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Psychology | Developmental Psychology and Ageing | Social and Community Psychology
Expanding Knowledge in the Biological Sciences | Expanding Knowledge in Psychology and Cognitive Sciences |
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 11-05-2019
DOI: 10.1136/ARCHDISCHILD-2019-316917
Abstract: To investigate the associations of hearing thresholds and slight to mild hearing loss with academic, behavioural and quality of life outcomes in children at a population level. Design and participants: children aged 11–12 years in the population-based cross-sectional Child Health CheckPoint study within the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children. Audiometry: mean hearing threshold across 1, 2 and 4 kHz (better and worse ear) slight/mild hearing loss (threshold of 16–40 decibels hearing loss (dB HL)). Outcomes: National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy, language, teacher-reported learning, parent and teacher reported behaviour and self-reported quality of life. Analysis: linear regression quantified associations of hearing threshold/loss with outcomes. Of 1483 children (mean age 11.5 years), 9.2% and 13.1% had slight/mild bilateral and unilateral hearing loss, respectively. Per SD increment in better ear threshold (5.7 dB HL), scores were worse on several academic outcomes (eg, reading 0.11 SD, 95% CI 0.05 to 0.16), parent-reported behaviour (0.06 SD, 95% CI 0.01 to 0.11) and physical (0.09 SD, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.14) and psychosocial (0.06 SD, 95% CI 0.01 to 0.11) Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL). Compared with normally hearing children, children with bilateral slight/mild losses scored 0.2–0.3 SDs lower in sentence repetition, teacher-reported learning and physical PedsQL but not other outcomes. Similar but attenuated patterns were seen in unilateral slight/mild losses. Hearing thresholds and slight/mild hearing loss showed small but important associations with some child outcomes at 11–12 years. Justifying hearing screening or intervention at this age would require better understanding of its longitudinal and indirect effects, alongside effective management and appropriate early identification programmes.
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 09-2022
DOI: 10.1136/BMJOPEN-2022-061854
Abstract: The Australian Temperament Project Generation 3 Study (ATPG3) was established to examine the extent to which offspring social and emotional development is shaped in the decades prior to conception, in parent and grandparent histories of psychosocial adjustment (eg, emotional regulation, relationship quality and prosociality) and maladjustment (eg, depressive symptoms, substance use and antisociality). The Australian Temperament Project (ATP) commenced in 1983 as a population representative survey of the social and emotional health of 2443 young Australians (Generation 2: 4–8 months old) and their parents (Generation 1). Since then, families have been followed from infancy to young adulthood (16 waves). Between 2012 and 2018, the cohort was screened biannually for pregnancies (Generation 3), with assessments conducted in the third trimester of pregnancy, and at 8 weeks and 1 year postpartum. A total of 1167 offspring (607 female) born to 703 Generation 2 parents (400 mothers) were recruited into the ATPG3 Study. Findings to date highlight: (1) strong continuities in depressive symptoms and substance use from adolescence through to becoming a parent (2) a role for persistent preconception mental health problems in risk for parent–child bonding difficulties, as well as infant emotional reactivity and behaviour problems (3) the importance of secure attachments in adolescence in reducing long-term risk for postpartum mental health problems and (4) the protective nature of perceived social support, both preconception and postpartum, in strengthening relationship quality and social support during the COVID-19 pandemic. Assessments of ATPG3 families in preschool and middle childhood are currently funded and underway. We intend to maintain the offspring cohort through childhood, adolescence, young adulthood and into parenthood. Data will be used to map preconception determinants of emotional health, and enhance approaches to population monitoring and targeted intervention over the life course and across generations.
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 19-01-2021
DOI: 10.1371/JOURNAL.PONE.0245501
Abstract: Daily time spent on one activity cannot change without compensatory changes in others, which themselves may impact on health outcomes. Optimal daily activity combinations may differ across outcomes. We estimated optimal daily activity durations for the highest fitness and lowest adiposity. Cross-sectional Child Health CheckPoint data (1182 11-12-year-olds 51% boys) from the population-based Longitudinal Study of Australian Children were used. Daily activity composition (sleep, sedentary time, light physical activity [LPA], moderate-to-vigorous physical activity [MVPA]) was from 8-day, 24-hour accelerometry. We created composite outcomes for fitness (VO 2max standing long jump) and adiposity (waist-to-height ratio body mass index fat-to-fat-free log-ratio). Adjusted compositional models regressed activity log-ratios against each outcome. Best activity compositions ( optimal time-use zones ) were plotted in quaternary tetrahedrons the overall optimal time-use composition was the center of the overlapping area. Time-use composition was associated with fitness and adiposity (all measures p .001). Optimal time use differed for fitness and adiposity. While both maximized MVPA and minimized sedentary time, optimal fitness days had higher LPA (3.4 h) and shorter sleep (8.25 h), but optimal adiposity days had lower LPA (1.0 h) and longer sleep (10.9 h). Balancing both outcomes, the overall optimal time-use composition was (mean [range]): 10.2 [9.5 10.5] h sleep, 9.9 [8.8 11.2] h sedentary time, 2.4 [1.8 3.2] h LPA and 1.5 [1.5 1.5] h MVPA. Optimal time use for children’s fitness and adiposity involves trade-offs. To best balance both outcomes, estimated activity durations for sleep and LPA align with, but for MVPA exceed, 24-h guidelines.
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 24-03-2021
DOI: 10.1371/JOURNAL.PONE.0248892
Abstract: High levels of vaccination coverage in populations will be required even with vaccines that have high levels of effectiveness to prevent and stop outbreaks of coronavirus. The World Health Organisation has suggested that governments take a proactive response to vaccine hesitancy ‘hotspots’ based on social and behavioural insights. Representative longitudinal online survey of over 3000 adults from Australia that examines the demographic, attitudinal, political and social attitudes and COVID-19 health behavior correlates of vaccine hesitance and resistance to a COVID-19 vaccine. Overall, 59% would definitely get the vaccine, 29% had low levels of hesitancy, 7% had high levels of hesitancy and 6% were resistant. Females, those living in disadvantaged areas, those who reported that risks of COVID-19 was overstated, those who had more populist views and higher levels of religiosity were more likely to be hesitant or resistant while those who had higher levels of household income, those who had higher levels of social distancing, who downloaded the COVID-Safe App, who had more confidence in their state or territory government or confidence in their hospitals, or were more supportive of migration were more likely to intend to get vaccinated. Our findings suggest that vaccine hesitancy, which accounts for a significant proportion of the population can be addressed by public health messaging but for a significant minority of the population with strongly held beliefs, alternative policy measures may well be needed to achieve sufficient vaccination coverage to end the pandemic.
