ORCID Profile
0000-0003-3446-0227
Current Organisations
Curtin University
,
Sun Yat-Sen University
,
University of Melbourne
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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)
Clinical psychology | Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander child health and wellbeing | Clinical social work practice | Child and adolescent development | Clinical and health psychology | Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and wellbeing | Family care
ANZSRC Socio-Economic Objective (SEO)
Related Links
Publications
Risk of severe illness from COVID-19 among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults: the construct of 'vulnerable populations' obscures the root causes of health inequities.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2021
Antarctica's protected areas are inadequate, unrepresentative, and at risk
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 17-06-2014
E-cigarette use and the relationship to smoking among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous Australian Secondary Students, 2017
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2022
Abstract: Estimate the prevalence of e-cigarette use (vaping) among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adolescents and explore the relationship between vaping and tobacco use. N=18,199 students aged 12-17 years (n=1,097 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) participating in the 2017 Australian Secondary Students' Alcohol and Drug (ASSAD) Survey self-reported their e-cigarette and lifetime, past month and past week smoking behaviours. Twenty-two per cent of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students (14% all) reported having ever used e-cigarettes. Significantly greater odds of e-cigarette use among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students was observed overall, but not among regular (past month/week) smokers. There were significant associations between e-cigarette use and any level of smoking for all students (p<0.001), with no variation by Indigenous status. While e-cigarette use was more common among smokers, 28% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ever-vapers (35% all ever-vapers) were never smokers. There is substantial prevalence of e-cigarette ever-use among Australian secondary students, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, and a strong relationship with tobacco use. Policies facilitating e-cigarette access must not undercut tobacco control efforts for adolescents, particularly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who continue to experience higher smoking rates.
Care co-ordination interventions to improve outcomes during pregnancy and early childhood (up to 5 years)
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 29-08-2017
Paths to improving care of Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women following gestational diabetes - CORRIGENDUM.
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 23-10-2017
Building capacity for evidence generation, synthesis and implementation to improve the care of mothers and babies in South East Asia: methods and design of the SEA-ORCHID Project using a logical frame
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 07-2010
Improving social justice in observational studies: protocol for the development of a global and Indigenous STROBE-equity reporting guideline
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 30-03-2023
DOI: 10.1186/S12939-023-01854-1
Abstract: Addressing persistent and pervasive health inequities is a global moral imperative, which has been highlighted and magnified by the societal and health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Observational studies can aid our understanding of the impact of health and structural oppression based on the intersection of gender, race, ethnicity, age and other factors, as they frequently collect this data. However, the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guideline, does not provide guidance related to reporting of health equity. The goal of this project is to develop a STROBE-Equity reporting guideline extension. We assembled a erse team across multiple domains, including gender, age, ethnicity, Indigenous background, disciplines, geographies, lived experience of health inequity and decision-making organizations. Using an inclusive, integrated knowledge translation approach, we will implement a five-phase plan which will include: (1) assessing the reporting of health equity in published observational studies, (2) seeking wide international feedback on items to improve reporting of health equity, (3) establishing consensus amongst knowledge users and researchers, (4) evaluating in partnership with Indigenous contributors the relevance to Indigenous peoples who have globally experienced the oppressive legacy of colonization, and (5) widely disseminating and seeking endorsement from relevant knowledge users. We will seek input from external collaborators using social media, mailing lists and other communication channels. Achieving global imperatives such as the Sustainable Development Goals (e.g., SDG 10 Reduced inequalities, SDG 3 Good health and wellbeing) requires advancing health equity in research. The implementation of the STROBE-Equity guidelines will enable a better awareness and understanding of health inequities through better reporting. We will broadly disseminate the reporting guideline with tools to enable adoption and use by journal editors, authors, and funding agencies, using erse strategies tailored to specific audiences.
Evidence for a comprehensive approach to Aboriginal tobacco control to maintain the decline in smoking: an overview of reviews among Indigenous peoples
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 10-07-2017
Type 2 diabetes after gestational diabetes: Greater than fourfold risk among Indigenous compared with non-Indigenous Australian women
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 22-10-2016
DOI: 10.1002/DMRR.2715
Abstract: Gestational diabetes is associated with a high risk of type 2 diabetes. However, progression rates among Indigenous women in Australia who experience high prevalence of gestational diabetes are unknown. This retrospective cohort study includes all births to women at a regional hospital in Far North Queensland, Australia, coded as having 'gestational diabetes' from 1 January 2004 to 31 December 2010 (1098 births) and receiving laboratory postpartum screening from 1 January 2004 to 31 December 2011 (n = 483 births). Women who did not receive postpartum screening were excluded from the denominator. Data were linked between hospital electronic records, routinely collected birth data and laboratories, with s le validation by reviews of medical records. Analysis was conducted using Cox-proportional regression models. Indigenous women had a greater than fourfold risk of developing type 2 diabetes within 8 years of having gestational diabetes, compared with non-Indigenous women (hazards ratio 4.55, 95% confidence interval 2.63-7.88, p < 0.0001). Among women receiving postpartum screening tests, by 3, 5 and 7 years postpartum, 21.9% (15.8-30.0%), 25.5% (18.6-34.3%) and 42.4% (29.6-58.0%) Indigenous women were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes after gestational diabetes, respectively, compared with 4.2% (2.5-7.2%), 5.7% (3.3-9.5%) and 13.5% (7.3-24.2%) non-Indigenous women. Multivariate analysis showed an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes among women with an early pregnancy body mass index ≥25 kg/m(2) , only partially breastfeeding at hospital discharge and gestational diabetes diagnosis prior to 17 weeks gestation. This study demonstrates that, compared with non-Indigenous women, Indigenous Australian women have a greater than fourfold risk of developing type 2 diabetes after gestational diabetes. Strategies are urgently needed to reduce rates of type 2 diabetes by supporting a healthy weight and breastfeeding and to improve postpartum screening among Indigenous women with gestational diabetes. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Parent and child mental health during COVID-19 in Australia: The role of pet attachment
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 25-07-2022
DOI: 10.1371/JOURNAL.PONE.0271687
Abstract: Restrictions, social isolation, and uncertainty related to the global COVID-19 pandemic have disrupted the ways that parents and children maintain family routines, health, and wellbeing. Companion animals (pets) can be a critical source of comfort during traumatic experiences, although changes to family routines, such as those caused by COVID-19, can also bring about challenges like managing undesirable pet behaviours or pet-human interactions. We aimed to examine the relationship between pet attachment and mental health for both parents and their children during the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia. A total of 1,034 parents living with a child under 18 years and a cat or dog completed an online cross-sectional survey between July and October 2020. Path analysis using multivariate linear regression was conducted to examine associations between objective COVID-19 impacts, subjective worry about COVID-19, human-pet attachment, and mental health. After adjusting for core demographic factors, stronger pet-child attachment was associated with greater child anxiety (parent-reported, p .001). Parent-pet attachment was not associated with self-reported psychological distress ( p = .42), however, parents who reported a strong emotional closeness with their pet reported greater psychological distress ( p = .002). Findings highlight the role of pets during times of change and uncertainty. It is possible that families are turning to animals as a source of comfort, during a time when traditional social supports are less accessible. Alternatively, strong pet attachment is likely to reflect high levels of empathy, which might increase vulnerability to psychological distress. Longitudinal evidence is required to delineate the mechanisms underpinning pet attachment and mental health.
A call for action that cannot go to voicemail: Research activism to urgently improve Indigenous perinatal health and wellbeing
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2021
Community views on ‘Can perinatal services safely identify Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parents experiencing complex trauma?’
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 26-04-2022
DOI: 10.1002/CAR.2760
Abstract: Family and extended kinship systems which nurture healthy, happy children are central to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. Since colonisation, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities have been impacted by intergenerational cycles of trauma, stemming from colonial violence, genocidal policies and discrimination, including the forced removal of children from their families. Becoming a parent offers a unique life‐course opportunity for trauma recovery and preventing intergenerational trauma. However, identifying or ‘recognising’ complex trauma carries significant risk of harm for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parents due to reactive prenatal child protection involvement potentially compounding experiences of trauma, and limited benefits due to lack of culturally appropriate support. The Aboriginal‐led participatory Healing the Past by Nurturing the Future project aims to co‐design safe, accessible and feasible perinatal awareness, recognition, assessment and support strategies for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parents experiencing complex trauma. This paper presents views of 38 workshop participants to determine prerequisites for ensuring benefits outweigh risks of assessment to safely recognise parents experiencing complex trauma, consistent with screening criteria. Six essential elements were identified from thematic analysis: high‐quality holistic care cultural, social and emotional safety empowerment, choice and control flexible person‐centred approaches trusting relationships and sensitive, skilled communication. The impacts of colonisation and rates of Aboriginal and Torres Strait children in out‐of‐home care mean that there can be a myriad of issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parents with regard to perinatal child protection involvement. The benefits must outweigh the risks of identifying parents experiencing complex trauma. Assessment must be offered within foundations of supportive relationships and holistic care in culturally‐safe, empowering settings, where choices are respected and skilled communication approaches are used.
Reporting of health equity considerations in equity-relevant observational studies: Protocol for a systematic assessment
Publisher: F1000 Research Ltd
Date: 06-06-2022
DOI: 10.12688/F1000RESEARCH.122185.1
Abstract: Background: The mitigation of unfair and avoidable differences in health is an increasing global priority. Observational studies including cohort, cross-sectional and case-control studies tend to report social determinants of health which could inform evidence syntheses on health equity and social justice. However, the extent of reporting and analysis of equity in equity-relevant observational studies is unknown. Methods: We define studies which report outcomes for populations at risk of experiencing inequities as “equity-relevant”. Using a random s ling technique we will identify 320 equity-relevant observational studies published between 1 January 2020 to 27 April 2022 by searching the MEDLINE database. We will stratify s ling by 1) studies in high-income countries (HIC) and low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) according to the World Bank classification, 2) studies focused on COVID and those which are not, 3) studies focused on populations at risk of experiencing inequities and those on general populations that stratify their analyses. We will use the PROGRESS framework which stands for place of residence, race or ethnicity, occupation, gender or sex, religion, education, socioeconomic status, social capital, to identify dimensions where inequities may exist. Using a previously developed data extraction form we will pilot-test on eligible studies and revise as applicable. Conclusions: The proposed methodological assessment of reporting will allow us to systematically understand the current reporting and analysis practices for health equity in observational studies. The findings of this study will help inform the development of the equity extension for the STROBE (Strengthening the Reporting of Observational studies in Epidemiology) reporting guidelines.
