ORCID Profile
0000-0002-6227-5566
Current Organisation
Monash University
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Research Topics
In Research Link Australia (RLA), "Research Topics" refer to ANZSRC FOR and SEO codes. These topics are either sourced from ANZSRC FOR and SEO codes listed in researchers' related grants or generated by a large language model (LLM) based on their publications.
Top 5 Research Topics
ANZSRC Field of Research (FoR)
Public Health and Health Services | Health Promotion | Communication and Media Studies | Nutrition And Dietetics | Community Child Health | Advertising And Public Relations | Human Movement and Sports Science not elsewhere classified | Organisational Planning and Management | Communication And Media Studies | Health Promotion | Social Policy | Public Health And Health Services Not Elsewhere Classified | Health Information Systems (incl. Surveillance) | Marketing Management (incl. Strategy and Customer Relations) |
ANZSRC Socio-Economic Objective (SEO)
Public Health (excl. Specific Population Health) not elsewhere classified | Social Structure and Health | Health education and promotion | Child health | Behaviour and Health | Evaluation of Health Outcomes | Health Education and Promotion | Preventive medicine | Health Status (e.g. Indicators of Well-Being) | Nutrition | Health Inequalities | Health Policy Evaluation
Related Links
Publications
Health promotion in local churches in Victoria: an exploratory study
Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 18-06-2015
DOI: 10.1111/HSC.12258
Abstract: Church-based health promotion has increasingly gained attention in strategies to address health disparities. In Australia, we have limited understanding of the role of local churches in health promotion and without this, how they might be involved in meaningful partnerships to tackle public health challenges. The objective of this qualitative study was to explore how churches are involved in health promotion in the state of Victoria. The research involved in-depth interviews with ministers from 30 churches in urban and rural Victoria, and case studies with 10 of these churches to enable further exploration. These case studies, conducted in 2010, included interviews with church staff, focus groups with volunteers, participant observation and document analysis. Analysis was iterative, utilising open, axial and thematic coding. Three different expressions of church - traditional, new modern and emerging - were identified and found to differentiate the levels and types of health promotion activity. Case studies illustrate the different expressions of how church mission influences health promotion activity. The traditional churches were involved particularly in disease screening and health education activities with their own, predominantly older congregation members. The new modern churches tended to have the material and human resources to be harnessed in health promotion activities involving congregation members and others. Emerging churches, in contrast, engaged in broad health-promoting activities, including disease prevention, lifestyle activities and socio-ecological approaches at a community level. These research findings highlight the opportunities and challenges of engaging with local churches in health promotion efforts and public health programmes to address health inequities.
Are general practitioners ready and willing to tackle obesity management?
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2008
DOI: 10.1016/J.ORCP.2008.04.008
Abstract: To investigate general practitioners' (GPs') knowledge, role perception, confidence and practices of managing adult and childhood overweight and obesity, and to explore the association with GPs' attendance at Continuing Professional Development (CPD) on overweight and obesity. In 2007, all GPs in seven Divisions of general practice in New South Wales were sent a questionnaire on GPs perceptions and practices of weight counselling. 646 GPs participated (40% response rate). About half of the GPs (47%) believed that only a small percentage of adults could reduce weight and maintain that loss, whereas 33% had a similar belief in relation to children. Most GPs believed that it was their role to manage weight and felt confident to do so with adults, but fewer GPs felt confident in managing children. Nevertheless, just over one-third of GPs reported they counselled more than 10 adult patients, and a similar proportion counselled more than 3 children per week. GPs who felt more confident were more likely to counsel adults (OR = 2.69, p = 0.001) and children (OR = 3.31, p < 0.001). Those who received CPD were more likely to feel confident in managing adults (OR = 1.56, p = 0.031) and children (OR = 2.19, p < 0.001). Although the majority of GPs believe that weight management is their role, only a small proportion regularly provided counselling. This may partly be the result of GPs confidence in managing patients, especially children. CPD on overweight and obesity may benefit GP confidence, but additional training is needed to improve GP's counselling behaviour, particularly for children.
Physical activity in the mass media: An audience perspective
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 18-02-2015
DOI: 10.1093/HER/CYV008
Abstract: Physical activity's role in promoting health is highlighted in public health c aigns, news and current affairs, reality television and other programs. An investigation of audience exposure, beliefs and reactions to media portrayals of physical activity offers insights into the salience and influence of this communication. An audience reception study was conducted involving in-depth interviews with 46 adults in New South Wales, Australia. The s le was stratified by gender, age group, area of residence and body mass index. Most respondents could only recall media coverage of physical activity with prompting. Television was the primary channel of exposure, with reality television the dominant source, followed by news programs and sports coverage. The messages most readily recalled were the health risks of inactivity, especially obesity, and the necessity of keeping active. Physical activity was regarded as a matter of personal volition, or for children, parental responsibility. Respondents believed that the media had given physical activity inadequate attention, focused too heavily on risks and not provided practical advice. In Australia, there is a need to counter the framing of physical activity by reality television, and engage the media to generate understanding of the socioecological determinants of inactivity. Physical activity c aigns should deliver positive and practical messages.
Examining opportunities for promotion of healthy eating at children's sports clubs
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2010
DOI: 10.1111/J.1753-6405.2010.00619.X
Abstract: Australian data indicate that 63% of children participated in sport in 2009, a 4% increase since 2000. Children's high participation in sport, and the association between sport and health, means that these settings provide an opportunity to promote other aspects of health, such as healthy eating, to children. This study aimed to determine healthy eating practices and policies at children's sports clubs. Sports clubs (n=108) for the nine most popular sports for children aged 5 to 14 were randomly s led from three large geographical areas across one state and one territory in Australia. A purpose-designed telephone questionnaire for sports club officials was developed to determine the food and beverages sold, provided and promoted at sports clubs and the availability of healthy-eating policies. The most frequently sold item at canteens was water, followed by sports drinks, chocolate/confectionery and soft drink. Only 20% of canteens promoted healthy food. Thirty-nine per cent of clubs made recommendations on the food and beverages to be consumed during sport, mostly relating to water consumption. The majority (76%) engaged in fundraising many in collaboration with chocolate/confectionery companies. Only three clubs had a written policy on healthy eating. Addressing the low uptake of healthy eating policies would be a useful strategy to improve the healthiness of sports clubs. Policies could seek to reduce the availability and promotion of unhealthy food and beverages through canteens, vending machines and fundraising.
Awareness of message source and its association with the impacts of sun protection campaigns in Australia
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 02-2005
DOI: 10.1108/09654280510572295
Abstract: To examine whether awareness of the source of sun protection c aigns in New South Wales, Australia was associated with message recall and sun protection knowledge and behaviours. Telephone surveys of random s les ( n =800) of parents and other carers of children under 12 years of age were conducted before and after the first two c aigns and after the third c aign. Recognition of the NSW Cancer Council (NSWCC) as the message source increased after each c aign. Cross‐sectional analyses revealed that after the first and third c aigns those who could identify the NSWCC were 1.4‐1.7 times more likely than those who could not to demonstrate knowledge about child sun protection practices ( p .05). After the first c aign those with accurate message source awareness were 1.4 times more likely to report using sunscreen or clothing to protect their children, while after c aign three this awareness was associated with a greater likelihood (OR 1.6, p .05) of using hats, sunscreen and protective clothing. While causality cannot be determined using a cross‐sectional design, the use of serial population surveys to analyse the relationship between message source awareness and sun protection knowledge and behaviours strengthens the basis for examining the role of this factor. Presenting a readily identifiable and credible message source is likely to enhance the impact of health c aigns and this factor should be given attention in the pre‐testing of communications. The importance of a credible communication source has been postulated by various theorists, but this one of few studies to examine the role played this factor in a population‐wide, health promotion c aign.
General practitioners' perceptions and practices of physical activity counselling: changes over the past 10 years
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 15-07-2008
Abstract: In this work, trends in general practitioners' (GP) knowledge, confidence and practices in promoting physical activity to patients over a 10-year period (1997-2007) were studied. Repeated cross-sectional population survey General practice in New South Wales (Australia) 646 (40%), 747 (53%) and 511 (64%) GPs that were registered in a selection of urban and rural isions in New South Wales participated in 2007, 2000 and 1997, respectively. Self-report questionnaire on the GP's knowledge, confidence, role perception, attendance of continuous professional development and counselling practice with regard to promoting physical activity in their patients were the main outcome measures. The majority of GPs felt confident in giving physical activity advice and saw it as their role to do so. The proportion of GPs with high confidence and role perception increased between 1997 and 2000 (p<0.001) but remained unchanged thereafter. In 1997, GPs were 0.54 times less likely (95% CI 0.42 to 0.69, p<0.001) to discuss physical activity with more than 10 patients per week than GPs in 2007. However, the percentage of new patients that were asked about their physical activity did not change over the last decade. Most increases in the proportion of GPs reporting high knowledge, role perception and confidence in giving physical activity advice to patients occurred between 1997 and 2000 and remained unchanged thereafter. In 2007, GPs appeared to give more physical activity advice, but Australian general practice is not yet living up to its potential with regard to physical activity promotion.
