Christopher Doran

The Effectiveness of a Web-Based Computer-Tailored Physical Activity Intervention Using Fitbit Activity Trackers: Randomized Trial

Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.

Date: 18-12-2018

DOI: 10.2196/11321

The Effectiveness of a Web-Based Computer-Tailored Physical Activity Intervention Using Fitbit Activity Trackers: Randomized Trial (Preprint)

Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.

Date: 18-06-2018

DOI: 10.2196/PREPRINTS.11321

Abstract: eb-based interventions that provide personalized physical activity advice have demonstrated good effectiveness but rely on self-reported measures of physical activity, which are prone to overreporting, potentially reducing the accuracy and effectiveness of the advice provided. his study aimed to examine whether the effectiveness of a Web-based computer-tailored intervention could be improved by integrating Fitbit activity trackers. articipants received the 3-month TaylorActive intervention, which included 8 modules of theory-based, personally tailored physical activity advice and action planning. Participants were randomized to receive the same intervention either with or without Fitbit tracker integration. All intervention materials were delivered on the Web, and there was no face-to-face contact at any time point. Changes in physical activity (Active Australia Survey), sitting time (Workforce Sitting Questionnaire), and body mass index (BMI) were assessed 1 and 3 months post baseline. Advice acceptability, website usability, and module completion were also assessed. total of 243 Australian adults participated. Linear mixed model analyses showed a significant increase in total weekly physical activity (adjusted mean increase=163.2 95% CI 52.0-274.5 P=.004) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (adjusted mean increase=78.6 95% CI 24.4-131.9 P=.004) in the Fitbit group compared with the non-Fitbit group at the 3-month follow-up. The sitting time and BMI decreased more in the Fitbit group, but no significant group × time interaction effects were found. The physical activity advice acceptability and the website usability were consistently rated higher by participants in the Fitbit group. Non-Fitbit group participants completed 2.9 (SD 2.5) modules, and Fitbit group participants completed 4.4 (SD 3.1) modules. ntegrating physical activity trackers into a Web-based computer-tailored intervention significantly increased intervention effectiveness. ustralian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12616001555448 www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=371793 (Archived by WebCite at 3ioTxQX2)

Who is More Likely to Use the Internet for Health Behavior Change? A Cross-Sectional Survey of Internet Use Among Smokers and Nonsmokers Who Are Orthopedic Trauma Patients

Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.

Date: 30-05-2017

DOI: 10.2196/MENTAL.7435

Abstract: eHealth presents opportunities to provide population groups with accessible health interventions, although knowledge about Internet access, peoples’ interest in using the Internet for health, and users’ characteristics are required prior to eHealth program development. This study surveyed hospital patients to examine rates of Internet use, interest in using the Internet for health, and respondent characteristics related to Internet use and interest in using the Internet for health. For patients who smoke, preferences for types of smoking cessation programs for use at home and while in hospital were also examined. An online cross-sectional survey was used to survey 819 orthopedic trauma patients (response rate: 72.61%, 819/1128) from two public hospitals in New South Wales, Australia. Logistic regressions were used to examine associations between variables. A total of 72.7% (574/790) of respondents had at least weekly Internet access and more than half (56.6%, 357/631) reported interest in using the Internet for health. Odds of at least weekly Internet usage were higher if the in idual was born overseas (OR 2.21, 95% CI 1.27-3.82, P=.005), had a tertiary education (OR 3.75, 95% CI 2.41-5.84, P .001), or was a nonsmoker (OR 3.75, 95% CI 2.41-5.84, P .001). Interest in using the Internet for health increased with high school (OR 1.85, 95% CI 1.09-3.15, P=.02) or tertiary education (OR 2.48, 95% CI 1.66-3.70, P .001), and if household incomes were more than AUS $100,000 (OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.25-4.97, P=.009). Older in iduals were less interested in using the Internet for health (OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.97-0.99, P .001). Online interventions may be a potential tool for health care in this hospitalized population. Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR): ACTRN12614001147673 www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=366829& isReview=true (Archived by WebCite at qg26u3En)

Implementing Systematic Screening and Structured Care for Distressed Callers Using Cancer Council’s Telephone Services: Protocol for a Randomized Stepped-Wedge Trial

Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.

