Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Supporting And Engaging Students Who Are The First In Their Families To Attend University: A Practise Paper, Sarah Elizabeth O'Shea

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Globally, first-in-family learners represent a significant proportion of the university student population, yet these high rates of participation are not necessarily matched by equally high success rates. Instead, internationally the research on this group indicates that these learners are at greater risk of departure from university when compared to their second and third generation peers, often as a result of limited exposure to academic culture and expectations. This article provides an overview of current research on first-in-family learners and also, offers some recommendations for supporting and engaging with this cohort within university settings.

Efficiency Of Respirator Filter Media Against Diesel Particulate Matter: A Comparison Study Using Two Diesel Particulate Sources, Kerrie Burton, Jane L. Whitelaw, Alison L. Jones, Brian Davies

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Diesel engines have been a mainstay within many industries since the early 1900s. Exposure to diesel particulate matter (DPM) is a major issue in many industrial workplaces given the potential for serious health impacts to exposed workers; including the potential for lung cancer and adverse irritant and cardiovascular effects. Personal respiratory protective devices are an accepted safety measure to mitigate worker exposure against the potentially damaging health impacts of DPM. To be protective, they need to act as effective filters against carbon and other particulates. In Australia, the filtering efficiency of respiratory protective devices is determined by challenging test filter …

Correlates Of Children's Objectively Measured Physical Activity And Sedentary Behavior In Early Childhood Education And Care Services: A Systematic Review, Karen Tonge, Rachel A. Jones, Anthony D. Okely

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Objective: To systematically review the correlates of physical activity and sedentary behavior among children in Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) services. Appropriate levels of physical activity and sedentary behavior are important to promote in ECEC services. Methods: A systematic search of 8 databases identified 27 studies published between 1992 and 2015 that met the inclusion criteria. The data were collected and analyzed in 2014 and 2015, and variables were categorized using a Social Ecological Framework. Results: Sixty-six variables were identified. The domains of child characteristics (18 studies) and physical environmental factors (17 studies) were most consistently studied, and, for …

'Physical Activity 4 Everyone' School-Based Intervention To Prevent Decline In Adolescent Physical Activity Levels: 12 Month (Mid-Intervention) Report On A Cluster Randomised Trial, Rachel Sutherland, Elizabeth Campbell, David R. Lubans, Philip J. Morgan, Anthony D. Okely, Nicole Nathan, Luke Wolfenden, Jarrod Wiese, Karen Gillham, Jenna Hollis, John Wiggers

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Background: Adolescence is a recognised period of physical activity decline, particularly among low-income communities. We report the 12-month (midpoint) effects of a 2-year multicomponent physical activity intervention implemented in disadvantaged secondary schools. Methods: A cluster randomised trial was undertaken in 10 secondary schools located in disadvantaged areas in New South Wales, Australia. Students in Grade 7 were recruited, with follow-up in Grade 8. The intervention was guided by socioecological theory and included seven physical activity strategies, and six implementation adoption strategies. The primary outcome was mean minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) per day assessed using Actigraph GT3X accelerometers. Outcome …

Public Report: Case Study Of White Ribbon Australia's Ambassador Program: Men As Allies To Prevent Men's Violence Against Women, Kenton Bell, Claire Seaman

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

This project is a case study of White Ribbon Australia's Ambassador Program. This project was independently conducted by Kenton Bell and Claire E. Seaman, under the auspices of the University of Wollongong and supervised by Associate Professor Michael Flood and Associate Professor Richard Howson. Through in-depth interviews and an online survey, this project investigated how and why men become part of the Ambassador Program; how they enact their role as an ally to end men's violence against women, the challenges they encounter, and how they overcome them. The project has two primary aims. First, to provide an independent assessment of …

Young Children's Identity Formation In The Context Of Open Adoption In Nsw: An Examination Of Optimal Conditions For Child Wellbeing, Marc De Rosnay, Betty Luu, Amy Conley Wright