Organizational change theory: Implications for health promotion practice
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 14-11-2016
Abstract: Sophisticated understandings of organizational dynamics and processes of organizational change are crucial for the development and success of health promotion initiatives. Theory has a valuable contribution to make in understanding organizational change, for identifying influential factors that should be the focus of change efforts and for selecting the strategies that can be applied to promote change. This article reviews select organizational change models to identify the most pertinent insights for health promotion practitioners. Theoretically derived considerations for practitioners who seek to foster organizational change include the extent to which the initiative is modifiable to fit with the internal context the amount of time that is allocated to truly institutionalize change the ability of the agents of change to build short-term success deliberately into their implementation plan whether or not the shared group experience of action for change is positive or negative and the degree to which agencies that are the intended recipients of change are resourced to focus on internal factors. In reviewing theories of organizational change, the article also addresses strategies for facilitating the adoption of key theoretical insights into the design and implementation of health promotion initiatives in erse organizational settings. If nothing else, aligning health promotion with organizational change theory promises insights into what it is that health promoters do and the time that it can take to do it effectively.
Identifying important and feasible policies and actions for health at community sports clubs
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2014
DOI: 10.1016/J.JSAMS.2013.02.011
Abstract: Children's high participation in organised sport in Australia makes sport an ideal setting for health promotion. This study aimed to generate consensus on priority health promotion objectives for community sports clubs, based on informed expert judgements. Delphi survey using three structured questionnaires. Forty-six health promotion, nutrition, physical activity and sport management/delivery professionals were approached to participate in the survey. Questionnaires used an iterative process to determine aspects of sports clubs deemed necessary for developing healthy sporting environments for children. Initially, participants were provided with a list of potential standards for a range of health promotion areas and asked to rate standards based on their importance and feasibility, and any barriers to implementation. Subsequently, participants were provided with information that summarised ratings for each standard to indicate convergence of the group, and asked to review and potentially revise their responses where they erged. In a third round, participants ranked confirmed standards by priority. 26 professionals completed round 1, 21 completed round 2, and 18 completed round 3. The highest ranked standards related to responsible alcohol practices, availability of healthy food and drinks at sports canteens, smoke-free club facilities, restricting the sale and consumption of alcohol during junior sporting activities, and restricting unhealthy food and beverage company sponsorship. Identifying and prioritising health promotion areas that are relevant to children's sports clubs assists in focusing public health efforts and may guide future engagement of sports clubs. Approaches for providing informational and financial support to clubs to operationalise these standards are proposed.
Restricting unhealthy food sponsorship: Attitudes of the sporting community
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2012
DOI: 10.1016/J.HEALTHPOL.2011.10.004
Abstract: Sponsorship is recognised as a significant marketing tool and restricting unhealthy food sponsorship of children's sport has been recommended by leading health agencies as a contribution towards preventing childhood obesity. This study aimed to determine the junior sporting community's support for policy interventions to restrict unhealthy food sponsorship. Sports clubs known to have food sponsors and representing the most popular sports for Australian children across a range of demographic areas were recruited. Interview-based questionnaires were conducted at clubs with parents (n=200) and officials (n=20), and with governing sporting associations (n=20). Questionnaires measured respondents' attitudes towards sponsorship and support for sponsorship regulations. Many officials and parents perceived children to be 'very' influenced by elite sport sponsorship (65% of association officials, 53% of parents and 45% of club officials). Children were thought to be less influenced by sponsorship of their own sporting clubs (10%, 11% and 10%, respectively). However, 50% of officials and 70% of parents supported restrictions to children's sport sponsorship. Respondents were most supportive of restricting the use of unhealthy food logos on children's uniforms. Restricting unhealthy food sponsorship is supported by the sporting community and policy change is needed to reduce the perceived impact of this marketing. Alternative funding mechanisms have the potential to maintain sport funding whilst reducing promotional opportunities for unhealthy food.
Television food advertising to children: The extent and nature of exposure
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 11-2007
DOI: 10.1017/S1368980007687126
Abstract: To describe the pattern and prevalence of food and drink advertisements to children on commercial television in Sydney, Australia, and compare these with advertising regulations set out in the Children's Television Standards and results from a similar study in 2002. Data were collected by recording television from 06.00 hours until 23.00 hours on all three commercial channels from Sunday 14 May 2006 to Saturday 20 May 2006 (357 h). The study analysed advertisements in two children's viewing periods, one as defined in the 2002 study and the other according to current standards. Food advertisements were coded using 18 food categories and were analysed by time period and popular children's programmes. Food advertisements occurred in similar proportions during children's viewing hours and adult's viewing hours (25.5 vs. 26.9% of all advertisements, respectively), although there was a higher rate of high-fat/high-sugar food advertisements during children's viewing hours (49 vs. 39% of all food advertisements, P 0.001). There were even more advertisements for high-fat/high-sugar foods during popular children's programmes, contributing to 65.9% of all food advertisements. Estimates of exposure indicate that children aged 5–12 years were exposed to 96 food advertisements, including 63 high-fat/high-sugar advertisements per week. Since 2002, there has been a reduction in overall food and high-fat/high-sugar food advertisements. Despite reductions in overall levels of food advertising, children continue to experience high levels of exposure to food advertisements, which remain skewed towards unhealthy foods. Further food advertising regulation should be required to curtail the current levels of advertising of high-fat/high-sugar foods to children, to make them commensurate with recommended levels of consumption.
Vitamin D testing patterns among general practitioners in a major Victorian primary health care service
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2016
Abstract: To examine 25(OH)D testing patterns and frequency among general practitioners in a major community health service. A clinical audit of patient records at a community health centre in Melbourne was undertaken. Patients aged 18 years and above were included. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression was used to examine the association between vitamin D testing and socio-demographic characteristics while Poisson regression was used for the frequency of testing. There were 1,217 patients tested for serum 25(OH)D. The community health centre was served by 12 general practitioners and an infectious disease specialist. The odds of vitamin D testing showed a positive, albeit weak, association with age (OR 1.01, 95%CI 1.00-1.02, p<0.05), were higher among females than males (OR 1.42, 95%CI 1.18-1.70, p<0.05) and higher among migrants compared to non-migrants (OR 2.57, 95%CI 2.14-3.09, p<0.05). The frequency of testing was also higher among females than males (IRR 1.17, 95%CI 1.07-1.28, p<0.05) and higher among migrants than non-migrants (IRR 1.19, 95%CI 1.08-1.31, p<0.05). Advancing age, being female and being a migrant were associated with an increased likelihood of vitamin D testing. Development of evidence-based policies and guidelines are needed to manage over-testing of vitamin D in Australia. Studies that include health services from different areas are required to understand vitamin D testing patterns among the general practitioners.
Validity and repeatability of the EPIC physical activity questionnaire: A validation study using accelerometers as an objective measure
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 2008
WHO health promotion glossary: New terms
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 18-07-2006
Abstract: The WHO Health Promotion Glossary was written to facilitate understanding, communication and cooperation among those engaged in health promotion at the local, regional, national and global levels. Two editions of the Glossary have been released, the first in 1986 and the second in 1998, and continued revision of the document is necessary to promote consensus regarding meanings and to take account of developments in thinking and practice. In this update 10 new terms that are to be included in the Glossary are presented. Criteria for the inclusion of terms in the Glossary are that they differentiate health promotion from other health concepts, or have a specific application or meaning when used in relation to health promotion. The terms defined here are: burden of disease capacity building evidence-based health promotion global health health impact assessment needs assessment self-efficacy social marketing sustainable health promotion strategies, and wellness. WHO will continue to periodically update the Health Promotion Glossary to ensure its relevance to the international health promotion community.
