ORCID Profile
0000-0003-1097-2797
Current Organisation
The University of Canberra
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Research Topics
In Research Link Australia (RLA), "Research Topics" refer to ANZSRC FOR and SEO codes. These topics are either sourced from ANZSRC FOR and SEO codes listed in researchers' related grants or generated by a large language model (LLM) based on their publications.
Top 5 Research Topics
ANZSRC Field of Research (FoR)
Public Policy | Human Geography not elsewhere classified | Social Policy | Policy and Administration | Human Geography | Epidemiology | Primary Health Care | Urban and Regional Studies (excl. Planning) |
ANZSRC Socio-Economic Objective (SEO)
Regional Planning | Electronic Information Storage and Retrieval Services | Specific Population Health (excl. Indigenous Health) not elsewhere classified | Social Structure and Health | Health Status (e.g. Indicators of Well-Being) | Health Inequalities
Related Links
Publications
Spatio-temporal Mapping of Breast and Prostate Cancer in South Iran During 2014-2017
Publisher: Research Square Platform LLC
Date: 10-07-2020
DOI: 10.21203/RS.3.RS-39825/V1
Abstract: Background: Breast and prostate cancers are the most common gender-specific malignancies. In developing countries, screening of all population at risk of cancers is impractical because of the healthcare resource limitations. Thus, determining the high-risk areas of Cancers might be an important step to conduct a screening program at high-risk areas. This study explores potential high-risk clusters in the incidence pattern of breast and prostate cancers in southern Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the province of Kerman, South Iran. Patient data were aggregated at the county and district levels and the incidence rate per 100,000 people for both breast and prostate cancer were calculated. We used the natural break classification with five classes to produce descriptive maps. A spatial clustering analysis ( Anselin Local Moran’s I ) was used to identify potential clusters and outliers in the pattern of these cancers from 2014 to 2017. Results: The Age-Standardised Incidence Rate of breast cancer showed an increase from 29.93 to 32.27 cases per 100,000 people and prostate cancer from 13.93 to 15.47 cases per 100,000 during 2014–2017. Cluster analysis at the county level identified high-high clusters of breast cancer in the North-West of the province for all years, but the analysis at the district level showed high-high clusters for only two of the years. Furthermore, cluster analysis at the county and district levels of prostate cancer also identified high-high clusters in the North-West of the province for two years. Conclusions: North-West Kerman had a significantly higher incidence rate of both breast and prostate cancer. These findings may help to design tailored screening and surveillance systems. Furthermore, this study generates new hypotheses to test potential relationships between environmental risk factors and incidence of cancers in areas with higher cancer risk.
Spatio-temporal analysis of head injuries in northwest Iran
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 05-12-2022
Patterns of service provision in child and adolescent mental health care in Australia
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 20-12-2022
DOI: 10.1177/13674935221146381
Abstract: Standard description of local care provision is essential for evidence-informed planning. This study aimed to map and compare the availability and ersity of current mental health service provision for children and adolescents in Australia. We used a standardised service classification instrument, the Description and Evaluation of Services and DirectoriEs (DESDE) tool, to describe service availability in eight urban and two rural health districts in Australia. The pattern of care was compared with that available for other age groups in Australia. Outpatient care was found to be the most common type of service provision, comprising 212 (81.2%) of all services identified. Hospital care (acute and non-acute) was more available in urban than in rural areas (20 services [9.7%] vs 1 [1.8%]). The level of ersity in the types of care available for children and adolescents was lower than that for the general adult population, but slightly higher than that for older people in the same areas. Standardised comparison of the pattern of care across regions reduces ambiguity in service description and classification, enables gap analysis and can inform policy and planning.
Spatio-temporal epidemiology of the tuberculosis incidence rate in Iran 2008 to 2018
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 07-06-2021
DOI: 10.1186/S12889-021-11157-1
Abstract: Effective reduction of tuberculosis (TB) requires information on the distribution of TB incidence rate across time and location. This study aims to identify the spatio-temporal pattern of TB incidence rate in Iran between 2008 and 2018. This cross-sectional study was conducted on aggregated TB data (50,500 patients) at the provincial level provided by the Ministry of Health in Iran between 2008 and 2018. The Anselin Local Moran’s I and Getis-Ord Gi* were performed to identify the spatial variations of the disease. Furthermore, spatial scan statistic was employed for purely temporal and spatio-temporal analyses. In all instances, the null hypothesis of no clusters was rejected at p ≤ 0.05. The overall incidence rate of TB decreased from 13.46 per 100,000 (95% CI: 13.19–13.73) in 2008 to 10.88 per 100,000 (95% CI: 10.65–11.11) in 2018. The highest incidence rate of TB was observed in southeast and northeast of Iran for the whole study period. Additionally, spatial cluster analysis discovered Khuzestan Province, in the West of the country, having significantly higher rates than neighbouring provinces in terms of both total TB and smear-positive pulmonary TB (SPPTB). Purely temporal analysis showed that high-rate and low-rate clusters were predominantly distributed in the time periods 2010–2014 and 2017–2018. Spatio-temporal results showed that the statistically significant clusters were mainly distributed from centre to the east during the study period. Some high-trend TB and SPPTB statistically significant clusters were found. The results provided an overview of the latest TB spatio-temporal status In Iran and identified decreasing trends of TB in the 2008–2018 period. Despite the decreasing incidence rate, there is still need for screening, and targeting of preventive interventions, especially in high-risk areas. Knowledge of the spatio-temporal pattern of TB can be useful for policy development as the information regarding the high-risk areas would contribute to the selection of areas needed to be targeted for the expansion of health facilities.
A Novel Mixed Methods Approach for Integrating Not-for-Profit Service Data via Qualitative Geographic Information System to Explore Authentic Experiences of Ill-Health: A Case Study of Rural Mental Health
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 21-10-2023
DOI: 10.1177/15586898221135291
Abstract: Meeting the mental health needs of rural populations is challenging internationally, with few methods and scarce data available to inform site-specific planning. We developed a mixed methods approach that integrates Not-for-profit (NFP) organization data in a Geographic Information System (GIS) to explore interrelated understandings of mental health experiences in rural places. Integrating qualitative experience data from online forums with quantitative data from service search and emergency pickup locations via GIS demonstrates how NFP health service data can be ethically sourced, reused, integrated, analyzed, and ground-truthed to explore how mental health is experienced in rural places. This article contributes to the mixed methods literature an ethical approach that utilizes NFP health service datasets to inform research in contexts of data scarcity.
Developing a positive patient experience with nurses in general practice: an integrated model of patient satisfaction and enablement.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 25-10-2018
DOI: 10.1111/JAN.13461
Abstract: To develop a conceptual model that provides a comprehensive understanding of the structures and processes underpinning patient enablement and satisfaction in general practice nurse consultations. Current evidence regarding patient satisfaction and enablement arising from general practice nursing care is either quantitative or qualitative. To date, no studies have integrated the results of mixed methods research to provide a deeper understanding of processes that facilitate their achievement. A concurrent mixed methods study. Our 2013-2014 concurrent mixed methods study comprised a quantitative study that analysed variables identified in interviews with general practice nurses, patients and practice managers with data from a cross-sectional survey of 678 patients receiving nursing care in 21 general practices and a qualitative study that used a grounded theory approach to in-depth interviews with nurses and patients from these same practices. Using joint displays, we compared and integrated the results of the multilevel analyses and the grounded theory model derived from these studies. We conceptualized a model-'developing a positive patient experience with nurses in general practice'-in which time, continuity of care, nursing scope of practice and autonomy, and patients' health conditions provide platforms for the processes of triggering healthcare partnerships and tailoring care in nurse consultations. This model builds on previous evidence describing processes and characteristics that optimize the quality of care in general practice nurse consultations. It provides a practical tool to inform education and training for general practice nurses and other clinicians.