Investigation of a birth defect cluster [abstract]
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 06-2004
DOI: 10.1002/BDRA.20039
Guidance relevant to the reporting of health equity in observational research: a scoping review protocol
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 05-2022
DOI: 10.1136/BMJOPEN-2021-056875
Abstract: Health inequities are defined as unfair and avoidable differences in health between groups within a population. Most health research is conducted through observational studies, which are able to offer real-world insights about etiology, healthcare policy rogramme effectiveness and the impacts of socioeconomic factors. However, most published reports of observational studies do not address how their findings relate to health equity. Our team seeks to develop equity-relevant reporting guidance as an extension of the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) statement. This scoping review will inform the development of candidate items for the STROBE-Equity extension. We will operationalise equity-seeking populations using the PROGRESS-Plus framework of sociodemographic factors. As part of a parallel stream of the STROBE-Equity project, the relevance of candidate guideline items to Indigenous research will be led by Indigenous coinvestigators on the team. We will follow the Joanna Briggs Institute method for conducting scoping reviews. We will evaluate the extent to which the identified guidance supports or refutes our preliminary candidate items for reporting equity in observational studies. These candidate items were developed based on items from equity-reporting guidelines for randomised trials and systematic reviews, developed by members of this team. We will consult with our knowledge users, patients ublic partners and Indigenous research steering committee to invite suggestions for relevant guidance documents and interpretation of findings. If the identified guidance suggests the need for additional candidate items, they will be developed through inductive thematic analysis. We will follow a principled approach that promotes ethical codevelopment with our community partners, based on principles of cultural safety, authentic partnerships, addressing colonial structures in knowledge production and the shared ownership, interpretation, and dissemination of research. All products of this research will be published as open access.
Supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Families to Stay Together from the Start (SAFeST Start): Urgent call to action to address crisis in infant removals
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 26-01-2022
DOI: 10.1002/AJS4.200
Abstract: Reducing the rate of over‐representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in out‐of‐home care (OOHC) is a key Closing the Gap target committed to by all Australian governments. Current strategies are failing. The “gap” is widening, with the rate of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in OOHC at 30 June 2020 being 11 times that of non‐Indigenous children. Approximately, one in five Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children entering OOHC each year are younger than one year. These figures represent compounding intergenerational trauma and institutional harm to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and communities. This article outlines systemic failures to address the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parents during pregnancy and following birth, causing cumulative harm and trauma to families, communities and cultures. Major reform to child and family notification and service systems, and significant investment to address this crisis, is urgently needed. The Family Matters Building Blocks and five elements of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Placement Principle (Prevention, Participation, Partnership, Placement and Connection) provide a transformative foundation to address historical, institutional, well‐being and socioeconomic drivers of current catastrophic trajectories. The time for action is now.
Key features of a trauma-informed public health emergency approach: A rapid review
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 28-11-2022
DOI: 10.3389/FPUBH.2022.1006513
Abstract: COVID-19 is a major threat to public safety, and emergency public health measures to protect lives (e.g., lockdown, social distancing) have caused widespread disruption. While these measures are necessary to prevent catastrophic trauma and grief, many people are experiencing heightened stress and fear. Public health measures, risks of COVID-19 and stress responses compound existing inequities in our community. First Nations communities are particularly at risk due to historical trauma, ongoing socio-economic deprivation, and lack of trust in government authorities as a result of colonization. The objective of this study was to review evidence for trauma-informed public health emergency responses to inform development of a culturally-responsive trauma-informed public health emergency framework for First Nations communities. We searched relevant databases from 1/1/2000 to 13/11/2020 inclusive, which identified 40 primary studies (and eight associated references) for inclusion in this review. Extracted data were subjected to framework and thematic synthesis. No studies reported evaluations of a trauma-informed public health emergency response. However, included studies highlighted key elements of a “trauma-informed lens,” which may help to consider implications, reduce risks and foster a sense of security, wellbeing, self- and collective-efficacy, hope and resilience for First Nations communities during COVID-19. We identified key elements for minimizing the impact of compounding trauma on First Nations communities, including: a commitment to equity and human rights, cultural responsiveness, good communication, and positive leadership. The six principles guiding trauma-informed culturally-responsive public health emergency frameworks included: (i) safety, (ii) empowerment, (iii) holistic support, (iv) connectedness and collaboration, (v) compassion and caring, and (vi) trust and transparency in multi-level responses, well-functioning social systems, and provision of basic services. These findings will be discussed with First Nations public health experts, together with data on the experiences of First Nations families and communities during COVID-19, to develop a trauma-integrated public health emergency response framework or “lens” to minimize compounding trauma for First Nations communities.
A unified call to action from Australian nursing and midwifery leaders: ensuring that Black lives matter
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 03-07-2020
Diabetes in pregnancy among indigenous women in australia, canada, new zealand and the united states: A systematic review of the evidence for screening in early pregnancy
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 05-2013
DOI: 10.1002/DMRR.2389
Healing the Past by Nurturing the Future: Aboriginal parents’ views of what helps support recovery from complex trauma
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 2021
DOI: 10.1017/S1463423621000463
Abstract: We aimed to understand support needs for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parents experiencing complex trauma.Becoming a parent is an exciting yet challenging transition, particularly for parents who have experienced past hurt in their own childhood which can have long lasting effects, including complex trauma. Complex trauma-related distress can make it harder to care for a baby, but the parenting transition offers unique opportunities for recovery. This formative research is part of a community-based participatory action research project which aims to co-design perinatal awareness, recognition, assessment and support strategies for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parents experiencing complex trauma. We used an Indigenist approach and grounded theory methods. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parents who were pregnant and/or have children up to two years old were recruited through perinatal care services and community networks in three Australian sites (Alice Springs, Adelaide and Melbourne). Parents were offered a group discussion or in idual interview, facilitated by Aboriginal researchers. Third-person scenarios and visual tools were used to facilitate reflections about the impact of past experiences, what keeps parents strong, hopes and dreams, and what is needed to achieve those dreams. Parents were also shown themes from a previous systematic review of parents’ experiences as a prompt to identify any additional key issues. Seventeen Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parents participated in August to September 2019. Most were mothers (n = 15). The study’s grounded theory methods provided the foundation of a theoretical supposition that positions the transformation of the compounding cycle of trauma, to a reinforcing cycle of nurturing at the intersection of: 1) parents’ connectedness 2) social and emotional wellbeing and 3) the transition to parenting. Unique opportunities and challenges situated at the interface are bound to the compounding or reinforcing nature of the intersecting factors. Findings reveal complexity, differing experiences by gender and age, as well as within and between communities.
Changes in the age young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people start smoking, 2002-2015
Publisher: The Sax Institute
Date: 2020
Ngu-ng-gi-la-nha (to exchange) knowledge. How is Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people's empowerment being upheld and reported in smoking cessation interventions during pregnancy: a systematic review
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2019
DOI: 10.1071/PY18186
Abstract: Smoking during pregnancy is a national priority to improve Aboriginal health. Empowerment approaches underpin the priorities set by the government to improve Aboriginal health and wellbeing however, empowerment is seldom evaluated within interventions for Aboriginal people. Literature was searched to April 2018 and data was extracted using an assessment tool with domains of in idual and community empowerment in smoking cessation during pregnancy studies with Aboriginal women. Three interventions were found in published and grey literature. Elements of in idual empowerment were embedded in all interventions. Interventions considered barriers for Aboriginal women to quit smoking and areas for capacity building. Interventions used health education resources. There was limited reporting of community empowerment domains. Aboriginal ethics and capacity building was the only criterium addressed by all studies. Interventions are incorporating in idual empowerment, but seldom report community empowerment. The development of reporting guidelines or extensions of current guidelines would be beneficial to set a consistently high standard reporting across Aboriginal health interventions, similar to the work conducted to develop the extension of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses-Equity (PRISMA-E) for health equity in systematic review reporting. Reporting empowerment domains would reflect the government priority of empowerment to improve Aboriginal health, as well as enhancing knowledge translation into practice.
SAS1B protein [ovastacin] shows temporal and spatial restriction to oocytes in several eutherian orders and initiates translation at the primary to secondary follicle transition
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 02-10-2013
DOI: 10.1002/DVDY.24040
Using participatory action research to co-design perinatal support strategies for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parents experiencing complex trauma
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2022
DOI: 10.1016/J.WOMBI.2021.12.005
Abstract: Support is important for all parents but critical for those experiencing complex trauma. The The Healing the Past by Nurturing the Future project uses participatory action research to co-design effective perinatal support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parents. This research aims to identify and refine culturally appropriate support strategies for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parents experiencing complex trauma. We presented our synthesised eight parent support goals and 60 strategies, collated from Elder and parent focus groups, previous participatory workshops, and evidence reviews, for discussion at a stakeholder workshop. Stakeholder perspectives were captured using a three-point agreement activity and, self- and scribe-recorded comments. Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal researchers analysised the qualitative data, to identify core factors which might facilitate or help enact the parenting related goals. Overall, stakeholders (n = 37) strongly endorsed all eight goals. Workshop attendees (57% Aboriginal) represented multiple stakeholder roles including Elder, parent and service provider. Four core factors were identified as crucial for supporting parents to heal from complex trauma: Culture (cultural traditions, practices and strengths), Relationality (family, in idual, community and services), Safety (frameworks, choice and control) and Timing (the right time socio-emotionally and stage of parenting). Context-specific support tailored to the Culture, Relationality, Safety, and Timing needs of parents is essential. These four factors are important elements to help enact or facilitate parenting support strategies. Further work is now required to develop practical resources for parents, and to implement and evaluate these strategies in perinatal care to address cumulative and compounding cycles of intergenerational trauma.
Tobacco Smoking in Pregnancy
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Date: 09-04-2020
Interrogating the intentions for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health: a narrative review of research outputs since the introduction of Closing the Gap
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 10-06-2022
DOI: 10.5694/MJA2.51601
Abstract: Despite the "best of intentions", Australia has fallen short of federal targets to close the gap in disproportionate health outcomes between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians. We examined 2150 original research articles published over the 12-year period (from 2008 to 2020), of which 58% used descriptive designs and only 2.6% were randomised controlled trials. There were few national studies. Studies were most commonly conducted in remote settings (28.8%) and focused on specific burdens of disease prevalent in remote areas, such as infectious disease, hearing and vision. Analytic observational designs were used more frequently when addressing burdens of disease, such as cancer and kidney and urinary, respiratory and endocrine diseases. The largest number of publications focused on mental and substance use disorders (n = 322, 20.5%) infectious diseases (n = 222, 14.1%) health services planning, delivery and improvement (n = 193, 33.5%) and health and wellbeing (n = 170, 29.5%). This review is timely given new investments in Aboriginal health, which highlights the importance of Aboriginal researchers, community leadership and research priority. We anticipate future outputs for Aboriginal health research to change significantly from this review, and join calls for a broadening of our intellectual investment in Aboriginal health.
