Jayne Lucke

A longitudinal study of the bi-directional relationship between tobacco smoking and psychological distress in a community sample of young Australian women

Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)

Date: 19-10-2011

DOI: 10.1017/S0033291711002261

Abstract: Tobacco smoking and poor mental health are both prevalent and detrimental health problems in young women. The temporal relationship between the two variables is unclear. We investigated the prospective bi-directional relationship between smoking and mental health over 13 years. Participants were a randomly selected community s le of 10 012 young women with no experience of pregnancy, aged 18–23 years at baseline (1996) from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health. Follow-up surveys over 13 years were completed in 2000, 2003, 2006 and 2009, allowing for five waves of data. Measures included self-reported smoking and mental health measured by the Mental Health Index from the 36-item short-form health questionnaire and the 10-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. Sociodemographic control variables included marital status, education level and employment status. A strong cross-sectional dose–response relationship between smoking and poor mental health was found at each wave [odds ratio (OR) 1.41, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.17–1.70 to OR 2.27, 95% CI 1.82–2.81]. Longitudinal results showed that women who smoked had 1.21 (95% CI 1.06–1.39) to 1.62 (95% CI 1.24–2.11) times higher odds of having poor mental health at subsequent waves. Women with poor mental health had 1.12 (95% CI 1.17–1.20) to 2.11 (95% CI 1.68–2.65) times higher odds of smoking at subsequent waves. These results held after adjusting for mental health history and smoking history and sociodemographic factors. Correlation analysis and structural equation modelling results were consistent in showing that both directions of the relationship were statistically significant. The association between poor mental health and smoking in young women appeared to be bi-directional.

Recruiting young women for health surveys: traditional random sampling methods are not cost‐effective

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 10-2014

DOI: 10.1111/1753-6405.12281

Infertility in Australia circa 1980: an historical population perspective on the uptake of fertility treatment by Australian women born in 1946‐51

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 12-2009

DOI: 10.1111/J.1753-6405.2009.00445.X

Abstract: To estimate the prevalence of lifetime infertility in Australian women born in 1946-51 and examine their uptake of treatment. Participants in the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health born in 1946-51 (n=13,715) completed up to four mailed surveys from 1996 to 2004. The odds of infertility were estimated using logistic regression with adjustment for socio-demographic and reproductive factors. Among participants, 92.1% had been pregnant. For women who had been pregnant (n=12738): 56.5% had at least one birth but no pregnancy loss (miscarriage and/or termination) 39.9% experienced both birth and loss and 3.6% had a loss only. The lifetime prevalence of infertility was 11.0%. Among women who reported infertility (n=1511), 41.7% used treatment. Women had higher odds of infertility when they had reproductive histories of losses only (OR range 9.0-43.5) or had never been pregnant (OR=15.7, 95%CI 11.8-20.8) and higher odds for treatment: losses only (OR range 2.5-9.8) or never pregnant (1.96, 1.28-3.00). Women who delayed their first birth until aged 30+ years had higher odds of treatment (OR range 3.2-4.3). About one in ten women experienced infertility and almost half used some form of treatment, especially those attempting pregnancy after 1980. Older first time mothers had an increased uptake of treatment as assisted reproductive technologies (ART) developed. This study provided evidence of the early uptake of treatment prior to 1979 when the national register of invasive ART was developed and later uptake prior to 1998 when data on non-invasive ART were first collected.

Public Attitudes Toward the Treatment of Nicotine Addiction

Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)

Date: 18-03-2013

DOI: 10.1093/NTR/NTT037

Abstract: The increasing use of medications for smoking cessation has concerned some commentators, who believe that emphasizing medications for smoking cessation may lead to a belief that there are "magic bullets" for nicotine dependence, or alternatively that unassisted quitting is very difficult, thereby discouraging such quit attempts. There is little evidence on which to test these speculations. This article aims to address this gap by examining public understandings of nicotine addiction in order to assess the extent to which medical explanations of smoking have permeated public beliefs about treatments for smoking cessation. Interviews were conducted with a representative s le of 55 members of the Australian public that included smokers, ex-smokers, and nonsmokers. The data were analyzed using a standard content analytic method to identify recurrent themes. The results revealed that although pharmacological cessation aids were the most commonly mentioned method for quitting, they were often recommended alongside methods such as behavioral strategies or counseling. Unassisted quitting was mentioned frequently, but there were mixed views on its effectiveness. Seeing a doctor was rarely recommended. Two common themes were that smokers had to "really want to quit," and that the best treatment method would depend on the in idual. Medical discourse of smoking cessation does not dominate public understandings of smoking cessation. Rather, ideas about in idual choice, motivation, and willpower are emphasized.

The value and pitfalls of speculation about science and technology in bioethics: the case of cognitive enhancement

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Date: 09-01-2014

DOI: 10.1007/S11019-013-9539-4

Abstract: In the debate on the ethics of the non-medical use of pharmaceuticals for cognitive performance enhancement in healthy in iduals there is a clear ision between those who view "cognitive enhancement" as ethically unproblematic and those who see such practices as fraught with ethical problems. Yet another, more subtle issue, relates to the relevance and quality of the contribution of scholarly bioethics to this debate. More specifically, how have various forms of speculation, anticipatory ethics, and methods to predict scientific trends and societal responses augmented or diminished this contribution? In this paper, we use the discussion of the ethics of cognitive enhancement to explore the positive and negative contribution of speculation in bioethics scholarship. First, we review and discuss how speculation has relied on different sets of assumptions regarding the non-medical use of stimulants, namely: (1) terminology and framing (2) scientific aspects such as efficacy and safety (3) estimates of prevalence and consequent normalization and (4) the need for normative reflection and regulatory guidelines. Second, three methodological guideposts are proposed to alleviate some of the pitfalls of speculation: (1) acknowledge assumptions more explicitly and identify the value attributed to assumptions (2) validate assumptions with interdisciplinary literature and (3) adopt a broad perspective to promote more comprehensive reflection. We conclude that, through the examination of the controversy about cognitive enhancement, we can employ these methodological guideposts to enhance the value of contributions from bioethics and minimize potential epistemic and practical pitfalls in this case and perhaps in other areas of bioethical debate.

