ORCID Profile
0000-0002-6741-5759
Current Organisations
Murdoch Children's Research Institute
,
University of Melbourne
,
Western Sydney University
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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.
Public Health and Health Services | Public Health And Health Services Not Elsewhere Classified | Health Promotion | Preventive Medicine | Health Promotion | Social Policy | Specialist Studies in Education | Health and Community Services | Community Child Health | Race and Ethnic Relations | Professional Development Of Teachers Not Elsewhere Classified | Education Studies Not Elsewhere Classified
Health Inequalities | Education and training not elsewhere classified | Expanding Knowledge through Studies of Human Society | Social Structure and Health | Public health not elsewhere classified | Child health | Health related to specific ethnic groups | Health Related to Specific Ethnic Groups | Behaviour and health |
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 03-07-2014
Abstract: Reduced school attendance is a recognised risk factor for poorer outcomes both educationally and across a wide range of social, economic and personal indicators throughout life. Children and young people with chronic health conditions often have poor or disrupted records of school attendance due to periods of hospitalisation and time spent recuperating at home. Keeping students with health conditions connected to school and learning is critical to avoid a trajectory of school absence, disengagement from schoolwork and peers, reduced achievement in education and early school leaving. This paper reports on a research project conducted in Victoria, Australia, to connect 7–12 year old hospitalised children with their school using a specially designed Presence App run on a mobile tablet computer. Nine hospitalised students, their families and schools participated in the trial. Results indicate that the Presence App helped to create and maintain a social presence for the absent child in the classroom and keep students at risk of disengagement connected to school. Our research also showed that while the ‘Presence’ App complemented existing information and communication technology such as videoconferencing and email by connecting hospitalised student and school, it had added advantages over these modes of communication such as creating an on-going classroom presence for the hospitalised child while respecting privacy and attempting to minimise disruption in the hospital and classroom settings.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 26-10-2010
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 2014
Publisher: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
Date: 2023
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 20-03-2023
DOI: 10.1007/S12134-023-01023-X
Abstract: Migrants’ access and effective utilisation of settlement services depend on their level of settlement service literacy (SSL). However, SSL is multi-dimensional in nature and has many facets that are influenced by demographic and migration-related factors. Identifying factors that drive various components of SSL, and thus allowing for more focused development of specific dimensions, is critical. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between components of SSL and migration-related and migrants’ demographic factors. Using a snowball s ling approach, trained multilingual research assistants collected data on 653 participants. Data were collected using face-to-face or online (phone and via video platforms such as Zoom and Skype) surveys. Our findings suggest that demographic and migration-related factors explained 32% of the variance in overall SSL and 17%, 23%, 44%, 8%, 10% of the variance in knowledge, empowerment, competence, community influence, and political components of SSL respectively. SSL was positively associated with pre-migration and post-migration educational attainment, being employed in Australia, being a refugee, coming from the sub-Saharan region but negatively associated with age and coming from the East Asia and Pacific region. Across SSL dimensions, post-migration education was the only factor positively associated with the overall SSL and all SSL dimensions (except the political dimension). Employment status in Australia was also positively associated with competency and empowerment, but not other dimensions. Affiliating with a religion other than Christianity or Islam was negatively associated with knowledge and empowerment whilst being a refugee was positively associated with knowledge. Age was negatively associated with the empowerment and competency dimensions. The study provides evidence of the importance of some pre- and post-migration factors that can assist in developing targeted initiatives to enhance migrants’ SSL. Identifying factors that drive various components of SSL will allow for more focused development of specific dimensions and therefore is critical.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 24-09-2013