Family-centred interventions for Indigenous early childhood well-being by primary healthcare services
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 13-12-2016
Low rates of predominant breastfeeding in hospital after gestational diabetes, particularly among Indigenous women in Australia
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2017
Abstract: To investigate rates of 'any' and 'predominant' breastfeeding in hospital among Indigenous and non-Indigenous women with and without gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). A retrospective study of singleton infants born from July 2007 to December 2010 at Cairns Hospital, Australia, following GDM pregnancy, using linked hospital and birth data (n=617 infants), with a subs le of medical record reviews (n=365 infants). Aggregate data were used to compare to breastfeeding rates among infants born following non-GDM pregnancy (n=7,894 infants). More than 90% of all women reported any breastfeeding before hospital discharge. About 80% of women without GDM reported predominant breastfeeding. Despite significant increases over time (p<0.0001), women with GDM were less likely to predominantly breastfeed (OR 0.32, 95%CI 0.27-0.38, p<0.0001) with lower rates among Indigenous women (53%) compared with non-Indigenous (60%) women (OR 0.78, 0.70-0.88, p<0.0001) and women having a caesarean birth or pre-term infant. Rates of predominant in-hospital breastfeeding were lower among women with GDM, particularly among Indigenous women and women having a caesarean or pre-term birth. Strategies are needed to support predominant in-hospital breastfeeding among women with GDM.
Building an Indigenous-Led Evidence Base for Smoking Cessation Care among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Women during Pregnancy and Beyond: Research Protocol for the Which Way? Project
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 02-02-2021
Abstract: Strong and healthy futures for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people requires engagement in meaningful decision making which is supported by evidence-based approaches. While a significant number of research publications state the research is co-designed, few describe the research process in relation to Indigenous ethical values. Improving the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mothers and babies is crucial to the continuation of the oldest living culture in the world. Developing meaningful supports to empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mothers to quit smoking during pregnancy is paramount to addressing a range of health and wellbeing outcomes. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women have called for non-pharmacological approaches to smoking cessation during pregnancy. We describe a culturally responsive research protocol that has been co-designed and is co-owned with urban and regional Aboriginal communities in New South Wales. The project has been developed in line with the AH& MRC’s (Aboriginal Health & Medical Research Council) updated guidelines for ethical research with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Ethics approvals have been granted by AH& MRC #14541662 University of Newcastle HREC H-2020-0092 and the Local Health District ethics committee 2020/ETH02095. Results will be disseminated through peer reviewed articles, community reports, infographics, and online social media content.
Australian researchers oppose funding from the Foundation for a Smoke-Free World
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2018
Seeking a comprehensive approach to tobacco control for aboriginal and torres strait islander people
Publisher: AMPCo
Date: 06-2015
DOI: 10.5694/MJA15.00455
Nurturing children's development through healthy eating and active living: Time for policies to support effective interventions in the context of responsive emotional support and early learning
Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 11-2022
DOI: 10.1111/HSC.14106
Abstract: Fostering the growth, development, health, and wellbeing of children is a global priority. The early childhood period presents a critical window to influence lifelong trajectories, however urgent multisectoral action is needed to ensure that families are adequately supported to nurture their children's growth and development. With a shared vision to give every child the best start in life, thus helping them reach their full developmental potential, we have formed the International Healthy Eating Active Living Matters (HEALing Matters) Alliance. Together, we form a global network of academics and practitioners working across child health and development, and who are dedicated to improving health equity for children and their families. Our goal is to ensure that all families are free from structural inequality and oppression and are empowered to nurture their children's growth and development through healthy eating and physical activity within the context of responsive emotional support, safety and security, and opportunities for early learning. To date, there have been disparate approaches to promoting these objectives across the health, community service, and education sectors. The crucial importance of our collective work is to bring these priorities for early childhood together through multisectoral interventions, and in so doing tackle head on siloed approaches. In this Policy paper, we draw upon extensive research and call for collective action to promote equity and foster positive developmental trajectories for all children. We call for the delivery of evidence-based programs, policies, and services that are co-designed to meet the needs of all children and families and address structural and systemic inequalities. Moving beyond the "what" is needed to foster the best start to life for all children, we provide recommendations of "how" we can do this. Such collective impact will facilitate intergenerational progression that builds human capital in future generations.
Parenting after a history of childhood maltreatment: A scoping review and map of evidence in the perinatal period
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 13-03-2019
Efficacy of nicotine replacement therapy in pregnancy.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 14-01-2013
Partnerships and collaboration: Implementing continuity of midwifery care for aboriginal women in four maternity services in Victoria, Australia
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2018
Modeling of Cryogenic Liquefied Natural Gas Ambient Air Vaporizers
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 07-06-2018
Pharmacological interventions for promoting smoking cessation during pregnancy
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 04-03-2020
Pharmacological interventions for promoting smoking cessation during pregnancy
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 22-12-2015
Interventions during pregnancy or up to two years after birth for parents who are experiencing complex trauma or have experienced maltreatment in their childhood (or both) to improve parenting capacit
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 13-07-2021
Trends in maternal and newborn health characteristics and obstetric interventions among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mothers in Western Australia from 1986 to 2009
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 03-11-2016
DOI: 10.1111/AJO.12416
Abstract: Detailed analyses of long-term trends in Aboriginal maternal and newborn health characteristics are lacking. To examine trends in maternal and newborn health characteristics for all mothers who were recorded as Aboriginal in the Western Australian Midwives' Notification System from 1986 to 2009. Births were categorised into four-year time intervals (1986-1989, 1990-1993, 1994-1997, 1998-2001, 2002-2005, 2006-2009). Trends in maternal demographic characteristics, pre-existing medical conditions, pregnancy complications and neonatal characteristics were examined. For 37 424 births recorded from 1986 to 2009, the proportion of births to mothers aged ≤19 years decreased (31-22%, P < 0.001) along with the prevalence of pre-ecl sia (6.8-4.0%, P < 0.001) and antepartum haemorrhage (4.8-3.2%, P < 0.001). There were increases in the prevalence of diabetes in pregnancy (3.8-6.6%, P < 0.001), induction of labour (17.8-21.4%, P < 0.001), elective caesarean (6.6-8.2%, P < 0.001) and emergency caesarean (9.5-14.9%, P < 0.001) deliveries. There were no changes in the overall prevalence of preterm births (15.4-15.9%, P = 0.32). However, increases were observed in the prevalence of medically indicated preterm births with and without prelabour rupture of membranes (1.0-1.7% P < 0.001 and 3.3-4.3% P = 0.005, respectively). There were no significant changes in the rates of smoking during pregnancy (51-52% from 1998 to 2009, P = 0.18), small-for-gestational age (16.9-17.2%, P = 0.07), suboptimal-birthweight (20.4-20.1%, P = 0.92), stillbirths (14.7 per 1000-12.1 per 1000, P = 0.22) and neonatal deaths (6.2 per 1000-5.5 per 1000, P = 0.68). Encouraging trends include reduced rates of teenage pregnancy, pre-ecl sia and antepartum haemorrhage. The persistent high rates of smoking during pregnancy, preterm births, stillbirths, neonatal deaths and increasing rates of diabetes in pregnancy are of concern.
Healing the past by nurturing the future: A qualitative systematic review and metasynthesis of pregnancy, birth and early postpartum experiences and views of parents with a history of childhood maltreatment
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 13-12-2019
A Culturally Responsive Trauma-Informed Public Health Emergency Framework for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities in Australia, Developed during COVID-19
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 24-11-2022
Abstract: The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic impacted peoples’ livelihoods and mental wellbeing. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia continue to experience intergenerational trauma associated with colonization and may experience trauma-related distress in response to government responses to public health emergencies. We aimed to develop a culturally responsive trauma-informed public health emergency response framework for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led study involved: (i) a review of trauma-informed public health emergency responses to develop a draft framework (ii) interviews with 110 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parents about how COVID-19 impacted their lives, and (iii) a workshop with 36 stakeholders about pandemic experiences using framework analysis to refine a culturally responsive trauma-informed framework. The framework included: an overarching philosophy (cultural humility, safety and responsiveness) key enablers (local leadership and Eldership) supporting strategies (provision of basic needs and resources, well-functioning social systems, human rights, dignity, choice, justice and ethics, mutuality and collective responsibility, and strengthening of existing systems) interdependent core concepts (safety, transparency, and empowerment, holistic support, connectedness and collaboration, and compassion, protection and caring) and central goals (a sense of security, resilience, wellbeing, self- and collective-efficacy, hope, trust, resilience, and healing from grief and loss).
Change is in the air: Reclaiming ancestral wisdom through Birthing on Country in Australia
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2019
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Women’s Access to and Interest in mHealth: National Web-based Cross-sectional Survey (Preprint)
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 12-09-2022
Abstract: ealth programs delivered through digital devices such as mobile phones (mobile health [mHealth]) have become an increasingly important component of the health care tool kit. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women of reproductive age are likely to be caring for children and family members and needing health care, but little is known about their access to and interest in mHealth. he objectives of this study were to investigate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women’s ownership of digital devices, access to the internet, current mHealth use, and interest and preferences for future mHealth. We examined the factors (age, remoteness, caring for a child younger than 5 years, and level of education) associated with the ownership of digital devices, use of internet, and interest in using a mobile phone to improve health. This study also examines if women are more likely to use mHealth for topics that they are less confident to talk about face-to-face with a health professional. national web-based cross-sectional survey targeting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women of reproductive age (16-49 years) was performed. Descriptive statistics were reported, and logistic regressions were used to examine the associations. n total, 379 women completed the survey 89.2% (338/379) owned a smartphone, 53.5% (203/379) a laptop or home computer, 35.6% (135/379) a tablet, and 93.1% (353/379) had access to the internet at home. Most women used social media (337/379, 88.9%) or the internet (285/379, 75.2%) everyday. The most common modality used on the mobile phone for health was Google (232/379, 61.2%), followed by social media (195/379, 51.5%). The most preferred modality for future programs was SMS text messaging (211/379, 55.7%) and social media (195/379, 51.4%). The most preferred topics for future mHealth programs were healthy eating (210/379, 55.4%) and cultural engagement (205/379, 54.1%). Women who were younger had greater odds of owning a smartphone, and women with tertiary education were more likely to own a tablet or laptop. Older age was associated with interest to use telehealth, and higher educational attainment was associated with interest for videoconferencing. Most women (269/379, 70.9%) used an Aboriginal medical service and overall reported high rates of confidence to discuss health topics with a health professional. Overall, women showed a similar likelihood of selecting a topic in mHealth whether they were or were not confident to talk to a health professional about that. ur study found that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women were avid users of the internet and had strong interest in mHealth. Future mHealth programs for these women should consider utilizing SMS text messaging and social media modalities and including content on nutrition and culture. A noteworthy limitation of this study was that participant recruitment was web-based (due to COVID-19 restrictions).
