ORCID Profile
0000-0002-1267-8340
Current Organisation
University of Adelaide
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Publisher: Center for Open Science
Date: 20-04-2023
Abstract: Introduction: The understanding of children’s social and emotional development is critical to promote well-being throughout the life course. Children who fail to develop social and emotional competencies during middle childhood are more likely to experience social and emotional difficulties in late childhood and adolescence and, in the worst case, can develop psychopathology. Recently proposed as a theoretical and methodological development, longitudinal network models can investigate children’s social and emotional development as a system of mutually reinforcing behaviours (instead of traditionally considering development according to unobservable “traits”). The identification of behaviours that have the strongest causal effects on social and emotional development during middle childhood (rather than the identification of broader “traits”) can be useful to inform tailored behavioural interventions to promote the healthy development of children. The current study will employ Cross-Lagged Network Models (CLNMs) to investigate children’s social and emotional development among Australian children aged 6 to 10 years. Method: Data was used from the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children. Children’s social and emotional development was measured with the caregiver-informant Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) version 4 to 10 years. The complete case s les (n=4,070) included children aged 6 to 10 years who participated in the three study follow-ups (i.e. age 6, 8, and 10) with complete responses to all 25 SDQ items. Results: The findings indicated that certain behaviours, such as reducing fights at age 6 and improving peer relationships at age 8, were important intervention targets to promote healthy social and emotional development during middle childhood. Conclusion: The current study provided new insights into children’s social and emotional development during middle childhood and identified behaviours that are key targets for intervention.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 06-01-2022
DOI: 10.1111/CDOE.12693
Abstract: To investigate whether the association between social support and oral health outcomes is modified by levels of household income. Data were from the National Study of Adults Oral Health (NSAOH 2004‐06), a nationally representative study comprising n = 3619 adults in Australia. Effect measure modification (EMM) analysis was adopted to verify whether the association between social support and poor/fair self‐rated oral health, lack of a functional dentition ( teeth) and low Oral Health Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL measured using OHIP‐14) varies according to levels of income. Poisson regressions adjusted for age, sex, education, country of birth, main language spoken at home and remoteness were used to estimate prevalence ratios (PR) for oral health outcomes for each stratum of social support (overall, family, friends and significant other) and income (effect modifier). We then computed the Relative Excess Risk due to Interaction (RERI), which represents the risk that is over what would be expected if the combination of low social support and low income was entirely additive. Sensitivity analyses for different cut‐offs of household income were performed. Adults with lower levels of social support had a 2.1, 1.2 and 1.9 times higher prevalence of fair oor self‐rated oral health, teeth and poor OHRQoL respectively. The RERIs observed were 0.98 (95% CI −0.01 1.96) for poor/fair self‐rated oral health 0.52 (95% CI −0.06 1.10) for lack of a functional dentition and 0.50 (95% CI −0.16 1.15) for poor OHRQoL. For all outcomes and all in idual domains of social support, the positive RERIs indicated that the joint association of low social support and low household income surpassed the sum of their separate associations with objective and subjective oral health indicators. In iduals with lower levels of social support had poorer oral health than those with high levels of social support, although this association was small for the outcome teeth. The association between social support and poor oral health indicators is modified by levels of household income. Hence, the provision of social support had a stronger association with the oral health of low‐income participants, suggesting that socioeconomically disadvantaged in iduals would mostly benefit from a social support intervention.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.CTCP.2019.07.009
Abstract: The aim of the current study was to investigate the prevalence of the use the integrative and complementary practices (ICP) and its associated factors in Brazil. Data was obtained from the cross-sectional National Health Survey 2013 (NHS), which had 145,580 adults aged 18 or over were interviewed. The outcome was the use of any ICP over the last 12 months and independent variables were macro-region, sex, age, educational attainment, skin color/race, and chronic disease. The results show that the prevalence of ICPs use in Brazil was 4.1%, while the most used types were medicinal plants and phytotherapy (2.5%), acupuncture (0.9%) and homeopathy (0.6%). The prevalence of ICPs use was higher in the North Region, among older people, women, participants with higher educational attainment, and with a higher number of chronic diseases. The findings from the current study provide valuable evidence that can inform future evidence-based public policies in Brazil.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 06-02-2022
DOI: 10.1080/03007995.2022.2031941
Abstract: Although HRQoL tools such as the EQ-5D-3L are significant in determining health status, these measures have not been validated in general populations in Australia. This study aims to psychometrically validate the EQ-5D-3L in a large population s le in Australia for the first time. The EQ-5D-3L was included in the Dental Care and Oral Health study (DCOHS), conducted in a South Australian population s le. The participants were 23-91 years old, and 44.1% were male. The EQ-5D-3L was responded to on a three-point rating scale ("none"/"no", "some" and "extremely"/"unable"/"confined"). We employed the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) to evaluate whether the EQ-5D-3L total score could identify participants with diagnosed diseases and mental health disorders. Psychometric validation of the EQ-5D-3L investigated dimensionality with Exploratory Graph Analysis, model fit, floor/ceiling effects and criterion validity. The EQ-5D-3L comprised two dimensions, Activities and Symptoms. According to Root Mean Squared Error of Approximation (RMSEA) ( .950), the 2-dimensional structure showed excellent model fit with good reliability for the Activities subscale (Ω Despite the ceiling effects, the EQ-5D-3L displayed good psychometric properties as an HRQoL measure and discriminated between health states in the general South Australian population. Further research should investigate the psychometric properties of the EQ-5D-5L in South Australia and whether an increased number of response categories can mitigate the observed ceiling effects.