Changing patterns of contraceptive use in Australian women

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 12-2009

DOI: 10.1016/J.CONTRACEPTION.2009.05.122

Abstract: This longitudinal analysis examines how patterns of contraceptive use changed over 11 years among Australian women born between 1973 and 1978. The analysis included 6708 women s led from the Australian universal health insurance database who completed four self-report postal surveys between 1996 and 2006. Change over time in use of any method of contraception and the common single methods of the oral contraceptive pill and condom was examined using a longitudinal logistic regression model. The oral contraceptive pill was the most commonly used single method at each survey (27-44%) but decreased over time. Over time, contraceptive users were increasingly more likely to be single or in a de facto relationship or to have had two or more births. Women's contraceptive use and the factors associated with contraceptive use change over time as women move into relationships, try to conceive, have babies and complete their families.

Views of Addiction Neuroscientists and Clinicians on the Clinical Impact of a ‘Brain Disease Model of Addiction’

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Date: 19-01-2013

DOI: 10.1007/S12152-013-9177-9

Pregnancy Losses In Young Australian Women

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 2009

DOI: 10.1016/J.WHI.2008.08.007

Abstract: Little research has examined recognized pregnancy losses in a general population. Data from an Australian cohort study provide an opportunity to quantify this aspect of fecundity at a population level. Participants in the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health who were aged 28-33 years in 2006 (n = 9,145) completed up to 4 mailed surveys over 10 years. Participants were categorized according to the recognized outcome of their pregnancies, including live birth, miscarriage/stillbirth, termination/ectopic, or no pregnancy. At age 18-23, more women reported terminations (7%) than miscarriages (4%). By 28-33 years, the cumulative frequency of miscarriage (15%) was as common as termination (16%). For women aged 28-33 years who had ever been pregnant (n = 5,343), pregnancy outcomes were as follows: birth only (50%) loss only (18%) and birth and loss (32%), of which half (16%) were birth and miscarriage. A comparison between first miscarriage and first birth (no miscarriage) showed that most first miscarriages occurred in women aged 18-23 years who also reported a first birth at the same survey (15%). Half (51%) of all first births and first miscarriages in women aged 18-19 ended in miscarriage. Early childbearers (<28 years) often had miscarriages around the same time period as their first live birth, suggesting proactive family formation. Delayed childbearers (32-33 years) had more first births than first miscarriages. Recognized pregnancy losses are an important measure of fecundity in the general population because they indicate successful conception and maintenance of pregnancy to varying reproductive endpoints.

How young Australian women explain their use of condoms, withdrawal and fertility awareness: a qualitative analysis of free-text comments from the CUPID study

Publisher: Informa UK Limited

Date: 11-10-2022

DOI: 10.1080/13691058.2021.1979656

Abstract: Rates of oral contraceptive pill use have declined over the past decade in Australia. While some women use highly effective methods, others rely on less effective methods such as condoms, withdrawal and fertility awareness. We aimed to understand motivations for relying on these methods among young women in Australia. Women aged 18-23 years who reported using less effective methods and participated in the Contraceptive Use, Pregnancy Intention and Decisions (CUPID) study formed the s le for this analysis. Using thematic analysis, we analysed 140 free-text comments. Findings suggest that less effective methods were used when they were assessed as being best suited to current reproductive needs. These methods were perceived as offering benefits that hormonal and more invasive methods did not, and participants were largely satisfied with them. By contrast, some less effective method use was driven by a lack of choice or alternative options, previous bad experiences with hormonal methods, a lack of appropriate information about alternatives and difficulty accessing other methods. It is therefore essential to move beyond 'LARC-first' contraceptive counselling approaches to ensure young women are provided with accurate information regarding all contraceptive options available (including how to negotiate their use) and how to use them to their greatest efficacy.

The Implications of Genetic Susceptibility for the Prevention of Colorectal Cancer: A Qualitative Study of Older Adults’ Understanding

Publisher: S. Karger AG

Date: 2008

DOI: 10.1159/000121399

Abstract: i Objective: /i To assess whether public understandings of inherited predisposition to colorectal cancer may undermine preparedness to respond to preventive messages. i Methods: /i Structured in-depth interviews with 31 women and men, aged 50 years and over. i Results: /i Most participants viewed genetic factors as prompts for taking preventive measures rather than as reasons for fatalism and inaction. They were optimistic about the potential benefits of new developments in cancer prevention and treatment. i Conclusions: /i There was little evidence of perceived genetic determinism in relation to colorectal cancer, but there were some significant misunderstandings about causes, prevention and treatment. These findings have important implications for public health communications about the contribution of genetics to cancer causation.

Influences of Marriage, Motherhood, and Other Life Events on Australian Women’s Employment Aspirations

Publisher: SAGE Publications

Date: 15-03-2011

DOI: 10.1177/0361684310388502

Abstract: The study contributes to the understandings of how women negotiate work and family over the life course by investigating what factors impact young women’s aspirations for full time, part-time, and other forms of work. Using data from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health (ALSWH) with its nationally representative s le of Australian women, the authors examine how women moving from their 20s to early 30s change their aspirations for employment (at the age of 35) after significant life events and changes, including the birth of a child. Multinomial logistic regression analyses across two transition periods ( N = 7,505 and N = 7,584) showed that changes in employment aspirations co-occurred with movement into marriage or stable relationships and with changes in aspirations for family size. As young women become mothers, or move into situations in which motherhood is likely, many adjusted their employment aspirations away from full-time employment and toward part-time work. The findings suggest a growing awareness of the practical difficulties of balancing paid work and family roles within the current context of work and family policy and practice in Australia. Women’s choices are not free of constraints rather, younger generations of women negotiate work and family life by adjusting and changing their own aspirations within the context and circumstances of their lives.

