Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Study Protocol For A Stepped-Wedge Cluster (Nested) Randomized Controlled Trial Of Antenatal Colostrum Expression (Ace) Instruction In First-Time Mothers: The Ace Study, Cassandra Cuffe, Roslyn Giglia, Matthew N. Cooper, Julie Hill, Desiree Silva, Anita M. Moorhead, Valerie Verhasselt, Joshua R. Lewis, Deborah Ireson, Jill R. Demirci, Talea Cotte, Kathryn Webb, Frances Patey, Therese A. O’Sullivan

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Although many mothers initiate breastfeeding, supplementation with human-milk substitutes (formula) during the birth hospitalization is common and has been associated with early breastfeeding cessation. Colostrum hand expressed in the last few weeks before birth, known as antenatal colostrum expression (ACE), can be used instead of human-milk substitutes. However, evidence is lacking on the efficacy of ACE on breastfeeding outcomes and in non-diabetic mothers. Methods and Planned Analysis: This multicenter stepped-wedge cluster (nested) randomized controlled trial aims to recruit 945 nulliparous pregnant individuals. The trial is conducted in two phases. During Phase 1, control group participants are under standard care. …

Excitatory Drive To Spinal Motoneurones Is Necessary For Serotonin To Modulate Motoneurone Excitability Via 5-Ht2 Receptors In Humans, Tyler T. Henderson, Janet L. Taylor, Jacob R. Thorstensen, Justin J. Kavanagh

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Serotonin modulates corticospinal excitability, motoneurone firing rates and contractile strength via 5-HT2 receptors. However, the effects of these receptors on cortical and motoneurone excitability during voluntary contractions have not been explored in humans. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate how 5-HT2 antagonism affects corticospinal and motoneuronal excitability with and without descending drive to motoneurones. Twelve individuals (aged 24 ± 4 years) participated in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study, whereby the 5-HT2 antagonist cyproheptadine was administered. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) was delivered to the motor cortex to produce motor evoked potentials (MEPs), and electrical stimulation at the cervicomedullary …

Physical Restraint In Older People: A Statement From The Early Career Network Of The International Psychogeriatric Association, Mustafa Atee, Claire V. Burley, Victor A. Ojo, Agboola J. Adigun, Hayoung Lee, Daniel J. Hoyle, Olufisayo Elugbadebo, Tomas Leon

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The International Psychogeriatric Association (IPA) has expressed significant concerns over the use of physical restraints in older people across diverse aged care settings. Following an extensive analysis of the available literature, the IPA's Early Career Network (ECN) has formulated a collection of evidence-based recommendations aimed at guiding the use of physical restraints within various care contexts and demographic groups. Physical restraints not only infringe upon human rights but also raise significant safety concerns that adversely impact the physical, psychological, social, and functional well-being of older adults. Furthermore, their effectiveness in geriatric settings remains inadequate. Given these considerations, the IPA and …

The Experiences Of Older Immigrants Living With Dementia In Australia: A Multi-Method Secondary Analysis, Pelden Chejor

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

The ageing immigrant population and rising dementia cases underscores the need for culturally appropriate dementia care services. However, accessing dementia care services can be challenging for immigrants due to cultural and linguistical differences including their health beliefs. Understanding the experiences and concerns of older immigrants living with dementia is imperative for the planning and delivery of culturally and linguistically appropriate care. The aim of this thesis was to explore and describe the experiences of older immigrants living with dementia, as well as to describe and compare (against non-immigrants living with dementia) the characteristics (neuropsychiatric symptoms and pain characteristics) of older …

Best Practice Recommendations For Coaching Gymnasts To Avoid Burnout And Reframe Performance Anxiety, Clare A. Mccall

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Gymnastics is deemed a psychologically demanding sport, with associated risk factors of burnout and performance anxiety. To date, relatively little research has explored the specific goal and perfectionistic processes of gymnasts, despite these risks. This body of work identified the specific goal-related constructs and perfectionistic orientation of young athletes and examined how these associated with burnout and performance anxiety. It comprised of two studies with a mixed methods design. The first study aimed to systematically review literature investigating how goal-related constructs and perfectionism associate with burnout and performance anxiety in young athletes. This review focused on summer and winter Olympic …

