Gender differences and the use of health care services in childhood asthma

Thu, 01 Jan 1998 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Gender differences and the use of health care services in childhood asthma Authors: Tikaram, Kamille Abstract: Objectives: To compare gender differences in childhood asthma and to assess whether there is a gender difference in the use of health care services. Method: An analysis of the data collected by Peat et al. in the years of 1991 to 1993 has been used for this study. The population sample comprised of 5468 children from eight to eleven years of age. Results: Males had a high prevalence of wheeze and asthma (P

Risk factors for strong regret and subsequent IVF request after tubal sterilisation

Wed, 01 Jan 1997 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Risk factors for strong regret and subsequent IVF request after tubal sterilisation Authors: Kariminia, Azar Abstract: A case control study was done to examine presterilisation characteristics most consistently associated with strong poststerilisation regret and subsequent request for IVF. The case group was made up of 97 previously sterilised women evaluated for IVF treatment at the Fertility Clinic or Royal North Shore Hospital in Sydney during the period 1980-1992. A Control group of 101 women apparently satisfied with their tuballigation was found from the medical records of one gynaecologist at Royal North Shore Hospital. Of the characteristics that could be objectively determined preoperatively only age, number of living children, timing of sterilisation and marital status were significantly associated with IVF request in the univariate analysis. These characteristics were, then, examined multivariately by means of logistic regression. Age at the time of sterilisation had the most pronounced effect on strong regret. Women who were younger than 30 years old at the time of sterilisation had up to 8.7 times the risk of request for IVF treatment as women 30 to 34 years old. A concurrent caesarean section was associated with a threefold risk relative to an interval procedure, but there was no significant effect associated with sterilisation performed after vaginal delivery or abortion. A strong protective effect (OR=0.07) was found for women with more than 2 children compared to childless women. There was no longer a significant effect of marital status in the multivariate analysis. Other factors not significantly associated with the request for IVF included history of abortion, education, race, the principal method of contraception used before sterilisation, and medical indications for sterilisation. The overwhelming reasons stated by women for requesting IVF were change in marital status, either remarriage or the establishment of a new de facto relationship, and the desire to have a child with the new partner. Description: This work was digitised and made available on open access by Yooroang Garang, the School of Indigenous Health Studies; the University of Sydney; and Sydney eScholarship. It may only be used for the purposes of research and study. Where possible, the School will try to notify the author of this work. If you have any inquiries or issues regarding this work being made available please contact the Sydney eScholarship Repository Coordinator - escholarship.info@sydney.edu.au

The effects of exercise on quality of life before myocardial infarction and during four phase exercise rehabilitation

Fri, 01 Jan 1993 00:00:00 GMT

Title: The effects of exercise on quality of life before myocardial infarction and during four phase exercise rehabilitation Authors: Dunstan, Prudence Abstract: Quality of life may be enhanced after myocardial infarction through participation in exercise rehabilitation. Improvements as a result of exercise participation are seen in physiological function, in psychological state and in the performance of social roles. Changes in physiological function are increased oxygen uptake of skeletal muscle, increased flexibility and increased co-ordination. Changes to psychological state are a reduction in depression and anxiety and improved self esteem and confidence. The performance of social roles is enhanced through psychological and physiological changes and in the sense of achievement generated by attainment of rehabilitation goals. Through the course of exercise rehabilitation from phase one through to phase four, the role of exercise in the components of quality of life changes. Exercise may be used as a tool for the prevention of myocardial infarction. During phase one of rehabilitation, quality of life is reduced by the infarction. Exercise may be used in phase one to restore patient confidence and assist in adjustment to illness. During phases two exercise is used for improvements in physiological function and in psychological adjustment. Phases one and two are marked by the psychological and social considerations of adjustment as well as physiological healing. In phase three, exercise improves quality of life through further improvements in physiological function. Phase three has many physiological gains to be made, whilst in phase four sociological considerations dominate. Adherence to lifelong exercise patterns is a major consideration in phase four since advantageous long term physiological changes, such as enhanced co-lateral circulation can occur. Phase four, the maintenance phase relies on social support of significant others for exercise adherence. Overall the positive effects of exercise rehabilitation after exercise outweigh the risks associated with exercise in this population. Description: This work was digitised and made available on open access by Yooroang Garang, the School of Indigenous Health Studies; the University of Sydney; and Sydney eScholarship. It may only be used for the purposes of research and study. Where possible, the School will try to notify the author of this work. If you have any inquiries or issues regarding this work being made available please contact the Sydney eScholarship Repository Coordinator - escholarship.info@sydney.edu.au

Chinese-speaking women's experiences in the postnatal period in Australia: An exploratory study

Fri, 01 Jan 1993 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Chinese-speaking women's experiences in the postnatal period in Australia: An exploratory study Authors: Chan, Anita Abstract: In today's contemporary world, postnatal women of Chinese ancestry still adhere to the traditional health beliefs and practices of postnatal care. Chinese-speaking people refer to these health beliefs and practices as "Zuo Yuezi" which can be interpreted as "Sitting Out for the Month" or "Doing the Month". The purpose of this study was to explore Chinese women's postnatal experiences in Australia and to find out: (i) whether Chinese women pursue traditional Chinese beliefs and practices in the postnatal period; (ii) why they pursue them; and (iii) what factors facilitated and impeded their practices. Findings show that Chinese women still adhere to traditional postnatal practices to varying degrees after migration. They pursue these practices not only because of apparent physical health reasons, but also for psychosocial reasons. In addition, it was identified that the successful practices depend greatly on the health providers' interpretation of health, their attitudes and style of communication and the availability of support. Description: This work was digitised and made available on open access by Yooroang Garang, the School of Indigenous Health Studies; the University of Sydney; and Sydney eScholarship. It may only be used for the purposes of research and study. Where possible, the School will try to notify the author of this work. If you have any inquiries or issues regarding this work being made available please contact the Sydney eScholarship Repository Coordinator - escholarship.info@sydney.edu.au

Participation in the community visitors scheme in the Sydney metropolitan area: A study of volunteer characteristics and motivations

Thu, 01 Jan 1998 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Participation in the community visitors scheme in the Sydney metropolitan area: A study of volunteer characteristics and motivations Authors: Pattinson, Diane Abstract: The aim of this descriptive study is to investigate the characteristics and motivations of volunteers participating in the Community Visitors Scheme (CVS) in the Sydney metropolitan area and to determine if previous difficult life experiences influence a person's decision to participate in the CVS. Volunteers in the CVS are recruited and trained, by sponsoring Community Based Organisations (CBOs), to visit on a one-to-one basis isolated and lonely people living in nursing homes. Research into this scheme will assist in the understanding of the use of volunteers in nursing homes, add to the literature on the characteristics and motivations of Australian volunteers, and provide data on a recently implemented government scheme. A self-administered questionnaire was randomly distributed to 140 CVS volunteers through the CVS Coordinators of fourteen CBOs representative of all localities within the Sydney metropolitan area. The data gathered were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The results of the study are based upon the 64 questionnaires returned. Overall, the results of this study indicate that an average CVS volunteer is likely to be a married woman, aged 53, with children, who is retired and owns her own home. She is likely to live with her spouse in Northern Sydney or the Inner areas of the city and volunteered over three years ago for altruistic reasons. She continues to visit because of the developing friendship with her resident and finds the experience as a CVS volunteer personally rewarding. Over a quarter of all volunteers (N=17) were influenced by a past experience they had found difficult to deal with. Generally, CVS volunteers find participation in the scheme a rewarding experience. A number of recommendations have been made based upon the results of this study. These recommendations relate to the areas of recruitment, support and retention of volunteers, appropriate skills development of CVS Coordinators, and specific areas for future research. Description: This work was digitised and made available on open access by Yooroang Garang, the School of Indigenous Health Studies; the University of Sydney; and Sydney eScholarship. It may only be used for the purposes of research and study. Where possible, the School will try to notify the author of this work. If you have any inquiries or issues regarding this work being made available please contact the Sydney eScholarship Repository Coordinator - escholarship.info@sydney.edu.au

