ORCID Profile
0000-0002-9438-2518
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NSW Health
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University of Technology Sydney
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Health Promotion | Public Health and Health Services
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 15-09-2015
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2007
DOI: 10.1071/SH07005
Abstract: Vaccination of young teenage females against human papillomavirus (HPV) with a newly licenced quadrivalent vaccine designed to prevent cervical cancer and genital warts has recently been recommended by the Australian government and will be implemented through schools from April 2007. In addition, a fully funded ‘catch-up’ vaccination program for young women up to age 26 years has been approved for a 2-year period, from July 2007. As general practitioners (GPs) will be the main immunisation providers for this age group, in order to achieve high vaccination coverage and maximal impact on disease, it will be critical for GPs to be opportunistic in recommending this vaccine. An initial study of young Australians’ attitudes towards HPV vaccination and hypothetical acceptance of the vaccine was published in this journal. We draw on this study and data published elsewhere to discuss issues of HPV vaccine acceptability, and the likely challenges of a mass vaccination initiative in this age group in Australia. We suggest specific strategies to support GPs, and highlight areas for further research in HPV vaccine acceptability.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 05-07-2018
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2018
DOI: 10.1016/J.JADOHEALTH.2018.06.003
Abstract: Racism can exert negative effects on the self-concepts, health and well-being, and life trajectories of both nondominant racial-ethnic (NDRE) youth and youth-serving providers. In the face of growing nationalism, ethnocentrism, xenophobia, and overt expressions of racism, the Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine recognizes the critically important need to address the issue of racism and its impact on both NDRE youth and youth-serving providers. Organizations involved in clinical care delivery and health professions training and education must recognize the deleterious effects of racism on health and well-being, take strong positions against discriminatory policies, practices, and events, and take action to promote safe and affirming environments. The positions presented in this paper provide a comprehensive set of recommendations to promote routine clinical assessment of youth experiences of racism and its potential impact on self-concept, health and well-being, and for effective interventions when affected youth are identified. The positions also reflect the concerns of NDRE providers, trainees, and students potentially impacted by racism, chronic minority stress, and vicarious trauma and the imperative to create safe and affirming work and learning environments across all levels of practice, training, and education in the health professions. In this position paper, Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine affirms its commitment to foundational moral and ethical principles of justice, equity, and respect for humanity acknowledges racism in its myriad forms defines strategies to best promote resiliency and support the health and well-being of NDRE youth, providers, trainees, and students and provides recommendations on the ways to best effect systemic change.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2004
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2021
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 20-06-2022
DOI: 10.1186/S12889-022-13599-7
Abstract: The internet and social media are increasingly popular sources of health information for adolescents. Using online health information requires digital health literacy, consisting of literacy, analytical skills and personal capabilities such as self-efficacy. Appraising trustworthiness and relevance of online health information requires critical health literacy to discriminate between sources, critically analyse meaning and relevance, and use information for personal health. Adolescents with poor digital health literacy risk using misinformation, with potential negative health outcomes. We aimed to understand adolescents’ contemporary digital health literacy and compared self-efficacy with capability. Adolescents (12–17 years) completed an eHEALS self-report digital health literacy measure, a practical search task using a think-aloud protocol and an interview to capture perceived and actual digital health literacy. eHEALS scores were generated using descriptive statistics, search tasks were analysed using an observation checklist and interviews were thematically analysed based on Social Cognitive Theory, focussing on self-efficacy. Twenty-one participants generally had high self-efficacy using online health information but perceived their digital health literacy to be higher than demonstrated. They accessed online health information unintentionally on social media and intentionally via search engines. They appraised information medium, source and content using general internet searching heuristics taught at school. Information on social media was considered less trustworthy than websites, but participants used similar appraisal strategies for both some search/appraisal heuristics were insufficiently nuanced for digital health information, sometimes resulting in misplaced trust or diminished self-efficacy. Participants felt anxious or relieved after finding online health information, depending on content, understanding and satisfaction. They did not act on information without parental and/or health professional advice. They rarely discussed findings with health professionals but would welcome discussions and learning how to find and appraise online health information. Whilst adolescents possess many important digital health literacy skills and generally feel self-efficacious in using them, their critical health literacy needs improving. Adolescents desire increased digital health literacy so they can confidently appraise health information they find online and on social media. Co-designed educational interventions with adolescents and health providers are required.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2021
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 10-06-2017
DOI: 10.1111/JPC.13590
Abstract: More than 26 000 Australians aged 12-24 years experience homelessness, yet data on the health status of homeless youth remain limited. The aim of this study was to describe the health of young people attending a youth health service in Western Sydney who were experiencing homelessness. Retrospective case note review for clients aged 12-25 years attending Youth Health Services in Western Sydney. Extracted data included: homelessness status demographics physical health issues mental health issues involvement with juvenile justice and disengagement from education or employment. Just under half of the 180 clients attending a Youth Health Service in Western Sydney were homeless, and an additional 15 young people who were not currently homeless nominated homelessness as a presenting issue. In comparison with currently domiciled young people, homeless youth were less likely to have a regular general practitioner and more likely to nominate a physical health concern as a presenting issue, although there was no difference between groups in terms of diagnosed mental or physical health conditions. Considered as a whole, the s le showed high rates of acute physical symptoms, physical trauma, psychological distress and self-harm. Youth homelessness is associated with risk of both poor physical and mental health. As much of youth homelessness is hidden, health-care providers need to ensure that they inquire about homelessness status, and have an awareness of potentially complex multi-morbidities in the physical and mental health of young marginalised people presenting to health services.
