Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

How Feasible Are Lifestyle Modification Programs For Disease Prevention In General Practice?, Heike Schutze, Elizabeth F. Rix, Rachel A. Laws, Megan Passey, Mahnaz Fanaian, Mark F. Harris

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Vascular disease is a leading cause of death and disability. While it is preventable, little is known about the feasibility or acceptability of implementing interventions to prevent vascular disease in Australian primary health care. We conducted a cluster randomised controlled trial assessing prevention of vascular disease in patients aged 40-65 by providing a lifestyle modification program in general practice. Interviews with 13 general practices in the intervention arm of this trial examined their views on implementing the lifestyle modification program in general practice settings. Qualitative study, involving thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with 11 general practitioners, four practice nurses and …

Selective Imitation In 6-Month-Olds: The Role Of The Social And Physical Context, Sabine Seehagen, Jane S. Herbert

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Six-month-old infants' learning of a new action from two different models (mother/stranger) was assessed in two settings (home/laboratory). In the laboratory, a significant number of infants learned the action from a stranger but not from their mother. In the infants' homes, this pattern was reversed.

Colorectal Cancer Screening: Why Immunochemical Fecal Occult Blood Tests May Be The Best Option, Kathy Flitcroft, Les Irwig, Stacy Carter, Glenn P. Salkeld, James Gillespie

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Background: There are many test options available for colorectal cancer screening. The choice of test relates to the objectives of those offering or considering screening.Discussion: While all screening programs aim to detect disease early in order to improve the length and/or quality of life for the individual, some organizations and individuals prefer screening tests that offer the opportunity for cancer prevention. Others favor maximizing participation or the opportunity for shared decision-making, including discussion of information on test quality and availability. We propose three additional objectives for screening: minimizing harms, optimizing economic efficiency and maximizing equity of access to screening. …

Occupational Therapy Discharge Planning For Older Adults: A Protocol For A Randomised Trial And Economic Evaluation, Kylie Wales, Lindy Clemson, Natasha A. Lannin, Ian D. Cameron, Glenn P. Salkeld, Laura Gitlin, Laurance Rubenstein, Sarah Barras, Lynette Mackenzie, Collette Davies

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Background: Decreased functional ability is common in older adults after hospitalisation. Lower levels of functional ability increase the risk of hospital readmission and nursing care facility admission. Discharge planning across the hospital and community interface is suggested to increase functional ability and decrease hospital length of stay and hospital readmission. However evidence is limited and the benefits of occupational therapists providing this service has not been investigated. This randomised trial will investigate the clinical effectiveness of a discharge planning program in reducing functional difficulties of older adults post-discharge. This trial will also examine the cost of the intervention and cost …

The Compass Study: Community Preferences For Prostate Cancer Screening. Protocol For A Quantitative Preference Study, Kirsten Howard, Glenn P. Salkeld, Graham J. Mann, Manish I. Patel, Michelle Cunich, Michael P. Pignone

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Background Prostate cancer screening using prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing remains controversial. Trade-offs between the potential benefits and downsides of screening must be weighed by men deciding whether to participate in prostate cancer screening; little is known about benefit:harm trade-offs men are willing to accept.

Methods/Design The Community Preferences for Prostate Cancer Screening (COMPASs) Study examines Australian men's preferences for prostate cancer screening using PSA testing. The aims are to (1) determine which factors influence men's decision to participate in prostate cancer screening or not and (2) determine the extent of trade-offs between benefits and harms that men are willing to …

Greener Neighbourhoods, Healthier Lives? Evidence From Britain, Thomas E. Astell-Burt

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Abstract presented at Be Active 2012, 31 October-3 November 2012, Sydney, Australia

A Randomized Controlled Trial Of The Efficacy And Cost-Effectiveness Of A Brief Intensified Cognitive Behavioral Therapy And/Or Pharmacotherapy For Mood And Anxiety Disorders: Design And Methods, Denise Meuldijk, Ingrid V. Carlier, Irene M. Van Vliet, M E. Van Den Akker-Van Marle, Frans G. Zitman

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Background: Anxiety and mood disorders involve a high disease burden and are associated with high economic costs. A stepped-care approach intervention and abbreviated diagnostic method are assumed to increase effectiveness and efficiency of the mental healthcare and are expected to reduce economic costs. Methods: Presented are the rationale, design, and methods of a two-armed randomized controlled trial comparing 'treatment as usual' (TAU) with a brief intensified cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and/or pharmacotherapy. Eligible participants (N =500) of five Dutch outpatient Mental Healthcare Centers are randomly assigned to either TAU or to the experimental condition (brief CBT and/or pharmacotherapy). Data on …

Routine Outcome Monitoring And Feedback On Physical Or Mental Health Status: Evidence And Theory, Ingrid V. Carlier, Denise Meuldijk, Irene M. Van Vliet, Esther M. Van Fenema, Nic J. Van Der Wee, Frans G. Zitman