Chronic mental illness and its effects on the Portuguese family

Fri, 01 Jan 1993 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Chronic mental illness and its effects on the Portuguese family Authors: Wenham, Deborah Abstract: Australian studies have indicated that NESB mentally ill live with and are cared for by their families to a much greater degree than the ESB host community. The possibilities for interaction between migration stressors and the stressors associated with caring for a mentally ill person, have health and quality of life implications for NESB carers and mentally ill. So far the experiences of NESB carers have received little research. This study is a qualitative evaluation of the experiences of four Portuguese families caring for a person with a chronic psychotic illness. In depth interviews of both carers and Health workers working with Portuguese carers and clients were used to reveal aspects of carer experience such as Migration, Leisure, and Knowledge of Mental illness. The study concluded that the Portuguese carers and mentally ill have been successful migrants who have achieved what they came here to do. The Portuguese women were found to be the major providers of care to the mentally ill and their experiences appear to parallel those of other NESB and ESB carers of the mentally ill or other chronically ill or disabled persons. For two carers however the personal cost of caring was very high. The negativity of their experience can be directly attributed to the cultural factors of male alcoholism and domestic violence which appear to be endemic in Portuguese communities. The client directed orientation of mental health servicing whereby the expertise and/or the difficulties of carers and their children are not assessed or incorporated in care planning was also found to contribute directly to carer burden. Description: This work was digitised and made available on open access by Yooroang Garang, the School of Indigenous Health Studies; the University of Sydney; and Sydney eScholarship. It may only be used for the purposes of research and study. Where possible, the School will try to notify the author of this work. If you have any inquiries or issues regarding this work being made available please contact the Sydney eScholarship Repository Coordinator - escholarship.info@sydney.edu.au

Manic Depressive Disorder (Bipolar Disorder) and its effect on the family unit

Fri, 01 Jan 1993 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Manic Depressive Disorder (Bipolar Disorder) and its effect on the family unit Authors: Webster, Sayumporn Abstract: Bipolar affective disorder can mean many years of pain, confusion and loneliness for sufferers. This can also be said to be true for their families. Most relatives develop a fixed set of attitudes ranging from supportive, whatever the circumstances, to the persistently critical and hostile. It is not possible to know if the latter may be a trait or the outcome of a developmental process, but the complexity of these emotions would have some significance in the relapse, and on the family unit as a whole. This study focuses on how family members are affected by living with bipolar disorder sufferers. It is based on relative studies of schizophrenia (The Nithsdale Schizophrenia Surveys 1993, McCreadie et al). Aspects examined include: relationships, practical management, emotional support care given to relatives suffering from bipolar disorder on relative's own health, the extreme difficulty that people with the illness experience in learning from life, and the significance of stress for relatives, both financial and social. The study uses in-depth interviewing and questionnaires methodology to measure the emotions, attitudes and feelings of relatives living closely with the sufferers, and the social consequences on the family unit. The results show that the high-EE (Expressed Emotion) critical families, when the sufferers and relatives are in conflict there is a prolonged and escalating "mutual" negativity. It makes no distinction as to the originators of the negative sequence. Furthermore, in contrast to work on EE or affective style, the results indicate that in low-EE families there is an actively supportive attitude to the sufferers. This parallel is present in the study, but the findings also stress the need for the sufferers to be supporting of their carers. The cases of relapse show that the sufferers and the carers play at least an equal part in the negative inter-action associated with relapse. Description: This work was digitised and made available on open access by Yooroang Garang, the School of Indigenous Health Studies; the University of Sydney; and Sydney eScholarship. It may only be used for the purposes of research and study. Where possible, the School will try to notify the author of this work. If you have any inquiries or issues regarding this work being made available please contact the Sydney eScholarship Repository Coordinator - escholarship.info@sydney.edu.au

Early discharge: What are the effects of programmes targeted at elderly orthopaedic patients?

Wed, 01 Jan 1997 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Early discharge: What are the effects of programmes targeted at elderly orthopaedic patients? Authors: Taylor-Riley, Xanthe Abstract: Early discharge from hospital is rapidly becoming acceptable hospital policy with increasing financial pressures that confront health services. Formalised programmes of early discharge have been developed in the United States, the United Kingdom and also Australia to support patients leaving hospital early, mainly in the areas of orthopaedics and maternity. The reviewed literature demonstrates an overall trend to deinstitutionalise health services and identifies the general effect of early discharge on the health service, carers and patients. Elderly patients following orthopaedic trauma are more likely to be dependent on others for their care than general patients. The aim of this study was to identify experiences and perceptions of elderly orthopaedic patients who participated in a programme of early discharge. The study involved semi-structured, in-depth interviews with a sample of six men and women who had been orthopaedic patients at the Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital. Broad areas for discussion included expectations of the programme, experiences following discharge including any difficulties or problems encountered, use of formal services reported capacity to attend activities of daily living and the main areas of satisfaction and dissatisfaction. The findings revealed that patients preferred early discharge with support from both the rehabilitation discharge team and family to staying in hospital until fully recovered. Whilst experiences of this small sample cannot be generalised to the larger population, they provide insight to individual perceptions that can be used as the basis for further study. Description: This work was digitised and made available on open access by Yooroang Garang, the School of Indigenous Health Studies; the University of Sydney; and Sydney eScholarship. It may only be used for the purposes of research and study. Where possible, the School will try to notify the author of this work. If you have any inquiries or issues regarding this work being made available please contact the Sydney eScholarship Repository Coordinator - escholarship.info@sydney.edu.au

A study on how men define masculinity, maleness and the intrinsic value of being a man

Sat, 01 Jan 1994 00:00:00 GMT

Title: A study on how men define masculinity, maleness and the intrinsic value of being a man Authors: Swan, Steve Abstract: This study is concerned with men's health and health-related behaviours. It examines statistical evidence from a wide variety of resources relating to men's mortality and morbidity and to men's health-related behaviours such as domestic violence, drug abuse and risk-taking. The study shows that there are gender-related deleterious effects on men's health and health-related behaviours which are sufficiently serious to warrant attention. With men as the central focus, the study looks at socialisation practices employed by society to condition men to behave in ways expected of them. It then shows, through a study of the literature, how these socialisation practices lead to deleterious effects on men's health and health-related behaviours. Evidence is presented to indicate that this long standing form of conditioning is under challenge in the 1990s. The study presents results of interviews with five individual men. The respondents were asked for their definitions of masculinity and maleness and their views on the value of men to society. What it found was an expressed desire for closer relationships with partners, more time with children, of sensitivity and growing emotional maturity and legitimisation. There still remained a legacy of a different time with a different role for men but there was definite evidence of changing attitudes and perceptions. Description: This work was digitised and made available on open access by Yooroang Garang, the School of Indigenous Health Studies; the University of Sydney; and Sydney eScholarship. It may only be used for the purposes of research and study. Where possible, the School will try to notify the author of this work. If you have any inquiries or issues regarding this work being made available please contact the Sydney eScholarship Repository Coordinator - escholarship.info@sydney.edu.au

Motor vehicle airbags and related ocular injury

Sun, 01 Jan 1995 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Motor vehicle airbags and related ocular injury Authors: Jacob, Nabill Abstract: The aim of this study is to document current literature regarding those ocular injuries sustained due to airbag deployment during a motor vehicle accident. Airbags have been proven to reduce morbidity and mortality but eye health care professionals and the larger community have to be aware of those injuries which may occur during airbag deployment. A literature review was undertaken and from this review approximately eighteen different eye injuries have been documented. While nearly all of the eye injuries sustained due to airbag deployment had good prognoses some did not. The airbag has undergone changes in order to reduce injury but it will work properly and pose little threat to the occupant of a motor vehicle if it is used in conjunction with the wearing of seat belts for optimal petfonnance, hence the term supplementary restraining system. Studies undertaken in Australia in 1988 showed that 83% of drivers injured in motor vehicle accidents were wearing seat belts therefore the airbag has more potential in lowering this statistic. So that by the use of seat belts and airbags in conjunction injuries to areas such as the face and head including eyes can be considerably reduced. It is apparent that injuries sustained to the head and face area are greater in accidents where a vehicle is not equipped with an airbag. Thus with an airbag the severity of such injuries should decrease. Technology has gone on thus far to redesign the airbag to reduce potential injury to the benefactor (1) and even gone on to create airbags that deploy during side impact to protect occupants from injury (2) and in the not too distant future airbags for rear seat passengers may also become a reality (3). As the cost of supplying airbags goes down they are thought to be most cost effective in tenus of the morbidity and mortality reduction and thus bring overall benefit to the community because of this fact. Literature has proven with data and fact that airbags do indeed save lives and reduce injury to those occupants in airbag equipped motor vehicles (4). Description: This work was digitised and made available on open access by Yooroang Garang, the School of Indigenous Health Studies; the University of Sydney; and Sydney eScholarship. It may only be used for the purposes of research and study. Where possible, the School will try to notify the author of this work. If you have any inquiries or issues regarding this work being made available please contact the Sydney eScholarship Repository Coordinator - escholarship.info@sydney.edu.au

