ORCID Profile
0000-0003-2476-1958
Current Organisation
Deakin University
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Publisher: Wiley
Date: 14-04-2015
DOI: 10.1111/JPC.12897
Abstract: The aim of this study was to report normative data for the parent-reported Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) from a large population cohort of young children aged 4-6 years from Victoria, Australia, to establish age- and sex-specific cut-off values for future use, and to determine the scale reliability of the SDQ for children aged 4-6 years. Parents of children (n = 53 372) entering their first year of school in Victoria in 2010 completed a survey via a 15-page School Entrant Health Questionnaire reporting on the physical and emotional well-being of their child (including the SDQ), use of child health and other support services, and a range of socio-demographic variables. Reliability was assessed and norms generated. Appropriate cut-off values for each SDQ scale and total difficulties scale were generated for each age group separately for each sex. The five scales of the SDQ and total difficulties scale generally had acceptable internal reliability. Mean SDQ scale scores differed for both sex and age, although only a narrow age range is examined in this study. Cut-off values were marginally higher for girls (lower for prosocial) and generally increased with age. This study has utilised a large Australian population s le of children to generate age- and sex-specific cut-off values that define SDQ scores as 'normal', 'borderline' or 'abnormal' for Australian children aged 4-6 years.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 11-10-2016
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 16-02-2005
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 24-04-2012
DOI: 10.1038/IJO.2012.23
Abstract: The Be Active Eat Well (BAEW) community-based child obesity prevention intervention was successful in modestly reducing unhealthy weight gain in primary school children using a multi-strategy and multi-setting approach. To (1) examine the relationship between changes in obesity-related in idual, household and school factors and changes in standardised child body mass index (zBMI), and (2) determine if the BAEW intervention moderated these effects. The longitudinal relationships between changes in in idual, household and school variables and changes in zBMI were explored using multilevel modelling, with measurement time (baseline and follow-up) at level 1, in idual (behaviours, n = 1812) at level 2 and households (n = 1318) and schools (n = 18) as higher levels (environments). The effect of the intervention was tested while controlling for child age, gender and maternal education level. This study confirmed that the BAEW intervention lowered child zBMI compared with the comparison group (-0.085 units, P = 0.03). The variation between household environments was found to be a large contributor to the percentage of unexplained change in child zBMI (59%), compared with contributions from the in idual (23%) and school levels (1%). Across both groups, screen time (P = 0.03), sweet drink consumption (P = 0.03) and lack of household rules for television (TV) viewing (P = 0.05) were associated with increased zBMI, whereas there was a non-significant association with the frequency the TV was on during evening meals (P = 0.07). The moderating effect of the intervention was only evident for the relationship between the frequency of TV on during meals and zBMI, however, this effect was modest (P = 0.04). The development of childhood obesity involves multi-factorial and multi-level influences, some of which are amenable to change. Obesity prevention strategies should not only target in idual behaviours but also the household environment and family practices. Although zBMI changes were modest, these findings are encouraging as small reductions can have population level impacts on childhood obesity levels.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 15-04-2014
DOI: 10.1111/APA.12641
Abstract: To determine which measurement of adiposity - standardised body mass index (BMI-z), waist circumference or body fat percentage - is most closely correlated with adolescents' weight perception and whether this differs by gender. Weight and height (used to calculate BMI-z), waist circumference and body fat percentage were measured in 2278 adolescents aged between 12 and 16 and compared with self-reported weight status. The distribution of subjects across the three weight categories (underweight, healthy weight and overweight) differed significantly between BMI-z, waist circumference and body fat percentage (p < 0.001). BMI-z was most closely aligned with perceived weight status in boys and girls, and waist circumference was also a good correlate of weight perception in boys. Boys were more likely than girls to underestimate their weight when it was defined by BMI-z however, girls were equally likely to underestimate their weight when it was defined by waist circumference. The majority of adolescents underestimated their weight status when it was defined by BF%. BMI-z is the closest correlate of self-perceived weight status. In the absence of internationally accepted reference values for waist circumference, BMI-z is the most appropriate measure to verify weight perception.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 10-2009
DOI: 10.2466/PMS.109.2.347-356
Abstract: The effects of different amounts of mental practice on the performance of a motor skill were studied. Research supports the effectiveness of mental practice on performance however, little is known about how much practice is needed and whether there is an optimal amount for these practice effects. Participants, 209 students ages 18 to 44 years ( M = 20.5, SD = 2.9), completed a pre- and posttest of dart throwing with the nonpreferred hand. In the practice phase, participants completed either 25 (Mental Practice 25), 50 (Mental Practice 50), or 100 (Mental Practice 100) trials of the darts task or 50 trials of a catching task (Catching Task). Performance for all groups improved from pre- to posttest. Improvements for the three mental practice groups were greater than for the Catching Task group however, there were no differences for the three Mental Practice groups. The findings support the positive effect of mental practice over a control condition and suggest that small amounts of mental practice may be sufficient for performance improvements, at least for a simple motor skill.
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2015
DOI: 10.1071/PY15052
Abstract: Efforts to combat childhood obesity in Australia are h ered by the lack of quality epidemiological data to routinely monitor the prevalence and distribution of the condition. This paper summarises the literature on issues relevant to childhood obesity monitoring and makes recommendations for implementing a school-based childhood obesity monitoring program in Australia. The primary purpose of such a program would be to collect population-level health data to inform both policy and the development and evaluation of community-based obesity prevention interventions. Recommendations are made for the types of data to be collected, data collection procedures and program management and evaluation. Data from an obesity monitoring program are crucial for directing and informing policies, practices and services, identifying subgroups at greatest risk of obesity and evaluating progress towards meeting obesity-related targets. Such data would also increase the community awareness necessary to foster change.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-02-2010
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.APPET.2016.06.008
Abstract: The Australian Infant Feeding Guidelines recommend exclusive breastfeeding until about six months of age when solid foods should be gradually introduced. Evidence indicates that Chinese immigrant mothers in Australia are more likely to use infant formula in combination with breastfeeding and to introduce solids earlier than the general Australian population. This study aimed to explore Chinese immigrant mother's experiences of feeding their infant to gain an insight into the factors shaping their feeding decisions and perceptions of infant growth. Semi structured interviews were conducted with 36 Chinese immigrant mothers with children aged 0-12 months, living in Melbourne, Australia. Interviews were conducted either in Chinese, using an interpreter, or in English. All were audio recorded. Recordings were transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed. Eight themes were identified. Chinese immigrant mothers were supportive of exclusive breastfeeding, however breastfeeding problems and conflicting views about infant feeding and infant growth from grandparents reduced many mothers' confidence to breastfeed exclusively. For many new mothers, anxiety that exclusive breastfeeding provided insufficient nourishment led to the introduction of formula before six months of age. Most mothers delayed introducing solid food to five to six months to prevent development of allergic diseases and gastrointestinal problems. Chinese immigrant mothers obtained information and support related to infant feeding from a combination of health professionals, online resources, friends and grandparents. Chinese immigrant mothers in Australia need support to breastfeed exclusively. In particular maternal confidence to breastfeed exclusively needs to be increased. To achieve this, culturally sensitive guidance is needed and the contradictions in advice given by Chinese grandparents and health professionals on infant feeding practices and healthy infant growth need to be recognised and addressed.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 20-07-2005