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

This working paper was commissioned by Barnardos Australia, through its Centre for Excellence in Open Adoption, to establish how open adoption can support the best interests of children in optimising developmental outcomes and establishing healthy identity formation. This paper focuses on children who are up to 5 years of age in out-of-home care (OOHC) for whom there is no realistic chance of restoration to their birth family or kinship care. Therefore, the options facing such children, according to recent amendments to the NSW Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998 (hereafter referred to as the Care Act) in …

Geographic Variation In Health Service Use And Perceived Access Barriers For Australian Adults With Chronic Non-Cancer Pain Receiving Opioid Therapy, Amy Peacock, Suzanne Nielsen, Raimondo Bruno, Gabrielle Campbell, Briony K. Larance, Louisa Degenhardt

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Objective. Rates of chronic non-cancer pain are increasing worldwide, with concerns regarding poorer access to specialist treatment services in remote areas. The current study comprised the first in-depth examination of use and barriers to access of health services in Australia according to remoteness. Methods. A cohort of Australian adults prescribed pharmaceutical opioids for chronic non-cancer pain (n = 1,235) were interviewed between August 2012 and April 2014, and grouped into 'major city' (49%), 'inner regional' (37%), and 'outer regional/remote' (14%) according to the Australian Standard Geographical Classification based on postcode. Multinomial logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine geographical differences …

Same-Day Use Of Opioids And Other Central Nervous System Depressants Amongst People Who Tamper With Pharmaceutical Opioids: A Retrospective 7-Day Diary Study, Amy Peacock, Raimondo Bruno, Briony K. Larance, Nicholas Lintzeris, Suzanne Nielsen, Robert Ali, Timothy Dobbins, Louisa Degenhardt

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Objective The aims were to determine: (i) quantity and frequency of same-day use of opioids with benzodiazepines and/or alcohol amongst people who regularly tamper with pharmaceutical opioids; and (ii) socio-demographic, mental health, harms and treatment profile associated with same-day use of high doses. Method The cohort (n = 437) completed a retrospective 7-day diary detailing opioid, benzodiazepine, and alcohol intake. Oral morphine equivalent (OME) units and diazepam equivalent units (DEU) were calculated, with >200 mg OME, >40 mg DEU and >4 standard alcoholic drinks (each 10 g alcohol) considered a "high dose". Results One-half (47%) exclusively consumed opioids without benzodiazepines/alcohol; …

Defining Problematic Pharmaceutical Opioid Use Among People Prescribed Opioids For Chronic Noncancer Pain: Do Different Measures Identify The Same Patients?, Gabrielle Campbell, Raimondo Bruno, Nicholas Lintzeris, Milton Cohen, Suzanne Nielsen, Wayne Hall, Briony K. Larance, Richard P. Mattick, Fiona Blyth, Michael P. Farrell, Louisa Degenhardt

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

The International Classification of Diseases (ICD) and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) are routinely used in diagnosing illicit substance use disorders, but for people taking prescribed opioids they remain controversial. In pain medicine, the concept of "Addiction" is preferred with reduced emphasis on tolerance and withdrawal. This article examines the prevalence and characteristics of pharmaceutical opioid dependence/disorder according to ICD, DSM, and the pain medicine concept of "Addiction," among chronic noncancer pain (CNCP) patients prescribed opioids. In the current study, we used data from a national sample of 1134 people prescribed opioids for CNCP. Past 12-month "Addiction" (based on …

Routine Screening Of Indigenous Cancer Patients' Unmet Support Needs: A Qualitative Study Of Patient And Clinician Attitudes, Belinda Thewes, Esther L. Davis, Afaf Girgis, Patricia C. Valery, K Giam, Alison Hocking, J Jackson, Vincent He, Desmond Yip, Gail Garvey

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Indigenous Australians have poorer cancer outcomes in terms of incidence mortality and survival compared with non-Indigenous Australians. The factors contributing to this disparity are complex. Identifying and addressing the psychosocial factors and support needs of Indigenous cancer patients may help reduce this disparity. The Supportive Care Needs Assessment Tool for Indigenous People (SCNAT-IP) is a validated 26-item questionnaire developed to assess their unmet supportive care needs. This qualitative study reports on patient and clinician attitudes towards feasibility and acceptability of SCNAT-IP in routine care.

