Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Response Of Marine Invertebrate Larvae To Natural And Anthropogenic Sound: A Pilot Study, J R. Stocks, Alison Broad, C Radford, T E. Minchinton, Andrew R. Davis

Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health - Papers: part A

Many vertebrates and invertebrates in the marine environment create and respond to sound. Due to increasing use of waterways, levels of anthropogenic sound are greater than ever. We examined the responses of larvae of temperate invertebrates to three sound treatments: natural ambient sound (shallow rocky reef), anthropogenic sound (an outboard motor) and no sound (control). Sound recordings were played to molluscan, echinoderm and bryozoan larvae in Petri dishes in the laboratory and the movement of swimming larvae was filmed and quantified in two-dimensional space. Larvae of the gastropod Bembicium nanum increased their swimming activity in response to both natural and …

Curriculum Renewal For Public Health Nutrition - A National Case Study, Australia, Heather Yeatman, Andrea Begley, Roger Hughes, Lisa Schubert, Lauren Williamns, Claire Palermo

Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health - Papers: part A

Effective workforce preparation and continuing professional development in public health nutrition are essential to address the immense challenges facing nutrition in the world today. A national Curriculum Renewal in Public Health Nutrition project in Australia (2011/12) built on previous international work on PHN competencies and facilitated scholarly dialogue on innovative teaching and learning and curriculum mapping strategies.

Circumventing The Who Code? An Observational Study, Nina J. Berry, Sandra C. Jones, Donald C. Iverson

Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Background This study compares the formula milk advertisements that appeared in parenting magazines published in two countries that have enacted measures to restrict the advertising of infant formula products in response to the international code with two that have not. Methods Content analysis was used to compare the type and frequency of formula milk advertisements that appeared in parenting magazines collected from the USA, Canada, the UK and Australia during 2007, and to examine whether there was a relationship between these frequencies and advertising regulations. Findings Advertisements that promoted formula products or brands occurred in all of the magazines sampled …

Healthy Beginnings Trial Phase 2 Study: Follow-Up And Cost-Effectiveness Analysis, Li Ming Wen, Louise A. Baur, Chris Rissel, Vicki Flood, Judy M. Simpson, Alison Hayes, Louise L. Hardy, Karen Wardle

Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Background: In 2007, we commenced the Healthy Beginnings Trial (HBT) Phase 1 study, which is the first randomised controlled trial (RCT) to test the effectiveness of an early childhood obesity intervention in children aged up to 2 years. The results were promising with significant improvements in infant feeding practices and a lower mean body mass index (BMI). The aims of this proposed Phase 2 study are to determine if the early intervention will lead to a lower mean BMI, lower screen time, improved dietary behaviours and demonstrated costeffectiveness of the intervention, in children aged 3½ and 5 years. Methods/design: In …

Study Protocol: A Randomized Controlled Trial Of A Computer-Based Depression And Substance Abuse Intervention For People Attending Residential Substance Abuse Treatment, Peter J. Kelly, Frances Kay-Lambkin, Amanda Baker, Frank P. Deane, Adam C. Brooks, Alexandra Mitchell, Sarah Marshall, Meredith Whittington, Genevieve A. Dingle

Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Papers (Archive)

"Background: A large proportion of people attending residential alcohol and other substance abuse treatment have a co-occurring mental illness. Empirical evidence suggests that it is important to treat both the substance abuse problem and co-occurring mental illness concurrently and in an integrated fashion. However, the majority of residential alcohol and other substance abuse services do not address mental illness in a systematic way. It is likely that computer delivered interventions could improve the ability of substance abuse services to address co-occurring mental illness. This protocol describes a study in which we will assess the effectiveness of adding a computer delivered …

Why (Not) Alcohol Energy Drinks? A Qualitative Study With Australian University Students, Sandra C. Jones, Lance R. Barrie, Nina J. Berry

Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Introduction and Aims. Alcohol energy drinks (AEDs) are a recent entry to the ready-to-drink market, but there is an absence of research into the reasons young people consume these products and their consumption-related experiences.The aim of the current study was to investigate university students’ perceptions of, and experiences with, pre-mixed AEDs.

Design and Methods. Four focus groups with undergraduate university students in a large regional city in New South Wales; with transcripts coded for key themes.