Expression Of Growth Differentiation Factor 15 (Gdf-15) In Placental Tissue Of Full- Term Pregnant Women With Hypertensive Disorders In A Western Australian Population, Elsa H. L. Chew

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Women who experience hypertensive pregnancy disorders (HPDs) during pregnancy, mainly pre-eclampsia (PE), are four times more likely to develop hypertension after pregnancy and therefore have an increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in the future. Pregnancy involves a high level of cardiovascular stress and the development of some complications. This has the potential to increase a woman’s susceptibility to vascular or metabolic disease risk in the future. In this research, pre-eclampsia (PE) and pregnancyinduced hypertension (PIH) were representatives of HPDs and were analysed together for the expression of Growth Differentiation Factor-15 (GDF-15) relative to their healthy agematched controls.

GDF-15 …

Understanding Mental Wellbeing Of Family Day Care Educators In Australia: A Mixed Methods Study, Theresa Rayfield

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Family Day Care (FDC) is an essential service within the Australian early childhood education and care sector. FDC educators support Australian families who require convenience, flexibility, and versatility in the education and care of their children. FDC educators’ mental wellbeing (MWB) is vital to ensure optimal education and care is provided, however this is often overlooked by educators. This research aimed to gauge Australian FDC educators’ MWB, identify factors positively or negatively affecting MWB and strategies employed to maintain and support MWB.

Primarily, a cross-sectional quantitative questionnaire measuring MWB and ten predictor variables determining relationship with food, food insecurity, alcohol …

Novel Methods For Assessing Pulmonary And Cardio-Vascular Limitations To Aerobic Performance In Older And Younger Populations, Toni Haddad

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Around the world, life expectancy is increasing, the ageing population is growing, and maintaining quality of life at an older age currently represents a major global challenge. While ‘successful ageing’ relies on a variety of factors, aerobic performance and exercise capacity are key determinants and attenuating their decline is of the utmost importance. The decrease in maximal oxygen consumption is often considered as a major determinant explaining the age[1]related decline in aerobic performance. Yet, multiple physiological systems are impaired with ageing and their contribution to aerobic limitation in older individuals is unclear. Understanding how the limitations to aerobic performance may …

Exploring Treatment Burden In People With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2dm) In Primary Care Settings, Kai Lin

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Introduction

Treatment burden is the perceived workload of care by individuals. The treatment burden experienced by individuals with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a major obstacle to achieving effective healthcare outcomes. The aim of this research is to facilitate better management of treatment burden in people with T2DM in primary care settings.

Methods

A systematic review, encompassing narrative analysis was used to characterise the treatment burden of T2DM and critical appraisal was used to identify the appropriate patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) for measuring this burden. The selected instruments were employed with subsequent questionnaires, followed by patient focus groups. A …

The Physiological And Performance Consequences Of The Australian Special Forces Selection Course, Angela Uphill

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Special Forces (SF) soldiers are the most elite element of military forces, who have undergone rigorous training in order to prepare them for a wide array of specialised missions. In Australia, entry into the SF is determined through the highly competitive SF Selection Course (SF-SC), which is a gruelling program involving extreme physical demands, psychological stress, and restricted access to sleep and nutrition. The stressors involved in arduous military training events such as the SF-SC can result in significant losses of fat mass and lean mass, disruption to hormonal homeostasis, and significant decreases in neuromuscular capacity, which can potentially increase …

Western Australian Mothers' Experiences Of Breastfeeding Support In Hospital After Birth: A Mixed Methods Study, Justine Van Der Watt

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Background: The benefits of breastfeeding are well established for infants, mothers and the community, with the World Health Organisation recommending that infants be exclusively breastfed up to six months of age with an achievable goal of 70% globally. Yet in Australia only 15-37% may be reaching that goal. There have also been reported benefits and desires for mothers to be supported with their breastfeeding in order to increase and prolong breastfeeding duration and exclusivity, especially early after birth. However, there is limited research or literature exploring what experiences mothers are having with breastfeeding support, especially during their hospital admissions in …

Prevalence Trends Of Foodborne Pathogens, Bacillus Cereus, Non Stec Escherichia Coli And Staphylococcus Aureus In Ready-To-Eat Foods Sourced From Restaurants, Cafés, Catering And Takeaway Food Premises, Nicole Foxcroft