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2014
DOI: 10.1071/SH14007
Abstract: Background In iduals who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or queer (GLBTQ) suffer higher rates of illness and morbidity compared with the general population but may experience significant barriers to accessing primary health care. Method: We used an online questionnaire to explore GLBTQ adults’ experiences of accessing primary health care in Australia. We developed the questionnaire in consultation with in iduals who belonged to or worked closely with the GLBTQ community. Questions were open-ended and sought information about four topic areas: sexual identity and its meaning, utilisation of primary health care services, disclosure of sexual identity to primary care providers and experiences of accessing primary health care. Data were analysed by coding free-text responses into themes. Results: Ninety-nine valid responses were received. Participants were 18–60+ years old (modal age group: 20–29 years) 70% lived in cities. Of these, 49% identified as gay, 35% as lesbian, 13% as bisexual, 8% as queer and 3% as transgender. Some participants indicated more than one identity. GLBTQ-identifying adults often ided care, seeking different primary care services for different health concerns. Themes in relation to disclosure of sexual identity were: taking a rights-based position, experiences of homophobia and clinical context. Themes about access to primary health care were: ersity and heterogeneity, real or perceived discrimination, visual symbols and respect. Conclusion: Despite ersity, GLBTQ adults experience many barriers to accessing health care due to sexual identity. General practitioners and other primary health care providers have a role in ensuring equitable access to health care.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 02-02-2018
Abstract: The pursuit of social justice includes a commitment to health equity for marginalised young people. Health professionals are central to marginalised young people’s engagement and access to health care and their navigation of health systems. They are also uniquely positioned to shed insight into structures and inefficiencies within the health system, including the role of technology, and to advocate for system change. This qualitative cross-sectional study employed in-depth semi-structured interviews with 22 health service managers and experienced clinicians to better understand service providers’ perspectives. The s ling frame comprised professionals from different sectors and levels of the health system. Analysis used Grounded Theory methods. Three major themes were identified in the data: (1) intersectionalities – understanding the complexity of multiple disadvantage (2) health system fragmentation – leading to inefficiencies, inertia and advocacy and (3) services needing to be ‘turned on their head’ – rethinking service delivery and models of care. A better understanding of marginalised young people’s healthcare experiences, including the complexities of multiple disadvantage, and how this contributes to health inequalities could lead to more welcoming and respectful services. Services can reconceptualise their roles by reaching out to young people, both physically and online, to make the navigation of the health system easier. Marginalised young people’s healthcare journeys can be supported by advocates that help them navigate the health system.