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Objectives: Routine Outcome Monitoring (ROM) is an important quality tool for measuring outcome of treatment in health care. The objective of this article is to summarize the evidence base that supports the provision of feedback on ROM results to (mental) health care professionals and patients. Also, some relevant theoretical aspects are considered. Methods: Literature study (Pubmed, Medline, PsychINFO, Embase Psychiatry, 1975-2009) concerning randomized controlled trials (RTC's) of ROM and feedback on physical or mental health status of patients of all ages. Main search terms were routine outcome monitoring/measurement, feedback, health status measurement, patient reported outcome measures. Results: Included were 52 …

Geographies Of Urban Politics: Pathways, Intersections, Interventions, Pauline M. Mcguirk

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

This paper deals with urban political geographies and, most particularly, with political economy perspectives on urban politics. It offers an account that narrates what I see as influential pathways and intersections, theoretical debates, and methodological developments that have shaped contemporary urban political geographies in this vein since the 1970s, including: the 'new urban politics', intersections with postmodernism, and postcolonialism; urban neoliberalism and the contingency of urban politics; and, most recently, poststructural political economy and the notion of assemblage. This leads me to trace the implications of the shift in understanding from urban political geography to geographies of urban politics, and …

Empirische Evidence Voor De Effectiviteit Van Routine Outcome Monitoring; Een Literatuuronderzoek, Ingrid V. Carlier, Denise Meuldijk, Irene M. Van Vliet, Esther M. Van Fenema, Nic J. Van Der Wee, Frans G. Zitman

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

achtergrond Routine outcome monitoring (ROM) is een belangrijk kwaliteitsinstrument om effecten van behandeling zichtbaar te maken en wordt landelijk geïmplementeerd in de Nederlandse ggz. doel Evalueren van de wetenschappelijke stand van zaken betreffende de effectiviteit van ROM voor diagnostiek, behandeling en andere uitkomsten. methode Literatuuronderzoek in PubMed, Medline, Psycinfo en Embase Psychiatry (1975-2009) naar gerandomiseerde gecontroleerde trials (rct's) van ROM bij alle leeftijdsgroepen patiënten (algemeen en ggz). De voornaamste zoektermen waren 'routine outcome monitoring' c.q. 'routine outcome measurement'. resultaten Er werden 52 rct's geïncludeerd betreffende ROM bij volwassen patiënten. Hiervan waren 45 rct's gericht op psychische klachten, zij het niet …

Cities Of Australia And The Pacific Islands, Robyn Dowling, Pauline M. Mcguirk

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

1. Cities in this region may be understood as forming two groups - those of Australia and Aotearoa/New Zealand and those of the Pacific Islands - each with distinct characteristics. 2. All countries in this region are dominated by primate cities, but in the case of Australia primate cities are the capitals of states in the federal union. 3. Australia and Aotearoa/New Zealand exhibit many of the urban characteristics of other developed countries, such as the United States. 4. The urban character of Pacific Island cities is similar to that of less developed countries though they are smaller and have …

Agricultural Change, Increasing Salinisation And Migration In The Mekong Delta: Insights For Potential Future Climate Change Impacts?, Olivia V. Dun

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

This chapter focuses on the situation of some households from Nha Phan hamlet in Cai Nuoc District that have become more financially vulnerable as a result of the agricultural and environmental shift and thus have turned to migration as a means of coping. It reveals the complex pathways that link migration choices with changing environmental conditions. It explores how those impacts and choices are linked to human security and how the lessons learned from this study can shed light on climate change-induced migration. The chapter begins with a brief overview of sea-level rise projection for the Vietnamese portion of the …

Resident Third Party Objections And Appeals Against Planning Applications: Implications For Higher Density And Social Housing, Nicole T. Cook, Elizabeth J. Taylor, Joe Hurley, Val Colic-Peisker

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

This report is the first output of a research project that aims to examine two models of public engagement in planning approval processes - Third Party Objection and Appeal Rights (TPOAR) and Fast tracked planning - to see how they impact on housing supply, resident perceptions, and realisation of planning goals.

Resident Third Party Objections And Appeals Against Planning Applications: Implications For Higher Density And Social Housing, Nicole T. Cook, Elizabeth J. Taylor, Joe Hurley, Val Colic-Peisker

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

This report examines two models of public engagement in planning approval processes - third party objection and appeal rights (TPOAR) and fast tracked planning - to see how they impact on housing supply, resident perceptions, and realisation of planning goals.