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 28-05-2021
DOI: 10.3389/FPSYG.2021.672174
Abstract: Background: When adolescent boys experience close, secure relationships with their parents and peers, the implications are potentially far reaching, including lower levels of mental health problems in adolescence and young adulthood. Here we use rare prospective intergenerational data to extend our understanding of the impact of adolescent attachments on subsequent postpartum mental health problems in early fatherhood. Methods: At age 17–18 years, we used an abbreviated Inventory of Parent and Peer Attachment to assess trust, communication, and alienation reported by 270 male participants in their relationships with mothers, fathers, and peers. More than a decade later, we assessed the adult males, now fathers, at 12 months postpartum ( N = 409 infant offspring) for symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. Logistic regression was used to examine the extent to which attachment dimensions predicted paternal postpartum mental health, adjusting for potential confounding, and with assessment for interactions between parent and peer attachments. Results: Trust in mothers and peers, and good communication with fathers during adolescence, were associated with 5 to 7 percentage point reductions in postpartum mental health symptoms in early fatherhood. Weak evidence of parent-peer interactions suggested secure attachments with either parent or peer may compensate for an insecure attachment with the other. Conclusions: Our results suggest that fostering trust and communication in relationships that adolescent boys have with parents and peers may have substantial effects on rates of paternal postpartum mental health problems. The protective benefits may be preventative in intergenerational cycles of risk for mental health problems.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 02-08-2017
Abstract: Lower socioeconomic position ( SEP ) predicts higher cardiovascular risk in adults. Few studies differentiate between neighborhood and family SEP or have repeated measures through childhood, which would inform understanding of potential mechanisms and the timing of interventions. We investigated whether neighborhood and family SEP , measured biennially from ages 0 to 1 year onward, was associated with carotid intima–media thickness ( IMT ) at ages 11 to 12 years. Data were obtained from 1477 families participating in the Child Health CheckPoint study, nested within the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children. Disadvantaged family and neighborhood SEP was cross‐sectionally associated with thicker maximum carotid IMT in separate univariable linear regression models. Associations with family SEP were not attenuated in multivariable analyses, and associations with neighborhood SEP were attenuated only in models adjusted for family SEP . The difference in maximum carotid IMT between the highest and lowest family SEP quartile measured at ages 10 to 11 years was 10.7 μm (95% CI , 3.4–18.0 P =0.004), adjusted for age, sex, pubertal status, passive smoking exposure, body mass index, blood pressure, and arterial lumen diameter. In longitudinal analyses, family SEP measured as early as age 2 to 3 years was associated with maximum carotid IMT at ages 11 to 12 years (difference between highest and lowest quartile: 8.5 μm 95% CI , 1.3–15.8 P =0.02). No associations were observed between SEP and mean carotid IMT . We report a robust association between lower SEP in early childhood and carotid IMT in mid‐childhood. Further investigation of mechanisms may inform pediatric cardiovascular risk assessment and prevention strategies.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2020
Publisher: Bristol University Press
Date: 02-2022
DOI: 10.1332/239788221X16323394592678
Abstract: Using six waves of longitudinal data, we investigate wellbeing, psychological distress and loneliness differences between informal carers and non-carers in the context of COVID-19-related policy changes in Australia. Wellbeing levels fluctuated along with the virus case numbers. Free childcare temporarily alleviated the disparity between carers and non-carers, but by its cessation, carers, in particular, reported lower wellbeing and higher psychological distress. Wage subsidies and income supports had opposing effects for carers’ and non-carers’ mental health but decreased the loneliness of both groups. Victorians, living in the state where the second wave of infections in Australia was concentrated, experienced worse outcomes than other Australians.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 31-05-2021
DOI: 10.1177/15562646211019659
Abstract: In iduals throughout the world are being recruited into studies to examine the social impacts of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). While previous literature has illustrated how research participation can impact distress and wellbeing, to the authors’ best knowledge no study has examined this in the COVID-19 context. Using an innovative approach, this study analyses the impacts of participation in a COVID-19 survey in Australia on subjective wellbeing through a survey experiment. At a population level, we find no evidence that participation impacts subjective wellbeing. However, this may not hold for those with mental health concerns and those living in financial insecurity. These findings provide the research community with a deeper understanding of the potential wellbeing impacts from COVID-19-related research participation.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.IJCARD.2018.11.020
Abstract: Understanding early-life relationships between the Ideal Cardiovascular Health (ICVH) score and vascular phenotypes could inform likely effectiveness and timing of cardiovascular disease prevention strategies. We aimed to describe associations between ICVH scores and vascular phenotypes in 11- to 12-year-old children and their parents. Cross-sectional ICVH scores (range 0-7, higher indicating better health), derived by summing dichotomized metrics for cholesterol, glucose, blood pressure (BP), body mass index (BMI), diet, physical activity and smoking, were constructed for 1235 adults (89% female, mean age 43 years) and 1028 children (48% female, 12 years). The median scores were 4 and 5 for adults and children respectively. Child ICVH scores were associated with parent scores (0.18 higher child score per additional point in parent's score, 95% CI 0.12 to 0.22, P < 0.001). Each additional point in the adult ICVH score was associated with slower carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV, -0.32 m/s, 95% CI -0.37 to -0.27), greater carotid elasticity (0.017%/mm Hg, 95% CI 0.014 to 0.020) and reduced carotid intima-media thickness (IMT, -7.3 μm, 95% CI -12.0 to -2.5). An additional point in the child score was associated with functional phenotypes (PWV -0.07 m/s, 95% CI -0.11 to -0.03 carotid elasticity 0.009%/mm Hg, 95% CI 0.004 to 0.015) but not structural phenotypes (IMT -1.8 μm, 95% CI -5.2 to 1.5). Few Australian children and even fewer parents have ideal cardiovascular health. Lower ICVH scores were associated with adverse adult vascular phenotypes and adverse child vascular function. Family-based interventions optimizing ICVH metrics may delay onset and progression of subclinical atherosclerosis and later cardiovascular disease.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2018
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 06-2021
DOI: 10.1002/AJS4.169
Abstract: This Special Issue addresses the use of linked data for research purposes and to carry out government functions such as child protection, allocation of resources, and debt recovery. Government investment in big data has the potential to change citizens' experience of the welfare state in a broad range of areas in both positive and negative ways. It is therefore important that the Australian social policy community understands and engages with the potential benefits and risks involved in the linkage and analysis of government datasets. Papers in this Special Issue discuss the technical challenges and institutional barriers involved in the construction and governance of linked government data assets and showcase the promise of big data for generating policy relevant insights. This Special Issue also features papers critically interrogating the potential for big data to produce social harms. We contextualise this collection of papers with a brief history of recent policy developments in regards to access to government held data. We also discuss ways of improving public trust and social licence for the use of big data and argue that the voices of First Nations and disadvantaged Australians must be given greater weight in discussions of how their data will be used.
