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2.
Front Psychiatry ; 13: 888157, 2022.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35711597

ABSTRACT

Objective: This study aims to examine the efficacy of the Workplace Web-based blended psychoeducation mental health intervention program. Of particular interest is the short-term effect of the intervention on workplace burnout, stress, quality of life, and the mental health literacy of workers. Methods and Materials: The study focused on employees (n = 456) in specific industries with high levels of work-related stress, adopting a phase III wait-listed cluster randomized controlled trial. Work-related burnout was assessed by the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) and stress was measured using the stress subscale of the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress scale (DASS). Quality of Life was evaluated by the European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions (EQ-5D-5L) and Mental Health Literacy was assessed using the Australian National Mental Health Literacy and Stigma Survey. Data were analyzed as a trial with intention-to-treat analysis and adjustment for the clustering effect of work sites. Results: Significant differences between intervention and control groups were found on all outcome measures except the self-rated quality of life. The intervention group displayed a significant reduction in the weighted mean score of about 1.0 units (s.e. = 0.4) on the stress scale (p = 0.015) and an increase in the weighted mean score of 1.9 units (s.e. = 0.9) in the professional accomplishment domain of the MBI (p = 0.035). Significant increases were found in the weighted mean scores in the intervention group for correct recognition of the mental problems, help-seeking, and stigmatization, in comparison to the control group who scored 0.2 (s.e. = 0.1), 0.9 (s.e. = 0.2), 1.8 (s.e. = 0.4), respectively. Conclusions: The results obtained from a comparison of the outcome measures between the intervention and control groups were statistically significant, indicating that the intervention group performed better on most measures. The study demonstrates that, in the short term. the on-and-offline modalities of the Web-based blended psychoeducation intervention program is efficacious in reducing workplace burnout and stress and promoting mental health literacy at the workplace.

3.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35162319

ABSTRACT

Work-related burnout is common and has detrimental effects on employees in many industries. The current study aims to examine both environmental and personal factors that are associated with work-related burnout in a population of corporate employees who managed to retain their jobs amidst the global COVID-19 pandemic crisis. This cross-sectional survey served as the baseline data collection of a phase III wait-listed cluster randomised controlled trial (CRCT) of an intervention program on mental well-being at the workplace. Participants were recruited from six large-size corporations. Work-related burnout was assessed by the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), and the Moos Work Environment Scale (WES) was used for evaluating the workers' perspective on the workplace. Information was also collected on demographics and health behaviours. Burnout in this sample was prevalent with 60% of participants rated at a moderate to a high level on emotional exhaustion. Results from the multiple linear regression analyses suggested that different factors were related to different components of burnout. For example, age, work involvement, co-worker cohesion, and work pressure were associated with emotional exhaustion and depersonalisation while others were related to professional accomplishment. The overall results suggested that the work environment is of influential importance to the burnout of employees. However, although the study was conducted during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the factors identified as relating to workplace burnout do not differ much from those identified in a crisis time. Implications of the results were discussed.


Subject(s)
Burnout, Professional , COVID-19 , Burnout, Professional/epidemiology , Burnout, Psychological , Cross-Sectional Studies , Humans , Pandemics , SARS-CoV-2 , Surveys and Questionnaires
4.
J Rural Health ; 36(2): 247-254, 2020 03.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31059168

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Rural communities in Australia have an elevated risk of suicide. The aim of the current study was to evaluate a well-being and suicide prevention education workshop, SCARF (Suspect, Connect, Ask, Refer, Follow-Up) developed for Australian farming and rural communities. METHODS: The SCARF program was delivered to 14 groups, a convenience sample including frontline agricultural workers and farmers from New South Wales. The Literacy of Suicide Scale, Stigma of Suicide Scale, and items assessing confidence to assist others were administered immediately before and after the workshop, and at 3-month follow-up. The Warwick Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale was given immediately before and at 3-month follow-up. In total, 255 agreed to participate in the study, with 127 completing 3-month follow-up. Data were analyzed using linear mixed-effects regression. FINDINGS: There was a significant increase in suicide literacy and confidence to assist others immediately after the workshop, which remained significant at 3-month follow-up. Mental well-being significantly improved at 3-month follow-up. CONCLUSION: The SCARF program is unique for its brevity, cultural specificity, focus on health, and incorporation of the biopsycho-ecological model and the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide. It represents a useful program for Australian farming and rural communities to improve mental well-being, suicide literacy, and confidence to recognize and respond to suicidality.


