Rachel Thorpe

Sleep disordered breathing in chronic stroke survivors. A study of the long term follow-up of the SCOPES cohort using home based polysomnography

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 08-2005

DOI: 10.1016/J.JOCN.2004.08.014

Abstract: Prevalence of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) (apnea-hypopnea index [AHI] > or = 5) in acute stroke patients ranges between 44% and 95%, compared to the community prevalence, 9 to 35% for women and 8 to 57% for men [age range 30-60 years]. Limited data exists beyond 3 months following stroke. We assessed the prevalence of SDB amongst stroke survivors at 3 years and compared results to data reported in normal and elderly populations. 90/143 eligible stroke survivors from an existing cohort underwent a home based sleep study. Mean age of the 78 subjects with a valid sleep study was 64 years (SD 15). Prevalence of SDB (AHI > or = 5) was 81% (95% CI 72% to 90%) and sleep apnoea syndrome (AHI > or = 5 plus ESS score > or =11) was 20% (95% CI 11% to 29%). Important predictors for AHI > or = 15 were haemorrhagic stroke (aOR12.06 [1.42-102.74]) and stroke severity at 1 month (aOR4.15 [1.05-16.38]). Large case-control studies are needed.

No increase in HIV or sexually transmissible infection testing following a social marketing campaign among men who have sex with men

Publisher: BMJ

Date: 29-01-2009

DOI: 10.1136/JECH.2008.077099

Abstract: A social marketing c aign ran in 2004 in the Victoria to increase rates of HIV/sexually transmissible infection (STI) testing among men having sex with men (MSM). To evaluate the initiative data from HIV sentinel surveillance, laboratory data on testing for HIV/STIs and STI/HIV testing uptake reported in annual surveys were analysed. The sentinel surveillance network showed no increase in the overall extent of HIV testing and no difference in the proportion of MSM reporting regular annual HIV testing during the c aign (43%) and post c aign (41%). The annual behavioural surveys showed that between 2004 and 2006 there was no significant increase in this overall proportion of MSM reporting having an HIV test in the last 12 months (p = 0.96). The behavioural surveys also showed an increasing trend in the proportion reporting specific STI tests over time: anal swab (26% to 39%, p<or=0.01) and urine test (42% to 50%, p<or=0.01) and there was a steady increase in the amount of STI testing at the clinics detected through the laboratory reports: chlamydia (average increment of 6.4 tests per month, p<0.01), gonorrhoea (6.5 tests per month, p<or=0.01) and syphilis (4.0 tests per month, p<or=0.01) but it began at least 2 years before the c aign and was not accelerated during the c aign. Based on a range of indicators there was no evidence that the c aign increased HIV/STI testing. These findings highlight the importance of evaluating public health c aigns to assess their impact to ensure that they are modified if no impact is identified.

Donor and non‐donor perspectives on receiving information from routine genomic testing of donor blood

Publisher: Wiley

Date: 07-12-2023

DOI: 10.1111/TRF.17215

Abstract: Genomic testing is already used by blood collection agencies (BCAs) to identify rare blood types and ensure the best possible matching of blood. With ongoing technological developments, broader applications, such as the identification of genetic markers relevant to blood donor health, will become feasible. However, the perspectives of blood donors (and potential blood donors) on routine genomic testing of donor blood are under‐researched. Eight online Focus Groups were conducted: four with donors and four with non‐donors. Participants were presented with three hypothetical scenarios about the current and possible future applications of genomic testing: Performing rare blood type testing identifying donors with genetic markers associated with iron metabolism and identifying donors with genetic markers associated with bowel cancer. Testing to identify rare blood types was perceived to be an appropriate application for the BCA to undertake, while identifying markers associated with iron metabolism and cancer genetic markers were only partially supported. Participants raised concerns about the boundaries of acceptable testing and the implications of testing for privacy, data security, and health insurance. Perspectives of donors and non‐donors on all scenarios were similar. The principles of who benefits from genomic testing and the perceived role of BCAs were key in shaping participants' perspectives. Participants generally agreed that testing should be directly related to blood donation or be of benefit to the recipient or donor. Findings indicate that consent and communication are key to the acceptability of current and expanded genomic testing.

