ORCID Profile
0000-0003-1810-8434
Current Organisations
Monash University
,
Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais
,
Burnet Institute
,
University of Melbourne
Does something not look right? The information on this page has been harvested from data sources that may not be up to date. We continue to work with information providers to improve coverage and quality. To report an issue, use the Feedback Form.
Related Links
Publications
Social Media and Online Digital Technology Use Among Muslim Young People and Parents: Qualitative Focus Group Study (Preprint)
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 02-2022
Abstract: igital technology and social media use are common among young people in Australia and worldwide. Research suggests that young people have both positive and negative experiences online, but we know little about the experiences of Muslim communities. his study aims to explore the positive and negative experiences of digital technology and social media use among young people and parents from Muslim backgrounds in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. his study involved a partnership between researchers and a not-for-profit organization that work with culturally and linguistically erse communities. We adopted a participatory and qualitative approach and designed the research in consultation with young people from Muslim backgrounds. Data were collected through in-person and online focus groups with 33 young people aged 16-22 years and 15 parents aged 40-57 years. Data were thematically analyzed. e generated 3 themes: (1) maintaining local and global connections, (2) a paradoxical space: identity, belonging and discrimination, and (3) the digital ide between young Muslims and parents. Results highlighted that social media was an important extension of social and cultural connections, particularly during COVID-19, when people were unable to connect through school or places of worship. Young participants perceived social media as a space where they could establish their identity and feel a sense of belonging. However, participants were also at risk of being exposed to discrimination and unrealistic standards of beauty and success. Although parents and young people shared some similar concerns, there was a large digital ide in online experiences. Both groups implemented strategies to reduce social media use, with young people believing that having short technology-free breaks during prayer and quality family time was beneficial for their mental well-being. rograms that address technology-related harms must acknowledge the benefits of social media for young Muslims across identity, belonging, representation, and social connection. Further research is required to understand how parents and young people can create environments that foster technology-free breaks to support mental well-being.
Social Media and Online Digital Technology Use Among Muslim Young People and Parents: Qualitative Focus Group Study
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 10-05-2022
DOI: 10.2196/36858
Abstract: Digital technology and social media use are common among young people in Australia and worldwide. Research suggests that young people have both positive and negative experiences online, but we know little about the experiences of Muslim communities. This study aims to explore the positive and negative experiences of digital technology and social media use among young people and parents from Muslim backgrounds in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. This study involved a partnership between researchers and a not-for-profit organization that work with culturally and linguistically erse communities. We adopted a participatory and qualitative approach and designed the research in consultation with young people from Muslim backgrounds. Data were collected through in-person and online focus groups with 33 young people aged 16-22 years and 15 parents aged 40-57 years. Data were thematically analyzed. We generated 3 themes: (1) maintaining local and global connections, (2) a paradoxical space: identity, belonging and discrimination, and (3) the digital ide between young Muslims and parents. Results highlighted that social media was an important extension of social and cultural connections, particularly during COVID-19, when people were unable to connect through school or places of worship. Young participants perceived social media as a space where they could establish their identity and feel a sense of belonging. However, participants were also at risk of being exposed to discrimination and unrealistic standards of beauty and success. Although parents and young people shared some similar concerns, there was a large digital ide in online experiences. Both groups implemented strategies to reduce social media use, with young people believing that having short technology-free breaks during prayer and quality family time was beneficial for their mental well-being. Programs that address technology-related harms must acknowledge the benefits of social media for young Muslims across identity, belonging, representation, and social connection. Further research is required to understand how parents and young people can create environments that foster technology-free breaks to support mental well-being.
Just not all ice users do that: investigating perceptions and potential harms of Australia's Ice Destroys Lives campaign in two studies.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 14-07-2017
Stigma Associated with Alcohol and Other Drug Use Among People from Migrant and Ethnic Minority Groups: Results from a Systematic Review of Qualitative Studies
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 28-03-2023
DOI: 10.1007/S10903-023-01468-3
Abstract: Stigma reduces access to alcohol and other drug (AOD) support. This systematic review explored perceptions and experiences of stigma associated with AOD use among migrant and ethnic minority groups. Qualitative studies published in English were identified using six databases. Two reviewers screened and critically appraised articles using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for qualitative studies. Data were synthesised using best fit framework synthesis. Twenty-three studies were included. Stigma drivers and facilitators included stereotypes, socio-cultural norms, legal responses and precarious lived experiences. Stigma intersected with gender, citizenship, race and ethnicity and manifested though shame, exclusion, secondary stigma and discrimination in treatment. Outcomes and impacts included avoidance of services, emotional distress, isolation and loneliness. This review identified similar stigma experiences to other populations, however outcomes were complicated by precarious lived experiences and multiple stigmatised identities. Multi-level interventions are required to reduce AOD-related stigma for migrant and ethnic minority groups.