Early life influences on cardio-metabolic disease risk in aboriginal populations-what is the evidence? A systematic review of longitudinal and case-control studies
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 12-2012
DOI: 10.1093/IJE/DYS190
Abstract: We systematically reviewed the published evidence for the developmental origins of health and disease hypothesis among aboriginal populations from Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the USA. Medline, EMBASE and the Informit Health databases were systematically searched (March 2012) using medical subject headings and keywords for studies that examined the effect of prenatal factors and birth outcomes on later life (≥3 years) cardio-metabolic diseases. Quality of studies was independently assessed by two reviewers using a risk of bias assessment tool main findings from studies with a low to moderate risk of bias were summarised qualitatively. In all, 844 studies were found 50 were included in the review of which 41 had a low-moderate risk of bias. There was strong evidence for an association between birth weight and type 2 diabetes (6/7 studies), impaired kidney function (6/7 studies) and high blood pressure (5/6 studies), whereas there was limited evidence for an association with metabolic abnormalities (4/7 studies) and adiposity (4/7). Exposure to maternal diabetes was strongly associated with type 2 diabetes (9/10 studies) and metabolic abnormalities (5/7 studies), whereas the association with adiposity was low (3/9 studies) the limited number of studies, to date, also show a relationship with high blood pressure (2/2 studies). This review highlights that interventions to reduce the burden of cardio-metabolic disease among aboriginal populations should focus on improving maternal health, particularly by reducing the prevalence of diabetes in pregnancy. Future research should also be directed towards potential protective actions, such as breastfeeding.
Dynamic Simulation on Deflagration of LNG Spill
Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 28-04-2019
DOI: 10.1155/2019/7439589
Abstract: The deflagration characteristics of premixed LNG vapour-air mixtures with different mixing ratios were quantitatively and qualitatively investigated by using CFD (computational fluid dynamics) method. The CFD model was initially established based on theoretical analysis and then validated by a lab-scale deflagration experiment. The flame propagation behaviour, pressure-time history, and flame speed were compared with the experimental data, upon which a good agreement was achieved. A large-scale deflagration fire during LNG bunkering process was conducted using the model to investigate the flame development and overpressure effects. Mesh independence and time scale were tested in order to obtain the suitable grid resolution and time step. Deflagration cases with two different LNG vapour volume fractions, i.e., 10.4% and 15.0%, were simulated and compared. The one with a volume fraction of 10.4% which was around stoichiometric mixing ratio had the highest flame propagating speed. High flame velocity observed in the simulation was coupled with the thin flame front where overpressure occurred. The CFD model could capture the main features of deflagration combustion and account for LNG fire hazard which could provide an in-depth insight when dealing with complicated cases.
Low Rates of Postpartum Glucose Screening Among Indigenous and non-Indigenous Women in Australia with Gestational Diabetes
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 07-2014
DOI: 10.1007/S10995-014-1555-3
Abstract: Women with gestational diabetes have a high risk of type 2 diabetes postpartum, with Indigenous women particularly affected. This study reports postpartum diabetes screening rates among Indigenous and non-Indigenous women with gestational diabetes, in Far North Queensland, Australia. Retrospective study including 1,012 women with gestational diabetes giving birth at a regional hospital from 1/1/2004 to 31/12/2010. Data were linked between hospital records, midwives perinatal data, and laboratory results, then analysed using survival analysis and logistic regression. Indigenous women had significantly longer times to first oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) [hazards ratio (HR) 0.62, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.48-0.79, p < 0.0001) and 'any' postpartum glucose test (HR 0.81, 95 % CI 0.67-0.98, p = 0.03], compared to non-Indigenous women. Postpartum screening rates among all women were low. However, early OGTT screening rates (<6 months) were significantly lower among Indigenous women (13.6 vs. 28.3 %, p < 0.0001), leading to a persistent gap in cumulative postpartum screening rates. By 3 years postpartum, cumulative rates of receiving an OGTT, were 24.6 % (95 % CI 19.9-30.2 %) and 34.1 % (95 % CI 30.6-38.0 %) among Indigenous and non-Indigenous women, respectively. Excluding OGTTs in previous periods, few women received OGTTs at 6-24 months (7.8 vs. 6.7 %) or 2-4 years (5.2 vs. 6.5 %), among Indigenous and non-Indigenous women, respectively. Low rates of postpartum diabetes screening demonstrate that essential 'ongoing management' and 'equity' criteria for population-based screening for gestational diabetes are not being met particularly among Indigenous women, for whom recent guideline changes have specific implications. Strategies to improve postpartum screening after gestational diabetes are urgently needed.
Don’t Follow the Smoke—Listening to the Tobacco Experiences and Attitudes of Urban Aboriginal Adolescents in the Study of Environment on Aboriginal Resilience and Child Health (SEARCH)
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 04-03-2023
Abstract: Preventing smoking among young Aboriginal people is important for reducing health inequities. Multiple factors were associated with adolescent smoking in the SEARCH baseline survey (2009–12) and discussed in a follow-up qualitative study that aimed to inform prevention programs. Twelve yarning circles were facilitated by Aboriginal research staff at two NSW sites in 2019 with 32 existing SEARCH participants aged 12–28 (17 female, 15 male). Open discussion around tobacco was followed by a card sorting activity, prioritising risk and protective factors and program ideas. The age of initiation varied by generation. Older participants had established smoking in their early adolescence, whereas the current younger teens had little exposure. Some smoking commenced around high school (from Year 7), and social smoking increased at age 18. Mental and physical health, smoke-free spaces and strong connections to family, community and culture promoted non-smoking. The key themes were (1) drawing strength from culture and community (2) how the smoking environment shapes attitudes and intentions (3) non-smoking as a sign of good physical, social and emotional wellbeing and (4) the importance of in idual empowerment and engagement for being smoke-free. Programs promoting good mental health and strengthening cultural and community connections were identified as a priority for prevention.
Associations with low rates of postpartum glucose screening after gestational diabetes among Indigenous and non‐Indigenous Australian women
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2015
Abstract: To explore factors associated with postpartum glucose screening among women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM). A retrospective study using linked records from women with GDM who gave birth at Cairns Hospital in Far North Queensland, Australia, from 1 January 2004 to 31 December 2010. The rates of postpartum Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) screening, while having increased significantly among both Indigenous* and non-Indigenous women from 2004 to 2010 (HR 1.15 per year, 95%CI 1.08-1.22, p<0.0001), remain low, particularly among Indigenous women (10% versus 27%, respectively at six months postpartum). Indigenous women in Cairns had a longer time to postpartum OGTT than Indigenous women in remote areas (HR 0.58, 0.38-0.71, p=0.01). Non-Indigenous women had a longer time to postpartum OGTT if they: were born in Australia (HR 0.76, 0.59-1.00, 0.05) were aged 5 (HR 0.33, 0.12-0.90, p=0.03) smoked (HR 0.48, 0.31-0.76, p=0.001) and did not breastfeed (HR 0.09, 0.01-0.64, p=0.02). Postpartum diabetes screening rates following GDM in Far North Queensland are low, particularly among Indigenous women, with lower rates seen in the regional centre and among non-Indigenous women with indicators of low socioeconomic status. Strategies are urgently needed to improve postpartum diabetes screening after GDM that reach women most at risk.
'Next Generation Youth Well-being Study:' understanding the health and social well-being trajectories of Australian Aboriginal adolescents aged 10-24 years: Study protocol
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 03-2019
DOI: 10.1136/BMJOPEN-2018-028734
Abstract: Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander (hereafter referred to as ‘Aboriginal’) adolescents (10–24 years) experience multiple challenges to their health and well-being. However, limited evidence is available on factors influencing their health trajectories. Given the needs of this group, the young age profile of the Aboriginal population and the long-term implications of issues during adolescence, reliable longitudinal data are needed. The ‘Next Generation: Youth Well-being Study’ is a mixed-methods cohort study aiming to recruit 2250 Aboriginal adolescents aged 10–24 years from rural, remote and urban communities in Central Australia, Western Australia and New South Wales. The study assesses overall health and well-being and consists of two phases. During phase 1, we qualitatively explored the meaning of health and well-being for adolescents and accessibility of health services. During phase 2, participants are being recruited into a longitudinal cohort. Recruitment is occurring mainly through community networks and connections. At baseline, participants complete a comprehensive survey and undertake an extensive age relevant clinical assessment. Survey and clinical data will be linked to various databases including those relating to health services medication immunisation hospitalisations and emergency department presentations death registrations education child protection and corrective services. Participants will receive follow-up surveys approximately 2 years after their baseline visit. The ‘Next Generation’ study will fill important evidence gaps by providing longitudinal data on the health and social well-being of Aboriginal adolescents supplemented with narratives from participants to provide context. Ethics approvals have been sought and granted. Along with peer-reviewed publications and policy briefs, research findings will be disseminated via reports, booklets and other formats that will be most useful and informative to the participants and community organisations.
Translating evidence into practice: Implementing culturally safe continuity of midwifery care for First Nations women in three maternity services in Victoria, Australia
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2022
Fetal safety of nicotine replacement therapy in pregnancy: systematic review and meta‐analysis
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 10-2020
DOI: 10.1111/ADD.15185
Factors influencing smoking among Indigenous adolescents aged 10-24 years living in Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the United States: A systematic review
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 27-11-2020
DOI: 10.1093/NTR/NTZ219
Abstract: Smoking rates are higher among Indigenous populations in most high-income countries with initiation primarily occurring in adolescence for all population groups. This review aims to identify protective and risk factors for smoking behavior among Indigenous adolescents and young adults. We searched Medline, Embase, and Psychinfo for all original research published between January 2006 and December 2016 that reported influences on smoking for Indigenous adolescents or young adults aged 10–24 living in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the United States (US). Extracted data were coded to in idual, social, and environmental level categories using a modified Theory of Triadic Influence framework. A total of 55 studies were included, 41 were descriptive quantitative and 14 qualitative, and 26 included Indigenous participants only. The majority were from the US (32). Frequently reported influences were at the in idual and social levels such as increasing age attitudes and knowledge substance use peer and family relationships smoking norms mental health physical activity. At the environmental level, smoke-free spaces second-hand smoke exposure high community level prevalence and social marketing c aigns were also frequently reported. Some studies referenced price, access, and traditional tobacco use. Few reported historical and cultural factors. Young Indigenous people experience similar influences to other populations such as smoking among family and friends. Greater youth smoking is related to broader community level prevalence, but few studies explore the distal or historical contributing factors such as traditional tobacco use, colonization, experiences of intergenerational trauma and discrimination, or the role of cultural connection. This review identified a range of factors that influence Indigenous youth smoking and contributes to an understanding of what prevention measures may be effective. Youth tobacco use occurs alongside other substance use and may also serve as an indicator of mental health. Comprehensive community-based programs that work more broadly to address the risk factors related to tobacco, including improving youth mental health, will be important for other behaviors as well. This research highlights the importance of social influence and need for ongoing denormalization of smoking. Future Indigenous led and community owned research is needed to identify likely protective cultural factors.