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

The foodborne pathogens of Bacillus cereus (B. cereus), non STEC Escherichia coli (non STEC E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) are currently non-notifiable in Australia unless attributed to a food poisoning outbreak. Due to the lack of data around individual cases and isolations in foods, any changes in prevalence may go undetected. The aim of the study was to determine any changes in prevalence of B. cereus, non STEC E. coli and S. aureus in ready-to-eat foods (RTE) sampled from Western Australian restaurants, cafés, catering facilities, and takeaway food premises during the period July 2009 to June 2022. The …

The Impact Of Reported Antibiotic Allergy In Paediatric Care And Antimicrobial Stewardship, Annabelle Arnold

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Antimicrobial resistance is rising while new drug development declines, making antimicrobial stewardship crucial for optimizing use, preventing resistance, and improving patient outcomes. Antibiotics are vital for bacterial infections, but overuse and inappropriate prescribing have contributed to resistance. Although 5-35% of the global population reports β-lactam allergies, over 90% of reports are inaccurate. Adults have the highest prevalence; however, these labels are often acquired in childhood, with a notable increase among children recently. Unverified allergy labels hinder antimicrobial stewardship, leading to longer hospital stays, alternative prescribing, and a higher risk of adverse events.

This thesis sought to evaluate current evidence regarding …

The Development, Implementation And Evaluation Of A Novel Intervention For Delirium Prevention And Management In An Adult Intensive Care Unit: A Mixed Methods Study, Gideon Ugochukwu Johnson

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Background: Delirium is a prevalent acute brain dysfunction in patients within intensive care units. Delirium is marked by a fluctuating mental state, inattention, and altered consciousness. This condition affects a substantial proportion of patients in intensive care units, and which leads to increased mortality, severe physiological and psychological consequences, and a significant economic burden on healthcare systems. Despite the evidence that supports the use of non-pharmacological interventions to prevent or minimise the impact of delirium such as orientation, sensory stimulation, early mobilisation, and family involvement, their implementation in intensive care units remains inconsistent. The involvement of family members in the …

Fight-Pd: A Feasibility Study Of Periodized Boxing Training For Parkinson Disease, David J. Blacker, Raimondo Fazio, Claire Tucak, Phillip Beranek, Connor Pollard, Tegan Shelley, Sanathraj Rajandran, Georgina Holbeche, Mitchell Turner, Travis Cruickshank

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Boxing training has become a popular form of exercise for people with Parkinson disease (PD). There is a dearth of high-quality feasibility, safety, and efficacy data on boxing training for PD. Feasibility of Instituting Graduated High-intensity Training (FIGHT-PD) aimed to examine these features in a periodized boxing training program featuring high-intensity physical and cognitive demands. Objective: To conduct a feasibility study, aiming to address deficiencies in the current knowledge base and to provide data for future studies. Design: Single-arm, open-label feasibility. Setting: University department and medical research institute. Participants: Ten people with early stage PD without contraindications to intense …

Frailty Knowledge, Training And Barriers To Frailty Management: A National Cross-Sectional Survey Of Health Professionals In Australia, Leila S. Hanjani, Sarah Fox, Ruth E. Hubbard, Emily Gordon, Natasha Reid, Sarah N. Hilmer, Rosemary Saunders, Danijela Gnjidic, Adrienne Young

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objective(s): To understand Australian health professionals' perceptions of their knowledge and previous training about frailty, as well as barriers to frailty assessment and management in their practice. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was developed and distributed to health professionals (medical, nursing and allied health) engaged in clinical practice in Australia through convenience and snowball sampling techniques from March to May 2022. The survey consisted of five sections: frailty training and knowledge; confidence in recognising and managing adults with frailty; the importance and relevance of frailty; barriers to assessing and managing frailty in practice; and interest in further frailty training. Responses …

Changes In Sleep Effort Mediate Insomnia Severity In Older Adults Following Online Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Yvonne Kutzer, Lisa Whitehead, Eimear Quigley, Mandy Stanley

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background

To examine treatment mechanisms of digitally delivered cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), this study assessed the mediating effects of dysfunctional beliefs, hyperarousal, locus of control, self-efficacy, sleep effort, and safety behaviours on self-reported insomnia severity in older adults before and following the completion of a self-guided, online CBT-I program.

