ORCID Profile
0000-0002-9935-8170
Current Organisation
Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury
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Research Topics
In Research Link Australia (RLA), "Research Topics" refer to ANZSRC FOR and SEO codes. These topics are either sourced from ANZSRC FOR and SEO codes listed in researchers' related grants or generated by a large language model (LLM) based on their publications.
Top 5 Research Topics
ANZSRC Field of Research (FoR)
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander diet and nutrition | Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander research methods | Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and wellbeing | Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander social determinants of health
ANZSRC Socio-Economic Objective (SEO)
Related Links
Publications
The relations between sleep, time of physical activity, and time outdoors among adult women
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 06-09-2017
Tree of Life: Acceptability and Feasibility With Older Bosnian Women of Refugee Background
Publisher: Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia
Date: 27-07-2022
DOI: 10.59158/001C.71066
Abstract: There is a growing awareness that mental health issues of culturally and linguistically erse in iduals from refugee backgrounds can benefit from therapeutic intervention to promote wellbeing. However, there are numerous barriers to services for these populations. There is increasing recognition that culturally sensitive and safe therapeutic and counselling models are needed, particularly for people less likely to engage with mental health services. Consequently, researchers have begun exploring psychosocial approaches, such as Tree of Life, a relatively new narrative-based intervention which uses creative and expressive tools to enhance personal strengths and resilience. This study used a qualitative methodology to assess the acceptability and feasibility of Tree of Life in a community setting with older Bosnian women from refugee backgrounds. Five women with a mean age of 72 years attended a 6-week intervention. They provided feedback at the end of each session and participated in a focus group after the intervention. Three participants were also interviewed following the intervention. Facilitators documented their observations and any issues with the intervention process. Qualitative data revealed Tree of Life as an acceptable and feasible intervention for this population and suitable for further testing. Further, participants reported that they found the approach beneficial. Implications and future directions are discussed.
Determinants of food security among people from refugee backgrounds resettled in high-income countries: A systematic review and thematic synthesis
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 02-06-2022
DOI: 10.1371/JOURNAL.PONE.0268830
Abstract: Food is intrinsically linked to culture, identity, and for people with lived refugee experiences, cultural foods are a critical part of settlement into a new country, which is often a time of high stress and dislocation from friends and family. However, cultural foods in settlement countries may be unavailable or inaccessible, adversely impacting on food security. This systematic review aimed to identify facilitators and barriers to accessing foods in high-income countries for people with lived refugee experiences. Sixteen health databases were searched from June 2020 and April 2021 and 22 articles met the inclusion criteria. Bias was assessed using a modified thematic synthesis method and the relevant Joanna Briggs Institute risk assessment checklist. Findings were thematically synthesised and the socio-ecological model and postcolonialism were used as a lens through which the data was viewed. Analysis revealed three themes: “Practicalities and Pragmatism” “Identity, Belonging and Placemaking” and “Postcolonial and Societal Influences”. The determinants of food security were present across all levels of the socio-ecological model and people with lived refugee experiences used practical and pragmatic strategies to feed their families. Food was intrinsically linked to identity, belonging and placemaking, and as such, people preferred consuming cultural foods. Societies adversely affected the food security of people from refugee backgrounds by limiting their access to resources and restricting cultural food gathering practices, impacting on their ability to access or afford foods, especially cultural foods. To improve food security for people with lived refugee backgrounds, governments and organisations should collaborate with the cultural communities with lived experiences of accessing cultural foods, appreciate their strengths, and recognise the value of social and cultural capital.
An ongoing challenge: The impact of federal policies on organisations, communities and individuals serving people seeking asylum
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 11-10-2021
DOI: 10.1002/AJS4.194
Abstract: The world is facing unprecedented numbers of people forcibly displaced, and there is a need for an enhanced global response. In turn, there are significant implications for those seeking asylum and the service providers working with them. Using thematic analysis, the current research analyses qualitative data from 16 semi‐structured interviews with in iduals providing services to people seeking asylum in Australia, exploring the relevance of policy to service providers. There were two meta‐themes identified that linked government policies to their adverse impacts (1) on asylum seekers and on staff and volunteers, and (2) on organisations and their service provision. Participants identified changing and unpredictable policies, the uncertainty over lengthy application review processes for those seeking asylum, and the limited access to resources and financial supports available as impacting service delivery and overall well‐being. The findings highlighted the negative impact of federal policies on those seeking asylum, and on service provider and organisational capacity to provide services and to fulfil their duty of care. Participants highlighted how changing policies compromise their ability to plan for current and future needs and add further strain and uncertainty to the system. The findings can inform Australian conversations on policy and practice for people seeking asylum.
