ORCID Profile
0000-0002-5975-7935
Current Organisations
National Institutes of Health
,
University of Queensland
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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)
Early Childhood Education (excl. Māori) | Education Systems | Developmental Psychology and Ageing
ANZSRC Socio-Economic Objective (SEO)
Related Links
Publications
Risk of dementia after TBI - a cause of growing concern.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 10-07-2018
Mandatory Naptimes in Childcare do not Reduce Children’s Cortisol Levels
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 14-03-2018
DOI: 10.1038/S41598-018-22555-8
Abstract: The majority of preschool children (aged 3–5 years) no longer habitually nap, yet in childcare settings daily mandated naptimes in which children lie down without alternative activity remains a common practice. Mandated naptimes are associated with observed reductions in emotional climate and increased incidence of distress. While intended to be restful, mandatory naptimes may induce stress in those children unable to sleep. To examine this possibility, we applied a 2 (mandated/flexible practice) × 2 (nap/no-nap) design to test group difference in stress responses of children ( N = 43, mean age 56.3 months). Salivary cortisol level was measured at 4 time-points (waking, pre-naptime, post-naptime, and bedtime) across two days at childcare. Overall our results show a significant decline in cortisol level from wake to pre-naptime and from post-naptime to bedtime. No significant change in cortisol level was observed from pre- to post- naptime. Significant group differences in cortisol patterns were observed. Notably, children under mandatory naptime conditions who did not nap showed no significant reduction in cortisol level from post-naptime to bedtime. While cortisol measurement suggests naptime is neither stressful nor restful for children in any group, implications for bedtime arousal are raised for those unable to sleep under conditions of mandated naptimes.
Interventions to increase sleep duration in young people: A systematic review
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2023
Excessive daytime sleepiness is associated with altered gene expression in military personnel and veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder: an RNA sequencing study
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 09-03-2020
Abstract: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common condition for military personnel and veterans. PTSD has been shown to impact gene expression, however, to date no study has examined comorbid conditions which may also impact gene expression, for ex le, excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS). As such, this study sought to examine gene expression using RNA sequencing across three group comparisons of military personnel and veterans: (1) PTSD with EDS (PTSDwEDS) versus PTSD without EDS (PTSDw/outEDS), (2) Controls (no PTSD or EDS) versus PTSDwEDS, and (3) Controls versus PTSDw/outEDS. We performed experimental RNA-seq using Illumina’s HiSeq 2500 Sequencing System. We also used Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA), a bioinformatics application, to identify gene pathways and networks which may be disrupted. There were only two genes that were significantly dysregulated between the Controls and PTSDw/outEDS, therefore IPA analysis was not conducted. However, comparisons revealed that there was significant gene dysregulation between Controls and the PTSDwEDS (251 genes), and the PTSDwEDS versus the PTSDw/outEDS (1,873 genes) groups. Four candidate networks were identified via the IPA software for analysis. Significantly dysregulated genes across the four candidate networks were associated with sleep and circadian function, metabolism, mitochondrial production and function, ubiquitination, and the glutamate system. These results suggest that PTSD with concurrent EDS is associated with gene dysregulation. This dysregulation may present additional biological and health consequences for these military personnel and veterans. Further research, to track these gene changes over time and to determine the cause of the EDS reported, is vital.
Whole blood transcriptome analysis using RNA sequencing in individuals with insomnia disorder and good sleepers: a pilot study
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2021
``I have to rest all the time because you are not allowed to play'': Exploring children's perceptions of autonomy during sleep-time in long day care services
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 19-06-2015
Food Insecurity and Child Development: A State-of-the-Art Review
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 26-08-2021
Abstract: Converging research indicates that household food insecurity impedes children from reaching their full physical, cognitive, and psychosocial potential. This state-of-the-art review examines the last decade of research to: (1) describe the impact of the severity and persistence of food insecurity on child development (2) use a socio-ecological framework to examine significant proximal and distal factors which may interplay and (3) outline directions for future research. We conducted a systematic review of six databases of published papers from 2011 to June 2021. The search was limited to high-income countries and children aged from birth to 12 years. From 17,457 papers, 17 studies were included in the final review. Transitioning between food security and food insecurity had a significant and lasting effect on academic/cognitive function and behavior (i.e., externalizing), however less clear relationships were seen for psychosocial outcomes and other behaviors examined (i.e., internalizing). There was significant variation in the measurement and thresholds used to define both food insecurity and child development outcomes. Subsequently, comparisons across studies are difficult. Several future recommendations, including incorporation of socio-ecological factors, is provided. In conclusion, this review supports the link between food insecurity and sub-optimal child development however, there is an imperative to improve and extend current understanding to ameliorate the causes of food insecurity.