Publisher: AMPCo
Date: 11-2014
DOI: 10.5694/MJA14.01409
Publisher: Maad Rayan Publishing Company
Date: 05-10-2020
Abstract: Background: Despite the existence of preventive policies across sub-Saharan Africa, countries within the sub-region lead global rankings for rates of adolescent pregnancy. The aim of this scoping review was to identify and review national policies on the prevention of adolescent pregnancy in Anglophone sub-Saharan Africa. Methods: Relevant policies were identified from searches of national government websites and the search engine Google. Recognised screening and data extraction processes were used data were subjected to content analysis using a published Framework for Evaluating Program and Policy Design on Adolescent Reproductive Health. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) extension for scoping reviews guidelines was used in reporting the review. Results: In line with the inclusion criteria that guided the selection of relevant policies in this study, 17 of 75 national policies were suitable for the analysis. All were backed by political recognition, were government and public initiatives, acknowledged a range of determinants of adolescent pregnancy and allocated human resources to policy activities. Few specified financial resourcing. Most policies acknowledged the importance of coordination and collaboration among public and private actors. All policies had objectives that addressed adolescent pregnancy but none were measurable or included timeframes. Provision of comprehensive sexuality education and adolescent reproductive health services were the most common recommendations. Monitoring and evaluation plans were present in all the policies. However, youth involvement in policy formulation, and plans for implementation, monitoring and evaluation was scarce. Conclusion: Overall, national policy strengths were seen in relation to their political recognition, and all aspects of policy formulation. Policy implementation strengths and weaknesses were identified, the latter in relation to clear descriptions of financial resources. Importantly, the absence of measurable and time-bound objectives or formal evaluation of policy effectiveness confounds demonstration of what has been delivered and achieved. Youth involvement was notably absent in many policies. For future policy-setting, governments and policy-makers should make efforts to engage young people in policy development and to be transparent, realistic and address the necessary financial resourcing. They should set quantifiable policy objectives that provide a basis for assessing the adoption, uptake and effectiveness of policies in relation to measurable objectives.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 28-10-2013
DOI: 10.1111/JPC.12424
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2020
DOI: 10.1071/SH20056
Abstract: Background Understanding the factors influencing adolescents’ relationship views is important because early romantic relationships often act as precursors for relationships in adulthood. This study sought to examine the types of relationship-focused content adolescents witness on social media and how they perceive its effect on their romantic relationship beliefs. Methods: Sixteen semistructured interviews were conducted with Australian adolescents aged 16–19 years who were purposively s led from a larger longitudinal study. Interview transcripts were analysed qualitatively using constructivist grounded theory. Results: Participants described the types of romantic relationship portrayals they saw on social media, including relationship-focused trends like ‘Relationship Goals’ and ‘Insta-Couples’. Participants explained their ability to identify incomplete and unrealistic relationship portrayals, as well as the pressure to share their relationships online in the same incomplete fashion. Views regarding the influence of social media were varied, but most believed social media relationship portrayals had some level of influence on young people’s relationship views some participants believed this occurred regardless of awareness of the incompleteness of the online portrayal. Conclusions: Although participant interview data revealed the pervasiveness of social media relationship portrayals, it also revealed the sophisticated capabilities of adolescents in critiquing online media portrayals.
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 17-05-2019
DOI: 10.1136/BMJOPEN-2018-024329
Abstract: Social media may play a role in adolescent sexual development. The limited research on social media use and sexual development has found both positive and negative influences. The focus of this study is on sexual agency: a positive sexual outcome. This paper describes the protocol for the Social Networks and Agency Project (SNAP) study which aims to examine the relationship between online and offline social networks and the development of healthy relationships and sexual agency in adolescence. The SNAP study is a mixed methods interdisciplinary longitudinal study. Over an 18-month period, adolescents aged 15–17 years at recruitment complete three questionnaires (including demographics, sexual behaviour, sexual agency and social networks) three in-depth interviews and fortnightly online diaries describing their sexual behaviour and snapshots of their social networks that week. Longitudinal analyses will be used to describe changes in sexual behaviour and experiences over time, sexual agency, social media use, and social network patterns. Social network analysis will be used to capture relational data from which we will be able to construct sociograms from the respondent’s perspective. Interview data will be analysed both in relation to emergent themes (deploying a grounded theory approach), and from a cross-disciplinary perspective. This mixed method analysis will allow for comparisons across quantitative and qualitative data, for consistency and differences, and will enhance the robustness of data interpretation and conclusions drawn, as multiple data sources are triangulated. Ethical approval was granted by the University of Sydney Human Research Ethics Committee and the Family Planning New South Wales Ethics Committee. The study will provide comprehensive, prospective information on the social and sexual development of adolescents in the age of social media and findings will be disseminated through conference presentations and peer-reviewed publications.