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 22-03-2011
Abstract: There have been few evaluations of national area-based interventions. This study evaluated the early effects of Commmunities for Children (CfC) on children and their families and whether the effectiveness differed for more disadvantaged families. A quasi-experimental cohort study in socioeconomically disadvantaged communities in Australia. Mothers of children aged 2-3 years participated at wave 1 1488 children in CfC communities and 714 children in comparison communities. Outcome measures included child health and development, family functioning and parenting, and services and community. After controlling for background factors, there were beneficial effects associated with CfC. At wave 3, in CfC areas children had higher receptive vocabulary (mean difference (MD) 0.25, 95% CI -0.02 to 0.51 p=0.07), parents showed less harsh parenting (MD -0.14, 95% CI -0.30 to 0.02 p=0.08) and higher parenting self-efficacy (MD 0.11, 95% CI 0.00 to 0.21 p=0.04). Fewer children living in CfC sites were living in a jobless household (OR 0.56, 95% CI 0.32 to 0.95 p=0.03) but children's physical functioning (MD -0.26, 95% CI -0.53 to 0.00 p=0.05) was worse in CfC sites. For children living in households with mothers with low education there were reduced child injuries requiring medical treatment (MD -0.61, 95% CI -0.07 to -1.13 p=0.03) and increased receptive vocabulary (MD 0.57, 95% CI 0.06 to 1.08 p=0.03). CfC showed some benefits for child receptive vocabulary, parenting and reducing jobless households and two adverse effects. Children living in the most disadvantaged households also benefited.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2018
DOI: 10.1016/J.BONE.2018.04.011
Abstract: To examine cross-sectional associations of children's bone health (size, density, strength) with moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and sedentary behaviour by considering: (1) duration of activity, (2) fragmentation, and (3) duration/fragmentation combined. Design: Population-based cross-sectional study. 11-12 year-olds in the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children's Child Health CheckPoint. Exposures: MVPA and sedentary behaviour (7-day accelerometry), yielding (1) daily average durations (min/day) and (2) fragmentations (the parameter alpha, representing the relationship between activity bout frequency and bout length). Tibial peripheral quantitative computed tomography (bone density, geometry, strength). Multivariable regression models including activity durations and fragmentations separately and combined. Of 1357 children attending the CheckPoint, 864 (64%) provided both bone and accelerometry data (mean age 11.4 years (standard deviation (SD) 0.5) 49% male). Mean daily MVPA and sedentary behaviour durations were 34.4 min/day (SD 28.3) and 667.9 min/day (SD 71.9) respectively for boys and girls combined. Each additional daily hour of MVPA was associated with small bone health benefits comprising greater periosteal and endosteal circumference (standardised effect sizes 0.25, 95% CI 0.10 to 0.40 and 0.21, 95% CI 0.03 to 0.39, respectively) and bone strength (0.26, 95% CI 0.14 to 0.38). Sedentary duration and fragmentation of either MVPA or sedentary behaviour showed little association with bone health. In early adolescence, MVPA duration showed associations with better bone health that, while modest, could be of population-level importance. MVPA fragmentation and sedentary behaviour duration and fragmentation seemed less important.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2019
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 06-04-2021
DOI: 10.1038/S41366-021-00800-X
Abstract: To investigate associations between early-life diet trajectories and preclinical cardiovascular phenotypes and metabolic risk by age 12 years. Participants were 1861 children (51% male) from the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children. At five biennial waves from 2-3 to 10-11 years: Every 2 years from 2006 to 2014, diet quality scores were collected from brief 24-h parent/self-reported dietary recalls and then classified using group-based trajectory modeling as 'never healthy' (7%), 'becoming less healthy' (17%), 'moderately healthy' (21%), and 'always healthy' (56%). At 11-12 years: During children's physical health Child Health CheckPoint (2015-2016), we measured cardiovascular functional (resting heart rate, blood pressure, pulse wave velocity, carotid elasticity/distensibility) and structural (carotid intima-media thickness, retinal microvasculature) phenotypes, and metabolic risk score (composite of body mass index z-score, systolic blood pressure, high-density lipoproteins cholesterol, triglycerides, and glucose). Associations were estimated using linear regression models (n = 1100-1800) adjusted for age, sex, and socioeconomic position. Compared to 'always healthy', the 'never healthy' trajectory had higher resting heart rate (2.6 bpm, 95% CI 0.4, 4.7) and metabolic risk score (0.23, 95% CI 0.01, 0.45), and lower arterial elasticity (-0.3% per 10 mmHg, 95% CI -0.6, -0.1) and distensibility (-1.2%, 95% CI -1.9, -0.5) (all effect sizes 0.3-0.4). Heart rate, distensibility, and diastolic blood pressure were progressively poorer for less healthy diet trajectories (linear trends p ≤ 0.02). Effects for systolic blood pressure, pulse wave velocity, and structural phenotypes were less evident. Children following the least healthy diet trajectory had poorer functional cardiovascular phenotypes and metabolic syndrome risk, including higher resting heart rate, one of the strongest precursors of all-cause mortality. Structural phenotypes were not associated with diet trajectories, suggesting the window to prevent permanent changes remains open to at least late childhood.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2019
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 08-01-2023
DOI: 10.1002/AJS4.249
Abstract: There is increasing evidence that the COVID‐19 pandemic has had substantial mental health impacts for adolescents. Yet, few definitive studies have investigated which adolescents were at higher risk of poor mental health and well‐being during the pandemic. Data were drawn from the Childhood to Adolescence Transition Study, a prospective cohort study of students in Australia ( N = 1211). Prevalence of mental health outcomes (depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, self‐harm and good subjective well‐being) was estimated in school Years 5–12, where Years 11 (2020) and 12 (2021) coincided with the pandemic. The age‐ and sex‐adjusted relative risk of each mental health outcome for each priority group during the pandemic were estimated. During the pandemic, over 50% of study participants reported depressive symptoms, and one quarter reported anxiety symptoms. There was a decrease in good subjective well‐being compared with pre‐pandemic years, while self‐harm prevalence remained similar. History of mental health problems, school disengagement and frequent peer victimisation increased the risk of experiencing mental health problems during the pandemic. Schools play a central role in maintaining the mental health and good subjective well‐being of students, and this is particularly important during periods of social disruption, such as the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 28-04-2019