Results.Participants reported a number of benefits of AED consumption,many of which were similar to other ready-to-drinks, such as taste and image. However, the primary …

Study Protocol For A Randomized Controlled Trial Of Humor Therapy In Residential Care: The Sydney Multisite Intervention Of Laughterbosses And Elderclowns (Smile), Belinda Goodenough, Lee-Fay Low, Anne-Nicole Casey, Lynn Chenoweth, Richard Fleming, Peter Spitzer, Jean-Paul Bell, Henry Brodaty

Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Background: Humor therapy is a non-pharmacological intervention with potential to improve mood and quality of life for institutionalized older persons, including those with dementia. The primary aims of the Sydney Multisite Intervention of LaughterBosses and ElderClowns (SMILE) are to examine the effects of humor therapy on residents' mood, quality of life, social engagement, and agitation. Methods: SMILE is a single-blinded cluster-randomized controlled trial where 398 consented residents in 35 residential aged care facilities will be allocated to receive humor therapy or usual care. Residents allocated to the intervention group will engage in humor therapy with professional performers (ElderClowns) and trained …

Consumers' Salient Beliefs Regarding Dairy Products In The Functional Food Era: A Qualitative Study Using Concepts From The Theory Of Planned Behaviour, Deborah Nolan, Elizabeth Neale, Yasmine Probst, Karen E. Charlton, Linda C. Tapsell

Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Background Inadequate consumption of dairy products without appropriate dietary substitution may have deleterious health consequences. Social research reveals the factors that may impede compliance with dietary recommendations. This is particularly important given the recent introduction of functional dairy products. One of the challenges for public health professionals is to demonstrate the efficacy of nutrition education in improving attitudes toward nutrient rich foods. The aim of this study was to explore the salient beliefs of adult weight loss trial participants regarding both traditional and functional dairy products and to compare these with a control group not exposed to nutrition education Methods …

Using The Theory Of Planned Behavior And Barriers To Treatment To Predict Intention To Enter Further Treatment Following Residential Drug And Alcohol Detoxification: A Pilot Study, Peter J. Kelly, Frank P. Deane, Zoe Mccarthy, Trevor P. Crowe

Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Papers (Archive)

There has been limited research examining the impact of clients’ behavioural beliefs on whether they intend to access further treatment following residential drug and alcohol detoxification. Treatment post-detoxification is generally recommended to reduce relapse and for more sustained positive outcomes. The present pilot study examined the extent to which (1) primary components of the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB), (2) perceived barriers to accessing treatment and (3) the participants’ previous involvement in substance abuse treatment predicted intentions to enter further treatment following residential detoxification. One hundred and sixty eight participants accessing Salvation Army detoxification units in Australia completed a survey …

Cognitive Ability, Right-Wing Authoritarianism, And Social Dominance Orientation: A Five-Year Longitudinal Study Amongst Adolescents, Patrick C. L. Heaven, Joseph Ciarrochi, Peter Leeson

Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Papers (Archive)

No abstract provided.

How Generalisable Are Results Of Studies Conducted In Practicebased Research Networks? A Cross-Sectional Study Of General Practitioner Demographics In Two New South Wales Networks, Parker Magin, Melanie Marshall, Susan Goode, Georgina Cotter, C Dimity Pond, Nicholas Zwar

Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health - Papers: part A

Objective: To compare the demographics of general practitioners in two practice-based research networks (PBRNs) and to explore the generalisability of research findings from these PBRNs. Design, setting and participants: Cross-sectional questionnaire-based study of two geographically-based PBRNs - Hunter New England Central Coast Network of Research General Practices (NRGP) and Primary Healthcare Research Network-General Practice (PHReNet-GP) - during August-September 2010. All 183 GP members of both PBRNs were invited to participate; of these, 140 (77%) participated. Main outcome measures: GPs' demographics, use of languages other than English in consultations, and previous participation in research. Practices' use of practice nurses. Socioeconomic status …

Case Study In Academic And Industry Collaboration: The Development Of An Adolescent Targeted Sun Protection Intervention In Nsw, Melinda Williams, Sandra Jones, Donald Iverson, Peter Caputi, Sofia Potente

Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Academic and industry collaboration is increasingly identified as a critical element in the future health of Australians through linking theory and practice, with the major priority for academic institutions being the identification of new knowledge and the transfer of this knowledge into changes in policy and health services. Collaborations between academia and industry are increasingly encouraged in Australia by research funding schemes such as ARCLinkage and, more recently, NHMRC Partnerships. While a recent US study suggests that such schemes have a moderate effect on academics’ propensity to work with industry (Bozeman and Gaughan, 2007), industry groups have recognised the value …

When Does Alcohol Sponsorship Of Sport Become Sports Sponsorship Of Alcohol? A Case Study Of Developments In Sport In Australia, Sandra C. Jones

Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Alcohol sponsorship of sport is common in Australia, with much debate about the appropriateness of linking sport with alcohol advertising and promotion. This paper provides examples of such sponsorships to appreciate the extent and nature of complex relationship between sport and alcohol sponsors. The public health and policy implications of alcohol sponsorship of sport extending to creating a sporting competition purely to promote an alcohol brand are considered.