It is about who you know (and how you help them): Insights from staff and donors about how to recruit and retain a panel of committed anti‐D donors

Publisher: Wiley

Date: 09-01-2022

DOI: 10.1111/VOX.13242

Abstract: Maintaining a panel of committed anti‐D donors is crucial for the production of anti‐D immunoglobulin to prevent haemolytic disease of the foetus and newborn. Given low numbers of donors in the Australian panel, there is a need to better understand motivators and barriers specific to anti‐D donors. A qualitative approach was used to gather perspectives of staff and current anti‐D donors in Australia. Focus groups were held with staff involved with the anti‐D programme. An asynchronous online discussion forum and interviews were conducted with donors. All data were coded using deductive and inductive thematic analysis. Staff stressed the importance of recruiting donors who met their own informal criteria as well as the formal selection criteria in order to maximize the chances of donors committing to making regular plasma donations. In contrast, donors were motivated by having a personal connection to anti‐D, the recipient group and being eligible to join the programme. Support from staff and understanding the value of their donations also helped donors overcome concerns about the risks of joining the programme and reduced barriers to remaining in the programme. Anti‐D donors in Australia are motivated by multiple factors, including knowing who the recipient is, and dedicated staff are integral to building donors' commitment through education and support. Findings suggest the current approach to recruitment could be broadened to include all donors who meet formal selection criteria, with retention enhanced by reinforcing and rewarding the motives identified by donors for donating.

Understanding Mothers' Experiences of Being Ineligible to Donate Their Milk to a Not-for-Profit Milk Bank

Publisher: Mary Ann Liebert Inc

Date: 02-2023

DOI: 10.1089/BFM.2022.0207

Growing evidence supports healthy older people continuing to donate blood into later life

Publisher: Wiley

Date: 04-2019

DOI: 10.1111/TRF.15237

“Please help us with important research”: A retrospective analysis examining the impact of research invitation and participation on subsequent blood donor behavior

Publisher: Wiley

Date: 09-09-2022

DOI: 10.1111/TRF.17078

Abstract: As over-communication can negatively impact consumer behavior, it is important to understand the impact of research communication on donors' future donation behavior. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of (i) being invited to participate in research, and (ii) participating in that research, on future donation behavior. A retrospective cohort analysis was conducted with 36,418 donors who were invited to participate in one of 17 research projects, and a matched control group of 36,252 non-invited donors. Poisson regression models were used to examine the associations between invitation or participation in the studies and the likelihood of creating an appointment to donate and attending an appointment at 1, 3, and 6 months. Donors were significantly more likely to create an appointment within 14 days of receiving an invitation compared to controls (RR: 1.91, 95% CI 1.81-2.02), and to return to donate at 1 (RR:1.18, 95% CI 1.13-1.24), 3 (RR:1.10, 95% CI 1.07-1.13) and 6 (RR:1.11, 95% CI 1.09-1.13) months compared to non-invited controls. Donors who participated in the research were more likely to return than control donors at all time points, while donors who were invited but did not participate were also likely to return more at 1 month (RR:1.06, 95% CI 1.00-1.11) and 6 months (RR:1.03, 95% CI 1.00-1.5) than non-invited controls. Our findings suggest that research participation is positively associated with future donor behavior and provides reassurance that contacting donors for research does not negatively impact blood collections.

Prevalence of blood donation eligibility in Australia: A population survey

Publisher: Wiley

Date: 18-07-2023

DOI: 10.1111/TRF.17474

Abstract: Reliable estimates of the population proportion eligible to donate blood are needed by blood collection agencies to model the likely impact of changes in eligibility criteria and inform targeted population‐level education, recruitment, and retention strategies. In Australia, the sole estimate was calculated 10+ years ago. With several subsequent changes to the eligibility criteria, an updated estimate is required. We conducted a cross‐sectional national population survey to estimate eligibility for blood donation. Respondents were aged 18+ and resident in Australia. Results were weighted to obtain a representative s le of the population. Estimated population prevalence of blood donation eligibility for those aged 18–74 was 57.3% (95% CI 55.3–59.3). The remaining 42.7% (95% CI 40.7–44.7) were either temporarily (25.3%, 95% CI 23.5–27.2) or permanently ineligible (17.4%, 95% CI 16.1–18.9). Of those eligible at the time of the survey, that is, with the UK geographic deferral for variant Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease included, (52.9%, 95% CI 50.8–54.9), 14.2% (95% CI 12.3–16.3) reported donating blood within the previous 2 years. Eligibility was higher among men (62.6%, 95% CI 59.6–65.6) than women (52.8%, 95% CI 50.1–55.6). The most common exclusion factor was iron deficiency/anemia within the last 6 months 3.8% (95% CI 3.2–4.6) of the s le were ineligible due to this factor alone. We estimate that approximately 10.5 million people (57.3% of 18–74‐year‐olds) are eligible to donate blood in Australia. Only 14.2% of those eligible at the time of survey reported donating blood within the previous 2 years, indicating a large untapped pool of potentially eligible blood donors.