Abstract: The number of refugees worldwide is unprecedented in recent history. Little is known, however, about profiles of psychological symptoms following persecution and displacement. This study reports on a latent class analysis that identified profiles of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression and anxiety symptoms in a nationally representative s le of 1625 refugees in Australia. The association between specific symptom profiles, exposure to potentially traumatic events and post-migration stressors, and overall health and help-seeking was examined. Latent class analysis yielded an optimal five-class solution. These classes comprised the Pervasive Symptom class (19.2%), the High PTSD Symptom class (17.1%), the High Depression/Anxiety Symptom class (16.4%), the Moderate PTSD Symptom class (16.2%) and the Low Symptom class (31.1%). Participants in the symptomatic classes were more likely to be female, older and report greater post-migration stressors than those in the Low Symptom class. In addition, in iduals in classes characterized by PTSD symptoms had been exposed to more types of potentially traumatic events. Membership in symptomatic classes was associated with poorer overall heath and greater help-seeking. Qualitatively distinct symptom profiles were observed in a nationally representative s le of refugees. In addition to a group of people who reported high symptoms across psychological disorders and may warrant clinical intervention, we identified two subclinical classes who may be missed by existing diagnostic classification systems. Post-migration stressors play an important role in influencing refugee symptom profiles over and above exposure to potentially traumatic events. Clinicians should consider specific symptom profiles and contextual factors when planning interventions with refugees.
Publisher: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
Date: 19-02-2021
DOI: 10.1101/2021.02.17.21251957
Abstract: The ANU Centre for Social Research and Methods ANU COVID-19 Impact Monitoring Survey Program asked the same group of respondents about their vaccine intentions in August 2020 and January 2021. The paper provides data on the vaccine willingness in Australia as of January 2021 and how this changed since August 2020 both at the national level and for particular in iduals. The paper provides estimates of how vaccine willingness has changed for different population sub-groups and the in idual level characteristics which are associated with changes in vaccine willingness. We find an overall decrease in vaccine willingness, with the biggest decline being those who would definitely get a vaccine as of August 2020 but said they would only probably get a vaccine as of January 2021. We also look at the factors associated with vaccine willingness, as well as the factors associated with change through time. The paper provides data on the vaccine willingness in Australia as of January 2021 and how this changed since August 2020 both at the national level and for particular in iduals. There has been a substantial increase in vaccine resistance and hesitancy and a large decline in vaccine likeliness between August 2020 and January 2021 Combined, 21.7 per cent of Australians said they probably or definitely would not get a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine in January 2021, a significant and substantial increase from the 12.7 per cent of Australians who gave the same responses in August 2020. At the in idual level, 31.9 per cent of Australians became less willing to get the vaccine between August 2020 and January 2021 in that they moved from a more to a less willing category. There were still some Australians who became more willing over the period to get vaccinated (9.9 per cent). The largest single flow across willingness categories was the 18.7 per cent of Australians who went from being definitely willing to get a COVID-19 vaccination to only probably willing to get one . There was a large decline in vaccine certainty, alongside increases in vaccine resistance. We found three attitudinal factors that were particularly important in explaining the decline in willingness. Those Australians who think too much is being made of COVID-19, those who have low confidence in hospitals and the health care system, and those who are not optimistic about the next 12 months had all decreased in terms of their willingness to get vaccinated once a vaccine is available. In addition to c aigns targeting vaccination directly, those programs that improve confidence, remind people of the dangers of COVID-19, but importantly highlight the potential for a much better 2022 all have the potential to improve vaccination rates . Females, Indigenous Australians, those who speak a language other than English at home and those who have not completed Year 12 have all became less willing to get a vaccine since August 2020 compared to the rest of the Australian population. These population groups are arguably the most urgent focus of any public health c aigns to improve willingness, both because they have low willingness to start with, but also because there is the potential opportunity to bring their willingness back to what it was in August 2020 when there was a smaller gap with the rest of the Australian population. There is a real need to consider a significantly enhanced public health c aign in languages other than English There is a need to convey information to the general public in a way that is informative, reassuring and salient for those without a degree
Publisher: American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
Date: 04-2021
Abstract: In this population-based cohort of 1179 children 11 to 12 years of age, equivalent benefits to adiposity and HRQoL were associated with different changes (trade-offs) in activities. Understanding equivalence of time-use trade-offs may inform tailored lifestyle choices. We explored which time reallocations were associated with equivalent changes in children’s health outcomes. Participants were from the cross-sectional Child Health CheckPoint Study (N = 1181 11–12 years 50% boys) nested within the population-based Longitudinal Study of Australian Children. Outcomes were adiposity (bioelectrical impedance analysis, BMI and waist girth), self-reported health-related quality of life (HRQoL Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory), and academic achievement (standardized national tests). Participants’ 24-hour time use (sleep, sedentary behavior, light physical activity, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity [MVPA]) from 8-day 24-hour accelerometry was regressed against outcomes by using compositional log-ratio linear regression models. Children with lower adiposity and higher HRQoL had more MVPA (both P & .001) and sleep (P = .002 P = .008), and less sedentary time (P = .02 P = .001) and light physical activity (P & .001 P = .04), each relative to remaining activities. Children with better academic achievement had more sedentary time (P = .03) and less light physical activity (P = .006), each relative to remaining activities. A 0.1 standardized decrease in adiposity was associated with either 55 minutes more sleep, 89 minutes less sedentary time, 34 minutes less light physical activity, or 19 minutes more MVPA. A 0.1 standardized increase in HRQoL was associated with either 64 minutes more sleep, 65 minutes less sedentary time, 72 minutes less light physical activity, or 29 minutes more MVPA. Equivalent differences in outcomes were associated with several time reallocations. On a minute-for-minute basis, MVPA was 2 to 6 times as potent as sleep or sedentary time.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 21-12-2018
DOI: 10.1002/AJS4.52
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 30-08-2018
DOI: 10.1017/S0033291718002246
Abstract: The mental health and social functioning of millions of forcibly displaced in iduals worldwide represents a key public health priority for host governments. This is the first longitudinal study with a representative s le to examine the impact of interpersonal trust and psychological symptoms on community engagement in refugees. Participants were 1894 resettled refugees, assessed within 6 months of receiving a permanent visa in Australia, and again 2–3 years later. Variables measured included post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms, depression/anxiety symptoms, interpersonal trust and engagement with refugees’ own and other communities. A multilevel path analysis was conducted, with the final model evidencing good fit (Comparative Fit Index = 0.97, Tucker–Lewis Index = 0.89, Root Mean Square Error of Approximation = 0.05, Standardized Root-Mean-Square-Residual = 0.05). Findings revealed that high levels of depression symptoms were associated with lower subsequent engagement with refugees’ own communities. In contrast, low levels of interpersonal trust were associated with lower engagement with the host community over the same timeframe. Findings point to differential pathways to social engagement in the medium-term post-resettlement. Results indicate that depression symptoms are linked to reduced engagement with one's own community, while interpersonal trust is implicated in engagement with the broader community in the host country. These findings have potentially important implications for policy and clinical practice, suggesting that clinical and support services should target psychological symptoms and interpersonal processes when fostering positive adaptation in resettled refugees.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2017
