Digital Commons Network^™

Predictors Of Quality Of Family Planning Counselling In Ethiopia: Multilevel Analysis Of The Spa Survey 2021/22, Kalayu Brhane Mruts, Tesfay Brhane Gebremariam, Amanuel Tesfay Gebremedhin

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: High-quality family planning (FP) counselling is essential for informed contraceptive choice, reducing discontinuation, and improving reproductive health. However, many women in sub-Saharan Africa continue to face barriers. This study examined client-, provider-, and facility-level determinants of FP counselling quality in Ethiopia using nationally representative, multi-source data. Methods: We analysed data from the 2021/22 Ethiopia Service Provision Assessment, including 2,224 women who received or were prescribed injectables, pills, or implants. Counselling quality was assessed using a 15-item checklist derived from direct observations and client exit interviews. Multilevel ordinal logistic regression was applied to identify predictors at the client-, provider-, and …

Association Between Protein Intake From Animal And Plant Sources And The Presence Of Frailty In Community-Dwelling Australian Women, Trent Bozanich, Jack Dalla Via, Simone Radavelli-Bagatini, Cassandra Smith, Elsa Dent, Anthony Villani, Robin M. Daly, Michael Tieland, Jonathan M. Hodgson, Kun Zhu, Richard L. Prince, Marc Sim

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

We investigated the cross-sectional association between total, animal and plant protein intake with the presence of a multidimensional measure of frailty in older women. Participants included 1380 community-dwelling Australian women, mean (SD) age 75.1 (2.7) years. A validated food frequency questionnaire was used to determine total, plant, and animal protein intake. Frailty was assessed using a frailty index across numerous health domains (scored 0–1, ≥0.25 indicating frailty). Cross-sectional associations were analysed using multivariable-adjusted logistic regression models. In total, 275 (19.9%) women were identified as frail. A non-linear inverse association was observed between higher intakes of total protein and the odds …

Patients’ And Health Professionals’ Perspectives On Transforming The Burden Of Haemodialysis (Hd) Treatment To An Opportunity: An In-Depth Qualitative Investigation, Haseeba Shouket, Eyal Gringart, Deirdre Drake, Ulrich Steinwandel

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Most patients with End Stage Kidney Failure (ESKF) in Pakistan must undergo maintenance haemodialysis (HD) to survive. Session duration and the often lifelong nature of this treatment, along with other factors associated with HD, make it difficult to tolerate. This study took a positive psychological perspective and considered that HD sessions’ duration, which has been a major challenge for HD patients, can be turned to an opportunity for patients’ meaningful engagement. Such meaningful engagement can positively transform Pakistani patients’ experience of HD and extend into their lives outside HD. Twenty-four HD patients and six healthcare professionals were interviewed to explore …

Creatine Monohydrate For Lean Mass, Strength, And Bone Density In Postmenopausal Women: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Siavash Naddafha, Jose Antonio, Richard B. Kreider, Jeffrey R. Stout

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Menopause is accompanied by accelerated losses in muscle mass and strength and declining bone density. Whether creatine monohydrate benefits postmenopausal women are uncertain. Methods: We systematically reviewed randomized, placebo-controlled trials examining creatine supplementation, with or without resistance training (RT), in postmenopausal women. MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, and Cochrane CENTRAL were searched from 2000 to August 2025, supplemented by trial registries and reference-list screening. Eligible studies included postmenopausal women aged ≥40–45 years, intervention durations ≥6 weeks for primary analyses, and outcomes including DXA-derived lean mass, one-repetition maximum (1RM) strength, bone mineral density, physical function, and safety. Dual …

The Travelling Dancer: The Exploration Of Strength And Conditioning And Lifestyle Strategies To Mitigate The Risk Of Posterior Ankle Impingement Whilst Dancing Abroad, Emma Tucker

Theses : Honours

Ballet dancers commonly experience posterior ankle impingement (PAI), and while there is research regarding the biomechanical risk factors for PAI in ballet dancers, and mitigation and rehabilitation strategies for this type of injury, there is little research conducted surrounding further barriers posed by international travel. This study investigated the implications of international travel on the risk mitigation and rehabilitation of posterior ankle impingement in ballet dancers, exploring barriers posed by international travel to regular strength and conditioning and lifestyle practices. Three ballet dancers and two physiotherapists were interviewed and shared their lived experience with, or treating, posterior ankle impingement in …