Understanding sleep routines: A novel mixed methods approach to understand promoters and barriers of healthy sleep
Publisher: The University of Queensland
Date: 11-10-2023
DOI: 10.14264/E03665F
Emotional climate and behavioral management during sleep time in early childhood education settings
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2014
Sleep disturbances following traumatic brain injury are associated with poor neurobehavioral outcomes in US military service members and veterans
Publisher: American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM)
Date: 12-2021
DOI: 10.5664/JCSM.9454
P039 Interventions used to increase sleep duration in young people: A systematic review
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 10-2021
DOI: 10.1093/SLEEPADVANCES/ZPAB014.087
Abstract: Habitual short sleep duration affects a substantial proportion of young people, which is problematic due to its association with various adverse consequences. The aim of this systematic review was to identify the effectiveness of current interventions to increase sleep duration in healthy young people (14–25 years). A systematic literature search, following PRISMA guidelines was conducted across multiple databases including PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, CENTRAL, Embase, CINAHL (via EBSCOhost), PsycINFO, Scopus, Web of Science, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses, and Trove. Eligible studies were required to report sleep duration before and after exposure to the intervention, published from 2005 onwards, and participants 14–25 years of age. The Newcastle-Ottawa scale and Cochrane Risk of Bias were used to evaluate quality of studies. 2695 citation were screened, and 29 studies met the eligibility criteria for this review. The included studies implemented differing methodologies, including behavioural (48.3%), educational (24.1%), and combination (24.1%) of behavioural, educational and other methods, such as mindfulness, light therapy, and naturalistic observation (3.4%). Initial findings indicate that educational interventions on their own are not effective at increasing sleep duration as behavioural or combination of both. These results indicate that behavioural interventions which prescribe new sleep schedules show positive treatment effects on sleep duration. Hence, provide promise for mitigating sleep difficulties and improving health in young people aged 14–25 years.
Environmental light exposure, rest-activity rhythms, and symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity: An observational study of Australian preschoolers
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2021
Identifying factors for poorer educational outcomes that may be exacerbated by COVID‐19: A systematic review focussing on at‐risk school children and adolescents
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 19-09-2023
DOI: 10.1002/AJS4.236
Abstract: School closures across Australia in response to COVID‐19 have persisted since 2020, with rising mental health problems in children and adolescents, alongside rising negative family health and socioeconomic outcomes. Further, some children and young people who were already experiencing disadvantage pre‐pandemic may be at heightened risk of poorer educational outcomes. Therefore, the aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review of the literature to identify the factors for poorer educational outcomes that may be exacerbated by COVID‐19 amongst disadvantaged school students. Key development stages of disadvantage were identified: young children who started school behind, older students already at risk of disengagement from school and children and young people who have had contact with the child protection system. Five databases were systematically searched, across two search periods. A total of 69 Australian, peer‐reviewed articles, published in 2005–2021, examining risk factors for poor educational outcomes for children attending school met the inclusion criteria and were included in final analyses. Our findings provide evidence of key risk factors that make these populations susceptible to worsening outcomes resulting from the COVID‐19 pandemic, and of the critical importance of ongoing research to guide policy and practice support for these at‐risk groups.
Mandatory Nap Times and Group Napping Patterns in Child Care: An Observational Study
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 11-01-2017
DOI: 10.1080/15402002.2015.1120199
Abstract: Policy provision for naps is typical in child care settings, but there is variability in the practices employed. One practice that might modify children's early sleep patterns is the allocation of a mandatory nap time in which all children are required to lie on their beds without alternate activity permitted. There is currently limited evidence of the effects of such practices on children's napping patterns. This study examined the association between duration of mandatory nap times and group-level napping patterns in child care settings. Observations were undertaken in a community s le of 113 preschool rooms with a scheduled nap time (N = 2,114 children). Results showed that 83.5% of child care settings implemented a mandatory nap time (range = 15-145 min) while 14.2% provided alternate activities for children throughout the nap time period. Overall, 31% of children napped during nap times. Compared to rooms with ≤ 30 min of mandatory nap time, rooms with 31-60 min and > 60 min of mandatory nap time had a two-and-a-half and fourfold increase, respectively, in the proportion of children napping. Nap onset latency did not significantly differ across groups. Among preschool children, exposure to longer mandatory nap times in child care may increase incidence of napping.