Abstract: We present a case study involving the unexpected deaths of two young people whose parents were taking part in a qualitative study concerning adolescents with chronic disease. We explore and highlight the ethically important moments, both procedural and emotional, and the implications for the research team, the ethics committee, and for qualitative health researchers more broadly. Our reflections are drawn from team discussion and analysis of the trainee researcher’s responses to the situation. We focus on (a) reflexivity and ethical mindfulness as a strategy for enhancing emotional safety, (b) the concept of emotional safety for qualitative researchers, and (c) the procedural issues and emotional responses that led to engagement with the human research ethics committee and resulting changes in policy. The article concludes by proposing recommendations for the promotion of emotional safety in qualitative health research that is relevant for researchers, especially trainee researchers, as well as ethics committees.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 18-06-2022
DOI: 10.1186/S12889-022-13452-X
Abstract: Obesity is an increasing health concern in Australia among adult and child populations alike and is often associated with other serious comorbidities. While the rise in the prevalence of childhood obesity has plateaued in high-income countries, it continues to increase among children from disadvantaged and culturally erse backgrounds. The family environment of disadvantaged populations may increase the risk of childhood obesity through unhealthy eating and lifestyle practices. The Strong Families Trial aims to assess the effectiveness of a mixed behavioural and lifestyle intervention for parents and carers of at-risk populations, i.e. families from culturally erse and disadvantaged backgrounds, in preventing unhealthy weight gain among children aged 5 to 11 years. Eight hundred families from low socio-economic areas in Greater Western Sydney, NSW, and Melbourne, VIC, will be recruited and randomised into a lifestyle intervention or control group. The intervention comprises 90-minute weekly sessions for 6 weeks (plus two-booster sessions) of an integrated, evidence-based, parenting and lifestyle program that accounts for the influences of family functioning. Primary (anthropometric data) and secondary (family functioning, feeding related parenting, physical activity, consumption of healthy foods, health literacy, family and household costs) outcome measures will be assessed at baseline, immediately following the intervention, and 12 months post-intervention. This study will elucidate methods for engaging socially disadvantaged and culturally erse groups in parenting programs concerned with child weight status. This study is registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ( ACTRN12619001019190 ). Registered 16 July 2019.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2012
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 30-10-2003
DOI: 10.1046/J.1365-2214.2003.00363.X
Abstract: This study set out to examine the socio-cultural, familial and environmental factors influencing health, eating habits and patterns of physical activity contributing to child and adolescent overweight and obesity. Semi-structured, community-based interviews were conducted with contrasting key informant three-generation families and generation by generation focus groups of grandparents, parents and children from four cultural communities in the state of Victoria, Australia. Purposive s ling occurred from Turkish, Greek, Indian and Chinese communities that have migrated to Australia within the last three generations (n = 160, eight families, 47 children aged 5-15 years, 29 parents, 42 grandparents). Evidence of two-way influences on eating and physical activity across three generations was evident, with children reporting the greatest cross-cultural ersity. A range of dietary restrictions was reported across all cultural groups. Efforts to foster healthy eating and lifestyle patterns within communities were evident. Parents, as a generation in particular, felt the need for more access to education and support regarding healthy limits for pre-puberty and puberty stages. There is a dynamic influence of culture on many aspects of family lifestyle across three generations. To achieve successful intervention design, childhood obesity researchers need to collaborate with erse groups and communities. Considering the role and influence of extended family, a multigenerational, whole-of-community approach beyond that of parent and child populations ought to be considered.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 14-01-2010
Abstract: Objective. To determine the information needs of parents of children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Method. A cross-sectional survey of parents recruited from pediatric hospital clinics, support groups, and newspaper advertisements in Victoria, Australia, was undertaken. Parents completed a questionnaire covering information sources accessed, the quality of this information, the information content they considered important and their preferred information modes. Results. Survey data were collected from 99 parents. Parents most frequently accessed information from pediatricians (89%), books (78%), general practitioners (65%), and schools (61%). Pediatricians were rated highest as a useful, trusted, easy-to-understand, and up-to-date information source. Parents placed most importance on causes and symptoms at the time of diagnosis. Parents preferred to receive verbal information from a professional (69%). Conclusion. Information provision for parents of children with ADHD is a continuous process. Although they access a range of sources and modes, parents prefer verbal information delivery.