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 10-2020
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 10-03-2021
DOI: 10.1186/S12955-021-01718-8
Abstract: In Australia, health-related quality of life (HRQoL) instruments have been adopted in national population surveys to inform policy decisions that affect the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. However, Western-developed HRQoL instruments should not be assumed to capture Indigenous conceptualization of health and well-being. In our study, following recommendations for cultural adaptation, an Indigenous Reference Group indicated the EQ-5D-5L as a potentially valid instrument to measure aspects of HRQoL and endorsed further psychometric evaluation. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the construct validity and reliability of the EQ-5D-5L in an Aboriginal Australian population. The EQ-5D-5L was applied in a s le of 1012 Aboriginal adults. Dimensionality was evaluated using Exploratory Graph Analysis. The Partial Credit Model was employed to evaluate item performance and adequacy of response categories. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) was used to investigate discriminant validity regarding chronic pain, general health and experiences of discrimination. The EQ-5D-5L comprised two dimensions, Physiological and Psychological, and reliability was adequate. Performance at an item level was excellent and the EQ-5D-5L in idual items displayed good discriminant validity. The EQ-5D-5L is a suitable instrument to measure five specific aspects (Mobility, Self-Care, Usual activities, Pain/Discomfort, Anxiety/Depression) of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander HRQoL. A future research agenda comprises the investigation of other domains of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander HRQoL and potential expansions to the instrument.
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 28-08-2023
DOI: 10.2196/52233
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 07-09-2023
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 18-08-2021
DOI: 10.3389/FPSYG.2021.573825
Abstract: In Australia, one of the most frequently used measures for assessing social and emotional well-being (SEWB) of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander children is the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Previous studies on state-level validations have indicated the problems associated with the original five-factor SDQ structure, especially in the dimension of Peer Problems. The aim of this study was to use a novel psychometric methodology, namely Exploratory Graph Analysis (EGA), to evaluate the dimensionality of caregiver-informant SDQ version 4–10 years at a national level in Australia. Data for this study were retrospectively collected from two independent longitudinal studies: the Longitudinal Study of Indigenous Children (LSIC) and South Australian Aboriginal Birth Cohort (SAABC). The caregiver-informed SDQ version 4–10 years was applied across several study waves, including more than 4,000 responses. To conduct EGA, Gaussian graphical models (GGMs) were estimated using the Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator. About 2,500 bootstrap s les were also employed to investigate dimensions and item stability. The findings indicated robust evidence against the construct validity of the original five-factor SDQ structure. Future studies should conduct a direct external validation of the findings with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander parents/carers and community groups to develop the guidelines for future use of the instrument among Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander children in Australia.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 03-12-2021
DOI: 10.1111/IPD.12749
Abstract: Centrality measures identify items that are central to a network, which may inform potential targets for oral interventions. We tested whether centrality measures in a cross‐sectional network of mothers’ baseline factors are able to predict the association with children's dental outcomes at age 5 years. A network approach was applied to longitudinal data from a randomised controlled trial of dental caries prevention delivered to 448 women pregnant with an Indigenous child in South Australia. Central items were identified at baseline using three centrality measures (strength, betweenness, and closeness). Centrality values of mothers’ outcomes were regressed with their predictive values to dental caries experience and dental service utilisation at child age 5 years. Items of oral health self‐efficacy and oral health literacy were central to mothers’ baseline network. Strength at baseline explained 51% and 45% of items’ predictive values to dental caries experience and dental service utilisation at child age 5 years, respectively. Adjusted and unadjusted values of node strength for the children's oral health network were highly correlated. Strength at baseline successfully identified mothers’ items with greater importance to dental caries experience and dental service utilisation at child age 5 years.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 20-05-2022