CFD analysis of phase change behaviour and frost growth under various conditions using mass transfer theory
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2022
Traditional midwifery or 'wise women' models of leadership: learning from Indigenous cultures
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 09-10-2016
Abstract: This article originated in a leadership program for Indigenous 1 Australian researchers, where a participant who had worked with traditional midwives in South Sudan reflected on her experiences. While there is increasing interest in how leadership studies can learn from Indigenous leadership experiences, much of this work has focused on men’s experiences or has not paid particular attention to women’s leadership. In this article, we suggest that women’s experience as traditional midwives or ‘wise women’ has been a crucial domain of leadership over millennia. We begin by describing the features of traditional women’s leadership through midwifery before reviewing Indigenous and non-Indigenous leadership theories. Drawing on published and unpublished sources, four principles of midwifery leadership are identified: being a leader who empowers and frees others with ‘no one person wiser than the other’ embodying wisdom and ethical practice which nurtures social, cultural and spiritual needs of women and mentors the next generation by ‘walking together’ being competent and skilled as well as emotionally attuned (‘feeling the job’) to engender trust and calm which is crucial to birth, ‘depending on each other but looking to her to be in charge’ and paying attention and being responsive to emergent change and unfolding present reality rather than being prescriptive, ‘using her knowledge to adjust the situation’. While these emphases are recognisable as part of several ancient wisdom traditions, we suggest that they connect to, and have relevance for, emerging leadership thinking and practice beyond the midwifery or medical context, for men as well as women and for non-Indigenous and Indigenous leadership alike.
Staying smoke-free: Factors associated with nonsmoking among urban Aboriginal adolescents in the Study of Environment on Aboriginal Resilience and Child Health (SEARCH)
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 21-11-2021
DOI: 10.1002/HPJA.430
Abstract: To examine the factors associated with preventing regular smoking among Aboriginal adolescents. Cross‐sectional analysis of data from 106 Aboriginal adolescents aged 12‐17 years, and their caregivers, from four Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services in urban New South Wales, 2008‐2012. The relation of in idual, social, environmental and cultural factors to having ‘never’ smoked tobacco regularly was examined using Poisson regression. Overall, 83% of adolescents had never smoked regularly 13 reported current and five past smoking. Most lived in smoke‐free homes (60%) despite 75% reporting at least one current smoker caregiver. Participants were significantly more likely to have never smoked regularly if they had good mental health (PR = 1.4, 95% CI: 1.1‐1.9), their mother as their primary caregiver (1.3, 1.0‐1.6), good family relationships (1.2, 1.0‐1.5), stable housing (1.3, 1.1‐1.7), had never used alcohol (1.8, 1.3‐2.4), were not sexually active (3.1, 1.3‐ 7.2) and had no criminal justice interactions (1.8, 1.2‐2.8). Most participants lived in smoke‐free homes and the vast majority had never smoked regularly. Promoting good mental health and strengthening social connections may be protective against smoking as those experiencing less social disruption were more likely to have never smoked regularly. Smoking may be an indicator of psychosocial conditions and a prompt for screening and simultaneous treatment. Organisations should be resourced to deliver holistic adolescent health promotion programs. Programs and policies should support positive family relationships and stable housing as this may protect against the uptake of regular smoking.
Breastfeeding rates of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women in Australia: a systematic review and narrative analysis
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2022
DOI: 10.1016/J.WOMBI.2022.02.011
Abstract: Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (referred to hereafter as Aboriginal) women breastfeed at lower rates than non-Aboriginal women, and rates vary across and within Aboriginal populations. To determine rates of breastfeeding initiation and maintenance and compare in idually collected survey data with existing routinely collected state and national breastfeeding data for Aboriginal women. CINAHL, Medline, EMBASE, SCOPUS, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane library were searched for peer-reviewed literature published between 1995 and 2021. Quantitative studies written in English and reporting breastfeeding for Aboriginal women or women having an Aboriginal infant were included. Screening and quality assessment included co-screening 10% of papers. Two reviewers completed data extraction. A proportional meta-analysis was undertaken for breastfeeding initiation and narrative data synthesis used to summarise breastfeeding maintenance. The initial search identified 12,091 records, with 31 full text studies retrieved, and 27 reports from 22 studies met inclusion criteria. Breastfeeding initiation was 78% (95% CI 0.71, 0.84), however, rates were lower than non-Aboriginal women. Maintenance ranged between one week and five years. Rates and definitions varied significantly between studies, with inconsistencies in government collection and reporting of breastfeeding. Significant variation in definitions and reporting make comparisons difficult. Breastfeeding rates were below recommended targets. Future pattern and trend analyses require standardised measures and definitions. Current collection and reporting of breastfeeding data, particularly routinely collected state-based data, is inadequate to present an accurate picture of current breastfeeding in Australia for Aboriginal women and infants, and to effectively inform interventions and policies.
First Nations children are still being removed at disproportionate rates. Cultural assumptions about parenting need to change
Publisher: La Trobe
Date: 2021
DOI: 10.26181/19085429
Analytical Model for Droplet Capture on a Thin Wire
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 14-12-2022
Psychosocial interventions for supporting women to stop smoking in pregnancy
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 14-02-2017
Rural primary care workforce views on trauma‐informed care for parents experiencing complex trauma: A descriptive study
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 09-09-2023
DOI: 10.1111/AJR.12922
Abstract: An important service system for rural parents experiencing complex trauma is primary health care. To investigate workforce knowledge, attitudes and practices, and barriers and enablers to trauma-informed care in rural primary health care. This study used a descriptive, cross-sectional design. It involved an on-line survey conducted in 2021 in rural Victoria, Australia. Participants were the primary health care workforce. The main outcome measures were study-developed and included, a 21-item Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices tool, a 16-item Barriers and Enablers to Trauma-Informed Care Implementation tool, and three open-ended questions. The 63 respondents were from community health (n = 40, 63%) and child and family services (n = 23, 37%). Many (n = 43, 78%) reported undertaking trauma-informed care training at some point in their career with 32% (n = 20) during higher education. Respondents self-rated their knowledge, attitudes and practices positively. Perceived enablers were mainly positioned within the service (e.g. workforce motivation and organisational supports) and perceived barriers were largely external structural factors (e.g. availability of universal referral pathways, therapeutic-specific services). Open-ended comments were grouped into four themes: (1) Recognition and understanding (2) Access factors (3) Multidisciplinary and collaborative approaches and (4) Strengths-based and outcome-focused approaches. Primary health care is an important driver of population health and well-being and critical in rural contexts. Our findings suggest this sector needs a rural trauma-informed care implementation strategy to address structural barriers. This also requires policy and system development. Long-term investment in the rural workforce and primary care service settings is essential to integrate trauma-informed care.
A scoping review establishes need for consensus guidance on reporting health equity in observational studies
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2023
Partnerships and collaboration: implementing continuity of midwifery care for Aboriginal women in four Victorian maternity services
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2017
Psychosocial interventions for supporting women to stop smoking in pregnancy
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Date: 23-10-2013
An ‘equity’ domain could strengthen the utility of a framework for assessing care coordination for Australian Aboriginal families
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 06-2016
Abstract: Improving the health of Aboriginal people is a national priority and improving coordination of services for Aboriginal families is critical to achieving this goal. A care coordination framework has been developed from a limited range of clinical settings. We reflect on the utility of this framework for assessing service coordination for Aboriginal families in Australia. We conducted stakeholder consultation, service mapping and in-depth interviews with service providers and an Aboriginal mother, using a tool based on the framework domains. A fragmented range of services support Aboriginal families with complex and changing needs, highlighting the importance of care coordination. Relationships underpinned care coordination however, we identified few opportunities for developing relationships and several factors that undermined relationships, including unclear accountability mechanisms, resource constraints, anxiety about follow-up and transfer of information to child protection. The Care Coordination Framework enabled a ‘systems-perspective’ of the main care coordination domains for Aboriginal families from in idual experiences. However, there were some limitations in capturing subtle historical and cultural dimensions affecting care coordination in this context where health care practice in large institutions is framed by the dominant culture. An additional ‘equity’ domain would capture these dimensions, address a growing international policy challenge and strengthen the framework.
Interventions for promoting smoking cessation during pregnancy
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Date: 08-07-2009
Interventions for promoting smoking cessation during pregnancy
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Date: 18-10-2004
The decline of smoking initiation among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander secondary students: implications for future policy
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2020
Smoking behaviours and other substance use among Indigenous and non‐Indigenous Australian secondary students, 2017
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 11-08-2021
DOI: 10.1111/DAR.13130
Interventions from pregnancy to two years after birth for parents experiencing complex post-traumatic stress disorder and/or with childhood experience of maltreatment
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 04-05-2023
What evidence exists on the links between natural climate solutions and climate change mitigation outcomes in subtropical and tropical terrestrial regions? A systematic map protocol
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 19-04-2022
DOI: 10.1186/S13750-022-00268-W
Abstract: Natural climate solutions (NCS)—actions to conserve, restore, and modify natural and modified ecosystems to increase carbon storage or avoid greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions—are increasingly regarded as important pathways for climate change mitigation, while contributing to our global conservation efforts, overall planetary resilience, and sustainable development goals. Recently, projections posit that terrestrial-based NCS can potentially capture or avoid the emission of at least 11 Gt (gigatons) of carbon dioxide equivalent a year, or roughly encompassing one third of the emissions reductions needed to meet the Paris Climate Agreement goals by 2030. NCS interventions also purport to provide co-benefits such as improved productivity and livelihoods from sustainable natural resource management, protection of locally and culturally important natural areas, and downstream climate adaptation benefits. Attention on implementing NCS to address climate change across global and national agendas has grown—however, clear understanding of which types of NCS interventions have undergone substantial study versus those that require additional evidence is still lacking. This study aims to conduct a systematic map to collate and describe the current state, distribution, and methods used for evidence on the links between NCS interventions and climate change mitigation outcomes within tropical and sub-tropical terrestrial ecosystems. Results of this study can be used to inform program and policy design and highlight critical knowledge gaps where future evaluation, research, and syntheses are needed. To develop this systematic map, we will search two bibliographic databases (including 11 indices) and 67 organization websites, backward citation chase from 39 existing evidence syntheses, and solicit information from key informants. All searches will be conducted in English and encompass subtropical and tropical terrestrial ecosystems (forests, grasslands, mangroves, agricultural areas). Search results will be screened at title and abstract, and full text levels, recording both the number of excluded articles and reasons for exclusion. Key meta-data from included articles will be coded and reported in a narrative review that will summarize trends in the evidence base, assess gaps in knowledge, and provide insights for policy, practice, and research. The data from this systematic map will be made open access.