Change In Maternity Provision In Ireland: "Elephants On The Move", Patricia Kennedy

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

In an attempt to understand how change can occur in health services this article focuses on two recent developments in Ireland which came about as a result of an unexpected event and a consequent shift in policy which as Hinrichs (2001) and Castles (2010) suggest can be slow to move. Drawing on path dependency theory this article argues that maternity policies in Ireland were "locked in" between 1951 and 2001 in the wake of the Mother and Child controversy, an infamous milestone which led policy to develop along a very specific path and institutionalised the medical model of childbirth which …

Can Money Prevent The Spread Of Hiv? A Review Of Cash Payments For Hiv Prevention, Audrey Pettifor, Catherine L. Mac Phail, Nadia Nguyen, Molly Rosenberg

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Cash payments to improve health outcomes have been used for many years; however, their use for HIV prevention is new and the impact not yet well understood. We provide a brief background on the rationale behind using cash to improve health outcomes, review current studies completed or underway using cash for prevention of sexual transmission of HIV, and outline some key considerations on the use of cash payments to prevent HIV infections. We searched the literature for studies that implemented cash transfer programs and measured HIV or HIV-related outcomes. We identified 16 studies meeting our criteria; 10 are completed. The …

Perceptions Of Sexual Risk Compensation Following Posttrial Hiv Vaccine Uptake Among Young South Africans, Catherine L. Mac Phail, Jennifer Sayles, William Cunningham, Peter Newman

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Concerns about the impact of risk compensation on advances in biomedical human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention technologies have been documented. We conducted an exploratory qualitative study using focus group discussions with young South African men and women (aged 18 to 24 years) to explore perceptions of risk compensation with regard to a hypothetical posttrial HIV vaccine. During the discussions, participants expressed their disquiet about the potential for risk compensation and the manner in which this might manifest among young people. Discussions specifically focused on reductions in condom use, an increase in multiple partners, and increased frequency of sex. The discussions …

What Checkers Actually Check: An Eye Tracking Study Of Inhibitory Control And Working Memory, Ben Harkin, Sebastien R. Miellet, Klaus Kessler

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Background: Not only is compulsive checking the most common symptom in Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) with an estimated prevalence of 50-80% in patients, but approximately ~15% of the general population reveal subclinical checking tendencies that impact negatively on their performance in daily activities. Therefore, it is critical to understand how checking affects attention and memory in clinical as well as subclinical checkers. Eye fixations are commonly used as indicators for the distribution of attention but research in OCD has revealed mixed results at best. Methodology/Principal Finding: Here we report atypical eye movement patterns in subclinical checkers during an ecologically valid …

When East Meets West: Gaze-Contingent Blindspots Abolish Cultural Diversity In Eye Movements For Faces, Sebastien R. Miellet, Lingnan He, Xinyue Zhou, Junpeng Lao, Roberto Caldara

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Culture impacts on how people sample visual information for face processing. Westerners deploy fixations towards the eyes and the mouth to achieve face recognition. In contrast, Easterners reach equal performance by deploying more central fixations, suggesting an effective extrafoveal information use. However, this hypothesis has not been yet directly investigated, i.e. by providing only extrafoveal information to both groups of observers. We used a parametric gaze-contingent technique dynamically masking central vision - the Blindspot - with Western and Eastern observers during face recognition. Westerners shifted progressively towards the typical Eastern central fixation pattern with larger Blindspots, whereas Easterners were insensitive …

Effectiveness Of 'Signs And Symptoms' Campaigns For Lun G Cancer: A Rapid Review, Ross Gordon, Christopher Magee, Sandra Jones, Lyn Phillipson, Lance Barrie

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Early diagnosis of lung cancer may be important in improving the survival rate and patients' quality of life. This Evidence Check review assessed the effectiveness of 'signs and symptoms' campaigns in influencing knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and help-seeking behaviour in the general community and at-risk groups. Interventions may be effective, but the evidence is limited overall, and very limited for at risk groups. Social marketing frameworks may provide a structure for future interventions.

Improving Cancer Outcomes Among Culturally And Linguistically Diverse Communities: A Rapid Review Of The Literature, Lyn Phillipson, Karen Larsen-Truong, Sandra Jones, Leissa Pitts

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

This Evidence Check review examined the knowledge, attitudes and beliefs of Chinese, Vietnamese and Arabic speaking communities in Australia in relation to cancer, its causes, screening, treatments, perceptions of susceptibility, and perceived outcomes. The review explores fear, stigma, taboos, and the role of family, as well as the evidence of effectiveness of cancer prevention, detection and treatment interventions. There are significant gaps in the evidence base.