Abstract: In light of the increasing prevalence of obesity in children and the potential of schools as a setting for intervention, we aimed to identify the main foods and beverages consumed at primary school and to determine differences in consumption patterns between children who used the school canteen and those who did not. Cross-sectional survey of school foods in 1681 5-12 y old children, 2003-2004. Barwon South-Western region of Victoria, Australia. The school food provided an average (+/-s.e.m.) of 3087+/-26 kJ. Bread was the most frequently consumed food and contributed 20% of total energy at school, biscuits 13%, fruit 10%, muesli/fruit bars 8%, packaged snacks 7%, and fruit juice/cordial 6%. About 10% of children used the school canteen and these children obtained more total energy and more energy from cakes, fast foods and soft drink than noncanteen users (P<0.001). In all, 68% of children had fruit in their lunchboxes, however, over 90% of children had energy-dense, micronutrient-poor snacks ('junk food'). Fruit intake in primary schools seems reasonably high but could be targeted for further increase as part of promoting a healthy diet. Of concern, however, are the excessive amounts of energy-dense foods in school lunchboxes. These should be considered a priority for health promotion efforts along with reducing the consumption of sweetened drinks. These measures are urgently needed to improve the school-based diets of Australian children and attempt to curb the increasing prevalence of childhood obesity.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 29-10-2010
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 2013
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2010
Abstract: There is growing evidence that community-based interventions can reduce childhood obesity in older children. We aimed to determine the effectiveness of the Romp & Chomp intervention in reducing obesity and promoting healthy eating and active play in children aged 0-5 y. Romp & Chomp was a community-wide, multisetting, multistrategy intervention conducted in Australia from 2004 to 2008. The intervention occurred in a large regional city (Geelong) with a target group of 12,000 children and focused on community capacity building and environmental (political, sociocultural, and physical) changes to increase healthy eating and active play in early-childhood care and educational settings. The evaluation was repeat cross-sectional with a quasiexperimental design and comparison s le. Main outcome measures were body mass index (BMI), standardized BMI (zBMI according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2000 reference charts), and prevalence of overweight/obesity and obesity-related behaviors in children aged 2 and 3.5 y. After the intervention there was a significantly lower mean weight, BMI, and zBMI in the 3.5-y-old subs le and a significantly lower prevalence of overweight/obesity in both the 2- and 3.5-y-old subs les (by 2.5 and 3.4 percentage points, respectively) than in the comparison s le (a difference of 0.7 percentage points P < 0.05) compared with baseline values. Intervention child-behavioral data showed a significantly lower intake of packaged snacks (by 0.23 serving), fruit juice (0.52 serving), and cordial (0.43 serving) than that in the comparison s le (all P < 0.05). A community-wide multisetting, multistrategy intervention in early-childhood settings can reduce childhood obesity and improve young children's diets. This trial was registered with the Australian Clinical Trials Registry at anzctr.org.au as ACTRN12607000374460.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2014
DOI: 10.1016/J.JSAMS.2013.03.012
Abstract: Adolescent mental disorders remain a relatively neglected area of research, despite evidence that these conditions affect youth disproportionately. We examined associations between physical activity, leisure-time screen use and depressive symptoms among Australian children and adolescents. Large cross-sectional observational study. Self-reported physical activity and leisure-time screen behaviours, and depressive symptoms using the Short Mood and Feeling Questionnaire were assessed in 8256 students aged 10-16 years (mean age=11.5 years, SD=0.8). Thirty three percent of the s le reported moderate to high depressive symptoms, with rates higher among females (OR=1.18 95% CI: 1.02, 1.36 p=0.001). Increased opportunities to be active at school outside class (OR=0.70 0.58, 0.85 p<0.001), being active in physical education classes (OR=0.77 0.69, 0.86 p<0.001), greater involvement in sports teams at school (OR=0.77 0.67, 0.88 p<0.001) and outside of school (OR=0.84 0.73, 0.96 p=0.01) were all independently associated with lower odds for depressive symptoms. Meeting recommended guidelines for physical activity (OR=0.62 0.44, 0.88 p=0.007) and, for 12-14 year olds, leisure-time screen use (OR=0.77 0.59, 0.99 p=0.04) were also independently associated with lower odds for depressive symptoms. Higher levels of physical activity among children and young adolescents, and lower levels of leisure-time screen use among young adolescents, are associated with lower depressive symptoms. Longitudinal studies are needed to understand the causal relationships between these variables.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 06-2016
DOI: 10.1111/AP.12168
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 07-07-2017
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 19-01-2016
DOI: 10.1111/AJR.12275
Abstract: This study examines the relationship between diet quality and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in rural and urban Australian adolescents, and gender differences. Cross-sectional. Secondary schools. 722 rural and 422 urban students from 19 secondary schools. Self-report dietary-related behaviours, demographic information, HRQoL (AQoL-6D) were collected. Healthy and unhealthy diet quality scores were calculated multiple linear regression investigated associations between diet quality and HRQoL. Compared to urban students, rural students had higher HRQoL, higher healthy diet score, lower unhealthy diet score, consumed less soft drink and less frequently, less takeaway and a higher proportion consumed breakfast (P < 0.05). Overall, males had higher unhealthy diet score, poorer dietary behaviours but a higher HRQoL score compared to females (P < 0.05). In all students, final regression models indicated: a unit increase in healthy diet score was associated with an increase in HRQoL (unstandardised coefficient(B)±standard error(SE) B = 0.02 ± 0.01(SE) P < 0.02) and a unit increase in unhealthy diet scores was associated with a decrease in HRQoL (-0.01 ± 0.00 P < 0.05). In rural students alone, a unit increase in unhealthy diet score was associated with a decrease in HRQoL (B = -0.01 ± 0.00 P = 0.002), and in urban students a unit increase in healthy diet score was associated with an increase in HRQoL (B = 0.02 ± 0.00 P < 0.001). Cross-sectional associations between diet quality and HRQoL were observed. Dietary modification may offer a target to improve HRQoL and general well-being and consequently the prevention and treatment of adolescent health problems. Such interventions should consider gender and locality.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 21-11-2014
Abstract: This article argues that it is not just trust-generating but also trust-inhibiting mechanisms that operate in teams, and that these cooperative and competitive structures of interpersonal relations of trust within teams may affect team performance. Specifically, we propose that the presence of trust-generating structures (e.g., reciprocity, trusting in the referrals of others we trust, trusting in high performers and more experienced people) and the absence of trust-inhibiting structures (e.g., not trusting in the referrals of others we trust) are more likely to be associated with successful teams. Using exponential random graph models, a particular class of statistical model for social networks, we examine three professional sporting teams from the Australian Football League for the presence and absence of these mechanisms of interpersonal relations of trust. Quantitative network results indicate a differential presence of these postulated structures of trust relations in line with our hypotheses. Qualitative comparisons of these quantitative findings with team performance measures suggest a link between trust-generating and trust-inhibiting mechanisms of trust and team performance. Further theorization on other trust-inhibiting structures of trust relations and related empirical work is likely to shed further light on these connections.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 21-03-2017
DOI: 10.1038/IJO.2017.73