Abstract: In this study, we examined the psychometric properties of the Fear of Pain Questionnaire (FPQ-9) in Indigenous Australian people. FPQ-9, a shorter version of the original Fear of Pain Questionnaire-III, was developed to support the demand for more concise scales with faster administration time in the clinical and research setting. The psychometric properties of FPQ-9 in Indigenous Australian participants (n = 735) were evaluated with network psychometrics, such as dimensionality, model fit, internal consistency and reliability, measurement invariance, and criterion validity. Our findings indicated that the original FPQ-9 three-factor structure had a poor fit and did not adequately capture pain-related fear in Indigenous Australian people. On removal of two cross-loading items, an adapted version Indigenous Australian Fear of Pain Questionnaire-7 (IA-FPQ-7) displayed good fit and construct validity and reliability for assessing fear of pain in a s le of Indigenous Australian people. The IA-FPQ-7 scale could be used to better understand the role and impact of fear of pain in Indigenous Australian people living with chronic pain. This could allow for more tailored and timely interventions for managing pain in Indigenous Australian communities.
Publisher: Center for Open Science
Date: 06-10-2022
Abstract: Over the past decades, increasing research interest has been directed towards the psychosocial factors that impact Aboriginal health, including stress, coping and social support. However, there has been no study that examined whether the behaviours, cognitions and emotions related to stress, coping and social support constitute a psychological network in an Aboriginal population and that examined its properties. To address this gap, the current study employed a new methodology, network psychometrics, to evaluate stress, coping and social support in an Aboriginal Australian population. This study conducted a secondary analysis of the South Australian Aboriginal Birth Cohort (SAABC) study, a randomized controlled trial in South Australia, which included 367 pregnant Aboriginal women at study baseline. The Gaussian Graphical Model was estimated with least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO). Node centrality was evaluated with eigencentrality, strength and bridge centrality. Network communities were investigated with the walktrap algorithm. The findings indicated that stress, coping and social support constituted a connected psychological network in an Aboriginal population. Furthermore, at the centre of the network were the troubles experienced by the Aboriginal pregnant women, bridging their perceptions of stress and coping and constituting a potential target for future interventions.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 16-11-2022
Abstract: Over the past decades, increasing research interest has been directed towards the psychosocial factors that impact Aboriginal health, including stress, coping and social support. However, there has been no study that examined whether the behaviours, cognitions and emotions related to stress, coping and social support constitute a psychological network in an Aboriginal population and that examined its properties. To address this gap, the current study employed a new methodology, network psychometrics, to evaluate stress, coping and social support in an Aboriginal Australian population. This study conducted a secondary analysis of the South Australian Aboriginal Birth Cohort (SAABC) study, a randomised controlled trial in South Australia, which included 367 pregnant Aboriginal women at study baseline. The Gaussian Graphical Model was estimated with least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO). Node centrality was evaluated with eigencentrality, strength and bridge centrality. Network communities were investigated with the walktrap algorithm. The findings indicated that stress, coping and social support constituted a connected psychological network in an Aboriginal population. Furthermore, at the centre of the network were the troubles experienced by the Aboriginal pregnant women, bridging their perceptions of stress and coping and constituting a potential target for future interventions.
Publisher: Center for Open Science
Date: 06-07-2022
Abstract: In psychological networks, a crucial feature is the identification of network communities through community detection algorithms. One limitation of the most frequently used community detection algorithms (e.g. Walktrap algorithm) in psychological networks is that they can only assign one node per community, without being able to identify overlapping symptoms. The clique percolation (CP) is a promising algorithm to identify overlapping symptoms in psychological networks. However, there have been no studies that evaluate the performance of the CP algorithm in psychological networks. The current paper aims to assess the performance of the CP algorithm to: (1) identify the correct number of latent factors (i.e. correct number of communities) and (2) identify the observed variables with substantive cross-loadings (i.e. overlapping symptoms). For this, we carried out simulations under 108 conditions (2x2x3x3x3): (1) number of factors (2 and 4) (2) number of observed variables per factor (4 and 8) (3) factor correlations (0.0, 0.5, and 0.7) (4) proportion of observed variables with cross loadings (0.0%, 12.5% and 25.0%) and (5) s le size (300, 500 and 1000). Performance was evaluated through the Omega index, Mean Bias Error (MBE), Mean Absolute Error (MAE), Sensitivity, Specificity and mean number of isolated nodes. The simulations indicated that the CP algorithm with fuzzy modularity for signed weighted networks (CPMod) had the best performance across almost all conditions. Based on our findings, the CPMod is the recommended option to identify communities with overlapping symptoms in psychological networks.