Participant Experiences From Chronic Administration Of A Multivitamin Versus Placebo On Subjective Health And Wellbeing: A Double-Blind Qualitative Analysis Of A Randomised Controlled Trial, Jerome Sarris, Katherine H M Cox, David A. Camfield, Andrew Scholey, Con Stough, Erin Fogg, Marni Kras, David J. White, Avni Sali, Andrew Pipingas

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Background While many randomised controlled trials have been conducted on multivitamins, to our knowledge no qualitative research exploring the subjective experience of taking a multivitamin during a clinical trial has been reported. Methods Semi-structured and open-ended written questions were incorporated into a 16-week double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, parallel groups trial of once-daily multivitamin administration. At the final study visit (week 16), three open-ended questions were posed to elucidate any positive, negative or unusual experiences from taking either the multivitamin or matched placebo. Qualitative thematic analysis was undertaken by researchers who were blind as to treatment condition of participants, and triangulation (independent …

Complementary Medicine, Exercise, Meditation, Diet, And Lifestyle Modification For Anxiety Disorders: A Review Of Current Evidence, J Sarris, S Moylan, David Camfield, M P. Pase, D Mischoulon, M Berk, F N. Jacka, I Schweitzer

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Use of complementary medicines and therapies (CAM) and modification of lifestyle factors such as physical activity, exercise, and diet are being increasingly considered as potential therapeutic options for anxiety disorders. The objective of this metareview was to examine evidence across a broad range of CAM and lifestyle interventions in the treatment of anxiety disorders. In early 2012 we conducted a literature search of PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, Web of Science, PsycInfo, and the Cochrane Library, for key studies, systematic reviews, and metaanalyses in the area. Our paper found that in respect to treatment of generalized anxiety or specific disorders, CAM evidence …

A Randomized Controlled Trial Investigating The Effect Of Pycnogenol And Bacopa Cdri08 Herbal Medicines On Cognitive, Cardiovascular, And Biochemical Functioning In Cognitively Healthy Elderly People: The Australian Research Council Longevity Intervention (Arcli) Study Protocol (Anzctr12611000487910), Con K. Stough, Matthew P. Pase, Vanessa Cropley, Stephen P. Myers, Karen Nolidin, Rebecca King, David Camfield, Keith Wesnes, Andrew Pipingas, Kevin Croft, Dennis Chang, Andrew Scholey

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Background One of the major challenges associated with our ageing population is the increasing incidence of age-associated cognitive decline, which has significant implications for an individual's ability to lead a productive and fulfilling life. In pure economic terms the costs of ageing reflects decreased productivity and engagement with the workforce. The maintenance of brain health underpinning intact cognition is a key factor to maintaining a positive, engaged, and productive lifestyle. In light of this, the role of diet, including supplementation with nutritional and even pharmacological interventions capable of ameliorating the neurocognitive changes that occur with age constitute vital areas of …

The Acute Impact Of High Anthocyanin Cherry Juice On Cognition And Blood Pressure In Young People, Older People And Dementia Patients, K Caldwell, K E. Charlton, S Roodenrys

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Abstract presented at the Annual Scientific Meeting of the Nutrition Society of Australia, 27-30 November 2012, Wollongong, Australia

Effect Of 6 Weeks Consumption Of B-Glucan Rich Oat Products On Cholesterol Levels In Mildly Hypercholesterolaemic Overweight Adults, Karen Charlton, Linda Tapsell, Marijka Batterham, Jane E. O'Shea, Rebecca L. Thorne, Eleanor Beck, Susan Tosh

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Abstract presented at the Dietitians Association of Australia 16th International Congress of Dietetics, 5-8 September 2012, Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre, Sydney, Australia

What's On The Menu For The 75+ Health Assessment?: An Opportunity For Nutrition Screening Of Older Patients In General Practice, A H. Hamirudin, K E. Charlton, K L. Walton, A Bonney, J. Potter, Marianna Milosavljevic, G Albert, A Hodgkins, A Dalley

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Abstract presented at the Annual Scientific Meeting of the Nutrition Society of Australia, 27-30 November 2012, Wollongong, Australia

Assessing Depression In Older Adults In The Emergency Department: Reliability Of The 5-Item Geriatric Depression Scale, M Bissett, A Cusick

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Abstract presented at the IFA 11th Global Conference on Ageing, 28 May-1 June 2012, Prague, Czech Republic

Does Targetted Assessment Of Function Influence Emergency Department Re-Poresentation In Older Adults: An Australian Insight, M Bissett, A Cusick

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Abstract presented at the IFA 11th Global Conference on Ageing, 28 May-1 June 2012, Prague, Czech Republic

Applying Linguistics In Making Professional Practice Re-Visible, Tom Bartlett, Honglin Chen

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Editorial: In their introduction to the first issue of the relaunched Journal of Applied Linguistics and Professional Practice ( JALPP), Sarangi and Candlin (2010) give two readings to the conjunction of 'applied linguistics' and 'professional practice' in the title, signalling two complementary agendas in applied linguistics research. The first agenda is to extend the study of language and communication to a wider range of professional contexts, i.e. to respecify the field of applied linguistics; the second is to contribute to the transformation and recontextualization of the professional practices of applied linguists in advancing knowledge and providing professional judgement. Following this …