0024 PTSD with Concurrent Excessive Daytime Sleepiness Alters Gene Expression in Military Personnel and Veterans; An RNA-Sequencing Study
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 04-2020
Napping, development and health from 0 to 5 years: A systematic review
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 17-02-2015
DOI: 10.1136/ARCHDISCHILD-2014-307241
Abstract: Duration and quality of sleep affect child development and health. Encouragement of napping in preschool children has been suggested as a health-promoting strategy. The aim of this study is to assess evidence regarding the effects of napping on measures of child development and health. This study is a systematic review of published, original research articles of any design. Children aged 0–5 years. Electronic database search was performed following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines and assessment of research quality was carried out following a Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) protocol. Twenty-six articles met inclusion criteria. These were of heterogeneous quality all had observational designs (GRADE-low). Development and health outcomes included salivary cortisol, night sleep, cognition, behaviour, obesity and accidents. The findings regarding cognition, behaviour and health impacts were inconsistent, probably because of variation in age and habitual napping status of the s les. The most consistent finding was an association between napping and later onset, shorter duration and poorer quality of night sleep, with evidence strongest beyond the age of 2 years. Studies were not randomised. Most did not obtain data on the children's habitual napping status or the context of napping. Many were reliant on parent report rather than direct observation or physiological measurement of sleep behaviour. The evidence indicates that beyond the age of 2 years napping is associated with later night sleep onset and both reduced sleep quality and duration. The evidence regarding behaviour, health and cognition is less certain. There is a need for more systematic studies that use stronger designs. In preschool children presenting with sleep problems clinicians should investigate napping patterns.
Supporting sleep in early care and education: an assessment of observed sleep times using a sleep practices optimality index
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.SLEH.2015.12.005
Abstract: The aim was to investigate whether the sleep practices in early childhood education (ECE) settings align with current evidence on optimal practice to support sleep. Internationally, scheduled sleep times are a common feature of daily schedules in ECE settings, yet little is known about the degree to which care practices in these settings align with the evidence regarding appropriate support of sleep. Observations were conducted in 130 Australian ECE rooms attended by preschool children (Mean=4.9years). Of these rooms, 118 had daily scheduled sleep times. Observed practices were scored against an optimality index, the Sleep Environment and Practices Optimality Score, developed with reference to current evidence regarding sleep scheduling, routines, environmental stimuli, and emotional climate. Cluster analysis was applied to identify patterns and prevalence of care practices in the sleep time. Three sleep practices types were identified. Supportive rooms (36%) engaged in practices that maintained regular schedules, promoted routine, reduced environmental stimulation, and maintained positive emotional climate. The majority of ECE rooms (64%), although offering opportunity for sleep, did not engage in supportive practices: Ambivalent rooms (45%) were emotionally positive but did not support sleep Unsupportive rooms (19%) were both emotionally negative and unsupportive in their practices. Although ECE rooms schedule sleep time, many do not adopt practices that are supportive of sleep. Our results underscore the need for education about sleep supporting practice and research to ascertain the impact of sleep practices in ECE settings on children's sleep health and broader well-being.
