https://hdl.handle.net/2123/8718 Sun, 07 Jun 2026 17:38:44 GMT 2026-06-07T17:38:44Z https://hdl.handle.net/2123/33082 Participation Grant Program – Round 2: National Evaluation Report Foley, Bridget; Owen, Katherine; Halim, Nicole; Phongsavan, PH This national evaluation report provides an assessment of the Australian Sports Commission's (ASC) Round 2 Participation grant program. The evaluation assessed the program’s impact on the capacity of organisations in the sport and physical activity sector and the effects of funded projects on participants. The Sport Recreation Intervention and Epidemiology Research (SPRINTER) Group at the University of Sydney conducted this national evaluation, covering the period from 1st December 2021 to 28th February 2023. The findings from Round 1 and Round 2 of the ASC’s Participation grant program can inform decisions made by government policymakers, strategic thinkers, sport and recreation sector organisations, practitioners, researchers, and evaluators to ensure progress towards the Global and National target to reduce population physical inactivity by 15% by 2030. The report provides several recommendations for funding applicants, the ASC, and for the evaluation of similar programs. Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://hdl.handle.net/2123/33082 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/2123/32889 Disability Inclusion Project: Evaluation Report Halim, Nicole; Willing, Indigo; Owen, Katherine This evaluation report presents an independent, critical evaluation of the Sport NSW Disability Inclusion Project (DIP). The DIP aimed to create opportunities for children with disability to participate and feel included in sport and active recreation, and build capacity of State Sporting Organisations, local councils, and other providers to provide inclusive sporting and active recreation opportunities for People With Disability. This evaluation report aims to assess the process and short-term outcomes of key streams of the DIP. These include the delivery of Multi-Sport Activity Days targeted at children with disability, and training, education and networking for representative leads of sporting opportunity providers. Sport NSW engaged with the Sport and Recreation Intervention and Epidemiology Research (SPRINTER) Group at the University of Sydney in a policy-research partnership to undertake an evaluation of the DIP which covers the period of project delivery (March-December 2023). The project evaluation was conducted using a mixed-methods approach, involving surveys, semi-structured interviews, and progress-reporting metrics. Tue, 06 Aug 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://hdl.handle.net/2123/32889 2024-08-06T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/2123/32600 iMOVE Project 3-019: Wagga Wagga Active Travel Plan Evaluation Project Final Report Thomas, Margaret; Bullock, Susan; Halar, Fiona Planning for Australia’s future requires increasing investment in sustainable transport, not only in capital cities but also in growing regional centres. Wagga Wagga is the largest inland city in NSW, with a population of 65,000 which is expected to increase to over 80,000 by 2040. Transport solutions for growing regional centres like Wagga Wagga require an integrated system of mobility options which meet current and future demand. Wagga Wagga City Council received $11.4 million in 2018 from the NSW Cycling Infrastructure Fund managed by Transport for NSW (Transport) to construct a 45 kilometre-long active travel infrastructure network in the town. Subsequently in 2020, Council received an additional $3.9 million in funding from the NSW Government to expand the project by 12 kilometres. This represents the largest network of new, high quality, safe and accessible shared walking and cycling links ever constructed within a short timeframe in regional NSW. The project comprises 57 kilometres of new or resurfaced shared path infrastructure plus interchange upgrades. This network connects cycling and walking infrastructure to education facilities and workplaces, including coming within one block of 90 per cent of schools in Wagga Wagga. To understand the impact of this infrastructure project on a range of areas such as increased community use and promotion of active travel, evaluative research was undertaken. This research aimed to provide evidence of the short to medium-term changes and benefits of the Active Travel Plans implementation and enable longer-term benefits to be estimated. This evaluation adds significantly to the evidence base on active transport planning and implementation in Australia. Specifically, the project provides critical data to inform policies for NSW regional towns and councils seeking to improve infrastructure for active travel. Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://hdl.handle.net/2123/32600 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/2123/32529 Active Kids Evaluation Report (2018-2020) Reece, Lindsey; Owen, Katherine; Foley, Bridget; Bellew, William; Bauman, Adrian This report presents evaluation findings from the independent evaluation of the New South Wales (NSW) Government’s Active Kids program. Data are presented from the first 3 years of the Active Kids program delivery (2018, 2019, and 2020). Active Kids, the first universal voucher program of its kind, is an innovative approach to promoting participation in organised sport and physical activity outside-of-school among all school-enrolled children in NSW, Australia. Evaluation of the program was designed to help us understand the extent to which a universal voucher program can reach and engage children in organised sport and physical activity. The evaluation affords a unique opportunity to learn more about influencing the physical activity participation behaviours of children in NSW, the factors that affect participation and to understand health and well-being outcomes associated with participation. These population-level program evaluation data have not previously been collected throughout the sport sector. This evaluation also makes an important contribution to the evidence base on how, to effectively design, implement and evaluate complex, at-scale programs, underpinned by evidence, and reported in a way that is readily accessible and appropriate for policy makers and practitioners. The SPRINTER1 Group is a specialist academic research group within the Charles Perkins Centre and the School of Public Health at the University of Sydney. In 2016, the Prevention Research Collaboration established a policy-focused partnership with the NSW Government Office of Sport, entitled SPRINTER. SPRINTER led the pragmatic evaluation design of the Active Kids program in close collaboration with the Office of Sport. Through this collaboration, SPRINTER influenced routine data capture within the registration process for the Active Kids program led by the NSW Government - Service NSW and Office of Sport. The evaluation of Active Kids is registered with the Australian and New Zealand clinical trials registry: ACTRN12618001148268. The evaluation protocol was designed using the TIDieR (Template for Intervention Description and Replication) Checklist. A complete outline of the evaluation protocol can be accessed here: https://doi.org/10.17061/phrp301220062. This evaluation received ethics approval from the Human Research Ethics Committee at the University of Sydney (Project number: 2017/947). Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://hdl.handle.net/2123/32529 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/2123/31877 Her Sport Her Way Grant Program Evaluation - 2023 Report Halim, Nicole; Willing, Indigo; Foley, Bridget; Owen, Katherine This is the second evaluation report from the SPRINTER evaluation of the Her Sport Her Way Grant Program (2019-2023). This evaluation report aims to explore the capabilities and capacities of state sporting organisations (SSOs) in creating gender-inclusive environments, and identify strategies that are currently utilised by SSOs to increase the participation of women and girls in the sporting sector. The report presents interim findings of the grant projects that have been awarded and outcomes achieved by completed grant projects during the period July 2021 and April 2023. The NSW Office of Sport engaged the SPRINTER group in a policy-research partnership to conduct the evaluation of the Her Sport Her Way grant program using a mixed-methods approach, involving surveys, semi-structured interviews and case studies of funded projects. Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT https://hdl.handle.net/2123/31877 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/2123/31680 Netball NSW Membership Study 2022 report Foley, Bridget; Owen, Katherine The Netball NSW membership study was conducted in 2022 to gain a comprehensive understanding of involvement in Netball from the current and past members. Netball NSW partnered with researchers at the University of Sydney for this study. The study involved sending an online survey to Netball NSW members and in-depth analysis of survey responses. Responses were received from 8,461 Netball NSW members (response rate 5.3%). The following key insights were identified from the survey responses to inform how Netball NSW could strategically increase involvement in Netball. • Netball was the sport of choice for 66% of children, and 77% of adult members. • Members rated their involvement in Netball highly. The overall experience of playing Netball was rated 8.4 out of 10, and non-players rated their experience 8 out of 10. The experience in 2022 was better than the past two years, which were affected by the global COVID-19 pandemic. • There were substantial increases in the proportion of members involved in social activities and attending presentation nights in 2022. • The main reason people played Netball was for Fun/Enjoyment. Additional drivers for participation were related to social connection and improving health and fitness. Playing competitively was rated as less critical among both adults and children. • Netball provided members with about half of their annual structured physical activity participation (50% for children, and 63% for adults). • Players