Feasibility And Preliminary Efficacy Of Integrative Neuromuscular Training For Childhood Cancer Survivors: A Pilot Study, Anna Maria Markarian, U. Newton, Dennis Taaffe, Nicholas G. Gottardo, Santosh Valvi, Carolyn J. Peddle-Mcintyre, Jodie Cochrane Wilkie, Daniel A. Galvão

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) often exhibit early deficits in muscle and movement competence, which can compromise long-term health. Integrative neuromuscular training (INT), a multifaceted approach combining fundamental movement activities with strength exercises, may help address these deficits during critical developmental periods. Methods: Eight children treated for ALL (aged 6–12 years) completed a supervised INT intervention (2 sessions/week for 8 weeks). Primary outcomes were feasibility (recruitment, retention, adherence, compliance, and tolerance) and program acceptability. Secondary outcomes included muscle function (isometric midthigh pull [IMTP], countermovement jump, and handgrip strength), dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA)-derived body composition, peripheral quantitative computed …

Higher Legume And Cruciferous Vegetable Intakes Are Associated With Lower Cardiometabolic Risk In Young Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study, Neal Mcnamara, C. Blekkenhorst, Trevor Mori, Lawrence J. Beilin, Therese A. O'Sullivan

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background and aims: Evidence suggests not all vegetables are the same for cardiometabolic health. Intake of specific vegetable groups exhibit significantly stronger associations with improved cardiometabolic health outcomes in adult populations. Few studies have investigated these relationships in young adults. This study aimed to investigate the relative contributions of specific vegetable groups to cardiometabolic risk in a cohort of young adults. Methods and results: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted in participants from the Western Australia-based Raine Study (n = 638) at the 22-year follow-up. Using a food frequency questionnaire, vegetables were grouped into allium, cruciferous, green leafy, legumes, and yellow-orange-red. …

Risk Factors Associated With Delayed Secretory Activation In A Cohort Of Nulliparous Women In Western Australia, Cassandra Cuffe, Giglia, Julie Hill, Matthew N. Cooper, Anita M. Moorhead, Joshua R. Lewis, Deborah Ireson, Therese A. O’Sullivan

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Delayed secretory activation can negatively impact maternal and child health through increasing the risk of early cessation of breastfeeding. Early cessation of breastfeeding is known to be associated with increased health risks. Aim: To determine the occurrence of, and risk factors associated with, delayed secretory activation in nulliparous women in Western Australia. Methods: This analysis used a subset of participants (n = 183) enrolled in a multicentre trial. Nulliparous low-risk pregnant women were enrolled between 28–32 weeks’ gestation and followed until 1 week after birth. The association between self-reported delayed secretory activation status (onset 4 days or more postpartum) …

S-Methyl Cysteine Sulfoxide: Its Effects On Cardiometabolic Outcomes In High-Fat Fed C57bl/6 Mice And Relevance To Human Health, Caroline R. Hill, Balmer, Hayley Abbiss, Jonathan M. Hodgson, Joshua R. Lewis, Armaghan Shafaei, Lauren C. Blekkenhorst

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

S-Methyl cysteine sulfoxide (SMCSO) is an organosulfur compound with demonstrated hypocholesterolemic, anti-diabetic, and antioxidant benefits in rodents. However, the doses used have limited translatability for humans. We explored whether SMCSO could blunt development of diet-induced metabolic syndrome features in mice using doses that are potentially more translatable and achievable in humans. Male mice (C57BL/6; n = 54) were randomly assigned into one of five groups: [1] normal-diet; [2] high-fat-diet; or high-fat-diet with [3] 60 mg kg⁻¹, [4] 170 mg kg⁻¹, or [5] 350 mg per kg per body weight (BW) of SMCSO, respectively. Doses were administered …

