ORCID Profile
0000-0003-2883-3963
Current Organisations
Universidade do Minho
,
University of Sydney
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Publisher: Wiley
Date: 25-04-2023
DOI: 10.1002/HPJA.606
Abstract: Obesity is a significant health challenge facing adolescents. There is a critical need for government action to support all adolescents to improve risk factors for obesity. This study critically appraised initiatives, guidelines and policies (termed “strategies”) from local health districts (LHDs), speciality health networks and Primary Health Networks (PHNs) across New South Wales (NSW), relevant to the prevention and management of obesity amongst adolescents and compare these to best practice recommendations. We critically appraised strategies against best practice recommendations that included support, access, responsiveness to needs, supportive environment, monitoring and evaluation and health equity. Strategies were collected by systematically searching websites of 15 LHDs, one speciality health network and 10 PHNs. There was evidence of strategies regarding adolescent obesity prevention and management across all best practice recommendations. There was limited evidence of adolescent consumer participation, digital strategies for health services and online health information. There were minimal targeted public or school‐based education c aigns and interventions on physical activity or nutrition. Place‐based approaches such as sports and recreation facilities were not included in policies regarding the sale of healthy food and drinks. Evaluation evidence across all strategies was minimal. Numerous strategies are being implemented across NSW to address adolescent obesity. Despite this, the alignment of strategies with best practice recommendations is poor and evidence of progress in tackling adolescent obesity remains unclear. Opportunities to generate and translate best practice evidence within government strategies for obesity must be prioritised with embedded measurement and evaluation plans.
Publisher: Human Kinetics
Date: 06-2021
Abstract: The International Society for Physical Activity and Health (ISPAH) is a leading global organization working to advance research, policy, and practice to promote physical activity. Given the expanding evidence base on interventions to promote physical activity, it was timely to review and update a major ISPAH advocacy document-Investments that Work for Physical Activity (2011). Eight investment areas were agreed upon through consensus. Literature reviews were conducted to identify key evidence relevant to policymakers in each sector or setting. The 8 investment areas were as follows: whole-of-school programs active transport active urban design health care public education sport and recreation workplaces and community-wide programs. Evidence suggests that the largest population health benefit will be achieved by combining these investments and implementing a systems-based approach. Establishing consensus on 'what works' to change physical activity behavior is a cornerstone of successful advocacy, as is having appropriate resources to communicate key messages to a wide range of stakeholders. ISPAH has created a range of resources related to the new investments described in this paper. These resources are available in the 'advocacy toolkit' on the ISPAH website (esources).
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2021
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 28-09-2023
DOI: 10.1002/HPJA.812
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 16-03-2022
DOI: 10.1002/HPJA.468
Abstract: The Active Kids voucher is a universal, state-wide voucher program, provided by the New South Wales (NSW) Government, Office of Sport. All school-aged children in NSW are eligible to receive a voucher to reduce registration costs of structured physical activity programs. This study explores reasons behind lower uptake among children who are overweight or obese, from cultural and linguistically erse families and those living in low socio-economic areas. Participants were recruited through a convenience s le of parent/carers who participated in the NSW Health Go4Fun program. Qualitative data were collected using focus groups. The Framework method was adapted for the analysis, taking an interpretive phenomenological approach. Study participants (n = 54) were all parents of children who were overweight or obese from both low and high socio-economic status (SES). Most reported speaking a primary language other than English at home (65%). Parents were mostly aware of the Active Kids program (91%) and reported that the voucher had a positive impact on their children's participation in structured physical activity. A range of socio-ecological factors, in addition to activity cost, influenced whether parents were able to use an Active Kids voucher and participate in structured physical activity. The Active Kids voucher does not alleviate all barriers, particularly for families living in low socio-economic areas. Engagement of this population in structured physical activities using the Active Kids vouchers could be strengthened through the implementation of effective interventions which comprehensively address the remaining barriers, such as access and flexibility of programs with local stakeholders and activity providers.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 17-11-2020