Sex and the (older) single girl: Experiences of sex and dating in later life

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 04-2015

DOI: 10.1016/J.JAGING.2015.02.002

Abstract: This study explored the sexual subjectivities of older Australian women. In this article we present findings from 15 qualitative interviews with Australian women aged 55-81 who were single at the time of interview. The majority of these women were single following orce or separation, with a smaller number of women who were widowed or never in a long-term relationship. We found that these women's sexual desire and sexual activity were fluid and erse across their life course. Although some participants desired a romantic or sexual relationship, they were also protective of their independence and reluctant to re-enter into a relationship in later life. Our findings indicate that these women's sexual subjectivities were shaped by dominant norms of ageing, sex, and gender. At the same time, older women are challenging and resisting these norms, and beginning to renegotiate sexuality in later life.

Still willing and able to contribute: donor perspectives on donating blood in later life

Publisher: Wiley

Date: 15-04-2021

DOI: 10.1111/VOXS.12634

Abstract: With greater numbers of Australians living longer with healthier lives, older adults could make a greater contribution to whole‐blood and plasma donor panels. Understanding the experiences and attitudes of middle‐aged to older Australians towards blood donation may provide opportunities to develop strategies to engage, recruit and retain older donors. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 34 donors aged 50 and over with ersity of donation experiences and age at which they first donated. The interviews focussed on becoming and remaining a donor, donating in later life and intentions to continue donating. For some older people, being a blood donor is an important social role associated with a sense of themselves as healthy, knowledgeable and able to make a valuable contribution to the community. The majority of participants believed that age should not be a barrier to continued donation and that eligibility should be based on health and not age. Older donors intend to continue to donate for as long as they are eligible or until they perceive themselves ineligible. Recommendations are provided for strategies to engage with older donors.

Trends in antiretroviral treatment use and treatment response in three Australian states in the first decade of combination antiretroviral treatment

Publisher: CSIRO Publishing

Date: 2008

DOI: 10.1071/SH07082

Abstract: Objectives: To determine if there were any differences in antiretroviral treatment (ART) use across the three eastern states of Australia, New South Wales (NSW), Victoria and Queensland, during the period 1997 to 2006. Methods: We used data from a clinic-based cohort, the Australian HIV Observational Database (AHOD), to determine the proportion of HIV-infected patients on ART in selected clinics in each state and the proportion of treated patients with an undetectable viral load. Data from the national Highly Specialised Drugs program and AHOD were used to estimate total numbers of in iduals on ART and the proportion of in iduals living with HIV on ART nationally and by state. Data from the HIV Futures Survey and the Gay Community Periodic Survey were used to determine the proportion of community-based men who have sex with men on ART. The proportion of patients with primary HIV infection (PHI) who commenced ART within 1 year of diagnosis was obtained from the Acute Infection and Early Disease Research Program (AIEDRP) CORE01 protocol and Primary HIV and Early Disease Research: Australian Cohort (PHAEDRA) cohorts. Results: We estimated that the numbers of in iduals on ART increased from 3181 to 4553 in NSW, 1309 to 1926 in Victoria and 809 to 1615 in Queensland between 2000 and 2006. However, these numbers may reflect a lower proportion of in iduals living with HIV on ART in NSW compared with the other states (37% compared with 49 and 55% in 2000). We found similar proportions of HIV-positive men who have sex with men participants were on ART in all three states over the study period in the clinic-based AHOD cohort (81–92%) and two large, community-based surveys in Australia (69–85% and 49–83%). Similar proportions of treated patients had an undetectable viral load across the three states, with a consistently increasing trend over time observed in all states. We found that more PHI patients commenced treatment in the first year following HIV diagnosis in NSW compared with Victoria however, the s le size was very small. Conclusions: For the most part, patterns of ART use were similar across NSW, Victoria and Queensland using a range of available data from cohort studies, community surveys and national prescription databases in Australia. However, there may be a lower proportion of in iduals living with HIV on ART in NSW compared with the other states, and there is some indication of a more aggressive treatment approach with PHI patients in NSW compared with Victoria.