Date: 16-05-2019

DOI: 10.2196/12473

Impact and return on investment of the take kare safe space program—a harm reduction strategy implemented in Sydney, Australia

Publisher: MDPI AG

Date: 18-11-2021

DOI: 10.3390/IJERPH182212111

Abstract: Safe spaces are increasingly utilized to reduce alcohol-related harm, violence, crime and improve public safety in nightlife settings. This study aimed to determine the impact and return on investment of the Take Kare Safe Space (TKSS) program—a harm reduction program implemented to address alcohol-related violence and disorder in three locations in Sydney’s night-time economy between 2014 and 2019. TKSS ambassadors provided support at static safe spaces and patrolled designated nightlife precincts to provide practical assistance to vulnerable and intoxicated people. Ambassadors recorded information relating to these interactions including ‘client’ age, gender, perceived level of intoxication, time and length of engagement with the program. Costs of program implementation and benefits of major incidents averted were obtained to allow calculation of return on investment. From December 2014 to April 2019, 66,455 people were supported by TKSS ambassadors. Most users were male (62%) and aged 18–25 years (66%). Of 3633 interventions by ambassadors, serious risk of harm was averted in 735 cases (20%). The program’s return on investment is estimated at 2.67, suggesting that a $1 investment results in $2.67 in benefits. Safe Spaces are extensively utilized, particularly by young males with high levels of intoxication, and represent a positive return on investment. Despite the growth of such services, there remains a notable absence of rigorous, independent evaluation regarding the outcomes and/or social benefit of safe space programs. From a policy perspective, there is a need for more high-quality economic evaluations to better inform decisions about competing uses of limited resources.

A Benefit-Cost Analysis of BackTrack, a Multi-Component, Community-Based Intervention for High-Risk Young People in a Rural Australian Setting

Publisher: MDPI AG

Date: 18-08-2022

DOI: 10.3390/IJERPH191610273

Abstract: BackTrack is a multi-component, community-based program designed to build capacity amongst high-risk young people. The aim of this study was to conduct a benefit-cost analysis of BackTrack, which was implemented in Armidale, a rural town in New South Wales, Australia. Costs and benefits were identified, measured and valued in 2016 Australian dollars. Costs were estimated from program financial and administrative records. Benefits were estimated using a pre-post design and conservative economic assumptions. Benefits included education attendance or completion employment engagement with health service providers reduced homelessness economic productivity reduced vandalism to local infrastructure reduced youth crime reduced engagement with the justice system and program income generated by participants. The counterfactual baseline was zero educational outcome, based on discussions with BackTrack staff and expert informants. We tested this assumption compared to the assumption that participants had a Year 8 education. There was evidence of significant quantifiable improvements in several outcomes: high school attendance or completion, vocational education attendance or completion, unskilled or vocationally qualified employment and economic productivity. Reduced homelessness, engagement with health services and acquisition of job readiness skills, as well as reduced local infrastructure vandalism and reduced crime were further quantifiable improvements. The net social benefit of BackTrack was estimated at $3,267,967 with a benefit-cost ratio of 2.03, meaning that every dollar invested in BackTrack would return $2.03 in benefits. BackTrack represents a viable funding option for a government interested in addressing the needs of high-risk young people.

Estimating the economic costs of skin cancer in New South Wales, Australia

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Date: 23-09-2015

DOI: 10.1186/S12889-015-2267-3

Linkage Projects - Grant ID: LP100100424

Start Date: 2011

End Date: 12-2013

Amount: $80,000.00

Funder: Australian Research Council

Discovery Projects - Grant ID: DP170101867

Start Date: 06-2017

End Date: 06-2022

Amount: $743,500.00

Funder: Australian Research Council

Discovery Indigenous - Grant ID: IN130100023

Start Date: 2013

End Date: 12-2016

Amount: $515,000.00

Funder: Australian Research Council

Linkage Projects - Grant ID: LP190100698

Start Date: 05-2021

End Date: 05-2024

Amount: $502,501.00

Funder: Australian Research Council

Linkage Projects - Grant ID: LP120100618

Start Date: 07-2012

End Date: 12-2016

Amount: $249,408.00

Funder: Australian Research Council

Discovery Indigenous - Grant ID: IN200100057

Start Date: 07-2020

End Date: 11-2022

Amount: $699,000.00

Funder: Australian Research Council