Scheduling in the community: Challenging partnerships in mental health

Mon, 01 Jan 2001 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Scheduling in the community: Challenging partnerships in mental health Authors: Fiorillo, Patrizia Abstract: Studies have shown that the experience of involuntary admission to a psychiatric unit is a stressful event that may contribute to secondary morbidity in vulnerable individuals. The experience preceding involuntary admission, commonly known as a "schedule", i.e., the compulsory removal and transportation of a person deemed to be mentally ill or disordered from their environment to a psychiatric facility for further assessment, has had little attention. The aim of this study was to identify the dominant factors of scheduling; the impact these factors have on the relationships between the main participants; and the current needs to develop a humane and consumer focused service. To this end, ten people who were scheduled; ten relatives of people who were scheduled; and ten clinicians involved in scheduling people participated in semi-structured interviews. These interviews evolved into a narrative style that better suited the topic under discussion and generated extensive amounts of data. A multifaceted method of analysis was used, predominantly of a thematic qualitative nature, to interpret the results. The results show that the three groups experience the scheduling event in similar ways. Fear, anxiety, concern, betrayal, and lack of options predominate in all groups. The concepts of power, crime or illness, and information and education challenge assumptions about insight, competence, informed consent and working in partnership, and set the ground rules for effective therapeutic relationships. The need for comprehensive information and education programs; forums for discussion and evaluation of events; increased family involvement; ongoing trust relationships with mental health professionals; and increased resources were identified by those involved in this sensitive area. In order to work in true partnership in mental health, particularly in the highly skilled area of acute interventions, we need to challenge our assumptions and beliefs and listen to the lived experiences of those we work with. Acute community mental health requires high levels of skill, knowledge and clinical acumen based on humanistic principles and ethical values as well as in medical knowledge. This thesis contributes to the knowledge and understanding required to develop partnerships and policies that can make this very human event more human. Description: This work was digitised and made available on open access by Yooroang Garang, the School of Indigenous Health Studies; the University of Sydney; and Sydney eScholarship. It may only be used for the purposes of research and study. Where possible, the School will try to notify the author of this work. If you have any inquiries or issues regarding this work being made available please contact the Sydney eScholarship Repository Coordinator - escholarship.info@sydney.edu.au

Chinese migrants’ perception of migration stress and coping methods

Sat, 01 Jan 1994 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Chinese migrants’ perception of migration stress and coping methods Authors: Chung, Agnes Abstract: An exploratory qualitative research was conducted on perceptions of stress among people in the Chinese community, especially new migrants and what they do about it. One question in this research was whether Chinese migrants are aware of and using the public services and, if so, do they find it useful? The selection of participants for this research included three key criteria: participants must be Chinese migrants to Australia, have lived in Australia for two years or less and be a bilingual speaker. In-depth interviews were conducted with eight respondents for 45 minutes to an hour. The interviews were conducted at a place chosen by the participant. Data analysis was qualitative. Each interview was summarised using a transcript file note taking approach. These transcript files were then condensed into case summaries. The case summaries were used to link the material presented in the transcript to conceptual themes and topics relevant to the research question asked. These conceptual themes related to migration stress, settlement problems and the solutions on solving such problems. Migration stress includes: societal, environmental, economic and bridging normative and catastrophic family stress. Settlement problems includes: uprooting period, culture shock, loss of familiar social support, change in economic status, role change and change in social status, lack of control, language problems, unemployment, parenting dilemmas, inter-generation communication gap and adapting to a new education system. Coping with such problems included support from family, relatives and friends. Description: This work was digitised and made available on open access by Yooroang Garang, the School of Indigenous Health Studies; the University of Sydney; and Sydney eScholarship. It may only be used for the purposes of research and study. Where possible, the School will try to notify the author of this work. If you have any inquiries or issues regarding this work being made available please contact the Sydney eScholarship Repository Coordinator - escholarship.info@sydney.edu.au

Social isolation, loneliness & older people: Study of neighbour aid home visiting service

Fri, 01 Jan 1999 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Social isolation, loneliness & older people: Study of neighbour aid home visiting service Authors: Boardman, Jayne Abstract: The purpose of this research study is to investigate social isolation and loneliness and its impact it has on a person's well being. Social isolation and loneliness occurs in people of all ages but with older generation more vulnerable to its development. The emphasis of this study is placed upon social isolation and loneliness among older people who are receiving a Home and Community Care funded service called Neighbour Aid Home Visiting in the Parramatta Local Government of NSW. This service provides volunteer workers to visit housebound and isolated clients and provide them with companionship and practical assistance to alleviate some of the social isolation and loneliness they encounter. The service not only provided individuals with social companionship, but also offered a range of other benefits. These other benefits were ongoing learning/sharing of wisdom, empowerment and helping the participants to deal with loss and grief issues. These outcomes assisted the individuals to improve their social skills and develop self-esteem and ultimately to improve their quality of life. The results show the service was instrumental in alleviating social isolation and feelings of loneliness among the sample group. Description: This work was digitised and made available on open access by Yooroang Garang, the School of Indigenous Health Studies; the University of Sydney; and Sydney eScholarship. It may only be used for the purposes of research and study. Where possible, the School will try to notify the author of this work. If you have any inquiries or issues regarding this work being made available please contact the Sydney eScholarship Repository Coordinator - escholarship.info@sydney.edu.au

Health promotion practices among the Iranians: Use of poetry in promotion

Fri, 01 Jan 1999 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Health promotion practices among the Iranians: Use of poetry in promotion Authors: Norrie, Annabel Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to study the use of poetry as a method of health promotion. The focus of this paper is placed on the use of poetry in health promotion in the Iranian community, as poetry is a very distinct method of communication used amongst the Iranian population. Poetry and prose has been viewed by many to facilitate communication and to deal with many emotions very effectively. This is how it is used within the Iranian community. Difficulties are often experienced when dealing with communities of different cultural backgrounds. When dealing with those of different cultural backgrounds the importance of the messages being culturally relevant can not be stressed highly enough. The following paper suggests why those non-members of the Iranian community may have difficulty promoting healthy practices among this community. It also stresses the importance to those involved in promoting positive health behaviours, general health practitioners and health workers, working with individuals and communities of different cultural backgrounds must be aware of the appropriate methods and practices required in their specific field. Description: This work was digitised and made available on open access by Yooroang Garang, the School of Indigenous Health Studies; the University of Sydney; and Sydney eScholarship. It may only be used for the purposes of research and study. Where possible, the School will try to notify the author of this work. If you have any inquiries or issues regarding this work being made available please contact the Sydney eScholarship Repository Coordinator - escholarship.info@sydney.edu.au