reported Netball had positive impacts on their lives. The most positive influences were related to social connection, and improvements in strength, coordination, and fitness. • Players who stopped playing Netball in 2022 reported that it was not fun or enjoyable, did not feel welcome in the Netball community, or had a bad experience with a coach/official. Interpersonal relationships between players within a team, across teams, and between players, and non-players should be fostered. • Although registration cost was not a major barrier to participation, reducing the costs of registration and uniforms was a primary recommendation to increase participation. • A quarter of adult players reported playing Netball at fitness centres not affiliated with Netball NSW, and played more games here than through their club/association. • About one third of Netball players reported they were also involved in non-players roles such as umpiring, coaching, and various duties. On average, people spent 3 hours per week involved in non-player roles. • The main reason people were involved in non-players roles was to be part of the Netball community – to give back. Family involvement was a stronger driver of involvement in non-player roles than athlete development. • Being involved in non-player roles had a neutral impact on people’s lives. The strongest influences from non-player roles were increased social connection and physical activity levels. • Completion of education and training for non-player roles declined compared to previous years. This may be due to many people upskilling during the lock-down and having less time to complete training during 2022. Further analysis of regional differences and qualitative responses from participants will help identify local priorities to be addressed by Netball NSW to increase involvement in Netball. Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT https://hdl.handle.net/2123/31680 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/2123/31679 Basketball NSW 2023 Member Report Owen, Katherine Basketball NSW engaged the SPRINTER group at the University of Sydney to conduct their 2023 bi-annual membership survey. The objective of this report is to provide evidence for Basketball NSW’s strategic planning and vision; to realise the potential of everyone, strengthening the basketball community and making the sport accessible to all. • Excellent survey response from members, providing confidence in the findings and these findings are likely to represent the broader Basketball community. However, response rates are lower than 2021 (↓2%). Taking time to thank participants, feedback results and articulate how Basketball have listened to the insights will promote long term engagement with the survey. • Members recognise the health benefits of playing basketball. Two thirds of all members reported that basketball has improved their social connection, mental wellbeing, and overall health. The health benefits of basketball should be promoted to the community. • Overall, members are satisfied with their basketball experience. Over 90% of current members would recommend basketball to their friends and family. • Fun and enjoyment were the overwhelming motivator for new and loyal members. Prioritising having fun within the basketball community culture is essential to keep members engaged. • New members reported that improving skills was more important for them; whereas loyal members reported that playing competitively was more important. Providing skill development opportunities should be prioritised among new members and options for playing competitively should be maintained for loyal members. • Word of mouth is the most effective way to get new people to engage with basketball, more than half of new members hearing about basketball from friends and family. Create innovative approaches to encourage current members to invite friends and family to engage with basketball. For example, basketball could encourage existing members to post about their basketball experiences on social media. • Reducing the costs of basketball of providing discounts was the most reported recommendation to help keep members involved in basketball. The annual expenditure of basketball was lower than the state averages reported in Ausplay. Four out of five children used an Active Kids voucher to reduce the cost of basketball. Continue taking advantage of government interventions (e.g., NSW Active kids’ voucher) or alternate subsidiaries, and informing the basketball community about potential financial support is encouraged. 