ORCID Profile
0000-0002-5906-2973
Current Organisation
Australian College of Applied Psychology
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Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 28-02-2012
DOI: 10.1111/J.1365-2354.2012.01325.X
Abstract: This review aimed to address studies of cancer control in Indigenous populations, with a focus on: (1) the nature and extent of community engagement and (2) the extent to which community engagement has facilitated successful outcomes. Articles addressing Indigenous cancer control using some degree of community engagement were identified by a search of the following electronic databases: MEDLINE (via Ovid and Pubmed), psycINFO, CINAHL and Google Scholar. Relevant studies were scored and analysed according to Green et al.'s guidelines for participatory research. Studies often engaged the community only minimally. Where studies resulted in successful outcomes, they tended to have included Indigenous community members in genuine research roles, from planning, to implementation, to presentation of results at conferences. Studies with positive health outcomes were often initiated by a combination of academic researchers and community members or organisations. This narrative review highlighted significant scope for improvement in community-based studies addressing Indigenous cancer control. Increased attention to the philosophical underpinnings of community engagement is required to ensure that the benefits of this approach are translated to achieve improved cancer control outcomes. An increased awareness of the benefits of community engagement may prove effective in conducting cancer control research that leads to improved outcomes in Indigenous communities.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 03-2013
DOI: 10.1111/AJPY.12008
Publisher: AMPCo
Date: 09-2010
DOI: 10.5694/J.1326-5377.2010.TB03934.X
Abstract: To assess the impact of an 8-week structured mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) program on in iduals experiencing distress as a consequence of cancer. Prospective study of 16 participants with a history of cancer and five carers of people with cancer recruited from August 2008 to February 2009 through calls to the Cancer Council South Australia Helpline. Participants were assessed for anxiety and depression before and after undergoing a course in MBCT between 30 September and 18 November 2008 and 20 February and 10 April 2009. Depression, anxiety and mindfulness as measured by the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and Freiburg Mindfulness Inventory (FMI), respectively, and a consumer-centred evaluation. There were significant reductions in depression (F[1,24] = 6.37 P = 0.012 partial-eta2 = 0.27) and anxiety (F[2,34] = 9.43 P = 0.001, partial-eta2 = 0.36) and mindfulness (F[2,32] = 8.36 P = 0.001 partial-eta2 = 0.34) following the intervention, and these effects were sustained at the 3-month follow-up. Reliable change indices further support these findings. Participants' scores on measures of depression and anxiety decreased as a function of increased mindfulness, as reflected by significant (P < 0.05) negative correlations between FMI scores and BDI-II scores (ranging from r = -0.46 to r = -0.79) and STAI scores (ranging from r = -0.46 to r = -0.50) scores at all time points. The MBCT program appears to be an efficacious intervention for use among people affected by cancer who also experience symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 15-11-2022
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 07-10-2012
DOI: 10.1111/J.2044-8287.2011.02054.X
Abstract: A focus on in idualistic coping strategies such as positivity and fighting spirit has done little to inform the development of interventions for people affected by cancer. The aim of this study was to conduct an inquiry, which focused on the 'lived experience' and the social context within which communication about cancer occurs. A semi-structured interview schedule was used. These interviews were complemented by the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (M.I.N.I., Sheehan et al., 1998). Twenty participants with mixed diagnoses (13 female and seven male), ranging in age from 44 to 73 (Mean = 58.35, SD= 8.20) were interviewed. Consistent with Glaser's (1992) constant comparative method, research data were open coded, selectively coded, and then theoretically coded so that initial codes were collapsed into models and compared against existing literature for completeness. Fifty percent of participants met criteria for an Axis 1 diagnosis. Three models emerged from the research interview the first provides a description of the way in which patients evaluate the quality of care they receive across the cancer pathway. Other models refer to the cancer-coping process in which participants describe successful and unsuccessful attempts at coping via communication and whereby coping with cancer is characterized by a series of losses accompanied by increased distress. A research focus on the social environment in which cancer is experienced provides considerable insight into the cancer-coping process. As such, interventions focused on understanding the social context in which patients experience cancer, and attempt to cope, may facilitate improved adjustment for those directly, and potentially indirectly, affected by cancer. Further research is required to develop interventions to address the unique needs of survivors.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 09-05-2018
Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 2017
DOI: 10.1111/ECC.12657
Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 16-08-2013
DOI: 10.1111/ECC.12117
Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 26-02-2016
DOI: 10.1111/ECC.12478
Abstract: Despite the need to urgently reduce smoking rates among Indigenous Australians, in order to close-the-gap in life expectancy, little is known regarding how this can be achieved. This study aimed to explore whether a focus on gender specific determinants of smoking among Indigenous Australians could be identified, thus providing a potentially novel approach to underpin future efforts at intervention. A qualitative research design was employed. Eighty-two participants, comprised of 43 Indigenous women (mean age 32.15, SD, 12.47) and 39 Indigenous men (mean age 34.91, SD, 11.26), participated in one of 12 focus groups held in metropolitan, regional and rural locations in South Australia. Facilitators prompted discussion in response to the question: 'What is it like being a smoker these days?' Two experienced coders assessed data for themes using Attride-Stirling's (2002) method of analysis. Two global themes emerged for men and women. The first theme, 'It's Harder to Smoke Nowadays', encompassed sub-themes capturing changed smoking practices in response to tobacco control strategies implemented in Australia. Sub-themes of 'smoking in secrecy' coupled with an 'awareness of the effects of passive smoking' were identified among women. Among men, sub-themes that depicted tension between 'a desire to be a role model' and 'guilt about smoking' emerged. The second theme, 'Push and Pull Factors', identified a range of gender specific determinants of smoking. While similar reasons for smoking ('pull factors') were identified in men and women (e.g. addiction, boredom, stress, pleasure, mood stabiliser), different 'push factors' (reasons for not wanting to smoke) emerged. For men, sport, fitness and children were identified as reasons for not wanting to smoke, whereas women identified factors such as respect for non-smokers, and body image concerns. The current findings suggest that there may be fundamental differences in the determinants of smoking (pull factors) as well as reasons for wanting to quit (push factors) between Indigenous men and women. A focus on interventions that target gender specific determinants, or motivators of smoking, offers a novel, and potentially efficacious approach to reduce smoking rates among Indigenous Australians.
Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 10-10-2014
DOI: 10.1111/ECC.12136
Abstract: Within the area of cancer care, mindfulness-based therapeutic interventions have been found to be efficacious in reducing psychological distress related to a cancer diagnosis however, the impact of mindfulness-based interventions on quality of life is unclear. This study explores the impact of a Mindfulness-Based Cancer Stress Management programme on psychological distress and quality of life. Research methodology included a single-group quasi-experimental study of 26 participants experiencing distress related to a cancer diagnosis, including carers, who completed an MBCSM programme and all assessments. Participants completed the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy - General version 4 (FACT-G) and its associated spirituality index (FACIT-Sp-Ex), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Freiburg Mindfulness Inventory (FMI), and the Distress Thermometer at baseline, post-intervention, and three months after programme completion. Significant improvements were observed on all measures (ranges: P ≤ 0.001 to 0.008, r = -0.53 to -0.79) following the intervention, which were maintained at 3-month follow-up. Mindfulness was significantly correlated with all main outcome measures at post-intervention (range: r = -0.41 to 0.67) and 3-month follow-up (range: r = -0.49 to 0.73), providing evidence for the internal validity of the study. Our findings indicate that the MBCSM programme is effective in reducing psychological distress and improving quality of life, including spiritual well-being.
Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 26-02-2016
DOI: 10.1111/ECC.12477
Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 09-01-2013
DOI: 10.1111/ECC.12036
Abstract: The increasing population of cancer survivors underscores the need to develop a complete understanding of the survivorship experience, including positive aspects. The aim of this study was to explore people's experiences of cancer to assess the relevance of the post-traumatic growth (PTG) construct and to identify potentially modifiable factors that may promote PTG. Group interviews were conducted with 15 people (eight men, seven women) aged between 36 and 85 who had been diagnosed with cancer and completed treatment. Participants identified that while a cancer diagnosis is a traumatic event and has an immense impact, there is potential for PTG. Participants described ex les of positive change within their relationships, perceptions of self and life in general perception, and spirituality. Various modifiable factors were identified as enabling participants to experience growth including social support, finding information, complementary therapy use, lifestyle changes and physical activity. Modifiable factors such as physical activity and searching for information have the potential to influence the development of PTG by providing cancer survivors with an opportunity to regain control. Encouraging and developing research that examines the relationship between modifiable factors and PTG will assist in the development of interventions that address the unique needs of cancer survivors.
Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 17-06-2014
DOI: 10.1111/ECC.12212
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 12-2020
DOI: 10.1111/AP.12464
Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 03-06-2013
DOI: 10.1111/ECC.12053
Abstract: Many users of Complementary and Alternative Medicines (CAMs) claim that participation leads to improved well-being however, contradictory evidence exists, with some studies linking CAM use with poorer quality of life (QoL) or increased distress. This study explored whether an in idual's experience of post-traumatic growth (PTG) following cancer may play a role in explaining these disparate outcomes. One hundred and sixty-one cancer survivors (mean age = 58.96, SD = 12.12) completed measures comprised of PTG (Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory), CAM use, QoL (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy scale + Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy Spiritual Well-Being Scale), post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms (Impact of Event Scale Revised) and depression, anxiety and stress (21-item short-form Depression Anxiety Stress Scale). A multiple regression controlling for gender, age, general and cancer-specific distress indicated support for PTG as a mediator of the relationship between CAM and QoL. An in idual's experience of PTG following cancer may be an important determinant of gaining benefit from participation in CAMs. Future research aimed at identifying potential facilitators of PTG may result in increased benefits of interventions aimed at improving adjustment among cancer survivors.
Publisher: Asian Pacific Organization for Cancer Prevention
Date: 30-05-2013
DOI: 10.7314/APJCP.2013.14.5.3293
Abstract: The study investigated the influence of culturally-based health beliefs on engagement in healthy lifestyle behaviour. Specifically, the study compared levels of engagement between Western and Chinese youth in Australia and assessed the extent to which culture-specific attributions about the causes of illness, and health beliefs, predict engagement in healthy lifestyle behaviour. Ninety-four Western and 95 Chinese (N=189 Mean Age=20.8 years, SD=3 years) young adults completed an online questionnaire. Predictor variables were cultural health beliefs measured by the Chinese Cultural Views on Health and Illness scale (CCVH, Liang et al., 2008), and illness attributions beliefs measured by the Cause of Illness Questionnaire (CIQ, Armstrong and Swartzman, 1999). Outcomes variables were levels of engagement in healthy lifestyle behaviour. Results indicated that Chinese participants have a significantly lower exercising rate and healthy dietary habits compared to the Western s le. Moreover, Chinese participants were found to believe more strongly than Westerners that cancer was associated with factors measured by the Traditional-Chinese-Model (TCM). Finally, the observed relationship between cultural health beliefs and physical inactivity was mediated by attributions of illness, in particular to the supernatural subscale, with the Sobel Test showing a significant mediation (z=-2.63, p=0.004). Mainstream approaches to encourage healthy lifestyles are unlikely to be effective when educating Chinese youth. Instead, health promotion programs should attempt to address the illness attribution beliefs and educate Chinese youth about the role of diet and exercise in prevention of diseases such as cancer.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 29-07-2014
DOI: 10.1007/S00520-014-2324-Y