Increasing Body Size Unlocks Gelatinous Planktivory In A Key Coral Reef Fish Species, James Gahan, David R. Bellwood, Renato A. Morais, Leo Nankervis, Isabelle Ng, Alexandre C. Siqueira, Cecilia Villacorta-Rath, Sterling B. Tebbett

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Coral reefs depend on the assimilation of off-reef nutrients, particularly from zooplankton, to fuel on-reef productivity. Planktivorous reef fishes thus play a critical role in sustaining a key ecosystem function as the major consumers of plankton. The importance of gelatinous zooplankton to the nutritional ecology of larger-bodied planktivorous fishes is becoming increasingly apparent. Yet, the extent to which feeding on gelatinous plankton within these taxa is a product of ontogeny has not yet been addressed. It has been hypothesised that Caesio cuning, a key planktivorous species that contributes substantially to reef fish biomass on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, undergoes an …

It Was Part Of The Plan, So I Showed Up: An Exploration Of Patient Experiences With An Embedded Exercise Referral Process During Cancer Treatment, Mary A. Kennedy, Jack Dalla Via, Kim Edmunds, Pam Eldridge, Yvonne Zissiadis, Lauren Fortington

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction: Exercise is a key part of cancer care, yet its integration into routine practice remains limited. This study explored the experiences of people living with and beyond cancer, with an updated, opt-out referral model embedded within a supportive oncology setting, focusing on initial engagement with exercise physiology appointments. Through this model, patients were automatically scheduled for a consultation with an in-house exercise professional during their cancer treatment. Methods: A qualitative descriptive design comprised of two focus groups with 13 participants was employed to explore views across pre-defined elements of the model: referral to exercise, appointments, counselling, and tailoring. Results: …

Effects Of Resistance Vs High Intensity Interval Training On Myokines And Cancer Cell Suppression In Breast Cancer Survivors: A Randomized Trial, Francesco Bettariga, Dennis R. Taaffe, Cristina Crespo-Garcia, Timothy D. Clay, Mauro De Santi, Giulia Baldelli, Sanjeev Adhikari, Elin S. Gray, Daniel A. Galvão, Robert U. Newton

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Purpose: Reducing recurrence and mortality is crucial for breast cancer survivors. We investigated the effects of a 12-week resistance training (RT) vs high-intensity interval training (HIIT) program on myokines, cytokines secreted by skeletal muscle cells at rest in response to muscle contraction, and cancer cell inhibition. Methods: Twenty-eight survivors of breast cancer (age 55.5 ± 8.8 yr, body mass index 27.9 ± 5.1 kg/m², time since diagnosis 31 ± 12.3 months) were randomly allocated to a 12-week supervised moderate to high intensity RT (n = 14) or HIIT (n = 14) program 3 days per week. Resting blood …

Facilitators To The Implementation Of Exercise Into Cancer Care: A Systematic Review, Georgia L. White, Mary A. Kennedy, Brent J. Cunningham, Riley Dunn, Jason Martin, Meegan Walker, Craig T. Wallington-Gates, Hattie Wright, Bryan Chan, Grace L. Rose

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Purpose: Although governing bodies urge the importance of integrating exercise into routine cancer care, facilitators to implementation have not been systematically identified and collated. This review aimed to summarise facilitators to implement exercise services within real-world settings. Methods: A systematic review of qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-method studies was conducted (three databases, 13th September 2024). Reports were included if they documented the implementation of co-located exercise services (delivered onsite within cancer centres) or referral pathways to external exercise services from cancer centres. The updated Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR 2.0) was used to code and synthesise facilitators. Results: Of 8544 …

The Gut Microbiome Mediates The Association Between A Flavonoid-Rich Diet And Masld In A Population-Level Analysis, William Bell, Amy Jennings, Nicola P. Bondonno, Andre Franke, Corinna Bang, Marcus Both, Jan Kassubek, Hans Peter Müller, Jan Borggrefe, Wolfgang Lieb, Tilman Kühn, Aedín Cassidy