Diabetes prevalence and determinants in adults in China mainland from 2000 to 2010: A systematic review
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2012
DOI: 10.1016/J.DIABRES.2012.05.010
Abstract: To systematically review trends in diabetes mellitus (DM) prevalence in adults in China over the last 10 years and to identify the determinants of these trends. A systematic search was conducted for studies published between 2000 and 2010. Studies reporting DM prevalence were included if they met the pre-determined criteria. The prevalence estimates and reported determinants of these studies were compared. Twenty-five manuscripts, reporting on 22 studies, were selected for inclusion in the review. There has been an increase in DM prevalence from 2.6% to 9.7% in China over the past decade. DM prevalence is strongly associated with age and is higher in urban residents compared with rural populations. Some studies found a difference in DM prevalence between males and females, but this finding was not consistent. Other commonly reported associations with DM included family history, obesity and hypertension. Over the period of 2000-2010, we identify a significant increase in DM prevalence at the national level. It is important for all levels of government to develop more effective strategies to prevent and manage this rising diabetes epidemic. There is also an important need for more large-scale studies of diabetes in the western and central regions of China.
Efficacy and safety of nicotine replacement therapy for smoking cessation in pregnancy: systematic review and meta-analysis
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 04-11-2010
DOI: 10.1111/J.1360-0443.2010.03179.X
Abstract: To determine the efficacy and safety of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) with or without behavioural support when used to support smoking cessation in pregnancy. A systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in which NRT was used with or without behavioural support to promote smoking cessation trials providing unequal behavioural support to different trial groups were excluded. self-reported smoking cessation in later pregnancy, validated where possible by biochemical measures with appropriate cut-points infants' safety: mean and low birth weights (LBW), preterm birth, fetal demise and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admissions. Five trials, enrolling 695 pregnant, regular smokers were included in the review. The pooled risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence Interval (CI) for smoking cessation in later pregnancy after using NRT was 1.63 (0.85, 3.14). Subgroup analysis comparing studies at lower risk of bias (placebo-RCTs) with those at higher risk of bias (non-placebo-RCTs) found that efficacy estimates varied with trial design [RR (95% CI) for cessation in placebo-RCTs 1.17 (0.83, 1.65) versus 7.81 (1.51, 40.35) for non-placebo-RCTs]. Five of the seven safety outcomes were more positive among infants born to women who had used NRT, but none of the observed differences between trial groups reached statistical significance. There is currently insufficient evidence to determine whether or not nicotine replacement therapy is effective or safe when used in pregnancy for smoking cessation further research and, in particular, placebo-randomized controlled trials are required.
Family-centred interventions for Indigenous early childhood well-being by primary healthcare services
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 13-12-2022
Murru Minya–informing the development of practical recommendations to support ethical conduct in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health research: a protocol for a national mixed-methods study
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 02-2023
DOI: 10.1136/BMJOPEN-2022-067054
Abstract: Conducting ethical and high-quality health research is crucial for informing public health policy and service delivery to reduce the high and inequitable burden of disease experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Ethical guidelines and principles specifically for health research with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have been developed for use since 1987. However, there has been limited examination of how these are being applied to the conduct of research. Murru Minya will be a large-scale national study to examine the implementation of ethical processes in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health research. A mixed-methods design will be used in four baarra (steps). The first three baarra will collect knowledge, experiences and wisdom from three key groups: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, research academics, and Human Research Ethics Committees using online surveys, yarning, and semistructured interviews. This knowledge will inform the final baarra of developing a set of practical recommendations to support ethical conduct in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health research into the future. Ethical approval for this research project has been granted by National, State and Territory Human Research Ethics Committees. This research has been developed in collaboration with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researchers, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation representatives, Aboriginal community members, the National Health Leadership Forum, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander research team. The knowledge translation plan will be integrated and revised throughout the project as partnerships and engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities continue. All findings will be shared with peak Aboriginal research bodies and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in ways that are meaningful to them.
Community Perspectives of Complex Trauma Assessment for Aboriginal Parents: ‘Its Important, but How These Discussions Are Held Is Critical’
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 15-09-2020
Decolonising qualitative research with respectful, reciprocal, and responsible research practice: a narrative review of the application of Yarning method in qualitative Aboriginal and Torres Strait Is
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 13-09-2022
DOI: 10.1186/S12939-022-01738-W
Abstract: Indigenous academics have advocated for the use and validity of Indigenous methodologies and methods to centre Indigenous ways of knowing, being and doing in research. Yarning is the most reported Indigenous method used in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander qualitative health research. Despite this, there has been no critical analysis of how Yarning methods are applied to research conduct and particularly how they privilege Indigenous peoples. To investigate how researchers are applying Yarning method to health research and examine the role of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researchers in the Yarning process as reported in health publications. Narrative review of qualitative studies. Lowitja Institute LitSearch January 2008 to December 2021 to access all literature reporting on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health research in the PubMed database. A subset of extracted data was used for this review to focus on qualitative publications that reported using Yarning methods. Thematic analysis was conducted using hybrid of inductive and deductive coding. Initial analysis involved independent coding by two authors, with checking by a third member. Once codes were developed and agreed, the remaining publications were coded and checked by a third team member. Forty-six publications were included for review. Yarning was considered a culturally safe data collection process that privileges Indigenous knowledge systems. Details of the Yarning processes and team positioning were vague. Some publications offered a more comprehensive description of the research team, positioning and demonstrated reflexive practice. Training and experience in both qualitative and Indigenous methods were often not reported. Only 11 publications reported being Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander led. Half the publications reported Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander involvement in data collection, and 24 reported involvement in analysis. Details regarding the role and involvement of study reference or advisory groups were limited. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be at the forefront of Indigenous research. While Yarning method has been identified as a legitimate research method to decolonising research practice, it must be followed and reported accurately. Researcher reflexivity and positioning, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ownership, stewardship and custodianship of data collected were significantly under detailed in the publications included in our review. Journals and other establishments should review their processes to ensure necessary details are reported in publications and engage Indigenous Editors and peer reviewers to uphold respectful, reciprocal, responsible and ethical research practice.
Koori Quit Pack mailout smoking cessation support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who smoke
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 10-2022
DOI: 10.1136/BMJOPEN-2022-065316
Abstract: Smoking remains the leading preventable cause of death for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australia. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who smoke are more likely to make a quit attempt than their non-Aboriginal counterparts but less likely to sustain the quit attempt. There is little available evidence specifically for and by Indigenous peoples to inform best practice smoking cessation care. The provision of a free Koori Quit Pack with optional nicotine replacement therapy sent by mail may be a feasible, acceptable and effective way to access stop smoking support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. An Aboriginal-led, multisite non-randomised single-group, pre–post feasibility study across three states in Australia will be conducted. Participants will be recruited via service-targeted social media advertising and during usual care at their Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services. Through a process of self-referral, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who smoke daily will complete a survey and receive mailout smoking cessation support. Data will be collected over the phone by an Aboriginal Research Assistant. This pilot study will inform the development of a larger, powered trial. Ethics approval has been obtained from the Aboriginal Health & Medical Research Council Ethics Committee of New South Wales (NSW) (#1894/21) and the University of Newcastle (#H-2022-0174). Findings will be reported through peer-reviewed journals and presentations at relevant local, national and international conferences. The findings will be shared with the NSW and Victoria Quitline, Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council and Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation and the National Heart Foundation. ACTRN12622000654752.
Family-centred interventions by primary healthcare services for Indigenous early childhood wellbeing in Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United States: a systematic scoping review
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 21-02-2017
Diabetes in pregnancy among indigenous women in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United States: A method for systematic review of studies with different designs
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-2011
Can Cochrane Reviews inform decisions to improve indigenous people's health?
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Date: 04-08-2015
Factors associated with breastfeeding initiation and maintenance for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women in Australia: A systematic review and narrative analysis.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2022
DOI: 10.1016/J.WOMBI.2022.06.012
Abstract: Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (hereafter referred to as Aboriginal) women breastfeed at lower rates than non-Aboriginal women. Little is known about factors associated with breastfeeding specific to Aboriginal women and infants. Determine the protective and risk factors associated with breastfeeding for Aboriginal women in Australia. CINAHL, Medline, EMBASE, SCOPUS, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane library were searched for peer-reviewed literature published between 1995 and 2021. Quantitative studies written in English reporting protective and risk factors associated with breastfeeding for Aboriginal women or women having an Aboriginal infant were included. Ten percent of papers were co-screened, and two reviewers completed data extraction. Narrative data synthesis was used. The initial search identified 12,091 records, with 31 full text studies retrieved, and 17 reports from 14 studies met inclusion criteria. Protective factors included living in a remote area, attending an Aboriginal-specific service, attending a regional service, higher levels of education attainment, increased maternal age, living in larger households, being partnered, and having a higher reported number of stressful events and social health issues. The identified risk factors were smoking in pregnancy, admission to SCN or NICU, and being multiparous. This review identified factors associated with breastfeeding for Aboriginal women. Government focus, support, and consistent funding are required to plan and implement evidence-based interventions and services for Aboriginal women and infants in urban, rural, remote, and very remote locations. Rigorous research is required to understand the Aboriginal-specific factors associated with breastfeeding to improve rates and health outcomes for Aboriginal women and infants.