Hospital effect on infections after four major surgical procedures: outlier and volume-outcome analysis using all-inclusive state data
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2017
Neighborhood Built Environment and Transport and Leisure Physical Activity: Findings Using Objective Exposure and Outcome Measures in New Zealand
Publisher: Environmental Health Perspectives
Date: 07-2012
DOI: 10.1289/EHP.1104584
Time spent by people managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease indicates biographical disruption
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 2014
DOI: 10.2147/COPD.S53887
Association between heavy metals and colon cancer: an ecological study based on geographical information systems in North-Eastern Iran
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 15-04-2021
DOI: 10.1186/S12885-021-08148-1
Abstract: Colorectal cancer has increased in Middle Eastern countries and exposure to environmental pollutants such as heavy metals has been implicated. However, data linking them to this disease are generally lacking. This study aimed to explore the spatial pattern of age-standardized incidence rate (ASR) of colon cancer and its potential association with the exposure level of the amount of heavy metals existing in rice produced in north-eastern Iran. Cancer data were drawn from the Iranian population-based cancer registry of Golestan Province, north-eastern Iran. S les of 69 rice milling factories were analysed for the concentration levels of cadmium, nickel, cobalt, copper, selenium, lead and zinc. The inverse distance weighting (IDW) algorithm was used to interpolate the concentration of this kind of heavy metals on the surface of the study area. Exploratory regression analysis was conducted to build ordinary least squares (OLS) models including every possible combination of the candidate explanatory variables and chose the most useful ones to show the association between heavy metals and the ASR of colon cancer. The highest concentrations of heavy metals were found in the central part of the province and particularly counties with higher amount of cobalt were shown to be associated with higher ASR of men with colon cancer. In contrast, selenium concentrations were higher in areas with lower ASR of colon cancer in men. A significant regression equation for men with colon cancer was found (F(4,137) = 38.304, P .000) with an adjusted R 2 of 0.77. The predicted ASR of men colon cancer was − 58.36 with the coefficients for cobalt = 120.33 cadmium = 80.60 selenium = − 6.07 nickel = − 3.09 and zinc = − 0.41. The association of copper and lead with colon cancer in men was not significant. We did not find a significant outcome for colon cancer in women. Increased amounts of heavy metals in consumed rice may impact colon cancer incidence, both positively and negatively. While there were indications of an association between high cobalt concentrations and an increased risk for colon cancer, we found that high selenium concentrations might instead decrease the risk. Further investigations are needed to clarify if there are ecological or other reasons for these discrepancies. Regular monitoring of the amount of heavy metals in consumed rice is recommended.
Using Geographically Weighted Regression to Validate Approaches for Modelling Accessibility to Primary Health Care
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 10-02-2009
Use of geographical information systems in multiple sclerosis research: A systematic scoping review
Publisher: Research Square Platform LLC
Date: 12-02-2021
DOI: 10.21203/RS.3.RS-236908/V1
Abstract: Introduction: Geographical Information System (GIS) and spatial analysis have an emerging role in the understanding and management of health-related outcomes. However, there is a knowledge gap about the extent to which GIS has supported Multiple Sclerosis (MS) research. Therefore, this review aimed to explore the types of GIS applications and the complexity of their visualisation in MS research. Methods : A systematic scoping review was conducted based on York’s five-stage framework. PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science were searched for relevant studies published between 2000 and 2020 using a comprehensive search strategy based on the main concepts related to GIS and MS. Grounded, inductive analysis was conducted to organize studies into meaningful application areas. Further, we developed a tool to assess the visualisation complexity of the selected papers. Results: Of 3,723 identified unique citations, 42 papers met our inclusion criteria for the final review. One or more of the following types of GIS applications were reported by these studies: (a) thematic mapping (37 papers) (b) spatial cluster detection (16 papers) (c) risk factors detection (16 papers) and (d) health access and planning (two papers). In the majority of studies (88%), the score of visualisation complexity was relatively low: three or less from the range of zero to six. Conclusions: Although the number of studies using GIS techniques has dramatically increased in the last decade, the use of GIS in the areas of MS access and planning is still under-researched. Additionally, the capacity of GIS in visualising complex nature of MS care system is not yet fully investigated.
Paediatric, pedestrian road traffic injuries in the city of Mashhad in north-eastern Iran 2015–2019: a data note
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 31-07-2020
DOI: 10.1186/S13104-020-05203-1
Abstract: The leading factors of paediatric, pedestrian road traffic injuries (PPRTIs) are associated with the characteristics of immediate environment. Spatial analysis of data related to PPRTIs could provide useful knowledge for public health specialists to prevent and decrease the number of accidents. Therefore, we aim to release the datasets which have been used to conduct a multiple-scale spatial analysis of PPRTIs in the city of Mashhad, Iran, between 2015-2019. The data include four datasets. The base PPRTIs dataset includes motor vehicle accidents and their attributes in the city of Mashhad between March 2015 and March 2019. The attribute data includes the month, day of the week, hour of the day, place (longitude and latitude) of each accident, age range of the child and gender. Furthermore, three spatial datasets about the city of Mashhad are introduced (1) the digital boundaries of Neighbourhood, (2) road network dataset (street lines) and (3) urban suburbs of Mashhad.
Neighborhood walkability and hospital treatment costs: A first assessment
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2017
DOI: 10.1016/J.YPMED.2017.02.008
Abstract: Health system expenditure is a global concern, with hospital cost a major component. Built environment has been found to affect physical activity and health outcomes. The purpose of the study was a first assessment of the relationship between neighborhood walkability and hospital treatment costs. For 88 neighborhoods in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), 2011-2013, a total of 30,690 public hospital admissions for the treatment of four diagnostic groups (cancers, endocrine, nutritional and metabolic diseases, circulatory diseases and respiratory diseases) were extracted from the ACT admitted patient care database and analyzed in relation to the Walk Score® index as a measure of walkability. Hospital cost was calculated according to the cost weight of the diagnosis related group assigned to each admission. Linear regressions were used to analyze the associations of walkability with hospital cost per person, admissions per person and cost per admission at the neighborhood level. An inverse association with neighborhood walkability was found for cost per person and admissions per person, but not cost per admission. After adjusting for age, sex and socioeconomic status, a 20-unit increase in walkability was associated with 12.1% (95% CI: 7.1-17.0%) lower cost and 12.5% (8.1-17.0%) fewer admissions. These associations did not vary by neighborhood socioeconomic status. This exploratory analysis suggests the potential for improved population health and reduced hospital cost with greater neighborhood walkability. Further research should replicate the analysis with data from other urban settings, and focus on the behavioral mechanisms underlying the inverse walkability-hospital cost association.
Service availability and capacity in rural mental health in Australia: Analysing gaps using an Integrated Mental Health Atlas
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 28-06-2019
Abstract: Access to services and workforce shortages are major challenges in rural areas worldwide. In order to improve access to mental health care, it is imperative to understand what services are available, what their capacity is and where existing funds might be spent to increase availability and accessibility. The aim of this study is to investigate mental health service provision in a selection of rural and remote areas across Australia by analysing service availability, placement capacity and ersity. This research studies the health regions of Western New South Wales and Country Western Australia and their nine health areas. Service provision was analysed using the DESDE-LTC system for long-term care service description and classification that allows international comparison. Rates per 100,000 inhabitants were calculated to compare the care availability and placement capacity for children and adolescents, adults and older adults. The lowest ersity was found in northern Western Australia. Overall, Western New South Wales had a higher availability of non-acute outpatient services for adults, but hardly any acute outpatient services. In Country Western Australia, substantially fewer non-acute outpatient services were found, while acute services were much more common. Acute inpatient care services were more common in Western New South Wales, while sub-acute inpatient services and non-acute day care services were only found in Western New South Wales. The number and span of services in the two regions showed discrepancies both within and between regions, raising issues on the equity of access to mental health care in Australia. The standard description of the local pattern of rural mental health care and its comparison across jurisdictions is critical for evidence-informed policy planning and resource allocation.