Musical Melanesianism: Imagining And Expressing Regional Identity And Solidarity In Popular Song And Video, Michael Webb, Camellia B. Webb-Gannon

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

This article identifies and explores an emerging tendency among Melanesians to reenvision their region for the present time. It examines a corpus of popular songs and accompanying videos produced over the last decade that promote regional identity, a phenomenon driven by four factors: diasporic experience as well as a general increase in mobility and global awareness; dissatisfaction with the ruling class; desire to counter negative portrayals of the region abroad; and deep concern over the deprivation of fellow Melanesians' rights to political autonomy. The article demonstrates that this reenvisioning of Melanesianism reiterates key themes of the region's seminal postcolonial thinkers, …

Powerful And Playful Literacy Learning With Digital Technologies, Lisa K. Kervin

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

The increased availability of tablet technologies in many homes and early childhood educational settings has transformed play-time and the subsequent opportunities that emerge for literacy learning. What children do with the digital applications (apps) on these technologies demands our attention, particularly as we consider the ever-increasing market of apps marketed to enhance the basic literacy skills. While there are varying degrees of quality amongst available apps, some apps have potential to foster children's play and language development in unexpected and interesting ways. As educators, we need to acknowledge the role 'digital play' can play in our pedagogical interactions and the …

Australian Midwives And Provision Of Nutrition Education During Pregnancy: A Cross Sectional Survey Of Nutrition Knowledge, Attitudes, And Confidence, Jamila Arrish, Heather Yeatman, Moira J. Williamson

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Background: Maternal nutrition during pregnancy affects the health of the mother and the baby. Midwives are ideally placed to provide nutrition education to pregnant women. There is limited published research evidence of Australian midwives' nutrition knowledge, attitudes and confidence. Aim: To investigate Australian midwives' nutrition knowledge, attitudes and confidence in providing nutrition education during pregnancy. Methods: Members of the Australian College of Midwives (n = 4770) were sent an invitation email to participate in a web-based survey, followed by two reminders. Findings: The completion rate was 6.9% (329 of 4770). The majority (86.6% and 75.7%, respectively) highly rated the importance …

Implications Of Proxy Efficacy For Studies Of Team Leadership In Organizational Settings, Seyyed B. Alavi, John Mccormick

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Although there have been numerous studies of self-efficacy and collective efficacy in different contexts, little attention has been paid to proxy efficacy. In this article we propose that a person's self-efficacy may be related to proxy efficacy when achievement of personal goals is related to the performance of the proxy on the person's behalf. We argue this is important in team leadership. We further propose that the extent to which team members believe their leaders efficacious as their proxies may affect team processes and effectiveness. A team level construct, namely team proxy efficacy for the leader, referring to a shared …

Playing With Grammar: A Pedagogical Heuristic For Orientating To The Language Content Of The Australian Curriculum: English, Beryl Exley, Lisa K. Kervin, Jessica Mantei

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

In this article we introduce a heuristic for orientating to the language content of the Australian Curriculum: English. Our pedagogical heuristic, called 'Playing with Grammar', moves through three separate but interwoven stages: (i) an introduction to the learning experience, (ii) a focus on learning, and (iii) an application of new knowledge where students read and/or write with grammar in mind. We draw on aspects of Bernstein's sociological theories to consider the implications of keeping the content of the Language, Literature and Literacy strands together or apart. We also theorise different pedagogical approaches where teachers or learners control the sequence and …