Subject(s)
Rural Population , Suicide Prevention , Australia , Farmers , Humans , Program Evaluation , Social Stigma
5.
J Diabetes Complications ; 33(8): 523-529, 2019 08.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31129003

ABSTRACT

AIMS: We examined: (a) the prevalence of comorbid elevated symptoms of anxiety/depression; (b) its demographic/clinical correlates; (c) associations with self-care behaviors, by diabetes type. METHODS: Cross-sectional self-report data of 6590 adults with diabetes (42% type 1; 58% type 2) from the Australian and Dutch Diabetes MILES studies were used. Elevated symptoms of anxiety/depression were defined as GAD-7 ≥ 10/PHQ-9 ≥ 10. RESULTS: In both diabetes types, comorbid elevated symptoms of anxiety/depression were present in 9% and symptoms of anxiety alone in 2%; symptoms of depression alone were present in 8% of adults with type 1 diabetes and 11% with type 2 diabetes. Shorter diabetes duration (type 1 only) was the only characteristic that distinguished those with comorbid elevated symptoms of anxiety/depression but not those with symptoms of anxiety/depression alone from the reference group (no/minimal symptoms of anxiety/depression). Those with comorbid elevated symptoms of anxiety/depression had increased odds of sub-optimal diabetes self-care behaviors compared with the reference group, with higher odds than those with symptoms of anxiety or depression alone. CONCLUSIONS: Comorbid elevated symptoms of anxiety/depression affected one in ten respondents, who also had increased odds of suboptimal diabetes self-care. Those with shorter type 1 diabetes duration may be at increased risk.


Subject(s)
Anxiety/epidemiology , Depression/epidemiology , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1/epidemiology , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/epidemiology , Adult , Australia/epidemiology , Comorbidity , Cross-Sectional Studies , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1/therapy , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/therapy , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Netherlands/epidemiology , Self Care , Self Report , Surveys and Questionnaires
6.
J Affect Disord ; 252: 294-299, 2019 06 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30991257

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine the impact of physical activity on depression symptom severity in women 45 years and older with a chronic illness diagnosis, and explore relations between physical activity and psychological and health-related characteristics predicting depression symptoms. METHODS: 1932 women diagnosed with one of five chronic illnesses: asthma, depression, diabetes, osteoarthritis, or osteoporosis participated in a sub-study of the 45 and Up Study-a cross-sectional study of people aged 45 years and older. The survey included items measuring demographics, depression symptoms, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), health-related hardiness, sleep quality, and health behaviours, such as physical activity. RESULTS: A multiple regression model explained 43% of the variance in depression symptoms (R2 = 0.43, F (18) = 61.72, p < .001); intensity of physical activity was a significant predictor of depression symptoms (p < .001), and HRQoL was found to explain the most variance (B = -10.00) in depression symptoms. Mediation analysis confirmed that HRQoL partially mediated the relation between physical activity and depression symptoms; however, the effect was very small. LIMITATIONS: Cross-sectional data and self-report measures limit the implications of the findings. CONCLUSION: Women with chronic illness engaging in more vigorous physical activity had less severe depression symptoms. Findings suggest that improving HRQoL is critical to the prevention and management of depression symptoms in women with chronic illness. Psychological and health-related factors that influence HRQoL, such as sleep quality and health-related hardiness, are important clinical considerations for health practitioners.


Subject(s)
Chronic Disease/psychology , Depression/psychology , Exercise/psychology , Quality of Life/psychology , Aged , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , Humans , Middle Aged , Self Report
7.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30891248

