ORCID Profile
0000-0002-1011-8745
Current Organisations
South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute
,
Flinders University
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Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 30-03-2021
Abstract: The transition from urban centres back to rural and remote communities can be challenging for rural cancer survivors after treatment. This study aimed to (a) provide deeper understanding of the experiences of rural survivors who have completed active cancer treatment and returned to their rural communities, and (b) determine strategies to re-orient existing services or develop new interventions to more appropriately meet rural survivors’ service preferences and needs. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 22 adults (64% female) who lived outside of a metropolitan area and had completed active cancer treatment (n = 13), were the carer for a rural/remote cancer survivor (n = 6), or were both a survivor and carer (n = 3). Thematic analysis was conducted to identify dominant themes in the qualitative data. A range of physical, psychological and practical challenges that impact quality of life among rural survivors post-treatment were found. These challenges appeared to be compounded by a lack of trust in local rural healthcare services and a lack of clear post-treatment pathways to quality of life-enhancing support services. Acceptable strategies to overcome barriers included nurse-led, telephone-based, or face-to-face interventions, initiated and continued by the same service provider, and that included support to manage emotional challenges associated with post-treatment survivorship. The findings will inform the design of interventions to better meet rural cancer survivors’ post-treatment support needs.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 31-10-2016
DOI: 10.1007/S11886-016-0800-3
Abstract: Unrecognized anxiety is a difficult clinical presentation in cardiology. Anxiety leads to recurring emergency department visits and the need for numerous diagnostic evaluations to rule out cardiovascular disease (CVD). This review focuses broadly on anxiety and its subtypes in relation to the onset and progression of CVD while describing helpful guidelines to better identify and treat anxiety. Potential mechanisms of cardiopathogenesis are also described. An emerging literature demonstrates that anxiety disorders increase the risk for incident CVD but a causal relationship has not been demonstrated. Anxiety portends adverse prognosis in persons with established CVD that is independent from depression. The level of clinical priority received by depression should be extended to research and clinical intervention efforts in anxiety. Anxiety holds direct relevance for uncovering mechanisms of cardiopathogenesis, developing novel therapeutic strategies, and initiating clinical interventions in the population at risk of developing heart disease, or those already diagnosed with CVD.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 19-10-2020
DOI: 10.1002/PON.5566
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 12-12-2020
DOI: 10.1111/DAR.13022
Abstract: Australia has an ageing population. Given the concomitant increase in the numbers and proportion of risky drinkers among older adults, research examining contributory factors is a priority. The current study examined older adults' estimates of the NHMRC low-risk drinking guidelines, consumption patterns and associated harms and self-identification of drinking type. Data from respondents aged 50+ years (N = 11 886) in the 2016 National Drug Strategy Household Survey were subjected to secondary analyses. Estimates of low-risk drinking levels, perceived level of harm from current drinking, self-identification of drinking type and awareness of standard drinks and labelling were included. Data were examined for those aged 50-59 years and 60+. Seventeen percent of older Australians drank at both long-term and short-term risk levels. Approximately 39% of males and 11% of females overestimated the long-term low-risk levels and 54% of males and 20% of females overestimated the short-term low-risk levels. Overestimation was highest among risky drinkers. Most older risky drinkers were aware of standard drinks and labelling however, less than half perceived their drinking as harmful, instead identifying as social drinkers. Although substantial gaps are evident in older respondents' estimates of low-risk drinking, additional public awareness c aigns are likely to be of limited use. Older peoples' engagement with the public health system presents 'windows of opportunity' to provide targeted, age-appropriate harm reduction strategies. Appropriate intervention and policy responses are required to direct resources to this emerging area of concern.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 15-06-2021
DOI: 10.1093/NTR/NTAB126
Abstract: Australian workers’ daily tobacco smoking over time was examined by industry and occupation, to identify factors associated with high and/or low prevalence. Secondary analyses of 2007, 2010, 2013, and 2016 National Drug Strategy Household Surveys were undertaken (pooled n = 49 395). Frequency analyses informed subsequent modeling of select industries and occupations. Four logistic regression models estimated adjusted effects of demographics on daily smoking in industries with high (≥20%) and low (≤15%) daily smoking prevalence and occupations with high (≥20%) and low-moderate (& %) daily smoking prevalence. The s le comprised 55.7% men, 34.1% 25–39-year-olds, 31.4% New South Wales residents, 70.1% metropolitan residents, 66.9% high socioeconomic status workers, and 70.6% with low psychological distress. Daily smoking prevalence differed by industry and occupation in 2007, generally decreasing between 2007 and 2016. In high prevalence industries, daily smoking was associated with male gender and age (25–39-year-olds) and in low prevalence industries with males and nonmetropolitan workers. In high prevalence occupations, daily smoking was associated with males, female nonmetropolitan workers, and age 25–39 years and in low-moderate prevalence occupations with nonmetropolitan workers and negatively associated with females aged 14–24 years. In all models, increased odds of daily smoking were associated with low socioeconomic status and very high psychological distress. Low socioeconomic status and very high psychological distress were risk factors for daily smoking regardless of industry, occupation, or high preexisting smoking prevalence. Targeted, as well as universal, interventions are required for workplaces and workers with greatest smoking vulnerability and least smoking cessation progress. Specific strategies are warranted for identified industries, occupations, and subgroups with increased odds of daily tobacco smoking. Industries and occupations with low-moderate smoking prevalence may confer workers some protection but are not without risk some subgroups in these settings (eg, nonmetropolitan areas) had elevated daily smoking risk. Hence, the following are supported: (1) universal interventions directed at low socioeconomic workers and workers with very high psychological distress regardless of workplace (2) interventions targeted at high prevalence industries (3) cessation efforts targeted for young workers in high prevalence industries and occupations and (4) focused interventions addressing specific needs of nonmetropolitan at-risk workers in low prevalence industries.