Vitamin D supplementation to reduce depression in adults: Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2015
DOI: 10.1016/J.NUT.2014.06.017
Abstract: The aim of this study was to estimate the weighted mean effect of vitamin D supplementation in reducing depressive symptoms among in iduals aged ≥18 y diagnosed with depression or depressive symptoms. A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in which vitamin D supplementation was used to reduce depression or depressive symptoms was conducted. Databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, psych INFO, CINAHL plus, and the Cochrane library were searched from inception to August 2013 for all publications on vitamin D and depression regardless of language. The search was further updated to May 2014 to include newer studies being published. Studies involving in iduals aged ≥18 y who were diagnosed with depressive disorder based on both the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders or other symptom checklist for depression were included. Meta-analysis was performed using random effects model due to differences between the in idual RCTs. The analysis included nine trials with a total of 4923 participants. No significant reduction in depression was seen after vitamin D supplementation (standardized mean difference = 0.28 95% confidence interval, -0.14 to 0.69 P = 0.19) however, most of the studies focused on in iduals with low levels of depression and sufficient serum vitamin D at baseline. The studies included used different vitamin D doses with a varying degree of intervention duration. Future RCTs examining the effect of vitamin D supplementation among in iduals who are both depressed and vitamin D deficient are needed.
Parental influences on child physical activity and screen viewing time: A population based study
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 08-10-2010
Views of children and parents on limiting unhealthy food, drink and alcohol sponsorship of elite and children's sports
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 11-05-2014
DOI: 10.1017/S1368980012001188
Abstract: To determine parents’ and children's attitudes towards food, beverage and alcohol sponsorship of elite and children's sports and the acceptability of policies and alternative funding models to limit this sponsorship. Telephone surveys were conducted with parents in February–May 2011. One child from each household was invited to complete an online survey. Surveys assessed parents’ perceptions about the influence of sponsorship on children and support for limiting sponsorship, and children's awareness of and attitudes towards sponsors. Randomly s led households in New South Wales, Australia. Parents ( n 825) and children aged 10–16 years ( n 243). Three-quarters of parents supported the introduction of policies to restrict unhealthy food, beverage and alcohol sponsorship of children's and elite sports. More parents (81 %) supported the introduction of alternative funding models to allow these companies to sponsor sport provided there was no visible branding. Two-thirds of children recalled sponsors of their favourite elite sports team/athlete, with 428 sponsors recalled. Of these, 11 % were food/beverage companies and 3 % were alcohol-related. For 39 % of sponsors, children reported feeling better about the company after it had sponsored a team/athlete. Australian parents support restrictions on unhealthy food, beverage and alcohol sport sponsorship. Children's positive associations regarding sponsors are likely to be linked to brand preferences and usage.
Promoting physical activity in general practice: A controlled trial of written advice and information materials
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 08-2000
Abstract: To investigate the impact of a simple written prescription for physical activity given by a general practitioner and the effect of supplementing this with mailed information materials about physical activity. A controlled trial was conducted in 27 general practices in New South Wales, Australia. Subjects were sequential routine care patients between 25 and 65 years old. Controls (n = 386) were recruited first, and intervention subjects two weeks later. Intervention subjects were randomised to receive a prescription only (n = 380) or a prescription plus a mailed booklet (n = 376). Self reported physical activity levels were measured by interview at baseline, 6-10 weeks, and seven to eight months. By intention to treat, the average changes in minutes of total physical activity did not differ significantly between the groups. Inactive people in the prescription plus supplementary booklet group were significantly more likely than controls to report an increase in their physical activity by at least 60 min/week after 6-10 weeks (odds ratio 1.58, 95% confidence interval 1.06 to 2.35). No significant short term improvements in self reported activity were shown in the prescription only group. In the supplemented group, the proportion reporting an increase in physical activity to 3,344 kJ/week at 6-10 weeks was not significant, and neither intervention group showed significant increases in any of the outcome measures at seven to eight months by intention to treat. Treatment received analysis showed greater improvements in intervention groups, especially the prescription plus booklet group, in which the odds of inactive people in this group reporting increased activity became significant at seven to eight months. A prescription for physical activity from a general practitioner, supplemented by additional written materials, can lead to modest short term improvements in self reported physical activity levels among inactive patients. A prescription alone was found not to be effective.
Investigation of a lifestyle change strategy for high-risk women with a history of gestational diabetes
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2014
DOI: 10.1016/J.DIABRES.2014.09.035
Abstract: Fifty-nine women with recent gestational diabetes participated in a randomized controlled trial to assess the feasibility and efficacy of a pragmatic diabetes risk reduction intervention. Intervention participants achieved improvements in energy, total and saturated fats, and carbohydrate intake, but no change in physical activity. Recruitment was challenging and below expectations.
Impacts from repeated mass media campaigns to promote sun protection in Australia
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 03-2002
Abstract: C aigns using television, radio and print media were conducted over three summers in New South Wales, Australia, aiming to increase the use of sun protection measures among children under 12 years. The evaluation entailed cross-sectional telephone surveys before and after each of the first two c aigns and following the third c aign. The study group were parents of children under 12 years. Random digit dialling yielded s les of approximately 800 for each survey. Measures addressed c aign recall and sun protection knowledge, attitudes and behaviours. The surveys revealed significant levels of c aign recall. Knowledge about the protective benefits of sunscreens, hats and protective clothing was high at baseline and showed little improvement over the c aigns. Knowledge levels about the benefits of shade cover and of the relative risks of skin cancer from childhood sun exposure were lower, and also did not show improvement. Just one of the four attitude factors showed significant improvement, and this concerned the importance that parents placed on the issue of child sun protection. After the final c aign there were increases compared with baseline in childrens' use of sunscreen, protective clothing and shade, but it was notable that between c aigns levels of these behaviours were similar to or below those at baseline. There was no evidence of a c aign-related increase in hat wearing by children. All sun protection measures were used less often by adults than children, but these showed similar trends. Mass media c aigns may contribute to short-term increases in some sun protection behaviours however, as their impact is not sustained they should be repeated and supplemented by educational, policy and environmental strategies.
Toward Best Practice in Evaluation: A Study of Australian Health Promotion Agencies
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 17-02-2015
Abstract: Evaluation makes a critical contribution to the evidence base for health promotion programs and policy. Because there has been limited research about the characteristics and determinants of evaluation practice in this field, this study audited evaluations completed by health promotion agencies in Victoria, Australia, and explored the factors that enabled or hindered evaluation performance. Twenty-four agencies participated. A systematic assessment of 29 recent evaluation reports was undertaken, and in-depth interviews were carried out with 18 experienced practitioners. There was wide variability in the scope of evaluations and the level of reporting undertaken. Formative evaluation was uncommon, but almost all included process evaluation, especially of strategy reach and delivery. Impact evaluation was attempted in the majority of cases, but the designs and measures used were often not specified. Practitioners strongly endorsed the importance of evaluation, but the reporting requirements and inconsistent administrative procedures of the funding body were cited as significant barriers. Budget constraints, employment of untrained coworkers, and lack of access to measurement tools were other major barriers to evaluation. Capacity building to strengthen evaluation needs to encompass system, organizational, and practitioner-level action. This includes strengthening funding and reporting arrangements, fostering partnerships, and tailoring workforce development opportunities for practitioners.
The correlates of chronic disease-related health literacy and its components among men: a systematic review
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 26-06-2015
Promoting Walking with Pedometers in the CommunityThe Step-by-Step Trial
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2007
DOI: 10.1016/J.AMEPRE.2006.12.007
Abstract: Pedometers have been identified as a potential motivational aid for increasing physical activity, but their efficacy has not been demonstrated in a community-based, nonclinical s le. A randomized controlled trial was conducted from August to December 2005. Analysis was completed in June 2006. Inactive adults aged 30-65 years (n=369) recruited from the community. Comparison of a theoretically based self-help walking program (WP) and weekly diaries (sent by mail) the same walking program with a pedometer (WPP) (also by mail) and a no-treatment control group (C). Change in self-reported leisure time in any sports/recreation in the last 3 months, and all-purpose walking (APW) for exercise, recreation, and travel, and other moderate, vigorous physical activity in the last week. Proportions meeting physical activity recommendations (equal to or greater than 150 minutes and equal to or greater than five sessions/week(-1)) were determined. A 3-month follow-up interview was conducted with 314 (85%) participants. Intention-to-treat analyses indicated significance within-group increases of APW and leisure-time walking (LTW), but mean and median sessions and minutes changes were greatest in the WPP group. There were no significant between-group differences in regular LTW (walked equal to or greater than 5 sessions/week(-1) for at least 30 minutes/session), but the WPP group increased significantly participation in other sports/recreations and was more likely than the control group to meet physical activity recommendations by all leisure-time physical activity (adjusted odds ratio=2.40, 95% CI=1.17-4.93), by APW (adjusted odds ratio=1.75 95% CI=0.92-3.34) and all physical activity (adjusted odds ratio=1.59 95% CI=0.92-2.79) in the last week. Pedometers enhanced the effects of the self-help walking program. This low-cost intervention should be tested for sustainability.