Fostering Effective Early Learning (Feel) Through A Professional Development Programme For Early Childhood Educators To Improve Professional Practice And Child Outcomes In The Year Before Formal Schooling: Study Protocol For A Cluster Randomised Controlled Trial, Edward Melhuish, Steven J. Howard, Iram Siraj, Cathrine Marguerite Neilsen-Hewett, Denise Kingston, Marc De Rosnay, Elisabeth Duursma, Betty Luu

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Background: A substantial research base documents the benefits of attendance at high-quality early childhood education and care (ECEC) for positive behavioural and learning outcomes. Research has also found that the quality of many young children's experiences and opportunities in ECEC depends on the skills, dispositions and understandings of the early childhood adult educators. Increasingly, research has shown that the quality of children's interactions with educators and their peers, more than any other programme feature, influence what children learn and how they feel about learning. Hence, we sought to investigate the extent to which evidence-based professional development (PD) - focussed on …

The Struggle For Legitimacy: Language Provision In Two 'Residual' Comprehensive High Schools In Australia, Stephen Black, Jan Wright, Kenneth E. Cruickshank

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Despite the contemporary policy rhetoric of global citizenry and the importance of languages and intercultural capabilities, language learning in Australian schools struggles for recognition and support. The curriculum marginalisation of languages, however, is uneven, affecting some school sectors more than others. In this article, we examine the provision of languages in two government comprehensive high schools, both low socio-economic status, located in urban areas in New South Wales, Australia's largest state. They are termed 'residual' high schools because they cater for the students remaining in the local schools while others attend either private or selective government high schools. We provide …

Testing A Counselling Intervention In Antenatal Care For Women Experiencing Partner Violence: A Study Protocol For A Randomized Controlled Trial In Johannesburg, South Africa, Christina Pallitto, Claudia Garcia-Moreno, Heidi Stockl, Abigail M. Hatcher, Catherine L. Mac Phail, Keneoue Mokoatle, Nataly Woollett

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Background: Intimate partner violence (IPV) during or before pregnancy is associated with many adverse health outcomes. Pregnancy-related complications or poor infant health outcomes can arise from direct trauma as well as physiological effects of stress, both of which impact maternal health and fetal growth and development. Antenatal care can be a key entry point within the health system for many women, particularly in low-resource settings. Interventions to identify violence during pregnancy and offer women support and counselling may reduce the occurrence of violence and mitigate its consequences. Methods: Following a formative research phase, a randomized controlled trial will be conducted …

Transactional Sex Among Young Women In Rural South Africa: Prevalence, Mediators And Association With Hiv Infection, Meghna Ranganathan, Lori Heise, Audrey Pettifor, Richard J. Silverwood, Amanda Selin, Catherine L. Mac Phail, Sinead Delany-Moretlwe, Kathleen Kahn, F Gomez-Olive, James Hughes, Estelle Piwowar-Manning, Oliver Laeyendecker, Charlotte Watts

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

INTRODUCTION: Young adolescent women in sub-Saharan Africa are three to four times more likely to be HIV-positive than boys or men. One of the relationship dynamics that is likely to be associated with young women's increased vulnerability to HIV is transactional sex. There are a range of HIV-related risk behaviours that may drive this vulnerability. However, to date, limited epidemiological data exist on the role of transactional sex in increasing HIV acquisition, especially among young women in sub-Saharan Africa. Our paper presents data on the prevalence of self-reported engagement in transactional sex and explores whether transactional sex is associated with …

Learning To Walk The Community Of Practice Tightrope, Denise A. Edgar, Rosie Watson, Sherro Towle, Joanne Mcloughlin, Amanda Paloff, Sonia Markocic, Joanne T. Joyce-Mccoach, Vida V. Bliokas, Janine M. Bothe