Abstract: The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of the Health-Promoting Communities: Being Active Eating Well (HPC:BAEW, 2007-2010) initiative, which comprised community-based multi-component interventions adapted to community context in five separate communities. The intervention aimed to promote healthy eating, physical activity and stronger, healthier communities. A mixed method and multilevel quasi-experimental evaluation of the HPC:BAEW initiative captured process, impact and outcome data. The evaluation involved both cross-sectional (children and adolescents) and longitudinal designs (adults) with data collected pre- and post-intervention in intervention (n=2408 children and adolescents from 18 schools, n=501 adults from 22 workplaces) and comparison groups (n=3163 children and adolescents from 33 schools, n=318 adults from seven workplaces). Anthropometry, obesity-related behavioural and environmental data, information regarding community context and implementation factors were collected. The primary outcomes were differences in anthropometry (weight, waist, body mass index (BMI) and standardised BMI (BMI z-score)) over time compared with comparison communities. Baseline data was collected 2008/2009 and post-intervention collected in 2010 with an average intervention time frame of approximately 12 months. The strategies most commonly implemented were related to social marketing, stakeholder engagement, network and partnership development, community-directed needs assessment and capacity building. Analysis of post-intervention data showed gains in community capacity, but few impacts on environments, policy or in idual knowledge, skills, beliefs and perceptions. Relative to the comparison group, one community achieved a lower prevalence of overweight/obesity, lower weight, waist circumference and BMI (P<0.005). One community achieved a higher level of healthy eating policy implementation in schools two communities achieved improved healthy eating-related behaviours (P<0.03) one community achieved lower sedentary behaviours and one community achieved higher levels of physical activity in schools (P<0.05). All effect sizes were in the small-to-moderate range. This was a complex and ambitious initiative, which attempted to expand a previously successful community-based intervention in Victoria into five new contexts and communities. Overall, project success was quite inconsistent, and some significant differences were in the unanticipated direction. However, there are many important learnings that should inform future health-promotion activities. The heterogeneity of outcomes of HPC:BAEW communities reflects the reality of life whereby effectiveness of intervention strategies is dependent on in idual and community factors. Future health promotion should consider a systems approach whereby existing systems are modified rather than relying heavily on the addition of new activities, with longer time frames for implementation.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2014
DOI: 10.1016/J.JSAMS.2013.03.011
Abstract: To review the current research on alcohol-related violence and sports participation. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were used to identify relevant studies for inclusion. A search of six databases (EBSCOhost) was conducted. A total of 6890 studies was were identified in the initial search. Of these, 11 studies met the inclusion criteria. The majority of the studies were from the US (n=10) and focused on collegiate athletes (n=7), adolescents (n=3), professional/former professional athletes (n=1). The reviewed research indicates higher rates of alcohol use and violence in athlete populations when compared against non-athlete populations. Masculinity, violent social identity and antisocial norms connected to certain sports stand out as potential factors that may impact the association between sport and violence in athlete populations.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 28-06-2013
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 08-2007
DOI: 10.1038/OBY.2007.226
Abstract: The objective was to determine the prevalences of overweight and obesity in regional Australian children and to examine the association between BMI and indicators of socioeconomic status (SES). Regionally representative cross-sectional survey of 2184 children, 4 to 12 years of age, was conducted, and the socio-demographic characteristics of their parents from regional Victoria, Australia, 2003 to 2004, were obtained. The prevalences of overweight and obesity were 19.3 +/- 0.8% (proportion +/- standard error) and 7.6 +/- 0.6%, respectively, using international criteria, and the proportion of overweight/obese girls was significantly higher than that of boys (29.6 +/- 1.4% vs. 23.9 +/- 1.3%, chi2 = 9.01, p = 0.003). Children from households of lower SES had higher odds of being overweight/obese lower SES was defined by lower paternal education (adjusted odds ratio, 1.18 95% confidence interval, 1.08 to 1.30) and lower area-level SES (adjusted odds ratio, 1.13 95% confidence interval, 1.02 to 1.25), adjusted for age, gender, height, and clustering by school. The prevalences of overweight and obesity are increasing in Australian children by about one percentage point per year. This equates to approximately 40,000 more overweight children each year, placing Australian children among those at highest risk around the world. In addition, girls are more likely to be overweight, and there is a general trend for children of lower SES to be at even greater risk of overweight and obesity.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 07-2013
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 17-12-2011
Abstract: The purpose of this mixed methods study was to examine the sources of food and dietary patterns of Tongan adolescents (n = 2084) and their perceptions of sociocultural influences. The study incorporated anthropometric measurements, a behavioral survey, and qualitative interviews. More adolescent Tongan females (82.5%) than males (74.3%) reported sourcing morning tea and/or lunch (females 81.9%, males 72.6%) from school canteens or nearby food outlets. More females than males reported consuming obesity-promoting foods such as packaged snack foods (females 38.2%, males 21.3%), chocolates (females 24.7%, males 15.0%), and soft drinks (females 55.3%, males 50.4%). Food purchased for consumption at schools was predominantly energy dense and nutrient poor. Ensuring that students have access to foods of high nutritional quality sourced from school or home, and restricting access to local food outlets that supply unhealthy products would improve the nutrition status of adolescents in Tonga. Furthermore, it is important that obesity prevention interventions are informed by culture-specific influences to optimize uptake of healthy diets.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 19-10-2011
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 26-04-2017
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 10-06-2008
DOI: 10.1038/IJO.2008.79
Abstract: Be Active Eat Well (BAEW) was a multifaceted community capacity-building program promoting healthy eating and physical activity for children (aged 4-12 years) in the Australian town of Colac. To evaluate the effects of BAEW on reducing children's unhealthy weight gain. BAEW had a quasi-experimental, longitudinal design with anthropometric and demographic data collected on Colac children in four preschools and six primary schools at baseline (2003, n=1001, response rate: 58%) and follow-up (2006, n=839, follow-up rate: 84%). The comparison s le was a stratified random selection of preschools (n=4) and primary schools (n=12) from the rest of the Barwon South Western region of Victoria, with baseline assessment in 2003-2004 (n=1183, response rate: 44%) and follow-up in 2006 (n=979, follow-up rate: 83%). Colac children had significantly lower increases in body weight (mean: -0.92 kg, 95% CI: -1.74 to -0.11), waist (-3.14 cm, -5.07 to -1.22), waist/height (-0.02, -0.03 to -0.004), and body mass index z-score (-0.11, -0.21 to -0.01) than comparison children, adjusted for baseline variable, age, height, gender, duration between measurements and clustering by school. In Colac, the anthropometric changes were not related to four indicators of socioeconomic status (SES), whereas in the comparison group 19/20 such analyses showed significantly greater gains in anthropometry in children from lower SES families. Changes in underweight and attempted weight loss were no different between the groups. Building community capacity to promote healthy eating and physical activity appears to be a safe and effective way to reduce unhealthy weight gain in children without increasing health inequalities.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 04-10-2013
Abstract: Limited research has addressed factors associated with psychological distress following disasters among non-Western populations. The 2004 tsunami affected 1.7 million people across South Asia and Africa, with considerable variations in trauma-related outcomes. Pretraumatic and peritraumatic conditions associated with trauma-related symptoms in 305 Sri Lankan adult survivors (28% male, aged 18-83 years mean = 39.9 years standard deviation = 15.3), clinically assessed 1 month posttsunami, were evaluated retrospectively. Outcome measures were total scores on 11 trauma-related symptoms. Multivariate linear regression analyses tested for associations between pretraumatic and peritraumatic conditions and symptom scores, with peritraumatic conditions adjusted for pretraumatic variables. Pretraumatic conditions of female gender, employment, prior health and social issues, and substance use and peritraumatic conditions of loss of family, witnessing the tsunami, or suffering an injury were associated with trauma-related symptoms. The findings facilitate understanding cultural contexts that define risk factors associated with trauma-related symptoms in Sri Lankans, which are critical for developing culturally appropriate interventions.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 12-2011
DOI: 10.2466/05.11.23.PMS.113.6.815-814
Abstract: This study examined the effect of similar versus dissimilar retroactive interference on the mental practice effects for performing a novel motor skill. Research has shown that mental practice of a motor task can interfere with learning and performance of the task however, little is known about how different retroactive interference activities affect mental practice effects. 90 volunteers ages 18 to 51 years ( M = 26.8, SD = 9.6) completed a pre-test and post-test of 10 sets of five trials of a throwing task with the non-preferred hand. In the practice phase, participants mentally practiced the throwing task and then mentally practiced a task that was similar, dissimilar, or completed an unrelated reading task. Performance for all groups improved from pre- to post-test however, there were no differences in increases for the three groups. The findings suggest that mental practice of similar and dissimilar tasks produced no significant interference in performance.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2011
