ORCID Profile
0000-0001-6101-6709
Current Organisation
Deakin University
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Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 07-11-2019
DOI: 10.1186/S12937-019-0495-6
Abstract: Diet is a key risk factor for chronic disease, and an increasing concern among older adults. We aim to examine the changes in dietary patterns using principal component analysis and a diet quality index among older adults and examine the predictors of dietary change over a 4 year period. Data was obtained via a postal survey in a prospective cohort, the Wellbeing Eating and Exercise for a Long Life (WELL) study. Australian adults aged 55 years and over ( n = 1005 men and n = 1106 women) completed a food frequency at three time points and provided self-reported personal characteristics. Principal component analysis was used to assess dietary patterns and diet quality was assessed using the 2013 Revised Dietary Guideline Index. The relationships between predictors and change in dietary patterns were assessed by multiple linear regression. Two dietary patterns were consistently identified in men and women at three time points over 4 years. One was characterised by vegetables, fruit and white meat, and the other was characterised by red and processed meat and processed foods. Reduced consumption of key food groups within the principal component analysis-determined dietary patterns was observed. An increase in diet quality over 4 years was observed in men only. Reported higher education levels and favourable lifestyle characteristics, including not smoking and physical activity, at baseline predicted an increase in healthier dietary patterns over 4 years. There was stability in the main dietary patterns identified over time, however participants reported an overall decrease in the frequency of consumption of key food groups. Compliance with the Australian Dietary Guidelines remained poor and therefore targeting this population in nutritional initiatives is important. Design of nutrition promotion for older adults need to consider those with lower socioeconomic status, as having a lower level of education was a predictor of poorer dietary patterns. It is important to consider how nutrition behaviours can be targeted alongside other lifestyle behaviours, such as smoking and inadequate physical activity to improve health.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 29-02-2016
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 11-03-2016
DOI: 10.3390/NU8030160
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 31-03-2022
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 04-12-2022
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 26-05-2022
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 25-01-2023
DOI: 10.1186/S13030-022-00259-W
Abstract: Evidence suggests that up to 30% of cancer patients may meet the criteria for adjustment disorder. However, no assessment instruments have been validated for use with cancer patients. The Adjustment Disorder New Module (ADNM)-8 and ADNM-4 are brief screening tools for adjustment disorder mapped directly to the new ICD-11 criteria. The aim of this study was to investigate the factor structure and validity of both instruments in an Australian s le of adult oncology patients. A total of 405 participants with a cancer diagnosis were recruited online from across Australia. Participants reported cancer-specific information, such as time since diagnosis, treatment stage, cancer stage, type of cancer, and the following questionnaires: 8-item Adjustment Disorder New Module (ADNM-8), the World Health Organisation Well-Being Index (WHO-5), and the short form Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21). The predictiveness of stressors was assessed using multiple regression analysis and the structure of the ADNM-8 and the ADNM-4 was tested using confirmatory factor analysis. Six previously tested models were examined, and the results suggested a 2-factor structure reflecting the two ICD-11 diagnostic criteria clusters of preoccupation with the stressor and failure to adapt was a good fit for both scales. The ADNM-4 outperformed the longer version of the scale on numerous fit indices though the ADNM-8 and ADNM-4 were highly correlated. Correlations of both scales with the psychological distress scale, the stress subscale, and the wellbeing index indicated good construct validity. Our results suggest that the ADNM-8 and ADNM-4 are useful screening tools for assessing adjustment disorder symptoms in cancer patients. The prompt screening of cancer patients encourages early intervention for those at risk of adaptation difficulties and informs research and clinical decisions regarding appropriate treatments.
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 25-09-2019
DOI: 10.1017/S0007114519002435
Abstract: Studies have examined the association between depressive symptoms and dietary patterns however, only few studies focused on older adults. The present study examines the association between current and past dietary patterns and depression in a community-dwelling adult population aged 55 years and over. Adults ( n 4082) were recruited into the Wellbeing, Eating and Exercise for a Long Life study in Victoria, Australia. In 2010 and 2014, data were collected using self-administered questionnaires including a 111-item FFQ, the RAND thirty-six-item Short Form Health Survey of health-related quality of life and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Geriatric Depression Scale in 2014. Current (2014) and past (2010) dietary patterns were determined using principal component analysis. Association between dietary patterns and depressive symptoms was assessed using a mixed model analysis with adjustment for covariates. Two similar dietary patterns were identified in men and women ( n 2142). In women, a healthy dietary pattern (characterised by frequent intake of vegetables, fruits and fish) was associated with lower levels of depressive symptoms (current diet: β = −0·260, 95 % CI −0·451, −0·070 past diet: β = −0·201, 95 % CI −0·390, −0·013). A current unhealthy dietary pattern in women (characterised by frequent intake of red and processed meat, potatoes, hot chips, cakes, deserts and ice cream) was associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms ( β = 1·367, 95 % CI 0·679, 2·056). No associations were identified in men. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and to understand the differences that may occur by sex.