Food and drink sponsorship of childrens sport in Australia: Who pays?
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 14-10-2011
Abstract: The creation of health promoting sports clubs may support the promotion and adoption of healthy behaviours by children. Sponsorship is one aspect of clubs, with potential influence on clubs and their participants. In particular, sponsorship influences brand awareness and attitudes, so that the sponsorship of children's sport by unhealthy food companies may contribute to food preferences and poor eating habits. This study aimed to determine the nature and extent of food and beverage sponsorship of children's sport. Sports clubs (n = 108) for the nine most popular sports for children aged 5-14 were randomly s led from three large geographical areas in Australia. A purpose-designed telephone questionnaire was developed to determine the extent of sponsorship. Experts from different fields were approached (n = 10) to generate a consensus on the elements of sponsors that are more/less health promoting. The survey response rate was 99%. Of the 347 sponsors identified, 17% were food or beverage companies. Fifty percent of food company sponsorship arrangements did not meet criteria for healthy sponsors. For most clubs, less than a quarter of their income came from sponsorship. A considerable proportion of clubs with food company sponsors had the company's signage on players' uniforms (53%), distributed rewards using the company's name (24%) or gave vouchers to players for the company's products (29%). Any restriction of unhealthy food and beverage company sponsorship of children's sport may not result in major funding difficulties for clubs, as this funding represents a relatively small proportion of their income base, even though it provides major promotional opportunities to sponsors.
Hepatitis C in Australia. Impact of a Mass Media Campaign
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2006
DOI: 10.1016/J.AMEPRE.2006.08.001
Abstract: Hepatitis C affects over 200,000 Australians. This study evaluated the impact of a public education c aign about this disease in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. Cohort and independent cross-sectional telephone surveys before and after the c aign. Random population s les of adults in NSW. Television, radio and newsprint advertisements, posters and public display boards, public awareness events and media releases, and dissemination of information to healthcare professionals in April 2000. Data were analyzed in 2000 and 2005. C aign recall, and knowledge and attitudes concerning hepatitis C. Recall of information about hepatitis C increased between baseline and follow-up, from 11.1% to 45.5% in the independent s les and 11.8% to 65.3% in the cohort. The proportion of people who knew that there was a low risk of disease transmission by kissing, sharing food utensils, or breastfeeding also increased significantly. In the cohort s le, a higher number of correct knowledge responses was associated with reporting exposure to information about hepatitis C after the c aign, postsecondary education, and a greater level of knowledge at baseline. Most people reported supportive attitudes toward people with hepatitis C and to prevention programs addressing this disease, and there was little apparent improvement in these. This c aign successfully increased public exposure to information about hepatitis C and improved knowledge about the means of transmission of this disease. There is room for further improvements in community understanding about hepatitis C. Mass media c aigns have a valuable role to play in this endeavor.
Exploring the partnership networks of churches and church-affiliated organisations in health promotion
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2012
DOI: 10.1071/PY11016
Abstract: Health promotion professionals often work with community organisations and voluntary associations, including churches and church-affiliated organisations, to reduce health inequities within communities. How voluntary and church-affiliated organisations form intersectoral relationships and partnerships, and the challenges they face in doing so, has been well researched. However, there is a need to investigate further the extent to which local churches collaborate or form partnerships with other actors, such as government, peak bodies and welfare organisations. This paper reports a Victorian-based mapping exercise of partnerships and funding involving document analysis of the annual reports from 126 organisations and 35 interviews conducted with church-affiliated organisations and local churches. The discussion begins with the exploration of the nature of, and the reason why churches partner with other sectors. The paper also examines funding sources and partnership pathways that churches access to undertake the activities and programs they conduct. Interview themes highlight the value to churches of the sharing of expertise and resources, the provision of support to communities, a shared ethos of social justice and the empowerment of vulnerable populations. The findings about the extent to which local churches are involved in partnerships across society, and the extent of public and private funds they draw on to provide resources and assistance to local communities, indicate that churches are now a key player not just in welfare provision but also in health promotion activities. The findings contribute to the understanding of church activities in relation to health promotion and will assist organisations who may be potential partners to consider their collaborative efforts in the health promotion field.
A pilot structured behavioural intervention trial to increase physical activity among women with recent gestational diabetes
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2011
DOI: 10.1016/J.DIABRES.2011.01.013
Abstract: Forty-three women were recruited into a 1-year randomised controlled trial to test the feasibility of a structured behavioural intervention to increase physical activity after gestational diabetes. Increases in achievement of physical activity targets were not attained. Recruitment and subject retention were identified as major challenges.
Harnessing citizen science in health promotion: perspectives of policy and practice stakeholders in Australia
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 14-09-2023
Community understanding of the preventability of major health conditions as a measure of health literacy
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 02-2013
DOI: 10.1111/AJR.12005
Abstract: To examine health literacy in a rural community by measuring the understanding of the preventable nature of six major health conditions. Cross-sectional population survey. New housing areas of Strathfieldsaye, Victoria. A total of 197 adults aged 18 years or older. Perceived preventability of skin cancer, lung cancer, cervical cancer, high blood pressure, heart attack and diabetes. Skin cancer was the only condition which most people perceived as being all or mostly preventable (50.3%). Lung cancer was perceived to be all or mostly preventable by 35.5% of respondents, high blood pressure by 34.0%, cervical cancer by 27.4%, diabetes by 25.4% and heart attack by only 14.7%. This study shows that there is a lack of understanding of the preventability of these health conditions. Efforts need to be directed towards improving the public's knowledge of disease prevention and to ensure that health promotion programs reach populations with the most need.
Intentional injury reported by young people in the Federated States of Micronesia, Kingdom of Tonga and Vanuatu
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 30-04-2008
Comparison of tobacco, alcohol and illegal drug usage among school students in three Pacific Island societies
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2007
DOI: 10.1016/J.DRUGALCDEP.2006.08.030
Abstract: Many Pacific Island countries are in social and epidemiological transition, but there are little population data about drug and alcohol usage among adolescents in this region. Random s les of school students aged 11-17 years completed surveys in three populations: Pohnpei State in the Federated States of Micronesia (n=1495), Tonga (n=2808) and Vanuatu (n=4474). Among 15-year-olds, boys in Tonga reported the highest prevalence of weekly smoking (29%), followed by boys in Pohnpei (17%). Kava use at a potentially harmful level (i.e. daily) was low in all countries. Drunkenness on two or more occasions was much more common among 15-year-old boys in Pohnpei (51%) than same-age youth in the other countries. Marijuana use was most often reported by boys (20%) and girls (20%) in Pohnpei, while solvents had been used most often by boys in Pohnpei (15%), and methylated spirits by boys in Tonga (20%). In all countries bullying of other students was independently related to regular smoking, while bullying behaviour and strong relationships with peers and others outside of the family were related to past drunkenness and use of illegal drugs in Tonga and Vanuatu. Overall, levels of adolescent substance use were consistently higher in Tonga and Pohnpei than in Vanuatu. These unique data provide a basis for setting priorities and evaluating action to address the health risks posed by substance use in these Pacific Island societies.
Psychosocial Factors Related to Diet Among Women with Recent Gestational Diabetes Opportunities for Intervention
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 09-2008
Abstract: Purpose This study investigated postpartum dietary behaviors among women with recent gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), the cognitive and social factors related to these, and preferred types of lifestyle support, in order improve the development of diabetes prevention strategies for this group. Methods Participants were a random s le of 226 women diagnosed with GDM in the prior 6 to 24 months. Telephone surveys were used to evaluate dietary behaviors, self-efficacy, social support, perceived barriers to healthy eating, and preferred methods of lifestyle support. Results Only 5% of the respondents consumed 5 servings/day of vegetables and 44% consumed 2 or more servings/day of fruit. Fried food was eaten at least twice per week by 26% of women and 50% usually consumed full-fat milk. Higher vegetable consumption was associated with self-efficacy to cook healthy foods, reporting that a healthy diet is not a difficult change and that dislike of healthy foods by other household members is not a barrier. Fruit consumption was positively related to self-efficacy when busy and when not reporting a dislike of healthy foods by others at home. Advice from a dietitian and telephone support from a health educator were the most preferred forms of health assistance. Conclusions Dietary risks factors are prevalent among women with recent GDM. Confidence and skills in cooking healthy foods, along with family food preferences and time pressures, are important influences on eating habits. Dietary change programs, informed by the beliefs and circumstances of this high-risk population, need to be developed.