DOI: 10.1016/J.JSAMS.2011.05.010
Abstract: To examine the relationships between physical activity, sedentary behaviour and body mass index (BMI) among a s le of Australian adolescents. Anthropometric, demographic and behavioural data were collected from students (n=3040 mean age 14.6, 44% female) from 12 secondary schools in South West Victoria, Australia (response rate=48.6%). The appropriate descriptive, univariate and regression analysis were used to examine the strength of the associations between physical activity, sedentary behaviour and odds of overweight or obese and the effect of interaction between physical activity and sedentary behaviour on odds of overweight and obese. Males were more likely to be active during the school day than females and had higher median hours of screen time per school day. Physical activity during the school day was associated with higher standardized BMI (BMI-z) among males. Higher levels of activity after school were associated with lower BMI-z for males and females. For both males and females the odds of overweight or obese were higher among the least active. An interaction was observed for females whereby the prevalence of overweight and obesity among the most physically active was lowest for the least sedentary and highest for the most sedentary. The relationships between physical activity, sedentary behaviour and BMI-z were complex. Interventions to reduce BMI through increasing physical activity or decreasing sedentary behaviour need to consider the complex inter-relationships between these variables and moderating factors such as age, sex and socio economic status in their design and interpretation.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 06-2015
Abstract: This study examined the association of weight perception and weight satisfaction with body change intentions and weight-related behaviours in 928 overweight adolescents (aged 11–18 years, 44% female). Accurate perception of weight was associated with trying to lose weight and inaccurate perception was associated with trying to gain muscle. Weight dissatisfaction was associated with trying to lose weight and gain muscle. Accurate weight perception and weight dissatisfaction were not associated with healthy weight-related behaviours. Awareness of overweight and body dissatisfaction may be detrimental to the adoption of healthy weight-control behaviours. Interventions with overweight adolescents should encourage body satisfaction, rather than promoting awareness of overweight.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 20-09-2012
DOI: 10.1007/S11136-011-0014-5
Abstract: To explore the cross-sectional relationships between health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and physical activity (PA) behaviours and screen-based media (SBM) use among a s le of Australian adolescents. Data came from baseline measures collected for the It's Your Move! community-based obesity prevention intervention. Questionnaire data on sociodemographics, PA, SBM and HRQoL were collected from 3,040 students (56% boys) aged 11-18 years in grade levels 7-11 in 12 secondary schools. Anthropometric data were measured. The highest level of PA at recess, lunchtime and after school was associated with higher HRQoL scores (boys, by 5.3, 8.1, 6.3 points girls, by 4.2, 6.1, 8.2 points) compared with not being active during these periods. Exceeding 2 h of SBM use each day was associated with significantly lower HRQoL scores (boys, by 3.2 points girls, by 4.0 points). Adolescents who were physically active and low SBM users on school days had higher HRQoL scores (boys, by 6.6 points girls, by 7.8 points) compared with those who were not physically active every school day and high SBM users on school days. Several of the relationships between low PA and high SBM use and HRQoL were comparable to those previously observed between chronic disease conditions and HRQoL, indicating that these behaviours deserve substantial attention.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 15-09-2010
DOI: 10.1111/J.1360-0443.2010.03021.X
Abstract: To examine the importance of family management, family structure and father-adolescent relationships on early adolescent alcohol use. Cross-sectional data was collected across 30 randomly selected Australian communities stratified to represent a range of socio-economic and regional variation. Data were collected during school time from adolescents attending a broad range of schools. The s le consisted of a combined 8256 students (aged 10-14 years). Students completed a web-based survey as part of the Healthy Neighbourhoods project. Family management-which included practices such as parental monitoring and family rules about alcohol use-had the strongest and most consistent relationship with alcohol use in early adolescence. Adolescents reporting higher family management were less likely to have drunk alcohol in their life-time, less likely to drink alcohol in the preceding 30 days and less likely to have had an alcohol binge. Adolescents reporting emotionally close relationships with their fathers were less likely to have drunk alcohol in their life-time and less likely to have had an alcohol binge in the preceding fortnight. Findings indicate that family management practices may contribute to alcohol abstinence in adolescents. Furthermore, emotionally close father-adolescent relationships may also foster abstinence however, fathers' drinking behaviours need to be considered.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 24-05-2012
DOI: 10.1111/J.1440-1584.2012.01273.X
Abstract: To examine the prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, psychological distress and associations between physical and mental health parameters within a cohort of the Australian farming community. Cross-sectional descriptive study. Farming communities across Australia. Data of men (n = 957) and women (n = 835) farmers from 97 locations across Australia were stratified into categories based on National Cholesterol Education Program guidelines. Prevalence of and interrelationship between overweight, obesity, dyslipidaemia, hypertension, diabetes risk and psychological distress. There was a higher prevalence of overweight (42.5%, 95% confidence interval (CI), 34.2-50.8), obesity (21.8%, 95% CI, 18.3-25.3), abdominal adiposity (38.4% 95% CI, 24.5-52.5), hypertension (54.0%, 95% CI, 34.4-73.5) and diabetes risk (25.3%, 95% CI, 17.7-36.7) in the farming cohort compared with national data. There was also a positive significant association between the prevalence of psychological distress and obesity, abdominal adiposity, body fat percentage and metabolic syndrome in older (age ≥ 50 years) participants. This study group of farming men and women exhibited an increased prevalence of CVD risk factors and co-morbidities. The findings indicate a positive association between psychological distress and risk for developing CVD, particularly in the older farmers. If the younger cohort were to maintain elevated rates of psychological distress, then it is foreseeable that the next generation of farmers could experience poorer physical health than their predecessors.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 19-10-2011
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 28-08-2008
Abstract: In spite of greater awareness of the need for action to reduce obesity, the evidence on sustainable community approaches to prevent childhood and adolescent obesity is surprisingly sparse. This paper describes the design and methodological components of the Sentinel Site for Obesity Prevention, a demonstration site in the Barwon-South West region of Victoria, Australia, that aims to build the programs, skills and evidence necessary to attenuate and eventually reverse the obesity epidemic in children and adolescents. The Sentinel Site for Obesity Prevention is based on a partnership between the region's university (Deakin University) and its health, education and local government agencies. The three basic foundations of the Sentinel Site are: multi-strategy, multi-setting interventions building community capacity and undertaking program evaluations and population monitoring. Three intervention projects have been supported that cover different age groups (preschool: 2-5 years, primary school: 5-12 years, secondary school: 13-17 years), but that have many characteristics in common including: community participation and ownership of the project an intervention duration of at least 3 years and full evaluations with impact (behaviours) and outcome measures (anthropometry) compared with regionally representative comparison populations. We recommend the Sentinel Site approach to others for successfully building evidence for childhood obesity prevention and stimulating action on reducing the epidemic.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2010
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 28-10-2013
Publisher: Mary Ann Liebert Inc
Date: 06-2012