Addressing barriers to mental health services: evaluation of a psychoeducational short film for forcibly displaced people
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 20-05-2022
Social Context Matters: Predictors of Quality of Life among Recently Arrived Refugee Women-at-Risk Living in Australia
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 12-03-2020
‘Better than a pill’: digital storytelling as a narrative process for refugee women
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 22-05-2019
A Social Media–Based Support Group for Youth Living With HIV in Nigeria (SMART Connections): Randomized Controlled Trial
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 02-06-2020
DOI: 10.2196/18343
Abstract: Youth living with HIV (YLHIV) enrolled in HIV treatment experience higher loss to follow-up, suboptimal treatment adherence, and greater HIV-related mortality compared with younger children or adults. Despite poorer health outcomes, few interventions target youth specifically. Expanding access to mobile phone technology, in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) in particular, has increased interest in using this technology to improve health outcomes. mHealth interventions may present innovative opportunities to improve adherence and retention among YLHIV in LMICs. This study aimed to test the effectiveness of a structured support group intervention, Social Media to promote Adherence and Retention in Treatment (SMART) Connections, delivered through a social media platform, on HIV treatment retention among YLHIV aged 15 to 24 years and on secondary outcomes of antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence, HIV knowledge, and social support. We conducted a parallel, unblinded randomized controlled trial. YLHIV enrolled in HIV treatment for less than 12 months were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive SMART Connections (intervention) or standard of care alone (control). We collected data at baseline and endline through structured interviews and medical record extraction. We also conducted in-depth interviews with subsets of intervention group participants. The primary outcome was retention in HIV treatment. We conducted a time-to-event analysis examining time retained in treatment from study enrollment to the date the participant was no longer classified as active-on-treatment. A total of 349 YLHIV enrolled in the study and were randomly allocated to the intervention group (n=177) or control group (n=172). Our primary analysis included data from 324 participants at endline. The probability of being retained in treatment did not differ significantly between the 2 study arms during the study. Retention was high at endline, with 75.7% (112/163) of intervention group participants and 83.4% (126/161) of control group participants active on treatment. HIV-related knowledge was significantly better in the intervention group at endline, but no statistically significant differences were found for ART adherence or social support. Intervention group participants overwhelmingly reported that the intervention was useful, that they enjoyed taking part, and that they would recommend it to other YLHIV. Our findings of improved HIV knowledge and high acceptability are encouraging, despite a lack of measurable effect on retention. Retention was greater than anticipated in both groups, likely a result of external efforts that began partway through the study. Qualitative data indicate that the SMART Connections intervention may have contributed to retention, adherence, and social support in ways that were not captured quantitatively. Web-based delivery of support group interventions can permit people to access information and other group members privately, when convenient, and without travel. Such digital health interventions may help fill critical gaps in services available for YLHIV. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03516318 t2/show/NCT03516318
Targeting Treatment-Resistant Effects of Trauma for Promoting Social Adjustment
Publisher: American Psychological Association (APA)
Date: 06-2022
DOI: 10.1037/TRM0000329
Food Security for People with Lived-Refugee Experiences is Interrelated with Culture and Mental Health: Perspectives from Workers Supporting the Settlement Journey in Australia
Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 12-06-2023
DOI: 10.1155/2023/4726465
Abstract: People from refugee backgrounds generally have long and stressful journeys that involve involuntarily fleeing their homes and often include dislocation from family and friends. Food is integral to settlement when arriving in a destination country, as it is entwined with self-identity, culture, and connectedness to family and community. The aim of this study was to understand the facilitators and barriers of accessing cultural foods during the settlement journey for families with a refugee background, from the perspectives of workers who support the settlement journey. The study used participatory action research methodology to conduct focus groups with settlement and other workers who regularly interacted with people from refugee backgrounds, spoke English, and preferably self-identified with a refugee background. Participants were recruited through community organisations in Brisbane, Australia, and focus groups were held at workplaces or online. Eight focus groups (n = 32) were conducted between June and October 2021. The main theme was that food security, culture, and mental health were interrelated. When cultural food access, culture, or mental health were maintained or adversely impacted, all three factors were likewise affected. The behaviours around purchasing cultural foods were motivated by the desire to express and validate culture, which in turn improved mental health. It was also found that in idual and community support systems sustained access to cultural foods, while social, environmental, institutional, and political structures impacted this access, sometimes detrimentally. This study highlights the need for interventions that foster social capital for families with refugee backgrounds and consider food security, culture, and mental health collectively. In addition, there is a need for increased awareness of the settlement journey, and for cultural inclusivity to be integrated into government policies, by working with communities and providing opportunities for people to express their culture, improve access to cultural foods, and maintain mental health.
