, with higher levels of education and annual household income, and among mothers of first-born children. CONCLUSIONS Developmental concerns are known to increase with increased psychosocial adversity. Our findings of reduced intent to access and use of services by socio-economically disadvantaged families and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds suggests that an inverse care effect is in operation whereby those children with the greatest health needs may have the least access to services. Possible explanations for this, and recommendations for improving service accessibility for these populations through targeted and culturally appropriate services, are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valsamma Eapen
- School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Academic Unit of Child Psychiatry South West Sydney (AUCS), South Western Sydney Local Health District, Liverpool Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, South Western Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Amelia Walter
- School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Academic Unit of Child Psychiatry South West Sydney (AUCS), South Western Sydney Local Health District, Liverpool Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jane Guan
- School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Joseph Descallar
- Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, South Western Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Emma Axelsson
- Academic Unit of Child Psychiatry South West Sydney (AUCS), South Western Sydney Local Health District, Liverpool Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Research School of Psychology, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Stewart Einfeld
- Centre for Disability Research and Policy, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - John Eastwood
- Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, South Western Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Elisabeth Murphy
- Office of Kids and Families, NSW Ministry of Health, Child and Family Health, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Child Health, School of Medicine, University of Notre Dame, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Deborah Beasley
- Office of Kids and Families, NSW Ministry of Health, Child and Family Health, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Natalie Silove
- Child Development Unit, Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Cheryl Dissanayake
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sue Woolfenden
- Community Child Health, Sydney Children's Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Katrina Williams
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Developmental Medicine, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Bin Jalaludin
- Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, South Western Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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13
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Garg P, Ha MT, Eastwood J, Harvey S, Woolfenden S, Murphy E, Dissanayake C, Jalaludin B, Williams K, McKenzie A, Einfeld S, Silove N, Short K, Eapen V. Explaining culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) parents' access of healthcare services for developmental surveillance and anticipatory guidance: qualitative findings from the 'Watch Me Grow' study. BMC Health Serv Res 2017; 17:228. [PMID: 28330490 PMCID: PMC5361826 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-017-2143-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2016] [Accepted: 03/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Regular health visits for parents with young children provide an opportunity for developmental surveillance and anticipatory guidance regarding common childhood problems and help to achieve optimal developmental progress prior to school entry. However, there are few published reports from Australian culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities exploring parents’ experiences for accessing child health surveillance programs. This paper aims to describe and explain parental experiences for accessing developmental surveillance and anticipatory guidance for children. Methods Qualitative data was obtained from 6 focus groups (33 parents) and seven in-depth interviews of CALD parents recruited from an area of relative disadvantage in Sydney. Thematic analysis of data was conducted using an ecological framework. Results An overarching theme of “awareness-beliefs-choices” was found to explain parents’ experiences of accessing primary health care services for children. “Awareness” situated within the meso-and macro-systems explained parents knowledge of where and what primary health services were available to access for their children. Opportunities for families to obtain this information existed at the time of birth in Australian hospitals, but for newly arrived immigrants with young children, community linkages with family and friends, and general practitioner (GPs) were most important. “Beliefs” situated within the microsystems included parents’ understanding of their children’s development, in particular what they considered to be “normal” or “abnormal”. Parental “choices”, situated within meso-systems and chronosystems, related to their choices of service providers, which were based on the proximity, continuity, purpose of visit, language spoken by the provider and past experience of a service. Conclusions CALD parents have diverse experiences with primary health care providers which are influenced by their awareness of available services in the context of their duration of stay in Australia. The role of the general practitioner, with language concordance, suggests the importance of diversity within the primary care health workforce in this region. There is a need for ongoing cultural competence training of health professionals and provisions need to be made to support frequent use of interpreters at general practices in Australia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pankaj Garg
- Department of Community Paediatrics, Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool, Australia.,School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW, Liverpool, Australia.,School of Medicine, University of Sydney, Westmead, Australia.,Ingham Institute of Applied Medicine, Liverpool, Australia
| | - My Trinh Ha
- University of Western Sydney, Penrith, NSW, Australia
| | - John Eastwood
- School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Ingham Institute of Applied Medicine, Liverpool, Australia.,School of Medicine, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia.,Syney Local Health District, Croydon, NSW, Australia
| | - Susan Harvey
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Griffiths University, Queensland, Australia
| | - Sue Woolfenden
- Sydney Children's Hospital Network (Randwick), UNSW, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Cheryl Dissanayake
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Bin Jalaludin
- South Western Sydney Local Health District and UNSW, Sydney, Australia
| | - Katrina Williams
- Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne and University of Melbourne, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Anne McKenzie
- Primary and Community Health, Child, Youth and Family, Child and Family Health Nursing, South Western Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, Australia
| | - Stewart Einfeld
- Centre for Disability Research and Policy and Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Natalie Silove
- The Children's Hospital at Westmead, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Kate Short
- Liverpool Hospital, South Western Sydney LHD, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Valsamma Eapen
- UNSW, South Western Sydney LHD, Ingham Institute of Applied Medicine, Liverpool, Australia. .,Infant Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Academic Unit of Child Psychiatry, South West Sydney LHD, ICAMHS, Mental Health Centre, University of New South Wales, Liverpool Hospital, L1, Elizabeth Street, Liverpool, NSW, 2170, Sydney, Australia.