Concurrent Mild Traumatic Brain Injury and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Is Associated With Elevated Tau Concentrations in Peripheral Blood Plasma
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 10-07-2019
DOI: 10.1002/JTS.22418
Mild traumatic brain injuries with loss of consciousness are associated with increased inflammation and pain in military personnel
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.PSYCHRES.2019.07.001
Abstract: Mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI) are a pervasive concern for military personnel. Determining the impact of injury severity, including loss of consciousness (LOC) may provide important insights into the risk of psychological symptoms and inflammation commonly witnessed in military personnel and veterans following mTBI. US military personnel and veterans were categorized into three groups TBI with LOC (n = 36), TBI without LOC (n = 25), Controls (n = 82). Participants reported their history of mTBI, psychological symptoms (post-traumatic stress disorder [PTSD] and depression), health-related quality of life (HRQOL), and underwent a blood draw. ANCOVA models which controlled for insomnia status and combat exposure indicated that both mTBI groups (with/without LOC) reported significantly greater depression and PTSD symptoms compared to controls however, they did not differ from each other. The mTBI with LOC did report greater pain than both controls and mTBI without LOC. The TBI with LOC group also had significantly elevated IL-6 concentrations than both TBI without LOC and control groups. Within the mTBI groups, increased TNFα concentrations were associated with greater PTSD symptoms. These findings indicate that sustaining an mTBI, with or without LOC is detrimental for psychological wellbeing. However, LOC may be involved in perceptions of pain and concentrations of IL-6.
Investigating the association between sleep parameters and the weight status of children: night sleep duration matters
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2018
DOI: 10.1016/J.SLEH.2017.12.009
Abstract: To examine the associations between sleep parameters and weight status in a large s le of preschool children. Cross-sectional survey data from the Effective Early Educational Experiences for children (E4Kids) study were analyzed. 1111 children aged 3 to 6 years from Queensland and Victoria, Australia. General linear modeling, with adjustment for significant control variables, assessed the impact of night sleep duration, total sleep duration, napping frequency, sleep timing (onset, offset and midpoint), and severity of sleep problems on standardized body mass index (BMI z score). General linear modeling was conducted for the total s le and then separately by sex. For the total s le, there was a significant association between short sleep duration (≤10 hours) and increased BMI z score. No other sleep parameters were associated with BMI z score in this s le. Analyses by sex revealed that, among girls, there were no associations between any sleep parameter and BMI z score. However, among boys, short night sleep duration and napping frequency were both significantly associated with weight status even after adjustment for controls. Night sleep duration is a consistent independent predictor of body mass in young children. These results identify a complex relationship between sleep and body mass that implicates sex. Potential mechanisms that might explain sex differences warrant further investigation.
1118 Examining the Role of Serum and Exosomal Biomarkers in Symptoms of Fatigue and Daytime Sleepiness Following Traumatic Brain Injury
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 04-2020
Inflammatory Cytokines Associate With Neuroimaging After Acute Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 19-05-2020
Questioning the effectiveness of behavioral sleep interventions for infants
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2023
Plasma Biomarker Concentrations Associated With Return to Sport Following Sport-Related Concussion in Collegiate Athletes—A Concussion Assessment, Research, and Education (CARE) Consortium Study
Publisher: American Medical Association (AMA)
Date: 27-08-2020
Correction to: “Did My Child Sleep Today?”: Communication Between Parents and Educators in Early Childhood Education and Care Settings
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 24-10-2020
Mandatory naptimes in child care and children's nighttime sleep
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 05-2015
Elevated Tau in Military Personnel Relates to Chronic Symptoms Following Traumatic Brain Injury
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 2020
Do the numbers add up? Questioning measurement that places Australian ECEC teaching as ‘low quality’
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 28-04-2023
DOI: 10.1007/S13384-022-00525-4
Abstract: Internationally, standard observational measures of Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) are used to assess the quality of provision. They are applied as research tools but, significantly, also guide policy decisions, distribution of resources and public opinion. Considerable faith is placed in such measures, yet their validity, reliability and functioning within context should all be considered in interpreting the findings they generate. We examine the case of the Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS) in the Australian study, Effective Early Education for Children (E4Kids ). Using this measure Australian educators were identified as “low quality” in provision of instruction (average 2.1 on a scale of 1–7). When these results became public, they attracted negative press coverage and the potential for harm. We interrogate these findings asking three questions relating to s ling, contextual and empirical evidence that define quality and measurement strategies. We conclude that measurement problems, most notably a floor effect, is the most likely explanation for uniformly low CLASS-Instructional scores among Australian ECEC educators, and indeed across international studies. Using a theoretically and empirically informed rescaling strategy we show that there is a ersity of instructional quality across Australian ECEC, and that rescaling might more effectively guide improvement strategies to target those of lowest quality. Beyond, our findings call for a more critical approach in interpretation of standard measures of ECEC quality and their applications in policy and practice, internationally.