Factors associated with quad bike loss of control events in agriculture
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2011
Prevalence of modifiable cardiovascular risk factors in Yazd inner-city municipalities
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 30-01-2020
DOI: 10.1186/S12889-020-8217-8
Abstract: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in the world. With effective intervention and control of cardiovascular risk factors, mortality rates may be reduced. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of modifiable risk factors across five municipalities in Yazd city. Ten thousand residents of the Yazd greater area aged 20–69 years were selected using cluster random s ling method. Overall, 200 clusters were randomly selected based on the postcodes of residents who lived in the five municipalities of Yazd. Those who lived in Yazd annexed cities and rural areas were excluded. A valid questionnaire was completed and physical examination performed as done (94.9% response rate). Instances of self-reported diabetes mellitus, high blood cholesterol, tobacco smoking, and unhealthy diet were recorded. Blood pressure, height, and weight were measured and physical activity was classified by International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). A chi-square test was used to analyze the differences in variables across municipalities. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS V. 16. We analyzed 8749 participants’ data from Yazd city. The prevalence of diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolemia, and hypertension were 14.1, 16.7 and 18.6%, respectively. One in every four people consumed the recommended five servings of vegetables per day. Fish consumption was less than 5% at least once a week among participants. An unhealthy diet (85.7%) low physical activity (52.2%), hypertension (36.7%) and obesity (26.3%) were the most common cardiovascular risk factors. Only 2.1% of adults had no risk factors for CVD, and almost 75% of people had more than one risk factor. The prevalence of risk factors (excluding hypertension) was significantly different across the municipalities. Residents of region three had the highest prevalence of all risk factors aside from inactivity and unhealthy diet. unhealthy dietary habits and inactivity are the most common modifiable risk factors of CVD in Yazd. Spatial variations of cardiovascular risk factors observed. This geographic health inequality requires more attention from policymakers to control CVD risk factors across different municipalities accordingly. Promoting healthy lifestyle is the top priority of health intervention programs. It is recommended to increase access to sport arenas and restrict access to tobacconist in high-risk areas.
Identifying important comorbidity among cancer populations using administrative data: Prevalence and impact on survival
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 19-12-2013
DOI: 10.1111/AJCO.12130
Abstract: Our study sought to optimize the identification and investigate the impact of comorbidity in cancer patients using routinely collected hospitalization data. We undertook an iterative process of classification of important clinical conditions involving evaluation of relevant literature and consultation with clinicians. Patients diagnosed with colon, rectal, breast, ovarian, uterine, stomach, liver, renal or bladder cancers (n = 14,096) between 2006 and 2008 were identified from the New Zealand Cancer Registry. Conditions were identified using data on diagnoses from hospital admissions for 5 years prior to cancer diagnosis. Patients were followed up until end of 2009 using routine mortality data. Prevalence estimates for each condition by site were calculated. All-cause mortality impact of common conditions was investigated using Cox regression models adjusted for age and stage at diagnosis. Patients with liver and stomach cancers tended to have higher comorbidity and those with breast cancer, lower comorbidity than other cancer patients. Of the 50 conditions, the most common were hypertension (prevalence 8.0-20.9%), cardiac conditions (2.1-13.5%) and diabetes with (2.3-13.3%) and without (2.9-12.9%) complications. Comorbidity was associated with higher all-cause mortality but the impact varied by condition and across cancer site, with impact less for cancers with poor prognoses. Conditions most consistently associated with adverse outcomes across all cancer sites were renal disease, coagulopathies and congestive heart failure. Comorbidity is highly prevalent in cancer populations, but prevalence and impact of conditions differ markedly by cancer type.
Multiple-scale spatial analysis of paediatric, pedestrian road traffic injuries in a major city in North-Eastern Iran 2015–2019
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 19-05-2020
DOI: 10.1186/S12889-020-08911-2
Abstract: Paediatric, pedestrian road traffic injuries (PPRTIs) constitute a major cause of premature death in Iran. Identification of high-risk areas would be the primary step in designing policy intervention for PPRTI reduction because environmental factors play a significant role in these events. The present study aims to determine high-risk areas for PPRTIs at three different geographical scales, including the grid network, the urban neighbourhood and the street levels in Mashhad, Iran during the period 2015–2019. This cross-sectional retrospective study was based on all pedestrian accidents with motor vehicles involving children (less than 18 years of age) between March 2015 and March 2019 in the city of Mashhad, which is the second-most populous city in Iran. The Anselin Local Moran’s I statistic and Getis-Ord Gi* were performed to measure spatial autocorrelation and hotspots of PPRTIs at the geographical grid network and neighbourhood level. Furthermore, a spatial buffer analysis was used to classify the streets according to their PPRTI rate. A total of 7390 PPRTIs (2364 females and 4974 males) were noted during the study period. The children’s mean age was 9.7 ± 5.1 years. Out of the total PPRTIs, 43% occurred on or at the sides of the streets, 25 of which labelled high-risk streets. A high-high cluster of PPRTI was discovered in the eastern part of the city, while there was a low-low such cluster in the West. Additionally, in the western part of the city, older children were more likely to become injured, while in the north-eastern and south-eastern parts, younger children were more often the victims. Spatial analysis of PPRTIs in an urban area was carried out at three different geographical scales: the grid network, the neighbourhood and the street level. The resulting documentation contributes reliable support for the implementation and prioritization of preventive strategies, such as improvement of the high-risk streets and neighbourhoods of the city that should lead to decreasing numbers of PPRTIs.
The role of geographic information system and global positioning system in dementia care and research: a scoping review
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 04-08-2022
DOI: 10.1186/S12942-022-00308-1
Abstract: Geographic Information System (GIS) and Global Positioning System (GPS), vital tools for supporting public health research, provide a framework to collect, analyze and visualize the interaction between different levels of the health care system. The extent to which GIS and GPS applications have been used in dementia care and research is not yet investigated. This scoping review aims to elaborate on the role and types of GIS and GPS applications in dementia care and research. A scoping review was conducted based on Arksey and O’Malley’s framework. All published articles in peer-reviewed journals were searched in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, subject to involving at least one GIS/GPS approach focused on dementia. Eligible studies were reviewed, grouped, and synthesized to identify GIS and GPS applications. The PRISMA standard was used to report the study. Ninety-two studies met our inclusion criteria, and their data were extracted. Six types of GIS/GPS applications had been reported in dementia literature including mapping and surveillance (n = 59), data preparation (n = 26), dementia care provision (n = 18), basic research (n = 18), contextual and risk factor analysis (n = 4), and planning (n = 1). Thematic mapping and GPS were most frequently used techniques in the dementia field. Even though the applications of GIS/GPS methodologies in dementia care and research are growing, there is limited research on GIS/GPS utilization in dementia care, risk factor analysis, and dementia policy planning. GIS and GPS are space-based systems, so they have a strong capacity for developing innovative research based on spatial analysis in the area of dementia. The existing research has been summarized in this review which could help researchers to know the GIS/GPS capabilities in dementia research.
Role of visual analytics in supporting mental healthcare systems research and policy: A systematic scoping review
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2020
Differentiated thyroid cancer: millions spent with no tangible gain?
Publisher: Bioscientifica
Date: 2018
DOI: 10.1530/ERC-17-0397
Abstract: The incidence of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) has rapidly increased worldwide over the last decades. It is unknown if the increase in diagnosis has been mirrored by an increase in thyroidectomy rates with the concomitant economic impact that this would have on the health care system. DTC and thyroidectomy incidence as well as DTC-specific mortality were modeled using Poisson regression in New South Wales (NSW), Australia per year and by sex. The incidence of 2002 was the point from which the increase in rates was assessed cumulatively over the subsequent decade. The economic burden of potentially avoidable thyroidectomies due to the increase in diagnosis was estimated as the product of the additional thyroidectomy procedures during a decade attributable to rates beyond those reported for 2002 and the national average hospital cost of an uncomplicated thyroidectomy in Australia. The following results were obtained. The incidence of both DTC and thyroidectomy doubled in NSW between 2003 and 2012, while the DTC-specific mortality rate remained unchanged over the same period. Based on the 2002 incidence, the projected increase over 10 years (2003–2012) in thyroidectomy procedures was 2196. This translates to an extra cost burden of over AUD$ 18,600,000 in surgery-related health care expenditure over one decade in NSW. Our findings suggest that, if this rise is solely attributable to overdetection, then the rising expenditure serves no additional purpose. Reducing unnecessary detection and a conservative approach to managing DTC are sensible and would lead to millions of dollars in savings and reduced harms to patients.