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 11-01-2022
DOI: 10.2196/27631
Abstract: Farming is physically and psychologically hazardous. Farmers face many barriers to help seeking from traditional physical and mental health services however, improved internet access now provides promising avenues for offering support. This study aims to co-design with farmers the content and functionality of a website that helps them adopt transferable coping strategies and test its acceptability in the broader farming population. Research evidence and expert opinions were synthesized to inform key design principles. A total of 18 farmers detailed what they would like from this type of website. Intervention logic and relevant evidence-based strategies were mapped. Website content was drafted and reviewed by 2 independent mental health professionals. A total of 9 farmers provided detailed qualitative feedback on the face validity of the draft content. Subsequently, 9 farmers provided feedback on the website prototype. Following amendments and internal prototype testing and optimization, prototype usability (ie, completion rate) was examined with 157 registered website users who were (105/157, 66.9%) female, aged 21-73 years 95.5% (149/156) residing in inner regional to very remote Australia, and 68.2% (107/157) “sheep, cattle and/or grain farmers.” Acceptability was examined with a subset of 114 users who rated at least module 1. Interviews with 108 farmers who did not complete all 5 modules helped determine why, and detailed interviews were conducted with 18 purposively s led users. Updates were then made according to adaptive trial design methodology. This systematic co-design process resulted in a web-based resource based on acceptance and commitment therapy and designed to overcome barriers to engagement with traditional mental health and well-being strategies—ifarmwell. It was considered an accessible and confidential source of practical and relevant farmer-focused self-help strategies. These strategies were delivered via 5 interactive modules that include written, drawn, and audio- and video-based psychoeducation and exercises, as well as farming-related jokes, metaphors, ex les, and imagery. Module 1 included distress screening and information on how to speak to general practitioners about mental health–related concerns (including a personalized conversation script). Modules were completed fortnightly. SMS text messages offered personalized support and reminders. Qualitative interviews and star ratings demonstrated high module acceptability (average 4.06/5 rating) and suggested that additional reminders, higher quality audio recordings, and shorter modules would be useful. Approximately 37.1% (52/140) of users who started module 1 completed all modules, with too busy or not got to it yet being the main reason for non-completion, and previous module acceptability not predicting subsequent module completion. Sequential integration of research evidence, expert knowledge, and farmers’ preferences in the co-design process allowed for the development of a self-help intervention that focused on important intervention targets and was acceptable to this difficult-to-engage group. Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12617000506392 www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=372526
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 27-09-2023
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 25-06-2020
Abstract: Objectives: Alcohol consumption and harms among older people are increasing. We examined different demographic characteristics and drinking patterns among an older population. Methods: Secondary analyses of nationally representative Australian data subjects aged 50+ years ( N = 10,856). Two-step cluster analysis was performed to identify demographic groups and alcohol consumption behaviours. Results: Three groups were identified: Group 1 (older, unmarried, and lived alone): years, moderate drinkers, poorest health, psychological distress, social disadvantage, smokers, illicit drug users, and more frequent previous alcohol treatment. Group 3 (older married): years, good health, low psychological distress, less likely to drink at risky levels, and one in five drank daily. Group 2 (younger married): 50–64 years, mostly employed, highest proportion of risky drinkers and of 5+ standard drinks per session, and liberal drinking attitudes with most concern from others about their drinking. Discussion: These demographic typologies can inform targeted prevention efforts for an estimated 1.3 million adults older than 50 years drinking at risky levels.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 19-09-2022
DOI: 10.1186/S12889-022-14159-9
Abstract: Alcohol is a discretionary, energy dense, dietary component. Compared to non-drinkers, people who consume alcohol report higher total energy intake and may be at increased risk of weight gain, overweight, and obesity, which are key preventable risk factors for illness. However, accurate consumer knowledge of the energy content in alcohol is low. To inform future behaviour change interventions among drinkers, this study investigated in idual characteristics associated with changing alcohol consumption due to energy-related concerns. An online survey was undertaken with 801 Australian adult drinkers (18–59 years, 50.2% female), i.e. who consumed alcohol at least monthly. In addition to demographic and health-related characteristics, participants reported past-year alcohol consumption, past-year reductions in alcohol consumption, frequency of harm minimisation strategy use (when consuming alcohol), and frequency of changing alcohol consumption behaviours because of energy-related concerns. When prompted, 62.5% of participants reported changing alcohol consumption for energy-related reasons at least ‘sometimes’. Women, those aged 30–44 years, metropolitan residents, those with household income $80,001–120,000, and risky/more frequent drinkers had increased odds of changing consumption because of energy-related concerns, and unemployed respondents had reduced odds. Results indicate that some sociodemographic groups are changing alcohol consumption for energy-related reasons, but others are not, representing an underutilised opportunity for health promotion communication. Further research should investigate whether messaging to increase awareness of alcohol energy content, including through systems-based policy actions such as nutritional/energy product labelling, would motivate reduced consumption across a broader range of drinkers.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2023