DOI: 10.1002/HPJA.436
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 25-06-2018
DOI: 10.1002/DEV.21750
Abstract: Adolescence is thought of as a stress-sensitive developmental period. While many studies have compared adolescent responses to stress relative to that of adults, a growing body of work has examined stress responses in juveniles. Here we investigated if a chronic stressor has a differential effect on spatial memory in rats depending on whether it occurs during adolescence or the juvenile period. Male rats were exposed to the stress hormone corticosterone (Cort) in their drinking water, a vehicle control (2.5% ethanol), or water, for 7 days before being tested on a novel Object/Place task 6 days or 6 weeks later. Exposure to Cort or ethanol at either age impaired spatial memory at the 6-day test. The ethanol induced impairment was attenuated 6 weeks later. However, rats given Cort during adolescence, but not the juvenile period, were still impaired. Together, these results suggest that adolescence is indeed a stress-sensitive period.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 25-05-2023
DOI: 10.1186/S12889-023-15949-5
Abstract: Sport participation and volunteering can make important contributions to good health. Sporting organisations need volunteers to deliver their participation opportunities and for many years the sector has faced challenges to volunteer recruitment and retention, especially due to the increased bureaucratic and compliance demands in operating community sports clubs. As sporting organisations pivot to adapt to COVID-safe sport we can learn about their experiences to inform volunteer recruitment and retention policies and practices. This research examined volunteer intentions and motivations in coaching and officiating in basketball and explored factors influencing their decision to return to COVID-safe basketball. Data was collected via an online survey that drew on theoretical frameworks of volunteer motivations (i.e. modified Volunteer Functions Inventory VFI) in sport as well as sport policies related to COVID-safe guidelines for return to sport. Data was collected in Victoria Australia during July 2020 before basketball had the chance to return from the first Australian-wide COVID-19 lockdown. Volunteers had positive intentions to return to basketball following COVID-19 restrictions because it was fun, to help others, or because friends/family were involved. Volunteers were most concerned that others will not comply with COVID-safe policies particularly around isolating when feeling unwell (95%), but also reported concerns about the inconveniences of some COVID-safe policies introduced to return to organised sport (e.g. social distancing, density limits, and enforcing rule changes). Understanding these volunteer intentions, motivations and factors influencing the decision to return to COVID-safe basketball can help inform recruitment and retention strategies to support volunteers in sport. Practical implications for sport policy and practice are discussed.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 13-07-2023
DOI: 10.1002/MHS2.30
Abstract: Parents and caregivers who participate in regular physical activity have improved physical and mental health and can influence the physical activity behaviors of children in their care. This study aimed to assess the association between psychological distress and physical activity levels of parents/caregivers in New South Wales, Australia during different COVID‐19 restriction periods. A repeat‐cross‐sectional design was adopted. Parents/caregivers involved in a government‐led children's sport and recreation voucher program were recruited to participate in an online survey as part of the program's evaluation. In response to COVID‐19, parents and caregivers' psychological distress and physical activity levels were assessed using validated items. Binary logistic regression models were used to examine the relationship between physical activity and probable mental illness, and differences across different COVID‐19 restriction periods in 2020 and 2021. In 2020, 10,990 parents/caregivers responded to survey questions and in 2021, 17,106 parents/caregivers responded. Parents/caregivers who were physically active on 7 days per week had lower odds of reporting high psychological distress (odds ratio [OR]: 0.40, 95% confidence interval [CIs]: 0.33, 0.49) than parents/caregivers physically active on fewer days per week. In 2020 9.8% of parents/caregivers ( n = 1076) reported high psychological distress, which decreased to 8% in 2021 ( n = 1366). In 2021, parents/caregivers had lower odds of reporting high psychological distress (OR: 0.79, 95% CIs: 0.72, 0.86). Socioeconomic disadvantage negatively impacted psychological distress and physical activity levels. Australian parents and caregivers who reported high psychological distress, during and after COVID‐19 restrictions, were participating in low levels of physical activity. Greater collaboration between the mental health, and sport and recreation sectors is recommended to harness the co‐benefits of physical activity throughout parenthood, particularly in low socioeconomic areas.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 24-02-2023