The stress experience among Chinese young people in Australia

Thu, 01 Jan 1998 00:00:00 GMT

Title: The stress experience among Chinese young people in Australia Authors: Leung, Ka Abstract: Australia is a multicultural country. It has one of the world's diversed terms of ethnic and culture population. In response to the absorption of migrants from non English-speaking background in Australia, the population of ethnic young people has increased significantly in recent decades. Many disturbing trends in Australia is of 1990s, affect all the population particular young people with ethnic background. Ethnic youth are usually being confronted with additional burden of stress and conflicts, which arise out of the migration and resettlement process, coping with two cultures and value systems, and being a minority group in the society. Chinese, like other minority youth groups in Australia, are confronted with variety of stressful life events. Little attention has been paid to the psychological stresses experienced by these minority youth. This study is to explore the experience of stress among the Chinese young people in Australia. By reviewing relevant literature, this study will examine the Chinese culture and values, which can influence the experience of stress among the Chinese youth. Other stress factors such as being a minority group in a Western country will also be explored. Description: This work was digitised and made available on open access by Yooroang Garang, the School of Indigenous Health Studies; the University of Sydney; and Sydney eScholarship. It may only be used for the purposes of research and study. Where possible, the School will try to notify the author of this work. If you have any inquiries or issues regarding this work being made available please contact the Sydney eScholarship Repository Coordinator - escholarship.info@sydney.edu.au

Investigation into employee psychosocial needs as a factor of managerial development

Sun, 01 Jan 1995 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Investigation into employee psychosocial needs as a factor of managerial development Authors: Smith, Deborah Abstract: The following dissertation addresses psychosocial needs of employees as a form of motivational strategies in the workforce and how these strategies can form an integral part of the total functioning of an organisation. The initial procedures involved in developing an argument upon which to base the research question ('Can jobs become more satisfying if the manager applies psychological theories to managerial practise?') are in the form of investigation executed by way of an action research approach. The outcomes of the investigation have enabled the researcher to formulate a theory based on employee needs. The theory is tested by conducting a Literature Review addressing two principal themes: psychology and management. The outcomes of the Literature Review not only test the theory but offer implications of addressing employee needs in the total organisational concept. Finally, the researcher suggests possible future directions and further implications of addressing employee psychosocial needs in the workforce as a form of managerial development. Description: This work was digitised and made available on open access by Yooroang Garang, the School of Indigenous Health Studies; the University of Sydney; and Sydney eScholarship. It may only be used for the purposes of research and study. Where possible, the School will try to notify the author of this work. If you have any inquiries or issues regarding this work being made available please contact the Sydney eScholarship Repository Coordinator - escholarship.info@sydney.edu.au

Non-governmental organization and building community

Mon, 01 Jan 2001 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Non-governmental organization and building community Authors: Sogawa, Sanae Abstract: The Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) community encompasses a wide range of organisations and performances within and across many different countries in the world. The structure of NGOs ranges from small groups of a village-like size to a very large international level organisation. The activities of these organisations is spread across various sections such as funding, economics, technical, leisure, humanities, etc. and their performances are dependent on the individual NGO as well as the country and sector in which the NGO works. The NGO community has dramatically grown in member size in both the Northern and Southern hemispheres after industrialised governments supported NGO activity with funding. However, there are constraints in NGO activity due to funding arrangements, as well as different perspectives between Southern NGOs, Northern NGOs and governments. A 'critical' case study (embedded) is applied to Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF), as it is one of the well-known NGOs. The MSF's Activity Report: 'July 1998-June 1999' is used to analyse its activities and the collected data are examined according to the five dimensions of the study framework Community Building Practice. With reference to the literature review and the results of the case study, the influence of funding on NGO activity, the autonomy of Grass Roots Organisations (GROs) and the professionalisation of international NGOs will be discussed. Description: This work was digitised and made available on open access by Yooroang Garang, the School of Indigenous Health Studies; the University of Sydney; and Sydney eScholarship. It may only be used for the purposes of research and study. Where possible, the School will try to notify the author of this work. If you have any inquiries or issues regarding this work being made available please contact the Sydney eScholarship Repository Coordinator - escholarship.info@sydney.edu.au

Breastfeeding policies and the social context of breastfeeding

Sat, 01 Jan 1994 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Breastfeeding policies and the social context of breastfeeding Authors: Jackson, Sandra Abstract: The World Health Organisation, in 1979, expressed a need to promote infant health through breastfeeding as a global health need. Australia voted in favour of adopting an 'International Code of Marketing of Breast Milk Substitutes' and in 1984 guidelines were issued on the promotion of breastfeeding and implementation of the WHO breastfeeding code. This development occurred in the absence of any evaluation of the social or cultural context in which breastfeeding takes place. The aim of this study is to seek to address the relationship between socio-cultural factors and breastfeeding through an extensive review of the relevant literature. This study found that the socio-economic factors education, occupation and income were significantly related to breastfeeding, with mothers with more education being more successful at breastfeeding. Formal education was found to have a greater influence than breastfeeding education. Also the cultural factors or life practices were significantly related to breastfeeding, with traditional infant feeding practices, after immigration, undergoing breastfeeding modification to those of the host country. The lifestyle practices of cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption and illegal drug use were significantly related to breastfeeding, with smokers, and particularly heavy smokers, being less likely to choose to breastfeed or continue breastfeeding. Another cultural factor found to be sigmficantly related to breastfeeding was the support from family and friends. However, the male partner was found to have the most influence on the duration of breastfeeding. These soon-cultural factors that influence the infant feeding decision need to be appraised by policy makers concerned with promoting breastfeeding. Description: This work was digitised and made available on open access by Yooroang Garang, the School of Indigenous Health Studies; the University of Sydney; and Sydney eScholarship. It may only be used for the purposes of research and study. Where possible, the School will try to notify the author of this work. If you have any inquiries or issues regarding this work being made available please contact the Sydney eScholarship Repository Coordinator - escholarship.info@sydney.edu.au

Social isolation, loneliness & older people: The case of Iranians

Thu, 01 Jan 1998 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Social isolation, loneliness & older people: The case of Iranians Authors: Boardman, Jayne Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to study a group of elderly people in relation to social isolation and loneliness in older people and the effects it has on a person's well being. Social isolation and loneliness occurs in people of all ages but may be a particular problem in the older generation. The emphasis of this paper is placed upon social isolation and loneliness of a group of elderly Iranians living in metropolitan Sydney. The results showed that all the elderly participants of this study felt isolated and lonely in Australia. The causes had to do with their level of proficiency in the English language, loss and grief due to leaving their homeland and losing friends, political conflict in the Iranian community and the need for meaningful social support networks. Description: This work was digitised and made available on open access by Yooroang Garang, the School of Indigenous Health Studies; the University of Sydney; and Sydney eScholarship. It may only be used for the purposes of research and study. Where possible, the School will try to notify the author of this work. If you have any inquiries or issues regarding this work being made available please contact the Sydney eScholarship Repository Coordinator - escholarship.info@sydney.edu.au

Perceptions of the role of diversional therapy within nursing homes by directors of nursing

Sun, 01 Jan 1995 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Perceptions of the role of diversional therapy within nursing homes by directors of nursing Authors: Quirke, Jacqueline Abstract: Provision of leisure and recreational services has the ability to significantly contribute to the quality of life of older adults living in residential settings including those residents living in nursing homes. Therefore diversional therapy services should be seen as a vital part of these facilities. Currently, there is a feeling within the diversional therapy profession that there is a lack of understanding ofthe true role of the diversional therapist within various health care facilities, including nursing homes. The purpose of this study is to examine the perceptions of the role of the diversional therapist within nursing homes by directors of nursing. Qualitative research methods were used with the aim of gaining the true perceptions that directors of nursing have on various areas of diversional therapy practice. Thirteen in-depth interviews were conducted with directors of nursing at various nursing homes in the Sydney area. The interview data suggests that although the directors of nursing were generally supportive of diversional therapy, there is clearly a lack of understanding on behalf of the directors of nursing on various areas of diversional therapy practice, including roles, skills, training and education of a diversional therapist. Other issues were revealed in the interviews and are also of importance in relation to the diversional therapy profession such as suitability of the name diversional therapy, employment conditions and other professional issues affecting diversional therapy practice. This study aims to increase diversional therapists knowledge in relation to the perceived roles that directors of nursing hold on the diversional therapy profession and therefore to give the diversional therapy profession some kind of base line on which to focus their educational programs on the diversional therapy profession. Also, to increase the documented research base on diversional therapy practice and associated issues. Description: This work was digitised and made available on open access by Yooroang Garang, the School of Indigenous Health Studies; the University of Sydney; and Sydney eScholarship. It may only be used for the purposes of research and study. Where possible, the School will try to notify the author of this work. If you have any inquiries or issues regarding this work being made available please contact the Sydney eScholarship Repository Coordinator - escholarship.info@sydney.edu.au

