ORCID Profile
0000-0002-3663-2451
Current Organisations
University of South Australia
,
University of Adelaide
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Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2017
DOI: 10.1016/J.APPET.2017.02.004
Abstract: Serious health complications associated with excessive weight have been documented for pregnant women and their babies during pregnancy, birth and beyond. Whilst research has focused on identifying particular foods that can be either detrimental or essential for the developing baby, pregnant women's food choices are likely determined by broader considerations. This study examined social influences as represented in reports of descriptive and injunctive social norms related to healthy eating during pregnancy, and in idual differences in mindfulness while eating, as important potential correlates of pregnant women's self-reported diet. Pregnant women (N = 139) completed a questionnaire that measured self-reported consumption of healthy and unhealthy foods, descriptive and injunctive norms related to healthy eating during pregnancy and the Mindful Eating Questionnaire (MEQ). Hierarchical multiple regressions were conducted to assess the extent to which norms and mindful eating accounted for variance in consumption of both foods. No significant associations were observed between perceived social norms related to diet during pregnancy and self-reported dietary behaviour. Mindful eating was found to play a role in pregnant women's eating behaviour, with the awareness subscale of the MEQ significantly associated with healthy eating and the emotional subscale associated with unhealthy eating. Age was also associated with consumption of unhealthy foods younger pregnant women reported consuming more unhealthy snacks and fast food meals. The associations between mindful eating and dietary behaviour suggests that improving mindfulness related to food consumption before and during pregnancy may provide a strategy to address excessive gestational weight gain.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 14-02-2022
DOI: 10.1007/S00520-022-06857-2
Abstract: To explore the experiences of people caring for someone with cancer, while living in rural Australia, and the impact of the cancer-caring role on their well-being. Eighteen adults in regional or remote (‘rural’) Australia who cared for a person with cancer took part in semi-structured telephone interviews. Participants were aged 32–77 years and mainly female (66%). Data were analysed using thematic analysis and an essentialist approach. Eight themes were identified: (1) travel is hard, but supports are available (2) frustration with systems that do not demonstrate understanding of the rural context (3) the importance of lay and peer support (4) the impact of access to trusted, local health care services (5) the importance of access to rurally relevant information (particularly on relevant services and what to expect) (6) living with uncertainty and balancing loss with hope (7) reluctance to seek or accept psychological support and (8) the gendered nature of care. Rural cancer carers’ roles can be made easier by improving health systems and coordination to ease the burden of travel, providing information about available support and what to expect throughout cancer treatment that is relevant to the rural context, and increasing access to quality health, community, and support services, including palliative care, in rural areas. More training on the specific needs of rural patients and their carers is needed for urban health care professionals. Peer support groups may have particular value for cancer carers in rural settings, where there are known to be multiple barriers to accessing professional sources of psychosocial support.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 19-05-2023
DOI: 10.1002/PON.6168
Abstract: To evaluate the psychometric properties of the Perceptions of Parental Illness Questionnaire for Cancer (PPIQ‐C) among adolescents and young adults (AYAs). A s le of 372 AYAs (aged 12–24 years) who had a parent diagnosed with cancer completed the PPIQ‐C and the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10). Exploratory factor analyses were conducted to examine the dimensional structure of the PPIQ‐C. Scale reliability was evaluated using Cronbach's alpha (α) and McDonald's omega (ω). Pearson correlation analyses were conducted to assess construct validity by examining correlations between PPIQ‐C subscale scores and K10 total scores. The PPIQ‐C is organised into three sections, each with a separate factor structure for items representing identity , core ( emotional representations , coherence , timeline , consequences , and controllability ), and cause dimensions of the Common‐Sense Model of Self‐Regulation. Exploratory factor analyses determined the structure of each section: identity items comprised two subscales (12 items), core items comprised 10 subscales (38 items), and cause items comprised three subscales (11 items). Scale reliability was acceptable for all subscales, except the cause subscale chance or luck attributions ( α = 0.665). Correlations between PPIQ‐C subscale scores and K10 total scores provided support for construct validity. Preliminary evidence suggests that the PPIQ‐C is a reliable, valid, and useful tool for assessing illness perceptions among AYAs with a parent with cancer. The PPIQ‐C may be a useful addition to both clinical practice and future research, however further evaluation work is needed to confirm its structure and robustness prior to use.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 23-08-2023
DOI: 10.1002/HPJA.796