Publisher: Bristol University Press
Date: 26-10-2017
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 13-05-2014
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 10-03-2021
DOI: 10.1111/APA.15813
Abstract: To examine associations between patterns of language use and early adolescent well‐being. Participants were 1763 Australian 11‐ to 12‐year‐olds in the Child Health CheckPoint. Six patterns of language use were identified from a writing activity using Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count and factor analysis: Acting in the present and future , Positive emotion , Gender and relationships , Self‐aware, Inquisitive and time focused, and Confident . Well‐being measures represented a spectrum from negatively to positively framed psychosocial health. Associations between language use and well‐being were estimated using linear regression adjusted for age, sex and social disadvantage. Positive emotion (high emotional tone, positive emotion) was associated with better general well‐being (standardised regression coefficient (SRC) 0.05 95% confidence interval 0.00 to 0.11 p = 0.04), life satisfaction (0.06 0.01 to 0.11 p = 0.03), psychosocial health (0.07 0.02 to 0.12 p = 0.01) and quality of life (QoL) (0.06 0.01 to 0.11 p = 0.02). Similarly, Self‐aware (high first person singular pronouns, authentic, low clout) was associated with better general well‐being, life satisfaction and psychosocial health (SRC 0.05, 0.09, 0.08), but Confident (high clout, first person plural pronouns, affiliation) was associated with worse life satisfaction, psychosocial health and QoL (SRC −0.06, −0.09, −0.06). If replicated in ‘real‐world’ settings (e.g., social media), language patterns could provide naturalistic insights into early adolescents’ well‐being.
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 08-12-2020
Abstract: Policies to increase Australian Indigenous children’s participation in preschool aim to reduce developmental inequities between Indigenous and non-Indigenous children. This study aims to understand the benefits of preschool participation by quantifying the association between preschool participation in the year before school and developmental outcomes at age five in Indigenous and non-Indigenous children. We used data from perinatal, hospital, birth registration and school enrolment records, and the Australian Early Development Census (AEDC), for 7384 Indigenous and 95 104 non-Indigenous children who started school in New South Wales, Australia in 2009/2012. Preschool in the year before school was recorded in the AEDC. The outcome was developmental vulnerability on ≥1 of five AEDC domains, including physical health, emotional maturity, social competence, language/cognitive skills and communication skills/general knowledge. 5051 (71%) Indigenous and 68 998 (74%) non-Indigenous children attended preschool. Among Indigenous children, 33% of preschool attenders and 44% of the home-based care group were vulnerable on ≥1 domains, compared with 17% of preschool attenders and 33% in the home-based care group among non-Indigenous children. In the whole population model, the adjusted risk difference for developmental vulnerability among preschool attenders was −7.9 percentage points (95% CI, −9.8 to −6.1) in non-Indigenous children and −2.8 percentage points (95% CI −4.8 to −0.7) in Indigenous children, compared with Indigenous children in home-based care. Our findings suggest a likely beneficial effect of preschool participation on developmental outcomes, although the magnitude of the benefit was less among Indigenous compared with non-Indigenous children.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 30-10-2020
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 23-05-2020
Abstract: Poorer mental health in adulthood is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease and reduced life expectancy. However, little is known of the molecular pathways underpinning this relationship and how early in life adverse metabolite profiles relate to self-reported variation in mental health. We examined cross-sectional associations between mental health and serum metabolites indicative of cardiovascular health, in large Australian population-based cohorts at two stages of the life-course. We characterised cross-sectional serum nuclear magnetic resonance metabolite profiles of positively and negatively framed mental health in a large population-based s le of Australian 11- to 12-year-olds ( n = 1172 51% girls) and mid-life adults (n = 1322 mean age 45 years 87% women). We examined multiple standard self-report mental health scales, spanning psychosocial health, general well-being, life satisfaction, and health-related quality of life. Linear regression was used to investigate the cross-sectional association between mental health and each metabolite (n = 73) in children and adults separately, unadjusted and adjusted for age, sex, socioeconomic position and body mass index. Better child and adult mental health were associated with lower levels of the inflammatory marker glycoprotein acetyls, and a favourable, less atherogenic lipid/lipoprotein profile. Patterns of association in children were generally weaker than in adults. Associations were generally modest and partially attenuated when adjusted for body mass index. In general, metabolite profiles associated with better child and adult mental health closely aligned with those predictive of better cardiovascular health in adults. Our findings support previous evidence for the likely bidirectional relationship between mental health and cardiovascular disease risk, by extending this evidence base to the molecular level and in children.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 10-10-2013
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 19-08-2019
DOI: 10.1017/S2045796019000386
Abstract: Despite the frequency that refugees suffer bereavement, there is a dearth of research into the prevalence and predictors of problematic grief reactions in refugees. To address this gap, this study reports a nationally representative population-based study of refugees to determine the prevalence of probable prolonged grief disorder (PGD) and its associated problems. This study recruited participants from the Building a New Life in Australia (BNLA) prospective cohort study of refugees admitted to Australia between October 2013 and February 2014. The current data were collected in 2015–2016, and comprised 1767 adults, as well as 411 children of the adult respondents. Adult refugees were assessed for trauma history, post-migration difficulties, probable PGD, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and mental illness. Children were administered the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. In this cohort, 38.1% of refugees reported bereavement, of whom 15.8% reported probable PGD this represents 6.0% of the entire cohort. Probable PGD was associated with a greater likelihood of mental illness, probable PTSD, severe mental illness, currently unemployed and reported disability. Children of refugees with probable PGD reported more psychological difficulties than those whose parents did not have probable PGD. Probable PGD was also associated with the history of imprisonment, torture and separation from family. Only 56.3% of refugees with probable PGD had received psychological assistance. Bereavement and probable PGD appear highly prevalent in refugees, and PGD seems to be associated with disability in the refugees and psychological problems in their children. The low rate of access to mental health assistance for these refugees highlights that there is a need to address this issue in refugee populations.