Abstract: The Romp & Chomp controlled trial, which aimed to prevent obesity in preschool Australian children, was recently found to reduce the prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity and improve children's dietary patterns. The intervention focused on capacity building and policy implementation within various early childhood settings. This paper reports on the process and impact evaluation of this trial and the lessons learned from this complex community intervention. Process data was collected throughout and audits capturing nutrition and physical activity-related environments and practices were completed postintervention by directors of Long Day Care (LDC) centers (n = 10) and preschools (n = 41) in intervention and comparison (n = 161 LDC and n = 347 preschool) groups. The environmental audits demonstrated positive impacts in both settings on policy, nutrition, physical activity opportunities, and staff capacity and practices, although results varied across settings and were more substantial in the preschool settings. Important lessons were learned in relation to implementation of such community-based interventions, including the significant barriers to implementing health-promotion interventions in early childhood settings, lack of engagement of for-profit LDC centers in the evaluation, and an inability to attribute direct intervention impacts when the intervention components were delivered as part of a health-promotion package integrated with other programs. These results provide confidence that obesity prevention interventions in children's settings can be effective however, significant efforts must be directed toward developing context-specific strategies that invest in policies, capacity building, staff support, and parent engagement. Recognition by funders and reviewers of the difficulties involved in implementing and evaluating such complex interventions is also critical to strengthening the evidence base on the effectiveness of such public health approaches to obesity prevention.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-09-2012
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 05-04-2022
DOI: 10.1111/DAR.13283
Abstract: Many community sporting clubs in Australia sell alcohol, but many do not comply with laws that require verification of age and forbid underage alcohol sales. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of an intervention that incorporated sales monitoring and community awareness raising to improve compliance with alcohol service regulations in community sporting clubs. Non‐randomised community trial in ‘matched’ intervention and comparison communities. A total of 50 sporting clubs from two metropolitan and two regional areas in Victoria, Australia, were selected, and baseline and follow‐up purchase observations completed during 2018. Youth who looked underage were monitored as they attempted to purchase alcohol. Intervention clubs received feedback letters regarding staff sales behaviour. Other intervention actions included building awareness of underage supply of alcohol and media coverage of baseline observations. Observations were completed at 46 clubs (intervention = 24 comparison = 22) at baseline and 39 (intervention = 24 comparison = 15) at follow up. Compliance was low but improved at follow up for both groups for age verification (intervention +12.5% comparison +8.5%) and non‐supply of alcohol (intervention +12.5% comparison +10.6%) but no significant intervention effects were found. Findings indicated low compliance with age verification checks and underage alcohol sales laws at baseline. Promising improvements in compliance were observed at follow up however, ‘spillover’ of intervention activities may have compromised ability to detect significant intervention effects. Further intervention effort and evaluation is recommended to encourage alcohol sales compliance in community sporting clubs.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 30-03-2011
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 23-05-2019
DOI: 10.1080/09602011.2017.1322523
Abstract: The objectives were to test the properties, via a psychometric study, of the Overt Behaviour Scale-Self-Report (OBS-SR), a version of the OBS-Adult Scale developed to provide a client perspective on challenging behaviours after acquired brain injury. Study s le 1 consisted of 37 patients with primary brain tumour (PBT) and a family-member informant. S le 2 consisted of 34 clients with other acquired brain injury (mixed brain injury, MBI) and a service-provider informant. Participants completed the OBS-SR (at two time points), and the Awareness Questionnaire (AQ) and Mayo Portland Adaptability Inventory-III (MPAI-III) once informants completed the OBS-Adult and AQ once only. PBT-informant dyads displayed "good" levels of agreement (ICC
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2015
DOI: 10.1016/J.JPEDS.2015.04.054
Abstract: To examine associations between indicators of social disadvantage and emotional and behavioral difficulties in children aged 4-7 years. This cross-sectional study was based on data collected in a questionnaire completed by parents of children enrolled in their first year of school in Victoria, Australia, in 2010. Just over 57000 children participated (86% of children enrolled), of whom complete data were available for 38955 (68% of the dataset) these children formed the analysis s le. The outcome measure was emotional and behavioral difficulties, assessed by the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire Total Difficulties score. Logistic regression analyses were undertaken. Having a concession card (a government-issued card enabling access to subsidized goods and services, particularly in relation to medical care, primarily for economically vulnerable households) was the strongest predictor of emotional and behavioral difficulties (OR, 2.71 95% CI, 2.39-3.07), followed by living with 1 parent and the parent's partner or not living with either parent (OR, 1.93 95% CI, 1.58-2.37) and having a mother who did not complete high school (OR, 1.27 95% CI, 1.11-1.45). These findings may assist schools and early childhood practitioners in identifying young children who are at increased risk of emotional and behavioral difficulties, to provide these children, together with their parents and families, with support from appropriate preventive interventions.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2010
DOI: 10.1016/J.JSAMS.2010.04.004
Abstract: Active travel (walking or cycling for transport) is an important contributor to adolescents overall physical activity (PA). This study examines associations between personal, social and environmental variables and active travel to and from school using data from a large observational study to examine active travel in 2961 year 6 and 8 students (48.7% male), aged 10-14 years (M=11.4, SD=0.8yrs) from 231 schools. Participants completed an on-line survey and all reported living within 2km of school. Data collected included mode of travel to and from school, self-reported health, and PA variables. Social environmental variables included having playgrounds, parks or gyms close by, feeling safe to walk alone, barriers to walking in the neighbourhood (e.g. traffic, no footpaths), peer and family support for PA, existence of sports teams/scout groups, community disorder and perceived neighbourhood safety. Results showed that while more girls (44.3%) than boys (37.4%) walked to school, lower proportions rode bikes (8.3% vs 22.4%) and hence fewer were active travellers overall. Logistic regression models, adjusted for age, location and socio-economic status were conducted for active travel to/from school, separately for boys and girls. Predictors for boys and girls being 'active travellers' to/from school included recreational facilities close to home, higher perceived safety of the neighbourhood and higher community disorder. For boys, social support from friends, scout groups available and higher enjoyment of physical activity was also important. These findings suggest areas for future research and may be used to guide strategies to increase active travel to and from school.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 09-2015
DOI: 10.1111/AJPY.12086
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 31-01-2011
DOI: 10.1111/J.1365-2214.2010.01205.X
Abstract: The Romp & Chomp intervention reduced the prevalence of overweight/obesity in pre-school children in Geelong, Victoria, Australia through an intervention promoting healthy eating and active play in early childhood settings. This study aims to determine if the intervention successfully created more health promoting family day care (FDC) environments. The evaluation had a cross-sectional, quasi-experimental design with the intervention FDC service in Geelong and a comparison s le from 17 FDC services across Victoria. A 45-item questionnaire capturing nutrition- and physical activity-related aspects of the policy, socio-cultural and physical environments of the FDC service was completed by FDC care providers (in 2008) in the intervention (n= 28) and comparison (n= 223) s les. Select results showed intervention children spent less time in screen-based activities (P= 0.03), organized active play (P < 0.001) and free inside play (P= 0.03) than comparison children. There were more rules related to healthy eating (P < 0.001), more care provider practices that supported children's positive meal experiences (P < 0.001), fewer unhealthy food items allowed (P= 0.05), higher odds of staff being trained in nutrition (P= 0.04) and physical activity (P < 0.001), lower odds of having set minimum times for outside (P < 0.001) and organized (P= 0.01) active play, and of rewarding children with food (P < 0.001). Romp & Chomp improved the FDC service to one that discourages sedentary behaviours and promotes opportunities for children to eat nutritious foods. Ongoing investment to increase children's physical activity within the setting and improving the capacity and health literacy of care providers is required to extend and sustain the improvements.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2011
DOI: 10.1111/J.1753-6405.2010.00694.X