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14
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Overs BJ, Woolfenden S, Williams K, Jalaludin B, Axelsson EL, Dissanayake C, Descallar J, Harvey S, Beasley D, Murphy E, Eapen V. Predictors of developmental surveillance completion at six months of age in south western Sydney. Child Care Health Dev 2017; 43:307-315. [PMID: 27910128 PMCID: PMC5396131 DOI: 10.1111/cch.12425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2016] [Revised: 09/22/2016] [Accepted: 10/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While developmental surveillance programs promote early identification of child developmental problems, evidence has indicated suboptimal uptake. This study aimed to identify predictors of developmental surveillance completion at 6 months postpartum. METHODS Questionnaires were administered to the parents of 510 infants who were born in south western Sydney, Australia over a 22-month period. Attendance for developmental screening and completion of the Parents' Evaluation of Developmental Status (PEDS) at 6 months postpartum were modelled separately using multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS Developmental surveillance attendance was predicted by higher levels of maternal education, annual income and being informed about checks. PEDS completion at 6 months of age was predicted by higher income and being informed, as well as being married, employed, speaking English at home, full-term birth and the professional status of the practitioner completing the check. CONCLUSIONS Barriers to developmental surveillance included low socioeconomic status, linguistic diversity and possible gaps in parental knowledge and professional education. Developmental surveillance rates may be increased by the addition of targeted parental and professional support within current universal frameworks.
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Affiliation(s)
- B. J. Overs
- University of New South WalesSydneyNSWAustralia
| | - S. Woolfenden
- University of New South WalesSydneyNSWAustralia,Sydney Children's Hospitals NetworkSydneyNSWAustralia
| | - K. Williams
- Royal Children's HospitalParkvilleVICAustralia,Murdoch Children's Research InstituteParkvilleVICAustralia,University of MelbourneMelbourneVICAustralia
| | - B. Jalaludin
- University of New South WalesSydneyNSWAustralia,South Western Sydney Local Health DistrictLiverpoolNSWAustralia,Ingham Institute for Applied Medical ResearchLiverpoolNSWAustralia
| | - E. L. Axelsson
- Australian National UniversityCanberraACTAustralia,Academic Unit of Child PsychiatrySouth Western Sydney Local Health District LiverpoolNSWAustralia
| | - C. Dissanayake
- Olga Tennison Autism Research CentreLa Trobe UniversityMelbourneVICAustralia
| | - J. Descallar
- Ingham Institute for Applied Medical ResearchLiverpoolNSWAustralia,South Western Sydney Clinical SchoolUniversity of New South WalesLiverpoolNSWAustralia
| | - S. Harvey
- University of New South WalesSydneyNSWAustralia
| | - D. Beasley
- Child and Family HealthNew South Wales Ministry of HealthSydneyNSWAustralia
| | - E. Murphy
- Child and Family HealthNew South Wales Ministry of HealthSydneyNSWAustralia
| | - V. Eapen
- University of New South WalesSydneyNSWAustralia,South Western Sydney Local Health DistrictLiverpoolNSWAustralia,Ingham Institute for Applied Medical ResearchLiverpoolNSWAustralia
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Sierakowski A, Eapen V, Črnčec R, Smoleniec J. Developmental and behavioral outcomes of uncomplicated monochorionic diamniotic twins born in the third trimester. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2017; 13:1373-1384. [PMID: 28579783 PMCID: PMC5449110 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s122739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Relatively little is known about the neurodevelopmental and behavioral outcomes of monochorionic diamniotic (MCDA) twin pregnancies where there are no antenatal complications peculiar to monochorionicity or prematurity. METHODS Twenty-two MCDA twins (44 children) with an average age of 4.3 years, and with no antenatal complications detected by 28 weeks of gestation, were recruited from a feto-maternal unit database. Parents completed a battery of neurodevelopmental and behavioral assessment questionnaires. RESULTS Eighteen children (41%) were identified as having developmental or behavioral concerns, predominantly of mild severity, which in turn were associated with a lower birth weight of medium effect size (Cohen's d=0.59). CONCLUSION MCDA twins delivered in the third trimester with no antenatal monochorionic complications in the first two trimesters appear to be at risk for subtle neurodevelopmental difficulties, associated with a lower birth weight. Ongoing developmental surveillance of these children during preschool-age is indicated for early identification and intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Valsamma Eapen