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 18-07-2013
DOI: 10.1017/S1368980013001924
Abstract: To determine the diet quality of a group of young adults and explore its associations with two food-related behaviours (involvement in meal preparation and consumption of commercially prepared meals). Cross-sectional study of young adults. S le characteristics, food-related behaviours and dietary intake were assessed using a self-administered questionnaire including an FFQ. Diet quality was measured using the fifteen-item Dietary Guideline Index (DGI) designed to assess adherence to Australian dietary guidelines. One-way ANOVA, t tests and multiple linear regression analyses were used to explore the relationships between DGI scores, s le characteristics and food-related behaviours. University students enrolled in an undergraduate nutrition class, Melbourne, Australia. Students ( n 309) aged 18–36 years. The DGI score was normally distributed, with a mean score of 93·4 ( sd 17·1) points (range 51·9–127·4 points), out of a possible score of 150 points. In multivariate analyses adjusted for age, sex, nationality, BMI and maternal education, cooking meals for oneself was positively associated with DGI score ( β = 0·15 95 % CI 1·15, 10·03 P = 0·01) frequency of takeaway and frequency of convenience meal consumption were inversely associated with DGI score ( β = −0·21 95 % CI −9·96, −2·32 P = 0·002 and β = −0·16 95 % CI −7·40, −0·97 P 0·01, respectively). Cooking meals for oneself was linked to higher diet quality among young adults, while consumption of commercially prepared meals was associated with poorer diet quality. Maintaining education programmes that promote cooking skills within young adults has the potential to improve DGI scores.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2017
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 05-02-2015
DOI: 10.3390/NU7021094
Publisher: PeerJ
Date: 22-11-2022
DOI: 10.7717/PEERJ.14382
Abstract: Cancer is a long-term condition with biopsychosocial components. People with cancer living in rural areas can have poorer treatment outcomes and higher rates of unmet psychosocial needs than those in urban areas. Cancer, as opposed to other chronic conditions, poses a unique challenge in this current COVID-19 pandemic context, given immunocompromised states of patients and long-term survivor treatment effects. The disaggregated impact of psychosocial issues potentiated by the pandemic on rural vs . urban cancer populations is yet to be quantified. This rapid review investigates whether (i) people with cancer are experiencing pandemic-related psychosocial impacts, (ii) these impacts are equivalent in urban and rural locations, and (iii) whether the rapid uptake of telehealth mitigates or reinforces any identified impacts. A rapid review was conducted for literature published between December 2019 and 13 August 2021. Fifteen papers were included, incorporating evidence from five countries. The available literature suggests people affected by cancer living in rural areas are evidencing disproportionate psychosocial impacts of COVID-19, compounding cancer experiences. Despite its widespread and necessary use during the pandemic, telehealth was identified as an additional challenge for rural people with cancer. Clinicians working with rural people affected by cancer should ensure recognition of the greater risks of psychosocial concerns in their rural patients, and reduced access to health services. Whilst telehealth and other remote technologies are useful and necessary in this pandemic era, clinicians should consider whether its use benefits their rural clients or reinforces existing disparities.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2017
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.APPET.2016.03.015
Abstract: The 'taste of food' plays an important role in food choice. Furthermore, foods high in fat, sugar and salt are highly palatable and associated with increased food consumption. Research exploring taste importance on dietary choice, behaviour and intake is limited, particularly in young adults. Therefore, in this study a total of 1306 Australian university students completed questionnaires assessing dietary behaviors (such as how important taste was on food choice) and frequency of food consumption over the prior month. Diet quality was also assessed using a dietary guideline index. Participants had a mean age of 20 ± 5 years, Body Mass Index (BMI) of 22 ± 3 kg/m(2), 79% were female and 84% Australian. Taste was rated as being a very or extremely important factor for food choice by 82% of participants. Participants who rated taste as highly important, had a poorer diet quality (p = 0.001) and were more likely to consume less fruit (p = 0.03) and vegetables (p = 0.05). Furthermore, they were significantly more likely to consume foods high in fat, sugar and salt, including chocolate and confectionary, cakes and puddings, sweet pastries, biscuits, meat pies, pizza, hot chips, potato chips, takeaway meals, soft drink, cordial and fruit juice (p = 0.001-0.02). They were also more likely to consider avoiding adding salt to cooking (p = 0.02) and adding sugar to tea or coffee (p = 0.01) as less important for health. These findings suggest that the importance in iduals place on taste plays an important role in influencing food choice, dietary behaviors and intake.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 30-05-2023
DOI: 10.1111/INM.13178
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 26-08-2021
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 15-04-2023
DOI: 10.1007/S11069-023-05964-5