Methods

The baseline and follow-up measurements were completed by 62 older adults (55 female, 89%). This was a two-condition within-participant design. Mediation analysis using a parallel mediation model was conducted using the MEMORE macro for repeated measure designs.

Results

Out of all the included mediator variables, only a reduction …

Association Of Abnormal Lung Function And Its Subtypes With Arterial Stiffness: A Longitudinal Cohort Study, Zhiyuan Wu, Haiping Zhang, Yue Jiang, Zhiwei Li, Yutao Wang, Yixing Tian, Zheng Guo, Yulu Zheng, Xia Li, Lixin Tao, Xiuhua Guo

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

BACKGROUND: Prior studies have reported the cross-sectional relationship between lung function and arterial stiffness, while the longitudinal association remains unclear to date. This study aimed to investigate whether abnormal lung function and its subtypes at baseline are associated with increased arterial stiffness using a cohort. METHODS AND RESULTS: This was a secondary analysis extracting 2461 participants from Beijing Health Management Cohort as baseline and annually followed for development of arterial stiffness. Abnormal lung function was defined by forced expiratory volume in 1s < 80% of the predicted value, forced vital capacity of the predicted value, or forced expiratory volume in 1s/ forced vital capacity ratio < 70%. Increased arterial stiffness was determined by brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity ≥ 1400 cm/s. Cox proportional hazards model was used to calculate the hazard ratio and population attributable fraction. The mean age was 42.8±8.1 years, and 444 (18.0%) cases developed increased arterial stiffness during a median follow-up of 3.0 years. The adjusted hazard ratio (95% CI) of arterial stiffness was 1.47 (95% CI, 1.10–1.96) for abnormal lung function, with a population attributable fraction of 3.9% (95% CI, 0.8–7.1). Of subtypes, only obstructive ventilatory dysfunction was significantly associated with arterial stiffness (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.06 [95% CI, 1.27–3.36]), not restricted ventilatory dysfunction (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.95 [95% CI, 0.54–1.65]). Consistent results were observed on multiple sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSIONS: Our study indicated a longitudinal association of abnormal lung function with increased arterial stiffness using a large cohort, especially for the obstructive ventilatory dysfunction.

Metagenomic Characterisation Of The Gut Microbiome And Effect Of Complementary Feeding On Bifidobacterium Spp. In Australian Infants, Kimberley Parkin, Debra J. Palmer, Valerie Verhasselt, Nelly Amenyogbe, Matthew N. Cooper, Claus T. Christophersen, Susan L. Prescott, Desiree Silva, David Martino

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Complementary feeding induces dramatic ecological shifts in the infant gut microbiota toward more diverse compositions and functional metabolic capacities, with potential implications for immune and metabolic health. The aim of this study was to examine whether the age at which solid foods are introduced differentially affects the microbiota in predominantly breastfed infants compared with predominantly formula-fed infants. We performed whole-genome shotgun metagenomic sequencing of infant stool samples from a cohort of six-month-old Australian infants enrolled in a nested study within the ORIGINS Project longitudinal birth cohort. Infants born preterm or those who had been administered antibiotics since birth were excluded. …

Staff Perceptions On The Effectiveness Of Grip-S, A New Approach To Clinical Supervision Incorporating Safewards: An Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis, Jennifer Hamilton, Amanda Cole, Richard Bostwick, Irene Ngune

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This study explored the impact of an innovative approach to clinical supervision for mental health nurses which integrates Safewards, named Group Reflective integrated Practice with Safewards–GRiP-S. Qualitative data was collected through 10 individual semi-structured interviews with nursing staff who had participated within the clinical supervision approach. Interviews provided insights into the nursing staff’s perception and experience of the clinical supervision approach. Through interpretive phenomenological analysis six themes emerged (i) illuminating embodied practice of Safewards, (ii) building confidence through empowering connections, (iii) creating a culture of positive change, (iv) identifying internal motivation for and external barriers to supervision engagement, (v) navigating …

The Benefits, Barriers And Facilitators Of Mentoring Programs For First-Year Doctors: A Systematic Review, Joelle Winderbaum, Linda L. L. Coventry