ABSTRACT

Aim: To evaluate the feasibility and potential effectiveness of a lifestyle intervention (diet and physical activity) among women with history of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), delivered by trained facilitators. Methods: Fifty-six normoglycaemic or prediabetic women with prior GDM were recruited at mean of 17 months postpartum. Socio-demographic, medical and anthropometric data were collected. Six sessions on lifestyle modification were delivered in groups (total four groups, with 12-15 women in each group). Pre and post intervention (6 months) weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, 75 g oral glucose tolerance test, blood pressure (BP) and lipid parameters were compared. Results: The intervention was feasible, with 80% of women attending four or more sessions. Post-intervention analyses showed a significant mean reduction of 1.8 kg in weight, 0.6 kg/m2 in BMI and 2 cm in waist circumference. There was also a significant drop of 0.3 mmol/L in fasting plasma glucose, 0.9 mmol/L in 2 h post glucose load value of plasma glucose, 3.6 mmHg in systolic BP, and 0.15 mmol/L in triglyceride levels. Changes in total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol and diastolic BP were non-significant. Conclusions: This study showed feasibility of the lifestyle intervention delivered in group sessions to women with prior gestational diabetes.


Subject(s)
Diabetes, Gestational/epidemiology , Early Intervention, Educational/methods , Prediabetic State/blood , Pregnancy Complications/epidemiology , Adult , Asian People/ethnology , Blood Glucose/analysis , Body Mass Index , Body Weight , Diabetes, Gestational/blood , Diet/methods , Exercise/physiology , Feasibility Studies , Female , Glucose Tolerance Test/methods , Humans , India/epidemiology , Pregnancy , Pregnancy Complications/ethnology , Risk Reduction Behavior
8.
Arch Environ Occup Health ; 74(5): 279-286, 2019.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29558258

ABSTRACT

Farmers and farm workers have been recognized as a group at high risk of suicide in Australia. This study aims to identify and better understand environmental factors associated with suicide among Australian farmers and farm workers. Qualitative analysis was undertaken in accordance with the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research. Male and female focus groups were conducted separately with people who lived or worked on a farm in six farming communities. Qualitative analyses showed that a number of environmental influences may contribute to the increased risk of suicide: extreme climatic events; isolation; service availability; access to, and frequent use of firearms; death and suffering of animals; government and legislation; technology; and property values. Both the physical and socio-cultural environments in which farmers operate appear to contribute to farmer suicide and need to be considered in suicide prevention.


Subject(s)
Farmers/psychology , Suicide/statistics & numerical data , Adult , Aged , Farmers/statistics & numerical data , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , New South Wales/epidemiology , Qualitative Research , Queensland/epidemiology , Risk Factors , Suicide/psychology , Young Adult
9.
BMC Public Health ; 18(1): 1367, 2018 Dec 12.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30541526

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Farmers and farm workers have been recognised as a group at high risk of suicide in Australia; however this risk is not without geographic and demographic variation. This study aims to identify and better understand the complex interplay of risk and protective factors surrounding farmer suicide, with an emphasis on social influences, so as to inform tailored and effective suicide prevention initiatives. METHODS: Focus groups were conducted in three diverse sites across two states in Australia with men and women separately to gain perceptions about suicide risk and protective factors and attitudes towards suicide and help seeking. The three communities in each state represented areas with a suicide rate similar to, above, and below the state average. The communities were also diverse in their population, types of farming, geographic location, distance from and access to services. There were a total of 33 female and 30 male participants. RESULTS: Qualitative analysis indicated three major interrelated social factors: (1) changing rural communities, (2) community attitudes and stigma and (3) relationship issues. CONCLUSIONS: The biopsycho-ecological model is considered useful to better understand and address social, as well as individual and environmental factors, pertaining to farmer suicide.


Subject(s)
Farmers/psychology , Interpersonal Relations , Rural Population/statistics & numerical data , Social Stigma , Suicide/statistics & numerical data , Adult , Aged , Australia , Farmers/statistics & numerical data , Female , Focus Groups , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Qualitative Research , Risk Factors , Young Adult
10.
Australas Psychiatry ; 26(2): 176-180, 2018 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29417825

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to identify mental health and lifestyle factors predicting smoking among people at high risk of suicidal behaviour. METHODS: Participants ( n = 363) completed self-report mental health and lifestyle measures at first appointment in a hospital clinic following presentation to the emergency department for deliberate self-harm or suicidal ideation. RESULTS: The rate of daily smoking in this group, 61.4%, is more than four times the rate observed in the general population. Those with a history of previous deliberate self-harm were twice as likely to be smokers. Each one-point increase in poor health behaviours increased the odds of smoking by 22%. CONCLUSIONS: Identifying and managing smoking and related lifestyle behaviours are important considerations in routine clinical assessments.