Achieving a hepatitis C cure: a qualitative exploration of the experiences and meanings of achieving a hepatitis C cure using the direct acting antivirals in Australia

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Date: 04-08-2018

DOI: 10.1186/S41124-018-0036-5

Understanding donation frequency: insights from current plasma donors

Publisher: Wiley

Date: 17-12-2020

DOI: 10.1111/VOX.12861

Abstract: Encouraging existing plasma donors to donate more frequently is a key objective for blood donation services committed to expanding yield through voluntary non-remunerated plasmapheresis donation. This requires an understanding of donors' perspectives on their current donation practice and how this relates to their knowledge and beliefs about the need for plasma. To explore this, Australian plasma donors were interviewed about how they arrived at the frequency at which they donate. Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with 105 Australian plasmapheresis donors. Key themes identified were as follows: fitting donation into busy lives and how ideas about being an ongoing donor and the institutional context shaped their perspective on frequency perceptions of the impact of donation on health and wanting to make a greater contribution. Experienced plasma donors work to maintain a donation practice in the context of busy lives often by adopting a flexible approach to donation frequency. Their knowledge of the contribution their donations make is key to their continued donation, yet most identified constraints to donating more frequently. Health concerns were a particular concern for some, and more research is needed to understand donors' perspectives on the impact of donating on their health.

Homosexual men in Australia: population, distributionand HIV prevalence

Publisher: CSIRO Publishing

Date: 2008

DOI: 10.1071/SH07080

Abstract: Objectives: To assess the size, distribution and changes in the population of homosexual and bisexual men in Australia, and the capacity of available measures to make this estimation. Methods: We used data from five sources: the Australian Study of Health and Relationships, the Gay Community Periodic Surveys, HIV Futures, the Health in Men cohort study, the Australian National HIV and AIDS Registries and the Australian Household Census. Results: We estimated that in 2001 there were ~74 000 homosexual and bisexual men in New South Wales (NSW), ~42 000 in Victoria and ~37 000 in Queensland. There was, however, some discrepancy between datasets in the estimates of the overall proportions and distribution of homosexual and bisexual men across states. We also estimated HIV prevalence rates among homosexual and bisexual men in 2001 at ~8% in NSW, 5% in Victoria and 4% in Queensland. There were insufficient data to estimate whether the state-specific populations of homosexual men were changing with time. Conclusion: There are ~75% more homosexual and bisexual men in NSW than in Victoria and about twice as many as in Queensland. There are about two-thirds as many HIV-positive men in NSW as in Victoria and Queensland combined. Improved collection of population-based data on homosexuality are required.

Ageing with HIV: Health and psychosocial well-being of older gay men

Publisher: Informa UK Limited

Date: 16-07-2010

DOI: 10.1080/09540121003668086

Abstract: Since the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy, people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) are living longer, into older age, and therefore presenting a host of new challenges for health and social service providers. However, not all PLWHA are likely to experience similar transitions into older age. In particular, research has yet to fully investigate the health and psychosocial well-being of older HIV-positive gay men. Drawing from an Australian population-based s le of 693 HIV-positive gay men, the present study assesses the overall health and well-being of this older group compared to their younger counterparts. While older men reported greater comorbidity and were more likely to be living in poverty, other health and well-being indicators suggest this group to be coping comparatively well as they continue to age with HIV. These findings provide new directions for meeting the present and future needs and challenges of older HIV-positive gay men.

Hidden boundaries and shared meanings: the roles of researcher characteristics and cultural norms in shaping understandings of sexuality in the unstructured interview setting

Publisher: Informa UK Limited

Date: 31-07-2017

DOI: 10.1080/13645579.2017.1350016

Gender differences in patterns of HIV service use in a national sample of HIV-positive Australians

Publisher: Informa UK Limited

Date: 05-2008

DOI: 10.1080/09540120701868329

Abstract: There have been clear gender differences in the experience of living with HIV in Australia since the start of the epidemic. This paper examines the patterns of health service use and experiences at those services over a period of six years. The results reported here are drawn from the HIV Futures surveys, four consecutive national, cross-sectional Australian surveys of the lives of PLWHA. Women were found to use different medical services to men both for non HIV-related and HIV-related treatment, being more likely to use generalist services and hospital-based HIV specialists. Women also reported higher rates of discrimination at health services, however reports of new incidences of discrimination were found to decrease from 2001 onwards. Although women reported higher levels of unwanted disclosure of HIV status than men, particularly by health care workers, new reports of unwanted disclosure decreased between 2003 and 2005. These data indicate that there are long-term gender differences in medical service use by PLWHA in Australia, and that this has been associated with higher rates of discrimination and loss of confidentiality for women. However the decrease in new reports of discrimination over time indicates that improved education of health service providers has been successful.