A study into the cause of drug abuse amongst the Vietnamese youth: An environmental perspective

Sat, 01 Jan 1994 00:00:00 GMT

Title: A study into the cause of drug abuse amongst the Vietnamese youth: An environmental perspective Authors: Pham, Tung-Minh Abstract: This study describes the environmental causes of alcohol and other drug misuse amongst the Vietnamese street youth. It explores how factors of migration affected the Vietnamese family life, mainly language difficulty, employment, racial bias, and ill-image of the Vietnamese community reported by the media. The study further outlines three atmospheres: family, school and media that contribute to the problems of alcohol and other drug misuse by the Vietnamese youth. Conflict and tension issues between parents and children are discussed in terms of cultural differences, communication and lack of effective parenting skills. Problems at schools faced by the Vietnamese students are discussed in terms of racism, language difficulties and lack of appropriate services. The study highlighted that "very easy" and "easy" to get drug was an added factor to increase drug use amongst this target group. To date there is no existing intervention and prevention programs initiated by the government and the community to deal with racism and schooling issues. The paper suggests some practical strategies that can be employed to deal with these issues in relation of cross-cultural training, racism prevention, parenting skills and increase in employment rates amongst the Vietnamese community. Description: This work was digitised and made available on open access by Yooroang Garang, the School of Indigenous Health Studies; the University of Sydney; and Sydney eScholarship. It may only be used for the purposes of research and study. Where possible, the School will try to notify the author of this work. If you have any inquiries or issues regarding this work being made available please contact the Sydney eScholarship Repository Coordinator - escholarship.info@sydney.edu.au

Cigarette smoking and cervical cancer in Sydney, Australia 1980 - 1983: A case-control study

Wed, 01 Jan 1992 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Cigarette smoking and cervical cancer in Sydney, Australia 1980 - 1983: A case-control study Authors: Noertjojo, Hyronimus Abstract: The purpose of these hospital and community-based case-control studies was to investigate the association between cigarette smoking and cervical cancer (in-situ and invasive). A number of local and international studies have investigated the association between cigarette smoking and cervical cancer. However few if any have investigated this association in in-situ and invasive cervical cancer using community and hospital controls at the same time. The association between cigarette smoking and cervical cancer is investigated in samples of 114 in-situ cervical cancer cases, 75 invasive cervical cancer cases, 181 community controls and 331 hospital controls. These cervical cancer cases and hospital controls were collected from Royal Price Alfred hospital and Westmead hospital in Sydney, Australia during 1980 - 1983. Community control data were identified from the files of the family doctor or from university affiliated general practices from the same areas as the in-situ cases. The data for invasive cases and hospital controls were collected as a part of a WHO Collaborative Study of Neoplasia and Steroid Contraceptives in Australia (1980-1983). The data for in-situ cases and community controls were collected as part of a case-control study on dietary factors and risk of in-situ cervical cancer conducted by Brock and others (1980-1983). Number of sexual partners, induced abortion experience, practise of "safe period" contraception, and cigarette smoking measured both by ever smoked and number of cigarettes smoked per day are significantly associated with increased risk of developing in-situ cervical cancer using community controls. For in-situ cervical cancer cases using hospital controls number of sexual partners, early age at first intercourse, spouses' duration of education, induced abortion experience, spirit drinking habit, use of oral contraceptives and smoking status are identified as risk factors. Invasive cervical cancer using hospital controls revealed a different pattern of risk factors. In this study parous women, women who engaged in unskilled jobs, women who drank beer and women who smoked are at an increased risk of developing invasive cervical cancer. Thus in this study cigarette smoking is established as one of risk factors for cervical cancer. The increased risks of developing cervical cancer caused by cigarette smoking are various. For in-situ cervical cancer using community and hospital controls the risks are 2.3 and 1.8 respectively; for invasive cervical cancer the risk is 1.8. A dose response relationship between number of cigarettes smoked per day and increased risk of developing in-situ cervical cancer was also observed in the study involving in-situ cervical cancer using community controls. The study on in-situ cervical cancer with different control groups namely hospital and community controls revealed a different pattern with regard to the risk factors. It is still uncertain whether this difference is a true difference with regard to different exposure toward the hospital and community populations or as the result of biases including selection bias, admission bias, information bias and recall bias. With regard to the smoking variables, the finding in this study is still inconclusive since this study was not specifically designed to investigate the association between cigarette smoking and cervical cancer and also this study failed to control for another major risk factor for cervical cancer, namely history of infection of Human Papilloma Virus. Thus in order to establish cigarette smoking as a risk factor for cervical cancer it is still necessary to further investigate the history of Human Papilloma Virus infection in this study population. Description: This work was digitised and made available on open access by Yooroang Garang, the School of Indigenous Health Studies; the University of Sydney; and Sydney eScholarship. It may only be used for the purposes of research and study. Where possible, the School will try to notify the author of this work. If you have any inquiries or issues regarding this work being made available please contact the Sydney eScholarship Repository Coordinator - escholarship.info@sydney.edu.au

Serotonin – historical aspects and rehabilitation

Wed, 01 Jan 1997 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Serotonin – historical aspects and rehabilitation Authors: Maharaj, Saroj Abstract: Serotonin is a neurotransmitter involved in a variety of neurological and behavioural functions. Since its discovery in 1948, the identification of serotonin receptors and their functions is an area of research that is moving towards clinical application. Serotonin is involved in the control of numerous central nervous system functions including mood, emotions, aggression, pain, anxiety, sleep, memory, eating behaviour, addictive behaviour (alcohol and substance abuse), temperature control, endocrine regulation, and motor behaviour. Low levels of serotonin are associated with alcoholism, depression, suicide, migraine, aggressive behaviour, sleep problems, eating disorders (anorexia, bulimia, and obesity) and some neurological diseases. High levels have been linked to autism, tourette's syndrome, carcinoid syndrome, and serotonin syndrome. Much remains unknown, however, new techniques in molecular biology has resulted in more detailed examination of serotonergic properties. The wide ranging symptomatology of serotonin associated disorders, proposes many challenges for rehabilitation of some of these disorders in the community which are of major public health concern in the 20th century. Treatment with Tryptophan, drugs or diet modification has been used to assist in the rehabilitation of such illnesses but problems occur in all these treatment modalities. Various drugs are already being used on a non-selective basis for treatment of serotonin deficiency diseases. There has been little work done in linking the various roles of serotonin from biochemical to physiological, clinical and treatment aspects. In a novel approach, the aim of this project is to review these roles of serotonin in humans and to provide such links via an epidemiological approach and produce recommendations for future research which will contribute to potential areas for clinical application in the treatment and rehabilitation of serotonin deficiency diseases. Description: This work was digitised and made available on open access by Yooroang Garang, the School of Indigenous Health Studies; the University of Sydney; and Sydney eScholarship. It may only be used for the purposes of research and study. Where possible, the School will try to notify the author of this work. If you have any inquiries or issues regarding this work being made available please contact the Sydney eScholarship Repository Coordinator - escholarship.info@sydney.edu.au

Patient's perspectives of non-compliance with medication and treatment regimes: A qualitative analysis