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2012
DOI: 10.1071/AH11078
Abstract: Hospital settings can, and should, create educative spaces and learning opportunities as part of their holistic care for young patients. The purpose of this paper is to examine the evidence for creating high quality, child-centred learning environments within paediatric settings. We explore the impact of physical spaces on learning the literature on developmental stages of learning for children and young people as it relates to learning environments and the literature on learning in out-of-school settings, particularly as this applies to children who are separated from their daily communities. As all paediatric settings can create opportunities for the ongoing educational development of their patients, this paper presents a way forward for this approach to holistic care. What is known about the topic? Children and young people with health conditions are at a distinct disadvantage, both in terms of their health and their education. What does this paper add? This paper presents a way forward for paediatric settings to provide an environment that includes opportunities for educational development for their patients, as part of a more holistic model of service provision. What are the implications for practitioners? Practitioners need to understand the role and potential of hospital spaces for learning, and value the contribution a hospital can make to young patients’ ongoing learning.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2007
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 27-02-2014
DOI: 10.1111/CCH.12036
Abstract: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is now the most common reason for a child to present to a paediatrician in Australia. Stimulant medications are commonly prescribed for children with ADHD, to reduce symptoms and improve function. In this study we investigated the factors that influence paediatricians' decisions about prescribing stimulant medications. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with paediatricians (n = 13) who were purposively recruited so as to s le a broad demographic of paediatricians working in erse clinical settings. Paediatricians were recruited from public outpatient and private paediatrician clinics in Victoria, Australia. The interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim for thematic analysis. Paediatricians also completed a questionnaire describing their demographic and practice characteristics. Our findings showed that the decision to prescribe is a dynamic process involving two key domains: (1) weighing up clinical factors and (2) interacting with parents and the patient along the journey to prescribing. Five themes relating to this process emerged from data analysis: comprehensive assessments that include history, examination and information from others influencing factors such as functional impairment and social inclusion previous success facilitating parental understanding including addressing myths and parental confusion and decision-making model. Paediatricians' decisions to prescribe stimulant medications are influenced by multiple factors that operate concurrently and interdependently. Paediatricians do not make decisions about prescribing in isolation rather, they actively involve parents, teachers and patients, to arrive at a collective, well-informed decision.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 2008
DOI: 10.1080/17477160701645202
Abstract: INTRODUCTION. Do child obesity prevention research and intervention measures have the potential to generate adverse concerns about body image by focussing on food, physical activity and body weight? Research findings now demonstrate the emergence of body image concerns in children as young as 5 years. In the context of a large school-community-based child health promotion and obesity prevention study, we aimed to address the potential negative effects of height and weight measures on child wellbeing by developing and implementing an evidence-informed protocol to protect and prevent body image concerns. fun 'n healthy in Moreland! is a cluster randomised controlled trial of a child health promotion and obesity prevention intervention in 23 primary schools in an inner urban area of Melbourne, Australia. Body image considerations were incorporated into the study philosophies, aims, methods, staff training, language, data collection and reporting procedures of this study. This was informed by the published literature, professional body image expertise, pilot testing and implementation in the conduct of baseline data collection and the intervention. This study is the first record of a body image protection protocol being an integral part of the research processes of a child obesity prevention study. Whilst we are yet to measure its impact and outcome, we have developed and tested a protocol based on the evidence and with support from stakeholders in order to minimise the adverse impact of study processes on child body image concerns.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 03-2012
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2007
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 15-04-2014
DOI: 10.1111/JPC.12547
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 20-02-2014
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2014
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2010
DOI: 10.1016/J.JSAMS.2009.02.011