Gender differences associated with young people's emotional reactions to sexual intercourse

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Date: 08-1995

DOI: 10.1007/BF01537191

Control and Responsibility in Addicted Individuals: What do Addiction Neuroscientists and Clinicians Think?

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Date: 06-10-2013

DOI: 10.1007/S12152-013-9196-6

Higher uptake of long‐acting reversible and permanent methods of contraception by Australian women living in rural and remote areas

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 04-2014

DOI: 10.1111/1753-6405.12208

Abstract: To examine factors associated with the uptake of i) long-acting reversible, ii) permanent and iii) traditional contraceptive methods among Australian women. Participants in the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health born in 1973-78 reported on their contraceptive use at three surveys: 2003, 2006 and 2009. The participants were 5,849 women aged 25-30 in 2003 randomly s led from Medicare. The main outcome measure was current contraceptive method at age 28-33 years categorised as long-acting reversible methods (implant, IUD, injection), permanent (tubal ligation, vasectomy), and traditional methods (oral contraceptive pills, condoms, withdrawal, safe period). Compared to women living in major cities, women in inner regional areas were more likely to use long-acting (OR=1.26, 95%CI 1.03-1.55) or permanent methods (OR=1.43, 95%CI 1.17-1.76). Women living in outer regional/remote areas were more likely than women living in cities to use long-acting (OR=1.65, 95%CI 1.31-2.08) or permanent methods (OR=1.69, 95%CI 1.43-2.14). Location of residence is an important factor in women's choices about long-acting and permanent contraception in addition to the number and age of their children. Further research is needed to understand the role of geographical location in women's access to contraceptive options in Australia.

‘It’s kinda bad, honestly’: Australian students’ experiences of relationships and sexuality education

Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)

Date: 15-09-2020

DOI: 10.1093/HER/CYAA032

Abstract: Relationships and sexuality education for young people in Australia and elsewhere is a controversial topic. Numerous studies in Australia have focused on curriculum, policy, teachers, schools, sexting and other behaviours, and knowledge regarding sexually transmitted infection (STI)/human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and pregnancy prevention. Few large-scale national studies have engaged with young people about what they want out of their sex education, and what they suggest would be most valuable for future programs in Australia. Data for the study included qualitative comments about experiences of sex education (n = 2316) provided in a national survey of adolescent sexual health. An initial thematic inductive analysis identified comments falling into two dominant themes: positive and negative experiences of their sex education. Results indicate that young people in Australia are articulate and understanding of the gaps in their sex education. A majority of comments highlighted negative experiences. These comments primarily discussed issues of delivery (timing, environment, person) and content quality (comprehensiveness). A minority highlighted positive commentary also around delivery (environment, person) and content quality (comprehensiveness). The findings of this study illuminate contemporary adolescent concerns regarding their experiences of education. Understanding these experiences can inform future curriculum development, teacher training and the design and implementation of policy.

Addressing cultural diversity: the hepatitis B clinical specialist perspective

Publisher: Informa UK Limited

Date: 31-08-2017

DOI: 10.1080/13557858.2017.1370540

Trends in Women's Risk Factors and Chronic Conditions: Findings from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health

Publisher: SAGE Publications

Date: 07-2007

DOI: 10.2217/17455057.3.4.423

Abstract: Chronic diseases present a growing challenge to women's health. This paper presents data from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health to show prevalence and incidence among three cohorts of women of six chronic conditions: hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, asthma, osteoporosis and arthritis. It also examines the role of five important risk factors (body mass index, level of physical activity, smoking, alcohol consumption and level of education) on these chronic conditions. The most striking finding is that being overweight or obese is the most important risk factor for chronic disease for women in all three age groups.

Eradicating hepatitis C: The need for a public health response

Publisher: Informa UK Limited

Date: 22-06-2017

DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2017.1342851

Abstract: Hepatitis C is a global public health issue affecting 150-170 million people worldwide, and over 227,000 Australians with an increasing morbidity resulting from the infection. The Australian Government funded access through the national health scheme to Direct Acting Antiviral (DAA) medication for all people with hepatitis C, regardless of disease staging or mode of transmission to eradicate hepatitis C in Australia. The availability of these drugs not only alters the end result of hepatitis C treatment from that of sustained viral response to cure, but necessitates a refocusing of the public health response to hepatitis C. This project, conducted prior to this funding announcement, interviewed key stakeholders in Australia to investigate the potential impact of DAAs on in iduals with hepatitis C and their public health implications. The findings include that while DAAs are revolutionary, there remains essential barriers to their uptake including stigma and discrimination, and a lack of attention to the systematic implementation of the cure.

Public Understandings of Addiction: Where do Neurobiological Explanations Fit?

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Date: 15-02-2013

DOI: 10.1007/S12152-013-9180-1

Early users of fertility treatment with hormones and IVF: women who live in major cities and have private health insurance

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 12-2010

DOI: 10.1111/J.1753-6405.2010.00625.X

Abstract: To identify early users (women aged <34 years) of fertility treatment with hormones and in vitro fertilisation (IVF). A cross-sectional survey of infertile women from fertility clinics (n=59) and from the community (Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health participants) who had (n=121) or had not (n=110) used hormones/IVF as treatment for infertility. Associations between socio-demographic, reproductive and lifestyle factors, medical conditions and recurrent symptoms and using treatment (or not) were analysed using multivariable logistic regression. Among infertile women who had used treatment (community vs clinic), women from clinics had lower odds of living outside major cities, using hormones only, i.e., not IVF, or recurrent headaches/migraines, severe tiredness, or stiff ainful joints and higher odds of recent diagnoses of urinary tract infection or anxiety disorder. Compared to infertile women who had not used treatment, women from clinics had lower odds of living outside major cities, recurrent allergies or severe tiredness and higher odds of having private health insurance for hospital or ancillary services, recent diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome or recurrent constipation. Compared to infertile women in the community, living in major cities and having private health insurance are associated with early use of treatment for infertility at specialist clinics by women aged <34 years. These results provided evidence of inequity of services for infertile women.