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction: The transition from medical student to first-year doctor is notoriously difficult, yielding a high rate of transition failure, burn-out and mental health deterioration. Doctors in this cohort experience unique challenges during this time, which manifest through performance gaps, issues of professional identity, new occupational pressures, and cultural expectations. Mentoring programs are commonly utilised in the medical profession to foster personal and professional development and improve psychosocial well-being and career satisfaction. However, there exist no systematic reviews examining the use of mentorship specifically for the first-year doctor cohort, given the unique transition challenges faced by this vulnerable group. Purpose: Due …

Does Intrauterine Exposure To Diabetes Impact Mental And Motor Skills? A Meta-Analysis Of The Bayley Scales Of Infant Development, Diana Arabiat, Mahammad Al Jabery, Lisa Whitehead

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Attempts to conduct meta-analyses of the association between child development and diabetes have been limited by the wide range of tools and definitions of developmental outcomes used in the literature. We aim to meta-analyze a widely used measure of child development, the Bayley Scales of Infant Development, with respect to exposure to diabetes and developmental scores. Methods: PsycINFO, MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, Emcare, and Google Scholar databases were searched. Two independent reviewers screened, extracted, and quality-appraised the studies using JBI SUMARI software. Forest plots were created with the standardized mean difference using the random-effects model, and heterogeneity was assessed using I2. …

Exercise Professional Education, Qualifications, And Certifications: A Content Analysis Of Job Postings In The United States, Rachele Pojednic, Devin P. O’Neill, Molly G. Flanagan, Alexis Bartlett, Byron L. G. Carter, Mary A. Kennedy

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction: Growth in the field of clinical exercise science and the potential impacts on overall health and wellbeing have driven the need for qualified, clinically trained, exercise professionals. And yet, it is not well understood what specific credentials employers are seeking when hiring exercise professionals. Purpose: The purpose of the study was to examine the qualification requirements for professionals seeking employment in exercise science, exercise physiology, kinesiology or equivalent fields. Methods: Search platforms Indeed.com and USAJobs.gov were examined within a two week period in 2022. Search terms included “Exercise Physiology”, “Exercise Science”, “Exercise Professional”, “Exercise Prescription”, “Exercise Specialist”, and “Kinesiology”. …

Behaviours And Psychological Symptoms Of Childhood Dementia: Two Cases Of Psychosocial Interventions, Mustafa Atee, Ineka Whiteman, Rebecca Lloyd, Thomas Morris

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Childhood dementias are a group of rare, fatal neurodegenerative disorders, characterised by global cognitive decline, loss of previously acquired developmental skills and behaviours and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). Batten disease, or neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis, and Sanfilippo syndrome, or mucopolysaccharidosis type III, are two of the more common forms of childhood dementia disorders worldwide. While psychosocial interventions are the best available therapeutic approach for BPSD management in adult-onset dementia, there is very limited literature or clinical experience in the context of childhood dementia. To address this gap, we conducted a descriptive case analysis of BPSD profiles, associated contributing factors and …

Predictive Modelling Of Metabolic Syndrome In Ghanaian Diabetic Patients: An Ensemble Machine Learning Approach, Emmanuel Acheampong, Eric Adua, Christian Obirikorang, Enoch Odame Anto, Emmanuel Peprah-Yamoah, Yaa Obirikorang, Evans Adu Asamoah, Victor Opoku-Yamoah, Michael Nyantakyi, John Taylor, Tonnies Abeku Buckman, Maryam Yakubu, Ebenezer Afrifa-Yamoah

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objectives: The burgeoning prevalence of cardiometabolic disorders, including type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) within Africa is concerning. Machine learning (ML) techniques offer a unique opportunity to leverage data-driven insights and construct predictive models for MetS risk, thereby enhancing the implementation of personalised prevention strategies. In this work, we employed ML techniques to develop predictive models for pre-MetS and MetS among diabetic patients. Methods: This multi-centre cross-sectional study comprised of 919 T2DM patients. Age, gender, novel anthropometric indices along with biochemical measures were analysed using BORUTA feature selection and an ensemble majority voting classification model, which included …

The Integrated Behavioral Model Of Mental Health Help Seeking (Ibm-Hs): A Health Services Utilization Theory Of Planned Behavior For Accessing Care, Joseph H. Hammer, David L. Vogel, Patrick R. Grzanka, Nayeon Kim, Brian T. Keum, Claire Adams, Sarah A. Wilson