Abstract: In 2006, the Victorian Government adopted the School Canteens and other school Food Services (SCFS) Policy that bans the sale of sweet drinks and confectionary and recommends the proportions of menu items based on a traffic light system of food classification. This study aims to determine whether compliance with the policy improves the nutritional profile of the menus. Items from food service menus were assessed for compliance with the SCFS policy and categorised as 'everyday' ('green'), 'select carefully' ('amber') or 'occasionally' ('red') (n=106). Profile analysis assessed differences in the nutritional profile of the menus between sub-groups. Overall, 37% of menus contained items banned under the policy. The largest proportion of items on the assessed menus were from the 'amber' category (mean: 51.0%), followed by 'red' (29.3%) and 'green' (20.3%). No menus met the traffic light-based recommendations and there was no relationship between policy compliance and the proportion of items in each of the three categories. To increase the healthiness of the school food service we recommend a greater investment in resources and infrastructure to implement existing policies, and establishing stronger monitoring and support systems.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.ORCP.2015.05.017
Abstract: A previously successful community-based obesity prevention intervention with a focus on school settings was expanded into new communities with varying contexts. In order to understand the complexities involved in implementing health promotion activities in schools, this study examined experiences of school staff and project officers including barriers, contextual factors and achievements. School environment assessments were conducted in schools across four Victorian communities with school staff (n=1-5 staff plus a trained researcher per group in 9 primary and 8 secondary schools) 12-18 months post-intervention. Process reports from project officers were also reviewed and analysed (n=4). School staff commonly reported time pressures as a barrier to implementation and project officers working within schools reported competing priorities and limited health promotion experience of staff lack of stakeholder engagement low participation in some activities and insufficient implementation time. Contextual factors included community socioeconomic status, student ethnicity and living rurally. Achievements included student and staff enjoyment from programme activities, staff capacity building, partnerships, embedding activities into existing infrastructure and programmes, and having consistent health-related messages repeated through a variety of strategies. Community-based interventions with a focus on school settings need to consider system level, organisational and contextual (i.e. socioeconomic, ethnicity, family and town characteristics) factors when expanding previously effective strategies into new communities. Implementation benefits may have added whole of school benefits in addition to child health. Focussing on overcoming the challenges experienced in this complex initiative is required for future interventions. ACTRN12609000892213.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 05-2010
DOI: 10.3109/00048670903571598
Abstract: Objective: Adolescence frequently coincides with the onset of psychiatric illness and depression is commonly observed in adolescents. Recent data suggest a role for diet quality in adult depression. Given the importance of adequate nutrition for brain development, it is of interest to examine whether diet quality is also related to depression in adolescents. Methods: The study examined 7114 adolescents, aged 10–14 years, who participated in the Australian Healthy Neighbourhoods Study. Healthy and unhealthy diet quality scores were derived from a dietary questionnaire. The Short Mood and Feelings Questionnaire for adolescents measured depression. Adjustments were made for age, gender, socioeconomic status, parental education, parental work status, family conflict, poor family management, dieting behaviours, body mass index, physical activity, and smoking. Results: Compared to the lowest category of the healthy diet score, the adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence interval) for symptomatic depression across categories (C) was: C2 = 0.61 (0.45–0.84) C3 = 0.58 (0.43–0.79) C4 = 0.47 (0.35–0.64) and C5 = 0.55 (0.40–0.77). Compared to the lowest quintile, the adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence interval) for symptomatic depression across increasing quintiles of the unhealthy diet score were: Q2 = 1.03 (0.87–1.22) Q3 = 1.22 (1.03–1.44) Q4 = 1.29 (1.12–1.50) and Q5 = 1.79 (1.52–2.11). Conclusions: Our results demonstrate an association between diet quality and adolescent depression that exists over and above the influence of socioeconomic, family, and other potential confounding factors.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 20-01-2015
Abstract: There is a growing body of evidence suggesting a link between sport participation and violent behavior outside of the sporting context. However, there have been few studies that have investigated the basis of this relationship. The current study examined longitudinal relationships between sport participation, problem alcohol use, and various violent behaviors, and whether sport participation moderates relationships between problem alcohol use and violence. The s le comprised 2,262 young adults (55% female, age range at Time 1 = 17-24 years) from Victoria, Australia, surveyed in 2010 and 2012. When controlling for common risk factors, substance use, and past violence, sport participation was not associated with any violent behaviors 2 years later. However, sport participation moderated the relationship between problem alcohol use and fighting, whereby problem alcohol use was associated with engaging in fights 2 years later for sport participants, but not for nonparticipants. These findings suggest that it is not sport participation per se that influences later violence but the drinking norms or culture embedded within certain sporting contexts. Prevention approaches that address the drinking culture and social approval of excessive alcohol consumption within sporting contexts may reduce the incidence of violent behavior in the community.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 21-08-2015
DOI: 10.1016/J.ADOLESCENCE.2015.07.014
Abstract: This study aimed to evaluate whether an intervention prevented the development of depressive symptoms through the early years of secondary school (Grades 7 to 9 – mean ages 12.3 to 14.5 years) in Victoria, Australia. Twelve schools were randomized to a universal preventative intervention (including a student social relationship/emotional health curriculum, and parent/caregiver parenting education) 12 were randomized as control schools. Multivariate regression analyses used student self‐report to predict depressive symptoms at 26‐month follow‐up (13‐months after intervention completion) from baseline measures and intervention status ( N = 2027). There was no overall intervention effect on depressive symptoms. However, intervention students with moderate symptoms whose parents attended parent education events had a significantly reduced risk of depressive symptoms at follow‐up. Future evaluations of interventions of this type should investigate: therapeutic processes methods to increase recruitment into effective parent education events and the potential to target assistance to students with high depressive symptoms.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 19-10-2011
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 06-2010
DOI: 10.2466/PMS.110.3.888-896
Abstract: This study compared the effects of mental practice, physical practice, and no practice on the performance and retention of a novel throwing task. Research supports the effectiveness of mental practice on performance however, retention of learning has not been adequately investigated. Participants were 152 students ages 18 to 44 years ( M = 20.5, SD = 2.9), who completed a pretest, posttest, and five-week delayed retention test of dart throwing with the nonpreferred hand. In the practice phase, participants completed 50 mental practice or physical practice trials of the darts task or 50 trials of a catching task. Results indicated that overall scores increased from pretest to posttest and retention test, and decreased from posttest to retention test, but that these effects did not differ for type of practice. The findings suggest equal learning and retention of learning for novel throwing tasks for control, mental practice, and physical practice conditions however, further research that considers issues raised is recommended.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 19-10-2011
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 2006
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 09-2014
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2013
DOI: 10.1016/J.BODYIM.2013.06.008
Abstract: This study examined the utility of the biopsychosocial model to predict accuracy of weight status perception among Australian adolescents. The factors included in this framework were: age, gender, and BMI-z (biological factors) satisfaction with body weight and shape (psychological factors) socioeconomic status, peer weight (social factors). Cross-sectional data, including measured height and weight, and self-reported weight status, was obtained from 2954 adolescents (mean age=14.6, 56% male) who participated in the It's Your Move! study. Accuracy of weight status perception was associated with gender, BMI-z, SES, and weight and shape satisfaction. Gender differences in weight status perception were moderated by satisfaction with weight. In boys, weight satisfaction was associated with perceived healthy weight in girls, it was associated with perceived healthy weight and underweight. Moderately overweight adolescents are most at risk of underestimating their weight status and could benefit from education about the boundaries of the healthy weight range.