Reliability and validity of a brief physical activity assessment for use by family doctors
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 22-04-2005
Abstract: Objective: To evaluate the reliability and validity of a brief physical activity assessment tool suitable for doctors to use to identify inactive patients in the primary care setting. Methods: Volunteer family doctors (n = 8) screened consenting patients (n = 75) for physical activity participation using a brief physical activity assessment tool. Inter-rater reliability was assessed within one week (n = 71). Validity was assessed against an objective physical activity monitor (computer science and applications accelerometer n = 42). Results: The brief physical activity assessment tool produced repeatable estimates of “sufficient total physical activity”, correctly classifying over 76% of cases (κ 0.53, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.33 to 0.72). The validity coefficient was reasonable (κ 0.40, 95% CI 0.12 to 0.69), with good percentage agreement (71%). Conclusions: The brief physical activity assessment tool is a reliable instrument, with validity similar to that of more detailed self report measures of physical activity. It is a tool that can be used efficiently in routine primary healthcare services to identify insufficiently active patients who may need physical activity advice.
Community-based group exercise improves balance and reduces falls in at-risk older people: A randomised controlled trial
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 07-2003
Abstract: recent studies have found that moderate intensity exercise is an effective intervention strategy for preventing falls in older people. However, research is required to determine whether supervised group exercise programmes, conducted in community settings with at-risk older people referred by their health care practitioner are also effective in improving physical functioning and preventing falls in this group. to determine whether participation in a weekly group exercise programme with ancillary home exercises over one year improves balance, muscle strength, reaction time, physical functioning, health status and prevents falls in at-risk community-dwelling older people. the s le comprised 163 people aged over 65 years identified as at risk of falling using a standardised assessment screen by their general practitioner or hospital-based physiotherapist, residing in South Western Sydney, Australia. Subjects were randomised into either an exercise intervention group or a control group. Physical performance and general health measures were assessed at baseline and repeated 6-months into the trial. Falls were measured over a 12-month follow-up period using monthly postal surveys. at baseline both groups were well matched in their physical performance, health and activity levels. The intervention subjects attended a median of 23 exercise classes over the year, and most undertook the home exercise sessions at least weekly. At retest, the exercise group performed significantly better than the controls in three of six balance measures postural sway on the floor with eyes open and eyes closed and coordinated stability. The groups did not differ at retest in measures of strength, reaction time and walking speed or on Short-Form 36, Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly or fear of falling scales. Within the 12-month trial period, the rate of falls in the intervention group was 40% lower than that of the control group (IRR=0.60, 95% CI 0.36-0.99). these findings indicate that participation in a weekly group exercise programme with ancillary home exercises can improve balance and reduce the rate of falling in at-risk community dwelling older people.
Recent trends in physical activity in New South Wales. Is the tide of inactivity turning?
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2008
DOI: 10.1111/J.1753-6405.2008.00170.X
Abstract: To examine recent trends in sufficient physical activity among New South Wales adults aged 16 years and over. Data were obtained from New South Wales population health surveys conducted in 1998 and from 2002 to 2005. Analyses examined trends in the proportions of adults achieving sufficient physical activity and trends in different modes of activity. The proportion of adults achieving sufficient physical activity was stable between 1998 (47.6%) and 2002 (46.5%), declined in 2003 (44.7%), increased substantially in 2004 (50.5%), and remained steady in 2005 (51.3%). This increase was evident across different population groups. Adults who did any walking were 18 times more likely to be active than those who did no walking. Findings indicate that in recent years physical activity participation has begun to increase, and that this increase occurred across population segments. The increases occurred especially in walking behaviours. Given the known health benefits of being physically active, continued investment in physical activity promotion policies and programs is necessary to maintain these early gains.
Postpartum Physical Activity and Related Psychosocial Factors Among Women With Recent Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Publisher: American Diabetes Association
Date: 11-2005
DOI: 10.2337/DIACARE.28.11.2650
Abstract: OBJECTIVE—In this study, we examined patterns of postpartum physical activity among women with recent gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and psychosocial factors related to this behavior that could be addressed in diabetes prevention interventions. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—A random s le of women who had attended diabetes clinics in Sydney, Australia, in the past 6–24 months for treatment of GDM were surveyed by telephone. Variables measured included physical activity behaviors, self-efficacy, social support, and barriers to participation. RESULTS—Of 226 women who completed the survey (mean age 33.4 years), 26.5% were classified as sedentary, and only 33.6% reported sufficient physical activity as recommended by health authorities. Walking was the most popular physical activity, and most women reported no other moderate- or vigorous-intensity activity. Lack of assistance with child care (49.1%) and insufficient time (37.6%) were the most common barriers to physical activity. The type of social support most often reported was verbal encouragement (39.1%), with more than half of the women never receiving assistance with housework or others exercising with them. Self-efficacy for physical activity was lowest when women were under time pressure or tired. Multivariate analyses showed that sufficient physical activity was associated with high social support (odds ratio 2.5 [95% CI 1.21–3.79]) and high self-efficacy (2.09 [1.06–3.20]). CONCLUSIONS—The prevalence of sufficient physical activity was found to be low and strongly related to social support and self-efficacy. This is an important group to whom diabetes prevention strategies can be targeted.
Are messages about lifestyle walking being heard?
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2009
DOI: 10.1016/J.YPMED.2009.02.010
Abstract: To examine population trends in lifestyle walking in New South Wales (NSW), Australia between 1998 and 2006. Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing surveys were conducted in 1998 and annually from 2002 to 2006. The weighted and standardized prevalence estimates of any walking (AW) for exercise, recreation or travel (i.e. > or =10 min/week) and of regular walking (RW) (i.e. > or =150 mins/week over > or =5 occasions) in population sub-groups were determined for each year. Adjusted annual change was calculated using multiple regression analyses. The prevalence of AW was high in 1998 (80.0%, 95% CI: 79.4%-80.6%) and increased to 83.5% (95% CI: 82.7%-84.3%) in 2006. The prevalence of RW was stable between 1998 and 2003 ( approximately 29%), and gradually increased between 2004 (32.9%, 95% CI: 32.0%-33.8%) and 2006 (36.5%, 95% CI: 35.4%-37.6%). The yearly increases differed in magnitude but were significant for all population sub-groups including 75 years and older, the obese, people living in remote locations and those in the most disadvantaged socio-economic status quintile. Socio-economic differential in RW was no longer significant in 2006. Over time, everyday walking has the potential to reduce health inequalities that is due to inactivity. Public health efforts to promote active living and address obesity, as well as a rise in gasoline prices, might have contributed to this trend.
The effects of different regulation systems on television food advertising to children
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2007
DOI: 10.1111/J.1753-6405.2007.00083.X
Abstract: The aim of this study was to model children's potential exposure to television food advertisements under different regulatory scenarios to demonstrate the policy implications of regulatory change in Australia. Television advertising data was collected from Sydney commercial television channels from 14-20 May 2006. Extrapolating from these data, the patterns of food advertising under four regulatory scenarios were examined, including arrangements restricting the content, volume and timing of advertisements. Each scenario resulted in a reduction of total and non-core food advertisements. The scenario to restrict non-core food advertisements during the major viewing period (7:00-20:30) led to the largest reduction in total and non-core food advertisements (79.2% reduction), with no change in the frequency of core food advertisements. The results illustrate the potential for reducing children's exposure to food advertising through simple regulatory restrictions. This research contributes to future debates on the regulation of television food advertising. It is particularly relevant as Australian regulations will be under review in 2007.