Abstract: Despite the increased risk of disasters in the Bangladesh, there is a dearth of research about women’s physical and mental health vulnerability following disasters. This study aimed to explore the physical and mental health status and associated risk factors of women in recurrent disaster-affected areas of Bangladesh. Participants ( N = 408) were recruited using systematic random s ling from two purposively selected disaster-prone areas (Upazilas of Sagata and Sarankhola) , using a structured questionnaire conducted in person. Physical and mental health status was assessed using the health Short Form 12 (SF-12) measure that is comprised of both physical health (PCS-12) and mental health (MCS-12) subscales. Of the 408 participants, the mean scores on PCS-12 and MCS-12 subscales were 43.85 ± 28.04 and 37.70 ± 27.29, respectively, which were strongly correlated, r = .71, p .001. Overall, 65.9% and 63.0% of total participants scored below the validated cut-off of PCS-12 and MCS-12 subscales which indicates both poor physical and mental health. The results indicated that physical and mental health were significantly poorer for the participants who witnessed casualties, lost family members or relatives, were relocated to shelters and sacrificed food during disasters. Moreover, poorer mental health scores were identified among participants who were physically injured and/or consulted a medical practitioner during or after the disaster. Accurate health knowledge is crucial for adequate and effective disaster preparation to decrease the health impacts on women in disaster-prone areas of Bangladesh. Research in this area is needed, and strategies to improve the public health status of women are warranted.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 20-10-2022
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2015
DOI: 10.1016/J.EXGER.2015.01.047
Abstract: This study investigated associations between diet quality measures and quality of life two years later. Adults 55-65 years participating in the Wellbeing, Eating and Exercise for a Long Life (WELL) study in Victoria, Australia (n = 1150 men and n = 1307 women) completed a postal survey including a 111-item food frequency questionnaire in 2010. Diet quality in 2010 was assessed via the dietary guideline index (DGI), recommended food score (RFS) and Mediterranean diet score (MDS). The RAND 36-item survey assessed health-related quality of life in 2012. Associations were assessed using logistic regression adjusted for covariates. In men, DGI and RFS were associated with better reported energy (OR = 1.79, CI: 1.25, 2.55 and OR = 1.56, CI: 1.11, 2.19 respectively), and DGI was additionally associated with better general health (OR = 1.54, 95% CI: 1.08, 2.20), and overall mental component summary scale (OR = 1.51, CI: 1.07, 2.15) in the fully adjusted model. In women, associations between two indices of diet quality (DGI, RFS) physical function (OR = 1.66, CI: 1.19, 2.31 and OR = 1.70, CI: 1.21, 2.37 respectively) and general health (OR = 1.83, CI: 1.32, 2.54 and OR = 1.54, CI: 1.11, 2.14 respectively) were observed. DGI was also associated with overall physical component summary score (OR = 1.56, CI: 1.12, 2.17). Additional associations between emotional wellbeing and DGI (OR = 1.40, CI: 1.01, 1.93) and RFS (OR = 1.44, CI: 1.04, 1.99), and MDS and energy (OR = 1.53, CI: 1.11, 2.10) were observed in the fully adjusted model, in women only. Older adults with better quality diets report better health-related quality of life, with additional associations with emotional wellbeing observed in women.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 28-08-2023
DOI: 10.1111/JAN.15838
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 04-10-2021
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2014
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 14-02-2023
DOI: 10.1177/00207640231152752
Abstract: Recovery concepts were conceived by, and for, people living with mental health issues. Practitioners are key in translating recovery principles into action. Therefore, practitioners’ perceptions should be routinely assessed to facilitate in-service training, professional development, and curriculum redesign. To explore practitioners’ and trainees’ current perspectives regarding the concept of recovery. The study used a qualitative exploratory design with in-depth interviews to explore ten fully trained practitioners and eight trainees’ perspectives on recovery. The findings revealed a shared understanding of recovery among practitioners and trainees. Many responses explained recovery as a process involving internal and external conditions, however, some revealed medically oriented perspectives and/or were unclear about recovery terminologies. There is convergence and growing acceptance of the recovery practice principles among practitioners and trainees. However, the results suggest that the recovery principles/terminologies have not yet been universally adopted. Continuous training on recovery principles is needed, incorporating emerging terminologies and principles. Also, education providers are encouraged to continue to review their training to incorporate emerging issues and trends in recovery-oriented practice. Finally, research is needed to enhance the development and delivery of recovery-focused practice.
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 06-2022
DOI: 10.3389/FEDUC.2022.818077
Abstract: Competency-based professional psychology training is now common practice in many countries. An implication of competency-based training is the need to assess practitioner competence across multiple domains of practice however, standardized measures of competence are limited. In Australia, currently there is no standardized, quantitative measure of professional competencies at registered psychologist level. The absence of a measure has implications for education, training, practice, and research in professional psychology. To address this gap, this article provides a conceptual overview of the utility and development of the Competencies of Professional Psychology Rating scales (COPPR), including the process of initial pre-test, pilot, and review. This developmental process resulted in the thematic identification of competencies within 11 domains of practice, and the creation of both COPPR-Self report and COPPR-Observer report versions. The pre-test provided content validity for the COPPR, and the initial results of the pilot test suggest strong convergent and ergent validity. The measure differentiated between novice and experienced practitioners, suggesting the scale is appropriate for use across career stages. The COPPR scales address the need for a standardized and quantitative measure across multiple domains of practice at registered psychologist level in Australia. The COPPR scales are intended to have utility across professional psychology student and supervisee performance evaluation, self-reflection for psychologists in practice, educational evaluation at professional psychology level, and various research contexts.
No related grants have been discovered for Maree G Mead.