Anticipating the anti-ageing pill. Lessons from the history of the oral contraceptive pill and hormone replacement therapy

Publisher: EMBO

Date: 16-01-2009

DOI: 10.1038/EMBOR.2008.251

Impact of cognitive and physical impairment on carer burden and quality of life

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Date: 22-12-2008

DOI: 10.1007/S11136-007-9300-7

Abstract: How the cognitive and/or physical impairment experienced by care recipients impacts on their carers is not well understood. This study investigated the effect of type of impairment of care recipients on the level of burden and quality of life (QOL) of elderly Australian carers. This article describes a nested cross-sectional substudy of 276 older women (aged 78-83 years) enrolled in the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health who indicated they were providing care for someone living with them. In this nationally representative s le of elderly women carers, 60% were looking after people (predominantly their husbands) who had both cognitive and physical impairments. Carers of people with both types of impairments had higher scores for objective burden of caring than those caring for people with either type of impairment alone. In contrast, scores for limitations on their own lives were higher among women caring for people with cognitive impairments (with or without physical impairments). The majority of elderly women caring for someone else are likely to suffer multifaceted burdens of caring.

Contraceptive Changes after Reproductive Events among Australian Women Born in 1973 to 1978: A Longitudinal Study from 1996 to 2009

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 11-2011

DOI: 10.1016/J.WHI.2011.05.003

Abstract: Women change contraception as they try to conceive, space births, and limit family size. This longitudinal analysis examines contraception changes after reproductive events such as birth, miscarriage or termination among Australian women born from 1973 to 1978 to identify potential opportunities to increase the effectiveness of contraceptive information and service provision. Between 1996 and 2009, 5,631 Australian women randomly s led from the Australian universal health insurance (Medicare) database completed five self-report postal surveys. Three longitudinal logistic regression models were used to assess the associations between reproductive events (birth only, birth and miscarriage, miscarriage only, termination only, other multiple events, and no new event) and subsequent changes in contraceptive use (start using, stop using, switch method) compared with women who continued to use the same method. After women experienced only a birth, or a birth and a miscarriage, they were more likely to start using contraception. Women who experienced miscarriages were more likely to stop using contraception. Women who experienced terminations were more likely to switch methods. There was a significant interaction between reproductive events and time indicating more changes in contraceptive use as women reach their mid-30s. Contraceptive use increases after the birth of a child, but decreases after miscarriage indicating the intention for family formation and spacing between children. Switching contraceptive methods after termination suggests these pregnancies were unintended and possibly due to contraceptive failure. Women's contact with health professionals around the time of reproductive events provides an opportunity to provide contraceptive services.

The preferences of women in Australia for the features of long-acting reversible contraception: results of a discrete choice experiment

Publisher: Informa UK Limited

Date: 28-07-2022

DOI: 10.1080/13625187.2022.2098947

Abstract: Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC), such as intrauterine devices (IUD) and implants, are highly effective. However, the uptake of LARC in Australia has been slow and the oral contraceptive pill (OC) remains the best known and most widely used contraceptive. Our aim was to investigate women's preferences for the features of LARC. We used a discrete choice experiment (DCE) in which each respondent completed 12 choice tasks. We recruited a general population s le of 621 women in Australia aged 18-49 using an online survey panel. A mixed logit model was used to analyse DCE responses a latent class model explored preference heterogeneity. Overall, 391 (63%) of women were currently using contraception 49.3% were using an OC. About 22% of women were using a LARC. Women prefer products that are more effective in preventing pregnancy, have low levels of adverse events (including negative effects on mood), and which their general practitioner (GP) recommends or says is suitable for them. Women have strong preferences for contraceptive products that are effective, safe, and recommended by their GP. The results indicate which characteristics of LARCs need to be front and centre in information material and in discussions between women and healthcare professionals.

Birth outcomes after spontaneous or assisted conception among infertile Australian women aged 28 to 36 years: a prospective, population-based study

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 03-2012

DOI: 10.1016/J.FERTNSTERT.2011.12.033

Abstract: To examine the extent to which the odds of birth, pregnancy, or adverse birth outcomes are higher among women aged 28 to 36 years who use fertility treatment compared with untreated women. Prospective, population-based. Not applicable. Participants in the ALSWH born in 1973 to 1978 who reported on their infertility and use of in vitro fertilization (IVF) or ovulation induction (OI). Postal survey questionnaires administered as part of ALSWH. Among women treated with IVF or OI and untreated women, the odds of birth outcomes estimated by use of adjusted logistic regression modeling. Among 7,280 women, 18.6% (n = 1,376) reported infertility. Half (53.0%) of the treated women gave birth compared with 43.8% of untreated women. Women with prior parity were less likely to use IVF compared with nulliparous women. Women using IVF or OI, respectively, were more likely to have given birth after treatment or be pregnant compared with untreated women. Women using IVF or OI were as likely to have ectopic pregnancies, stillbirths, or premature or low birthweight babies as untreated women. More than 40% of women aged 28-36 years reporting a history of infertility can achieve births without using treatment, indicating they are subfertile rather than infertile.