3 Basketball NSW 2023 Member Study • More than half of members reported that they would like to pay for their basketball membership in ways other than the current one-off annual fee. The provision of alternate and flexible pricing within the membership could provide diverse options for communities on varying financial budgets. • Females aged 15-17 years and 18-24 years were the most likely groups to drop out of basketball. Basketball NSW should develop a comprehensive approach to increasing participation and retention of women and girls, guided by evidence in this report. • The most common reasons for children leaving basketball were to try a different sport, basketball wasn’t enjoyable anymore, and other. ‘Other’ responses included providing social, less competitive opportunities. Research recommends that children aged 0-12 should be encouraged to try multiple sports and avoid specialisation in one sport. Strategies to improve retention should be focused on keeping basketball fun and enjoyable. • The most common reasons for adults leaving basketball were poor health, disability, or injury, trying a different sport, and fear of injury. Injury prevention and management information could be integrated into routine basketball communication. Members need a clear understanding of the factors that increase the risk of injury, and how to effectively manage injuries that do occur. • People taking on non-player roles were doing so to be more involved with family members interests and to give back to the community and do not feel the need for recognition. While non-players do not feel the need for recognition, they should have a clear understanding of how their work is contributing to basketball’s strategic objectives, and to broader social outcomes (such as mental health, or community cohesion). • One third of non-players have received no training. Providing volunteers with technical and emotional support will contribute to quality outcomes for the sport. • Members are generally unaware of how to engage with the upcoming FIBA Women’s Asia Cup. Basketball needs to increase awareness around ways for members to engage with the upcoming major event. • The results of this survey should be shared with the basketball community to share what was learnt. This will help member engagement with the sport and any future research conducted by Basketball NSW. Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT https://hdl.handle.net/2123/31679 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/2123/31678 Hockey Australia Survey Report 2022 Owen, Katherine; Foley, Bridget Hockey Australia conducted their 2022 National membership survey. The SPRINTER group at the University of Sydney were engaged to analyse responses and help to inform strategic decisions within Hockey Australia that aim to achieve the organisations strategic directions; increase initiation and retention within the Hockey community. • In 2022, growth in Hockey Australia memberships was observed, from 93,923 members in 2021 to 95,798 members in 2022. • Hockey is successfully engaging new and re-engaging lapsed members, with 27,237 (28%) of their members new in 2022. • More than one in four hockey members (n=25,362; 27%) members who participated in 2021 but did not return for the 2022 hockey season. Retention was lowest for members aged 0-6 years and 18-25 years, females, Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islanders, and members living in regional and remote areas. Continue recruiting new members, but also develop and implement evidence-based strategies to increase retention in members aged 18-25 years, females, Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islanders, and members living in regional and remote areas. • Excellent survey response from members, providing confidence in the findings and these findings are likely to represent the broader Hockey community. However, response rates are lower than 2021 (Returning members ↓5.8%, new members ↓5.4%, and lost members ↓2.1%). Taking time to thank participants, feedback results and articulate how Hockey Australia have listened to the insights will promote long term engagement with the annual survey • Overall, members are satisfied with their hockey experience. Since 2020, returning member satisfaction has increased and remained high during 2021 and 2020. In 2022, 89% of returning members and 56% of lost members were satisfied with their hockey experience. • Fun was the overwhelming motivator for new, returning, and lost members. Prioritising having fun within the hockey community culture, for players and non-players, is essential to keep members engaged. • New members reported that improving skills was more important for them. Providing skill development opportunities should be prioritised among new members, 0–17-year olds, and Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander members. • Maintaining opportunities for playing competitively is more important for returning members, males, and members living in major cities. • Providing opportunities to socialise at hockey is more important for older members (55+ years), Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander members, and members living in the most 3 disadvantaged areas. It is important to identify the target audience for specific hockey programs and strategically design programs that align with their motivations and meets their needs. • Top reasons for lost members not returning included other, medical, injury, age, cost, and no time. The membership survey should allow members to provide more details on these ‘other’ reasons. • For groups with the highest risk of being not returning, the top reason for 0-6 years was