Publisher: Edith Cowan University
Date: 2012
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 26-01-2013
DOI: 10.1007/S10964-013-9910-Z
Abstract: The impact of alcohol-related violence on in iduals and society continues to receive attention from both media and policy makers. However, the longitudinal relationship between alcohol consumption and violence is unclear, with findings from prospective studies producing mixed results. The current study utilized Australian data from the International Youth Development Study to examine longitudinal relationships between alcohol consumption and severe interpersonal violence across the developmental periods of early adolescence to late adolescence/emerging adulthood. The full s le comprised 849 adolescents (53.8 % female) who had been followed up over a 5 year period, from Grade 7 secondary school (age 13) until Grade 11 secondary school (age 17). Cross-lagged path analysis was used to examine reciprocal relationships between alcohol consumption and interpersonal violence analyses controlled for a range of covariates considered to be common risk factors for both behaviors. Alcohol use during early and mid adolescence was found to predict violence 2 years later, whereas a bi-directional relationship between adolescent heavy episodic drinking and violence was observed. Some of these relationships were not significant when covariates such as family conflict and affiliation with antisocial and drug using friends were included in the models. These findings suggest that risk processes begin in late childhood or very early adolescence efforts to reduce one problem behavior are likely to reduce the other. Further, the role that social and family contexts have in influencing the relationships between alcohol use and interpersonal violence should be considered in future research to better inform preventive efforts.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 04-07-2014
DOI: 10.1080/17461391.2014.932014
Abstract: Despite a recent increase in the amount of research investigating performance in golf, a comprehensive putting skill test has not been reported in the peer-reviewed literature. In this study, the Golf Australia Putting Test (GAPT) was developed and a series of measurement properties were assessed. Elite (n = 18) and high-level amateur (HLA n = 22) participants completed six single putts from various areas on six concentric circles (circle radii = 0.9, 1.5, 3.0, 4.6, 6.1 and 7.6 m). Using a scoring system that rewarded participants for holing putts from longer distances, the maximum score from a single round of the test (i.e. 36 putts) was 27 points. After two rounds of the test were completed by all players, a subs le of participants (elite, n = 15 HLA, n = 7) had their putting performance recorded during tournament play for a period of 90 days to assess criterion (predictive) validity of the test. The reliability, sensitivity and discriminative validity of the GAPT were also assessed. Better agreement between Rounds 1 and 2 scores was noted in the elite group, whilst reliability values were similar for both groups. Further, the GAPT scores were shown to predict players from the elite and high-ability groups with a low classification error. An equation for predicting on-course performance from GAPT scores was also developed. Findings from this study indicate that the GAPT is a valid and reliable tool for high-level players and the GAPT may be used for player evaluation in the field.
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 21-09-2011
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 29-03-2006
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 23-05-2011
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 08-08-2012
DOI: 10.1111/J.2047-6310.2012.00076.X
Abstract: Childhood obesity monitoring is a fundamental component of obesity prevention but is poorly done in Australia. Monitoring obesity prevalence in children provides important population health data that can be used to track trends over time, identify areas at greatest risk of obesity, determine the effectiveness of interventions and policies, raise awareness and stimulate action. High participation rates are essential for effective monitoring because these provide more representative data. Passive ('opt-out') consent has been shown to provide high participation rates in international childhood obesity monitoring programs and in a recent Australian federal initiative monitoring early child development. A federal initiative structured like existing child development monitoring programs, but with the authority to collect height and weight measurements using opt-out consent, is recommended to monitor rates of childhood obesity in Australia.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 23-05-2007
DOI: 10.1111/J.1440-1754.2007.01111.X
Abstract: To describe the time children spend watching television (TV) and to assess associations between TV viewing time, the family environment and weight status. Parents reported the amount of time children watched TV/video both for 'the previous school day' and 'usually' and described aspects of the family environment influencing TV access as part of a large cross-sectional study in the Barwon South-western region of Victoria, Australia. Child weight status was based on measured height and weight. All data were collected in 2003/2004. A total of 1926 children aged 4-12 years participated. Parent-reported mean +/- SE TV time for the previous school day was 83 +/- 1.5 min. Children who lived in a family with tight rules governing TV viewing time (22%), or who never watched TV during dinner (33%), or had only one TV in the household (23%) or had no TV in their bedroom (81%) had significantly less TV time than their counterparts. Overweight or obese children had more TV time than healthy weight children 88 +/- 2.9 versus 82 +/- 1.7 min per day (P=0.04). They were also more likely to live in a household where children had a TV in their bedroom than healthy weight children (25% vs. 17%, P<0.001). Strategies to reduce TV time should be included as part of broader strategies to prevent childhood obesity. They should include messages to parents about not having a TV in children's bedrooms, encouraging family rules restricting TV viewing, and not having the TV on during dinner.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2021
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 16-09-2018
DOI: 10.1111/DAR.12858
Abstract: Adolescent alcohol consumption and associated harms are significant public health issues in Australia. One strategy to reduce this problem is restricting alcohol supply to adolescents below age 18. To ensure compliance with laws that forbid underage alcohol sales, effective monitoring systems that operate across a range of settings, including sporting clubs, are required. This study investigated compliance with regulations requiring proof of age identification and refusal of underage alcohol sales in community sporting clubs. Compliance with alcohol sales laws was monitored using a male confederate that appeared under 18 who attempted to purchase alcohol at community sporting clubs in two regional areas of Victoria, Australia during the 2016-2017 sporting seasons. Purchase observations were completed at 43 clubs (observations could not be conducted at 14 clubs) alcohol was purchased at 41 (95%) clubs. Four (9%) clubs asked the confederate-purchaser to provide identification of age-in two instances the purchaser was not sold alcohol and in two instances was sold alcohol after not showing identification. Rates of compliance with proof of age identification and alcohol sales did not vary according to staff- and club-related variables. This study indicates the need for more rigorous enforcement of alcohol sales regulations in community sporting clubs. Community health agencies could work with sporting clubs to assist them to improve compliance with alcohol sales regulations and to provide information on the significant role clubs play in shaping the adolescent alcohol culture.