Interleukin-6 is associated with acute concussion in military combat personnel
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 25-05-2020
DOI: 10.1186/S12883-020-01760-X
Abstract: Concussion is the most common type of TBI, yet reliable objective measures related to these injuries and associated recovery processes remain elusive, especially in military personnel. The purpose of this study was to characterize the relationship between cytokines and recovery from acute brain injury in active duty service members. Inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-10, and TNFα) were measured acutely in blood s les within 8 h following a medically diagnosed concussion and then 24 h later. Participants ( n = 94) were categorized into two groups: 1) military personnel who sustained provider-diagnosed concussion, without other major medical diagnosis ( n = 45) and 2) healthy control participants in the same deployment environment who did not sustain concussion or other illness or injuries ( n = 49). IL-6, IL-10, and TNFα concentrations were measured using an ultrasensitive single-molecule enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Differences in cytokine levels between concussed and healthy groups were evaluated at two time points (time point 1 ≤ 8 h after injury time point 2 = 24 h following time point 1). At time point 1, IL-6 median (IQR) concentrations were 2.62 (3.62) in the concussed group, which was greater compared to IL-6 in the healthy control group (1.03 (0.90) U = 420.00, z = − 5.12, p 0.001). Compared to healthy controls, the concussed group did not differ at time point 1 in IL-10 or TNFα concentrations ( p ’s 0.05). At time point 2, no differences were detected between concussed and healthy controls for IL-6, IL-10, or TNFα ( p ’s 0.05). The median difference between time points 1 and 2 were compared between the concussed and healthy control groups for IL-6, IL-10, and TNFα. Change in IL-6 across time was greater for the concussed group than healthy control (− 1.54 (3.12) U = 315.00, z = − 5.96, p 0.001), with no differences between groups in the change of IL-10 or TNFα ( p ’s 0.05). Reported here is a significant elevation of IL-6 levels in concussed military personnel less than 8 h following injury. Future studies may examine acute and chronic neurological symptomology associated with inflammatory cytokine levels, distinguish in iduals at high risk for developing neurological complications, and identify underlying biological pathways to mitigate inflammation and improve outcomes.
P089 Loneliness and sleep duration among healthy older adults in Southeast Queensland, Australia
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 10-2021
Feasibility and preliminary efficacy for morning bright light therapy to improve sleep and plasma biomarkers in US Veterans with TBI. A prospective, open-label, single-arm trial
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 14-04-2022
Extracellular vesicle concentrations of glial fibrillary acidic protein and neurofilament light measured 1 year after traumatic brain injury
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 16-02-2021
Insider perspectives: the ‘tricky business’ of providing for children’s sleep and rest needs in the context of early childhood education and care
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 07-03-2020
Observed compliance with safe sleeping guidelines in licensed childcare services
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 12-07-2019
DOI: 10.1136/ARCHDISCHILD-2019-317000
Abstract: To independently assess compliance with safe sleeping guidelines for infants months in licensed childcare services. Full-day, in-situ observations of childcare practices (including sleep and non-sleep periods) conducted in 2016–2017. Australian home-based and centre-based licensed childcare services. All subject to national regulation and legislation to comply with safe sleeping guidelines. The s le was 18 licensed childcare settings (15 centre-based, 3 home-based) that had infants months (n=49) attending at the time of observation. 31 educators completed self-report surveys. Standard observations of childcare practices, including a 20-item infant Safe Sleeping Guideline checklist. Educator characteristics, including each in idual’s knowledge, beliefs and attitudes regarding safe sleeping practices. 83% of childcare services were observed to be non-compliant on at least 1 of 20 target guidelines (median 2.5, max=7) 44% were observed placing infants prone/side and 67% used loose bedding, quilts, doonas/duvets, pillows, sheepskins or soft toys in cots. 71% of the childcare settings had a copy of current safe sleeping guidelines displayed either in or at entry to the infant sleep room. Despite 25 years of public health messaging, non-compliance with safe sleeping guidelines was observed to be high in childcare services. Understanding of the reasons underlying non-compliance, particularly in contexts were legislative mandate and access to information regarding safe sleeping is high, is critical to informing ongoing public health messaging and should be the focus of future studies. ANZCTR 12618001056280—pre-results.