Mon, 01 Jan 1996 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Patient's perspectives of non-compliance with medication and treatment regimes: A qualitative analysis Authors: House, Melissa Abstract: The importance of compliance as a concept among health care workers is reflected in the amount of research conducted relating to this topic. Various data base programmes such as Medline has revealed 9,718 articles on compliance, which includes 178 on medication and treatment compliance, all written within the last 5 years (1990-1995). The majority of research in this area has focussed on the subject of non-compliance from the health professionals' viewpoint, with few studies examining patients' perspectives ofnon-compliance. Within the authors' area of work (community nursing), non-compliance with medication and treatment regimes among patients seems to be a recurring problem. Personal experience indicates that little understanding of patients' views on compliance exists among the community health workers, doctors and nurses. Based on these shortcomings, and lack of reliable literature to satisfy the researchers' curiosity, the author has embarked on this particular research study. The aim of this study is to ascertain the reasons why some patients undermine their physicians' recommendations and do not follow the suggested medication or treatment regimes. The effects of non-compliancy by patients has ramifications not only on the health budget, but also on the patient-doctor relationship. From this study it is hoped that the important issues which patients percieve as influencing their decisions to 'non-comply' will be identified, in order that health professionals can effectively reevaluate their current practices in prescibing medication and treatment regimes. Description: This work was digitised and made available on open access by Yooroang Garang, the School of Indigenous Health Studies; the University of Sydney; and Sydney eScholarship. It may only be used for the purposes of research and study. Where possible, the School will try to notify the author of this work. If you have any inquiries or issues regarding this work being made available please contact the Sydney eScholarship Repository Coordinator - escholarship.info@sydney.edu.au

A comparative study of Alzheimers Disease, Multi Infarct Dementia and the AIDS Dementia Complex

Sat, 01 Jan 1994 00:00:00 GMT

Title: A comparative study of Alzheimers Disease, Multi Infarct Dementia and the AIDS Dementia Complex Authors: Griffiths, Nicola Abstract: Nursing homes and other long term health care facilities have traditionally been the home of the frail aged or younger people with profound disabilities. With increases in medical knowledge comes increased human longevity and diseases associated with longer life will lead to an increase in number of people with dementia. As a sufferers condition worsens, the idea of placement may arise, and the person is placed in a nursing home where sufferers receive specialised care. As this happens expectations of quality of care in long term care facilities will rise, and certain questions will need to be addressed. The aim of this study is to look at three of the more common forms of dementia Alzheimers disease (AD), multi infarct dementia (MID) and the lesser known AIDS dementia complex (ADC). ADC care is a relatively new concept to the majority of nursing homes mainly due to the fact that powerful anti-viral drugs are being used as treatment, resulting in an increase in the lifespan of sufferers. Due to the fact that placement in a long term care facility is significantly cheaper than specialised home care, it is eminently possible that the numbers of AIDS sufferers in nursing homes will also increase. This study will also address the contentious issues associated with the placement of ADC sufferers in nursing homes. In the future studies such as this will be of utmost importance not only to the medical field but to all allied health teams providing care in a nursing home or other long term care facility. Description: This work was digitised and made available on open access by Yooroang Garang, the School of Indigenous Health Studies; the University of Sydney; and Sydney eScholarship. It may only be used for the purposes of research and study. Where possible, the School will try to notify the author of this work. If you have any inquiries or issues regarding this work being made available please contact the Sydney eScholarship Repository Coordinator - escholarship.info@sydney.edu.au

Lived experiences of Chinese migrants with mental illness in Australia

Wed, 01 Jan 1997 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Lived experiences of Chinese migrants with mental illness in Australia Authors: Fung, Yvonne Abstract: Literature specifically focused on Chinese migrants' mental health issues is limited even though there is a large number of scholars have discussed the migrants' resettlement experiences in the new countries. In fact, information of socio-cultural impacts on the construction and course of mental distress/illness among Chinese migrants in Australia is unclear, and the Chinese migrants' needs and their barriers to access mainstream mental health services is still fragmented. In response to the recent trend of socio-cultural approach in studying migrants' mental health issues, it is the purpose of this treatise to present a thorough literature review to describe and explore the cultural beliefs and norms of Chinese. The treatise will also illustrate how Chinese traditional culture influences the Chinese migrants' perception of and the course of mental distress/illness while they are interacting with the social environment in Australia. The argument is further supported by providing two case vignettes from a qualitative study: Lived experiences of Chinese migrants with mental illness in Australia. Two Chinese migrant women were interviewed in this study. In the social dimension, family related difficulties: such as unsatisfactory relationship with family members, full family responsibilities and role change in a family, are significant perceived stressors for Chinese migrant women. In Chinese culture, there is no clear distinction between body and mind as in Western countries. The emphasis on a family which shares the fame and ill fame among family members, in addition with the support or advice from the close family members can have impacts on the affected person's help-seeking from health professionals, which in turn, influences the course and outcome of mental distress/illness among Chinese migrants. As community health professionals, it is important not only to avoid the stereotyped thinking about one's culture, but also to maintain 'a total person approach' which involves an individual migrant's environment, including family, friends, community and the cultural setting in which the migrant lives. Description: This work was digitised and made available on open access by Yooroang Garang, the School of Indigenous Health Studies; the University of Sydney; and Sydney eScholarship. It may only be used for the purposes of research and study. Where possible, the School will try to notify the author of this work. If you have any inquiries or issues regarding this work being made available please contact the Sydney eScholarship Repository Coordinator - escholarship.info@sydney.edu.au

Unravelling the paradox of community participation: If the process is so good why don’t people participate?

Wed, 01 Jan 1997 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Unravelling the paradox of community participation: If the process is so good why don’t people participate? Authors: Butler, Catherine Abstract: Community participation is recognised as a basic human right and an important human need. Benefits of the process of community participation for individuals and the community are well documented and structures are established at the community, and organisational level, to facilitate the participatory process. Despite the potential benefits of participation the reality is that relatively few people choose to participate when given the opportunity. In order to facilitate effective community action it is necessary to know which individuals will participate, under what circumstances and the level of participation involved. A review of studies in the participation literature reveals that the identification of a number of social-psychological factors and cost/benefit variables associated with participation has contributed significantly to systematising an understanding of participation in voluntary organisations. Research suggests that by increasing the benefits and reducing costs in effective management systems it may be possible to increase participation. However, longitudinal studies are needed to clearly define which characteristics predict participation and which characteristics are consequences of participation. Although caution must be taken in generalising the findings of the studies conducted in the United States, given the complete absence of Australian data, the studies provide important direction for Australian research. Description: This work was digitised and made available on open access by Yooroang Garang, the School of Indigenous Health Studies; the University of Sydney; and Sydney eScholarship. It may only be used for the purposes of research and study. Where possible, the School will try to notify the author of this work. If you have any inquiries or issues regarding this work being made available please contact the Sydney eScholarship Repository Coordinator - escholarship.info@sydney.edu.au

Community theatre: A tool for health promotion

Mon, 01 Jan 1996 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Community theatre: A tool for health promotion Authors: Shahariman, Rogayah Abstract: Community theatre is a means of voicing community concerns, and involves collective analysis of an issue, decision making and action to bring about change. Health promotion through community development involves the community in all facets of priority setting, decision making and implementing actions to alter factors that affect its health. The aim of this study was to match both processes and determine whether community theatre was an effective tool for health promotion, particularly for people of Non English Speaking Background. Four different theatre productions were accessed and the perspectives of the community participants, health educators and artistic directors obtained. Community theatre was found to be a potentially effective method of health promotion, be it didactic, experiential or through community development. However, its effectiveness could be limited by many cultural, personal and logistical constraints. Therefore it should be applied appropriately. This required much prior planning, greater community participation, adequate resources and realistic expectations. It was thought to be most effective as part of a range of other health promotion programmes. Greater evaluation and documentation of every such production was required as a guide for future use and support of community theatre for health promotion. Description: This work was digitised and made available on open access by Yooroang Garang, the School of Indigenous Health Studies; the University of Sydney; and Sydney eScholarship. It may only be used for the purposes of research and study. Where possible, the School will try to notify the author of this work. If you have any inquiries or issues regarding this work being made available please contact the Sydney eScholarship Repository Coordinator - escholarship.info@sydney.edu.au