You Can't Replace That Feeling of Connection to Culture and Country: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Parents' Experiences of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 13-12-2022
Abstract: This Aboriginal-led study explores Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parents’ experiences of COVID-19. 110 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parents were interviewed between October 2020 and March 2022. Participants were recruited through community networks and partner health services in South Australia, Victoria, and Northern Territory, Australia. Participants were predominantly female (89%) and based in Victoria (47%) or South Australia (45%). Inductive thematic analysis identified three themes: (1) Changes to daily living (2) Impact on social and emotional wellbeing and (3) Disconnection from family, community, and culture. COVID-19 impacted Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families. Disruption to cultural practice, and disconnection from country, family, and community was detrimental to wellbeing. These impacts aggravated pre-existing inequalities and may continue to have greater impact on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parents and communities due to intergenerational trauma, stemming from colonisation, violence and dispossession and ongoing systemic racism. We advocate for the development of a framework that ensures an equitable approach to future public health responses for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Routinely collected infant feeding data: Time for global action
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 21-05-2018
DOI: 10.1111/MCN.12616
Exploring the Reported Strengths and Limitations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Research: A Narrative Review of Intervention Studies
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 23-02-2023
Abstract: High quality intervention research is needed to inform evidence-based practice and policy for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. We searched for studies published from 2008–2020 in the PubMed database. A narrative review of intervention literature was conducted, where we identified researcher reported strengths and limitations of their research practice. A total of 240 studies met inclusion criteria which were categorised as evaluations, trials, pilot interventions or implementation studies. Reported strengths included community engagement and partnerships s le qualities Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander involvement in research culturally appropriate and safe research practice capacity building efforts providing resources or reducing costs for services and communities understanding local culture and context and appropriate timelines for completion. Reported limitations included difficulties achieving the target s le size inadequate time insufficient funding and resources limited capacity of health workers and services and inadequate community involvement and communication issues. This review highlights that community consultation and leadership coupled with appropriate time and funding, enables Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health intervention research to be conducted. These factors can enable effective intervention research, and consequently can help improve health and wellbeing outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Healing the Past by Nurturing the Future—co-designing perinatal strategies for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parents experiencing complex trauma: framework and protocol for a community-based p
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 06-2019
DOI: 10.1136/BMJOPEN-2018-028397
Abstract: Child maltreatment and other traumatic events can have serious long-term physical, social and emotional effects, including a cluster of distress symptoms recognised as ‘complex trauma’. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (Aboriginal) people are also affected by legacies of historical trauma and loss. Trauma responses may be triggered during the transition to parenting in the perinatal period. Conversely, becoming a parent offers a unique life-course opportunity for healing and prevention of intergenerational transmission of trauma. This paper outlines a conceptual framework and protocol for an Aboriginal-led, community-based participatory action research (action research) project which aims to co-design safe, acceptable and feasible perinatal awareness, recognition, assessment and support strategies for Aboriginal parents experiencing complex trauma. This formative research project is being conducted in three Australian jurisdictions (Northern Territory, South Australia and Victoria) with key stakeholders from all national jurisdictions. Four action research cycles incorporate mixed methods research activities including evidence reviews, parent and service provider discussion groups, development and psychometric evaluation of a recognition and assessment process and drafting proposals for pilot, implementation and evaluation. Reflection and planning stages of four action research cycles will be undertaken in four key stakeholder workshops aligned with the first four Intervention Mapping steps to prepare programme plans. Ethics and dissemination protocols are consistent with the National Health and Medical Research Council Indigenous Research Excellence criteria of engagement, benefit, transferability and capacity-building. A conceptual framework has been developed to promote the application of core values of safety, trustworthiness, empowerment, collaboration, culture, holism, compassion and reciprocity. These include related principles and accompanying reflective questions to guide research decisions.
Community perspectives on delivering trauma-aware and culturally safe perinatal care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parents
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2023
DOI: 10.1016/J.WOMBI.2022.07.174
Abstract: Since colonisation, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have experienced violence, loss of land, ongoing discrimination and increased exposure to traumatic events. These include adverse childhood experiences which can lead to complex trauma, and are associated with increased incidence of high-risk pregnancies, birth complications and emergence of post-traumatic symptoms during the perinatal period, potentially impacting parenting and leading to intergenerational trauma. The perinatal period offers unique opportunities for processing experiences of trauma and healing yet can also be a time when parents experience complex trauma-related distress. Therefore, it is essential that trauma-aware culturally safe perinatal care is accessible to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parents. This study aimed to understand community perspectives of what 'trauma-aware culturally safe perinatal care' would look like for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parents. Data were collected during a workshop held with predominantly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander key stakeholders to co-design strategies to foster trauma-aware culturally safe perinatal care. Data were thematically analysed. Four overarching themes represent proposed goals for trauma-aware culturally safe care: Authentic partnerships that are nurtured and invested in to provide the foundations of care a skilled workforce educated in trauma awareness empowering and compassionate care for building trust and safe and accessible environments to facilitate parent engagement. Provision of trauma-aware culturally safe care achieving these goals is likely to enable parents experiencing complex trauma to access appropriate support and care to foster healing in the critical perinatal period.
Breaking the cycle of trauma – Koori parenting what works for us
Publisher: La Trobe
Date: 2020
The prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women in Australia: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 03-2015
DOI: 10.1002/DMRR.2570
Abstract: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is an important and increasing health problem. This study aims to investigate and explain the marked variation in reported GDM prevalence among Australian Indigenous women. We searched five databases to August 2013 for studies of GDM prevalence two people independently assessed search results, extracted data, and appraised risk of bias. Meta-analysis was conducted, and between-study heterogeneity examined using subgroup analyses. Within-study findings were synthesized narratively. The pooled GDM prevalence from 23 of the 25 total studies (5.74%, 4.78-6.71) was similar to that reported in national studies, but heterogeneity was substantial (I(2) = 97%), making conclusions from between-study comparisons difficult. The greatest reductions in heterogeneity were seen within subgroups using localized diagnostic criteria (I(2) = 43%, 3 studies), universal screening (I(2) = 58%) and some jurisdictions, probably reflecting proxy measures of increased consistency in diagnostic and screening methods. Insufficient data were available to assess the effect of factors such as rurality, diagnostic criteria, study design and data sources on prevalence. Synthesis of within-study findings showed: higher age-adjusted prevalences of GDM in Indigenous versus non-Indigenous women Indigenous women have greater increases in prevalence with maternal age and non-Indigenous women appear to have a steeper increase in GDM prevalence over time. Prevalence increased almost fourfold in two studies following introduction of universal screening when compared with selective risk-based screening, although numbers were small. The published GDM prevalence among Indigenous women varies markedly, probably due to variation in diagnostic and screening practices.
Pharmacological interventions for promoting smoking cessation during pregnancy
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Date: 12-09-2012
Improving Social Justice in COVID-19 Health Research: Interim Guidelines for Reporting Health Equity in Observational Studies
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 04-09-2021
Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the global imperative to address health inequities. Observational studies are a valuable source of evidence for real-world effects and impacts of implementing COVID-19 policies on the redistribution of inequities. We assembled a erse global multi-disciplinary team to develop interim guidance for improving transparency in reporting health equity in COVID-19 observational studies. We identified 14 areas in the STROBE (Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology) checklist that need additional detail to encourage transparent reporting of health equity. We searched for ex les of COVID-19 observational studies that analysed and reported health equity analysis across one or more social determinants of health. We engaged with Indigenous stakeholders and others groups experiencing health inequities to co-produce this guidance and to bring an intersectional lens. Taking health equity and social determinants of health into account contributes to the clinical and epidemiological understanding of the disease, identifying specific needs and supporting decision-making processes. Stakeholders are encouraged to consider using this guidance on observational research to help provide evidence to close the inequitable gaps in health outcomes.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Women’s Access to and Interest in mHealth: National Web-based Cross-sectional Survey
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 06-03-2023
DOI: 10.2196/42660
Abstract: Health programs delivered through digital devices such as mobile phones (mobile health [mHealth]) have become an increasingly important component of the health care tool kit. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women of reproductive age are likely to be caring for children and family members and needing health care, but little is known about their access to and interest in mHealth. The objectives of this study were to investigate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women’s ownership of digital devices, access to the internet, current mHealth use, and interest and preferences for future mHealth. We examined the factors (age, remoteness, caring for a child younger than 5 years, and level of education) associated with the ownership of digital devices, use of internet, and interest in using a mobile phone to improve health. This study also examines if women are more likely to use mHealth for topics that they are less confident to talk about face-to-face with a health professional. A national web-based cross-sectional survey targeting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women of reproductive age (16-49 years) was performed. Descriptive statistics were reported, and logistic regressions were used to examine the associations. In total, 379 women completed the survey 89.2% (338/379) owned a smartphone, 53.5% (203/379) a laptop or home computer, 35.6% (135/379) a tablet, and 93.1% (353/379) had access to the internet at home. Most women used social media (337/379, 88.9%) or the internet (285/379, 75.2%) everyday. The most common modality used on the mobile phone for health was Google (232/379, 61.2%), followed by social media (195/379, 51.5%). The most preferred modality for future programs was SMS text messaging (211/379, 55.7%) and social media (195/379, 51.4%). The most preferred topics for future mHealth programs were healthy eating (210/379, 55.4%) and cultural engagement (205/379, 54.1%). Women who were younger had greater odds of owning a smartphone, and women with tertiary education were more likely to own a tablet or laptop. Older age was associated with interest to use telehealth, and higher educational attainment was associated with interest for videoconferencing. Most women (269/379, 70.9%) used an Aboriginal medical service and overall reported high rates of confidence to discuss health topics with a health professional. Overall, women showed a similar likelihood of selecting a topic in mHealth whether they were or were not confident to talk to a health professional about that. Our study found that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women were avid users of the internet and had strong interest in mHealth. Future mHealth programs for these women should consider utilizing SMS text messaging and social media modalities and including content on nutrition and culture. A noteworthy limitation of this study was that participant recruitment was web-based (due to COVID-19 restrictions).
Paths to improving care of Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women following gestational diabetes
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 17-07-2017
DOI: 10.1017/S1463423617000305
Abstract: To understand enablers and barriers influencing postpartum screening for type 2 diabetes following gestational diabetes in Australian Indigenous women and how screening might be improved. Australian Indigenous women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are less likely than other Australian women to receive postpartum diabetes screening. This is despite a fourfold higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes within eight years postpartum. We conducted interviews with seven Indigenous women with previous GDM, focus groups with 20 Indigenous health workers and workshops with 24 other health professionals. Data collection included brainstorming, visualisation, sorting and prioritising activities. Data were analysed thematically using the Theoretical Domains Framework. Barriers are presented under the headings of ‘capability’, ‘motivation’ and ‘opportunity’. Enabling strategies are presented under ‘intervention’ and ‘policy’ headings. Participants generated 28 enabling environmental, educational and incentive interventions, and service provision, communication, guideline, persuasive and fiscal policies to address barriers to screening and improve postpartum support for women. The highest priorities included providing holistic social support, culturally appropriate resources, improving Indigenous workforce involvement and establishing structured follow-up systems. Understanding Indigenous women’s perspectives, developing strategies with health workers and action planning with other health professionals can generate context-relevant feasible strategies to improve postpartum care after GDM. Importantly, we need evidence which can demonstrate whether the strategies are effective.