Publisher: Walter de Gruyter GmbH
Date: 07-2007
DOI: 10.1515/IJAMH.2007.19.3.285
Abstract: Sexually transmissible infections (STIs) are responsible for a significant burden of disease in both developed and developing countries and young people are disproportionately affected by STIs and their consequences. STI rates in young people are determined by a wide range of well documented influences. These include physiological, cognitive and behavioural factors, as well as environmental factors such as the social, and cultural context in which young people live. Despite the erecognition of these influences, their complex inter-relationships are less well documented and the evidence for interventions to reduce STIs in young people is similarly less clear. This paper explore tht most important factors that impact STI rates in young people in Australia and reviews interventions that have shown success, in Australia and elsewhere. In addition, promising strategies for the promotion of sexual health and reduction of STIs in young Australians, are discussed.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 16-03-2009
Abstract: There is a mismatch between presenting concerns of adolescents to GPs and behaviours that lead to adolescent morbidity and mortality. Better understanding of health concerns of this target group would enhance communication between health professionals and adolescent patients. To explore and categorize the health concerns of adolescent girls sending unsolicited emails to a teenage girls' magazine. We conducted a content analysis of 1000 systematic randomly selected unsolicited emails submitted to the health column of an Australian adolescent girls' magazine over a 6-month period. Three main foci of concern were identified: Context of Concern, Health Issue of Concern and Advice Sought for Concern. Within Health Issue of Concern, there were five categories: body (47.5%), sex (31.9%), relationship (14.7%), mind (4.7%) and violence and/or safety (1.2%). Concerns within the body and sex categories ranged enormously, but frequently expressed intimate descriptions of anatomy, feelings, sexual practices and relationships. Many concerns occurred in the context of adolescents' relationships with others. The proportion of concerns about physical or psychological symptoms or health issues commonly associated with the adolescent age group (such as health risk behaviours, mental health, pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections) was relatively small. GPs and other health professionals might engage more readily with adolescent patients with a deeper understanding of the concerns that adolescents have about their bodies, relationships and overall health. Seemingly 'trivial' issues, such as normal puberty, could be used as discussion triggers in health consultations to help alleviate anxiety and build rapport.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 11-2018
DOI: 10.1111/JPC.14203
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 11-2007
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2008
DOI: 10.1071/SH08026
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 12-2008
DOI: 10.1111/J.1440-1754.2008.01409.X
Abstract: To describe the nature of the encounters between adolescents and general practice in Australia. Data collected by the Bettering the Evaluation and Care of Health programme from 1998-2004 were analysed. Data for 10-14-year-old and 15-19-year-old males and females were compared with data for 25-29-year-olds. The outcome measures included: number of encounters compared with other age groups, reasons for encounter, problems managed, treatments prescribed and referrals made for key problems and types of consultations. Adolescents have the lowest rate of encounter with general practice, compared with all other age groups. Respiratory, skin, musculoskeletal and unspecified (fever, injury, weakness) problems accounted for the great majority of reasons for encounter and problems managed. Management of mental health problems, preventive health care and health education were very infrequently managed problems. Standard surgery consultations were more common among adolescents than among young adults. Adolescents have a relatively low rate of encounter with general practice and the problems managed are primarily physical ailments. There is great scope to improve delivery of preventive health care and to increase management of mental health problems.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 29-09-2016
DOI: 10.1111/JPC.12989
Abstract: To describe the development of the Optimising Health and Learning Program, guided by the only available published framework for the delivery of health services to newly arrived refugee children and report on the evaluation of the programme. We conducted process and impact evaluation using a mixed methods approach. The s le was 294 refugee young people enrolled in two Intensive English Centres in New South Wales. We collected quantitative data (demographic and clinical information) as well as qualitative data via focus groups, key informant interviews, surveys and programme documentation. Qualitative data were subjected to thematic analysis programme documents underwent document review. There were high levels of programme participation (90%), and the yield from routine health screening was high (80% of participants screened positive for two or more health conditions). All identified programme development strategies were implemented programme partners and participants reported satisfaction with the programme. Sixteen programme partners were identified with a high level of intersectoral collaboration reported. Significant in-kind contributions and seed funding enabled the uptake of the programme to increase from one to five Intensive English Centres over a 4-year period. Process and impact evaluation identified that the programme was well implemented and met its stated objectives of increasing the detection of health conditions likely to impact on student health and learning linkage of newly arrived students and their families with primary health care and coordination of care across primary health and specialist services.
