Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Determining The Feasibility Of A Codesigned And Personalised Intervention (Veg4me) To Improve Vegetable Intake In Young Adults Living In Rural Australian Communities: Protocol For A Randomised Controlled Trial, Katherine M. Livingstone, Jonathan C. Rawstorn, Stephanie R. Partridge, Yuxin Zhang, Eric O, Stephanie L. Godrich, Sarah A. Mcnaughton, Gilly A. Hendrie, Kate Dullaghan, Gavin Abbott, Lauren C. Blekkenhorst, Ralph Maddison, Scott Barnett, John C. Mathers, Laura Alston

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

INTRODUCTION: Diets low in vegetables are a main contributor to the health burden experienced by young adults in rural communities. Digital health interventions provide an accessible delivery model that can be personalised to meet the diverse preferences of young adults. A personalisable digital vegetable intake intervention (Veg4Me) was codesigned to meet the needs of young adults living in rural communities. This study will determine the feasibility of delivering a personalised Veg4Me programme and compare preliminary effects with a non-personalised Veg4Me (control). METHODS AND ANALYSIS: A 12-week assessor-blinded, two-arm, parallel randomised controlled trial will be undertaken from August 2023 until April …

Life In A Time Of Covid: Retrospective Examination Of The Association Between Physical Activity And Mental Well-Being In Western Australians During And After Lockdown, Ben Piggott, Paola Chivers, Kiira Karoliina Sarasjärvi, Ranila Bhoyroo, Michelle Lambert, Lynne Millar, Caroline Bulsara, Jim Codde

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: The aim of this study was to examine physical activity and sedentary behaviours during Western Australia’s COVID-19 lockdown and their association with mental well-being. Methods: Participants completed activity related questions approximately two months after a three-month lockdown (which formed part of a larger cross-sectional study from August to October 2020) as part of a 25-minute questionnaire adapted from the Western Australia Health and Well-being Surveillance system. Open-ended questions explored key issues relating to physical activity behaviours. Results: During the lockdown period, 463 participants (female, n = 347; 75.3%) reported lower number of active days (W = 4.47 p < .001), higher non-work-related screen hours per week (W = 11.8 p < .001), and higher levels of sitting time (χ2=28.4 p <. 001). Post lockdown body mass index was higher (U = 3.0 p =.003), with obese individuals reporting the highest non-work-related screen hours per week (Wald χ2= 8.9 p =.012). Inverse associations were found for mental well-being where higher lockdown scores of Kessler-10 (p =.011), Dass-21 anxiety (p =.027) and Dass-21 depression (p =.011) were associated with lower physical activity levels. A key qualitative message from participants was wanting to know how to stay healthy during lockdown. Conclusions: Lockdown was associated with lower physical activity, higher non-work-related screen time and more sitting time compared to post lockdown which also reported higher body mass index. Lower levels of mental well-being were associated with lower physical activity levels during lockdown. Given the known positive affect of physical activity on mental well-being and obesity, and the detrimental associations shown in this study, a key public health message should be considered in an attempt to maintain healthy activity behaviours in future lockdowns and similar emergency situations to promote and maintain positive well-being. Furthermore, consideration should be given to the isolation of a community due to infectious disease outbreaks and to recognise the important role physical activity plays in maintaining weight and supporting good mental health.

Elearning Improves Allied Health Professionals' Knowledge And Confidence To Manage Medically Unexplained Chronic Fatigue States: A Randomized Controlled Trial, Matthew D. Jones, Sally M. Casson, Benjamin K. Barry, Sophie H. Li, Trinidad Valenzuela, Joanne Cassar, Camillo Lamanna, Andrew R. Lloyd, Carolina X. Sandler

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objectives: To evaluate the impact of eLearning by allied health professionals on improving the knowledge and confidence to manage people with medically unexplained chronic fatigue states (FS). Methods: Using a parallel randomized controlled trial design, participants were randomized 1:1 to a 4-week eLearning or wait-list control group. Knowledge and self-reported confidence in clinical skills to implement a therapeutic intervention for patients with FS were assessed at baseline, post-intervention and follow-up. Secondary outcomes (adherence and satisfaction with online education, knowledge retention) were also assessed. Data was analyzed using intention-to-treat. Results: There were 239 participants were randomized (eLearning n = 119, control …