Abstract: Vouchers that reduce the cost of sport and active recreation participation have been shown to increase children’s and adolescent’s physical activity levels. Yet, the influence of government-led voucher programs on the capacity of sport and active recreation organisations is unclear. This qualitative study explored the experiences of stakeholders in the sport and recreation sector that were engaged in implementing the New South Wales (NSW) Government’s Active Kids voucher program in Australia. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 29 sport and active recreation providers. Interview transcriptions were analysed by a multidisciplinary team using the Framework method. Overall, participants reported that the Active Kids voucher program was an acceptable intervention to address the cost barrier to participation for children and adolescents. Three main steps influenced the capacity of organisations to deliver their sport and recreation programs and the voucher program: (1) Implementation priming—alignment of the intervention aims with stakeholder priorities and early information sharing, (2) Administrative ease—enhanced technology use and establishment of simple procedures, and (3) Innovation impacts—enablement of staff and volunteers to address barriers to participation for their participants. Future voucher programs should include strategies to enhance the capacity of sport and active recreation organisations to meet program guidelines and increase innovation.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2018
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 06-2022
Publisher: Human Kinetics
Date: 2023
Abstract: Background : There is limited understanding of the challenges experienced and supports required to aid effective advocacy of the Global Action Plan on Physical Activity (GAPPA). The purpose of this study was to assess the challenges experienced and supports needed to advocate for the GAPPA across countries of different income levels. Methods : Stakeholders working in an area related to the promotion of physical activity were invited to complete an online survey. The survey assessed current awareness and engagement with the GAPPA, factors related to advocacy, and the perceived challenges and supports related to advocacy for implementation of the GAPPA. Closed questions were analyzed in SPSS, with a Pearson’s chi-square test used to assess differences between country income level. Open questions were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. Results : Participants (n = 518) from 81 countries completed the survey. Significant differences were observed between country income level for awareness of the GAPPA and perceived country engagement with the GAPPA. Challenges related to advocacy included a lack of support and engagement, resources, priority, awareness, advocacy education and training, accessibility, and local application. Supports needed for future advocacy included guidance and support, cooperation and alliance, advocacy education and training, and advocacy resources. Conclusions : Although stakeholders from different country income levels experience similar advocacy challenges and required supports, how countries experience these can be distinct. This research has highlighted some specific ways in which those involved in the promotion of physical activity can be supported to scale up advocacy for the GAPPA. When implementing such supports, consideration of regional, geographic, and cultural barriers and opportunities is important to ensure they are effective and equitable.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 06-08-2020
Abstract: Active Kids is a government-led, universal voucher program that aims to reduce the cost of participation in structured physical activity for all school-enrolled children in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. As part of the Active Kids program evaluation, this cross-sectional study examined the Active Kids’ program’s reach to children in NSW and their physical activity behaviors, before voucher use. Demographic registration data from all children (4.5–18 years old) who registered for an Active Kids voucher in 2018 (n = 671,375) were compared with Census data. Binary and multinomial regression models assessed which correlates were associated with meeting physical activity guidelines and participation in the sessions of structured physical activity. The Active Kids program attracted more than half (53%) of all eligible children in NSW. Children who spoke a primary language other than English at home, were aged 15–18 years old, lived in the most disadvantaged areas, and girls, were less likely to register. Of the registered children, 70% had attended structured physical activity sessions at least once a week during the previous 12 months, whilst 19% achieved physical activity guidelines. Active Kids achieved substantial population reach and has the potential to improve children’s physical activity behaviors.
Location: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
No related grants have been discovered for Lindsey Reece.