Development And Early Experience From An Intervention To Facilitate Teamwork Between General Practices And Allied Health Providers: The Team-Link Study, Mark Fort Harris, Bibiana Chan, Christopher Daniel, Qing Wan, Nicholas Zwar, Gawaine Powell Davies

Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health - Papers: part A

Abstract. Background. This paper describes the development and implementation of an intervention to facilitate teamwork between general practice and outside allied and community health services and providers. Methods. A review of organizational theory and a qualitative study of 9 practices was used to design an intervention which was applied in four Divisions of General Practice and 26 urban practices. Clinical record review and qualitative interviews with participants were used to determine the key lessons from its implementation. Results. Facilitating teamwork across organizational boundaries was very challenging. The quality of the relationship between professionals was of key importance. This was enabled …

A Comparative Study Of Assessment Grading And Nursing Students' Perceptions Of Quality In Sessional And Tenured Teachers, Yenna Salamonson, Elizabeth J. Halcomb, Sharon Andrew, Kathleen Peters, Debra Jackson

Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health - Papers: part A

Purpose: Although the global nursing faculty shortage has led to increasing reliance upon sessional staff, limited research has explored the impact of these sessional staff on the quality of teaching in higher education. We aim to examine differences in (a) student satisfaction with sessional and tenured staff and (b) assessment scores awarded by sessional and tenured staff in students' written assignments. Design: A comparative study method was used. Participants were recruited from students enrolled in the three nursing practice subjects across the 3 years of the baccalaureate program in an Australian university during the second semester of 2008. Methods: This …

Older Patients' Attitudes To General Practice Registrars: A Qualitative Study, Andrew D. Bonney, Lyn Phillipson, Sandra C. Jones, Donald Iverson

Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Background Research suggests that older patients may be reluctant to engage general practice registrars (GPRs) in their care. The authors undertook a qualitative study of the attitudes of older patients to GPRs to investigate this issue. Method Thirty-eight patients aged 60 years and over from three training practices participated in semistructured telephone interviews, which explored patients responses to GPRs. The interviews were recorded, transcribed and analysed using a template analysis approach. Results Analysis of the interviews produced five major themes concerning patient attitudes to GPRs: desire for continuity, desire for access, openness, trust and a desire for meaningful communication. Discussion …

Decreased Density Of Serotonin 2a Receptors In The Superior Temporal Gyrus In Schizophrenia - A Postmortem Study, Xu-Feng Huang, Chao Deng, Qing Wang, Kai Kang

Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Papers (Archive)

The superior temporal gyrus (STG) is strongly implicated in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia,particularly with regards to auditory hallucinations. In this study, using in situ quantitative autoradiography in postmortem tissue, we investigated the binding of the [3H]ketanserin to 5-HT2A receptors and [3H] mesulergine to 5-HT2C receptors in the left STG of 8 male schizophrenic patients compared to 8 control subjects. A strong [3H]ketanserin binding was observed in the STG, however there was a very weak [3H] mesulergine binding in the STG. A significant decrease in binding of [3H]ketanserin was clearly observed in schizophrenia patients in comparison with control subjects. There were …

Stroke And Plasma Markers Of Milk Fat Intake - A Prospective Nested Case-Control Study, Bengt Vessby, Eva M. Warensjo, Goran Hallmans, Lars Weinehall, Ingegerd Johansson, Birgitta Stegmayr, Annika Smedman

Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Background

Dairy products are high in saturated fat and are traditionally a risk factor for vascular diseases. The fatty acids 15:0 and 17:0 of plasma lipids are biomarkers of milk fat intake. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the risk of a first-ever stroke in relation to the plasma milk fat biomarkers.