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 22-09-2020
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 19-06-2021
DOI: 10.1177/10731911211024338
Abstract: In Australia, the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) has been implemented in several national studies, including the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children (LSAC). However, three previous state-level validations indicated problems with instrument dimensionality, warranting further research. To address this gap, the current study employed exploratory graph analysis to investigate dimensionality of the caregiver-completed SDQ version 4 to 10 years in a nationally representative s le of Australian children. Data were from a dual cohort cross-sequential study (LSAC) that included more than 20,000 responses. Gaussian graphical models were estimated in each study wave and exploratory graph analysis applied. Structural consistency, item stability and network loadings were evaluated. The findings provided mixed support for the original SDQ five-factor structure. The Peer Problem scale displayed low structural consistency since items clustered with the Emotional Symptoms and Prosocial behavior, generating four-dimensional structures. Implications for future use of the SDQ version 4 to 10 years in Australia are provided.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 12-11-2019
DOI: 10.1111/CDOE.12504
Abstract: The global demographic changes resulting in an ageing population require attention on xerostomia, as its prevalence appears to increase with age. The Xerostomia Inventory (XI) is a 11-item instrument developed to evaluate the symptoms and behavioural components of xerostomia, while a shortened 5-item version named Summated Xerostomia Inventory (SXI) was later proposed. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the construct validity of the XI and whether the SXI can provide a shortened version. Since previous studies focused only on dimensionality and reliability, we employed modern psychometric methodology to investigate properties such as differential item functioning (DIF) and targeting. The XI was applied to 164 middle-aged to older adults who participated in a randomized controlled trial to investigate the effects of alcohol-containing mouth rinse in Singapore. The psychometric properties of the XI were investigated with the Rasch model (Partial Credit Model). Overall model fit was evaluated with a summary chi-square statistic. Item fit was evaluated with the Fit Residual, and values between -2.5 and 2.5 are considered acceptable. DIF by sex was evaluated through a two-way ANOVA of the residuals. After collapsing the categories of "Hardly ever" and "Fairly often", the test of global fit (χ The current study expanded the evidence on the XI and SXI validity and provides new implications for practice: a 3-point categorization ("Never," "Occasionally" and "Very often") should be preferred rather than the original 5-point categorization the XI and SXI scores can be compared between men and women and will reflect true differences in xerostomia rather than measurement bias.
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 02-2021
DOI: 10.1136/BMJOPEN-2020-043559
Abstract: The South Australian Aboriginal Birth Cohort (SAABC) is a prospective, longitudinal birth cohort established to: (1) estimate Aboriginal child dental disease compared with population estimates (2) determine the efficacy of an early childhood caries intervention in early versus late infancy (3) examine if efficacy was sustained over time and (4) document factors influencing social, behavioural, cognitive, anthropometric, dietary and educational attainment over time. The original SAABC comprised 449 women pregnant with an Aboriginal child recruited February 2011 to May 2012. At child age 2 years, 324 (74%) participants were retained, at age 3 years, 324 (74%) participants were retained and at age 5 years, 299 (69%) participants were retained. Fieldwork for follow-up at age 7 years is underway, with funding available for follow-up at age 9 years. At baseline, 53% of mothers were aged 14–24 years and 72% had high school or less educational attainment. At age 3 years, dental disease experience was higher among children exposed to the intervention later rather than earlier in infancy. The effect was sustained at age 5 years, but rates were still higher than general child population estimates. Experiences of racism were high among mothers, with impacts on both tooth brushing and toothache. Compared with population estimates, levels of self-efficacy and self-rated oral health of mothers at baseline were low. Our data have contributed to a better understanding of the environmental, behavioural, dietary, biological and psychosocial factors contributing to Aboriginal child oral and general health, and social and emotional well-being. This is beneficial in charting the trajectory of cohort participants’ health and well-being overtime, particularly in identifying antecedents of chronic diseases which are highly prevalent among Aboriginal Australians. Funding for continued follow-up of the cohort will be sought. ACTRN12611000111976 Post-results.
