ORCID Profile
0000-0003-1961-5681
Current Organisation
Central Queensland University
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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.
Mental Health | Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education | Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health | Specialist Studies in Education
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health - Determinants of Health | Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education | Curriculum not elsewhere classified |
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 29-07-2020
Abstract: This paper was part of a large study that aimed to explore determinants of increased suicides among African youths in South Australia. As part of this larger study, narratives from participants indicated that identity crisis could be a potential determinant of suicide. This paper reports on how African youths negotiate and form identity in Australia. A qualitative inquiry was undertaken with 31 African youths using a focus group and in idual interviews. Data analysis was guided by a framework for qualitative research. These youths negotiated multiple identities, including those of race, gender, ethnicity and their origin. ‘Freedom and opportunity’, ‘family relationships’, ‘neither belonging here nor there’ and ‘the ability to cope against the paradox of resourcefulness in Australia’ appeared to be important themes in negotiating in idual identities. An opportunity was used to acknowledge privileges available in Australia relative to Africa. However, the extent to which in iduals acted on these opportunities varied, affecting a person’s sense of purpose, identity formation and belonging in Australia. The loss of social networks following migration, and cultural differences between African and Australian societies, shaped the experience of belonging and identity formation. These findings are crucial as they indicate the need for policies and practices that consider experiences of youths as they form their identity in Australia. Further studies with large numbers of participants are needed to explore these issues further among African youths in Australia.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 10-2016
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2019
DOI: 10.1071/PY19015
Abstract: This inquiry examines health-seeking practices and challenges among South Sudanese people from refugee backgrounds with chronic hepatitis B in Australia. Fifteen semi-structured interviews were conducted. Using interpretative thematic analysis, the results revealed four themes, consisting of barriers and facilitators to clinical follow up, treatment and support-seeking practices and coping responses. Time constraints, having ergent views about treatment decisions and perceived inadequate clinical support were also identified as barriers. Being referred to a specialist, being aware of the risk associated with liver cancer and sending reminders about appointments were identified as facilitators to clinical follow up. Treatment-seeking practices involved both biomedical and alternative therapies. Participants mainly drew on their social networks and supports, religious beliefs and in idual resilience as coping strategies. The findings are important for improving access to treatment and care and support for people with chronic hepatitis B from the South Sudanese community.
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 23-10-2020
DOI: 10.1108/IJMHSC-10-2019-0082
Abstract: South Sudanese people form the largest number of resettled refugees in Australia between 2003 and 2004. This study aims to explore how this community understands and responds to health and illness. No study has specifically examined the concept of health and illness in the broader socio-cultural context of the South Sudanese people in Australia. The design was a qualitative study using interviews and focus group discussions with 33 South Sudanese people in Adelaide, South Australia. Participants were asked to reflect on their understanding of health and illness and influences on their access and use of health and other services. Data were electronically audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically. Three main themes emerged from the analysis demonstrating complex and multifaceted views on health and illness. Participants described health as both a lack of disease and wider issues involving social belonging and participation, cultural well-being, living conditions and harmony in the society. They revealed that illnesses are predetermined by God or caused by a curse, breaking a cultural taboo, disharmony with the environment, community and ancestral spirits. Participants deeply tied their beliefs about illness causation and treatment to their historical, social and cultural lived realities, shaping their responses and health-care-seeking decisions. The current study revealed a complex understanding of health and health-care-seeking practices amongst South Sudanese Australians. The multifaceted views of health and health-care-seeking practices underscore the importance of person-centred care for culturally and linguistically erse people.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 07-08-2023
DOI: 10.1007/S10461-023-04139-4
Abstract: Access to treatment and care in safe clinical settings improves people’s lives with HIV. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted vital HIV programs and services, increasing the risk of adverse health outcomes for people with HIV and HIV transmission rates in the community. This systematic literature review provides a meta-analysis of HIV testing disruptions and a synthesis of HIV/AIDS services adapted during COVID-19. We searched scholarly databases from 01 January 2020 to 30 June 2022 using key terms on HIV testing rates and services during the COVID-19 pandemic. The process of how the included articles were identified, selected, appraised, and synthesised was reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. We included 17 articles that reported changes in HIV testing during the COVID-19 pandemic and 22 that reported adaptations in HIV/AIDS services. We found that HIV testing decreased by 37% during the search period because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Service providers adopted novel strategies to support remote service delivery by expanding community antiretroviral therapy dispensing, setting up primary care outreach points, and instituting multi-month dispensing services to sustain client care. Therefore, service providers and policymakers should explore alternative strategies to increase HIV testing rates impacted by COVID-19 and leverage funding to continue providing the identified adapted services.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 05-02-2021
Abstract: This paper was part of a large study that explored suicide among African youths in South Australia. The paper reports perspectives about alcohol and other drugs (AOD) use and mental health among African migrant and refugee youths in South Australia. The study employed a qualitative inquiry, conducting 23 in idual interviews and one focus group discussion with eight participants. An acculturative stress model informed data analysis, interpretation and the discussion of the findings that form the current paper. African migrant and refugee youths revealed challenging stressors, including related to cultural, socioeconomic, living conditions, and pre- and post-migration factors that contributed to mental health problems and the use of AOD in their new country. The traumatic loss of family members and social disruption experienced in their countries of origin were expressed as part of factors leading to migration to Australia. While in Australia, African migrant and refugee youths experienced substantial stressors related to inadequate socioeconomic and cultural support, discrimination, poverty, and unemployment. Participants believed that differences in cultural perspectives about AOD use that existed in Africa and Australia also shaped the experiences of social stressors. Additionally, participants believed that these cultural differences and the identified stressors determined AOD use and mental health problems. The findings highlight the need to understand these social and cultural contexts to improve mental health services and help reduce the use of AOD, which, when problematic, can influence the health and integration experiences of these populations.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2023