A geodatabase of blood pressure level and the associated factors including lifestyle, nutritional, air pollution, and urban greenspace
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 18-11-2021
DOI: 10.1186/S13104-021-05830-2
Abstract: Hypertension is a prevalent chronic disease globally. A multifaceted combination of risk factors is associated with hypertension. Scientific literature has shown the association among in idual and environmental factors with hypertension, however, a comprehensive database including demographic, environmental, in idual attributes and nutritional status has been rarely studied. Moreover, an integrated spatial-epidemiological approach has been scarcely researched. Therefore, this study aims to provide and describe a geodatabase including in idual-based and socio-environmental data related to people living in the city of Mashhad, Iran in 2018. The database has been extracted from the PERSIAN Organizational Cohort study in Mashhad University of Medical Sciences. The data note includes three shapefiles and a help file. The shapefile format is a digital vector storage format for storing geometric location and associated attribute information. The first shapefile includes the data of population, air pollutants and amount of available green space for each census block of the city. The second shapefile consists of aggregated blood pressure data to the census blocks of the city. The third shapefile comprises the in idual characteristics data (i.e., demographic, clinical, and lifestyle). Finally, the fourth file is a guide to the previous data files for users.
The prevalence of psychological distress and relationships with social fragmentation and isolation: a geospatial study and survey in rural Australia
Publisher: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
Date: 16-11-2020
DOI: 10.1101/2020.11.12.20230771
Abstract: There is limited data on the effects of social isolation on rural mental health. The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence of psychological distress in a rural area of Australia while exploring the association between psychological distress and social isolation at the in idual and area level. An online cross-sectional survey of 408 adult volunteers was conducted across rural south-eastern New South Wales from October 2019 to April 2020. The Kessler 10 was used to measure psychological distress, while area-level social fragmentation was assessed using the family (ANSFI fam ) and mobility (ANSFI mob ) components of the Australian Neighbourhood Social Fragmentation Index. The number of different occupations of people known socially was used to assess in idual-level social isolation. Spatial analysis was performed to identify any spatial autocorrelation. The prevalence of high psychological distress in the s le was 29%. Using logistic regression models, there was little evidence of a relationship between high psychological distress and ANSFI fam (odds ratio (OR)=0.98, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.93–1.03), or ANSFI mob (OR=1.04, 95%CI=0.99–1.09). High psychological distress also did not appear to be associated with number of occupations known socially (OR=1.00, 95%CI=0.99–1.00). There was no significant spatial autocorrelation of psychological distress or social fragmentation at the postal area level. The results suggest that social fragmentation or isolation may not have a significant effect on psychological distress in a rural setting. Nevertheless, further investigation of the effects of social isolation on mental health in rural areas is warranted.
Standardized systematic description of provision of care for multiple sclerosis at a local level
Publisher: Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers
Date: 13-12-2023
DOI: 10.7224/1537-2073.2022-014
Abstract: This study evaluates and describes the pattern of services provided for people living with multiple sclerosis (MS) in a local area as a starting point for a more global assessment. A health care ecosystem approach has been followed using an internationally standardized service classification instrument–the Description and Evaluation of Services and DirectoriEs for Long Term Care (DESDE-LTC)–to identify and describe all services providing care to people with MS in the Australian Capital Territory, Australia. Available services were classified according to the target population into those specifically dedicated to people living with MS and those providing general neurologic services, both public and private, and across both social and health sectors. A limited range of services was available. There were no local facilities providing or coordinating multidisciplinary integrated care specific to people with MS. Subspecialty services specific to MS were limited in number (6 of the 28 services), and use of specialist services provided in neighboring states was frequently reported. Overall, very few services were provided outside the core health sector (4%). The provision of care to people living with MS in the Australian Capital Territory is fragmented and relies heavily on generic neurology services in the public and private sectors. More widespread use of the DESDE-LTC as a standardized method of service classification in MS will facilitate comparison with other local areas, allow monitoring of changes over time, and permit comparison with services provided for other health conditions (eg, dementia, mental disorders).
Investigating spatial convergence of diagnosed dementia, depression and type 2 diabetes prevalence in West Adelaide, Australia
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2020
Spatial and temporal analysis of myocardial infarction incidence in Zanjan province, Iran
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 14-09-2021
DOI: 10.1186/S12889-021-11695-8
Abstract: Myocardial Infarction (MI) is a major important public health concern and has huge burden on health system across the world. This study aimed to explore the spatial and temporal analysis of the incidence of MI to identify potential clusters of the incidence of MI patterns across rural areas in Zanjan province, Iran. This was a retrospective and geospatial analysis study of the incidence of MI data from nine hospitals during 2014–2018. Three different spatial analysis methods (Spatial autocorrelation, hot spot analysis and cluster and outlier analysis) were used to identify potential clusters and high-risk areas of the incidence of MI at the study area. Three thousand eight hundred twenty patients were registered at Zanjan hospitals due to MI during 2014–2018. The overall age-adjusted incidence rate of MI was 343 cases per 100,000 person which was raised from 88 cases in 2014 to 114 cases in 2018 per 100,000 person-year (a 30% increase, P 0.001). Golabar region had the highest age-adjusted incidence rate of MI (515 cases per 100,000 person). Five hot spots and one high-high cluster were detected using spatial analysis methods. This study showed that there is a great deal of spatial variations in the pattern of the incidence of MI in Zanjan province. The high incidence rate of MI in the study area compared to the national average, is a warning to local health authorities to determine the possible causes of disease incidence and potential drivers of high-risk areas. The spatial cluster analysis provides new evidence for policy-makers to design tailored interventions to reduce the incidence of MI and allocate health resource to unmet need areas.
Impact of nursing care in Australian general practice on the quality of care: A pilot of the Patient Enablement and Satisfaction Survey (PESS)
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2015
DOI: 10.1016/J.COLEGN.2014.10.003
Abstract: Nursing roles in general practice have undergone significant expansion, but as yet there are few tools to measure the quality of nursing care in general practice. This study piloted the Patient Enablement and Satisfaction Survey (PESS) to evaluate two aspects of quality of care in this setting. Participants were patients attending nurse-led general and chronic-disease clinics in two general practices The survey was posted to 180 consecutive patients attending these clinics over one week (response rate, 28% for general clinic, 40% chronic diseases clinic n = 57). Scores were calculated for enablement and satisfaction and free text comments were analysed. Comparisons were made between patients who had attended the general clinic for influenza vaccination and for other conditions, and those who attended the chronic diseases clinic. Overall results indicate high levels of satisfaction (M = 68.3/75 SD = 8.1) and moderate enablement (M = 4.7/8 SD = 3.2). Significant differences were observed between satisfaction scores for patients attending the chronic disease clinic and the general clinic for influenza vaccinations alone, and between those attending the general clinic for influenza vaccinations versus treatment of other conditions. Patients attending the chronic disease clinic had higher enablement scores than patients receiving influenza vaccinations at the general clinic. Analysis of free-text comments in the survey supported these findings. All patients reported satisfaction with nursing care. Patients receiving chronic disease management reported high levels of enablement. This pilot indicated that the PESS can distinguish between two aspects of the quality of nursing care that may impact on patient outcomes.
Properties of black soil humic acids from high altitude rocky complexes in Brazil
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2005
A Hotspot of Walking in and around the Central Business District: Leveraging Coarsely Geocoded Routinely Collected Data
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 18-10-2019
Lapatinib plus capecitabine in patients with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer
Publisher: Dustri-Verlgag Dr. Karl Feistle
Date: 02-2018
DOI: 10.5414/CP203123
Identifying community chronic kidney disease risk profile utilising general practice clinical records and spatial analysis: approach to inform policy and practice
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 08-2021
DOI: 10.1111/IMJ.14924
Abstract: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) causes a significant health burden in Australia, and up to 50% of Australians with CKD remain undiagnosed. To estimate the 5‐year risk for CKD from general practice (GP) clinical records and to investigate the spatial variation and hot spots of CKD risk in an Australian community. A cross‐sectional study was designed using de‐identified GP clinical data recorded from 2010 to 2015. A total of 16 GP participated in this study from West Adelaide, Australia. We used health records of 36 565 patients aged 35–74 years, with no prior history of CKD. The 5‐year estimated CKD risk was calculated using the QKidney algorithm. In iduals' risk score was aggregated to Statistical Area Level 1 to predict the community CKD risk. A spatial hotspot analysis was applied to identify the communities with greater risk. The mean estimated 5‐year risk for CKD in the s le population was 0.95% (0.93–0.97). Overall, 2.4% of the study population was at high risk of CKD. Significant hot spots and cold spots of CKD risk were identified within the study region. Hot spots were associated with lower socioeconomic status. This study demonstrated a new approach to explore the spatial variation of CKD risk at a community level, and implementation of a risk prediction model into a clinical setting may aid in early detection and increase disease awareness in regions of unmet CKD care.