Smoking cessation support strategies for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women of reproductive age: findings from the Which Way? study
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 17-07-2022
DOI: 10.5694/MJA2.51631
Abstract: To identify smoking cessation support strategies that resonate with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women. A national cross-sectional survey of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women aged 16-49 years who were smokers or ex-smokers was conducted online during the period July to October 2020. Preferred strategies, providers and locations for smoking cessation support. Among a total of 428 women who participated in the survey, group-based support and holistic support were the most preferred strategies (preferred by 31.8% and 22.2% of women, respectively). Use of an Aboriginal health service was positively associated with choosing holistic support programs (prevalence ratio, 1.14 [95% CI, ≥ 1.00-1.28]). Women with high or moderate nicotine dependency were more likely to consider group-based support to be helpful (prevalence ratio, 1.13 [95% CI, ≥ 1.00-1.27]) than those with low nicotine dependency. The most preferred providers for smoking cessation support were Aboriginal health workers (64.3%). Most women (73.4%) preferred face-to-face support at an Aboriginal health service, 38.8% preferred online support and 34.8% preferred phone support. A higher percentage of older women (≥ 35 years) preferred online or phone support (prevalence ratio, 1.70 [95% CI, 1.03-2.80]) compared with younger women (16-20 years). Use of an Aboriginal health service was positively associated with preference for an Aboriginal health worker (prevalence ratio, 1.35 [95% CI, 1.12-1.62]), and receiving face-to-face support at an Aboriginal health service (prevalence ratio, 1.28 [95% CI, 1.10-1.49]). Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women prefer a range of cessation supports, with most women preferring group support and holistic approaches. Cessation supports that resonated with women varied by age, remoteness, nicotine dependence, and whether participants used an Aboriginal health service. Women want support to quit smoking from the Aboriginal health workers at their Aboriginal health service, at their health care providers and in their community. Comprehensive, multifaceted supports are required. Online support and phone-based support are also preferred by some women, which helps to increase accessibility. Appropriate models of care - including sufficient funding for Aboriginal health services and Aboriginal health workers - are required and should be developed in partnership with communities to implement meaningful and culturally safe cessation care. This research demonstrates the need for and importance of multifaceted, comprehensive cessation support strategies.
Prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus among Indigenous women and comparison with non-Indigenous Australian women: 1990-2009
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 29-04-2014
DOI: 10.1111/AJO.12213
Abstract: Evidence on long-term trends in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) prevalence in Australia is lacking. To assess and compare trends in GDM prevalence among Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australian women. Analysis of crude and age-adjusted GDM prevalence over time by Indigenous status and age, using routinely collected midwives data from Australian states and territories on mothers giving birth from 1990 to 2009. Despite considerable data variation, particularly in 1990-1999, and likely underestimation of GDM prevalence, crude and age-adjusted GDM prevalences were higher in Indigenous than non-Indigenous women at all time-points (4.7% vs 3.1% in 1990-1999 5.1% vs 4.5% in 2000-2009, P < 0.0001). Data variability precluded quantitative assessment of trends and changes in prevalence ratios before 2000. From 2000 to 2009, GDM prevalence increased significantly among Indigenous women by a mean 2.6% annually (Ptrend <0.0001), and non-Indigenous women by 3.2% annually (Ptrend <0.0001), with no significant trend in the age-adjusted Indigenous/non-Indigenous prevalence ratios (PR) (P = 0.34). GDM prevalence increased significantly with age (P < 0.0001), although the increase with age was significantly greater among Indigenous women (PR 5.34 (4.94-5.77), ≥35 vs <25 years) compared to non-Indigenous women (PR 3.72 (3.64-3.81), ≥35 vs <25 years), Pinteraction <0.0001. Bearing data quality concerns in mind, GDM prevalence is increasing rapidly among Australian women, more than doubling in non-Indigenous women between 1990 and 2009. Prevalence is consistently higher in Indigenous versus non-Indigenous women, with statistically consistent differences between the groups in recent years. The marked increase in prevalence with age highlights an important period for prevention, particularly for Indigenous women.
Smoking and quitting characteristics of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women of reproductive age: findings from the Which Way? study
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 17-07-2022
DOI: 10.5694/MJA2.51630
Abstract: To describe smoking characteristics, quitting behaviour and other factors associated with longest quit attempt and the use of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) and stop-smoking medication (SSM) in a population of Indigenous Australian women of reproductive age. A national cross-sectional survey of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women aged 16-49 years who were smokers or ex-smokers was conducted online during the period July to October 2020. Quitting experience: attempt to cut down, time since last quit attempt, longest period without smoking, attempt to cut down during last quit attempt, any use of NRT and/or SSM. Most of the 428 participating women (302 [70.6%]) reported using an Aboriginal health service. Younger women (16-20-year-olds) smoked fewer cigarettes daily (24/42 [57.1%], 0-5 cigarettes per day), waited longer to smoke after waking (20/42 [47.6%], > 60 minutes after waking), and were categorised as low smoking dependency compared with those aged 35 years and over. One-third of women (153 [35.7%]) had ever used NRT and/or SSM. A greater proportion of older women (35-49-year-olds) had sustained a quit attempt for years (62/149 [45.6%]) and reported trying NRT and/or SSM (78/149 [52.4%]) than women in younger age groups. Quitting suddenly rather than gradually was significantly associated with sustained abstinence (prevalence ratio, 1.27 [95% CI, 1.10-1.48]). Among women who had never used NRT or SSM, most (219/275 [79.6%]) reported reasons for this in the category of attitudes and beliefs. NRT and SSM use was also more likely among women who were confident talking to their doctor about quitting (odds ratio, 2.50 [95% CI, 1.23-5.10]) and those who received most of their information from a health professional (odds ratio, 1.71 [95% CI, 1.11-2.63]). Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women want to quit smoking and are making attempts to quit. Quitting suddenly, rather than reducing cigarette consumption, is associated with increased sustained abstinence. Health providers can enable access and uptake of NRT and/or SSM and should recognise that NRT and/or SSM use may change over time. Consistent messaging, frequent offers of smoking cessation support, and access to a range of smoking cessation supports should be provided to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women to enable them to be smoke-free.
Donor-derived organ transplant transmission of coccidioidomycosis
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 18-12-2011
The effect of childhood maltreatment on adult survivors’ parental reflective function, and attachment of their children: A systematic review
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 13-04-2023
DOI: 10.1017/S0954579423000391
Abstract: Parental reflective function (PRF) is a candidate mechanism in the transmission of intergenerational trauma. This systematic review examined (1) the association between parental history of childhood maltreatment and PRF, (2) how PRF relates to attachment in children of parent survivors, and (3) whether PRF moderates the association between parental maltreatment history and child attachment. Ten databases were searched (from inception to 10 th November 2021). Inclusion criteria were primary study, quantitative, parent participants, measures of childhood maltreatment, and postnatal PRF. Exclusion criteria were qualitative, intervention follow-up, gray literature, or a review study. Risk of bias was assessed using recommended tools. Data were narratively synthesized. One-thousand-and-two articles were retrieved, of which eleven met inclusion criteria ( N = 974 participants). Four studies found a significant association between parental childhood maltreatment and disrupted PRF, six did not, one found mixed results. One study reported the association between childhood maltreatment and attachment (nonsignificant results). There is no clear evidence PRF is routinely disrupted in parent survivors, though there is high heterogeneity in studies. Future research should standardize design to better understand whether PRF is a candidate mechanism in intergenerational trauma. PROSPERO CRD42020223594
Prevalence of HIV among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2017
DOI: 10.1071/SH16013
Abstract: Background Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders (Aboriginal) are Australia’s first peoples. Between 2006 and 2015, HIV notifications increased among Aboriginal people however, among non-Aboriginal people, notifications remained relatively stable. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to examine the prevalence of HIV among Aboriginal people overall and by subgroups. Methods: In November 2015, a search of PubMed and Web of Science, grey literature and abstracts from conferences was conducted. A study was included if it reported the number of Aboriginal people tested and those who tested positive for HIV. The following variables were extracted: gender Aboriginal status population group (men who have sex with men, people who inject drugs, adults, youth in detention and pregnant females) and geographical location. An assessment of between study heterogeneity (I2 test) and within study bias (selection, measurement and s le size) was also conducted. Results: Seven studies were included all were cross-sectional study designs. The overall s le size was 3772 and the prevalence of HIV was 0.1% (I2 = 38.3%, P = 0.136). Five studies included convenient s les of people attending Australian Needle and Syringe Program Centres, clinics, hospitals and a youth detention centre, increasing the potential of selection bias. Four studies had a s le size, thus decreasing the ability to report pooled estimates. Conclusions: The prevalence of HIV among Aboriginal people in Australia is low. Community-based programs that include both prevention messages for those at risk of infection and culturally appropriate clinical management and support for Aboriginal people living with HIV are needed to prevent HIV increasing among Aboriginal people.
Related Organisations
Department Of Health, State Government Of Victoria
Location: No location found
Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation
Location: Australia
Related Funding Activities
Victorian Public Health Training Scheme
Start Date: 2003
End Date: 2005
Funder: Department of Health, Victorian State Government
View Funded ActivityUnderstanding Gestational Diabetes Among Aboriginal And Torres Strait Islander Women
Start Date: 2010
End Date: 2014
Funder: National Health and Medical Research Council
View Funded ActivityInterventions To Promote Smoking Cessation In Pregnancy
Start Date: 2009
End Date: 2009
Funder: Department of Health and Ageing, Australian Government
View Funded ActivityPsychosocial Interventions For Supporting Women To Stop Smoking In Pregnancy
Start Date: 2013
End Date: 2013
Funder: Department of Health and Ageing, Australian Government
View Funded ActivityInterventions For Supporting Women To Stop Smoking In Pregnancy
Start Date: 2012
End Date: 2012
Funder: World Health Organization
View Funded ActivityImproving The Health Of Aboriginal Mothers And Babies Through Continuity Of Midwife Care
Start Date: 2015
End Date: 2018
Funder: National Health and Medical Research Council
View Funded ActivityReducing Cardiometabolic Risk Among Aboriginal And Torres Strait Islander Mothers
Start Date: 2015
End Date: 2018
Funder: National Health and Medical Research Council
View Funded ActivityPsychosocial Interventions For Supporting Women To Stop Smoking In Pregnancy
Start Date: 2016
End Date: 2016
Funder: National Institute for Health Research
View Funded ActivityDiscovery Indigenous - Grant ID: IN230100037
Start Date: 12-2023
End Date: 12-2026
Amount: $777,776.00
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded ActivityLinkage Projects - Grant ID: LP220100006
Start Date: 02-2024
End Date: 02-2027
Amount: $319,981.00
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded Activity