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Background: The Community of Practice Research was established as a new local health district service initiative. The community comprises novice and experienced multidisciplinary health researchers. Aims: This paper reflects our experience of being Community of Practice Research members and aims to explore the practice development principles aligned to the purpose, progress and outcomes of this community. Conclusions: The journey is compared to walking a tightrope from the beginning to the end. Success in moving forward is attributed to positive leadership and group dynamics enabling a supportive environment. This environment allowed for different types of learning: new research skills and new …

Characteristics Of Age-Discordant Partnerships Associated With Hiv Risk Among Young South African Women (Hptn 068), Tiarney Ritchwood, James Hughes, Larissa Jennings, Catherine L. Mac Phail, Brian Williamson, Amanda Selin, Kathleen Kahn, F Gomez-Olive, Audrey Pettifor

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Objective:

Sexual liaisons between older men and younger women have been linked to greater risk of HIV acquisition. This study aims to (1) identify psychosocial and behavioral factors associated with age-discordant (partner ≥5 years) versus age-concordant partnerships (−1< partner <5) and (2) examine the association between partner age discordance and young South African women's sexual behavior.

Methods:

We used generalized estimating equations to analyze responses from 656 sexually experienced women (aged 13–20 years) from rural Mpumalanga province.

Results:

Partner age discordance was associated with greater odds of reporting both more frequent sex [adjusted odd ratio (aOR) = 1.77; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.20 to 2.60] and having a partner with concurrent partnerships (aOR = 1.77; 95% CI: 1.22 …

The Role Of Verbal Labels On Flexible Memory Retrieval At 12-Months Of Age, Gemma Taylor, Hao Liu, Jane S. Herbert

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

The provision of verbal labels enhances 12-month-old infants¿ memory flexibility across a form change in a puppet imitation task (Herbert, 2011), although the mechanisms for this effect remain unclear. Here we investigate whether verbal labels can scaffold flexible memory retrieval when task difficulty increases and consider the mechanism responsible for the effect of language cues on early memory flexibility. Twelve-month-old infants were provided with English, Chinese, or empty language cues during a difficult imitation task, a combined change in the puppet's colour and form at the test (Hayne et al., 1997). Imitation performance by infants in the English language condition …

Naps Promote Flexible Memory Retrieval In 12-Month-Old Infants, Carolin Konrad, Sabine Seehagen, Silvia Schneider, Jane S. Herbert

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Flexibility in applying existing knowledge to similar cues is a corner stone of memory development in infants. Here, we examine the effect of sleep on the flexibility of memory retrieval using a deferred imitation paradigm. Forty-eight 12-month-old infants were randomly assigned to either a nap or a no-nap demonstration condition (scheduled around their natural daytime sleep schedule) or to a baseline control condition. In the demonstration conditions, infants watched an experimenter perform three target actions on a hand puppet. Immediately afterwards, infants were allowed to practice the target actions three times. In a test session 4-hr later, infants were given …

Living With Landscape Fire: Landholder Understandings Of Agency, Scale And Control Within Fiery Entanglements, Amanda Edwards, Nicholas J. Gill

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Around the world, debates over how to manage and adapt to bushfires (or wildfires) are increasingly prominent as more and different people, many of whom have little or no experience with landscape fire or land management, inhabit fire-prone environments. But bushfire events represent only the most visible aspect of complex entanglements which operate across huge temporal and spatial scales and over which humans have very limited control. In this article, we focus on how Australian landholders of settler or migrant heritage understand scalar complexities and agency and control within human/landscape fire entanglements. In view of the fact that the learning …

The Spatiotemporal Hemodynamic Response Function For Depth-Dependent Functional Imaging Of Human Cortex, Alexander M. Puckett, K M. Aquino, Peter Robinson, Michael Breakspear, Mark M. Schira

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

The gray matter of human cortex is characterized by depth-dependent differences in neuronal activity and connections (Shipp, 2007) as well as in the associated vasculature (Duvernoy et al., 1981). The resolution limit of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) measurements is now below a millimeter, promising the non-invasive measurement of these properties in awake and behaving humans (Muckli et al., 2015; Olman et al., 2012; Ress et al., 2007). To advance this endeavor, we present a detailed spatiotemporal hemodynamic response function (HRF) reconstructed through the use of high-resolution, submillimeter fMRI. We decomposed the HRF into directions tangential and perpendicular to the …