An evaluation of the planning program using goal attainment scaling

Title: An evaluation of the planning program using goal attainment scaling Authors: Mitchell, Toni Abstract: Therapists providing individualised programs in rehabilitation are increasingly challenged to document and present the outcomes and effectiveness of their services. For program evaluation to be feasible, a methodology is required that is compatible with the characteristics, demands and priorities of clients as well as therapy environments. Goal attainment scaling is a method to evaluate services based on the attainment of individual client or program goals. This method was used to evaluate the effectiveness of a home based, individualised, cognitive rehabilitation intervention for an eight year old boy, long term after traumatic brain injury. The child and family participated in the Planning Program, designed to teach compensatory strategies for planning and to support these with minor environmental modifications. Background information and an analysis of the theory and model behind the Planning Program are presented. The evaluation results revealed an overall goal attainment scale score (T score) of 68.70, indicating that the overall program goal had been accomplished, at above the expected level. The implications, advantages and disadvantages of goal attainment scaling as a method to evaluate individualised programs in paediatric brain injury rehabilitation are discussed. Description: This work was digitised and made available on open access by Yooroang Garang, the School of Indigenous Health Studies; the University of Sydney; and Sydney eScholarship. It may only be used for the purposes of research and study. Where possible, the School will try to notify the author of this work. If you have any inquiries or issues regarding this work being made available please contact the Sydney eScholarship Repository Coordinator - escholarship.info@sydney.edu.au

Community gardens: A natural way to wellbeing

Sat, 01 Jan 2000 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Community gardens: A natural way to wellbeing Authors: Fountain, Simon Abstract: Community gardens provide social, economic and environmental benefits to local urban communities. These include individual and collective social wellbeing, access to cheap, nutritious food and improved functioning of the local ecology. Although regarded by some as a neutral project to organise a community around, community gardening is still highly political. When planned, organised and run by local people and located centrally in the community, (particularly disadvantaged communities) these green spaces offer multiple health benefits that prevent disease and promote wellbeing, a sense of citizen control and social capital. Most indicators suggest that community gardening movement has enjoyed varied success in building healthier Sydney communities. However the intrinsic effects of this low cost, low-tech community process is hard to compare and measure. Challenges include security of tenure, establishing appropriate policy and planning guidelines with local councils and departments, ensuring active and full participation of those community groups 'at risk' and developing persuasive evaluation systems to meet these challenges. It is suggested that community gardens reflect the wider social, cultural, structural elements in the society as well as the human processes that ultimately enable or restrict healthy living. Description: This work was digitised and made available on open access by Yooroang Garang, the School of Indigenous Health Studies; the University of Sydney; and Sydney eScholarship. It may only be used for the purposes of research and study. Where possible, the School will try to notify the author of this work. If you have any inquiries or issues regarding this work being made available please contact the Sydney eScholarship Repository Coordinator - escholarship.info@sydney.edu.au

An investigation of thyroid hormone levels and disease in New South Wales children

Sat, 01 Jan 1994 00:00:00 GMT

Title: An investigation of thyroid hormone levels and disease in New South Wales children Authors: Agnos, Anna Abstract: This epidemiological study investigated the proposed relationship between three parameters of thyroid function - thyroxine (T4) triiodothyronine uptake (T3U) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), and various diseases in a population of N.S.W. children of varying age, who underwent blood screening for thyroid function at the Royal Alexandra Hospital for Children between 1980 and 1990. Age, sex, puberty and year of diagnosis were identified as potential confounders in the study and various measures taken to control for these factors in the analysis. The study population was divided into two broad categories: patients aged less than 3 years of age and, patients aged 3-18 years of age. The main analysis concentrated on the 3-18 year age group. A Short Stature diagnostic group was selected as a control group in this category. As the diagnostic groups identified varied in normality, the Wilcoxon Rank Sum Test was used for significance testing of the data. Seventy-eight separate diagnostic groups were identified in patients aged 3-18 years. Twenty-one diagnostic groups showed a statistically significant mean difference (p < 0.05) for T4 between the cases and the control group. Ofthese, the following diagnostic groups were selected for analysis and found to have a significantly low T4 compared to the control group: Selected Diabetes, Thalassaemia, Growth Hormone Deficiency, Anorexia Nervosa, Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia, various Psychological disorders and Cystic Fibrosis. The following diagnostic groups were found to have a significantly high T4 compared to the control group: Obesity, Deafness, Failure to Thrive, Slipped Epiphyses, Turner's Syndrome and Juvenile Chronic Arthritis. These groups were stratified by sex and puberty (3-11 years and >11-18 years) and similarly analysed. A further analysis was performed in order to produce an odds ratio. These diagnostic groups seemed to affect thyroid function in either of three different ways. Conditions affecting the thyroid gland directly were reflected in the results for T4. Conditions affecting protein binding mechanisms were reflected in the results for T3U and conditions which affect the hypothalamic-pituitary axis were reflected in the results for TSH. The literature generally supported the findings of this study. Description: This work was digitised and made available on open access by Yooroang Garang, the School of Indigenous Health Studies; the University of Sydney; and Sydney eScholarship. It may only be used for the purposes of research and study. Where possible, the School will try to notify the author of this work. If you have any inquiries or issues regarding this work being made available please contact the Sydney eScholarship Repository Coordinator - escholarship.info@sydney.edu.au

The adolescent asthma action program: ‘Triple A Program’

Sat, 01 Jan 1994 00:00:00 GMT

Title: The adolescent asthma action program: ‘Triple A Program’ Authors: Shah, Smita Abstract: Asthma is a major public health problem in Australia. With up to 1 in 4 children and adolescents having symptoms of asthma, there is a high toll not only on the individual with asthma and their care-givers but also on the health care delivery system. Adolescents with asthma are particularly vulnerable to serious asthma attacks and sudden death. For many adolescents, this is a particularly risky period, as compliance with therapy may decrease and medical supervision becomes less consistent. As behaviours and life style are primary contributers to morbidity and mortality in adolescents, education appears to be a potential way to have an impact on behaviour change. The challenge is to develop a program which will not only have a considerable impact, but is acceptable and relevant to the school community. This treatise examines the relevant literature and psychosocial theories and models applicable to asthma health promotion and management in adolescents. It provides a health promotion model for addressing barriers to optimum asthma management and an Intervention Model to increase knowledge and improve behaviour in high school students. The aims of this treatise are: to establish the impact of asthma on high school students; to justify asthma health promotion in high schools; to identify behavioural and psychosocial factors relevant to adolescents asthma management; to describe an asthma health promotion intervention in a girls high school, based on the conceptual model. The Adolescent Asthma Action Program is an innovative asthma health promotion intervention program for high schools. The aim of the program is to promote optimum management of asthma through peer-led education and creative student presentations. Students are active in both learning and teaching and are the catalysts for behaviour change and supportive school environment. The Program is undertaken in a socially disadvantaged area, where a significant proportion of high school students come from non-English speaking backgrounds (NESS). A common health issue in the school is addressed through positive peer modelling and social reinforcement. The models can also be applied to other health issues and have potential for a wide range of applications in schools. Description: This work was digitised and made available on open access by Yooroang Garang, the School of Indigenous Health Studies; the University of Sydney; and Sydney eScholarship. It may only be used for the purposes of research and study. Where possible, the School will try to notify the author of this work. If you have any inquiries or issues regarding this work being made available please contact the Sydney eScholarship Repository Coordinator - escholarship.info@sydney.edu.au

Female genital mutilation

Fri, 01 Jan 1999 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Female genital mutilation Authors: Freeman, Elizabeth Abstract: Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a procedure involving partial or total removal of genitalia for cultural or non-therapeutic purposes. It is practiced for economic, traditional and religious reasons in different countries around the globe. What policies and legislation have been used to prevent the practice and how Australia deals with it is among some of her migrant population is the purpose of this study. The study shows that the practice of FGM in other countries must be viewed with caution, within the context of social, economic and traditional structures of these societies. Faced with the dilemma of one's right against the horm of the tradition, western societies has now embarked on preventative measures through education and changes in behaviour. Description: This work was digitised and made available on open access by Yooroang Garang, the School of Indigenous Health Studies; the University of Sydney; and Sydney eScholarship. It may only be used for the purposes of research and study. Where possible, the School will try to notify the author of this work. If you have any inquiries or issues regarding this work being made available please contact the Sydney eScholarship Repository Coordinator - escholarship.info@sydney.edu.au