Time spent on health related activity by older Australians with diabetes
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 07-2013
Abstract: There is little information available about what people do to look after their health, or how long people spend on health activities. This study identifies key health related activities and time taken as part of self management by people with diabetes. Management planning often lacks information that this study provides that would help clinicians and patients to create manageable and do-able plans that patients can follow. Data were collected in 2010 using a national survey of people aged 50 years the National Diabetes Services Scheme. Respondents provided recall data on time used for personal health care, non-clinical health activity and health service interactions. Data were analysed using Stata 12 and SPSS 19. While most people with diabetes spend on average less than 30 minutes a day on health-related activities (excluding exercise), the highest decile of respondents averaged over 100 minutes. Time spent increased with the number of co-existent conditions. Taking medication and sitting in waiting rooms were the most frequently reported activities. The greatest amount of time was spent on daily personal health care activities. The time demands of diabetes for older people can be substantial. Better patient engagement in self management might result from a better match in care planning between the illness demands and the patient time availability, with potential to reduce admissions for hospital care.
An ecosystems approach to mental health services research
Publisher: Royal College of Psychiatrists
Date: 22-05-2020
DOI: 10.1192/BJI.2020.24
Abstract: Mental health ecosystems research is an emerging discipline which takes a whole-systems approach to mental healthcare, facilitating analysis of the complex environment and context of mental health systems, and translation of this knowledge into policy and practice. Evidence from the local context is needed in the analysis of complex interventions and of geographic variations in the outcomes of care. Technical tools and support have been developed to gather and interpret evidence from the local context and translate it in a meaningful and relevant manner for planners and policy makers to guide their decision-making.
Measuring Relationships between Doctor Densities and Patient Visits: A Dog’s Breakfast of Small Area Health Geographies
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 05-06-2019
Protecting the privacy of individual general practice patient electronic records for geospatial epidemiology research
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2014
Abstract: General practitioner (GP) practices in Australia are increasingly storing patient information in electronic databases. These practice databases can be accessed by clinical audit software to generate reports that inform clinical or population health decision making and public health surveillance. Many audit software applications also have the capacity to generate de-identified patient unit record data. However, the de-identified nature of the extracted data means that these records often lack geographic information. Without spatial references, it is impossible to build maps reflecting the spatial distribution of patients with particular conditions and needs. Links to socioeconomic, demographic, environmental or other geographically based information are also not possible. In some cases, relatively coarse geographies such as postcode are available, but these are of limited use and researchers cannot undertake precision spatial analyses such as calculating travel times. We describe a method that allows researchers to implement meaningful mapping and spatial epidemiological analyses of practice level patient data while preserving privacy. This solution has been piloted in a diabetes risk research project in the patient population of a practice in Adelaide. The method offers researchers a powerful means of analysing geographic clinic data in a privacy-protected manner.
Has the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown worsened eating disorders symptoms among patients with eating disorders? A systematic review
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 29-03-2022
DOI: 10.1007/S10389-022-01704-4
Abstract: During the coronavirus pandemic lockdowns, general medical complications have received the most attention, and few studies have examined the association between the COVID-19 lockdown and eating disorders (ED). This study aimed to investigate the impact of the coronavirus lockdowns on ED symptoms severity and summarize factors associated with lockdowns that led to changes in eating disorders. PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for studies measuring the impact of coronavirus lockdowns on ED symptoms. A total of 132 studies were retrieved, after abstract screening and removal of duplicates, 21 papers were full-text screened, and 11 eligible papers were identified. Factors associated with symptomatic deterioration in ED patients during COVID-19 lockdowns included disruption of lifestyle routine, social isolation, reduced access to usual support networks, limited or no access to healthcare and mental care services, and social anxiety. Overall, the pandemic lockdowns were associated with worsening of eating disorders. This triggering environment can lead to increased anxiety and depression symptoms, change in dietary habits, and eventually result in worsening eating disorder symptoms.
A new generation of Primary Care Service Areas or general practice catchment areas
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 07-08-2017
DOI: 10.1111/TGIS.12287
The relative importance of household norms for energy efficient behavior
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 25-01-2020
DOI: 10.1111/IJCS.12639
Abstract: Household norms have been shown to influence energy efficiency behaviors, but little is known about the relative influence of household norms when compared to other established drivers of household efficiency behaviors, such as comfort‐seeking, environmental concern and cost sensitivity. This paper unpacks the nature of the influence of household norms on household efficiency behaviors, whether as antecedents, mediating the influence of other drivers or a direct influence on efficiency behaviors. Responses from 775 households in regional Australia were analyzed to test six hypotheses. Results suggest that household norms are among the most important variables influencing household efficiency behaviors. They have a strong and significant influence on curtailment and investment behaviors, mediate the relationship between established drivers of efficiency and efficiency behaviors and influence the drivers of efficiency. These findings demonstrate the importance of household norms for improving the energy efficiency of households.
Exposure to Whole-Body Vibration and Mechanical Shock: A Field Study of Quad Bike Use in Agriculture
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 10-01-2011
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to determine exposure to whole-body vibration (WBV) and mechanical shock in rural workers who use quad bikes and to explore how personal, physical, and workplace characteristics influence exposure. A seat pad mounted triaxial accelerometer and data logger recorded full workday vibration and shock data from 130 New Zealand rural workers. Personal, physical, and workplace characteristics were gathered using a modified version of the Whole Body Vibration Health Surveillance Questionnaire. WBVs and mechanical shocks were analysed in accordance with the International Standardization for Organization (ISO 2631-1 and ISO 2631-5) standards and are presented as vibration dose value (VDV) and mechanical shock (S(ed)) exposures. VDV(Z) consistently exceeded European Union (Guide to good practice on whole body vibration. Directive 2002/44/EC on minimum health and safety, European Commission Directorate General Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities. 2006) guideline exposure action thresholds with some workers exceeding exposure limit thresholds. Exposure to mechanical shock was also evident. Increasing age had the strongest (negative) association with vibration and shock exposure with body mass index (BMI) having a similar but weaker effect. Age, daily driving duration, dairy farming, and use of two rear shock absorbers created the strongest multivariate model explaining 33% of variance in VDV(Z). Only age and dairy farming combined to explain 17% of the variance for daily mechanical shock. Twelve-month prevalence for low back pain was highest at 57.7% and lowest for upper back pain (13.8%). Personal (age and BMI), physical (shock absorbers and velocity), and workplace characteristics (driving duration and dairy farming) suggest that a mix of engineered workplace and behavioural interventions is required to reduce this level of exposure to vibration and shock.
Access to dialysis services: A systematic mapping review based on geographical information systems
Publisher: PAGEPress Publications
Date: 07-05-2018
DOI: 10.4081/GH.2018.577
Abstract: Equitable access to healthcare services constitutes one of the leading priorities of healthcare provision and access to dialysis services (ADS) has an essential impact on patients depending on renal dialysis. The many existing GIS-based ADS evaluations include various spatial and non-spatial factors affecting ADS. We systematically mapped and reviewed the available literature with reference to this area identifying gaps in current GIS-based ADS measurements and developing recommendations for future studies. A threestep, systematic mapping review of the available GIS-related evidence in PubMed, Embase, Web of science, Scopus, Science Direct and IEEE Xplore was performed in May 2016 and the information collected updated October 2017 by two independent selection processes. The quality of the studies was assessed using an informal, mixed-approach scoring system. Out of 1119 literature references identified, 36 were identified and used for final review after removal of duplicates, study screenings and applying inclusion/exclusion criteria. Given the contents of the selected studies, three study groups were identified and 41 factors with potential effects on ADS determined. These studies mainly addressed the potential and/or spatial aspects of ADS. Our systematic mapping review of the evidence revealed that current GIS-based measures of ADS tend to calculate potential ADS instead of a realized one. It was also noted that listed factors affecting ADS were mainly nonspatial bringing forth the hypothesis that designing an integrated ADS index could possibly produce better ADS score than those currently advocated. Some primary and secondary research suggestions are made and a list of recommendations offered.