Subject(s)
Emergency Service, Hospital/statistics & numerical data , Self Report/statistics & numerical data , Smoking/epidemiology , Suicidal Ideation , Suicide, Attempted/statistics & numerical data , Adult , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Young Adult
11.
J Rural Health ; 34(3): 254-262, 2018 06.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29322558

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Farmer suicide is a major public issue in Australia. Using the psychological autopsy method, this study aimed to examine the life and death circumstances of Australian male farmers who died by suicide through verbal reports from their close significant others. METHODS: Individual semistructured interviews were conducted with 12 relatives of male farmers who had died by suicide in Queensland or New South Wales, Australia (2006-2014). This study followed the COREQ checklist criteria for the reporting of qualitative research. FINDINGS: Six interrelated themes were identified: (1) masculinity, (2) uncertainty and lack of control in farming, (3) feelings of failure in relationships and farming, (4) escalating health problems, (5) maladaptive coping, and (6) acquired capability with access to means. CONCLUSIONS: Effective clinical interventions, as well as suicide prevention strategies, need to consider the importance of 3 key issues in suicide among farmers: adherence to masculine norms and socialization; expectations of self in maintaining family traditions and occupation; and a male subtype of depression.


Subject(s)
Farmers/psychology , Suicide/psychology , Aged , Agriculture/standards , Agriculture/trends , Family/psychology , Farmers/statistics & numerical data , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , New South Wales , Qualitative Research , Queensland , Registries/statistics & numerical data , Risk Factors , Suicide/statistics & numerical data , Suicide Prevention
12.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28350368

ABSTRACT

Farmers have been found to be at increased risk of suicide in Australia. The Interpersonal-Psychological Theory of Suicidal Behaviour suggests that the proximal factors leading to the suicidal desire or ideation include an individual's experiences of both perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness. Suicidal desire with acquired capability to engage in lethal self-injury is predictive of suicidal behaviour. This study investigates the pathways to suicide of 18 Australian male farmers in order to understand the suicidal process and antecedents to suicide in Australian male farmers. The psychological autopsy (PA) method was used to generate life charts. Two pathways with distinct suicidal processes were identified: acute situational (romantic relationship problems and financial concerns/pending retirement) and protracted (long-term psychiatric disorder). Long working hours, interpersonal conflicts, physical illnesses and pain, alcohol abuse, access to firearms, and exposure to drought were additional common factors identified. An understanding of the interrelatedness of diverse distal and proximal risk factors on suicidal pathways in the wider environmental context for male farmers is required when developing and implementing rural suicide prevention activities.


Subject(s)
Farmers/psychology , Suicide/psychology , Adult , Australia , Female , Humans , Interpersonal Relations , Male , Motivation , Perception , Psychological Theory , Risk Factors , Self-Injurious Behavior/psychology , Suicidal Ideation , Suicide Prevention
13.
Aust Health Rev ; 41(2): 182-184, 2017 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27333074

ABSTRACT

Rates of self-harm in Australia are increasing and constitute a concerning public health issue. Although there are standard treatment pathways for physical complaints, such as headache, abdominal pain and chest pain, in Emergency Medicine, there is no national pathway for self-harm or other psychiatric conditions that present to the emergency department. Herein we outline the difference between clinical practice guidelines and clinical pathways, discuss pathways we have identified on self-harm in Australia and overseas and discuss their applicability to the Australian context and the next steps forward in addressing this public health issue.


Subject(s)
Emergency Service, Hospital/organization & administration , Health Priorities , Suicide, Attempted/prevention & control , Attitude of Health Personnel , Australia/epidemiology , Critical Pathways , Humans , Public Health
14.
Health Psychol ; 35(12): 1289-1297, 2016 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27175575