Abstract: This study aimed to explore barriers to return to work (RTW) and preferences for intervention and support for cancer patients treated with curative intent from the perspectives of cancer survivors and oncology health professionals. Participants attended a focus group (N = 24) or an in idual interview (N = 14). A topic guide and a semi-structured recorded interview format were used to gather data, which were later transcribed and analysed for global themes and subthemes. With regard to barriers, the global theme 'work capacity' captured an array of barriers encompassing financial pressure, preparedness for work, lack of confidence as well as other key physical, practical and psychosocial barriers. Participants expressed a preference for RTW models that focus on objective and structured assessment whilst allowing for flexibility to address in idual needs. Cancer survivors perceive multiple barriers when attempting to RTW. These barriers were perceived to impact upon work capacity, where 'capacity' was defined broadly to include practical, physical and psychosocial concerns. RTW is an important concern for cancer survivors and structured RTW interventions should be incorporated into the care of cancer survivors.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 21-09-2013
DOI: 10.1007/S10926-012-9386-9
Abstract: Research suggests that for many cancer survivors, returning to work has a range of benefits. However, considerable barriers have been identified as influencing the quality of return to work outcomes. This study explored the perspectives of Australian cancer survivors, managers and employee assistance program (EAP) professionals to gain an understanding of the return to work process and factors that affect the experience. Focus groups and interviews were conducted with cancer survivors (n = 15), managers (n = 12), and EAP professionals / psychologists (n = 4) from public and private sectors. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data to identify common and unique themes from the three participant groups. A range of drivers were identified including maintaining normality and regaining identity, which could act positively or negatively depending on survivors' coping ability and self awareness. Analysis revealed communication difficulties in the workplace that impact on emotional and practical support. Negotiating an employee's return is complex, influenced by the level of consultation with the employee and use of an ad hoc or structured process. Direct and indirect ways of supporting employees with cancer were identified, as was the need for colleague and manager support. This study supports previous research findings of the impact of cancer on work, and reveals managers' lack of knowledge on how to respond appropriately. The process of returning to work is complex, influenced by employees' and managers' attitudes, communication skills and coping abilities. Areas for workplace interventions to optimise support for the cancer survivor are described.
Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 24-04-2014
DOI: 10.1111/ECC.12202
Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 29-10-2014
DOI: 10.1111/ECC.12268
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 09-2018
Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 18-08-2012
DOI: 10.1111/J.1365-2354.2011.01279.X
Abstract: While 50% of cancer patients use complementary therapies (CT) during treatment, few studies have examined why in iduals choose not to use CT. This study aimed to address this gap in knowledge using a focus group methodology, where 36 participants took part in one of eight groups participants were recruited until saturation of themes was achieved. Three categories of participants were investigated: patients/recent survivors (n= 14) volunteers/advocates (n= 16), the majority of whom were also long-term survivors and health professionals (n= 6). Focus groups were digitally audio-recorded, transcribed, and coded thematically using NVivo software. Reasons for non-use fell into four broad themes: (1) Resource barriers, particularly the cost and lack of time (2) fear and distrust, including the potential for drug interactions (3) lack of evidence, including the unproven nature of many CT practices and (4) satisfaction with conventional treatment. Two further themes related to the benefits of non-use and reasons for discontinuation. A sub-analysis indicated that reasons for non-use differed by CT category, with non-use being mentioned more frequently for biologically based and body-based therapies. Differences in understanding CT non-use emerged between patients, volunteers and health professionals. Findings have clinical implications regarding tailoring information for patients during and after cancer.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 20-12-2010
DOI: 10.1002/PON.1897
Abstract: To describe oncology professionals' patterns of referral to existing community and psychosocial support services, including complementary therapies utilizing the theory of planned behavior (TPB). An exploratory cross-sectional survey of 72 oncology professionals including nurses (73.6%), medical practitioners (19.4%) and allied health professionals (6.9%) from health institutions in South Australia assessed past referral patterns, perceived attitudes of peers, control over and attitudes toward, referral, past referral practices and how these impact on intention to refer. Referral to support services such as a cancer helpline, allied health or complementary services was infrequent. A hierarchical regression entering awareness, past referral and the TPB variables (attitude, subjective norm and perceived control) explained 51% of the variance on the outcome 'intention to refer'. Barriers to referral for support included lack of local services for remote patients, and financial considerations. Interventions with health professionals should focus on the development of a culture, which recognizes the importance of addressing a breadth of patient needs across the cancer trajectory. Education and support for health professionals is required to ensure that they feel comfortable discussing support needs and referring to appropriate support services.
Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 18-06-2013
DOI: 10.1111/ECC.12086
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 30-04-2015
No related grants have been discovered for Vikki Knott.