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 10-2020
DOI: 10.1136/BMJOPEN-2020-039819
Abstract: In Australia, New South Wales (NSW), abortion has recently been removed from the criminal code. Previous research from Australia and other high-income countries has focused on adult women’s access to abortion services. This protocol describes a five-stage mixed-methods study to determine the care trajectories and experiences of adolescent females, aged 16–19 years, seeking an early induced abortion in NSW. The aims are to (1) explore the needs and perspectives of adolescent females seeking sexual and reproductive health services in NSW and (2) develop a framework for abortion service provision for adolescents in NSW. This study comprises: (1) semistructured qualitative interviews with key informants, in iduals with erse, in-depth experience of providing and/or supporting abortion care in NSW (2) a cross-sectional online survey of adolescent females residing in NSW (3) case study interviews with adolescents females who have accessed an abortion service in NSW (4) a co-design workshop with adolescents who took part in stage 3 to develop relevant knowledge and recommendations and (5) a knowledge dissemination forum with key stakeholders. Ethics approval has been received from the University of Technology Sydney Human Research Ethics Committee for this study. Data collection commenced in March 2019 and will continue until the end of 2020. This study aims to develop a deep understanding of adolescent abortion care trajectories and experiences of abortion services in NSW. The study will deliver co-produced recommendations to improve adolescent access to abortion information and services.
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2008
DOI: 10.1071/SH07097
Abstract: Background: Chlamydia screening of sexually active young people in general practice is key to the Australian National Sexually Transmissible Infections Strategy 2005–2008. Overseas research indicates that young people have positive attitudes towards opportunistic screening by a general practitioner (GP). This pilot study aims to investigate the attitudes of Australian university students towards chlamydia screening in primary care. Methods: Students (16–25 years) attending a class in one of three faculties at the University of Sydney participated by completing a questionnaire, which collected information about demographics, sexual history, chlamydia knowledge, attitudes towards and preferences for chlamydia screening. Results: One hundred and eighty-five students (78% female) returned questionnaires (participation rate 92%). Arts students were younger, more likely to be sexually active and to report having little or no knowledge of chlamydia. Males in the study were less likely to have had sex as a group compared to the group of females in the s le. Science students were also less likely to have had sex compared to their counterparts in other faculties. Seventy-six percent of students were comfortable with opportunistic testing for chlamydia by their GP. Reasons for not being comfortable included ‘don’t think I’m at risk’ (65%) and ‘not comfortable discussing sexual matters with my GP’ (38%). Although comfortable with GP-based testing, the likelihood of being tested in the upcoming year for most students was low, as was personal concern about chlamydia infection. Conclusions: Findings suggest that the most at risk group for chlamydia infection is not well educated about their risk of infection. The limited numbers of tests among sexually active in iduals in this s le indicate that health practitioners are not screening this high-risk group for chlamydia infection.
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2006
DOI: 10.1071/SH06044
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 28-10-2020
DOI: 10.1186/S12875-020-01294-8
Abstract: Young people (12–24 years) visit general practice but may not have a ‘regular’ general practitioner (GP). Whether continuity of GP care influences experiences with, and barriers to, health care among young people is unknown. This paper explores the association between having a regular GP and experience of healthcare barriers and attitudes to health system navigation among young people in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. This study was a cross-sectional survey administered either online or face-to-face in community settings. Young people living in NSW were recruited, with overs ling of those from five socio-culturally marginalised groups (those who were Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, homeless, of refugee background, in rural or remote locations, sexuality and/or gender erse). In this analysis of a larger dataset, we examined associations between having a regular GP, demographic and health status variables, barriers to health care and attitudes to health system navigation, using chi-square tests and odds ratios. Content and thematic analyses were applied to free-text responses to explore young people’s views about having a regular GP. One thousand four hundred and sixteen young people completed the survey between 2016 and 2017. Of these, 81.1% had seen a GP in the previous 6 months and 57.8% had a regular GP. Cost was the most frequently cited barrier (45.8%) to accessing health care generally. Those with a regular GP were less likely to cite cost and other structural barriers, feeling judged, and not knowing which service to go to. Having a regular GP was associated with having more positive attitudes to health system navigation. Free-text responses provided qualitative insights, including the importance of building a relationship with one GP. General practice is the appropriate setting for preventive health care and care coordination. Having a regular GP is associated with fewer barriers and more positive attitudes to health system navigation and may provide better engagement with and coordination of care. Strategies are needed to increase the proportion of young people who have a regular GP.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2004