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Purpose: A growing body of evidence suggests diets rich in flavonoids may protect against metabolic-dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) development and progression. As the gut microbiome is important in the biotransformation of flavonoids to their constituent bioactive metabolites, studies on the potential mediating role of the gut microbiome in the association between dietary flavonoid intakes and MASLD are warranted but lacking. Thus, this study aims to examine the associations between a diet rich in flavonoids and MASLD, and assess the potential mediating role of the gut microbiome. Methods: In a cross-sectional analysis (n = 531), using the FlavoDiet score …

Alcohol Advertising At The Beach: Insights From Young People In Western Australia, Renee N. Carey, Gemma Crawford, Nicola D'Orazio, Gina S.A. Trapp, Lauren Nimmo, Tina Lam, Jonine Jancey, Justine E. Leavy

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Advertising and marketing by the alcohol industry serve to normalise alcohol use, with exposure to alcohol advertising linked to earlier and riskier drinking among young people. Advertising that portrays alcohol use in and around waterways is of particular concern, with one in five fatal drownings being associated with alcohol. Objective: This study aimed to explore the types of alcohol advertising that young people were exposed to, and to determine whether exposure to alcohol advertising was related to their alcohol use in aquatic environments. Methods: We surveyed 102 young people aged 18 to 25 years attending a free event at …

Effects Of Recreational Football On Body Composition, Cardiometabolic Health, And Functional Performance In Children And Adolescents: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Yanzhao Lei, Yanmei Ding, Bo Wang, Hengzhi Deng, Mingyue Yin, Kai Xu, Hengxian Liu, Meiling Tao, Yanfeng Li, Yilin Zhang, Yuhang Liu, Fanhao Meng, Hansen Li, Xing Zhang, Bitai Wu

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Purpose: The systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effects of recreational football on body composition, cardiometabolic health, and functional performance in children and adolescents. Additionally, it explored potential moderators through subgroup analyses. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in six databases in May 2025. A random-effects model was employed for the meta-analysis, and effect sizes were reported as standardized mean differences (SMD, Hedges’ g). Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were conducted to examine sources of heterogeneity. Results: A total of 20 studies (N = 2,906; age range: 8–17 years) were included. Of the participants, 1,524 (52.44%) were male, 1,174 …

Triglyceride Glucose Index And Modified Triglyceride Glucose Indices Are Instrumental To Optimize 3p Medical Management For Postpartum Cardiovascular Disease, Dong Lin, Haoxian Tang, Enoch Odame Anto, Yueran Zhou, Shenglan Zhang, Xiulian Deng, Cuihong Tian, Weijie Cao, Zhuoqiao He, Zhisheng Chen, Pengxiang Ying, Yequn Chen, Xuerui Tan

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Postpartum cardiovascular disease (CVD) following hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) involves multifactorial mechanisms linking metabolic susceptibility to vascular damage. Identifying predictive biomarkers and modifiable risk factors is crucial for early stratification in the context of predictive, preventive, and personalized medicine (PPPM). We aimed to investigate the association of triglyceride-glucose (TyG) indices with incident CVD in women with prior HDP and to assess the causal relationship using Bayesian weighted Mendelian randomization (BWMR) analysis, with a focus on the implications for PPPM strategies in postpartum management. Methods: In this longitudinal cohort study, 1,642 women with prior HDP from the UK Biobank …

Associations Between Modifiable Lifestyle Risk Factors And Abdominal Aortic Calcification In The Uk Biobank Imaging Study, Nicola P. Bondonno, Abadi K. Gebre, Benjamin H. Parmenter, Jonathan Hodgson, Lauren C. Blekkenhorst, Catherine P. Bondonno, Richard Woodman, John P. Kemp, James Webster, Carl Schultz, Cassandra Smith, Afsah Saleem, Syed Zulqarnain Gilani, Emma L. Duncan, Joseph Hung, Wai H. Lim, Parminder Raina, John T. Schousboe, Nicholas C. Harvey, Marc Sim, Joshua R. Lewis