Publisher: Mary Ann Liebert Inc
Date: 08-2022
Publisher: AMPCo
Date: 04-2009
DOI: 10.5694/J.1326-5377.2009.TB02472.X
Abstract: To compare the mental health and vitality of people caring for a family member with a disability with those of the general population. Second, to identify factors experienced by carers that put them at risk of poor mental health and vitality. Cross-sectional design where logistic and multiple regression analyses were used to compare rates of mental health problems and vitality between carers and the general population while controlling for demographic characteristics. In addition, logistic and multiple regression using data from the survey of carers were used to identify risk factors for poor mental health and vitality that were particular to caregiving. A randomly selected representative survey of 1002 carers from the Australian Centrelink administrative database (June 2006) who received government payments to care for a person with a disability or severe medical condition, or a person who was frail aged. A s le of 10,223 non-carers was drawn from the fourth wave of the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia Survey, a nationally representative household panel survey (August 2004 to February 2005). Mental health and vitality as measured by the Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short-Form Health Survey. Compared with the general population, carers were at significantly greater risk of having a mental health problem and lower levels of vitality, even after controlling for demographic characteristics. For carers, the risk factors for poor mental health and lower levels of vitality were caring for a person with a disability with higher care needs, experiencing greater levels of financial stress, lower levels of support and worse family functioning. Carers are at greater risk of mental health problems and lower energy levels than the general population.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 14-06-2012
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2009
Publisher: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
Date: 16-11-2020
DOI: 10.1101/2020.11.13.20231480
Abstract: High levels of vaccination coverage in populations will be required even with vaccines that have high levels of effectiveness to prevent and stop outbreaks of coronavirus. The World Health Organisation has suggested that governments take a proactive response to vaccine hesitancy ‘hotspots’ based on social and behavioural insights. Representative longitudinal online survey of over 3000 adults from Australia that examines the demographic, attitudinal, political and social attitudes and COVID-19 health behavior correlates of vaccine hesitance and resistance to a COVID-19 vaccine. Overall, 59% would definitely get the vaccine, 29% had low levels of hesitancy, 7% had high levels of hesitancy and 6% were resistant. Females, those living in disadvantaged areas, those who reported that risks of COVID-19 was overstated, those who had more populist views and higher levels of religiosity were more likely to be hesitant or resistant while those who had higher levels of household income, those who had higher levels of social distancing, who downloaded the COVID-Safe App, who had more confidence in their state or territory government or confidence in their hospitals, or were more supportive of migration were more likely to intend to get vaccinated. Our findings suggest that vaccine hesitancy, which accounts for a significant proportion of the population can be addressed by public health messaging but for a significant minority of the population with strongly held beliefs, alternative policy measures may well be needed to achieve sufficient vaccination coverage to end the pandemic.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 06-07-2022
DOI: 10.1007/S11205-022-02960-3
Abstract: A growing body of research highlights the importance of increasing children’s involvement in the measurement of their wellbeing. Using data from Australia, this paper outlines the first known attempt to apply an existing participatory wellbeing framework to an existing longitudinal dataset to measure child wellbeing over time. This approach enables analysis of the key areas where life could be improved for children based on what they themselves value, an examination of whether children are having wellbeing needs met in multiple dimensions and over time, and an exploration into the later wellbeing impacts of early life experiences. The results highlighted some areas of concern for children and young people in Australia, including the low proportion meeting the wellbeing threshold in health, and the high level of inequality within material basics when this is examined over time. We apply the indicator set to examine the implications of being born into monetary poverty on later wellbeing outcomes. Being born into poverty was associated with poorer outcomes in almost all wellbeing areas (Loved & Safe, Material Basics, Learning and Participating) by age 6–7 years. While some of these associations diminished as children got older, being born into poverty had a continued relationship with poorer outcomes in Material Basics and Participating in all time points examined (up until age 12–13). In sum, this paper provides an illustration of how a child participatory wellbeing framework can be applied to a longitudinal dataset to measure wellbeing over time, highlighting how this approach can help to ensure policy more effectively creates measurable and meaningful change for children and young people.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 23-10-2015
DOI: 10.1111/DAR.12345
Abstract: Heavy episodic drinking (HED) has been associated with increased risk for short- and long-term injury and harms, such as violence and delinquent behaviour however, the temporal relationship between the two remains unclear, particularly on transition to young adulthood. This study investigates transactional pathways between HED and delinquent behaviour from adolescence to emerging adulthood. Data were drawn from the Australian Temperament Project a population-based longitudinal study that has followed the health and development of participants (and parents) across 30 years from birth in 1982. The analytic s le was 1650 participants and included five measurement waves spanning adolescence (3 waves: 13-18 years) and young adulthood (2 waves 19-24 years). There was strong continuity across waves of both HED and delinquency, as well as across-time associations between them. Delinquent behaviour in adolescence was associated with up to twofold increases in the odds of HED at each subsequent adolescent wave. HED in the late teens was associated with over fourfold increases in the odds of persistent (two waves) HED in young adulthood. HED in the late teens was associated with increases in the odds of delinquent behaviour in young adulthood (over twofold for male and one and a half-fold for female participants). While delinquent behaviour predicts both future HED and future delinquent behaviour in adolescence, once young people reach the legal drinking age of 18 years, HED becomes a predictor of current and future delinquent behaviour and future HED, suggesting that increased access to alcohol increases the likelihood of young people engaging in delinquent behaviour. [Miller PG, Butler E, Richardson B, Staiger PK, Youssef GJ, Macdonald JA, Sanson A, Edwards B, Olsson CA. Relationships between problematic alcohol consumption and delinquent behaviour from adolescence to young adulthood. Drug Alcohol Rev 2016 :317-325].