Digital mental health and employment - Lessons from the Australian experience
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2023
An age‐integrated approach to improve measurement of potential spatial accessibility to emergency medical services for urban areas
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 03-12-2019
DOI: 10.1002/HPM.2960
Abstract: This study aimed to develop an age-included approach to measure the potential accessibility to Emergency medical services (EMS) across urban and suburban areas of Mashhad city in Iran. We used an improved version of two-step floating catchment area (2SFCA) and enhanced 2SFCA (E2SFCA) methods to measure the potential accessibility to EMS services with inclusion of age factor. This enabled us to better model accessibility of the older population to the EMS. We used 22 800 records of EMS enquiries from July to September 2018 to evaluate and assess the potential improvement in access to the EMS with incorporating age in the model. Suburb areas had less potential accessibility compared with central urban due to the high density of EMS stations in the city center areas. Our model showed slight improvement in potential accessibility measurement as a result of the proposed age-integrated method. An age-integrated index of accessibility method takes into account the age distribution of the population in service area is highly associated with actual measures of accessibility to EMS services. Identifying areas with poor access to EMS will help policymakers to design better policy planning to allocate resources and improve provision of EMS services.
Haemodialysis services in the northeastern region of Iran
Publisher: PAGEPress Publications
Date: 11-05-2017
DOI: 10.4081/GH.2017.561
Abstract: Chronic kidney disease is growing and the current estimated global prevalence exceeds 13%. As the use of haemodialysis machines for patients with end stage renal disease increases survival considerably, it is critical to plan correctly for the allocation of these machines. This study aimed to develop a geographical information systems (GIS)-based approach to predict the need for this service in the northeastern region of Iran taking into account where patients live and where haemodialysis is the most needed and identifying areas with poor access to haemodialysis centres. Patients were interviewed to obtain self-reported actual travel time and the inverse distance-weighting algorithm was used to determine access in each area. The prediction is based on the domestic growth rate for haemodialysis services and the estimated active hours of machine use for the next five years. We estimate that six new haemodialysis machines are required in northeastern Iran at the present time with 50 machines required over the next five years. Ashkhane City was identified to have the least access to haemodialysis centres in the study area. Our GIS-based model can be used to investigate not only the need for new haemodialysis machines but also to examine geographic disparities in the allocation of haemodialysis centres and to identify areas most in need of this service. It is important that policymakers consider both spatial and non-spatial dimensions of access to enable better allocation of haemodialysis services ensuring they are targeted to reach those in need.
Could strength of exposure to the residential neighbourhood modify associations between walkability and physical activity?
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2015
DOI: 10.1016/J.SOCSCIMED.2015.10.053
Abstract: The importance of neighbourhoods for health and wellbeing may vary according to an in idual's reliance on their local resources, but this assertion is rarely tested. We investigate whether greater neighbourhood 'exposure' through reliance on or engagement with the residential setting magnifies neighbourhood-health associations. Three built environment characteristics (destination density, streetscape (attractiveness of built environment) and street connectivity) and two physical activity components (weekday and weekend accelerometer counts) were measured for 2033 residents living in 48 neighbourhoods within four New Zealand cities in 2009-2010, giving six different built environment-physical activity associations. Interactions for each built environment-physical activity association with four in idual-level characteristics (acting as proxies for exposure: gender, working status, car access, and income) were assessed with multi-level regression models a total of 24 'tests'. Of the 12 weekday built environment-physical activity tests, 5 interaction terms were significant (p < 0.05) in the expected direction (e.g. stronger streetscape-physical activity among those with restricted car access). For weekend tests, one association was statistically significant. No significant tests were contradictory. Pooled across the 12 weekday physical activity 'tests', a 1 standard deviation increase in the walkability of the built environment was associated with an overall 3.8% (95% CI: 3.6%-4.1%) greater increase in weekday physical activity across all the types of people we hypothesised to spend more time in their residential neighbourhood, and for weekend physical activity it was 4.2% (95% CI 3.9%-4.5%). Using multiple evaluation methods, interactions were in line with our hypothesis, with a stronger association seen for proxy exposure indicators (for ex le, restricted car access). Added to the wider evidence base, our study strengthens causal evidence of an effect of the built environment on physical activity, and highlights that health gains from improvements of the residential neighbourhood may be greater for some people.
Geographical outcome disparities in infection occurrence after colorectal surgery: An analysis of 58,096 colorectal surgical procedures
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 08-2017
How useful are Primary Care Service Areas? Evaluating PCSAs as a tool for measuring Primary Care Practitioner access
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2016
A spatial analysis of referrals to a primary mental health programme in Western Sydney from 2012 to 2015
Publisher: PAGEPress Publications
Date: 06-11-2019
DOI: 10.4081/GH.2019.773
Abstract: Access to Allied Psychological Services is a primary mental health programme targeting hard-to-reach populations throughout Australia. This research aims to identify patterns of referrals to the programme in the Western Sydney Primary Health Network region from 2012 to 2015. The referral rates were analysed by using spatial autocorrelation indexes and spatial regression. The study area was described through the identification of the most disadvantaged areas and through consideration of three socio-economic indicators: percentage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians, low educational attainment and low weekly incomes. A large hot spot (identifying high referral rates) was located across the duration of the study in the south-western urban area that partially covered a disadvantaged area. The main cold spot (identifying low referral rates) was located in the south-eastern urban area, covering another disadvantaged area, however critically this association disappeared over time. Our modelling showed that the referral rates had a direct association with the percentage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with low incomes, and an indirect association with low educational attainment. The results and technique are useful in monitoring and addressing inequality in health planning and policy.
Studies of the Compositions of Humic Acids from Amazonian Dark Earth Soils
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 08-12-2006
DOI: 10.1021/ES060941X
Abstract: The compositions of humic acids (HAs) isolated from cultivated and forested "Terra Preta de Indio" or Amazonian Dark Earth soils (anthropogenic soils) were compared with those from adjacent non-anthropogenic soils (control soils) using elemental and thermogravimetric analyses, and a variety of solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance techniques. The thermogravimetric index, which indicates the molecular thermal resistance, was greater for the anthropogenic soils than for the control soils suggesting polycyclic aromatic components in the former. The cultivated anthropogenic soils were more enriched in C and depleted in H than the anthropogenic soils under forest, as the result of the selective degradation of aliphatic structures and the possible enrichment of H-deficient condensed aromatic structures. The combination of variable litude cross-polarization (VACP) and chemical shift anisotropy with total suppression of spinning sidebands experiments with composite pi pulses could be used to quantify the aromaticity of the HAs from the anthropogenic soils. From principal component analysis, using the VACP spectra, it was possible to separate the different constituents of the HAs, such as the carboxylated aromatic structures, from the anthropogenic soils and plant derived compounds. The data show that the HAs from anthropogenic soils have high contents of aryl and ionisable oxygenated functional groups, and the major functionalities from adjacent control soils are oxygenated functional groups from labile structures (carbohydrates, peptides, and with evidence for lignin structures). The anthropogenic soils HAs can be considered to be more recalcitrant, and with more stable reactive functional groups which may, in part, explain their more sustainable fertility due to the organic matter contribution to the soil cation exchange capacity.
The effects of family-centered empowerment model on depression, anxiety, and stress of the family caregivers of patients with COVID-19: a randomized clinical trial
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 26-07-2022
DOI: 10.1186/S12875-022-01795-8
Abstract: Taking care of patients with Covid-19 is regarded as a challenging task for family caregivers. Hence, a Family-Centered Empowerment Model (FCEM) should help them achieve greater psychological strength throughout the home healthcare process. This study is a randomized clinical trial with two groups besides, pre-test and post-test designs were conducted based on the CONSORT checklist from April to July 2020, in Iran. Seventy family caregivers were randomly assigned to FCEM ( n = 35) and control ( n = 35) groups. Then, four stages of FCEM in four online sessions were provided to the participants of the intervention group via WhatsApp messenger. The procedure started at the patient's discharge and continued for two weeks. The demographic information questionnaire and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21) were employed before and five days after the FCEM sessions to gather the required data. The s le was made up of 55.8% women and 44.2% men caregivers, with a mean age of 42.5 years. The results demonstrated a substantial difference in the average score of stress ( p = 0.023), anxiety ( p = 0.003), and depression ( p = 0.012). The combination of a face-to-face orientation session and online methods of FCEM is likely to lower stress, anxiety, and depression in family caregivers, which can be contributed to the practicability, simplicity, and effectiveness of this home health intervention. This study (no. IRCT20180429039463N2 ) was registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials on 10/04/2020.