The motivation and actions of Australians concerning brain health and dementia risk reduction
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 27-07-2015
DOI: 10.1071/HE14111
Psychosocial profiles of adolescent nonsmokers in the Pacific
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 17-12-2011
Abstract: Studies examining adolescent smoking have focused on at-risk in iduals, while overlooking the psychosocial profiles of those adolescents who have managed to remain nonsmokers. Accumulating evidence suggests that positive emotions such as happiness may be associated with the adoption of healthy practices, but limited evidence has emerged from developing countries. This study examined the association between non-smoking and positive emotions and psychosocial correlates in 3 large population s les of Pacific youths (N = 5659) living in Tonga, Vanuatu, and Pohnpei in the Federated States of Micronesia. Across all 3 s les, being confident was significantly associated with nonsmoking and being happy (Tonga, odds ratio [OR] = 1.39, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.12-1.73 Vanuatu, OR = 1.29, 95% CI = 1.02-1.63 Pohnpei, OR = 2.34, 95% CI = 1.60-3.34). Some cross-country differences in relationships were found in the associations between societal factors (ie, perceived connections with school, teachers, and peers, and perceived community importance and involvement) and nonsmoking and happiness. Findings have implications for developing innovative strategies aimed at preventing smoking uptake and suggest the need for focusing on identifying the determinants of nonsmoking and measuring positive emotions.
The International Prevalence Study on Physical Activity: results from 20 countries
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 2009
Building Capacity to Apply Citizen Science Approaches in Policy and Practice for Public Health: Protocol for a Developmental Evaluation of Four Stakeholder-Led Projects
Publisher: Ubiquity Press, Ltd.
Date: 2022
DOI: 10.5334/CSTP.488
Evaluation of mass media campaigns for physical activity
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2006
Can a Motivational Intervention Overcome an Unsupportive Environment for Walking—Findings from the Step-by-Step Study
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 10-2009
DOI: 10.1007/S12160-009-9138-Z
Abstract: Interventions to promote walking have rarely examined how their effects varied by the attributes of the physical environment. The purpose of this study is to examine whether perceptions of environmental walkability predicted change in walking behavior following an in idual-based intervention to promote walking and whether the intervention buffered the effects of unsupportive environment for walking. Inactive adults (aged 30-65 years, 85% women) who completed a 3-month randomized control trial comparing the effect of a single mail-out of a theoretically based self-help walking program (WP, n = 102) the same program plus a pedometer (WPP, n = 105) and a "no-treatment" control group (C, n = 107). Measures included change in self-reported walking time for all purposes and in the proportion of people reporting regular walking (i.e., > or =150 min/week and > or =5 sessions/wk). Perceptions of environmental esthetics, safety from crime, proximity to destinations, access to walking facilities, traffic, streetlights, connectivity, and hilliness were assessed at baseline and dichotomized into "low" or "high" by the median score. Covariates were social support, self-efficacy, intention to change behavior, and sociodemographic characteristics. Adjusting for baseline walking, significant covariates, and study groups, walking time at follow-up was lower if streetlights or esthetics were perceived to be "low" (-24% and -22%, respectively) compared with "high" (p < 0.05). In "low" esthetic conditions, those in the WPP were significantly more likely than controls to increase total walking time (Exp (b) = 2.53, p < 0.01) and to undertake regular walking (OR = 5.85, 95% CI 2.60-12.2), whereas in esthetically pleasing environments, the between-group differences were nonsignificant. Walkability attributes can influence in idual-based walking programs. Some environmental barriers for walking can be overcome by motivational aids.
Representations of cycling in metropolitan newspapers - changes over time and differences between Sydney and Melbourne, Australia
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 25-06-2010
Building capacity for citizen science in health promotion: a collaborative knowledge mobilisation approach
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 30-05-2023
DOI: 10.1186/S40900-023-00451-4
Abstract: Policymakers and practitioners in health promotion (e.g. those working for local, state or federal government organisations or community and non-government organisations with a focus on health and wellbeing) are increasingly interested in citizen science as a means of involving the public in research and decision making. The potential benefits of citizen science approaches in health promotion include increased research capacity, incorporation of community perspectives on problems and solutions, and improved public awareness and acceptance of actions to improve health. However, health promotion practitioners and policymakers report having limited familiarity and experience with citizen science and a desire to build their capacity in these approaches. The Citizen Science in Prevention (CSP) project aims to build capacity for citizen science in health promotion by: 1) supporting the development and implementation of citizen science projects by policymakers and practitioners, 2) establishing a network of health promotion stakeholders with familiarity and interest in citizen science approaches, and 3) co-designing resources to support the use of citizen science in policy and practice contexts. A comprehensive mixed methods evaluation will establish the reach, satisfaction, and impacts that can be attributed to the capacity building intervention. This paper describes the first known initiative to build capacity in the application of citizen science approaches in health promotion and we hope that this work will assist others in the development and implementation of capacity building activities for citizen science in health promotion and beyond.
Audience Responses to Physical Activity inthe Biggest Loser Australia
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 28-12-2018
DOI: 10.1080/10810730.2018.1558314
Abstract: The popular reality television show The Biggest Loser Australia (TBL) is a significant source of media content about physical activity. This study examined audience responses to and interpretations of physical activity in TBL. A qualitative study using in-depth interviews was conducted in New South Wales, Australia. A s le of 46 viewers of TBL was recruited, stratified by gender, age group, area of residence, and body mass index. Interview data were thematically analyzed to identify how viewers evaluated TBL. Respondents were most positive about TBL as public health education, premised on personal responsibility, the need for extreme action, and the possibilities of human agency (in idually and collectively). Conversely, they were critical about whether the portrayal of physical activity could guide and inspire them personally. They expressed feelings of disgust and fear in response to the exercise challenges, questioned the practicality of the behavior change process in light of their own experience, and were skeptical about the purpose of the program itself. TBL's representation of physical activity may be limited in its capacity to encourage physical activity. Despite the wide viewership of this program, encouraging physical requires innovation in the development of practical, persuasive and evidence based media messages about physical activity.
Health promotion in sport: An analysis of peak sporting organisations' health policies
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2010
Testing a Hierarchy-of-Effects Model. Pathways from Awareness to Outcomes in the VERB™ Campaign 2002-2003
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2008
DOI: 10.1016/J.AMEPRE.2008.03.015
Abstract: The McGuire hierarchy-of-effects (HOE) model, used extensively in mass-media interventions to describe the mechanisms for understanding effects, has not been tested in physical activity c aigns. Data collected at baseline (2002) and follow-up (2003) surveys in the VERB evaluation were used in structural equation modeling to test pathways and hierarchies of c aign effects. Population-based cohort of youth aged 9-13 years (N=2364) for whom complete baseline and follow-up data were available. Awareness of the VERB c aign, understanding of the VERB message, attitude toward being active, outcome expectations, and physical activity participation. Among youth aged 9-13 years (tweens) in the study cohort, significant paths were identified between awareness and understanding (0.72, p<0.001) and between understanding and being physically active (0.11, p<0.05). At baseline there was a high prevalence of positive attitudes and outcome expectations, and these were not influenced by change in understanding or awareness. Among inactive tweens only, the same paths were identified except that, in this subgroup, attitude was related to physical activity (0.13, p<0.05), and awareness was more strongly related to physical activity than it was for the whole s le (0.14, p<0.01). These findings provided limited support for the HOE model and suggest that increased awareness and understanding were the key proximal effects that led to behavior change. A distinct sequence of effects, which bypassed attitudes and outcome expectations, was found for these U.S. young people. The findings could inform the design of future c aigns to address youth physical activity.
Health behaviour and lifestyle of Pacific youth surveys: a resource for capacity building
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 14-03-2005
Abstract: The changing global socio-economic environment over the last two decades has had significant ramifications for the health and development of youth in lower- and middle-income countries. In the Pacific region, young people are exposed to similar causes of ill-health as their peers in developed countries. This paper describes the development, implementation and major findings of the Health Behaviour and Lifestyle of Pacific Youth (HBLPY) surveys, a regional initiative to obtain representative data about health-related behaviour and needs of adolescents in Vanuatu, Tonga and the Federated States of Micronesia. The Pacific HBLPY is modelled on the WHO Europe Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) surveys. The surveys, undertaken in 2000-2001, were built upon strong local partnerships and were undertaken with youth participation to ensure survey ownership. A regional technical group was formed to provide training and support to strengthen health survey capacity of youth and their agencies. The findings showed that tobacco was most commonly used substance, with 29.7% of 15-year-old boys and 15.7% of girls smoking weekly. Over half of the students did not engage in physical activity for at least 2 h per week these rates are substantially lower than those usually found in Europe. Dietary habits among this group are also of concern, reflecting international trends away from highly nutritious traditional diets. The HBLPY surveys have shown that it is possible to collect population-based data in lower- and middle-income countries so that appropriate youth health programmes and policies can be developed. Implementation of an ongoing surveillance system similar to the HBLPY model in these countries warrants further investigation. Such initiatives should be supported at the regional and global level.