Abstract: Schools are integral settings in which children can participate in moderate and vigorous physical activity. This study reports on the relationship between playground characteristics and child activity levels using a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods. The aim of the study is to increase understanding of how children respond to their school playground environments. Twenty-three primary schools located in a predominantly low socio-economic area of Melbourne, Australia were involved. SOPLAY (System for Observing Play and Leisure Activity in Youth) was administered in all 23 schools to measure the levels of student physical activity and playground environmental factors such as equipment provision. In 12 of the 23 schools, a s le of 9-11-year-old students participated in focus group discussions exploring perceptions of their school playgrounds using a photo ordering technique. A larger proportion of students participated in VPA when loose equipment (60% vs. 52% p<0.001) and teacher supervision (62% vs. 52% p<0.001) were present in activity settings, compared to when they were unavailable. Fixed play equipment and bitumen with court lay-line markings were seen by children as settings inviting active play but only had the greatest impact on moderate activity (fixed play equipment: 35% vs. 20%, p<0.001 court markings/goals: 62% vs. 52%, p<0.001 play-line markings: 25% vs. 20%, p=0.04). The mixed method design provided a greater understanding of the potential influence of environmental characteristics on children's lunch time activity levels and their perceptions of play areas. The findings indicate that relatively simple changes such as the provision of loose equipment, painting of court and play-line markings, and increased teacher presence on the playground, are likely to provide opportunities for increased physical activity.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 15-11-2013
DOI: 10.1038/IJO.2013.213
Abstract: There is mounting evidence that family functioning is linked to childhood overweight and obesity, and that both of these are associated with health-related behaviours and adverse health outcomes in children and adolescents. This paper systematically examines the peer-reviewed evidence regarding the relationship between child and adolescent overweight and obesity and family functioning. Peer-reviewed literature published between 1990 and 2011 hosted in Scopus, Pub Med or Psyc INFO were searched, in addition to the reference lists of included papers. Twenty-one studies met the selection criteria. Of the 17 identified cross-sectional and longitudinal studies, 12 reported significant associations between family functioning and childhood overweight and obesity. The instruments used to measure family functioning in the identified studies were heterogeneous. Poor family functioning was associated with increased risk of obesity and overweight in children and adolescents, and obese children and adolescents were more likely to come from families with poor family functioning. Aspects of family functioning which were associated with increased risk of child and adolescent obesity included poor communication, poor behaviour control, high levels of family conflict and low family hierarchy values. Half (2/4) of the identified intervention studies showed a significant relationship between family functioning and changes in child weight. The results demonstrate that family functioning is linked to obesity however, higher level evidence and greater understanding of the mechanisms behind this relationship are required. The results indicate a need for a standardised family functioning measure applicable across populations. The results provide evidence of the value of considering family functioning in childhood obesity research and intervention.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2011
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 30-10-2014
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2009
DOI: 10.1111/J.1753-6405.2009.00358.X
Abstract: Focus group research is often seen as a cost-effective way of gathering evidence from multiple research participants about the ersity of their views, experiences or beliefs. Our objective is to argue that focus group research only fulfils its potential if analysis of in idual views is extended to include analysis of interaction between participants, so that we learn more why people hold these views. We outline the literature on focus group research, contrasting the 'quick-and-easy' approach with the demands of studies that are designed, conducted and analysed in a methodologically rigorous way to yield high quality public health evidence. Well-conducted focus groups contribute good evidence for public health decision making. The challenges of conducting high-quality studies should not be underestimated, and must involve rigorous analysis of both interaction and content.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 2008
DOI: 10.1080/17477160802141846
Abstract: To examine the relationship between overweight/obesity in children, socioeconomic status and ethnicity/cultural background. Cross-sectional survey of children aged 4-13 years. A total of 23 primary (elementary) schools in an inner urban municipality of Melbourne, Australia. Participants. A total of 2685 children aged 4-13 years and their parents. Ethnicity/cultural background - maternal region of birth socioeconomic position (SEP) indicators - maternal and paternal educational attainment, family employment status, possession of a healthcare card, ability to buy food, indicator of disadvantage (Socioeconomic Index for Areas, SEIFA) score for school parental weight status. Main outcome measure. Prevalence of overweight/obesity. Prevalence of overweight/obesity approached 1 in 3 (31%) in this s le. Prevalence of overweight/obesity was greater for children of both North Africa and Middle Eastern background and children of Southern, South Eastern and Eastern European background compared with children of Australian background. This difference remained after adjusting for age, sex, height, clustering by school, SEP indicators and parental weight status odds ratio, OR=1.57 (95% confidence interval, CI 1.12-2.19) and 1.88 (95%CI 1.24-2.85), respectively. There is a clear independent effect of ethnicity above and beyond the effect of socioeconomic status on overweight and obesity in children. Further research is required to explore the mediators of this gradient.