Gaps in the HIV diagnosis and care cascade for migrants in Australia, 2013-2017: A cross-sectional study
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 10-03-2020
“I am yet to encounter any survey that actually reflects my life”: a qualitative study of inclusivity in sexual health research
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 27-07-2016
Pathways to ensure universal and affordable access to hepatitis C treatment
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 09-10-2018
Correlates of in-person and technology-facilitated sexual harassment from an online survey among young Australians
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2018
DOI: 10.1071/SH17208
Abstract: Background Technology-facilitated sexual harassment is an emerging phenomenon. This study investigates correlates of sexual harassment among young Australians. Methods: Participants aged 15-29 were recruited for an online survey. Participants reported how often in the past year they experienced sexual harassment in person, via phone, social media and dating apps. Correlates of in-person and technology-facilitated sexual harassment were identified using logistic regression. Results: Of all participants (n = 1272, 70% female), two-thirds reported sexual harassment in person, 34% through social media and 26% via phone. Of participants who used a dating app in the past year (n = 535), 57% experienced sexual harassment. Sexual harassment in person was correlated with being female (aOR = 9.2, CI = 6.9–12.2), trans and gender erse (aOR = 2.6, CI = 1.2–5.7) and being aged 20–24 years (aOR = 1.5, CI = 1.1–2.1). Heterosexual identity reduced the odds of sexual harassment in person (aOR = 0.7, CI = 0.5–0.9). Technology-facilitated sexual harassment was correlated with female (aOR = 3.5, CI = 2.6–4.6) and trans and gender erse identities (aOR = 3.0, CI = 1.4–6.5). Older age [25–29 years (aOR = 0.5, CI = 0.4–0.8)] and heterosexual identity (aOR = 0.7, CI = 0.5–0.9) significantly reduced the odds of technology-facilitated sexual harassment. Conclusion: Young people identifying as female, trans and gender erse and non-heterosexual are at risk of in-person and technology-facilitated sexual harassment. Service and technology providers, academics, and policy makers must respond with innovative strategies.
Effect of alcohol use disorder on cellular aging
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 03-06-2019
DOI: 10.1007/S00213-019-05281-5
Abstract: Human telomeres consist of tandem repeats at chromosome ends which protect chromosomal DNA from degradation. Telomere shortening occurs as part of natural aging however, life stressors, smoking, drug use, BMI, and psychiatric disorders could disrupt cell aging and affect telomere length (TL). In this context, studies have evaluated the effects of alcohol consumption on TL however, results have been inconsistent, which may reflect erse drinking cut-offs and categorizations. To help clarify this, the present study addresses the association of TL with alcohol use disorder (AUD), drinking behaviors, lifetime stress, and chronological age. TL was quantified as the telomere to albumin ratio (T/S ratio) obtained from peripheral blood DNA using the quantitative PCR assay, from 260 participants with AUD and 449 non-dependent healthy controls (HC) from an existing National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) database. AUD participants showed shorter TL compared to HC with both, age, and AUD, as independent predictors as well as a significant AUD with age interaction effect on TL. TL was also associated with impulsiveness in AUD participants. We did not observe an association between TL and chronicity of alcohol use, alcohol doses ingested, or childhood trauma exposures in either AUD or HC, although very few HC reported a history of childhood trauma. Our results support previous findings of telomere shortening with chronic alcohol exposures and show both an effect of AUD on TL that is independent of age as well as a significant AUD by age interaction on TL. These findings are consistent with accelerated cellular aging in AUD.
Music festival attendees’ transport mode and beliefs about alcohol and illicit drug use before driving in Victoria, Australia
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 28-09-2022
Features of successful sexual health promotion programs for young people: findings from a review of systematic reviews
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 02-2018
DOI: 10.1002/HPJA.3
Abstract: Young people have a high burden of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) problems, and it is important to reach this group through health promotion initiatives. We conducted a systematic review of reviews to identify successful elements of health promotion programs for improving SRH of young people. We identified and collated systematic reviews published in 2005-2015 which focused on young people (10-24 years), reported on SRH outcomes (pregnancy, sexually transmissible infections, condoms/contraceptive use, risky sexual behaviour, sexual healthcare access or intimate partner violence), and included primary studies predominantly conducted in high-income countries. This report focuses on features of successful SRH programs identified in the interpretation and discussion of included systematic reviews. We identified 66 systematic reviews, of which 37 reported on program features which were anecdotally or statistically associated with improved program effectiveness and success. Common features of effective interventions were: longer term or repeated implementation multi-setting and multi-component parental involvement culturally/gender/age appropriate and inclusion of skills-building. SO WHAT?: There is marked consistency of features improving SRH program effectiveness for young people despite the wide variation in interventions reviewed. There is a need to better implement this knowledge in future programs, and our findings provide useful guidance for optimising the design of SRH interventions for young people.