A Systematic Review of Qualitative Research of the Experiences of Young People and their Caregivers Affected by Suicidality and Self-harm: Implications for Family-Based Treatment
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 14-06-2021
The Importance of Local and Global Social Ties for the Mental Health and Well-Being of Recently Resettled Refugee-Background Women in Australia
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 09-2022
Abstract: Social connections are foundational to the human condition and are inherently disrupted when people are forcibly displaced from their home countries. At a time of record high global forced migration, there is value in better understanding how refugee-background in iduals engage theirsocial supports or ties in resettlement contexts. A mixed methods research design aimed to understand the complexities of how 104 refugee-background women experienced their social networks in the first few months of resettlement in Australia. One of the research activities involved participants completing a survey with both quantitative and qualitative components. The quantitative analyses identified the impact of post-migration living difficulties that represented social stressors (worry about family, loneliness and boredom, feeling isolated, and racial discrimination) on the women’s mental health outcomes in the months following resettlement. The qualitative data highlighted the complexities of social relationships serving as both stressors and sources of support, and the importance of recognizing extended families and supports around the globe. The findings point to the need for nuanced accounts of the social contexts surrounding refugee resettlement as important influences able to promote trauma-informed and gender sensitive practices to support mental health and well-being in new settings.
A Social Media–Based Support Group for Youth Living With HIV in Nigeria (SMART Connections): Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 24-02-2020
Abstract: outh living with HIV (YLHIV) enrolled in HIV treatment experience higher loss to follow-up, suboptimal treatment adherence, and greater HIV-related mortality compared with younger children or adults. Despite poorer health outcomes, few interventions target youth specifically. Expanding access to mobile phone technology, in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) in particular, has increased interest in using this technology to improve health outcomes. mHealth interventions may present innovative opportunities to improve adherence and retention among YLHIV in LMICs. his study aimed to test the effectiveness of a structured support group intervention, Social Media to promote Adherence and Retention in Treatment (SMART) Connections, delivered through a social media platform, on HIV treatment retention among YLHIV aged 15 to 24 years and on secondary outcomes of antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence, HIV knowledge, and social support. e conducted a parallel, unblinded randomized controlled trial. YLHIV enrolled in HIV treatment for less than 12 months were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive SMART Connections (intervention) or standard of care alone (control). We collected data at baseline and endline through structured interviews and medical record extraction. We also conducted in-depth interviews with subsets of intervention group participants. The primary outcome was retention in HIV treatment. We conducted a time-to-event analysis examining time retained in treatment from study enrollment to the date the participant was no longer classified as active-on-treatment. total of 349 YLHIV enrolled in the study and were randomly allocated to the intervention group (n=177) or control group (n=172). Our primary analysis included data from 324 participants at endline. The probability of being retained in treatment did not differ significantly between the 2 study arms during the study. Retention was high at endline, with 75.7% (112/163) of intervention group participants and 83.4% (126/161) of control group participants active on treatment. HIV-related knowledge was significantly better in the intervention group at endline, but no statistically significant differences were found for ART adherence or social support. Intervention group participants overwhelmingly reported that the intervention was useful, that they enjoyed taking part, and that they would recommend it to other YLHIV. ur findings of improved HIV knowledge and high acceptability are encouraging, despite a lack of measurable effect on retention. Retention was greater than anticipated in both groups, likely a result of external efforts that began partway through the study. Qualitative data indicate that the SMART Connections intervention may have contributed to retention, adherence, and social support in ways that were not captured quantitatively. Web-based delivery of support group interventions can permit people to access information and other group members privately, when convenient, and without travel. Such digital health interventions may help fill critical gaps in services available for YLHIV. linicalTrials.gov NCT03516318 t2/show/NCT03516318
Occupational health risks and intervention strategies for US taxi drivers
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 02-12-2017
Tree of Life with Older Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Muslim Women in the Community Setting: An Exploratory Study
Publisher: University of Michigan Library
Date: 18-04-2022
DOI: 10.3998/JMMH.491
Abstract: Although Australia is one of the fastest growing multicultural societies in the world, there& nbsp is a scarcity of psychological interventions to support culturally and linguistically erse& nbsp (CALD) groups settled in the country. A qualitative case study methodology was used to& nbsp explore the benefits, feasibility, and acceptability of the Tree of Life, a Narrative Therapy& nbsp approach to group work when trialed in a CALD community setting. Nine older Muslim& nbsp women from erse backgrounds voluntarily participated in a manualized program over six& nbsp weeks, at a non-government community center for Muslim women. A case study approach& nbsp was adopted. Participants provided feedback after each session. They also participated& nbsp in a focus group at the completion of the program to provide information about their& nbsp experiences and perceptions of the program. Facilitators recorded their observations.& nbsp Analysis highlighted the therapeutic benefits of the Tree of Life (TOL) program and& nbsp found it to be feasible and acceptable for use in community settings. The findings have& nbsp implications for community organizations and stakeholders who work with older Muslim& nbsp women. Future research and practice would benefit from further exploration of the TOL& nbsp rogram and Narrative Therapies with older Muslim and CALD communities.