Self-reported confidence in recall as a predictor of validity and repeatability of physical activity questionnaire data
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 05-2009
Prevalence and risk factors of diabetes and impaired fasting glucose in Nauru
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 23-09-2011
Abstract: No comprehensive assessment of diabetes prevalence in Nauru has been conducted since an extreme prevalence was documented more than two decades ago. This study aims to determine the prevalence and risk factors of diabetes and impaired fasting glucose. A nationwide survey in 2004 of people aged 15- 64 years (n = 1592). Fasting plasma glucose levels were used to defined diabetes (≥7.0 mmol/l or 126 mg/dl) and prediabetes (6.1-6.9 mmol/l or 110-125 mg/dl). The sex-standardized prevalence of diabetes was 13.0% (95% CI: 10.6, 15.4) in men, 14.4% (11.9, 16.9) in women, and 13.7% (12.0, 15.4) combined. The sex-standardized prevalence of prediabetes was 6.4% (4.6, 8.2) for men, 5.5% (3.9, 7.2) for women, and 6.0% (4.8, 7.3) combined. The prevalence of diabetes for in iduals 15-24, 25-34, 35-44, 45-54 and 55-64 years was 4.5%, 7.6%, 24.1%, 32.9%, and 42.7%, respectively. The prevalence of prediabetes for the same age categories was 4.2%, 8.8%, 5.9%, 6.6%, 7.1%, respectively. Multivariable, multinomial logit modeling found risk factors for prediabetes were high cholesterol levels (OR: 2.02, 95% CI: 1.66, 2.47) and elevated waist circumference (OR: 1.04, 95% CI: 1.00, 1.08), and for diabetes were age in years (OR: 1.06 95% CI: 1.04, 1.07), cholesterol levels (OR: 1.84, 95% CI: 1.58, 2.14) and waist circumference (OR: 1.04, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.07). Diabetes remains a major public health problem in Nauru, affecting one out of every ten people. While the prevalence of diabetes has declined, its burden has persisted among the old but also extended towards the younger age groups.
A group-based healthy lifestyle program for women with previous gestational diabetes
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2007
Building capacity in local government for integrated planning to increase physical activity: Evaluation of the VicHealth MetroACTIVE program
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 13-10-2009
Abstract: Integrated planning is a holistic approach to addressing the needs of local communities built on partnerships between those responsible for development, environmental quality and service provision. This study investigated the extent and key influences on the use of integrated planning to promote physical activity among six metropolitan councils in Melbourne Australia, which took part in the MetroACTIVE Project funded by the Victorian Health Promotion Foundation from 2005 to 2007. The evaluation entailed interviews conducted at the mid-term (N = 67) and completion (N = 50) of the project, and the review of relevant documents. Respondents included elected councillors, chief executive officers, officers from different council isions and the project staff employed in each council. Three councils showed evidence of integrated planning for physical activity, whereas the remainder focused on the delivery of community participation programs. Leadership from senior management and an organizational culture that supported collaboration across council departments were prerequisites for integrated planning. Employment of a dedicated project officer with skills for engaging management and building partnerships within the organization was important. Barriers to integrated planning were a complex organization structure, high demands on the council due to a growing residential population and a poor climate among staff. Overall, integrated planning was found to be a viable approach for developing a coordinated approach to this issue involving the range of council services and functions. Ongoing strategies are needed to facilitate senior management commitment and organizational capacity for integrated planning, with leadership provided by departments responsible for infrastructure or corporate planning.
The MOVE study: a study protocol for a randomised controlled trial assessing interventions to maximise attendance at physical activity facilities
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 18-04-2015
Formative assessment: Is Australia ready for a physical activity surveillance system?
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2023
Effectiveness of a customised mobile phone text messaging intervention supported by data from activity monitors for improving lifestyle factors related to the risk of type 2 diabetes among women after
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 09-2021
DOI: 10.1136/BMJOPEN-2021-054756
Abstract: Gestational diabetes (GDM) contributes substantially to the population burden of type 2 diabetes (T2DM), with a high long-term risk of developing T2DM. This study will assess whether a structured lifestyle modification programme for women immediately after a GDM pregnancy, delivered via customised text messages and further in idualised using data from activity monitors, improves T2DM risk factors, namely weight, physical activity (PA) and diet. This multicentre randomised controlled trial will recruit 180 women with GDM attending Westmead, C belltown or Blacktown hospital services in Western Sydney. They will be randomised (1:1) on delivery to usual care with activity monitor (active control) or usual care plus activity monitor and customised education, motivation and support delivered via text messaging (intervention). The intervention will be customised based on breastfeeding status, and messages including their step count achievements to encourage PA. Messages on PA and healthy eating will encourage good lifestyle habits. The primary outcome of the study is healthy lifestyle composed of weight, dietary and PA outcomes, to be evaluated at 6 months. The secondary objectives include the primary objective components, body mass index, breastfeeding duration and frequency, postnatal depression, utilisation of the activity monitor, adherence to obtaining an oral glucose tolerance test post partum and the incidence of dysglycaemia at 12 months. Relative risks and their 95% CIs will be presented for the primary objective and the appropriate regression analysis, adjusting for the baseline outcome results, will be done for each outcome. Ethics approval has been received from the Western Sydney Local Health District Human Research Ethics Committee (2019/ETH13240). All patients will provide written informed consent. Study results will be disseminated via the usual channels including peer-reviewed publications and presentations at national and international conferences. ACTRN12620000615987 Pre-results.
Active commuting and leisure-time physical activity among adults in western Nepal: a cross-sectional study
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 08-2021
DOI: 10.1136/BMJOPEN-2021-051846
Abstract: To determine the prevalence and sociodemographic factors associated with active commuting and leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) among adults in western Nepal. Cross-sectional study. Adults from semiurban areas in western Nepal. 2815 adults aged 25–65 years who participated in the ‘Community-Based Management of Hypertension in Nepal (COBIN)’ Study. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to identify the sociodemographic factors associated with active commuting and LTPA. Self-reported participation in active commuting and LTPA. Most study participants (96%) commuted actively (walked or cycled) from one place to another. Our results showed that only a small proportion (3.7%) of participants engaged in moderate or vigorous LTPA. Compared with those in paid employment, the odds of commuting actively were higher among people working in agriculture or as labourers (OR: 4.57, 95% CI: 2.46 to 8.48), those retired/unemployed (OR: 2.98, 95% CI: 1.42 to 6.25) and those in unpaid employment (OR: 1.85, 95% CI: 1.06 to 3.22). Adults who were overweight or had obesity were less likely to commute actively. Compared with adults aged 25–34 years, older adults were less likely (OR: 0.35, 95% CI: 0.17 to 0.72) to engage in LTPA. Women were 0.46 times less likely to engage in LTPA compared with men. Most adults engaged in active commuting for work or travel. Less than 5% participated in any form of moderate or vigorous LTPA. Longitudinal studies incorporating objective assessment of physical activity and a range of in idual, interpersonal, and environmental factors will help understand how to promote active commuting and LTPA among Nepalese adults. Trial registration number : ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02428075 .
Historical overview of church involvement in health and wellbeing in Australia: implications for health promotion partnerships
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2012
DOI: 10.1071/PY11079
Abstract: Health promotion practice requires partnerships with different sectors of society and at all levels of government to achieve health equity as the prerequisites for health include domains that exist outside of the health sphere. Therefore existing partnerships for health need to be strengthened and the potential for new partnerships must be considered in order to address health holistically. The literature base exploring the church as a partner and setting for health promotion is predominantly from the US and therefore there is a need for research exploring the opportunities and challenges of partnering with churches in the Australian context. This paper presents an historical overview of the involvement of churches and church affiliated organisations in health and welfare in Australia recognising that while some of the values, practices and beliefs of churches may have considerable synergies with health promotion, others may be sources of contention or difference.