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 02-2021
DOI: 10.1136/BMJOPEN-2020-041148
Abstract: Chinese immigrants are the third largest immigrant group in Australia. Little is known about growth trajectories of their offspring when moving to a Western country. The aim was to describe the growth trajectories between birth to 3.5 years in children of Chinese-born immigrant mothers compared with Australian-born mothers living in Victoria, Australia. Ten nurse measured weights and lengths from birth to 3.5 years were used to examine growth trajectory using linear spline multilevel models. Five knot points were identified at visit 2 (0.5 months), visit 4 (2 months), visit 5 (4.5 months), visit 8 (18 months) and visit 9 (25 months). Ethnic disparities in growth trajectories between these two groups were revealed in models adjusted for birth weight, sex and level of socioeconomic disadvantage. Children of Chinese-born compared with Australian-born mothers revealed different growth rates and significant differences in predicted mean body mass index Z score (zBMI) at all time points from birth to 44 months, except for 12 months. Specifically, when compared with children of Australian-born mothers, children of Chinese-born mothers started with lower predicted zBMI from birth until 0.5 months, had a higher zBMI from 1 to 8 months and a lower zBMI from 12 to 44 months. Early and sharp acceleration of growth was also observed for children of Chinese-born mothers (0.5–2 months) when compared with children of Australian-born mothers (2–18 months). Differences in growth trajectories exist between young children of Chinese-born and Australian-born mothers. Better understanding of these ethnically patterned growth trajectories is important for identifying key opportunities to promote healthy growth in early life.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 19-10-2011
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 06-11-2013
DOI: 10.1111/J.2047-6310.2013.00201.X
Abstract: Childhood obesity has been increasing over decades and scalable, population-wide solutions are urgently needed to reverse this trend. Evidence is emerging that community-based approaches can reduce unhealthy weight gain in children. In some countries, such as Australia, the prevalence of childhood obesity appears to be flattening, suggesting that some population-wide changes may be underway. A community-based intervention project for obesity prevention in a rural town appears to have increasing effects 3 years after the end of the project, substantially reducing overweight and obesity by 6% points in new cohorts of children, 6 years after the original baseline. An apparent and unanticipated 'spillover' of effects into the surrounding region appeared to have occurred with 10%-point reductions in childhood overweight and obesity over the same time period. A 'viral-like' spread of obesity prevention efforts may be becoming possible and an increase in endogenous community activities appears to be surprisingly successful in reducing childhood obesity prevalence. The long-term evaluations of community-based childhood obesity prevention interventions are needed to determine their sustainability and scalability. To measure the impacts of the successful Be Active Eat Well (BAEW) programme in Victoria, Australia (2003-2006), 3 years after the programme finished (2009). A serial cross-sectional study of children in six intervention and 10 comparison primary schools in 2003 (n = 1674, response rate 47%) and 2009 (n = 1281, response rate 37%). Height, weight, lunch box audits, self-reported behaviours and economic investment in obesity prevention were measured. Compared with 2003, the 2009 prevalence of overweight/obesity (World Health Organization criteria) was significantly lower (P < 0.001) in both intervention (39.2% vs. 32.8%) and comparison (39.6% vs. 29.1%) areas, as was the mean standardized body mass index (0.79 vs. 0.65, 0.77 vs. 0.57, respectively) with no significant differences between areas. Some behaviours improved and a few deteriorated with any group differences favouring the comparison area. In 2009, the investment in obesity prevention in intervention schools was about 30 000 Australian dollars (AUD) per school per year, less than half the amount during BAEW. By contrast, the comparison schools increased from a very low base to over 66 000 AUD per school per year in 2009. The 8%-point reduction in overweight/obesity in both areas over 6 years from baseline to 3 years post-intervention was substantial. While the benefits of BAEW increased in the intervention community in the long term, the surrounding communities appeared to have more than caught up in programme investments and health gains, suggesting a possible 'viral spread' of obesity prevention actions across the wider region.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 25-07-2012
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 07-2016
DOI: 10.1111/JPC.13183
Abstract: Chronic health conditions are associated with poor academic outcomes. This study examines the relationship between health conditions, specialist health service utilisation and academic performance in Australian children. This was a quasi-longitudinal study where School Entrant Health Questionnaire (a survey tool with parent report on children's health) data for 24 678 children entering school in 2008 was matched with the 2011 National Assessment Program - Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN). Linear and logistic regressions were used to examine associations between health conditions, use of a specialist health service and reading and numeracy scores. The study comprised 24 678 children. Children with allergies, very low birth weight, developmental delay, diabetes, spina bifida, cystic fibrosis, birth abnormality, speech problems, intellectual disability and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder had lower numeracy scores than those without any of these conditions (P < 0.05). The same children had higher odds (1.2-5.8) of being at or below the national minimum standard for numeracy. Children with developmental delay, epilepsy, dental problems, speech, intellectual disabilities and low birth weight had lower reading scores than those without these conditions (P < 0.05) and had higher odds of being at (odds ratio: 1.3) or below (odds ratio: 3.7) the national minimum standard for reading. Children with health conditions who had ever accessed specialist health services did not differ in their academic performance from those that had not used specialist health services. Some health conditions put children at risk of poorer academic performance, and interventions to prevent this such as appropriate support services in schools should be considered.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 2008
DOI: 10.1080/02699050802060647
Abstract: To determine the type and severity of challenging behaviours among a cohort of brain-injured persons referred to a community-based behaviour management service and to determine whether different behaviour profiles were associated with aetiology of brain injury. A s le of clients (n = 190) referred to the ABI Behaviour Consultancy for assessment and treatment of challenging behaviours was evaluated using the Overt Behaviour Scale (OBS) and other measures of disability and support needs. The most common challenging behaviour categories were, in order of frequency: verbal aggression, inappropriate social behaviours and lack of initiation. Clients typically exhibited four categories of challenging behaviour and multiple kinds of the behaviours represented by each category. There was some evidence of differences in occurrence of specific behaviours associated with aetiology of brain injury, particularly for hypoxia and alcohol-related brain injury. A systematic assessment of challenging behaviours in community settings has revealed the profiles of broad behavioural disturbance that can occur following ABI. Assessing the breadth of disturbance is important in understanding a client's presentation and thus planning appropriate behaviour management interventions.
No related grants have been discovered for Peter Kremer.