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Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Papers (Archive)

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Riding The Wave Or Paddling In The Shallows? Understanding Older Australians' Use Of The Internet, Pippa Burns, Sandra C. Jones, Don Iverson, Peter Caputi Jan 2012

Riding The Wave Or Paddling In The Shallows? Understanding Older Australians' Use Of The Internet, Pippa Burns, Sandra C. Jones, Don Iverson, Peter Caputi

Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Issues addressed: Australia's ageing population is set to become an increasing burden on an already over-stretched primary health care system. Potential strategies to alleviate this pressure need to be investigated. Increased knowledge of older Australians? use of the internet would allow the appropriateness of online health intervention to be assessed. This initial, exploratory study examined the proportion of people aged 55 years and older who accessed the internet. It investigated their duration of use, level of comfort, use of the internet to seek health information and perceived reliability of information found on the internet. Methods: A paper based survey was …


Gait, Balance And Plantar Pressures In Older People With Toe Deformities, Karen J. Mickle, Bridget J. Munro, Stephen R. Lord, Hylton B. Menz, Julie R. Steele Jan 2011

Gait, Balance And Plantar Pressures In Older People With Toe Deformities, Karen J. Mickle, Bridget J. Munro, Stephen R. Lord, Hylton B. Menz, Julie R. Steele

Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Papers (Archive)

No abstract provided.


Can Flexible Shoes Improve Function In The Older Foot?, Bridget J. Munro, Karen J. Mickle, Julie R. Steele Jan 2011

Can Flexible Shoes Improve Function In The Older Foot?, Bridget J. Munro, Karen J. Mickle, Julie R. Steele

Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Papers (Archive)

No abstract provided.


The Older Patient, The Doctor And The Trainee: Patients' Attitudes And Implications For Models Of Care, Andrew Bonney, Sandra Jones, Donald Iverson Jan 2011

The Older Patient, The Doctor And The Trainee: Patients' Attitudes And Implications For Models Of Care, Andrew Bonney, Sandra Jones, Donald Iverson

Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Aims & rationale/Objectives Population ageing poses major challenges for health systems. Additionally, training future general practitioners in the management of older and chronically ill patients is potentially hampered by the reluctance of these patients to consult trainees for chronic care. This paper reports a cross-sectional study investigating the attitudes of older patients to trainees, to inform strategies to improve older patient-trainee interaction. Methods The survey instrument was distributed to 1900 patients aged 60 and over from 38 training practices from five Australian states using a stratified, randomised cluster sampling process. Generalised estimating equation models were used for analysis. Principal findings …


Effects Of 2g And 3g Mobile Phones On Performance And Electrophysiology In Adolescents, Young Adults And Older Adults, Shuk Man Sumie Leung, Rodney Croft, Raymond J. Mckenzie, Steve Iskra, Beata Silber, Nick Cooper, Barry O'Neill, Vanessa Cropley, Arnulfo Diaz-Trujillo, Denise Hamblin, David Simpson Jan 2011

Effects Of 2g And 3g Mobile Phones On Performance And Electrophysiology In Adolescents, Young Adults And Older Adults, Shuk Man Sumie Leung, Rodney Croft, Raymond J. Mckenzie, Steve Iskra, Beata Silber, Nick Cooper, Barry O'Neill, Vanessa Cropley, Arnulfo Diaz-Trujillo, Denise Hamblin, David Simpson

Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Papers (Archive)

No abstract provided.


Intake Of Isoflavone And Lignan Phytoestrogens And Associated Demographic And Lifestyle Factors In Older Australian Women, Katherine Hanna, Sheila O'Neill, Philippa M. Lyons-Wall Jan 2010

Intake Of Isoflavone And Lignan Phytoestrogens And Associated Demographic And Lifestyle Factors In Older Australian Women, Katherine Hanna, Sheila O'Neill, Philippa M. Lyons-Wall

Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Papers (Archive)

The purpose was to determine intake of phytoestrogens in a sample of older Australian women, and to investi-gate associated lifestyle factors. Subjects were an age-stratified sample of 511 women aged 40-80 y, randomly selected from the electoral roll and participating in the Longitudinal Assessment of Ageing in Women at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital. A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess isoflavone and lignan intake over the past month from food and supplements using a 112-item phytoestrogen frequency questionnaire. Data were also collected on nutrient intakes, physical activity, smoking, alcohol, non-prescription supplements, hormone therapy, education and occupation. Logistic regression …


Preparing For An Ageing Population: A Survey Of Older Patients' Attitudes To General Practice Registrars, Andrew D. Bonney, Sandra C. Jones, Lyn Phillipson, Donald C. Iverson Jan 2010

Preparing For An Ageing Population: A Survey Of Older Patients' Attitudes To General Practice Registrars, Andrew D. Bonney, Sandra C. Jones, Lyn Phillipson, Donald C. Iverson

Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Papers (Archive)

The ageing population makes it imperative to provide appropriate training for general practice registrars (GPRs) in the community-based care of older patients. However, data suggest that older patients may be less willing to consult GPRs for chronic/complex care; adversely affecting training opportunities and potentially the satisfaction of older patients in training practices. This cross-sectional study was undertaken to investigate this concern in the Australian context and develop models of older patient-GPR interaction that are acceptable to patients.