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Poor sleep quality could be a risk factor for obesity. This article utilized a person-centered approach to investigate whether distinct sleep quality subtypes were associated with obesity directly, and indirectly via physical activity. METHOD: The sample included 8,932 Australian employees who participated in the Household, Income and Labor Dynamics in Australia Survey. Structured interviews and self-report questionnaires collected information on sleep quality, obesity, and relevant demographic, health, and work-related variables. Latent class analysis identified distinct subtypes of sleep quality. General linear modeling examined the associations of sleep quality subtypes with body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference. Multicategorical mediation models examined indirect paths linking sleep quality classes with obesity via physical activity. RESULTS: Five distinct sleep quality subtypes were identified: Poor Sleepers (20.0%), Frequent Sleep Disturbances (19.2%), Minor Sleep Disturbances (24.5%), Long Sleepers (9.6%), and Good Sleepers (26.7%). BMI, waist circumference, and physical activity differed among the sleep quality subtypes, with similar results observed for males and females. For example, Poor Sleepers had the highest BMIs, followed by Frequent Sleep Disturbances and Minor Sleep Disturbances; Long Sleepers and Good Sleepers had the lowest BMIs. Mediation analyses indicated that low levels of physical activity linked the Poor Sleep, Frequent Sleep Disturbance, and Long Sleep classes with higher BMI. CONCLUSIONS: These results provide new insights into the nature of sleep quality in employees. In particular, distinct sleep quality patterns had differing associations with measures of obesity, suggesting the need for tailored workplace interventions. (PsycINFO Database Record


Subject(s)
Obesity/etiology , Sleep Deprivation/complications , Adult , Australia , Body Mass Index , Exercise , Female , Humans , Interviews as Topic , Male , Middle Aged , Qualitative Research , Risk Factors , Self Report , Sleep Wake Disorders/complications , Surveys and Questionnaires , Waist Circumference
15.
Aust N Z J Psychiatry ; 50(2): 128-34, 2016 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26681263

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Although patients demonstrate a range of problematic health-related lifestyle behaviours preceding suicidal behaviour, there is little research that routinely measure these behaviours. This paper seeks to establish the utility of health-related lifestyle measure (Fantastic Lifestyle Checklist) in people presenting to a major inner city Emergency Department with a range of suicidal behaviours. METHODS: From 2007-2014, data from the 366 patients who had completed the Fantastic Lifestyle Checklist, after referral by the Emergency Department to a service for people with deliberate self-harm or suicidal ideation, were included in the analysis study. A Maximum Likelihood factor analysis was performed to assess the factor structure of the Fantastic Lifestyle Checklist and the resultant factors were explored in relation to measures of health; namely the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale and the 12-item Short-Form Health Survey. RESULTS: A three-component factor structure emerged comprising Component 1 'positive life investments', Component 2 'poor emotional regulation' and Component 3 'poor health behaviours'. There was a significant negative correlation between 'positive life investments' and each of the Depression, Anxiety and Stress scales subscales and significant positive associations with 'poor emotional regulation' and Short Form Health Survey-12 mental health scores. Only the Short Form Health Survey-12 physical health subscale was weakly correlated with 'poor health behaviours', in females. CONCLUSION: Our findings support the construct and concurrent validity of the Fantastic Lifestyle Checklist measure. The three factors obtained for the Fantastic Lifestyle Checklist were coherent and seem useful for research and clinical practice.


Subject(s)
Anxiety Disorders/epidemiology , Checklist/standards , Life Style , Self-Injurious Behavior/epidemiology , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Anxiety/psychology , Australia , Depression/psychology , Factor Analysis, Statistical , Female , Health Surveys , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Psychiatric Status Rating Scales , Risk Factors , Urban Population , Young Adult
16.
Rural Remote Health ; 15(3): 3068, 2015.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26190237

ABSTRACT

CONTEXT: Rural Australians experience poorer health and poorer access to health care services than their urban counterparts, and there is a chronic shortage of health professionals in rural and remote Australia. Strategies designed to reduce this rural-urban divide include fly-in fly-out (FIFO) and drive-in drive-out (DIDO) services. The aim of this article is to examine the opportunities and challenges involved in these forms of service delivery. This article reviews recent literature relating to FIFO and DIDO healthcare services and discusses their benefits and potential disadvantages for rural Australia, and for health practitioners. ISSUES: FIFO and DIDO have short-term benefits for rural Australians seeking healthcare services in terms of increasing equity and accessibility to services and reducing the need to travel long distances for health care. However, significant disadvantages need to be considered in the longer term. There is a potential for burnout among health professionals who travel long distances and work long hours, often without adequate peer support or supervision, in order to deliver these services. A further disadvantage, particularly in the use of visiting medical practitioners to provide generalist services, is the lack of development of a sufficiently well-resourced local primary healthcare system in small rural communities. LESSONS LEARNED: Given the potential negative consequences for both health professionals and rural Australians, the authors caution against the increasing use of FIFO and DIDO services, without the concurrent development of well-resourced, funded and staffed primary healthcare services in rural and remote communities.