Community participation in health care decisions

Wed, 01 Jan 1997 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Community participation in health care decisions Authors: Leibbrandt, Lara Abstract: Community participation is defined as a range of activities which involve people from various communities identifying issues and participating in decisions about planning for management and delivery ofhealth programs or policies. Participation occurs at two levels in health care. Firstly, the participation of individuals in their own health care and treatment, and secondly the involvement of people as community members, participating in decision making and debate concerning health spending priorities. There is a large body of literature that advocates community participation in health care decisions. The strongest arguments claim that involving people in the health system will assist in improving the health of populations. By setting up mechanisms that let people have a say in health care decisions, the health care system will provide more appropriate care to communities. There are a range of approaches to community participation many complex and multifaceted. The key defining characteristics of community participation are joint problem solving, joint decision making, joint responsibility and joint sharing of benefits. Models including: (A) Community Development; (B) Social Action; (C) Action Research; and (D) Participatory Research, are relevant for community participation approaches. These share similar underlying philosophies, although they are not appropriate for implementing in the same situations. Generally, community participation is viewed as positive and desirable for improving quality of health care and the health of populations, although studies show mixed success in these outcomes. Methods and philosophies of community participation models are not aligned with traditional research or health care models. Appropriateness of community participation in all situations is limited due to the nature and requirements for implementation, such as timing, provision of sufficient resources, engaging communities and determining suitable representation is a further issue. Also there are issues for community participation, in terms of implementation, evaluation, and integration with traditional health service models. In general, outcomes of community participation in health care may be discussed in terms of community empowerment and, and improved individual rights, equity, efficiency and effectiveness, accessibility, accountability and quality ofhealth services. It is recommended as a strategy to achieve the above factors as well as for debate in health spending priorities. Moves toward community participation were strengthened through a paradigm shift in ways of thinking in the last few decades, in areas in health care concerned with a population focus, including community health, health promotion and the new public health. The Ottowa Charter was a landmark document of this paradigm shift, and its principles have been internationally accepted. Community participation is a critical focus of the Ottowa Charter. The recent push for cuts in health care expenditure, has resulted in countries internationally concentrating on the need to set priorities in health care. However, techniques for prioritising are very uncertain. There are barriers and issues for community participation in health care decision making, due to the nature in which health care decisions currently take place. One element agreed upon is that priority setting inevitably involves subjective judgments, also that there is a need for development of ethical or public values to influence health decisions. Description: This work was digitised and made available on open access by Yooroang Garang, the School of Indigenous Health Studies; the University of Sydney; and Sydney eScholarship. It may only be used for the purposes of research and study. Where possible, the School will try to notify the author of this work. If you have any inquiries or issues regarding this work being made available please contact the Sydney eScholarship Repository Coordinator - escholarship.info@sydney.edu.au

Aboriginal fathers / fathers roles: Are they recognised in Australia's contemporary society?

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 03:30:47 GMT

Title: Aboriginal fathers / fathers roles: Are they recognised in Australia's contemporary society? Authors: Maslen, Phil Abstract: This thesis is focused on fathers, in particular Indigenous fathers, in general with a view to establishing what literature currently identifies and recognises the role fathers play in Australian society today. This project will mainly be a literature review of this research. This literature review provides a comprehensive and credible body of evidence into the status of current Aboriginal fathers' roles and an overview of what it means to be and perform as a father. The review contrasts and compares past and present ideologies of fatherhood. After the presentation of this literature, the discussion will summarise the literature findings. This discussion will clarify the current state of Indigenous fatherhood, how their roles are perceived socially and what benefits fatherhood brings to the wellbeing of the family and society as a whole. It also provides some possible holistic solutions to current social dilemmas facing fathers so that they can be the best fathers they desire to be.

The Placebo Effect of Ankle Taping on Ankle Instability

Mon, 01 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Title: The Placebo Effect of Ankle Taping on Ankle Instability Authors: Sawkins, Kate Abstract: Purpose: Recurrence of ankle sprains is common among athletes. While ankle taping reduces the risk of injury, the mechanism underlying its effectiveness remains unclear. Anecdotal reports suggest a role for the athlete’s belief that taping will protect them from injury. That is, taping may have a placebo effect. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether there was a placebo effect with ankle taping in individuals with ankle instability. Methods: 30 participants with ankle instability completed a single-limb hopping test and a modified star excursion balance test under three conditions: 1) real tape, 2) placebo tape, and 3) control (no tape). Participants were blinded to the purpose of the study and were informed that the study aimed to compare two methods of ankle taping referred to as “mechanical” (real) and “proprioceptive” (placebo). The order of testing the three conditions and the two functional tests was randomised. Results: There was no significant difference in performance among the three conditions for the single-limb hopping test (p=0.865) or the modified star excursion balance test (p=0.491). A secondary exploratory analysis, however, revealed that real and placebo ankle taping influenced participants’ perceptions of stability, confidence and reassurance when performing the functional tests. Conclusion: The role of the placebo effect with ankle taping in individuals with ankle instability remains unclear. Clinicians, therefore, should continue to use ankle taping techniques of known efficacy. They should, however, focus on maximising patients’ belief in the efficacy of ankle taping, since its application reassured participants and improved perceived stability and confidence. The effect of ankle taping on participants’ perceptions may contribute to its effectiveness in preventing injury. This proposal requires further investigation.

The Impact of dysarthria on everyday communication following traumatic brain injury

Fri, 26 Sep 2008 05:13:19 GMT

Title: The Impact of dysarthria on everyday communication following traumatic brain injury Authors: Guo, Yiting Emily; Togher, Leanne Abstract: Primary objective: To compare the everyday communication of individuals with mild and moderate dysarthria and concomitant cognitive-communication impairments following traumatic brain injury (TBI) Methods and procedures: Five participants with mild dysarthria and five with moderate dysarthria following TBI were recorded during telephone service enquiries with bus timetable call centre operators. Transcripts were analysed using exchange structure analysis derived from systemic functional linguistics. Listener comfort ratings were collected using a novel equal appearing interval scale to measure how comfortable people would feel interacting with the participants. Main outcomes and results: Participants with moderate dysarthria were not necessarily penalised for having poorer intelligibility during bus timetable service encounters. While participants with moderate dysarthria were given poorer listener comfort ratings, this did not affect the way information was exchanged with bus timetable call centre operators. These findings were attributed to the powerful interactional role of TBI participants as customers, the amount of disability awareness training and experience held by call centre operators and the highly structured nature of bus timetable service enquiries. Listener comfort ratings could be predicted with moderate accuracy from intelligibility scores. Conclusions: Service encounters where individuals with TBI are placed in a powerful interactional role of customer may be functional generalization tasks. Training and education of service providers may also impact on the communicative effectiveness of individuals with TBI.

Narrative after traumatic brain injury : a comparison of monologic and jointly-produced discourse

Fri, 26 Sep 2008 03:28:57 GMT

Title: Narrative after traumatic brain injury : a comparison of monologic and jointly-produced discourse Authors: Jorgensen, Mikaela; Togher, Leanne Abstract: Primary objective: To investigate the effects of a familiar communication partner on the production of narrative after traumatic brain injury(TBI) Method: Ten participants with TBI were matched with ten control participants for sex, age and education. Particpants independently retold a story from a picture sequence and also retold a video segment with a friend to a researcher. The resulting discourse was analysed for productivity, cohesion, story grammar, informational content and exchange structure. Results: There was a significant difference between participants with and without TBI for all measures in the monologic narrative. In the jointly-produced narrative, there was no significant difference in performance and participation between individuals with TBI and control participants. Participants with TBI demonstrated a signigicant improvement between monologic and the jointly-produced task in story grammar and informational content. Conclusions: The natural scaffolding provided by friends of participants with TBI in a meaningful narrative task facilitated competent participation in and production of narrative. These findings indicate an avenue for training everyday communication partners in supporting narrative skills after TBI, and for the use of jointly-produced narrative as an additional assessment tool to create a holistic view of everyday skills

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The Impact of dysarthria on everyday communication following traumatic brain injury

Narrative after traumatic brain injury : a comparison of monologic and jointly-produced discourse