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 26-02-2021
DOI: 10.3389/FPSYG.2021.542257
Abstract: We aimed to investigate whether the 12-item Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) constitutes a valid and reliable measure of social support for the general adult Australian population. Data were from Australia’s National Survey of Adult Oral Health 2004–2006 and included 3899 participants aged 18 years old and over. The psychometric properties were evaluated with Bayesian confirmatory factor analysis. One-, two-, and three-factor (Significant Other, Family and Friends) structures were tested. Model fit was assessed with the posterior predictive p -value (PPP χ2 ), Bayesian root mean square error of approximation (BRMSEA), and Bayesian comparative fit index (BCFI). Dimensionality was tested by comparing competing factorial structures with the Bayes factor (BF). Reliability was evaluated with the Bayesian Ω H . Convergent validity was investigated with the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and discriminant validity with the Perceived Dental Control scale (PDC-3). The theoretical three-factor model (Significant Other, Family, and Friends) provided a good fit to the data [PPP χ2 & 0.001, BRMSEA = 0.089-95% credible interval (CrI) (0.088, 0.089) BCFI = 0.963-95% CrI (0.963, 0.964)]. The BF provided decisive support for the three-factor structure in relation to the other structures. The SO [BΩ H = 0.95 - 95% CrI (0.90, 0.99)], FA (BΩ H = 0.92 - 95% CrI (0.87, 0.97), and FR (BΩ H = 0.92 - 95% CrI (0.88, 0.97)] subscales displayed excellent reliability. The MSPSS displayed initial evidence of convergent and discriminant validity. The MSPSS demonstrated good psychometric properties and excellent reliability in a large Australian s le. This instrument can be applied in national surveys and provide evidence of the role of social support in the Australian population.
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 03-05-2019
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 28-05-2021
DOI: 10.1111/CDOE.12661
Abstract: Network analysis is an innovative, analytic approach that enables visual representation of variables as nodes and their corresponding statistical associations as edges. It also provides a new way of framing oral health‐related questions as complex systems of variables. We aimed to generate networks of oral health variables using epidemiological data of Indigenous children, and to compare network structures of oral health variables among participants who received immediate or delayed delivery of an oral health intervention. Epidemiological data from 448 mother‐child dyads enrolled in a randomized controlled trial of dental caries prevention in South Australia, Australia, were obtained. Networks were estimated with nodes representing study variables and edges representing partial correlation coefficients between variables. Data included dental caries, impact on quality of life, self‐rated general health, self‐rated oral health, dental service utilization, knowledge of oral health, fatalism and self‐efficacy in three time points. Communities of nodes, centrality, clustering coefficient and network stability were estimated. The oral health intervention interacted with the network through self‐rated general health and knowledge of oral health. Networks depicting groups shortly after receiving the intervention presented higher clustering coefficients and a similar arrangement of nodes. Networks tended to return to a preintervention state. The intervention resulted in increased connectivity and changes in the structure of communities of variables in both intervention groups. Our findings contribute to elucidating dynamics between variables depicting oral health networks over time.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 09-06-2023
DOI: 10.1111/CDOE.12881
Abstract: Arguably, the deficit narrative of oral health inequities, perpetuated by colonial re‐search agendas, media and sociopolitical discourse, contributes to oral disease burden and fatalism among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. There remains a need to evolve the way oral health is understood, in a manner that reflects the lived experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. This paper proposes decolonising methodologies as a strategy to ensure oral health re‐search creates more equitable oral health outcomes and realities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities. Anchored by a critical reflection of the failure of dominant oral health inequity re‐search practices to address Indigenous oral health, both in Australia and internationally, we propose five explicit pathways for decolonising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander oral health re‐search. We argue the need for (1) positionality statements in all re‐search endeavours, (2) studies that honour reciprocal relationships through the development of proposals that ask questions and follow models based on Traditional Knowledges, (3) the development of culturally secure and strengths‐based data capturing tools, (4) frameworks that address the intersection of multiple axes of oppression in creating inequitable conditions and (5) decolonising knowledge translation techniques. Importantly, we recognize that re‐search will never be entirely ‘decolonised’ due to the colonial foundations upheld by academic institutions and society more broadly however, as oral health re‐searchers, we ascertain that there is an ethical compulsion to drive decolonising re‐search pursuits that produce equitable oral health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities.