Methods

A prospective case-control study was nested within two population based health surveys in Northern Sweden. Among 129 stroke cases and 257 matched controls, plasma samples for fatty acid analyses were available in 108 cases and 216 control subjects. Proportions of 15:0 and 17:0 of …

Assembling A Nutrient Database For A Large Cohort Study: Blue Mountains Eye Study, Victoria M. Flood, W Smith, E Rochtchina, Jie J. Wang, Paul Mitchell

Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Papers (Archive)

To construct a nutrient database for use with a large population-based cohort study, the Blue Mountains Eye Study, dietary intakes were estimated using the Australian electronic food composition nutrient databases to which values for additional nutrients were added, including folate, vitamin B12, carotenoids and fatty acids. The addition of nutrient data from alternative, overseas, database sources may be useful in relation to the assessment of outcome measures, however the data obtained from these sources need to be interpreted with care, especially in relation to absolute quantities of intake.

A Food-Based Dietary Strategy Lowers Blood Pressure In A Low Socio-Economic Setting: A Randomised Study In South Africa, Karen E. Charlton, Naomi Levitt, Krisela Steyn, Deborah Jonathan, Nomonde Gwebushe, Nasheeta Peer, Katja Rossouw, Theresa Gogela, Carl J. Lombard

Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Objective To assess the impact of a food-based intervention on blood pressure (BP) in free-living South African men and women aged 50–75 years, with drug-treated mild-to-moderate hypertension.

Methods A double-blind controlled trial was undertaken in eighty drug-treated mild-to-moderate hypertensive subjects randomised to an intervention (n 40) or control (n 40) arm. The intervention was 8-week provision of six food items with a modified cation content (salt replacement (SOLO™), bread, margarine, stock cubes, soup mix and a flavour enhancer) and 500 ml of maas (fermented milk)/d. The control diet provided the same quantities of the targeted foods but of …

A Pilot Study On The Impact Of Occupational Therapy Home Programming For Young Children With Cerebral Palsy, Iona Novak, Anne Cusick, Kevin Lowe

Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Occupational therapy home programs are a common approach used to provide interventions for children with cerebral palsy, but there is little evidence to demonstrate the effectiveness of such programs. This singlegroup pretest–posttest design pilot study evaluated the impact of an occupational therapy home program implemented with 20 children who had spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy (ages 2–7 years, mean 3.8). We measured impact using Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS), the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI), and the Quality of Upper Extremity Skills Test (QUEST). We measured participation amount through a parent self-report log. Significant changes following intervention occured in scores on …

A Pilot Study Investigating Of The Nature Of Point-Of-Sale Alcohol Promotions In Bottle Shops In A Large Australian Regional City, Sandra C. Jones, Melissa Lynch

Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Objective: The promotion of alcohol by retailers and media can contribute to a culture of excessive alcohol consumption, but the effect of non-advertising alcohol promotions has largely been neglected. This study sought to gather initial data on this important area.Method: An observational study of alcohol point-of-sale promotions in the Wollongong CBD area, conducted in July-August 2005.Results: We identified 17 different promotions in three categories: gift with purchase; competitions; and buy some, get some free.Conclusions: Given previous research demonstrating the relationship between increased alcohol consumption and both ownership of alcohol-related merchandise and reduced per unit price, it appears that point-of-sale promotions …

Qualitative Study Into Quality Of Life Issues Surrounding Insulin Pump Use In Type 1 Diabetes, Katharine D. Barnard, Timothy Chas Skinner

Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Currently, there is a need for qualitative research about how insulin pump therapy changes quality of life, which is significant to people with type 1 diabetes. This study aimed to elicit the experiences of current insulin pump users in order to discover the therapy's benefits, downsides and effect on their quality of life. A qualitative approach was taken in order to reveal subjective experiences. This research will inform future research and assist with policy and guideline development by health care providers about pump therapy.

Participants were briefly interviewed by telephone about their experiences of living with an insulin pump. Four …

Counterfactual Thinking In Response To Hypothetical Breast Cancer Scenarios: A Pilot Study, Amy Y. Chan, Sandra C. Jones, Karen T. Rich

Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Papers (Archive)

This paper examined womens counterfactualthoughts in response to hypothetical scenarios aboutearly versus late breast cancer diagnoses.Womenaged 50 and over (N=29) read hypotheticalscenarios about the experience of fictitious womenof mammography screening age and completedcounterfactual statements from the protagonistsperspective.In two scenarios, the protagonist failedto attend mammography screening regularly andwas diagnosed with advanced breast cancer; thethird scenario depicted a woman who hadmammograms biennially and received an early-stagebreast cancer diagnosis.Consistent with pastliterature on counterfactual thinking, participantsgenerated exclusively upward counterfactuals fromthe two late-diagnosis scenarios, and predominantlydownward counterfactuals from the early-diagnosisscenario.Furthermore, participants primarilyfocussed on what the protagonist could personallyhave done differently to lead to a differentoutcome.Hence …