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background and aims: Abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) reflects subclinical atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), but its lifestyle determinants remain uncertain. We investigated how a Healthy Lifestyle Score (HLS) relates to AAC and whether AAC mediates the HLS-ASCVD association. Methods and results: Participants from the UK Biobank Imaging study were assessed for AAC from DXA images. A Healthy Lifestyle Score (HLS), based on smoking, physical activity, diet quality, alcohol consumption, sleep, and BMI was developed, and categorised as low, moderate and high. Cross-sectional associations with (i) any AAC (AAC≥1) and (ii) high AAC (AAC≥6) were analysed using multivariable-adjusted logistic regression models. The …

Efficacy And Effectiveness Of Melatonin For The Management Of Musculoskeletal Pain: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis Of Placebo And Active Controlled Trials, Kangchao Wu, Ting Him Ho, Paula R. Beckenkamp, Michelle Hall, Hanzhi Zhang, James Puterflam, Karin Due Bruun, Jianhua Lin, Christopher Gordon, Ron Grunstein, Manuela L. Ferreira, Paulo Ferreira

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Melatonin may provide benefits for managing musculoskeletal (MSK) pain, and this review evaluated its efficacy and effectiveness on pain intensity and sleep quality. We searched 6 databases from inception to April 2025 and included randomized controlled trials in people with chronic or postoperative MSK pain reporting pain or sleep outcomes. Comparators included placebo or active controls (eg, analgesics). Random-effects meta-analyses were performed using mean differences with 95% confidence intervals. Subgroup analyses were conducted by comparator type. Sensitivity analyses included only low-risk studies. Certainty of evidence was assessed using GRADE. Twenty-three studies (2028 participants) were included. For people with chronic MSK …

Machine Learning Derived Abdominal Aortic Calcification Is Associated With Physical Frailty In Community-Dwelling Adults: The Uk Biobank Imaging Study, Abadi K. Gebre, Marion Mundt, Elsa Dent, James Webster, Afsah Saleem, Syed Zulqarnain Gilani, Yuandan Zhang, Cassandra Smith, Parminder Raina, John P. Kemp, William D. Leslie, John T. Schousboe, Nicholas C. Harvey, Joshua R. Lewis, Marc Sim

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Clinical cardiovascular disease (CVD) is often present in frail individuals. However, it remains unclear whether subclinical CVD, e.g., abdominal aortic calcification (AAC), is associated with frailty. This study investigated the cross-sectional relationship between AAC scored using a validated machine learning model (ML-AAC24) and physical frailty. 49,081 participants from the UK Biobank Imaging Study without atherosclerotic CVD (ASCVD) diagnosis were included. ML-AAC24 extent was categorised as low, moderate and high, based on established severity categories. Physical frailty was based on a modified Fried’s frailty phenotype comprising weak hand grip strength, slow walking speed, weight loss, exhaustion, and physical inactivity. Individuals with …

Meta-Analysis Of Dna Methylation Aging Signatures In 17 Human Tissues, Macsue Jacques, Kirsten Seale, Sarah Voisin, Anna Lysenko, Robin Grolaux, Bernadette Jones-Freeman, Severine Lamon, Mandhri Abeysooriya, Itamar Levinger, Carlie Bauer, Adam P. Sharples, Aino Heikkinen, Elina Sillanpaa, Miina Ollikainen, Cassandra Smith, James R. Broatch, Navabeh Zarekookandeh, Linn Gillberg, Ida Blom, Jesse R. Poganik, Mahdi Moqri, Vadim N. Gladyshev, Matthew Taper, Cassandra Malecki, Sean Lal, Nathalie Saurat, Steve Horvath, Andrew Teschendorff, Nir Eynon

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Epigenetic changes, in particular DNA methylation, accumulate with age across different tissues, but whether these changes follow consistent patterns across different organs remains poorly understood. Here we show, through a meta-analysis of more than 15,000 human methylation profiles spanning 17 tissues, that aging produces both conserved and tissue-specific epigenetic signatures. We identify systemic shifts in methylation levels, increases in methylation variability, and growing molecular disorder across tissues. Network analysis revealed tightly connected gene clusters that are not modified by beneficial interventions, alongside a more modifiable cluster linked to NAD⁺ metabolism, supporting NAD⁺ as a potential therapeutic target in …