Improving Precautionary Communication In The Emf Field? Effects Of Making Messages Consistent And Explaining The Effectiveness Of Precautions, Christoph A. Boehmert, Peter M. Wiedemann, Rodney J. Croft

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Many radiation health agencies communicate precautionary measures regarding the use of mobile communication devices, e.g. the use of a headset while talking on the phone. These precautionary messages have, however, been shown to unintentionally increase risk perceptions about radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMFs). The current study tested two potential ways of amending precautionary messages in order to minimise this unintentional effect. Firstly, the messages¿ potential to be perceived as inconsistent and thereby raise suspicions was addressed; secondly, the effectiveness of the precautions was explained. An experimental design was applied in which a quota sample of 1717 Australian residents was randomly assigned …

Clinical Trials Of Medicinal Cannabis For Appetite-Related Symptoms From Advanced Cancer: A Survey Of Preferences, Attitudes And Beliefs Among Patients Willing To Consider Participation, Tim Luckett, Jane Phillips, Nicholas Lintzeris, David J. Allsop, J Lee, Nadia Solowij, Jennifer H. Martin, L Lam, R Aggarwal, Nikki Mccaffrey, David C. Currow, R Chye, Melanie Lovell, Iain Prof Iain Mcgregor, Meera Agar

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Australian clinical trials are planned to evaluate medicinal cannabis in a range of clinical contexts. Aims: To explore the preferences, attitudes and beliefs of patients eligible and willing to consider participation in a clinical trial of medicinal cannabis for poor appetite and appetite-related symptoms from advanced cancer.

Genetic Consideration Of Schizotypal Traits: A Review, Emma Walter, Francesca Fernandez-Enright, Mollie Snelling, Emma Barkus

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Schizotypal traits are of interest and importance in their own right and also have theoretical and clinical associations with schizophrenia. These traits comprise attenuated psychotic symptoms, social withdrawal, reduced cognitive capacity, and affective dysregulation. The link between schizotypal traits and psychotic disorders has long since been debated. The status of knowledge at this point is such schizotypal traits are a risk for psychotic disorders, but in and of themselves only confer liability, with other risk factors needing to be present before a transition to psychosis occurs. Investigation of schizotypal traits also has the possibility to inform clinical and research pursuits …

Improving Physical Task Performance With Counterfactual And Prefactual Thinking, Cecilia Hammell, Amy Yc Chan

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Counterfactual thinking (reflecting on ªwhat might have beenº) has been shown to enhance future performance by translating information about past mistakes into plans for future action. Prefactual thinking (imagining ªwhat might be if. . .º) may serve a greater preparative function than counterfactual thinking as it is future-orientated and focuses on more controllable features, thus providing a practical script to prime future behaviour. However, whether or not this difference in hypothetical thought content may translate into a difference in actual task performance has been largely unexamined. In Experiment 1 (n = 42), participants performed trials of a computer-simulated physical task, …

Reflections And Recommendations For Conducting In-Depth Interviews With People With Dementia, Elizabeth Cridland, Lyn Phillipson, Christopher R. Brennan-Horley, Kate Swaffer

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Despite the importance and advantages of including people with dementia in research, there are various challenges for researchers and participants to their involvement. This article draws on the literature and experiences of a diverse group of authors, including a person with dementia, to provide recommendations about conducting research with people with dementia. Particular attention is given to in-depth interviews as a qualitative technique. More specifically, topics discussed include interview guide preparation, recruitment, obtaining consent/assent, conducting effective interviews, analysis and interpretation of data, effective communication of research findings, and reflections and recommendations for maintaining researcher and participant health. Given the current …