A Study Into The Use Of Computer Aided Assessment To Enhance Formative Assessment During The Early Stages Of Undergraduate Chemistry Courses, Simon B. Bedford, Gareth J. Price

Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health - Papers: part A

A Virtual Learning Environment (WebCT and latter Moodle) was used to provide students with instant, meaningful feedback on their study of chemistry units during their first semester at University. Short multiple choice questions (MCQ's) were written covering each segment of material delivered in lectures and made available to students over the University computer intranet to allow "24/7" access. The most important aspect of the work was the feedback offered to students within the questions, which was written by undergraduate students to ensure its usefulness. The vast majority of the cohort used the MCQ's, most to gain formative feedback and some …

The Chronic Heart-Failure Assistance By Telephone (Chat) Study: Assessment Of Telephone Support For Vulnerable Patients With Chronic Disease, Julie Yallop, Bianca Chan, Leon Piterman, Andrew Tonkin, Andrew Forbes, Patricia M. Davidson, Robyn Clark, Elizabeth Halcomb, Andrea Nangle, Simon Stewart, Joanne Croucher, Henry Krum

Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health - Papers: part A

Aim: To determine whether telephone support using an evidence-based protocol for chronic heart failure (CHF) management will improve patient outcomes and will reduce hospital readmission rates in patients without access to hospital-based management programs. Methods: The rationale and protocol for a cluster-design randomised controlled trial (RCT) of a semi-automated telephone intervention for the management of CHF, the Chronic Heart-failure Assistance by Telephone (CHAT) Study is described. Care is coordinated by trained cardiac nurses located in Heartline, the national call center of the National Heart Foundation of Australia in partnership with patients' general practitioners (GPs). Conclusions: The CHAT Study model represents …

An Evaluation Of A Life-Coaching Group Program: Initial Findings From A Waitlist Control Study, Suzy Green, Lindsay G. Oades, Anthony M Grant

Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Life coaching has grown substantially in the last few years and received considerable media coverage worldwide (Rock, 2001). However, there have been few empirical investigations into its efficacy (Grant, 2003). The study outlined in this chapter aims to add to this limited empirical base.

The Relationship Between Self-Esteem And Academic Achievement In High Ability Students: Evidence From The Wollongong Youth Study., Wilma Vialle, Patrick C. L. Heaven, Joseph Ciarrochi

Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Papers (Archive)

The relationship between self-esteem and academic achievement is one that is regarded by many educators as a well-established fact. This belief has been often invoked in order to argue against the provision of ability grouping for gifted students. Refuting that commonly-held belief, this research examined the relationship between self-esteem and academic achievement in 65 high-ability secondary students, a sample drawn from a longitudinal study of over 900 students. The research demonstrated that there were no differences in measured selfesteem between the gifted and non-gifted students. More contentiously, though, the research found no correlation between self-esteem and academic achievement for the …

Predictors Of Men's Acceptance Of Modern Contraceptive Practice: Study In Rural Vietnam, Bui Thi Thu Ha, Rohan Jayasuriya, Neville Owen

Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Studies have shown family planning adoption is likely to be more effective for women when men are actively involved. The transtheoretical model of behavior change was used to examine mens involvement in general contraception and intrauterine device (IUD) use by their wives. The study was carried out in rural Vietnam with 651 eligible participants. Cons of IUD use for men in precontemplation and contemplation/preparation were significantly higher than those in the action/maintenance stages, whereas the reverse was true for pros of IUD. The self-efficacy for convincing wife to have IUD in precontemplation was significantly lower than for those in higher …

The Burden Of The Rheumatic Diseases In The General Adult Population Of Greece: The Esordig Study, A A. Andrianakos, Spyridon Miyakis, P Trontzas, G Kaziolas, F Christoyannis, D Karamitsos, G Karanikolas, P Dantis

Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health - Papers: part A

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the burden of rheumatic diseases in terms of disability and health-care utilization in the Greek general adult population. METHODS: The study was conducted on the total adult population of seven communities (8547 subjects), as well as on 2100 out of 5686 randomly selected subjects in an additional two communities. Rheumatologists visited the participants at their homes to assess the prevalence of six morbidity indicators concerning disability and health-care utilization associated with rheumatic diseases or other major disease groups. RESULTS: The participation rate in the study was 82.1%. The prevalence of chronic health problems, long-term disability, short-term disability, …