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 03-2023
DOI: 10.1002/AJS4.262
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 12-08-2021
Abstract: One size rarely fits all in population health. Differing outcomes may compete for best allocations of time. Among children aged 11–12 years, we aimed to (1) describe optimal 24-hour time use for erse physical, cognitive/academic and well-being outcomes, (2) pinpoint the ‘Goldilocks Day’ that optimises all outcomes and (3) develop a tool to customise time-use recommendations. In 2004, the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children recruited a nationally-representative cohort of 5107 infants with biennial follow-up waves. We used data from the cross-sectional Child Health CheckPoint module (2015–2016, n=1874, 11–12 years, 51% males). Time use was from 7-day 24-hour accelerometry. Outcomes included life satisfaction, psychosocial health, depressive symptoms, emotional problems, non-verbal IQ vocabulary, academic performance, adiposity, fitness, blood pressure, inflammatory biomarkers, bone strength. Relationships between time use and outcomes were modelled using compositional regression. Optimal daily durations varied widely for different health outcomes (sleep: 8.3–11.4 hours sedentary: 7.3–12.2 hours light physical activity: 1.7–5.1 hours moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA): 0.3–2.7 hours, all models p≤0.04). In general, days with highest physical activity (predominantly MVPA) and low sedentary time were optimal for physical health, while days with highest sleep and lowest sedentary time were optimal for mental health. Days with highest sedentary time and lowest physical activity were optimal for cognitive health. The overall Goldilocks Day had 10 hours 21 min sleep, 9 hours 44 min sedentary time, 2 hours 26 min light physical activity and 1 hour 29 min MVPA. Our interactive interface allows personalisation of Goldilocks Days to an in idual’s outcome priorities. ‘Goldilocks Days’ necessitate compromises based on hierarchies of priorities for health, social and economic outcomes.
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 2022
DOI: 10.1017/S2045796022000324
Abstract: Refugees typically spend years in a state of protracted displacement prior to permanent resettlement. Little is known about how various prior displacement contexts influence long-term mental health in resettled refugees. In this study, we aimed to determine whether having lived in refugee c s v. community settings prior to resettlement impacted the course of refugees' psychological distress over the 4 years following arrival in Australia. Participants were 1887 refugees who had taken part in the Building a New Life in Australia study, which comprised of five annual face-to-face or telephone surveys from the year of first arrival in Australia. Latent growth curve modelling revealed that refugees who had lived in c s showed greater initial psychological distress (as indexed by the K6) and faster decreases in psychological distress in the 4 years after resettling in Australia, compared to those who had lived in community settings. Investigation of refugee c characteristics revealed that poorer access to services in c s was associated with greater initial distress after resettlement, and greater ability to meet one's basic needs in c s was associated with faster decreases in psychological distress over time. These findings highlight the importance of the displacement context in influencing the course of post-resettlement mental health. Increasing available services and meeting basic needs in the displacement environment may promote better mental health outcomes in resettled refugees.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 04-09-2018
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 13-04-2022
DOI: 10.1111/CCH.13010
Abstract: We examine (1) the frequency of financial difficulties in Australian families with young children (0–8 years) in the early and later phases of the pandemic (2) the extent to which parents' pre‐pandemic socio‐economic disadvantage (SED) predicted financial difficulties and (3) whether grandparent intergenerational SED further lified this risk. Data : Australian Temperament Project (ATP established 1983, N = 2443) and ATP Generation 3 study (ATPG3 established 2012 N = 702), of which 74% ( N = 553) completed a COVID‐specific module in the early (May–September 2020) and/or later (October–December 2021) phases of the pandemic. Outcomes : Parent‐reported loss of employment/reduced income, difficulty paying for essentials, and financial strain. Exposures : Pre‐pandemic parent and grandparent education and occupation. Analysis : Logistic regressions, estimated via generalized estimating equations, were used to examine associations between the pre‐pandemic SED of parents and grandparents and their interaction with financial difficulties, adjusting for potential confounders. At both pandemic time points, a third of parents reported adverse financial impacts (early: 34%, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 30–38 later: 32%, 95% CI = 28–36). Each standard deviation increase in the parents' pre‐pandemic SED was associated with a 36% increase in the odds of reporting multiple financial difficulties (odds ratio [OR] = 1.36, 95% CI = 1.04–1.78). There was little evidence of an interaction between the SED of parents and grandparents. Financial impacts related to the COVID‐19 pandemic were common and, irrespective of grandparent SED, disproportionately borne by parents with higher pre‐pandemic SED. Given the well‐established relationship between disadvantage and child health and development, sustained and well‐targeted government supports will be critical to minimizing adverse impacts in years to come.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2021
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 04-11-2022
DOI: 10.1111/INFA.12513