Community perceptions on the significant extension of life: An exploratory study among urban adults in Brisbane, Australia

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 02-2009

DOI: 10.1016/J.SOCSCIMED.2008.11.002

Abstract: Some researchers in the field of ageing claim that significant extension of the human lifespan will be possible in the near future. While many of these researchers have assumed that the community will welcome this technology, there has been very little research on community attitudes to life extension. This paper presents the results of an in-depth qualitative study of community attitudes to life extension across age groups and religious boundaries. There were 57 in idual interviews, and 8 focus groups (totalling 72 focus group participants) conducted with community members in Brisbane, Australia. Community attitudes to life extension were more varied and complex than have been assumed by some biogerontologists and bioethicists. While some participants would welcome the opportunity to extend their lives others would not even entertain the possibility. This paper details these differences of opinion and reveals contrasting positions that reflect in idualism or social concern among community members. The findings also highlight the relationship between Christianity, in particular belief in an afterlife, and attitudes to life extension technology. Overall, the study raises questions about the relationship between interest in life extension, the medicalisation of ageing and the increasing acceptability of enhancement technologies that need to be addressed in more representative s les of the community.

Ethical Concerns in the Community About Technologies to Extend Human Life Span

Publisher: Informa UK Limited

Date: 14-12-2009

DOI: 10.1080/15265160903318368

Abstract: Debates about the ethical and social implications of research that aims to extend human longevity by intervening in the ageing process have paid little attention to the attitudes of members of the general public. In the absence of empirical evidence, conflicting assumptions have been made about likely public attitudes towards life-extension. In light of recent calls for greater public involvement in such discussions, this target article presents findings from focus groups and in idual interviews which investigated whether members of the general public identify ethical issues surrounding life-extension, and if so, what these ethical issues are? In this study, while some participants were concerned primarily with the likely personal consequences of life-extension, for others the question of whether or not to pursue interventions to extend longevity, and how they should be implemented, clearly raised important ethical issues, many of which have been prominent in debates among bioethicists.

Depression: an emotional obstacle to seeking medical advice for infertility

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 10-2010

DOI: 10.1016/J.FERTNSTERT.2009.10.062

Abstract: To investigate the mental and general health of infertile women who had not sought medical advice for their recognized infertility and were therefore not represented in clinical populations. Longitudinal cohort study. Population based. Participants in the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health aged 28-33 years in 2006 who had ever tried to conceive or had been pregnant (n = 5,936). None. Infertility, not seeking medical advice. Compared with fertile women (n = 4,905), infertile women (n = 1,031) had higher odds of self-reported depression (odds ratio [OR] 1.20, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01-1.43), endometriosis (5.43, 4.01-7.36), polycystic ovary syndrome (9.52, 7.30-12.41), irregular periods (1.99, 1.68-2.36), type II diabetes (4.70, 1.79-12.37), or gestational diabetes (1.66, 1.12-2.46). Compared with infertile women who sought medical advice (n = 728), those who had not sought medical advice (n = 303) had higher odds of self-reported depression (1.67, 1.18-2.37), other mental health problems (3.14, 1.14-8.64), urinary tract infections (1.67, 1.12-2.49), heavy periods (1.63, 1.16-2.29), or a cancer diagnosis (11.33, 2.57-49.89). Infertile women who had or had not sought medical advice had similar odds of reporting an anxiety disorder or anxiety-related symptoms. Women with self-reported depression were unlikely to have sought medical advice for infertility. Depression and depressive symptoms may be barriers to seeking medical advice for infertility.

Understanding how the Australian vaccine‐refusal movement perceives itself

Publisher: Hindawi Limited

Date: 10-2022

DOI: 10.1111/HSC.13182

Abstract: Public health responses to the vaccine-refusal (VR) movement are hindered by inadequate research about the movement's aims, identity and perceived value for its members. This study examined how members of the VR movement in Australia described the movement and what being part of it meant to them. Descriptions of the VR movement by 696 members from across Australia were collected between January and May in 2017 via an online survey. The data were analysed using thematic discourse analysis. Members' understandings of the movement and the beliefs underpinning these understandings were examined. Vaccine refusal was underpinned by distinct epistemic beliefs. Participants believed that mainstream vaccine promotion relies on dishonest communication of compromised research. They saw the VR movement as a science-based movement, researching both 'mainstream' and 'hidden' knowledge, promoting scientific values and advocating for better vaccine studies. Participants believed responsible parenting requires personally researching healthcare choices. Participants constructed the movement's identity in relation to common criticisms of vaccine refusal. These were discredited and repurposed to portray the movement as being brave and righteous. Participants believed people in the movement are astute, informed, responsible and courageous. They believed many members were impacted by vaccine-related harms, from which the movement now saves others. They saw themselves as fighting for an inconvenient truth that the mainstream ignores. Vaccine promotion needs to address the epistemic beliefs associated with vaccine refusal, yet these have been inadequately understood. Our findings contribute to understanding these beliefs. Furthermore, our findings suggest what messages targeting vaccine-refusing people should focus on. This may include acknowledging the significant effort that vaccine-refusing people invest in trying to protect their children, catering to vaccine-refusing people's high engagement and desire for detailed information, and avoiding stigmatising or confrontational vaccine-promotion strategies.