Subject(s)
Healthcare Disparities , Rural Health Services , Transportation/methods , Vulnerable Populations , Air Ambulances , Australia , Female , Government Programs/economics , Health Personnel/education , Health Services Accessibility , Humans , Male , Mandatory Programs , Medicine , Models, Organizational , Needs Assessment , Personnel Loyalty , Personnel Selection , Personnel Staffing and Scheduling , Remote Consultation , Workforce
17.
PLoS Curr ; 72015 Jun 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26069852

ABSTRACT

AIM: Natural disasters inflict significant trauma upon the individuals and communities in which they occur. In order to gain an understanding of the role of community-based disaster recovery support services in the post-disaster environment, we assessed the acceptability and perceived effectiveness of the Warrumbungle Bushfire Support Coordination Service (BSCS) implemented in response to the January 2013 bushfires in the Warrumbungle Shire, New South Wales, Australia. METHOD: A mixed-methods approach was taken to explore the perspectives of former BSCS users and key stakeholders involved with the service. A survey was distributed to former services users (in both paper and online modalities) and included closed and open-ended questions. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with key stakeholders (face to face or via telephone). RESULTS: A total of 14 former BSCS users and six key stakeholders participated in the research. Almost half of the former service users had accessed the BSCS for more than six months. Regardless of the duration of their use of the service, most reported that the decision to use the service stemmed from the need for 'help'. The majority of former service users were satisfied with the support provided by the BSCS and would recommend the service to others. Although most indicated that the BSCS informed them about where to get support, just over half were confident that they could access appropriate recovery services without the BSCS. Key themes arising from the former service use surveys were connectedness and support, whilst key themes in the interviews with key stakeholders were connectedness and the operation of the service. Both former service users and key stakeholders reported that the BSCS played an important role in facilitating community connectedness in the post-disaster period. Key stakeholders also identified challenges for the BSCS, including finding an appropriate agency and location to oversee the service and made suggestions about sustainability. CONCLUSION: On the whole, the BSCS was perceived by former service users and key stakeholders as acceptable and effective. To develop a better understanding of the role of community-based disaster recovery support services, there is a need for more timely, rigorous and representative evaluation of disaster support services like the BSCS. Recommendations are made for the planning and development of future disaster support services. Key words: bushfires, natural disaster, Australia, disaster recovery support service, rural and remote, communities.

18.
Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act ; 12: 1, 2015 Jan 16.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25592201

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: In the UK, thousands of people with high cardiovascular risk are being identified by a national risk-assessment programme (NHS Health Checks). Waste the Waist is an evidence-informed, theory-driven (modified Health Action Process Approach), group-based intervention designed to promote healthy eating and physical activity for people with high cardiovascular risk. This pilot randomised controlled trial aimed to assess the feasibility of delivering the Waste the Waist intervention in UK primary care and of conducting a full-scale randomised controlled trial. We also conducted exploratory analyses of changes in weight. METHODS: Patients aged 40-74 with a Body Mass Index of 28 or more and high cardiovascular risk were identified from risk-assessment data or from practice database searches. Participants were randomised, using an online computerised randomisation algorithm, to receive usual care and standardised information on cardiovascular risk and lifestyle (Controls) or nine sessions of the Waste the Waist programme (Intervention). Group allocation was concealed until the point of randomisation. Thereafter, the statistician, but not participants or data collectors were blinded to group allocation. Weight, physical activity (accelerometry) and cardiovascular risk markers (blood tests) were measured at 0, 4 and 12 months. RESULTS: 108 participants (22% of those approached) were recruited (55 intervention, 53 controls) from 6 practices and 89% provided data at both 4 and 12 months. Participants had a mean age of 65 and 70% were male. Intervention participants attended 72% of group sessions. Based on last observations carried forward, the intervention group did not lose significantly more weight than controls at 12 months, although the difference was significant when co-interventions and co-morbidities that could affect weight were taken into account (Mean Diff 2.6Kg. 95%CI: -4.8 to -0.3, p = 0.025). No significant differences were found in physical activity. CONCLUSIONS: The Waste the Waist intervention is deliverable in UK primary care, has acceptable recruitment and retention rates and produces promising preliminary weight loss results. Subject to refinement of the physical activity component, it is now ready for evaluation in a full-scale trial. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN10707899 .