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 07-11-2019
Publisher: Center for Open Science
Date: 03-08-2022
Abstract: The Parenting Sense of Competence Scale (PSOC) is the worldwide most used instrument to measure parenting sense of competence worldwide. Considering that cultural differences influence parenting practices, the investigation of cross-cultural validity is required to ensure that PSOC scores can be compared among Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians. To address this research gap, the current study employed network psychometrics to investigate the cross-cultural validity of the PSOC among Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians. The study investigated: (1) measurement invariance (2) item redundancy (3) dimensionality (4) model fit (5) reliability and (6) criterion validity. Data was from the South Australian Aboriginal Birth Cohort (SAABC n=178) and eMums study (n=107). The findings indicated that, after accounting for item redundancy, a revised 14-item version of the PSOC displayed the two theoretical dimensions of Efficacy and Satisfaction. The revised 14-item PSOC also displayed excellent psychometric properties and was cross-culturally valid among Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2018
DOI: 10.1016/J.CTCP.2018.01.013
Abstract: A critical issue in the contemporary field of public health is the organizational stress experienced by healthcare professionals. An integrative and complementary therapy that research has shown as efficacious in helping healthcare professionals to cope with stress is mindfulness meditation. An intervention, however, can't merely be efficacious, it also needs to be feasible to be implemented in a specific political and organizational context. This paper proposes a theoretical logical model and evaluation matrix of the feasibility of a mindfulness-based stress reduction program for primary care professionals. The literature review about the topic was the source for the construction of the theoretical logical model and evaluation matrix, and the validation of those was given by consensus methods, gathering data from experts in the field.
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 28-08-2023
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 20-07-2021
Abstract: The aim of this study was to assess the structural validity of the Oral Health Impact Profile–14 (OHIP-14) instrument in Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations from Australia and Brazil using a network analysis approach. Cross-sectional data collected using OHIP-14 were obtained for Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations from Australia and Brazil. Networks were estimated using the Gaussian graphical model. Items of the OHIP-14 instrument are represented as nodes and the partial correlations between items as edges. Dimensionality was assessed using exploratory graph analysis. Structural consistency and item stability were computed using a bootstrap s ling method. Standardized node strength across each dimension was also calculated. Four dimensions were identified across all s les, although the item arrangement of most dimensions presented variation. Similarities with the theoretical domains of the instrument were found. Items from the conceptually derived OHIP-14 domains formed separated clusters or blended with other items in a single dimension. Most dimensions across all s les showed an acceptable structural consistency. Item stability revealed some discrepancies among items of dimensions of both Indigenous networks. The psychometric network perspective adopted in this study provides validation of the OHIP-14 structure in Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations. The structural consistency and item stability analyses showed that both Indigenous networks present a higher number of cross-domain items and less defined boundaries between dimensions. These findings indicate that OHIP-14 does not measure attributes in the same extent among different cultures. This study demonstrates a new analytical framework from which to conceptualize and interpret the construct oral health–related quality of life using the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14). Network graphs facilitate knowledge translation of findings to professionals with no expertise in psychometric methods. OHIP-14 is a valuable tool to oral health research and clinical practice. Differences in conceptions of health may influence the extent that the instrument measures oral health impacts. Consequently, dimension scores do not always provide appropriate measures and should be avoided in research reports and assessments of treatment outcomes.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 15-04-2020
DOI: 10.1186/S12955-020-01343-X
Abstract: In Australia, the stress levels have increased over the years, impacting on the physical and mental health of the general population. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the validity and reliability of the PSS-14 in an Australian population. The PSS-14 was applied to a large national s le comprising 3857 Australians in the population-based cross-sectional study Australia’s National Survey of Adult Oral Health 2004–2006. The psychometric properties analyzed with the Rasch model and Graphical Log-linear Rasch models were: model fit, item fit, local dependence, differential item functioning, unidimensionality, reliability, targeting and criterion validity. The PSS-14 did not fit the pure RM (χ2 (55) = 3828.3, p = 0.001) and the unidimensionality of the whole scale was rejected ( p = 0.001). The Perceived Stress (χ2 (27) = 1409.7, p = 0.001) and Perceived Control (χ2 (27) = 713.4, p = 0.001) subscales did not fit the pure RM. After the deletion of two items, the Perceived Stress subscale (χ2 (96) = 94.4, p = 0.440) fitted a GLLRM, while the Perceived Control scale (χ2 (55) = 62.50, p = 0.224) fitted a GLLRM after the exclusion of four misfitting items. The Perceived Stress subscale displayed adequate psychometric properties after the deletion of two items however, the majority of problems centered around the Perceived Control subscale. The presence of differential item functioning among four items indicates that adjustment of total scores is required to avoid measurement bias. Recommendations for future applications in Australia are provided.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 21-11-2022