Agreement between self-reported use of in vitro fertilization or ovulation induction, and medical insurance claims in Australian women aged 28-36 years

Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)

Date: 26-06-2012

DOI: 10.1093/HUMREP/DES228

Abstract: What is the self-reported use of in vitro fertilization (IVF) and ovulation induction (OI) in comparison with insurance claims by Australian women aged 28-36 years? The self-reported use of IVF is quite likely to be valid however, the use of OI is less well reported. Population-based research often relies on the self-reported use of IVF and OI because access to medical records can be difficult and the data need to include sufficient personal identifying information for linkage to other data sources. There have been few attempts to explore the reliability of the self-reported use of IVF and OI using the linkage to medical insurance claims for either treatment. This prospective, population-based, longitudinal study included the cohort of women born during 1973-1978 and participating in the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health (ALSWH) (n = 14247). From 1996 to 2009, participants were surveyed up to five times. Participants self-reported their use of IVF or OI in two mailed surveys when aged 28-33 and 31-36 years (n = 7280), respectively. This study links self-report survey responses and claims for treatment or medication from the universal national health insurance scheme (i.e. Medicare Australia). Comparisons between self-reports and claims data were undertaken for all women consenting to the linkage (n = 3375). The self-reported use of IVF was compared with claims for OI for IVF (Kappa, K = 0.83), oocyte collection (K = 0.82), sperm preparation (K = 0.83), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (K = 0.40), fresh embryo transfers (K = 0.82), frozen embryo transfers (K = 0.64) and OI for IVF medication (K = 0.17). The self-reported use of OI was compared with ovulation monitoring (K = 0.52) and OI medication (K = 0.71). There is a possibility of selection bias due to the inclusion criteria for participants in this study: (1) completion of the last two surveys in a series of five and (2) consent to the linkage of their responses with Medicare data. The results are relevant to questionnaire-based research studies with infertile women in developed countries.

“It’s Been a Bit of a Rollercoaster”: Australian Women’s Difficulties and Coping Strategies

Publisher: Informa UK Limited

Date: 09-07-2020

DOI: 10.1080/01612840.2020.1770386

Infertility, medical advice and treatment with fertility hormones and/or in vitro fertilisation: a population perspective from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 2009

DOI: 10.1111/J.1753-6405.2009.00408.X

Abstract: To identify the factors associated with infertility, seeking advice and treatment with fertility hormones and/or in vitro fertilisation (IVF) among a general population of women. Participants in the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health aged 28-33 years in 2006 had completed up to four mailed surveys over 10 years (n=9,145). Parsimonious multivariate logistic regression was used to identify the socio-demographic, biological (including reproductive histories), and behavioural factors associated with infertility, advice and hormonal/IVF treatment. For women who had tried to conceive or had been pregnant (n=5,936), 17% reported infertility. Among women with infertility (n=1031), 72% (n=728) sought advice but only 50% (n=356) used hormonal/IVF treatment. Women had higher odds of infertility when: they had never been pregnant (OR=7.2, 95% CI 5.6-9.1) or had a history of miscarriage (OR range=1.5-4.0) than those who had given birth (and never had a miscarriage or termination). Only one-third of women with infertility used hormonal and/or IVF treatment. Women with PCOS or endometriosis were the most proactive in having sought advice and used hormonal/IVF treatment. Raised awareness of age-related declining fertility is important for partnered women aged approximately 30 years to encourage pregnancy during their prime reproductive years and reduce the risk of infertility.

Public Views on Food Addiction and Obesity: Implications for Policy and Treatment

Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)

Date: 25-09-2013

DOI: 10.1371/JOURNAL.PONE.0074836

Increasing the uptake of long-acting reversible contraception in general practice: The Australian Contraceptive ChOice pRoject (ACCORd) cluster randomised controlled trial protocol

Publisher: BMJ

Date: 10-2016

DOI: 10.1136/BMJOPEN-2016-012491

Smoking and mental health in young women – challenges in interpretation: a reply

Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)

Date: 22-10-2012

DOI: 10.1017/S0033291712002371

Is use of formal community services by older women related to changes in their informal care arrangements?

Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)

Date: 28-09-2012

DOI: 10.1017/S0144686X12000992

Abstract: This paper examines how the relationships between the factors (predisposing, enabling and illness) of the 1973 Andersen framework and service use are influenced by changes in the caring role in older women of the 1921–26 cohort of the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health. Outcome variables were the use of three formal community support services: (a) nursing or community health services, (b) home-making services and (c) home maintenance services. Predictor variables were survey wave and the following carer characteristics: level of education, country of birth, age, area of residence, ability to manage on income, need for care, sleep difficulty and changes in caring role. Carer changes were a significant predictor of formal service use. Their inclusion did not attenuate the relationship between the Andersen framework factors and service use, but instead provided a more complete representation of carers' situations. Women were more likely to have used support services if they had changed into or out of co-resident caring or continued to provide co-resident care for a frail, ill or disabled person, needed care themselves, and reported sleep difficulties compared with women who did not provide care. These findings are important because they indicate that support services are particularly relevant to women who are changing their caring role and who are themselves in need of care.

Public attitudes in Australia towards the claim that addiction is a (brain) disease

Publisher: Wiley

Date: 11-03-2014

DOI: 10.1111/DAR.12115

Abstract: We investigated the Australian public's understandings of addiction to alcohol and heroin and the factors predicting support for the idea that these types of addiction are 'diseases' and specifically 'brain diseases'. Data were collected as part of the 2012 Queensland Social Survey, a computer-assisted telephone interview of 1263 residents of Queensland, Australia. Participants were presented with scenarios of two addicted persons, one who was addicted to heroin and the other addicted to alcohol. Participants were asked a series of questions about different definitions and causes of addiction for both characters. Over half of the respondents thought that addiction is a disease (alcohol: 67%, heroin: 53%), but fewer (alcohol: 34%, heroin: 33%) believed that addiction is a brain disease. Belief that addiction has biological causes predicted agreement that addiction is a disease [alcohol: odds ratio (OR) = 3.05 (2.15-4.31), heroin: OR = 3.99 (2.82-5.65)] and a brain disease [alcohol: OR = 4.97 (3.42-7.22), heroin: OR = 14.12 (9.23-21.61)]. Women were more likely than men to agree that addiction is a disease [alcohol: OR = 1.79 (1.35-2.38), heroin: OR = 1.40 (1.09-1.81)] as were those 35 years of age and older [alcohol: OR = 2.25 (1.50-3.40), heroin: OR = 1.50 (1.01-2.24)]. There is more public support for the idea that addiction is a 'disease' than for the more specific claim that it is a 'brain disease'. Support for a biological aetiology of addiction predicted higher levels of agreement with both disease concepts.