Sideffect Gameplan: Development Of An Alcohol And Other Drug Serious Game For High School Students Using A Systematic And Iterative User-Centred Game Development Framework, Joanna Nicholas, Brennen Mills, Sara Hansen, Stephen J. Bright, Joseph Scott, Imogen Ridout, Jess Watson, Heather Boyd, Luke Brook, Luke Hopper

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Serious games have shown to be effective in improving motivation to learn, knowledge and retention, thus are being increasingly used for alcohol and other drug (AOD) education. This paper outlines the development of an online AOD serious game for in-class use by Australian secondary school teachers for students in Years 9–10. Adapted from Edwards et al. (2018), the seven-step systematic and iterative user-centred development framework included: (1) Forming an expert multidisciplinary design team, (2) Defining the problem and establishing user preferences, (3) Incorporating the evidence base, (4) Serious game design, (5) Incorporating behavioural and psychological theory, (6) Developing a logic …

The Facilitators And Barriers To Exercise In The Noongar Aboriginal Population In Perth, Australia, Tuguy Esgin, Deborah Hersh, Kevin Rowley, Rona Macniven, Alan Crouch, Mark Halaki, Robert Newton

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Indigenous Standpoint Theory forms the epistemological foundation for this study and methodological choices were made within this theoretical framework to ensure culturally responsive research processes that engaged the Indigenous agenda of self-determination and rights. The objectives of this research were to determine: (i) Indigenous perceptions of the facilitators and barriers to exercise; (ii) The potential feasibility and sustainability of an exercise intervention. In this context, Participatory Action Research methods were used to design the data-gathering instrument for the study—a questionnaire, co-designed with the Noongar Aboriginal community of Perth, Western Australia. This self-administered questionnaire, distributed to participants by email, post and …

A Novel Skin Cancer Prevention Strategy: Preservice Teachers' Perceptions Of A Sun Safety Intervention And Experiences In Schools, Joseph J. Scott, Robyn S. Johnston, Jill Darby, Sally Blane, Mark Strickland, Bronwen M. Mcnoe

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Issue addressed:

Teachers play a vital role in developing children's sun protection routines however upskilling preservice teachers (PSTs) while at university has not yet been trialled as a targeted skin cancer prevention strategy. Hence, this study investigated PSTs perceptions and experiences of sun safety following a brief pilot intervention and placement in primary schools in Western Australia.

Methods:

This study used a triangulation mixed methods design. Participants (n = 161) completed a post intervention survey which was analysed quantitatively. A random sub-sample was invited to participate in focus groups (three groups, n = 21) and one-on-one interviews (n = 4). …

Testing Campaign Slogans Designed To Motivate Older People To Be More Physically Active, Simone Pettigrew, Michelle I. Jongenelis, Liyuwork M. Dana, Rajni Rai, Ben Jackson, Robert U. Newton

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objectives and importance of study: Being physically active is critical for healthy ageing, yet many older people do not meet physical activity guidelines. The aim of this study was to test the relative effectiveness of five previously identified campaign slogans designed to encourage older people to be more physically active: ‘Be active 30–60 minutes a day to stay fit and well’; ‘Move more, live longer’; ‘Stay fit to stay functional’; ‘This is your time – enjoy being strong and active’; and ‘Use it or lose it’. Study type: Online experiment Methods: A total of 1200 Australians aged 50 years and …

Application Of A Sustainability Framework To Enhance Australian Food Literacy Programs In Remote Western Australian Communities, Leisha M. Aberle, Julia R. Platts, Marie A. Kioutis, Louise M. Haustead, Stephanie L. Godrich

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Issue addressed: Food literacy programs aim to build individuals’ knowledge, skills and self-efficacy to adopt healthy food choices conducive to reducing the risk of chronic diseases, such as obesity. Foodbank WA’s (FBWA) Healthy Food for All ® nutrition programs have supported the improvement of food literacy knowledge and skills among vulnerable people living in the Pilbara. Methods: A Sustainability Framework containing ten sustainability factors was overlaid with social ecological model (SEM) levels of influence to form a matrix. The use of this matrix facilitated sustainability strategy appraisal within three food literacy programs delivered in remote WA. Results: Programs included multiple …

Development Of Thai Sensory Patterns Assessment Tool For Children Aged 3–12 Years: Caregiver-Version, Revadee Sutthachai, Anuchart Kaunnil, Supaluck Phadsri, Ilada Pomngen, Mandy Stanley, Tiam Srikhamjak