DOI: 10.1080/03007995.2022.2144053
Abstract: It is well-established that social determinants of health contribute to health and well-being. Among the social determinants of health, health-related social needs (HRSNs) are unmet needs that can be identified by the health care system and addressed through referral to community services. Despite the importance of identifying patients with HRSNs, none of the few screening tools for HRSNs available internationally have received a comprehensive psychometric validation. This study aims to conduct a qualitative validation of the Social Determinants of Health Screening Tool (SDoHST). This study took place at Lyell McEwin Hospital, a major tertiary hospital located in Adelaide, South Australia. Patient ( The patient focus group recommended the addition of an explanatory paragraph to improve face validity, and highlighted the importance of reliable transport and internet access. The stakeholder focus group recommended using language that carries less stigma to this particular community and incorporating questions surrounding cultural, linguistic, and spiritual needs. The final version of the SDoHST included 12 items (four original items were removed and seven new items were added during the validation process). The SDoHST is the first validated tool to measure social determinants of health (and specifically HRSNs) in Australia, receiving a comprehensive qualitative validation. The instrument is readily available and future studies will further investigate its psychometric properties with quantitative methods.
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 03-01-2023
DOI: 10.1371/JOURNAL.PONE.0279954
Abstract: In Australia, despite social support increasingly being reported as playing an important role in influencing health outcomes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, measures of social support have not yet been validated for Aboriginal people. The current study aimed to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Social Support Scale in an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander population. The Social Support Scale (SSS) is a 4-item psychological instrument that was designed to evaluate four social support functions, instrumental, informational, emotional and appraisal support. Data included participants from two different s les: (1) Teeth Talk Study (n = 317), an oral-health randomized controlled trial (RCT) conducted with Aboriginal adults and (2) the South Australian Aboriginal Birth Cohort Study (n = 367), a prospective longitudinal birth cohort study in which pregnant Aboriginal women were interviewed at baseline. The SSS psychometric properties were examined with Graphical Loglinear Rasch Models (GLLRM). The overall fit to a GLLRM was established (χ 2 (96) s le1 = 52.7, p = 0.06 χ 2 (25) s le2 = 22.2, p = 0.62) after accounting for local dependence between items 3 and 4. Item 2 displayed differential item functioning by employment status in S le 1. Regarding dimensionality, the SSS was unidimensional in both s les (γ obs1 = 0.80 γ exp1 = 0.78, p = 0.65 γ obs2 = 0.75, γ exp2 = 0.77, p = 0.16). The instrument also displayed good reliability (R s le1 = 0.82, R s le2 = 0.84). Despite a few identified limitations (such as poor targeting), the findings indicated that the SSS is a promising instrument to provide culturally-valid and reliable measurement of social support among Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander adults. Future studies should further investigate the instrument psychometric properties in other Aboriginal s les and the development and inclusion of culturally-sensitive items are also recommended.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.CTCP.2019.01.005
Abstract: In the last decades, an increasing body of scientific studies has shown mindfulness-based interventions as efficacious for reducing stress, including among primary care professionals. Despite the strength of the evidence, mindfulness-based interventions still are not widely adopted as a clinical practice in national health systems. The aim of the present study was to conduct a feasibility evaluation of a mindfulness-based stress reduction program for primary care professionals in Brazilian national health system. A pilot mindfulness program was conducted through the course of four weekly encounters in the municipality of Biguaçu with the participation of 26 primary care professionals. Data was collected through direct observations and four self-report questionnaires. The information was used to complete an evaluation matrix and reach a value judgment about the feasibility level of the components of the mindfulness-based program. The subdimensions Integration, Demand, and Acceptability were judged as "Highly Feasible", the subdimension Practicality was judged as "Feasible" and the subdimension Adaptation was judged as "Lowly Feasible". The results indicated that there is a high demand for stress-reduction interventions within the context of primary care and the acceptability by the stakeholders (participants and management) was excellent. However, the two main barriers found were the need for a brief version of the program to accommodate the restrictive timetable of the primary care professionals and the low retention rates. The implementation of a mindfulness-based program for primary care professionals in Brazilian national health system was judged as "Feasible". Further studies need to conduct the feasibility evaluation in other municipalities and with larger s le sizes to ensure the generalizability of these results.