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This article introduces the integrated behavioral model of mental health help seeking (IBM-HS), a theoretical model for understanding the constructs (e.g., systemic, predisposing, and enabling factors; mental health literacy; illness perceptions; perceived need; stigma; shame; perceived benefits, motivation) that influence people’s decision making around seeking professional mental health care and their ultimate access to formal treatment. The IBM-HS is a help-seeking-specific adaptation of the empirically supported integrated behavioral model and integrative model, which are themselves evolutions of the theory of planned behavior and theory of reasoned action. The IBM-HS posits that help-seeking determinants (e.g., structural forces; cultural influences; past help-seeking …

Adapting A Telehealth Physical Activity And Diet Intervention To A Co-Designed Website For Self-Management After Stroke: Tutorial, Dina Pogrebnoy, Lee Ashton, Brian A. Beh, Meredith Burke, Richard Cullen, Jude Czerenkowski, Julie Davey, Amy M. Dennett, Kevin English, Erin Godecke, Nicole Harper, Elizabeth Lynch, Lesley Macdonald-Wicks, Amanda Patterson, Emily Ramage, Ben Schelfhaut, Dawn B. Simpson, Karly Zacharia, Coralie English

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

People who experience a stroke are at a higher risk of recurrent stroke when compared with people who have not had a stroke. Addressing modifiable risk factors like physical inactivity and poor diet has been shown to improve blood pressure, a leading contributor to stroke. However, survivors of stroke often experience challenges with accessing risk reduction services including long wait lists, difficulty with transportation, fatigue, impaired function, and diminished exercise capacity. Providing health interventions via a website can extend the reach when compared with programs that are only offered face to face or via real-time telehealth. Given global challenges of …

Change In Sprint Cycling Torque Is Not Associated With Change In Isometric Force Following Six Weeks Of Sprint Cycling And Resistance Training In Strength-Trained Novice Cyclists, Shannon Connolly, Peter Peeling, Martyn J. Binnie, Paul S.R. Goods, Wouter P. Timmerman, Toni Haddad, Chris R. Abbiss

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Strong relationships exist between sprint cycling torque and isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) force production at one timepoint; however, the relationships between the changes in these measures following a training period are not well understood. Accordingly, this study examined the relationships in the changes of sprint cycling torque and IMTP force following six-weeks of sprint cycling and resistance training performed by strength-trained novice cyclists (n = 14). Cycling power, cadence, torque and IMTP force (Peak force [PF]/torque, average and peak rate of force/torque development [RFD/RTD], and RFD/RTD from 0 to 100 ms and 0–200 ms) were assessed before and after training. …

Flavonoid Intakes, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Adult Asthma, And Lung Function: A Cohort Study In The Uk Biobank, Nicola P. Bondonno, Benjamin H. Parmenter, Alysha S. Thompson, Amy Jennings, Kevin Murray, Daniel Bech Rasmussen, Anna Tresserra-Rimbau, Tilman Kühn, Aedín Cassidy

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Given their antioxidative stress, anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, and immune-modulating effects, flavonoids are hypothesized to play a role in preventing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. Objectives: This cohort study aimed to examine associations between flavonoid intake and COPD, asthma, and lung function. Methods: Among 119,466 participants of the UK Biobank, median [interquartile range] age of 60 [53, 65] y, we estimated intakes of flavonoids, flavonoid-rich foods, and a flavodiet score from 24-h diet assessments. Prospective associations with both incident COPD and asthma and cross-sectional associations with measures of lung function [%predicted forced expiratory volume in 1s (FEV1); and FEV1/forced …

The Gender Pay Gap In The Australian Nursing Workforce: A Retrospective Observational Study, Gemma Doleman, Christine Duffield, Ian W. Li

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Aim: To explore the gender pay gap among the Australian nursing workforce and identify reasons for such a gap. Background: Gender discrimination exists in nursing, with men having a higher rate of pay and a faster rate of career progression, irrespective of experience and qualifications. In addition, men are shown to have a greater representation in leadership roles compared to the proportion of men in the profession. Methods: The study uses a retrospective, observational survey design of graduate nurses from all Australian universities. Findings: The gender wage gap was around 4% at six months after graduation, increasing to 13% at …