Abstract: Farmers experience skin cancer and die from melanoma at significantly higher rates than the general Australian population. This study examined Australian farmers' engagement with self‐skin examinations (SSE), participation in clinical skin examinations (CSE) by a health professional, and self‐reported barriers to engagement with these important skin cancer detection practices. A cross‐sectional, mixed‐methods design was used. Australian farmers were recruited through an industry‐based organisation representing livestock farmers. Farmers ( N = 498 22–89 years 83.1% male) responded to a paper‐based survey that included closed‐ and open‐ended questions. Farmers reported engagement with self‐conducted SSE and routine CSE that was comparable to findings in the general population, but 29.4% of farmers reported that they had not sought a CSE as soon as possible after noticing changes to their skin. Farmers reported a range of barriers to SSE, including physical difficulties examining their skin, difficulties identifying changes in their skin, forgetfulness, and lack of motivation. Barriers to CSE included accessibility, cost, difficulties finding the right doctor, and avoidance and complacency. There is a need to make clinical skin cancer detection more accessible to farmers, in addition to promoting self‐skin examination and help‐seeking behaviours within this at risk population. Novel approaches are needed to address systemic barriers faced by Australian farmers. These may include the use of teledermatology or artificial intelligence to assist with CSE. Remote training delivery methods may be also utilised to teach SSE skills to farmers who may be otherwise unable to access such opportunities.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 31-01-2023
Abstract: Farms in Australia are largely family owned and managed. Complex interactions between farming history, traditions, family, business, succession, identity and place can lead to difficulties in planning for retirement for farmers. Due to the significant implications of this for farmers’ health and wellbeing, there is a clear need to determine how farmers may be best supported through the work-to-retirement transition. This scoping review summarises the literature on Australian farmers’ retirement experiences and the stressors they face during this transition. Barriers and facilitators that may hinder or help farmers were also explored. The relevant peer-reviewed literature was identified through database searching and the grey literature was collected via a web-based search. Seven studies were included in the review. Poor health and diminishing capacity to work was identified as a key stressor related to retirement. Other drivers of stress (i.e., pressure to live up to farming ideals, perceiving retirement as a threat to self-identity and financial concerns) overlapped with barriers to retirement. Farmers identified gradual transition, strong social networks, variety in interests and activities and early financial and succession planning as key facilitators of retirement. Findings will help inform the development of interventions to assist Australian farmers through this challenging stage of their lives.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2018
DOI: 10.1016/J.CTRV.2018.06.009
Abstract: To review the evidence for a systematic relationship between cancer patients' pre-treatment expectations (anticipated side effects) and subsequent experience of treatment-related side effects, and to compare this relationship in patients with no prior treatment experience (cognitive expectations) and with some prior treatment experience (conditioned response). A total of 12,952 citations were identified through a comprehensive search of the literature published on or before November 2016 and screened against inclusion criteria. Studies were eligible if they included participants undergoing curative treatment for cancer, measured a treatment side effect, examined the relationship between anticipation and experience of side effects, and reported quantitative data. Thirty-one studies were included in the review and meta-analysis (total N = 5069). The side effects examined were nausea (anticipatory and post-treatment), vomiting, fatigue, pain, problems with concentration, and skin reactions. Meta-analyses indicated positive associations between anticipation and subsequent experience for all included side effects in patients with no prior treatment exposure (r = 0.153-0.431). Stronger associations were found for all included side effects in patients with previous treatment experience (r = 0.211-0.476), except for fatigue (r = 0.266) and pain (r = 0.235). No significant differences were found when overall effect sizes for patients with and without prior treatment exposure were compared for each side effect, except for anticipatory nausea (p = 0.012). These results may have implications for future interventions that target patients' expectations of cancer treatment-related side effects. Future research could explore patient reports of messages received about likely treatment effects both before and during treatment.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 06-04-2018
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 14-09-2023
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 31-01-2021
DOI: 10.1111/SCS.12822
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 03-06-2019
DOI: 10.1007/S12529-019-09793-4
Abstract: In iduals construct beliefs about an illness based on their own perceptions, interpretation, and understanding of the illness and its treatment. These beliefs (collectively referred to as "illness cognitions" or "representations") can have implications for psychological outcomes in family members and carers of an in idual with an illness. The aim of this study was to explore young people's perceptions of their parent's cancer using the Common-Sense Model of Self-Regulation as a theoretical framework. Semi-structured, one-on-one interviews were conducted with young people who had a parent diagnosed with cancer. Interview transcripts were analysed using deductive thematic analysis techniques. Eleven young people aged 15-24 years participated in the study. Major themes aligned with the dimensions of the Common-Sense Model of Self-Regulation. Young people described their experiences with parental cancer with reference to cognitive representations (beliefs about the illness identity, their understanding or coherence of the illness, and consequences, curability or controllability, timeline, and cause of the illness) and emotional representations (emotional beliefs and subjective feelings about the illness). Findings indicate that young people's perceptions of their parent's cancer can be usefully described within the framework of the Common-Sense Model of Self-Regulation. Future research should investigate the relationships between young people's illness cognitions, coping strategies, and psychological adjustment following their parent's cancer diagnosis. This will provide valuable insights for the development of interventions that target specific types of illness cognitions associated with maladaptive coping strategies and poor adjustment.