- School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales.,Academic Unit of Infant, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Ingham Institute, Liverpool Hospital, South Western Sydney Local Health District
| | - Rudi Črnčec
- School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales.,Academic Unit of Infant, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Ingham Institute, Liverpool Hospital, South Western Sydney Local Health District
| | - John Smoleniec
- Division of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney.,Department of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool, NSW, Australia
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16
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Chandra M, Jalaludin B, Woolfenden S, Descallar J, Nicholls L, Dissanayake C, Williams K, Murphy E, Walter A, Eastwood J, Eapen V. Screen time of infants in Sydney, Australia: a birth cohort study. BMJ Open 2016; 6:e012342. [PMID: 27798011 PMCID: PMC5093377 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2016-012342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine the amount of daily screen time in children 18 months of age and ascertain correlations that may be contributing to excessive screen use. DESIGN A birth cohort was followed with telephone interviews at 6, 12 and 18 months of age. Information about screen time was collected at 18 months. SETTING Parents were recruited from postnatal wards of 2 major public hospitals and at home visits conducted for new mothers within 4 weeks of birth in South Western Sydney (SWS). PARTICIPANTS Parents of 500 children with infants 18 months of age residing in SWS. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOMES Screen time in infants 18 months of age and associated correlations. RESULTS A large percentage of children 18 months of age (40%) had screen times >2 hours daily. There were significant associations between more than 2 hours of screen time daily and mothers without a partner (OR 4.32 (95% CI 1.67 to 11.15)); having <3 siblings (no siblings: OR 2.44 (95% CI 1.20 to 4.94); 1-2 siblings: OR 2.08 (95% CI 1.06 to 4.08)); an employed father (OR 1.96 (95% CI 1.09 to 3.52)); no outdoor equipment at home (OR 1.89 (95% CI 1.08 to 3.34)) and fewer than 5 outings per week (OR 2.08 (95% CI 1.37 to 3.17)). CONCLUSIONS There is emerging evidence that excess screen time in children causes adverse cognitive, developmental and health outcomes. This study has shown that a large proportion of very young children residing in SWS have screen exposures for >2 hours per day. Factors contributing to excess screen time have also been identified in this study; however, a greater understanding of risk factors needs to be ascertained in order to facilitate greater public health efforts to reduce screen exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meena Chandra
- Department of Community Paediatrics, South Western Sydney Local Health District, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Bin Jalaludin
- Epidemiology Group, Healthy People and Places Unit, South Western Sydney Local Health District, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia
- Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Susan Woolfenden
- Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
- University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Joseph Descallar
- Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia
- South Western Sydney Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Laura Nicholls
- Academic Unit of Child Psychiatry South Western Sydney Local Health District (AUCS), Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Psychiatry & Ingham Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Cheryl Dissanayake
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Katrina Williams
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Developmental Medicine, Royal Children's Hospital, Australia
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Australia
| | - Elisabeth Murphy
- NSW Kids and Families, NSW Ministry of Health, North Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Amelia Walter
- University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Academic Unit of Child Psychiatry South Western Sydney Local Health District (AUCS), Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia
| | - John Eastwood
- Department of Community Paediatrics, South Western Sydney Local Health District, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia
- Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Valsamma Eapen
- Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia
- Academic Unit of Child Psychiatry South Western Sydney Local Health District (AUCS), Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Psychiatry & Ingham Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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17