Undiagnosed diabetes from cross-sectional GP practice data: An approach to identify communities with high likelihood of undiagnosed diabetes
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 23-07-2014
Development of the Australian neighborhood social fragmentation index and its association with spatial variation in depression across communities
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 15-04-2019
DOI: 10.1007/S00127-019-01712-Y
Abstract: We know little about how community structures influence the risk of common mental illnesses. This study presents a new way to establish links between depression and social fragmentation, thereby identifying pathways to better target mental health services and prevention programs to the right people in the right place. A principal components analysis (PCA) was conducted to develop the proposed Australian neighborhood social fragmentation index (ANSFI). General practice clinical data were used to identify cases of diagnosed depression. The association between ANSFI and depression was explored using multilevel logistic regression. Spatial hot spots (clusters) of depression prevalence and social fragmentation at the statistical area level 1 (SA1) were examined. Two components of social fragmentation emerged, reflecting fragmentation related to family structure and mobility. In iduals treated for depression in primary care were more likely to live in neighborhoods with lower socioeconomic status and with higher social fragmentation related to family structure. A 1-SD increase in social fragmentation was associated with a 16% higher depression prevalence (95% CI 11%, 20%). However, the association attenuated with adjustment for neighborhood socio-economic status. Considerable spatial variation in social fragmentation and depression patterns across communities was observed. Developing a social fragmentation index for the first time in Australia at a small area level generates a new line of knowledge on the impact of community structures on health risks. Findings may extend our understanding of the mechanisms that drive geographical variation in the incidence of common mental disorders and mental health care.
Primary Health Care Data and Cardiovascular Disease Risk: A Spatial Analysis.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 23-09-2015
Does Daily Exposure to Whole-Body Vibration and Mechanical Shock Relate to the Prevalence of Low Back and Neck Pain in a Rural Workforce?
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 29-09-2011
Abstract: To determine whether whole-body vibration (WBV) and mechanical shock exposure from quad bike use are associated with the prevalence of neck and low back pain (LBP) in New Zealand farmers and rural workers. Full-day WBV and mechanical shock exposures were gathered from 130 farmers and rural workers. Participants were surveyed for a history of neck or LBP in the past 7 days and in the past 12 months. Anthropometric, personal, and workplace data were also gathered. Physical exposures (mechanical shocks), employee status, and low levels of workplace satisfaction are all significantly associated with the 12-month prevalence of LBP in this rural workforce that regularly use quad bikes. Both vibration and mechanical shock exposure were strongly associated with 12-month prevalence of neck pain. The 7-day prevalence of neck pain showed a non-significant association with mechanical shock and vibration. Knowledge of these findings will be valuable information for those who teach and advise on safe driving techniques for such vehicles in the rural workplace where reduction of physical exposures and injury rates is of high importance.
Community cardiovascular disease risk from cross-sectional general practice clinical data: A spatial analysis
Publisher: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Date: 26-02-2015
DOI: 10.5888/PCD12.140379
Identifying hotspots of type 2 diabetes risk using general practice data and geospatial analysis: An approach to inform policy and practice
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2020
DOI: 10.1071/PY19043
Abstract: The prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) is increasing worldwide and there is a need to identify communities with a high-risk profile and to develop appropriate primary care interventions. This study aimed to predict future T2D risk and identify community-level geographic variations using general practices data. The Australian T2D risk assessment (AUSDRISK) tool was used to calculate the in idual T2D risk scores using 55693 clinical records from 16 general practices in west Adelaide, South Australia, Australia. Spatial clusters and potential ‘hotspots’ of T2D risk were examined using Local Moran’s I and the Getis-Ord Gi* techniques. Further, the correlation between T2D risk and the socioeconomic status of communities were mapped. In idual risk scores were categorised into three groups: low risk (34.0% of participants), moderate risk (35.2% of participants) and high risk (30.8% of participants). Spatial analysis showed heterogeneity in T2D risk across communities, with significant clusters in the central part of the study area. These study results suggest that routinely collected data from general practices offer a rich source of data that may be a useful and efficient approach for identifying T2D hotspots across communities. Mapping aggregated T2D risk offers a novel approach to identifying areas of unmet need.
Using Geographical Convergence of Obesity, Cardiovascular Disease, and Type 2 Diabetes at the Neighborhood Level to Inform Policy and Practice
Publisher: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Date: 12-10-2017
DOI: 10.5888/PCD14.170170
How Do Neighbourhood Definitions Influence the Associations between Built Environment and Physical Activity?
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 28-04-2019
Abstract: Researchers investigating relationships between the neighbourhood environment and health first need to decide on the spatial extent of the neighbourhood they are interested in. This decision is an important and ongoing methodological challenge since different methods of defining and delineating neighbourhood boundaries can produce different results. This paper explores this issue in the context of a New Zealand-based study of the relationship between the built environment and multiple measures of physical activity. Geographic information systems were used to measure three built environment attributes—dwelling density, street connectivity, and neighbourhood destination accessibility—using seven different neighbourhood definitions (three administrative unit boundaries, and 500, 800, 1000- and 1500-m road network buffers). The associations between the three built environment measures and five measures of physical activity (mean accelerometer counts per hour, percentage time in moderate–vigorous physical activity, self-reported walking for transport, self-reported walking for recreation and self-reported walking for all purposes) were modelled for each neighbourhood definition. The combination of the choice of neighbourhood definition, built environment measure, and physical activity measure determined whether evidence of an association was detected or not. Results demonstrated that, while there was no single ideal neighbourhood definition, the built environment was most consistently associated with a range of physical activity measures when the 800-m and 1000-m road network buffers were used. For the street connectivity and destination accessibility measures, associations with physical activity were less likely to be detected at smaller scales (less than 800 m). In line with some previous research, this study demonstrated that the choice of neighbourhood definition can influence whether or not an association between the built environment and adults’ physical activity is detected or not. This study additionally highlighted the importance of the choice of built environment attribute and physical activity measures. While we identified the 800-m and 1000-m road network buffers as the neighbourhood definitions most consistently associated with a range of physical activity measures, it is important that researchers carefully consider the most appropriate type of neighbourhood definition and scale for the particular aim and participants, especially at smaller scales.
Spatial Analysis of Colorectal Cancer Incidence in Hamadan Province, Iran: a Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 23-05-2019
Cryptosporidiosis Risk in New Zealand Children Under 5 Years Old is Greatest in Areas with High Dairy Cattle Densities
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 20-10-2016
DOI: 10.1007/S10393-016-1187-8
Abstract: The public health risks associated with dairy farming intensification are an emerging concern. We examine the association between dairy cattle density and cryptosporidiosis risk in children <5 years old in New Zealand from 1997 to 2008, a period of rapid intensification of the dairy industry. Multi-level Poisson regression was used to model reported cryptosporidiosis (N = 3869 cases) incidence in relation to dairy cattle densities across urban and rural areas separately, after controlling for microbiological quality of public drinking water supplies and neighbourhood socio-economic factors using the Census Area Unit of residence. Within urban areas, the risk of cryptosporidiosis in children less than 5 years old was significantly, positively associated with medium and high dairy cattle density IRR 1.3 (95% CI 1.2, 1.5) and 1.5 (95% CI 1.2, 1.9) respectively, when compared to areas with no dairy cattle. Within rural areas, the incidence risk of cryptosporidiosis in children less than 5 years old were significantly, positively associated with medium and high dairy cattle density: IRR 1.7 (95% CI 1.3, 2.3) and 2.0 (95% CI 1.5, 2.8) respectively, when compared to areas with no dairy cattle. These results have public health implications for children living on and in proximity to intensively stocked dairy cattle farms.