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 04-2020
DOI: 10.1108/IJWHM-12-2018-0157
Abstract: To provide insight into how office workers respond to sedentary health messages following the introduction of the Australian Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour Guidelines. Via online survey, office workers ( n = 185) reported awareness of the Guidelines and sedentary risk, availability of workplace movement-based initiatives, and measures of sitting time, intention, self-efficacy, and perceived barriers to sedentary behaviour. Participants then viewed one of two brief messages (“Occupational Risk” or “Strategies”) indicated their message receptivity and provided written recommendations. Participants who consented to a second survey ( n = 126) completed sitting time and psychological measures again after four weeks. Only 23% were aware of the Guidelines willingness to follow public health guidance was mixed. Barriers to adoption were apparent for existing initiatives. Message receptivity was high for both messages. For the follow-up survey, an improvement in psychological variables and workplace sitting was reported in those who viewed the Occupational Risk compared to the Strategies message. Qualitative analysis revealed lack of organisational support and called for increased employer responsibility. As participants self-selected into the study, the s le may be more health-conscious than the typical office worker. Workers are receptive to brief messages and the Occupational Risk message showed promise in promoting change. However, sedentary exposure is viewed as an organisational-level issue. A “whole of workplace” approach is needed with co-designed strategies tailored to the culture and working practices within the organisation. This study offers insight into avenues for improving the management of prolonged sitting and workplace sedentary behaviour.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 16-05-2018
DOI: 10.1111/BJHP.12313
Abstract: To develop and test a volitional help sheet-based tool to improve physical activity in breast cancer survivors compared to a standard self-generated implementation intention intervention. Pilot randomized trial conducted online over 3 months. Participants were randomized to an online volitional help sheet (n = 50) or implementation intention (n = 51) intervention. Measures were taken at baseline, 1 and 3 months. The main outcome measure was moderate-strenuous leisure time physical activity. Secondary outcomes were health-related quality of life and mood. Participants exposed to the volitional help sheet and implementation intention interventions showed similar effects after 1 month, with both groups reporting a significant increase in moderate-strenuous physical activity. After 3 months, the initial increase in physical activity was maintained by the volitional help sheet group, but not the implementation intention group. Improvements were also found for negative affect and emotional quality of life. While both interventions show promise in promoting physical activity in breast cancer survivors, the volitional help sheet may be more effective for facilitating lasting change and emotional well-being. Findings suggest that the volitional help sheet may have potential to offer a cost-effective contribution to consumer-led tertiary preventive health. Future research should test these initial findings in a definitive trial. Statement of contribution What is already known on this subject? Physical activity is important for optimizing health in breast cancer survivors. Despite this, physical activity in this cohort remains low. Theory-based strategies are needed to help breast cancer survivors independently manage and maintain regular physical activity over the long term. What does this study add? Online planning interventions can improve physical activity in breast cancer survivors. Volitional help sheets, but not implementation intentions, show sustained effects for 3 months. The intervention shows promise as a potential low-cost addition to long-term survivorship care plans.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 03-03-2022
Abstract: This study examined Australian farmers’ engagement with skin cancer prevention behaviours and explored what made it hard for them to be ‘SunSmart’ (barriers), and what could be done to make prevention easier (facilitators). In total, 498 farmers (83.1% male, 22–89 years, 50.8% grain, sheep, or cattle farmers) participated. The least frequently performed SunSmart behaviours (reported as never practiced during summer) were using SPF 30+ sunscreen (16.6%), wearing protective sunglasses (10.5%), and wearing protective clothing (8.6%). Greater engagement (i.e., higher scores on scale from Never to Always) with SunSmart behaviours was explained by gender (female), educational attainment (trade or technical college certificate vs. high school), personal skin cancer history, and skin sun sensitivity. Barriers reported by farmers related to personal preferences (e.g., short-sleeved rather than long-sleeved clothing), comfort, and perceived impracticality of sun protection. Farmers’ solutions included making protective clothing and sunscreen more appropriate for farm work (e.g., by making clothing more breathable). A personal health scare was the most reported motivation for skin cancer prevention. Findings highlight the need for increased access to sun-protective clothing and sunscreen that is suitable for wearing when working on farms, complemented by culturally appropriate health education messaging, to encourage more farmers to perform SunSmart behaviours.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2017
DOI: 10.1016/J.PEC.2016.10.008
Abstract: To provide an updated synthesis of the literature that investigates the self-reported information needs of people diagnosed with cancer across the cancer continuum. We conducted a scoping review of the literature published from August 2003 to June 2015 and expanded an existing typology summarizing the information needs of people diagnosed with cancer. The majority of the included studies (n=104) focused on questions relevant to the diagnosis/active treatment phase of the cancer continuum (52.9%) and thus the most frequently identified information needs related to this phase (33.4%). Information needs varied across the continuum and the results highlight the importance of recognising this fact. People diagnosed with cancer experience discrete information needs at different points from diagnosis to survival. Much of the research conducted in this area has focused on their information needs during the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, and literature relating to information needs following completion of treatment is sparse. Further research is needed to discern the specific nature of the treatment concerns and identify the information needs that survivors experience during recurrence of cancer, metastasis or changes in diagnosis, and the end of life phase of the cancer continuum.
No related grants have been discovered for Chloe Fletcher.