Tall Orders: A Comparison Of Resident Food Behaviours By Dwelling Type And Apartment Characteristics In Australia, Joelie Mandzufas, Siobhan Hickling, Kevin Murray, Sarah Foster, Gina S.A. Trapp

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

To accommodate population growth, Australian cities are becoming denser, with more Australians living in apartments. However, there is little understanding of whether this shift towards apartment living raises any potential short- and long-term implications for dietary health. Using an Australian nationally representative household survey, this cross-sectional study compared meal-purchasing frequency and fruit and vegetable intake by dwelling type, apartment block height, and number of bedrooms in the apartment. Adjusted mean differences were derived from linear regressions, adjusting for socio-demographic characteristics. Apartment residents purchased 0.72 more meals out each week than house residents (p < 0.001, 95% CI [0.599,0.831]) and consumed 0.10 fewer daily serves of vegetables (p = 0.002, 95% CI [0.038,0.163]). Among apartment residents, those in high-rise blocks purchased 0.80 more meals out each week than low-rise residents (p = 0.012, 95% CI [0.250,1.348]), and residents of one-bedroom or studio apartments ate 0.25 fewer serves of fruit per day than residents in apartments with at least three bedrooms (p = 0.003, 95% CI [0.038,0.163]). These findings provide important evidence to inform policy and targeted interventions that promote healthy food behaviours in apartment-living populations.

The Best Practice Guide For Early Childhood Education And Care Food Environment: Module 5: Sustainable Food Practices (Version 1.0), Helen Alexiou, Lennie Barblett, Caterina Benati, Fiona Champion, Bek Clancy, Penelope Clark, Lochie Clark, Kathy Cologon, Wendy Cook, Amanda Devine, Katie Dix, Kirsty Elliott, Audrey Elford, Leanne Elliston, Amanda Ferguson, Ricky Gelman, Jodie Gray, Natalie Gulberti, Lorraine Hingston, Connie N. Ihlein, Karen Krist, Deana Leahy, Rebecca Lindberg, Stacey Mckenzie, Merryn Netting, Ciara O’Flaherty, Asha Rojahn, Ros Sambell, Blake Stewart, Leah Stuart-Douglas, Aimee Sullivan, Suzanne Tamone, Henry Tan, Sandra Vale, Jill Whelan

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

ECEC food environments are uniquely positioned to support sustainability by implementing practices that can reduce environmental impacts while creating meaningful opportunities for children to experience and explore the interconnections between people, animals, plants, lands and water through food.

The Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) (Version 2.0) recognises sustainability as an important consideration for children’s learning and development and that educators and children have active roles to play in contributing to more sustainable communities.1 Through the food provided, mealtimes, and food education, ECEC services can provide meaningful opportunities for children to experience and engage with sustainable food practices.

This Sustainable Food …

Tools Used To Measure Fear Avoidance Behaviour In The Management Of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (Concussion), Liam Sherwood

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Concussion can present challenges with respect to diagnosis and management. Fear avoidance behaviour and beliefs may be perpetuating factors in the clinical course of concussion. Understanding which patients may adopt such behaviours and beliefs can offer important information to allow tailoring of clinical management and implementing strategies to minimise the risk of progression to persisting post-concussion symptoms.

In this thesis, I:

-       systematically reviewed the current measurement tools used to assess fear avoidance behaviours and beliefs associated with concussion;

-       explored the experience of clinicians, researchers and people with lived experience of concussion in relation to fear avoidance behaviours;

- …

Detecting Habitat Use Of Three Endemic Freshwater Fish Of Far Southwestern Australia, Paige Rhiannon Wilson

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

The wetland ecosystems of far southwestern Australia face multiple threats including land clearing, historical cattle grazing, changed hydrology, extensive groundwater extraction, and changed fire regimes. Each is exacerbated by a drying climate, and together they provide a significant challenge to the on-going survival of the freshwater fish in this region particularly fish that are endemic, range restricted, and therefore, more likely to be more vulnerable. This study focuses on three such species: Galaxiella munda, Galaxiella nigrostriata and Lepidogalaxias salamandroides, the latter two of which are known to aestivate.