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Most existing tools for measuring sensory patterns of children have been developed in Western countries. These tools are complex and may not be culturally appropriate for other contexts that require specific knowledge in the clinical perspective. The aim of this study was to develop a simplified tool called the Thai Sensory Patterns Assessment (TSPA) tool for children. It is designed for children ages 3–12 years old to be completed by their caregiver. The process of creating the tool consisted of drafting a questionnaire and interpreting the result. Partial psychometrics were completed during item development, content validity of items was assessed …

Likeability And Perceived Effectiveness Of Messages Designed To Encourage Physical Activity Participation Among Older Adults, Michelle I. Jongenelis, Ben Jackson, Robert U. Newton, Simone Pettigrew

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Issue addressed: Older adults are significantly less likely than their younger counterparts to engage in physical activity. Comprehensive policies to support healthy ageing thus need to include components encouraging greater participation in physical activity in later life. This study tested potential messages for use in health communication campaigns aimed at increasing physical activity among older adults. Methods: Twelve written messages designed to encourage older adults to increase their levels of physical activity were rated by Australians aged 60-92 years (n = 369; 54 % female) on the variables of likeability and perceived effectiveness. Results: Ratings for all the tested messages …

Developing Culturally Appropriate Food Literacy Resources For Aboriginal Children With Foodbank Wa’S Superhero Foods®, Jennifer Tartaglia, Roslyn Giglia, Jill Darby

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Issue addressed

In Australia, food sovereignty of traditional landowners has been marginalised by the globalisation of food systems and resulted in limited opportunities for children to experience familiar bush tucker foods as healthy choices, particularly in a school environment. Superhero Foods^® themed teaching resources focus on the development of nutrition education materials that included traditional Aboriginal foods together with contemporary foods readily available in regional/remote communities.

Methods

Consultation with an Aboriginal expert and Aboriginal artist; local, regional/remote teachers and stakeholders informed the development of tailored resources including food cartoon characters, school lesson plans and a storybook. The latter was …

The Quality Of Life Of Regional And Remote Cancer Caregivers In Australia, Belinda C. Goodwin, Fiona Crawford-Williams, Michael Ireland, Sonja March, Suzanne K. Chambers, Joanne F. Aitken, Jeff Dunn

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objective: This study compares the well-being of rural caregivers with that of the general population and explores the potential drivers of poorer outcomes. Method: Patient–caregiver dyads (n = 241) residing in regional or remote Queensland, Australia, reported on QoL, chronic illness, caregiver burden, depression, anxiety and stress. Caregiver outcomes were compared with population norms and patient outcomes. Multiple regressions were conducted to identify factors associated with poorer caregiver outcomes. Results: Caregivers reported lower mental health-related QoL (M = 0.436, 95% CI = 0.410–0.462) in comparison with age-matched population norms (M = 0.556, 95% CI = 0.532–0.580). No differences existed between …

A Scoping Review Of Non-Pharmacological Health Education Provided To Families Of Children With Idiopathic Childhood Constipation Within Primary Health Care, Davina Houghton, Diana Arabiat, Deborah Ireson, Evalotte Mörelius

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objectives: Idiopathic childhood constipation is a prevalent condition that initially brings the child under the care of the primary health care team. Although it is acknowledged that health education is crucial to reducing chronicity, the range of evidenced-based non-pharmacological health education provided to families has not previously been reviewed. For this scoping review, 4 research questions sought to identify papers that provide information on the utilization of guidelines, the range of health education, who provides it, and whether any gaps exist. Methods: Following a registered protocol and using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping …

Identifying Modifiable Features Of Home Bowel Cancer Screening Kits To Facilitate Use: Consumer Perspectives, Belinda C. Goodwin, Bianca Viljoen, Larry Myers, Michael J. Ireland, Jeff Dunn, Suzanne K. Chambers, Nicholas Ralph, Joanne F. Aitken

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objectives:

Despite the widely publicised health benefits of participation in bowel cancer screening, only 43.5% of recipients participate in the Australian National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (NBCSP). Through consultation with kit recipients, this study aimed to identify features of home bowel screening kits that could be modified to increase their use.

Method:

Participants (n = 25) were presented with nine different bowel cancer screening kits and asked to identify features of each kit that might prevent or promote their use. Responses were coded using content analysis, and a narrative synthesis is presented summarising preferences relating to each element of the …