‘As many options as there are, there are just not enough for me’: Contraceptive use and barriers to access among Australian women

Publisher: Informa UK Limited

Date: 05-06-2014

DOI: 10.3109/13625187.2014.919380

Abstract: A comprehensive life course perspective of women's experiences in obtaining and using contraception in Australia is lacking. This paper explores free-text comments about contraception provided by women born between 1973 and 1978 who participated in the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health (ALSWH). The ALSWH is a national population-based cohort study involving over 40,000 women from three age groups, who are surveyed every three years. An initial search identified 1600 comments from 690 women across five surveys from 1996 (when they were aged 18-23 years) to 2009 (31-36 years). The analysis included 305 comments from 289 participants. Factors relating to experiences of barriers to access and optimal contraceptive use were identified and explored using thematic analysis. Five themes recurred across the five surveys as women aged: (i) side effects affecting physical and mental health (ii) lack of information about contraception (iii) negative experiences with health services (iv) contraceptive failure and (v) difficulty with accessing contraception. Side effects of hormonal contraception and concerns about contraceptive failure influence women's mental and physical health. Many barriers to effective contraception persist throughout women's reproductive lives. Further research is needed into reducing barriers and minimising negative experiences, to ensure optimal contraceptive access for Australian women.

Women’s satisfaction with and ongoing use of hormonal long‐acting methods compared to the oral contraceptive pill: Findings from an Australian general practice cluster randomised trial (ACCORd)

Publisher: Wiley

Date: 18-02-2021

DOI: 10.1111/AJO.13319

Abstract: The Australian Contraceptive ChOice pRoject (ACCORd) aimed to assess the impact of a complex general practice intervention on the uptake of long‐acting reversible contraceptives (LARC). Using survey data from enrolled women, we aimed to compare the ongoing use and satisfaction of women who chose one of the hormonal LARC methods including the levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG‐IUS) or levonorgestrel implant compared to the oral contraceptive pill (OCP). We used the data from participants’ baseline, six and 12‐month surveys to identify new users of implants, LNG‐IUS or OCP. We included demographic information, ongoing use of the contraceptive method, reasons for dissatisfaction and discontinuation and experience of side‐effects. Proportions were compared using χ 2 tests. Of the 740 women enrolled in ACCORd, 176 started using a hormonal LARC or OCP in the study’s first six months with 76 using the IUS (43%), 60 the implant (34%) and 40 (23%) the OCP. Twelve‐month continuation rates for the LNG‐IUS, implant and OCP were 93, 83 and 65% respectively ( P 0.001). Satisfaction was highest among the LNG‐IUS users 86% were very/somewhat satisfied compared to 75% of implant users and 61% of OCP users ( P 0.001). Main reasons for method dissatisfaction were irregular bleeding and mood changes which were similar for all methods. This study provides further evidence that hormonal LARC methods have higher continuation and satisfaction rates compared to the OCP with similar side‐effects. Since hormonal LARC methods have the highest contraceptive efficacy, these should be offered first‐line to women.

Challenges for Researchers Investigating Contraceptive Use and Pregnancy Intentions of Young Women Living in Urban and Rural Areas of Australia: Face-to-Face Discussions to Increase Participation in a

Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.

Date: 21-01-2013

DOI: 10.2196/JMIR.2266

Predictors of Sexually Transmitted Infection in Australian Women: Evidence from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Date: 16-10-2012

DOI: 10.1007/S10508-012-0020-X

Abstract: This longitudinal study examined characteristics of women diagnosed with sexually transmitted infections (STI) for the first time in their later 20s and early 30s. Participants were 6,840 women (born 1973-1978) from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health. Women aged 18-23 years were surveyed in 1996 (S1), 2000 (S2), 2003 (S3), and 2006 (S4). There were 269 women reporting an STI for the first time at S3 or S4. Using two multivariable logistic regression analyses (examining 18 predictor variables), these 269 women were compared (1) with 306 women who reported an STI at S2 and (2) with 5,214 women who never reported an STI across the four surveys. Women who reported an STI for the first time at S3 or S4 were less likely to have been pregnant or had a recent Pap smear compared to women reporting an STI at S2. Women reporting a first STI at S3 or S4 were less likely to have been pregnant or had a recent Pap smear compared to women reporting an STI at S2. Women were more likely to report an STI for the first time at S3 or S4 compared to women not reporting an STI at any survey if they were younger, unpartnered, had a higher number of sexual partners, had never been pregnant, were recently orced or separated, and reported poorer access to Women's Health or Family Planning Centres at S2. These findings demonstrate the value of longitudinal studies of sexual health over the life course beyond adolescence.

Factors influencing women’s decisions to drink alcohol during pregnancy: findings of a qualitative study with implications for health communication

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Date: 24-07-2014

DOI: 10.1186/1471-2393-14-246

Australian students’ experiences of sexuality education at school

Publisher: Informa UK Limited

Date: 22-01-2019

DOI: 10.1080/14681811.2019.1566896

Anticipating the use of life extension technologies

Publisher: EMBO

Date: 16-04-2010

DOI: 10.1038/EMBOR.2010.48

Determinants of condom use by Australian Secondary School students

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 09-1994

DOI: 10.1016/1054-139X(94)90499-S

Abstract: To identify factors that are associated with condom use to aid in the understanding of how to change the behavior of those young people who have sex without using condoms. The article reports data from 932 sexually active grade 10-12 students from a s le of 72 public secondary schools in seven Australian states and territories. The data were collected using a cross-sectional, self-report questionnaire. Boys were more likely than girls to report that a condom was used the last time they had sex. For boys and girls, communication with a partner about avoiding infection with HIV/STDs, the belief that more peers use condoms, and a higher perceived risk of becoming infected with HIV/STDs were associated with using a condom, as was lower knowledge of STDs. The use of oral contraception and the unavailability of condoms were reported by the students as prominent reasons for non-use of condoms. Number of sexual partners in the past year and type of relationship with partner on the most recent occasion were not associated with condom use. Adolescents are more concerned with unwanted pregnancy than with disease prevention. School students more at risk are not more likely to take the necessary precautions to protect themselves from HIV/STDs.