Comparing sexual behaviours and knowledge between domestic students and Chinese international students in Australia: findings from two cross-sectional studies
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 03-06-2020
Abstract: Few studies investigate sexual health among Chinese international students in Australia. We recruited domestic (n = 623) and Chinese international (n = 500) students for separate online surveys on sexual behaviours and knowledge. S les were compared using Chi square, Fisher’s exact and equality of medians tests. Domestic students were more likely than international students to have ever touched a partner’s genitals (81% vs. 53%, p 0.01), had oral sex (76% vs. 44%, p 0.01), vaginal intercourse (67% vs. 41%, p 0.01) and anal intercourse (31% vs. 6%, p 0.01). Domestic students were younger when they first touched a partner’s genitals (16 vs. 18 years, p 0.01), had oral sex (17 vs. 18 years, p 0.01) and vaginal intercourse (17 vs. 18 years, p 0.01). Domestic students were less likely than Chinese international students to report only one lifetime partner for touching genitals (22% vs. 50%, p 0.01), oral sex (25% vs. 55%, p 0.01), vaginal intercourse (30% vs. 58%, p 0.01) and anal intercourse (54% vs. 88%, p 0.01). Domestic students were more likely than Chinese international students to use the oral contraceptive pill (48% vs. 16%, p 0.01) and long-acting reversible contraceptives (19% vs. 1%, p 0.01). Domestic students scored higher than international students on a contraception and chlamydia quiz (4/5 vs. 2/5, p 0.01). Domestic and Chinese international students differed in sexual behaviours and knowledge highlighting the need for relevant sexual health promotion for both groups.
Alcohol consumption and illicit drug use among young music festival attendees in Australia
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 22-02-2022
Correlates of sexually transmissible infection testing among a sample of at-risk young Australians
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2017
DOI: 10.1071/PY16115
Abstract: Annual chlamydia testing is recommended for all sexually active Australians aged 15–29 years however, the testing rate is below recommended levels. Three surveys at a Melbourne music festival were conducted over 2012–14 to identify correlates of sexually transmissible infection (STI) testing among young people at risk of STIs. In total, 3588 participants were recruited 72% reported having sex in the past year. Based on sexual behaviours, 38% of sexually active participants were classified as at risk of contracting STIs. In the past year, at-risk participants had significantly higher odds of reporting a STI test (37%) than participants classified as not at risk (24%) (OR=1.9 CI=1.6–2.3). Among at-risk participants, correlates of STI testing in the past year included being aged 20–24 years, visiting a GP, higher knowledge levels, earlier sexual debut and reporting more than five lifetime partners. Testing rates in our s le did not meet levels required to reduce chlamydia prevalence. However, the testing rate was higher in at-risk participants than participants who were not at risk. Future programs aiming to increase chlamydia testing should improve knowledge and promote the importance of testing after risk exposure, particularly among 16- to 19-year-olds.
Social media use for nutrition outcomes in young adults: a mixed-methods systematic review
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 24-07-2018
Non-consensual sharing of personal sexually explicit imagery among young people in Australia: results from an online survey.
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2020
DOI: 10.1071/SH19147
Abstract: Consensual sharing of personal sexually explicit imagery (SEI) is part of young people’s sexual practise however, harms arise if content is shared without consent. Australians aged 15–29 years were recruited for an online survey. Participants indicated if they had ever sent SEI of themselves to someone else, received SEI directly from the person in the imagery and whether they thought it was illegal to forward SEI without consent. Participants reported whether anyone shared their SEI without permission, if they told people, made official reports or if there were consequences for perpetrator(s). Logistic regression was used to identify associations between victimisation, gender, age group, sexual identity and knowledge of SEI-related law. In total, 1007 participants (65% female, mean age 23 years, 67% heterosexual) were recruited 63% sent personal SEI to another person, 71% received SEI from the person pictured and 77% correctly identified it is illegal to forward SEI without consent. Thirteen percent (n = 126) indicated another person forwarded personal SEI without consent. In univariate analysis, victimisation was associated with identifying as non-heterosexual (odds ratio = 1.51, confidence interval = 1.03–2.22), but was independent from age group, gender and knowledge. In multivariate analysis, sexual identity, age group, gender and knowledge were not significantly associated with victimisation. Among participants who experienced non-consensual sharing of personal SEI, 63% told friends, 10% told family, 93% made no official report and 94% reported no consequences for perpetrator(s). Initiatives are needed to promote legal rights and enable young people to seek support.