Subject(s)
Cardiovascular Diseases/prevention & control , Health Behavior , Health Promotion/methods , Life Style , Obesity , Primary Health Care , Aged , Body Mass Index , Cardiovascular Diseases/etiology , Diet , Exercise , Feasibility Studies , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Obesity/complications , Obesity/therapy , Pilot Projects , Program Evaluation , Risk Factors , United Kingdom
19.
Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act ; 12: 2, 2015 Jan 16.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25592314

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Process evaluation is important for improving theories of behavior change and behavioral intervention methods. The present study reports on the process outcomes of a pilot test of the theoretical model (the Process Model for Lifestyle Behavior Change; PMLBC) underpinning an evidence-informed, theory-driven, group-based intervention designed to promote healthy eating and physical activity for people with high cardiovascular risk. METHODS: 108 people at high risk of diabetes or heart disease were randomized to a group-based weight management intervention targeting diet and physical activity plus usual care, or to usual care. The intervention comprised nine group based sessions designed to promote motivation, social support, self-regulation and understanding of the behavior change process. Weight loss, diet, physical activity and theoretically defined mediators of change were measured pre-intervention, and after four and 12 months. RESULTS: The intervention resulted in significant improvements in fiber intake (M between-group difference = 5.7 g/day, p < .001) but not fat consumption (-2.3 g/day, p = 0.13), that were predictive of weight loss at both four months (M between-group difference = -1.98 kg, p < .01; R(2) = 0.2, p < 0.005), and 12 months (M difference = -1.85 kg, p = 0.1; R(2) = 0.1, p < 0.01). The intervention was successful in improving the majority of specified mediators of behavior change, and the predicted mechanisms of change specified in the PMBLC were largely supported. Improvements in self-efficacy and understanding of the behavior change process were associated with engagement in coping planning and self-monitoring activities, and successful dietary change at four and 12 months. While participants reported improvements in motivational and social support variables, there was no effect of these, or of the intervention overall, on physical activity. CONCLUSIONS: The data broadly support the theoretical model for supporting some dietary changes, but not for physical activity. Systematic intervention design allowed us to identify where improvements to the intervention may be implemented to promote change in all proposed mediators. More work is needed to explore effective mechanisms within interventions to promote physical activity behavior.


Subject(s)
Behavior Therapy , Feeding Behavior , Health Behavior , Life Style , Obesity/therapy , Weight Loss , Weight Reduction Programs , Adult , Aged , Cardiovascular Diseases/etiology , Cardiovascular Diseases/prevention & control , Diet , Exercise , Female , Health Promotion , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Models, Biological , Obesity/psychology , Risk Factors , Self Efficacy , Social Support
20.
PLoS Curr ; 72015 Dec 08.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26767147

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: This review sought to identify, describe and assess the effectiveness of teacher-mediated interventions that aim to support child and adolescent recovery after a natural or man-made disaster. We also aimed to assess intervention applicability to rural and remote Australian school settings. METHOD: A systematic search of the academic literature was undertaken utilising six electronic databases (EBSCO, Medline, PsycINFO, Embase, ERIC and CINAHL) using terms that relate to: teacher-mediated and school-based interventions; children and adolescents; mental health and wellbeing; natural disasters and man-made disasters. This was supplemented by a grey literature search. RESULTS: A total of 20 articles reporting on 18 separate interventions were identified. Nine separate interventions had been evaluated using methodologically adequate research designs, with findings suggesting at least short-term improvement in student wellbeing outcomes and academic performance. CONCLUSIONS: Although none of the identified studies reported on Australian-based interventions, international interventions could be adapted to the Australian rural and remote context using existing psychosocial programs and resources available online to Australian schools. Future research should investigate the acceptability, feasibility and effectiveness of implementing interventions modelled on the identified studies in Australian schools settings.

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