The contribution of physical inactivity and socioeconomic factors to type 2 diabetes in Nepal: A structural equation modelling analysis
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2020
Lay beliefs about the preventability of major health conditions
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 06-1999
DOI: 10.1093/HER/14.3.315
Abstract: Beliefs about the extent to which health problems can be prevented reflect an understanding that preventive measures can reduce adverse health events and the level of control in iduals perceive that they hold over the factors that affect their health. A population survey of 1659 people conducted in 1995 in south western Sydney, Australia, found that only child drownings, tooth decay, skin cancer, and burns and scalds were considered all or mostly preventable by more than 50% of the s le. The majority of respondents did not believe that heart attacks, cervical cancer, high blood pressure, serious road injury, lung cancer and asthma deaths were all or mostly preventable. Logistic regression analysis showed that people born in an English speaking country, those with more than 10 years of education and men were significantly more likely to recognize a number of key conditions as highly preventable. The findings suggest that, in spite of the range of prevention efforts in Australia to date, these are not matched by strong beliefs within the community that prevention is possible. Communication of the opportunities and methods for prevention needs to be improved, particularly among certain population groups. The findings also indicate a need to examine social and environmental factors which are potentially reducing confidence, and subsequently and adoption of preventive behaviours.
Reporting physical activity: Perceptions and practices of australian media professionals
Publisher: Human Kinetics
Date: 08-2015
Abstract: Advocacy informed by scientific evidence is necessary to influence policy and planning to address physical inactivity. The mass media is a key arena for this advocacy. This study investigated the perceptions and practices of news media professionals reporting physical activity and sedentariness to inform strategic communication about these issues. We interviewed media professionals working for major television, radio, newspaper and online news outlets in Australia. The interviews explored understandings of physical activity and sedentariness, attributions of causality, assignment of responsibility, and factors affecting news reporting on these topics. Data were thematically analyzed using NVivo. Physical inactivity was recognized as pervasive and important, but tended to be seen as mundane and not newsworthy. Sedentariness was regarded as more novel than physical activity, and more likely to require organizational and environment action. Respondents identified that presenting these issues in visual and engaging ways was an ongoing challenge. Physical activity researchers and advocates need to take account of prevailing news values and media practices to improve engagement with the news media. These include understanding the importance of novelty, narratives, imagery, and practical messages, and how to use these to build support for environmental and policy action.
Food company sponsors are kind, generous and cool: (Mis)conceptions of junior sports players
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 2011
Screening for physical activity in family practice: Evaluation of two brief assessment tools
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2005
DOI: 10.1016/J.AMEPRE.2005.07.005
Abstract: Physical activity (PA) is relevant to the prevention and management of many health conditions in family practice. There is a need for an efficient, reliable, and valid assessment tool to identify patients in need of PA interventions. Twenty-eight family physicians in three Australian cities assessed the PA of their adult patients during 2004 using either a two- (2Q) or three-question (3Q) assessment. This was administered again approximately 3 days later to evaluate test-retest reliability. Concurrent validity was evaluated by measuring agreement with the Active Australia Questionnaire, and criterion validity by comparison with 7-day Computer Science Applications, Inc. (CSA) accelerometer counts. A total of 509 patients participated, with 428 (84%) completing a repeat assessment, and 415 (82%) accelerometer monitoring. The brief assessments had moderate test-retest reliability (2Q k=58.0%, 95% confidence interval [CI]=47.2-68.8% 3Q k=55.6%, 95% CI=43.8-67.4%) fair to moderate concurrent validity (2Q k=46.7%, 95% CI=35.6-57.9% 3Q k=38.7%, 95% CI=26.4-51.1%) and poor to fair criterion validity (2Q k=18.2%, 95% CI=3.9-32.6% 3Q k=24.3%, 95% CI=11.6-36.9%) for identifying patients as sufficiently active. A four-level scale of PA derived from the PA assessments was significantly correlated with accelerometer minutes (2Q rho=0.39, 95% CI=0.28-0.49 3Q rho=0.31, 95% CI=0.18-0.43). Physicians reported that the assessments took 1 to 2 minutes to complete. Both PA assessments were feasible to use in family practice, and were suitable for identifying the least active patients. The 2Q assessment was preferred by clinicians and may be most appropriate for dissemination.
Public knowledge and beliefs about dementia risk reduction: a national survey of Australians
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 28-06-2014
The case for citizen science in public health policy and practice: a mixed methods study of policymaker and practitioner perspectives and experiences
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 05-2023
DOI: 10.1186/S12961-023-00978-8
Abstract: Citizen science (CS) is increasingly being utilised to involve the public in public health research, but little is known about whether and how CS can address the needs of policy and practice stakeholders in health promotion and chronic disease prevention. Using a mixed methods approach we conducted an online survey ( n = 83) and semi-structured interviews ( n = 21) with policy and practice stakeholders across Australia to explore how CS approaches are perceived and applied in chronic disease prevention, how CS aligns with existing approaches to community engagement, and how the uptake of CS can be supported within policy and practice settings. Most participants had heard of CS, and while few had experience of using CS, there was widespread support for this approach, with many seeing it as complementary to other community engagement approaches. CS was seen as providing: (a) a robust framework for engagement (b) access to rich data (c) opportunities for more meaningful engagement and (d) a mutually beneficial approach for stakeholders and community members. However, stakeholders identified a need to weigh benefits against potential risks and challenges including competing organisational priorities, resourcing and expertise, data quality and rigour, governance, and engagement. To expand the use of CS, stakeholders identified the need for increased awareness, acceptance, and capacity for CS within public health organisations, greater access to supporting tools and technology, and evidence on processes, feasibility and impacts to enhance the visibility and legitimacy of CS approaches.
Health-enhancing physical activity across European Union countries: The Eurobarometer study
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 19-05-2006
Physical Activity among Adults with Low Socioeconomic Status Living in Industrialized Countries: A Meta-Ethnographic Approach to Understanding Socioecological Complexities
Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 04-2020
DOI: 10.1155/2020/4283027
Abstract: Introduction . This article is a meta-ethnographic analysis of qualitative studies to explore complex social ecological aspects (in idual, microsystem, mesosystem, exosystem, and macrosystem) of physical activity among socioeconomically disadvantaged groups living in industrialized countries. Method . Using MeSH keywords, we searched major electronic databases including Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL, and PsycINFO in order to identify relevant publications published between January 2000 and October 2018. We included 19 qualitative studies which met inclusion criteria and were focused on physical activity determinants among adults. Results . Determinants emerging from these studies were grouped into six themes: (i) urban environment, (ii) financial constraints, (iii) work-life integration, (iv) community engagement, (v) social support, and (vi) psychosocial factors. After conceptualising these six themes into a social ecological model, we identified potential research gaps for physical activity among adults with low socioeconomic status living in industrialized countries. Conclusion . Our major insight was that, in industrialized countries, physical activity overlooks potential strengths to maintain health and well-being of those people with low socioeconomic status. A more complex understanding of contradictions between positive and deficit frames would lead to more critical insights of research gaps of physical activity in adult population with low socioeconomic status.
Twelve-month findings of the MOVE Frankston randomised controlled trial of interventions to increase recreation facility usage and physical activity among adults
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 23-07-2021
DOI: 10.1371/JOURNAL.PONE.0254216
Abstract: Substantial cross-sectional evidence and limited longitudinal research indicates that the availability of recreational facilities (e.g., parks, fitness centres) is associated with physical activity participation. However, few intervention trials have investigated how recreational infrastructure can be used to reduce inactivity levels in communities. The MOVE Frankston study aimed to assess the impact of low intensity strategies to promote use of a multi-purpose leisure and aquatic centre in a socioeconomically erse, metropolitan community. This randomised controlled trial of two years’ duration compared public awareness raising (control condition) with two interventions: mailed information about the centre and a free entry pass (I-O) and this minimal intervention supplemented by customer relations management support through telephone contact, mailed promotional materials and additional incentives (I+S). Participants (n = 1320) were inactive adults living in the City of Frankston, Melbourne Australia. There were 928 people (70.3%) followed up at 12 months (61.2% female, 52% ≥55 yrs). Compared with controls, attendance at the Centre once or more was higher in both the I-O (OR 1.79, 95% CI 1.28–2.50) and I+S groups (OR 1.46, 95% CI 1.03–2.07). The proportion of people using the centre weekly did not differ by group. The odds of being in contemplation or preparation to use the Centre were higher in both the I-O (OR 1.76, 95% CI 1.28–2.42) and I+S groups (OR 1.48, 95% CI 1.07–2.06). Total physical activity and related social and cognitive factors did not differ between the groups. The findings show that the low intensity promotional strategies prompted occasional attendance and increased readiness to use this recreational facility, a level of behaviour change unlikely to reduce non-communicable disease risk. It is recommended that more frequent customer relations contact, and involvement of healthcare providers, be tested as strategies to encourage inactive adults to take up physical activity opportunities at recreational facilities of this type.
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