starting another sport, for 18-25 years was no time, for females was medical, specifically injury, and for members living in regional and remote areas was medical, specifically injury. Research recommends that children aged 0-12 should be encouraged to try multiple sports and avoid specialisation in one sport. Strategies to improve retention should be targeted towards members 12 years and above. Injury prevention and management information could be integrated into routine hockey communication. Members need a clear understanding of the factors that increase the risk of injury, and how to effectively manage injuries that do occur. • Top strategies to encourage more people to engage with hockey were reducing the cost for returning and lost members, and nothing for new members. • ‘Other’ strategies revolved around engaging young children in the school environment. Continue and increase promotion through schools – i.e., Hockey school roadshows and Sporting School programs. • Word of mouth is the most effective way to get new people to engage with hockey, with two thirds of new members hearing about hockey from friends and family. Create innovative approaches to encourage current members to invite friends and family to engage with hockey. For example, Hockey could encourage existing members to post about their hockey experiences on social media. • The quality of registration data has improved, and this is the first-year survey data analysis could be done for members with a disability and members who identified as Aboriginal. Continue the high-quality evaluation and making it ‘the hockey way’ is encouraged for future strategy and program development Sat, 01 Jan 2022 00:00:00 GMT https://hdl.handle.net/2123/31678 2022-01-01T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/2123/31648 Strategic engagement of multicultural communities in sport and recreation: a rapid evidence review for the NSW Government Office of Sport. O'Hara, Blythe; Halim, Nicole; McGill, Bronwyn; Phongsavan, Philayrath The Office of Sport has engaged the SPRINTER group at the University of Sydney to undertake a rapid review to inform strategic approaches to increase the involvement of multicultural communities in sport and active recreation. The purpose of the review was to identify strategic approaches that the Office could implement to increase the involvement of multicultural communities in sport in NSW. Specifically, the review seeks to answer the following research questions: 1. What strategies have been implemented by governments or organisations to involve multicultural communities in sports? 2. Which strategies are effective at increasing multicultural communities’ involvement in sports as participants, volunteers, and leaders? This review included both peer reviewed papers and grey literature and websites, in total n=59 papers / reports / website were included; n=29 were identified through the peer reviewed search and n=30 were identified through the grey literature search. The records included in the main represent examples of sports participation programs and strategies that were based in Australia, with European examples being the showcased but to a less extent. Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT https://hdl.handle.net/2123/31648 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/2123/27128 PRC Annual Report 2019-202 Phongsavan, Philayrath The publication of our annual report is the occasion for celebrating past achievements and visualising future impact. In 17 years as a Prevention Research Collaboration, we have proven to be a progressive group that actively seeks out new and effective ways of working alongside policymakers and practitioners to make lasting contributions. Our commitment to prevention work is reflected in our vision, ‘Collaborative solutions towards a healthier world’. As you read through this report, you will see many examples of how closely the PRC stands by this vision, advancing collaborative research to inform evidence‑based prevention policy and practice in New South Wales and globally. This report pays tribute to the enormous contribution of Emeritus Professor Adrian Bauman. As Director for over 15 years, Adrian has been integral to the PRC’s successes and a mentor to many. Although he has transitioned to an Emeritus status Adrian remains strongly engaged in PRC research and strategic leadership. In the past year, we have seen comprehensive collaboration in translational and policy- and practiceinforming research through major programs such as PANORG (Physical Activity, Nutrition and Obesity Research Group), SPRINTER (Sport and Active Recreation Intervention & Epidemiology Research) and PRSP (Prevention Research Support Program). We co-conducted and celebrated many research and policy achievements with our partners EPOCH (Early Prevention of Childhood Obesity Centre for Research Excellence) and TAPPC (The Australian Prevention Partnership Centre). During 2019-2020 we continued to foster the PRC’s most valuable asset, its people. Our early and mid-career researchers have headlined a series of initiatives to strengthen our