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 14-12-2020
DOI: 10.1371/JOURNAL.PONE.0243969
Abstract: This study assessed the determinants that shape HIV knowledge and attitudes among South Sudanese women by analysing a Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey collected from 9,061 women in 9,369 households. Generalised linear mixed model regression was performed. Fifty percent of respondents were aware of HIV/AIDS, with 21% and 22% exhibiting good knowledge and positive attitudes towards people with HIV/AIDS, respectively. When controlled for in idual and community-level variables, younger women (AOR = 1.28, 95% CI: 1.01–162), women with primary (AOR = 2.19 95% CI: 1.86–2.58) and secondary (AOR = 4.48 95% CI: 3.38–5.93) education, and those living in urban areas (AOR = 1.40 95% CI: 1.12–1.76) had significantly good knowledge. Women in the richer (AOR = 1.60 95% CI: 1.08–2.36) and the richest (AOR = 2.02 95% CI: 1.35–3.02) wealth quintiles had significant positive attitudes towards people with HIV/AIDS. Well-designed social and behavioural c aigns targeting uneducated women and those living in rural and remote settings will enhance knowledge of perceived risk, awareness, and ability to carry out preventive behaviours.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2021
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 17-10-2022
Abstract: Community-based social models of care for seniors promote better outcomes in terms of quality of life, managing chronic illness and life expectancy than institutional care. However, small rural areas in high income countries face an ongoing crisis in coordinating care related to service mix, workforce and access. A scoping review was conducted to examine initiatives that promoted integrated models of multisectoral, collaborative aged care in rural settings which could help respond to this ongoing crisis and improve responses to emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic. A systematic database search, screening and a two-stage full text review was followed by a case study critical appraisal. A content analysis of extracted data from included papers was undertaken. Integrated care services, activities and facilities were identified that helped guide the review process and data synthesis. The three included case studies all emphasized key principles that crucially underpinned the models related to collaboration, cooperation and innovation. Challenges to effective care included fiscal and structural constraints, with underlying social determinant impacts. Based on these findings, we describe the genesis of a “toolkit” with components of integrated models of care. Effective care requires aging to be addressed as a complex, interconnected social issue rather than solely a health problem. It demands a series of coordinated system-based responses that consider the complex and heterogeneous contexts (and needs) of communities. Such models are underpinned by leadership and political will, working with a wide breadth of stakeholders across family, community and clinical domains in private and public sectors.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 18-05-2023
Abstract: Background: The double burden of malnutrition in sub-Saharan African countries at different levels of economic development was not extensively explored. This study investigated prevalence, trends, and correlates of undernutrition and overnutrition among children under 5 years and women aged 15–49 years in Malawi, Namibia, and Zimbabwe with differing socio- economic status. Methods: Prevalence of underweight, overweight, and obesity were determined and compared across the countries using demographic and health surveys data. Multivariable logistic regression was used to ascertain any relationships between selected demographic and socio-economic variables and overnutrition and undernutrition. Results: An increasing trend in overweight/obesity in children and women was observed across all countries. Zimbabwe had the highest prevalence of overweight/obesity among women (35.13%) and children (5.9%). A decreasing trend in undernutrition among children was observed across all countries, but the prevalence of stunting was still very high compared to the worldwide average level (22%). Malawi had the highest stunting rate (37.1%). Urban residence, maternal age, and household wealth status influenced maternal nutritional status. The likelihood of undernutrition in children was significantly higher with low wealth status, being a boy, and low level of maternal education. Conclusions: Economic development and urbanization can result in nutritional status shifts.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 23-10-2022
DOI: 10.1007/S10461-021-03511-6
Abstract: Understanding HIV testing determinants in different settings is vital to reducing new infections. This study assessed HIV testing rates during antenatal care (ANC) in seven sub-Saharan African countries designated as high, medium, low or no conflict intensity settings. We ranked and plotted concentration curves for HIV testing by socioeconomic inequality and determined their concentration indices (CCI). Testing for HIV during ANC was highest in Zimbabwe (95.7%) and lowest in Sudan (3.6%). Countries with medium and high conflict intensity experienced higher HIV testing inequality (CCI = 0.38) than countries with low or no conflict (CCI = 0.15). Low HIV testing rates were associated with no education, rural areas, poorest wealth index quintiles and home birth, which demonstrate that determinants of HIV testing during ANC in conflict-affected areas are complex and context-based. Programme implementation and policymakers must acknowledge these complexities and local contexts in their program designs and planning.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 07-01-2022
Publisher: Australian Government Department of Health
Date: 15-10-2019
Abstract: An outbreak of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium with closely related Multiple Locus Variable-number Tandem Repeat Analysis (MLVA) patterns was detected by routine surveillance by the Australian Capital Territory Health Protection Service in May 2018. The outbreak consisted of three cases in 2018 (MLVA 03-10-10-09-496) and one in 2016 (MLVA 03-10-09-09-496), who reported eating home-cooked eggs from the same local producer. Environmental investigations found significant problems with egg cleaning, hand hygiene and documentation of food safety procedures on farm. Environmental s les collected from the farm were found to have the same MLVA pattern as the 2018 cases. Although poor farm practices most likely led to contamination of the eggs, this outbreak highlights the need for consumer education about safe handling of eggs in the home.
Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 17-10-2023
DOI: 10.1155/2023/4981800
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2023
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 22-06-2022
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 13-09-2022
Abstract: Migration has always been a feature of human populations, with people migrating and crisscrossing the globe for a wide range of reasons [...]
Start Date: 07-2023
End Date: 01-2026
Amount: $448,440.00
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded Activity