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Woolfenden S, Eapen V, Jalaludin B, Hayen A, Kemp L, Dissanyake C, Hendry A, Axelsson E, Overs B, Eastwood J, Črnčec R, McKenzie A, Beasley D, Murphy E, Williams K. Prevalence and factors associated with parental concerns about development detected by the Parents' Evaluation of Developmental Status (PEDS) at 6-month, 12-month and 18-month well-child checks in a birth cohort. BMJ Open 2016; 6:e012144. [PMID: 27609853 PMCID: PMC5020845 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2016-012144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Early identification of developmental vulnerability is vital. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of moderate or high developmental risk on the Parents' Evaluation of Developmental Status (PEDS) at 6-month, 12-month and 18-month well-child checks; identify associated risk factors; and examine documentation of the PEDS at well-child checks. DESIGN, PARTICIPANTS A prospective birth cohort of 2025 children with 50% of those approached agreeing to participate. Demographic data were obtained via questionnaires and linked electronic medical records. Telephone interviews were conducted with parents to collect PEDS data. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOMES Multiple logistic regression analyses identified risk factors for moderate or high developmental risk on the PEDS. A Cumulative Risk Index examined the impact of multiple risk factors on developmental risk and documentation of the PEDS at the well-child checks. RESULTS Of the original cohort, 792 (39%) had 6-month, 649 (32%) had 12-month and 565 (28%) had 18-month PEDS data. Parental concerns indicating moderate or high developmental risk on the PEDS were 27% (95% CI 24 to 30) at 6 months, 27% (95% CI 24 to 30) at 12 months and 33% (95% CI 29 to 37) at 18 months. Factors associated with moderate or high developmental risk were perinatal risk (OR 12 months: 1.7 (95% CI 1.1 to 2.7)); maternal Middle Eastern or Asian nationality (OR 6 months: 1.6 (95% CI 1.1 to 2.4)), (OR 12 months: 1.7 (95% CI 1.1 to 2.7)); and household disadvantage (OR 6 months: 1.5 (95% CI 1.0 to 2.2). As the number of risk factors increased the odds increased for high or moderate developmental risk and no documentation of the PEDS at well-child checks. CONCLUSIONS Children with multiple risk factors are more likely to have parental concerns indicating developmental vulnerability using the PEDS and for these concerns to not be documented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan Woolfenden
- Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Valsamma Eapen
- Academic Unit of Child Psychiatry, South West Sydney Local Health District (AUCS), Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Psychiatry & Ingham Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Bin Jalaludin
- Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Epidemiology Group, Healthy People and Places Unit, South Western Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Andrew Hayen
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Lynn Kemp
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Western Sydney, Penrith South DC, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Cheryl Dissanyake
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, La Trobe University, Melbourne, South Australia, Australia
| | - Alexandra Hendry
- Early Years Research Group, Ingham Institute, Sydney South West Local Health District, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Emma Axelsson
- Academic Unit of Child Psychiatry, South West Sydney Local Health District (AUCS), Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Research School of Psychology, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Bronwyn Overs
- Academic Unit of Child Psychiatry, South West Sydney Local Health District (AUCS), Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - John Eastwood
- Community Paediatrics, South Western Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Rudi Črnčec
- Academic Unit of Child Psychiatry, South West Sydney Local Health District (AUCS), Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Anne McKenzie
- Sydney South West Local Health District, Australia,Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Deborah Beasley
- Office of Kids and Families (NSW Health), North Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Elisabeth Murphy
- Office of Kids and Families (NSW Health), North Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Katrina Williams
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, South Australia, Australia
- Developmental Medicine, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, South Australia, Australia
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, South Australia, Australia
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