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 22-02-2011
DOI: 10.1108/09654281111108553
Abstract: Chronic health conditions can cause children extended school absences, creating significant barriers for continued education. Out‐of‐school learning environments, such as hospitals, provide opportunities to maintain children's learning identities during school absences. This paper seeks to present an ex le of hospital‐based teaching and learning and to explore the challenges of providing child‐centred learning opportunities in this environment. A case study narrative describes the underpinnings of child‐centred teaching and learning within a children's hospital. The “Around the World” learning activity is used to discuss the challenges and strategies when fostering learning environments for children with erse needs. The paper highlights how pedagogy is apparent in a children's health setting. Reflective teacher practice translated pedagogical principles into dynamic, situated learning activities that engaged children visiting a hospital Out‐patients area. The display of learning artefacts within Out‐patients helped raise awareness of the learning identities of children within the hospital. This case study is one ex le of the learning opportunities that can be fostered within a hospital. The findings have implications for educators in both traditional and alternative learning environments regarding how spaces can be used to “seize the moment” with children in their care. The learning needs of adolescents spending time in hospital also need to be met in developmentally appropriate ways. This paper illustrates how a hospital, as a traditionally held “health” space, can be reconceptualised as a learning space to accommodate the multiple identities of children and build a shared understanding between education and health professionals of the value of integrating learning into a holistic and child‐centred model of care.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 19-03-2015
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2007
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2007
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 25-04-2013
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 17-11-2012
DOI: 10.1111/CDOE.12019
Abstract: This study sought to advance understanding of the influence of psychosocial factors on oral health by examining how parental self-efficacy (with regard to acting on their child's oral health needs) and oral health knowledge relate to parental and child oral health behaviors and self-rated oral health. Parents of children in grades 0/1 and 5/6 (n = 804) and children in grades 5/6 (n = 377, mean age 11.5 ± 1.0, 53.9% female) were recruited from a stratified random s le of 11 primary (elementary) schools. Participants completed surveys capturing psychosocial factors, oral health-related knowledge, and parental attitudes about oral health. Parents also rated their own oral health status and the oral health of their child. Correlations and logistic regression analysis (adjusted for socioeconomic status, child age, and gender) examined associations between psychosocial factors and the outcomes of interest (parent and child behaviors and self-rated oral health status). Higher parental self-efficacy was associated with more frequent toothbrushing (by parent and child), and more frequent visits to a dental professional. These associations were particularly strong with regard to dental visits for children, with parents with the highest tertile for self-efficacy 4.3 times more likely to report that their child attended a dentist for a checkup at least once a year (95%CI 2.52-7.43) and 3 times more likely to report their child brushing their teeth at least twice a day (Adjusted Odds Ratio 3.04, 95%CI 1.64-5.64) compared with those parents in the lowest tertile for self-efficacy. No associations with oral health knowledge were found when examined by tertile of increasing knowledge. Oral health self-efficacy and knowledge are potentially modifiable risk factors of oral health outcomes, and these findings suggest that intervening on these factors could help foster positive dental health habits in families.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 03-2005
Abstract: Preventative health strategies incorporating the views of target participants have improved the likelihood of success. This qualitative study aimed to elicit child and parent views regarding social and environmental barriers to healthy eating, physical activity and child obesity prevention programmes, acceptable foci, and appropriate modes of delivery. To obtain views across a range of social circumstances three demographically erse primary schools in Victoria, Australia were selected. Children in Grades 2 (aged 7-8 years) and 5 (aged 10-11 years) participated in focus groups of three to six children. Groups were semi-structured using photo-based activities to initiate discussion. Focus groups with established parent groups were also conducted. Comments were recorded, collated, and themes extracted using grounded theory. 119 children and 17 parents participated. Nine themes emerged: information and awareness, contradiction between knowledge and behaviour, lifestyle balance, local environment, barriers to a healthy lifestyle, contradictory messages, myths, roles of the school and family, and timing and content of prevention strategies for childhood obesity. In conclusion, awareness of food 'healthiness' was high however perceptions of the 'healthiness' of some sedentary activities that are otherwise of benefit (e.g. reading) were uncertain. The contradictions in messages children receive were reported to be a barrier to a healthy lifestyle. Parent recommendations regarding the timing and content of childhood obesity prevention strategies were consistent with quantitative research. Contradictions in the explicit and implicit messages children receive around diet and physical activity need to be prevented. Consistent promotion of healthy food and activity choices across settings is core to population prevention programmes for childhood obesity.
Publisher: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
Date: 10-2021
Start Date: 03-2014
End Date: 02-2017
Amount: $252,000.00
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded ActivityStart Date: 2010
End Date: 12-2013
Amount: $294,000.00
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded ActivityStart Date: 07-2007
End Date: 12-2011
Amount: $134,000.00
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded ActivityStart Date: 2018
End Date: 12-2021
Amount: $448,472.00
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded Activity