Comparing potential spatial access with self-reported travel times and cost analysis to haemodialysis facilities in North-eastern Iran
Publisher: PAGEPress Publications
Date: 09-11-2018
DOI: 10.4081/GH.2018.703
Abstract: End-stage renal disease patients regularly need haemodialysis three times a week. Their poor access to haemodialysis facilities is significantly associated with a high mortality rate. The present cross-sectional study aimed to measure the potential spatial access to dialysis services at a small area level (census tract level) in North Khorasan Province, Iran. The patients were interviewed to obtain their travel information. The two-step floating catchment area (2SFCA) method was used to measure the spatial accessibility of patients to the dialysis centres. The capacity of the dialysis centre was defined as the number of active dialysis facilities in each centre and the haemodialysis patients in each area were considered as the users of dialysis services. The travel cost from each patient’s residence to the haemodialysis facilities was visualized by the Kriging interpolation algorithm in the study area. Spatial accessibility to the dialysis centre was poor in the northern part of the study area. Fortunately, there were not many haemodialysis patients in that area. Patients’ travel costs were high in the northern areas compared to the rest of study area. We observed a statistically significant reverse correlation between the self-reported travel time and computed spatial accessibility (-0.570, P value .01, two-tailed spearman test). This study supports the notion that the 2SFCA method could be associated with revealed access time to dialysis facilities, especially in low traffic and in flat areas such as northern Khorasan. The mapping of patients’ distribution and interpolated travel cost to the haemodialysis facilities could help policymakers to allocate health resources to the areas where the need is greater.
The impact of general practice nursing care on patient satisfaction and enablement in Australia: A mixed methods study
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.IJNURSTU.2016.10.004
Abstract: The numbers of nurses in general practice in Australia tripled between 2004 and 2012. However, evidence on whether nursing care in general practice improves patient outcomes is scarce. Although patient satisfaction and enablement have been examined extensively as outcomes of general practitioner care, there is little research into these outcomes from nursing care in general practice. The aim of this study was to examine the relationships between specific general practice characteristics and nurse consultation characteristics, and patient satisfaction and enablement METHODS: A mixed methods study examined a cross-section of patients from 21 general practices in the Australian Capital Territory. The Patient Enablement and Satisfaction Survey was distributed to 1665 patients who received nursing care between September 2013 and March 2014. Grounded theory methods were used to analyse interviews with staff and patients from these same practices. An integrated analysis of data from both components was conducted using multilevel mixed effect models. Data from 678 completed patient surveys (response rate=42%) and 48 interviews with 16 nurses, 23 patients and 9 practice managers were analysed. Patients who had longer nurse consultations were more satisfied (OR=2.50, 95% CI: 1.43-4.35) and more enabled (OR=2.55, 95% CI: 1.45-4.50) than those who had shorter consultations. Patients who had continuity of care with the same general practice nurse were more satisfied (OR=2.31, 95% CI: 1.33-4.00) than those who consulted with a nurse they had never met before. Patients who attended practices where nurses worked with broad scopes of practice and high levels of autonomy were more satisfied (OR=1.76, 95% CI: 1.09-2.82) and more enabled (OR=2.56, 95% CI: 1.40-4.68) than patients who attended practices where nurses worked with narrow scopes of practice and low levels of autonomy. Patients who received nursing care for the management of chronic conditions (OR=2.64, 95% CI: 1.32-5.30) were more enabled than those receiving preventive health care. This study provides the first evidence of the importance of continuity of general practice nurse care, adequate time in general practice nurse consultations, and broad scopes of nursing practice and autonomy for patient satisfaction and enablement. The findings of this study provide evidence of the true value of enhanced nursing roles in general practice. They demonstrate that when the vision for improved coordination and multidisciplinary primary health care, including expanded roles of nurses, is implemented, high quality patient outcomes can be achieved.
The effect of professional portfolio learning on nursing students’ professional self-concepts in geriatric adult internship: a- quasi-experimental study
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 15-02-2023
DOI: 10.1186/S12909-023-04097-4
Abstract: Professional self-concept is one of the important outcomes of nursing professionalism. There is a lack of adequately planned curriculum may limit nursing students’ practical knowledge, skills and professional self-concept in providing comprehensive geriatric-adult care and promoting nursing professionalism. Professional portfolio learning strategy has allowed nursing students to continue professional development and enhance nursing professionalism in professional clinical practice. However, there is little empirical evidence in nursing education to support the use of professional portfolios in blended learning modality among internship nursing students. Therefore, this study aims to examine the effect of the blended professional portfolio learning on professional self-concept among undergraduate nursing students during Geriatric-Adult internship. A quasi-experimental study two-group pre-test post-test design. A total of 153 eligible senior undergraduate students completed the study (76 in the intervention group and 77 in the control group). They were recruited from two Bachelor of Sciences in Nursing (BSN) cohorts from nursing schools at Mashhad University of Medical Sciences (MUMS), in Iran, in January 2020. Randomization was undertaken at the level of school via a simple lottery method. The intervention group received the professional portfolio learning program as a holistic blended learning modality, though the control group received conventional learning during professional clinical practice. A demographic questionnaire and the Nurse Professional Self-concept questionnaire were used for data collection. The findings imply the effectiveness of the blended PPL program. Results of Generalized Estimating Equation (GEE) analysis was indicated significantly improved professional self-concept development and its dimensions (self-esteem, caring, staff relation, communication, knowledge, leadership) with high effect size. The results of the between-group comparison for professional self-concept and its dimensions at different time points (pre, post and follow up test) showed a significant difference between groups at post-test and follow up test (p 0.05),while at pre-test there was no important dissimilarity between two groups (p 0.05).The results of within-group comparison for both control and intervention showed that there were significant differences in professional self-concept and for all its dimensions across the time from pre-test to post-test and follow-up (p 0.05), and also from post-test to follow-up it was significant (p 0.05) for both groups. This professional portfolio learning program demonstrates as an innovative and holistic blended teaching-learning approach to improve professional self-concept during professional clinical practice among undergraduate nursing students. It appears that the use of a blended designed of professional portfolio can promote a link between theory and the advancement of geriatric adult nursing internship practice. The data obtained from the present study can be useful for nursing education to evaluate and redesign a curriculum for development of nursing professionalism as a quality improvement process and groundwork to develop new models of teaching-learning and assessment.
Low Back and Neck Pain in Locomotive Engineers Exposed to Whole-Body Vibration
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 05-02-2014
DOI: 10.1080/19338244.2013.771246
Abstract: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and excess risk of low back pain and neck pain in locomotive engineers, and to investigate the relationship of both with whole-body vibration exposure. A cross-sectional survey comparing locomotive engineers with other rail worker referents was conducted. Current vibration levels were measured, cumulative exposures calculated for engineers and referents, and low back and neck pain assessed by a self-completed questionnaire. Median vibration exposure in the z- (vertical) axis was 0.62 m/s(2). Engineers experienced more frequent low back and neck pain, odds ratios (ORs) of 1.77 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.19-2.64) and 1.92 (95% CI: 1.22-3.02), respectively. The authors conclude that vibration close to the "action levels" of published standards contribute to low back and neck pain. Vibration levels need to be assessed conservatively and control measures introduced.
Spatial heterogeneity in gender and age of fatal suicide in Iran
Publisher: Maad Rayan Publishing Company
Date: 28-12-2021
Abstract: Background: The suicide incident has had an increasing trend in Iran over the past years. This study mainly aimed to investigate and visualize the spatial variations of registered suicide cases at the province level. A two-step modeling approach was employed in order to estimate the relative risks (RRs) and model the age of fatal suicide across provinces in Iran. Study design: An applied ecological study. Methods: This study used the suicide death data recorded by the Iranian forensic medicine organization from March 21, 2016, to March 20, 2018. Furthermore, a Bayesian spatial approach - Besag, York, and Mollie (BYM) model- was applied to estimate the RR of suicide across provinces in Iran. Results: This risk was found to be significantly higher than the average in both men and women in the west of Iran. For women, higher population density (mean: 0.003 95% CrI: 0.001-0.005) and lower urbanization rate of provinces (mean: -0.025 95% CrI: -0.038, -0.012) were associated with increased RR of suicide. Based on the log-normal model fitted to the data, the overall mean age of the fatal suicide at the national level was 34 years. Conclusions: The magnitude of gender and age differences was quantified, and many spatial variations were identified in suicide mortality across provinces in Iran. Given the heterogeneity in suicide mortality risk among different subgroups of age and gender, our findings point to the urgent need in developing gender- and age-specific suicide prevention strategies. Moreover, efficient allocation of healthcare resources for suicide prevention can be attained by targeting provinces with higher risk.
Spectroscopy Characterization of Humic Acids Isolated from Amazonian Dark Earth Soils (Terra Preta De Índio)
Publisher: Springer Netherlands
Date: 2009
Population-level risks of alcohol consumption by amount, geography, age, sex, and year: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2020
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2022
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