DOI: 10.1111/J.1467-842X.2004.TB00033.X
Abstract: To explore the extent of congruence between the views of service providers and young people (on adolescents' health concerns, barriers to accessing health services and ideal service model) in order to improve and increase the appropriateness, quality and usage of primary health care services. A qualitative data collection technique was used. During 2001/02, focus groups were conducted in urban and rural locations with adolescents (in and out of mainstream education), general practitioners, community health staff and youth health workers. Service providers and young people identified a similar range of health concerns for young people, with young people adding additional issues of great importance to them that service providers felt were not in their 'domain of treatment'. There was reasonable congruence in regard to 'ideal service model' with some differences relating to methods of information delivery. However, for 'barriers to accessing services' there were major discrepancies. While there is some common understanding between young people and service providers on certain aspects of health services, there are clearly areas where perceptions differ. This discrepancy matters because it may adversely affect the quality of provider-adolescent interaction and the willingness of adolescents to access services. To deliver optimal health services to young people, the differences in understanding regarding services need to be addressed. Strategies could include promotion to, and encouragement of, young people to seek help, continuing professional education of providers and changes in remuneration policies.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2018
DOI: 10.1016/J.JADOHEALTH.2017.10.018
Abstract: This systematic review examines how marginalized young people access and engage with health services and navigate health-care systems in high-income countries. Medline, CINAHL, PsychInfo, The University of Sydney Library database, and Google Scholar were searched to identify qualitative and quantitative original research, published from 2006 to 2017, that focused on selected definitions of marginalized young people (12 to 24 years), their parents/carers, and/or health professionals working with these populations. A thematic synthesis was undertaken identifying themes across and between groups on barriers and/or facilitators to access, engagement, and/or navigation of health-care systems. Of 1,796 articles identified, 68 studies in the final selection focused on marginalized young people who were homeless (n = 20), living in rural areas (n = 14), of refugee background (n = 11), gender and/or sexuality erse (n = 11), indigenous (n = 4), low income (n = 4), young offenders (n = 2), or living with a disability (n = 2). Studies were from the United States, Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, New Zealand, and Portugal, including 44 qualitative, 16 quantitative, and 8 mixed-method study types. S le sizes ranged from 3 to 1,388. Eight themes were identified relating to ability to recognize and understand health issues service knowledge and attitudes toward help seeking structural barriers professionals' knowledge, skills, attitudes service environments and structures ability to navigate the health system youth participation and technology opportunities. Marginalized young people experience barriers in addition to those common to all young people. Future studies should consider the role of technology in access, engagement, and health system navigation, and the impact of intersectionality between marginalized groups.
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2010
DOI: 10.1071/SH09079
Abstract: Background: Like young people in other developed countries, sexually active young Australians can have an increased risk of acquiring sexually transmissible infections (STIs). This paper reviews intervention programs that aim to reduce the incidence and transmission of HIV and STIs among young people in Australia. Methods: Articles were identified from seven databases. Intervention studies conducted in Australia that included young people aged 12–25 years were reviewed. A two-dimensional matrix consisting of ‘setting’ and ‘intervention type’ was developed to categorise each study. Results: Forty-two studies met the inclusion criteria, and the majority were uncontrolled intervention studies. Of these, 23/42 studies measured participation in chlamydia ± other STI testing and found that the highest participation rates took place in non-clinical and non-general practice health care settings. Four studies facilitated access to testing indirectly, through the internet or other media. Ten studies involved the provision of education and measured its impact on factors such as knowledge, attitudes and/or behaviour. Three studies involved novel immunisation strategies for either hepatitis B or human papillomavirus vaccines. Two studies evaluated the impact of enhanced STI surveillance programs on prevalence rates. Conclusions: Proactive STI testing in non-clinical and some health settings appears feasible and achieves higher testing rates than in general practice however, more evaluation of testing strategies in general practice settings is required. New technologies such as the internet and SMS are useful adjuncts for influencing behaviours such as condom use and STI testing. Media c aigns that promote STI testing can have a positive impact on testing rates.