Is Sleep Duration Associated With Obesity In Older Australian Adults?, Christopher A. Magee, Peter Caputi, Don C. Iverson Jan 2010

Is Sleep Duration Associated With Obesity In Older Australian Adults?, Christopher A. Magee, Peter Caputi, Don C. Iverson

Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Objectives: To investigate the relationship between sleep duration and obesity in older Australian adults. Method: Self-reported health data were collected through the 45 and Up Study. Multinomial logistic regression models were used to test the relationship between sleep duration and body mass index, controlling for a range of demographic and health-related variables. Results: The sample included 45,325 Australian adults aged 55 to 95 years. The regression models demonstrated that short and long sleep were associated with obesity in 55- to 64-year-olds but not in those aged 65 years and above. Discussion: The present results suggest that the relationships between sleep …


Comparison Of Multiple And Novel Measures Of Dietary Glycemic Carbohydrate With Insulin Resistant Status In Older Women, Therese O'Sullivan, Alexandra P. Bremner, Sheila O'Neill, Philippa M. Lyons-Wall Jan 2010

Comparison Of Multiple And Novel Measures Of Dietary Glycemic Carbohydrate With Insulin Resistant Status In Older Women, Therese O'Sullivan, Alexandra P. Bremner, Sheila O'Neill, Philippa M. Lyons-Wall

Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Background: Previous epidemiological investigations of associations between dietary glycemic intake and insulin resistance have used average daily measures of glycemic index (GI) and glycemic load (GL). We explored multiple and novel measures of dietary glycemic intake to determine which was most predictive of an association with insulin resistance. Methods: Usual dietary intakes were assessed by diet history interview in women aged 42-81 years participating in the Longitudinal Assessment of Ageing in Women. Daily measures of dietary glycemic intake (n = 329) were carbohydrate, GI, GL, and GL per megacalorie (GL/Mcal), while meal based measures (n = 200) were breakfast, lunch …


General Practice Registrars: Attitudes Of Older Patients, Andrew D. Bonney, Sandra C. Jones, Lyn Phillipson, Donald C. Iverson Jan 2010

General Practice Registrars: Attitudes Of Older Patients, Andrew D. Bonney, Sandra C. Jones, Lyn Phillipson, Donald C. Iverson

Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Previous research indicates that older patients may be less willing to consult general practice registrars (GPRs), reducing training opportunities in chronic/complex care. This survey explores older patients’ attitudes in order to inform models of interaction that would be acceptable to patients. METHODS Ten training general practices distributed questionnaires for self completion to 50 patients aged 60 years and over. Chi-square, Spearman’s rho and logistic regression were used for analysis. RESULTS The response rate was 47%. Ninetysix percent wanted ongoing contact with their general practitioner if they saw a GPR. Twenty-four percent were comfortable with GPR chronic/complex care, increasing to 73% …


Shoes On Trial: Does A Safe Shoe Exist For Older People?, Bridget J. Munro, Karen J. Mickle, Jasmine C. Menant, Julie R. Steele Jan 2009

Shoes On Trial: Does A Safe Shoe Exist For Older People?, Bridget J. Munro, Karen J. Mickle, Jasmine C. Menant, Julie R. Steele

Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Papers (Archive)

More than 80% of older people report foot problems and, as a result, tend to wear unstructured footwear that moulds to the shape of their deformed feet. While these unstructured shoes are deemed comfortable, it has been speculated that they contribute to home falls and hip fractures in the older population [1]. However, as walking barefoot or in socks has also been associated with an increased risk of falls in older people [2], we need to design safe but comfortable shoes for older people to wear in and around the home.


Fat Flat Frail Feet: How Does Obesity Affect The Older Foot, Julie R. Steele, Karen J. Mickle, Bridget J. Munro Jan 2009

Fat Flat Frail Feet: How Does Obesity Affect The Older Foot, Julie R. Steele, Karen J. Mickle, Bridget J. Munro

Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Papers (Archive)

The prevalence of obesity is rising throughout the world at an alarming rate, and the elderly are no exception with 15% of men and 28% of women aged over 60 years considered to be obese [1]. Overweight and obesity have been shown to negatively affect foot structure and function in both children [2] and adults [3]. These structural changes appear to be associated with increased foot discomfort whereby overweight children have been found to report foot pain significantly more often than their leaner counterparts [4]. As feet are our base of support during most weight-bearing activities, it is postulated that …


Older Patients' Attitudes To General Practice Registrars: A Qualitative Study, Andrew D. Bonney, Lyn Phillipson, Sandra C. Jones, Donald Iverson Jan 2009