Abstract: We examined the factor structure of parental sensitivity to infants as assessed by the Mini-Maternal Behavior Q-Sort (Mini-MBQS), a 25-item short-form of the original 90-item MBQS. We aimed to: (1) identify latent factors of the Mini-MBQS and (2) validate each factor by testing associations with infant attachment classifications. Data on parent-infant dyads (n = 313 222 mothers with 281 children, 29 fathers with 32 children) were drawn from a three-generation Australian cohort study. Exploratory Factor Analysis and Exploratory Structural Equation Modelling examined the structure of the Mini-MBQS. Two latent Mini-MBQS factors were identified, requiring 8 of 25 original items: (1) Attention and Responsiveness and (2) Contingency in Interactions. Infants with insecure attachment classifications had parents with lower sensitivity across both factors relative to infants classified secure. In particular, infants with resistant attachment classifications had parents with notably low Contingency in Interactions scores. Infants with disorganised attachment classifications had parents with the lowest relative sensitivity across both factors, and in these dyads Attention and Responsiveness scores were especially low. Results provide an empirically derived factor structure for the Mini-MBQS. Two subscales, each with significant infant attachment associations, may improve precision in clinical intervention and research translation.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 2003
Abstract: The impact of stroke is multidimensional however standard stroke measures do not discriminate well when stroke patients are less physically impaired. The Stroke Impact Scale 2.0 (SIS 2.0) is a multidimensional measure of the impact of stroke but its' psychometric properties require further testing. The SIS-16 is a measure of physical functioning designed to be more sensitive to differences in physical functioning than current stroke outcome measures but there is only preliminary information detailing its' reliability and validity. The current study examined the internal consistency and validity of the SIS 2.0 and SIS-16 in an Australian s le of stroke patients. The SIS 2.0, SIS-16, World Health Organization Bref-Scale (WHOQOL-BREF) and Zung's Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) were completed by 74 stroke patients in rural Victoria, Australia. The item convergent validity index indicated good item convergence of the SIS-16 and SIS 2.0 domains. The item discriminant validity index had only adequate ergence for most SIS 2.0 domains. Internal consistencies of the SIS-16 and SIS 2.0 domains were acceptable (alpha = 0.87-0.95). Correlations between the SIS-16 and SIS 2.0 and the WHOQOL-BREF and SDS supported the convergent and discriminant validity of the SIS-16 and all the dimensions of the SIS 2.0 except 'Participation' which lacked discriminant validity. The SIS 2.0 and SIS-16 had good psychometric properties with support for the internal consistency and validity of both measures.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2018
Publisher: American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
Date: 07-2017
Abstract: To describe 24-hour time-use patterns and their association with health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in early adolescence. The Child Health CheckPoint was a cross-sectional study nested between Waves 6 and 7 of the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children. The participants were 1455 11- to 12-year-olds (39% of Wave 6 51% boys). The exposure was 24-hour time use measured across 259 activities using the Multimedia Activity Recall for Children and Adolescents. “Average” days were generated from 1 school and 1 nonschool day. Time-use clusters were derived from cluster analysis with compositional inputs. The outcomes were self-reported HRQoL (Physical and Psychosocial Health [PedsQL] summary scores Child Health Utility 9D [CHU9D] health utility). Four time-use clusters emerged: “studious actives” (22% highest school-related time, low screen time), “techno-actives” (33% highest physical activity, lowest school-related time), “stay home screenies” (23% highest screen time, lowest passive transport), and “potterers” (21% low physical activity). Linear regression models, adjusted for a priori confounders, showed that compared with the healthiest “studious actives” (mean [SD]: CHU9D 0.84 [0.14], PedsQL physical 86.8 [10.8], PedsQL psychosocial 79.9 [12.6]), HRQoL in “potterers” was 0.2 to 0.5 SDs lower (mean differences [95% confidence interval]: CHU9D −0.03 [−0.05 to −0.00], PedsQL physical −5.5 [−7.4 to −3.5], PedsQL psychosocial −5.8 [−8.0 to −3.5]). Discrete time-use patterns exist in Australian young adolescents. The cluster characterized by low physical activity and moderate screen time was associated with the lowest HRQoL. Whether this pattern translates into precursors of noncommunicable diseases remains to be determined.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 28-10-2023
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 20-02-2018
DOI: 10.1111/CCH.12560
Abstract: Many children in developed countries do not receive recommended vaccines on time. However, knowledge about factors related to timeliness remains limited. Quantifying the relative impact of parental attitudes compared with socio-demographic factors for delayed immunization would inform policy responses. Participants in the nationally representative Longitudinal Study of Australian Children were matched with their vaccination histories in the Australian Childhood Immunisation Register (N = 4,121). Information about the children and their families were collected in face-to-face interviews in 2003-2004. We considered whether children had completed the primary course for each recommended antigen due by 6 months old. Children were categorized as either fully immunized, delayed, or totally non-immunized. The outcome was examined using logistic regression. Population attributable fractions were estimated for key predictors. Delayed immunization was significantly associated with indicators of social disadvantage as well as parental disagreement with immunization. Attributable fractions for delayed immunization included lone motherhood (3.8% 95% confidence interval CI [0.8, 6.7]), larger family size (39.5% 95% CI [31.2, 46.8]), residential mobility (3.3% 95% CI [0.1, 6.5]), lack of private hospital insurance (9.4% 95% CI [0.7, 17.3]), a medical condition in the child (2.0% 95% CI [0.2, 3.9]), and parental disagreement with immunization (2.1% 95% CI [0.3, 3.9]). Parental attitudes accounted for a relatively small percentage of delayed infant immunization. In contrast, many children who did not receive vaccines on time were characterized by social disadvantage, especially larger family size. Researchers and policy-makers should consider how to make timely immunization easier for busy parents.
No related organisations have been discovered for Ben Edwards.
Start Date: 06-2016
End Date: 06-2020
Amount: $453,000.00
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded ActivityStart Date: 06-2013
End Date: 12-2017
Amount: $961,888.00
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded Activity