Correlates of naptime behaviors in preschool aged children
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 04-2019
DOI: 10.2147/NSS.S193115
What parents want: parent preference regarding sleep for their preschool child when attending early care and education
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.SLEH.2015.11.002
Abstract: While most children cease napping between the ages of 2 and 5 years, across a range of international settings the allocation of a mandatory naptime is a common feature of the daily routine in Early Care and Education (ECE) programs for children of this age. Evidence regarding the developmental effects of napping is limited but, beyond age 2, is consistently associated with delayed night sleep onset and increased number of awakenings. The present study examined parent preferences towards napping in ECE. Participants were 750 parents of preschool-aged children attending a representative s le of Australian ECE programs across metropolitan, regional and rural sites in 2011. We analysed quantitative and open-ended questionnaire data from a large, longitudinal study of the effectiveness of Australian early education programs (E4Kids). Statistical analyses examined prevalence of parent preference for sleep and demographic correlates. Thematic analyses were employed to identify parents' rationale for this preference. The majority of parents (78.7%) preferred that their children did not regularly sleep while attending ECE. The dominant explanation provided by parents was that regular naps were no longer appropriate and adversely impacted their children's health and development. Parents of younger children were more likely to support regular naps. The results highlight a disjuncture between parent preferences and current sleep policy and practices in ECE. Further research is needed to establish evidence-based guidelines to support healthy sleep-rest practices in ECE. Such evidence will guide appropriate practice and support parent-educator communication regarding sleep and rest.
Weighing in on international growth standards: testing the case in Australian preschool children
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 21-07-2017
DOI: 10.1111/OBR.12581
Abstract: Overweight and obesity in preschool-aged children are major health concerns. Accurate and reliable estimates of prevalence are necessary to direct public health and clinical interventions. There are currently three international growth standards used to determine prevalence of overweight and obesity, each using different methodologies: Center for Disease Control (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO) and International Obesity Task Force (IOTF). Adoption and use of each method were examined through a systematic review of Australian population studies (2006-2017). For this period, systematically identified population studies (N = 20) reported prevalence of overweight and obesity ranging between 15 and 38% with most (n = 16) applying the IOTF standards. To demonstrate the differences in prevalence estimates yielded by the IOTF in comparison to the WHO and CDC standards, methods were applied to a s le of N = 1,926 Australian children, aged 3-5 years. As expected, the three standards yielded significantly different estimates when applied to this single population. Prevalence of overweight/obesity was WHO - 9.3%, IOTF - 21.7% and CDC - 33.1%. Judicious selection of growth standards, taking account of their underpinning methodologies and provisions of access to study data sets to allow prevalence comparisons, is recommended.
Perceived Neighborhood Characteristics and Sleep in Australian Adults
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 12-06-2023
DOI: 10.1177/10901981231177687
Abstract: Poor sleep can contribute to poorer health and socioemotional outcomes. Sleep health can be influenced by a range of in idual and other socioecological factors. Perceptions of neighborhood physical and social characteristics reflect broader social-level factors that may influence sleep, which have not been well studied in the Australian context. This study examined the association between perceived neighborhood characteristics and sleep in a large s le of Australians. Data were from 9,792 people aged 16 years or older, from Waves 16 and 17 of the nationally representative Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia Survey. Associations between perceived neighborhood characteristics (neighborly interaction and support, environmental noise, physical condition, and insecurity) and self-reported sleep duration, sleep disturbance, and napping were examined using multiple logistic regression models. “Neighborhood interaction and support” and “neighborhood physical condition” were not significantly associated with any sleep outcomes after adjusting for relevant covariates. However, “environmental noise” and “neighborhood insecurity” remained significantly associated with sleep duration and sleep disturbance. None of the neighborhood characteristics were associated with napping. Furthermore, associations did not significantly vary by gender. This study highlights the potential benefit of public health policies to address noise and safety in neighborhoods to improve sleep.
Environmental Light Exposure Is Associated with Increased Body Mass in Children
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 06-01-2016
The effects of light in children: A systematic review
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2023
Clinical utility of PTSD, resilience, sleep, and blast as risk factors to predict poor neurobehavioral functioning following traumatic brain injury: A longitudinal study in U.S. military service members
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 25-01-2022
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Related Funding Activities
Discovery Projects - Grant ID: DP190102981
Start Date: 01-2020
End Date: 01-2024
Amount: $705,000.00
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded Activity