Life transitions and women’s desired number of children: the impact of motherhood, relationships and employment

Publisher: Informa UK Limited

Date: 31-03-2020

DOI: 10.1080/13668803.2020.1744526

Mapping Community Concerns About Radical Extensions of Human Life Expectancy

Publisher: Informa UK Limited

Date: 14-12-2009

DOI: 10.1080/15265160903316446

Non-medical prescription stimulant use to improve academic performance among Australian university students: prevalence and correlates of use

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Date: 19-11-2018

DOI: 10.1186/S12889-018-6212-0

School-based relationship and sexuality education: what has changed since the release of the Australian Curriculum?

Publisher: Informa UK Limited

Date: 05-02-2020

DOI: 10.1080/14681811.2020.1720634

Health Across Generations: Findings From the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health

Publisher: SAGE Publications

Date: 22-11-2017

DOI: 10.1177/1099800410373804

Abstract: Interpretation of changes in health and health care utilization patterns across the life span depends on an understanding of the effects of age, period, and cohort. The purpose of this article is to illustrate differences among three generations of women in demographic factors, health risk factors, and health status indicators from 1996 to 2008. The article examines data from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health, a broad-ranging project funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing (DoHA) and involving three age groups of women (born in the periods 1973—1978, 1946—1951, and 1921—1926) who were first surveyed in 1996 and will be surveyed every 3 years until at least 2015. Patterns in selected demographic factors (marital status and level of educational qualification), health risk factors (smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity, and body mass index [BMI]), and health status indicators (asthma, hypertension, diabetes and depression physical functioning and mental health scores from the SF-36) were examined to illustrate ex les of biological age, generational differences, or period effects that affect all age groups and generations simultaneously. The results can be used to inform the development of responsive and effective models for both prevention and management of chronic disease, including health and aged-care systems that will meet the needs of different generations of women across their life span.

What does ‘acceptance’ mean? Public reflections on the idea that addiction is a brain disease

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Date: 07-10-2013

DOI: 10.1057/BIOSOC.2013.24

Few urban&ndash;rural differences in older carers' access to community services

Publisher: CSIRO Publishing

Date: 2008

DOI: 10.1071/AH080684

Abstract: To examine perceived adequacy of access to information and services, and perceived quality of health and community services, among older female carers across rural and urban areas primary data were collected as part of the ongoing Australian Longitudinal Study on Women?s Health (ALSWH). In all, 306 women in their 70s who had family caregiving roles responded to a nested substudy of the ALSWH. There were few reported differences between urban and rural older carers in their access to health and community services for the people they cared for. In fact, those in rural areas fared slightly better than those in urban areas in awareness of service availability and perceived quality of service. Many older carers in both rural and urban areas do not access health and community services even when appropriate services are available. A better understanding is needed of how support can be delivered to complement older carers? existing arrangements.

Psychological Distress is Associated with Tobacco Smoking and Quitting Behaviour in the Australian Population: Evidence from National Cross-Sectional Surveys

Publisher: SAGE Publications

Date: 02-2011

DOI: 10.3109/00048674.2010.534070

Abstract: Objective: To investigate the association between levels of psychological distress and smoking and quitting behaviours. Method: Data were from two large Australian national household surveys of in iduals over 20 years of age. Level of psychological distress was measured by the Kessler 10 scale. Tobacco smoking measures included current smoking status (never, former, current) ex-smokers’ time since quitting current smokers’ abstinent period in the last 12 months, cigarettes smoked per day, reasons for smoking, and self-report of factors that would motivate quitting and self-report of factors that motivated smokers to quit in the last 12 months. Multinomial logistic regression was used to assess the relationships between smoking behaviours and psychological distress, while controlling for socio-demographic factors. Results: Current smokers, especially those who smoke more cigarettes per day and those who report less success at quitting or reducing smoking, had higher levels of psychological distress. Ex-smokers were also more likely to experience psychological distress than those who never smoked, but the association weakened with more years since quitting. Current smokers with psychological distress were just as, or more likely, to report planning to quit as those without psychological distress. Smokers who did not plan to quit due to addiction, past failure at quitting, and using smoking for relaxation or to deal with stress were more likely to report psychological distress than those who did not report these reasons. Conclusions: Current smoking and unsuccessful quit attempts in the Australian community were strongly associated with symptoms of psychological distress. Quitting aspirations and influence from general public health interventions were not associated with the smokers’ level of psychological distress.

Linkage Projects - Grant ID: LP100200349

Start Date: 02-2011

End Date: 02-2014

Amount: $286,602.00

Funder: Australian Research Council

Discovery Projects - Grant ID: DP130100185

Start Date: 2013

End Date: 12-2016

Amount: $240,000.00

Funder: Australian Research Council

Discovery Projects - Grant ID: DP190102027

Start Date: 09-2019

End Date: 12-2023

Amount: $318,000.00

Funder: Australian Research Council

Discovery Projects - Grant ID: DP0663668

Start Date: 2006

End Date: 12-2009

Amount: $260,000.00

Funder: Australian Research Council

Discovery Projects - Grant ID: DP120100732

Start Date: 2012

End Date: 12-2015

Amount: $143,624.00

Funder: Australian Research Council