Bringing new plasma donors back: testing the efficacy of telephone and e-mail communications with first-time donors

Publisher: Wiley

Date: 22-04-2020

DOI: 10.1111/TRF.15787

‘Stay at home and limit contact’: The impact of stay‐at‐home advice on the behavior of Australian donors aged 70 and over in the first year of the pandemic

Publisher: Wiley

Date: 07-10-2022

DOI: 10.1111/TRF.17120

Abstract: Early in the COVID‐19 pandemic, Australian donors aged 70 and over were advised to temporarily stop donating. The aim of this research was to understand the factors associated with some of these donors continuing to donate despite the advice, and whether adherence to the advice had negative implications for donor retention. Survey data from 2078 donors were analyzed to understand the factors associated with donating blood during the first 6 months of the pandemic, and the impact of following stay‐at‐home advice during the first 6 months of the pandemic on donor return 6–12 months into the pandemic. Panel data were used to gain an overview of donation behavior before, during, and after the initial phase of the pandemic. Donations by donors aged 70 and over decreased disproportionately to other age groups during the early stages of the pandemic. Sex, total donation count, awareness of stay‐at‐home advice from the Blood Collection Agency, the mode of receiving stay‐at‐home advice, donor risk perceptions and attitudes toward stay‐at‐home advice were associated with donation behavior in the first 6 months of the pandemic. Donors who did not donate in the first 6 months of the pandemic had lower odds of returning 6–12 months into the pandemic. Stay‐at‐home advice was partially successful in preventing older donors from donating however, more tailored communication approaches may have prevented more donors from donating. Implementation of stay‐at‐home advice should be accompanied by strategies to prevent ongoing donor lapse in the medium‐ to long‐term.

The vasovagal reaction experience among blood donors: A qualitative study of factors that affect donor return

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 08-2021

DOI: 10.1016/J.SOCSCIMED.2021.114142

HIV futures 8: Protocol for a repeated cross-sectional and longitudinal survey of people living with HIV in Australia

Publisher: Frontiers Media SA

Date: 22-03-2017

DOI: 10.3389/FPUBH.2017.00050

State of the (positive) nation: Findings from the fourth national Australian HIV futures survey

Publisher: SAGE Publications

Date: 09-2007

DOI: 10.1258/095646207781568510

Abstract: This paper characterises the health and wellbeing of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in Australia. The HIV Futures 4 Survey is a self-complete anonymous questionnaire distributed through multiple sites. Data were collected on health, clinical and social variables. There were 1059 responses, approximately 8% of the estimated HIV-positive population. Respondents were aged between 18 and 92 years and 77% were homosexual men. In total, 60% reported a viral load of copies/mL and 83% a CD4 count of over 250 cells/ μL. A total of 44% reported another major health condition and 35% a mental health condition. A total of 71% were using antiretroviral therapy. More than half of the respondents had stopped working because of HIV and 25% were living in poverty. In conclusion, adequate planning for the future of our response to HIV/AIDS relies in no small part on our access to detailed information about how the epidemic affects those with the virus.

Gone, but haven't forgotten: insights on plasmapheresis donation from lapsed donors

Publisher: Wiley

Date: 23-09-2020

DOI: 10.1111/VOX.13006

Blood donation and the global COVID‐19 pandemic: areas for social science research

Publisher: Wiley

Date: 20-07-2020

DOI: 10.1111/VOX.12974

Old and desirable: older women's accounts of ageing bodies in intimate relationships

Publisher: Informa UK Limited

Date: 29-09-2014

DOI: 10.1080/14681994.2014.959307

Sex, desire and pleasure: considering the experiences of older Australian women

Publisher: Informa UK Limited

Date: 18-07-2014

DOI: 10.1080/14681994.2014.936722

The role of identity in how whole-blood donors reflect on and construct their future as a plasma donor

Publisher: Wiley

Date: 29-07-2020

DOI: 10.1002/CASP.2429

University Of Tasmania

Location: Australia

View Organisation

Linkage Projects - Grant ID: LP220200819

Start Date: 2024

End Date: 12-2026

Amount: $395,486.00

Funder: Australian Research Council