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 02-2021
Abstract: arming is physically and psychologically hazardous. Farmers face many barriers to help seeking from traditional physical and mental health services however, improved internet access now provides promising avenues for offering support. his study aims to co-design with farmers the content and functionality of a website that helps them adopt transferable coping strategies and test its acceptability in the broader farming population. esearch evidence and expert opinions were synthesized to inform key design principles. A total of 18 farmers detailed what they would like from this type of website. Intervention logic and relevant evidence-based strategies were mapped. Website content was drafted and reviewed by 2 independent mental health professionals. A total of 9 farmers provided detailed qualitative feedback on the face validity of the draft content. Subsequently, 9 farmers provided feedback on the website prototype. Following amendments and internal prototype testing and optimization, prototype usability (ie, completion rate) was examined with 157 registered website users who were (105/157, 66.9%) female, aged 21-73 years 95.5% (149/156) residing in inner regional to very remote Australia, and 68.2% (107/157) “sheep, cattle and/or grain farmers.” Acceptability was examined with a subset of 114 users who rated at least module 1. Interviews with 108 farmers who did not complete all 5 modules helped determine why, and detailed interviews were conducted with 18 purposively s led users. Updates were then made according to adaptive trial design methodology. his systematic co-design process resulted in a web-based resource based on acceptance and commitment therapy and designed to overcome barriers to engagement with traditional mental health and well-being strategies—ifarmwell. It was considered an accessible and confidential source of practical and relevant farmer-focused self-help strategies. These strategies were delivered via 5 interactive modules that include written, drawn, and audio- and video-based psychoeducation and exercises, as well as farming-related jokes, metaphors, ex les, and imagery. Module 1 included distress screening and information on how to speak to general practitioners about mental health–related concerns (including a personalized conversation script). Modules were completed fortnightly. SMS text messages offered personalized support and reminders. Qualitative interviews and star ratings demonstrated high module acceptability (average 4.06/5 rating) and suggested that additional reminders, higher quality audio recordings, and shorter modules would be useful. Approximately 37.1% (52/140) of users who started module 1 completed all modules, with i too busy /i or i not got to it yet /i being the main reason for non-completion, and previous module acceptability not predicting subsequent module completion. equential integration of research evidence, expert knowledge, and farmers’ preferences in the co-design process allowed for the development of a self-help intervention that focused on important intervention targets and was acceptable to this difficult-to-engage group. ustralian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12617000506392 www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=372526
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 02-09-2022
DOI: 10.1007/S13187-020-01862-7
Abstract: This study reports preliminary data about the information needs of esophago-gastric cancer survivors and their supporters across diagnosis and treatment by identifying time-specific needs and whether the information provided aligned with the needs at each time point. Survivors (n = 26) and supporters (n = 15) were recruited from a public teaching hospital in South Australia. Both groups provided recall data describing personal information domain challenges at 6 clinically significant time points ranging from diagnosis to > 2 years post diagnosis. Responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics for non-normally distributed data. Needs relating to communication, tests, disease, and the physical effects information domains were consistently high across time and in groups. Supporters' overall needs were greater than those of survivors, particularly at times of high need. At times of low need, both groups reported information overload. Our results confirm that survivors and supporters require information throughout the cancer trajectory, up to 2 years after diagnosis, and supporters' needs are likely to be even greater. Results highlight the importance of timely and relevant information provision and provide a basis for the development of resources to empower survivors and supporters to identify and articulate their personal information needs. Patient navigators may provide an avenue to facilitate this approach.
Location: Australia
No related grants have been discovered for Nathan Harrison.