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 08-2017
DOI: 10.1136/BMJOPEN-2017-017047
Abstract: The integration of digital technology into everyday lives of young people has become widespread. It is not known whether and how technology influences barriers and facilitators to healthcare, and whether and how young people navigate between face-to-face and virtual healthcare. To provide new knowledge essential to policy and practice, we designed a study that would explore health system access and navigation in the digital age. The study objectives are to: (1) describe experiences of young people accessing and navigating the health system in New South Wales (NSW), Australia (2) identify barriers and facilitators to healthcare for young people and how these vary between groups (3) describe health system inefficiencies, particularly for young people who are marginalised (4) provide policy-relevant knowledge translation of the research data. This mixed methods study has four parts, including: (1) a cross-sectional survey of young people (12–24 years) residing in NSW, Australia (2) a longitudinal, qualitative study of a subs le of marginalised young people (defined as young people who: identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander are experiencing homelessness identify as sexuality and/or gender erse are of refugee or vulnerable migrant background and/or live in rural or remote NSW) (3) interviews with professionals (4) a knowledge translation forum. Ethics approvals were sought and granted. Data collection commenced in March 2016 and will continue until June 2017. This study will gather practice and policy-relevant intelligence about contemporary experiences of young people and health services, with a unique focus on five different groups of marginalised young people, documenting their experiences over time. Access 3 will explore navigation around all levels of the health system, determine whether digital technology is integrated into this, and if so how, and will translate findings into policy-relevant recommendations.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 08-2000
DOI: 10.1046/J.1440-1754.2000.00527.X
Abstract: To determine the prevalence of tuberculosis (TB) infection among homeless young people (aged 12-25 years) in central and eastern Sydney. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 16 youth refuges and four drop-in centres in Central and Eastern Sydney Health Areas and at the Cellblock Youth Health Centre, Glebe and the Kirketon Road Centre, Darlinghurst, New South Wales (NSW). Participants completed a questionnaire and underwent Mantoux testing. One hundred and forty-one young people completed questionnaires and 139 received a Mantoux test 112 (80. 6%) had their Mantoux read and 10 (8.9%) were Mantoux positive (95% confidence interval 3.6-14.2). None of the risk factors examined were found to be associated with increased risk for TB infection. In this s le of homeless young people in central and eastern Sydney, the Mantoux positivity rate appears to be higher than the general population in NSW, but they would not currently be considered a high-risk group for TB infection.
Publisher: Walter de Gruyter GmbH
Date: 07-2007
DOI: 10.1515/IJAMH.2007.19.3.229
Abstract: This article gives an overview of the primary health care system and the evolution of adolescent medicine and health care in Australia over the past three decades. The various ways that Australian young people come into contact with different elements of primary health care are described, as well as research findings into improving young people's access to and quality of primary health care. Challenges and future directions are discussed.
Publisher: Mark Allen Group
Date: 02-07-2014
DOI: 10.12968/BJHC.2014.20.7.344
Abstract: Describe how different types of resources are received and perceived by primary care clinicians to improve sexual healthcare. Cross-sectional online survey of primary care clinicians in New South Wales, Australia, to evaluate the perceived impact of nine resources to promote sexual healthcare—seven were tailored to general practitioners (GPs) and two to practice nurses (PNs). 431 primary care clinicians (GPs=214 PNs=217). Awareness, use and perceived impact of the resources. Most GPs were aware of and used the Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) Testing Tool the Online STI Testing Tool GP training was perceived to improve GPs' ability to raise the topic of STIs with patients and order appropriate tests. Although the highest proportion of PNs were aware of the online STI PN training, most used the PN Postcard. The former helped to improve PNs' ability to identify at-risk patients and document sexual history. This study supports the need for a multimodal approach to improve the delivery of sexual healthcare in general practice. This would involve the communication of similar messages in different modes, via different channels, at different times.
Start Date: 2015
End Date: 2004
Funder: Department of Health, New South Wales Government
View Funded ActivityStart Date: 2015
End Date: 2008
Funder: Department of Health and Ageing, Australian Government
View Funded ActivityStart Date: 2015
End Date: 2017
Funder: Department of Health, New South Wales Government
View Funded ActivityStart Date: 04-2020
End Date: 12-2024
Amount: $272,456.00
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded Activity