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

Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Papers (Archive)

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


Are Toe Weakness And Deformity Associated With Falls In Older People, Karen J. Mickle, Bridget J. Munro, Stephen Lord, Hylton B. Menz, Julie R. Steele Jan 2009

Are Toe Weakness And Deformity Associated With Falls In Older People, Karen J. Mickle, Bridget J. Munro, Stephen Lord, Hylton B. Menz, Julie R. Steele

Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Hallux valgus and lesser toe deformities are highly prevalent foot problems in older adults, affecting up to 74% of this population. One suggested cause of these toe deformities is inadequate strength of the intrinsic flexor muscles of the toes [1]. Adequate toe flexor strength is essential to control body weight shifts, propel the body during gait and assist in shock absorption during repeated impacts. Furthermore, a previous study using a qualitative measure of toe flexor strength reported associations between poor toe flexor strength and poor performance in balance and functional tests in elderly people [2]. Of further concern, in a …


Folate And Vitamin B12 In Older Australians, Victoria M. Flood, Paul Mitchell Jan 2007

Folate And Vitamin B12 In Older Australians, Victoria M. Flood, Paul Mitchell

Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Papers (Archive)

The recent viewpoint by Kamien1 and letter by Gunasekera2 rightly highlight the benefits of folate fortification and the unlikely occurrence of masking pernicious anaemia. Food Standards Australia New Zealand recently submitted a proposal supporting the mandatory fortification of bread-making flour to increase folate intakes in women of child-bearing age, with the aim of reducing the risk of children being born with neural tube defects.3 This proposal has had extensive public comment and will be considered by the Australia and New Zealand Food Regulation Ministerial Council. Several public groups and individuals continue to raise concerns that higher dietary folate levels could …


Fatty Acid Intakes And Food Sources In A Population Of Older Australians, Victoria M. Flood, Karen L. Webb, Elena Rochtchina, Bridget P. Kelly, Paul Mitchell Jan 2007

Fatty Acid Intakes And Food Sources In A Population Of Older Australians, Victoria M. Flood, Karen L. Webb, Elena Rochtchina, Bridget P. Kelly, Paul Mitchell

Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Papers (Archive)

This population-based descriptive study documents fatty acid intakes in a population of older Australians. It will serve as a basis for investigations of associations between dietary fatty acid intakes and a number of eye diseases.


Prevalence Of Low Serum Folate And Vitamin B12 In An Older Australian Population, Victoria M. Flood, Wayne T. Smith, Karen L. Webb, Elena Rochtchina, Valerie Anderson, Paul Mitchell Jan 2006

Prevalence Of Low Serum Folate And Vitamin B12 In An Older Australian Population, Victoria M. Flood, Wayne T. Smith, Karen L. Webb, Elena Rochtchina, Valerie Anderson, Paul Mitchell

Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Objective: To examine the prevalence of low serum folate and vitamin B12, in association with elevated serum homocysteine, in a representative sample of older Australians. Methods: During 1997-2000, 3,508 persons aged 50+ years were examined in a population-based cohort study conducted in two postcodes, west of Sydney, Australia. Of these, 2,901 participants (82.7%) provided fasting blood for estimates of serum folate, vitamin B12 and total homocysteine. Results: Low serum B12 (<185 pmol>/L) was found in 22.9% of participants and low serum folate (<6.8 nmol/L) in 2.3% of participants. Among those people with very low serum vitamin B12 (<125 pmol/L) and low serum folate, 51% had elevated homocysteine. Conclusions: Low serum levels of vitamin B12 and elevated serum homocysteine are relatively frequent in older Australians. Implications: Appropriate public health action should be considered to reduce the prevalence of low serum vitamin B12 and elevated homocysteine in older Australians.


Vitamin B12 In Older Australians, Victoria M. Flood Jan 2006

Vitamin B12 In Older Australians, Victoria M. Flood

Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Papers (Archive)

The prevalence of low blood levels of the vitamins folate and B12 increase as people age and can lead to several potential poor health outcomes. Low folate can cause gastrointestinal tract disturbances and megaloblastic anaemia (reduced number of abnormally large red blood cells). Low vitamin B12 can also cause anaemia as well as neuropathy (nerve damage) with problems such as difficulties with walking, tingling of the hands and feet, and cognitive decline such as memory loss. We recently published data about a population-based group of 2901 older people in the Blue Mountains, aged 50 years and over, collected as part …


The Influence Of Red Meat Intake Upon The Response To A Resistance Exercise-Training Program In Older Australians, Peter L. Mclennan, Linda C. Tapsell, Alice Owen, Irene Gutteridge Jan 2003

The Influence Of Red Meat Intake Upon The Response To A Resistance Exercise-Training Program In Older Australians, Peter L. Mclennan, Linda C. Tapsell, Alice Owen, Irene Gutteridge

Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Papers (Archive)

No abstract provided.