In order to make conservation decisions regarding management of wetlands for …

The Experience Of Homelessness Among Older Adults In Bhutan - A Narrative Inquiry Study, Phuntsho Om

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

A shift in the demographics of homelessness started to occur in the 1900s, with a significant increase in the number of middle-aged or elderly men and women being recognised as a part of the homeless population. The rising urgent global concern of homelessness of older adults necessitates a deeper understanding of the lived experience and holistic well-being of these marginalised adults. This thesis aimed to explore the phenomenon of homelessness of older adults in Bhutan, which is an often neglected topic in both national and international gerontological research.

Employing narrative inquiry within the constructivist approach as articulated by Pino Gravidia …

Paternal Age Is Associated With Offspring Bone Health—But Not Soft Tissue Composition Or Fracture: The Vitamin D In Pregnancy Study, Mia A. Percival, Kara B. Anderson, Julie A. Pasco, Marc Sim, Sarah M. Hosking, John D. Wark, Natalie K. Hyde

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Summary: Emerging evidence suggests that paternal health may be associated with offspring later life heath. In this study, advanced paternal age at childbirth was associated with poorer offspring bone mineral density and content at age 11 years. These findings suggest that paternal age may impact childhood musculoskeletal development, warranting further investigation. Introduction: Maternal health during pregnancy is known to impact offspring’s later life health. However, emerging evidence suggests that paternal factors may also be important. Advanced paternal age is associated with poorer offspring outcomes, yet few studies assess musculoskeletal outcomes. This study investigated the association between paternal age at childbirth …

Navigating Prediabetes In A Foreign Country: A Qualitative Study Of Self-Management Experiences Among Chinese-Speaking Immigrants In Australia, Min Zhang, Kirsten J. Coppell, Johnny Lo, Lisa Whitehead

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Aim: Chinese-speaking immigrants in Australia have a higher risk of type 2 diabetes and face more barriers to accessing quality healthcare compared to non-culturally and linguistically diverse populations. This study aimed to explore the self-management experiences of Chinese-speaking Australians with self-reported lived experience of prediabetes following immigration. Design: Qualitative study. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 purposively selected Australian Chinese-speaking immigrants aged over 40 years. Data collection was undertaken in Perth, Western Australia between April and August 2024. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results: Three themes are presented in this paper: (1) An acculturation journey: Reshaping cultural …

Intravenous Infusion Of Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (Nad+) Versus Nicotinamide Riboside (Nr): A Retrospective Tolerability Pilot Study In A Real-World Setting, Kirsten Reyna, Greer Heinzen, Nikita Patel, Marie Ritter, Alexandra Siojo, Henry Legere, Rachele Pojednic

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD⁺) is a cofactor for NAD⁺-dependent enzymes that regulate DNA repair, cellular metabolism, and immune function. Supplementation with NAD⁺ and its precursors is commonly used to prevent age-related disease and extend healthspan. Commercial clinical and wellness settings increasingly provide intravenous (IV) NAD⁺ and nicotinamide riboside (NR) despite limited evaluation of safety and effectiveness. These considerations are important, as NAD⁺ and its precursors differ in reported side effects, cellular uptake, and metabolism. This study sought to compare commercially administered NAD⁺ IV and NR IV in humans by evaluating infusion …

Co-Design Of An Online Mindfulness Program For Informal Carers Of People Living With Dementia: A Qualitative Study Of Co-Designers’ Experience, Charunya A.K.R. Abeysinghe Mudiyanselage, Seng Giap Marcus Ang, Aisling Smyth, Joanne M. Dickson, Beverley Ewens

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction: Informal carers face significant challenges related to care provision for people living with dementia. Participating in a mindfulness-based stress reduction program could improve the wellbeing of informal carers. However, engaging in these programs can be difficult for informal carers due to the needs of their care recipients. Purpose: This study aimed to co-design an online mindfulness program in collaboration with a range of stakeholders and those with lived experience as carers. Methods: This co-design study adopted an interpretive descriptive qualitative approach to the development of the program. The stakeholders (co-designers) included people with lived experience as informal carers and …