Psychological sense of community and values: Understanding attitudes towards people seeking asylum and Australia's First Nations People
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 08-2020
DOI: 10.1111/AP.12459
Practice-based insights from specialized clinicians into youth suicide risk assessment and psychotherapy: A qualitative study
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 25-09-2023
Crossing the digital divide: A content analysis of mainstream Australian mental health websites for languages other than English.
Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 22-06-2022
DOI: 10.1111/HSC.13890
Abstract: Growth in e-mental health services in the past decade has been significant, corresponding with rising rates of mental health concerns and lified by social isolation strategies imposed by the COVID-19 global pandemic. Governments, mental health services and practitioners have identified this as a significant area for investment and highlight its capacity for widespread reach, prevention and early intervention. At a time of growth and investment, it is critical to evaluate the extent to which online mental health platforms are effective in reaching the erse populations they aim to serve. The current study used content analysis to evaluate 33 Australian mental health websites receiving government funding for the availability of translated materials and resources for culturally and linguistically erse people. The websites analysed covered a range of mental health topics and overall had limited translated materials available. Only four websites (12.12%) provided a translation tool and none of the interactive tools offered, such as web chat services, were available in languages other than English. From a total of 1100 subsections across all websites, eight subsections (0.73%) were specifically targeting populations identifying as culturally and linguistically erse. Strategic reconsideration and investment are required to enhance the capacity of current mental health platforms to engage and support the mental health needs of the erse communities they intend to serve. The research and its findings can provide a basis for research and reflection within other health and social services as online platforms proliferate.
Testing the feasibility and acceptability of a culturally adapted physical activity intervention for adult Somali women
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 21-06-2021
DOI: 10.1093/TBM/IBAB064
Abstract: Despite growing numbers in the USA, immigrant populations are underrepresented in existing physical activity (PA) research, in particular Muslim immigrant women. The current study is a pilot evaluation of a culturally adapted evidence-based PA intervention for adult Somali women. Stratified randomization was used to assign participants from a s le of 27 Somali women, aged 18 to 65, to a PA group or a waitlist control group. Bicultural Somali community research team members delivered a 12-week culturally adapted intervention available in English and Somali in a community-based setting. Process and outcome evaluation assessed changes in PA, self-efficacy for PA, access to PA resources, and wellbeing as well as feasibility and satisfaction with the program. Participants in the PA group increased their moderate to vigorous PA significantly more than those from the waitlist group from baseline to post-intervention (2 (SD = 15) to 100 (SD = 53) vs 12 (SD = 21) to 32 (SD = 44) minutes per week). Participants in the PA group had significantly greater scores in wellbeing at post-intervention compared to the waitlist group though there was no significant change from pre- to post-intervention for either group. Participants reported a high level of satisfaction with the program and preliminary evidence supports the general feasibility and acceptability of the program. Findings show that a culturally adapted intervention increased engagement in PA and was feasible and acceptable within a pilot s le of Somali women.
Provider perspectives on services for people seeking asylum in Australia: best practices and challenges
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 16-05-2021
Experiences of abuse in Australian family carers and predictors of mental health and well‐being
Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 28-08-2022
DOI: 10.1111/HSC.13147
Abstract: Caregivers for family or friends who are elderly people or have a disability provide critical supports, with a range of positive and negative consequences associated with their role. This research explores the positive and negative aspects of care-giving, including the experience of abuse within the caring relationship, through an anonymous online survey of the mental health, well-being and caring experience of Australian family carers (N = 305). The voluntary participants were recruited through local and national carer associations. Over 40% of respondents reported having experienced abuse by the person they cared for, with the most common form of abuse being verbal abuse (35% of the respondents reporting abuse) and physical abuse (14%). The experience of abuse was related to poorer mental health as measured by the DASS-21 and a lower reported quality of life. Financial stress, lack of support and the negative impacts of care-giving were also significantly associated with mental health and well-being outcomes. The current research is among the first to directly assess the experience of abuse within a broad s le of caregivers, identifying this as a significant issue for caregivers. The findings have clear implications for programs and policies that protect the rights, safety and well-being of caregivers.
Bridging Across the Digital Divide: Identifying the Extent to Which LGBTIQ+ Health Service Websites Engage Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Users
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 22-04-2022
Responsibilities for ensuring inclusion and representation in research: A systems perspective to advance ethical practices
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 24-07-2019
Acceptance of Mobile Health in Communities Underrepresented in Biomedical Research: Barriers and Ethical Considerations for Scientists
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 28-06-2017
DOI: 10.2196/MHEALTH.6494
Related Organisations
Te Whare Wānanga O Waitaha | University Of Canterbury
Location: New Zealand
Related Funding Activities
Discovery Indigenous - Grant ID: IN230100047
Start Date: 07-2023
End Date: 07-2027
Amount: $829,628.00
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded Activity