LRRK2 Gene Variants Associated With a Higher Risk for Alcohol Dependence in Multiethnic Populations
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 31-05-2021
DOI: 10.3389/FPSYT.2021.665257
Abstract: Background: Genetics influence the vulnerability to alcohol use disorders, and among the implicated genes, three previous studies have provided evidences for the involvement of LRRK2 in alcohol dependence (AD). LRRK2 expression is broadly dysregulated in postmortem brain from AD humans, as well as in the brain of mice with alcohol dependent-like behaviors and in a zebrafish model of alcohol preference. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association of variants in the LRRK2 gene with AD in multiethnic populations from South and North America. Methods: Alcohol-screening questionnaires [such as CAGE and Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT)] were used to determine in idual risk of AD. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were done in three independent populations (898 in iduals from Bambuí, Brazil 3,015 in iduals from Pelotas, Brazil and 1,316 from the United States). Linkage disequilibrium and conditional analyses, as well as in silico functional analyses, were also conducted. Results: Four LRRK2 variants were significantly associated with AD in our discovery cohort (Bambuí): rs4768231, rs4767971, rs7307310, and rs1465527. Two of these variants (rs4768231 and rs4767971) were replicated in both Pelotas and US cohorts. The consistent association signal (at the LRRK2 locus) found in populations with different genetic backgrounds reinforces the relevance of our findings. Conclusion: Taken together, these results support the notion that genetic variants in the LRRK2 locus are risk factors for AD in humans.
You have to drink with a little bit of shame: Alcohol and other drug use among young people from migrant and ethnic minority backgrounds in Melbourne, Australia.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 25-06-2022
DOI: 10.1080/15332640.2022.2091703
Abstract: Migrant and ethnic minority groups are underrepresented in alcohol and other drug (AOD) research. This qualitative study explored AOD use among young people from migrant and ethnic minority backgrounds in Melbourne, Australia. We conducted one focus group and 16 interviews and thematically analyzed data drawing on the social-ecological model of health. Theme one showed AOD use was considered a "normal" part of youth identity, particularly for participants who had grown up with peer groups in Australia. Theme two highlighted participant's sense of responsibility to meet expectations and make informed decisions about AOD use to protect themselves and their friends. Theme three highlighted participant's risk of experiencing AOD-related stigma through negative stereotypes and fear of consequences within families and communities, particularly among female participants. Participants' perceptions and experiences differed by in idual factors, interpersonal relationships, AOD accessibility across settings and broader gender, cultural and religious norms. Interventions developed with young people from migrant and ethnic minority backgrounds are needed to target the social-ecological factors underpinning AOD use, particularly stigma.
Addressing alcohol and other drug use among young people from migrant and ethnic minority backgrounds: Perspectives of service providers in Melbourne, Australia
Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 06-04-2021
DOI: 10.1111/HSC.13355
Exploring stigma associated with mental health conditions and alcohol and other drug use among people from migrant and ethnic minority backgrounds: a protocol for a systematic review of qualitative st
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 18-01-2022
DOI: 10.1186/S13643-021-01875-3
Abstract: Stigma is a social process that impedes access to support for mental health conditions and alcohol and other drug (AOD) use, particularly for people from migrant and ethnic minority backgrounds. There is limited understanding, however, of people’s experiences of stigma, the underlying drivers, intersections with ethnicity, gender, and citizenship status, and how powerful discourses and social institutions create and perpetuate systems of stigma. This review aims to synthesise and critically analyse qualitative evidence to understand how stigma associated with mental health conditions and AOD use operates among people from migrant and ethnic minority groups. Qualitative evidence will be identified using MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Applied Social Sciences Index and Sociological Abstracts. Two reviewers will screen the titles, abstracts and full-text articles. Eligible studies will include original, empirical, peer-reviewed qualitative evidence, published in English since 1990. Studies must examine stigma in relation to mental health conditions, illicit drug use or alcohol consumption among participants who are from migrant and ethnic minority backgrounds. Studies will be critically appraised using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for qualitative studies and the level of confidence in the findings will be assessed using Confidence in the Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative research. Data will be analysed using the ‘best fit’ framework synthesis approach, drawing on the Health Stigma and Discrimination Framework. This review will provide an in-depth understanding of the stigma associated with mental health conditions and AOD use among people from migrant and ethnic minority backgrounds. The findings will inform culturally responsive interventions that aim to reduce the negative impact of stigma on in iduals, families and communities. PROSPERO CRD42021204057
Trends in late and advanced HIV diagnoses among migrants in Australia; implications for progress on Fast-Track targets: A retrospective observational study.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 02-2020
Related Organisations
Related Funding Activities
No related grants have been discovered for Caitlin Douglass.