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 04-2020
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 18-08-2022
DOI: 10.1371/JOURNAL.PONE.0273373
Abstract: In Australia, research evidence has shown that Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander children experience a higher burden of oral health diseases compared to other non-Indigenous children. The impact of oral health diseases on children’s functional and psychosocial outcomes led to the development of several instruments to evaluate child oral health-related quality of life (COHQoL), such as the Parental-Caregiver Perception Questionnaire (P-CPQ) and the Family Impact Scale (FIS). However, the psychometric properties of these instruments have been evaluated only in Western cultures and have not been investigated for Aboriginal children in Australia. The current study aimed to examine the psychometric properties of the short-forms P-CPQ and FIS for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander children aged 2–3 years. Data were collected from the South Australian Aboriginal Birth Cohort (SAABC), including 270 Aboriginal children aged 2–3 years. Network psychometric models were used to investigate dimensionality, item redundancy, structural consistency and item stability, model fit, internal consistency reliability and criterion validity. We propose an instrument named Aboriginal Children’s Oral Health-Related Quality of Life Questionnaire (A-COHQoL). Our findings indicated that, after the exclusion of four problematic items, the A-COHQoL showed a three-dimensional structure (“Parent/Family Activities”, “COHQoL” and “Family Conflict”) with good model fit and reliability. The A-COHQoL is a psychometrically robust and sensitive instrument that is readily available for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander children aged 2–3 years in Australia and can be adapted in the future for Indigenous child groups in other countries.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 03-05-2023
Publisher: Center for Open Science
Date: 20-01-2023
Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted and continues to impact the health and well-being of Australian adults. However, there has been no instrument validated to comprehensively measure how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted adults in Australia across several domains (e.g. fear of COVID-19, attitudes towards vaccination, impact of lockdowns on psychosocial ill-being). The current study conducted a rigorous psychometric process to develop and validate an instrument to measure the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia, the COVID-19 Impact Scale (CIS). An initial pool of 30 items was developed based on a review of the literature and input from a panel of experts including psychologists, epidemiologists, and public health experts, among others. The study used network psychometrics to examine the psychometric properties of: (1) item score distributions (2) item redundancy (3) dimensionality (4) model fit (5) measurement invariance (6) reliability and (7) criterion validity. The 18-item CIS displayed a three-dimensional structure (“Fear”, “Attitudes”, “Psychosocial ill-being”), measurement invariance, good reliability, and criterion validity. The instrument is available to be used by Australian researchers and implemented to evaluate public policies, adapted for future pandemics, or used internationally.
Publisher: S. Karger AG
Date: 2021
DOI: 10.1159/000516137
Abstract: The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to document the disparity in dental caries experiences among indigenous and nonindigenous populations globally by measuring dental caries prevalence and severity. An electronic database (MEDLINE) was initially searched using relevant keywords. This was followed by use of the search string in the following electronic databases: Scopus, EBSCOhost, Cochrane, and Open Grey. Two independent reviewers conducted the study search and screening, quality assessment, and data extraction, which was facilitated using JBI SUMARI software. The primary outcome was the decayed missing filled teeth (DMFT) score and dental caries prevalence. Subgroup analysis was done by country of publication to identify causes of heterogeneity. Forest plots were used with the standardized mean difference (SMD) and publication bias was assessed using the Egger test with funnel plot construction. For the final review, 43 articles were selected and 34 were meta-analyzed. The pooled mean DMFT for both the permanent dentition (SMD = 0.26 95% CI 0.13–0.39) and deciduous dentition (SMD = 0.67 95% CI 0.47–0.87) was higher for the Indigenous population than for the general population. Indigenous populations experienced more decayed teeth (SMD = 0.44 95% CI 0.25–0.62), a slightly higher number of missing teeth (SMD = 0.11& #x3c 95% CI –0.05 to 0.26), and lesser filled teeth (SMD = –0.04 95% CI –0.20 to 0.13) than their nonindigenous counterparts. The prevalence of dental caries (SMD = 0.27 95% CI 0.13–0.41) was higher among indigenous people. Globally, indigenous populations have a higher caries prevalence and severity than nonindigenous populations. The factors which have led to such inequities need to be examined.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 17-05-2021
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 03-06-2020
Publisher: American Medical Association (AMA)
Date: 08-07-2021
No related grants have been discovered for Pedro Henrique Ribeiro Santiago.