capability, cultivating a more agile and responsive leadership in prevention research and education. A snapshot of such initiatives follows in these pages. In this report we have tried to give a sense of where we have been and who we are. The PRC personifies a rich tapestry of researchers from diverse cultural backgrounds and disciplines. This is at the very heart of our personality and empathy, underpinning our research scholarship and effective engagement with our stakeholders. To PRC staff we thank you for your commitment to prevention research and collaboration in the midst of challenging pandemic conditions. The inclusive and respectful way in which you work is impressive. To our partners and collaborators, we invite you to read the following pages. You will have an idea of the sort of place PRC is and why it is fondly dubbed Hotel California! - words you’ll hear often from staff and affiliates alike that express a genuine enduring connection with the PRC’s vision and practice. Fri, 01 Jan 2021 00:00:00 GMT https://hdl.handle.net/2123/27128 2021-01-01T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/2123/25955 Lobbying, advocacy and research – tried and tested strategies for influencing prevention policy Heenan, Maddie This presentation discussed aspects of public health law, experiences working with policy makers and strategies using research and advocacy to reform law and policy. Fri, 01 Jan 2021 00:00:00 GMT https://hdl.handle.net/2123/25955 2021-01-01T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/2123/24752 Effectiveness of numeric energy menu labelling and alternative formats and/or content: A rapid evidence review update. Nguyen, Binh; Tang, Janice; Rose, Cat; Thomas, Margaret This rapid evidence review is an update of a 2016 rapid review commissioned by NSW Health on the effectiveness of numeric energy menu labelling and potential alternative formats and/or content. Compared to the 2016 rapid evidence review, there was a larger number of systematic reviews published as well as studies from real world settings. Overall, findings were mixed, reflecting the diversity of contexts and outcomes in real world settings. However, the updated review found increased evidence for a positive impact of numeric energy menu labelling on ‘energy/item selected, ordered, purchased’, and generally positive outcomes in real world settings. The evidence for alternate menu labelling formats and/or content, in population subgroups, and in children, adolescents and/or their parents, was either inconsistent or limited in terms of the number of reviews and individual studies. A number of gaps in the available evidence were identified. Fri, 01 Jan 2021 00:00:00 GMT https://hdl.handle.net/2123/24752 2021-01-01T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/2123/24104 Healthy eating and active living and education-related outcomes in children and adolescents: A rapid evidence review McGill, Bronwyn; Nguyen, Binh; Corbett, L; Thomas, Margaret This rapid review explores the association between education-related outcomes valued by educators and healthy eating and physical activity in school-aged children and adolescents. The term ‘education-related outcomes’ includes outcomes educational performance, education-related behaviours, social outcomes and general well-being outcomes. The findings of this review support a positive association between healthy eating and physical activity, and most education-related outcomes. Wed, 01 Jan 2020 00:00:00 GMT https://hdl.handle.net/2123/24104 2020-01-01T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/2123/24060 School meal provision: a rapid evidence review McGill, Bronwyn; Cranney, Leonie; Corbet, Lucy; Thomas, Margaret Food insecurity is of growing concern in high-income countries and children from socio-economically disadvantaged families are particularly at risk of experiencing hunger and poor nutrition. This can have a detrimental effect on children’s development and capacity for learning. Therefore, food security is a serious matter for teachers and schools, particularly in areas where there is a high proportion of socioeconomically disadvantaged students and families. This rapid review of the literature determined the research evidence available on impacts of school food provision for socio-economically disadvantaged students, with a particular focus on food security. Wed, 01 Jan 2020 00:00:00 GMT https://hdl.handle.net/2123/24060 2020-01-01T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/2123/23963 New developments in the prevention of obesity among children and young people aged 0-18 Years: Rapid Evidence Review Update. McGill, Bronwyn; Sweeting, J; Surkalim, D; Phongsavan, P; Thomas, M; Bellew, W The purpose of this independent rapid evidence review is to examine current national and international approaches to addressing childhood (0-18 years) overweight and obesity. This review updates previous reviews of evidence conducted in 2012 and 2016 to highlight new findings, with particular attention given to those that have demonstrated effectivenss, and/or show promise for intervening at a population level and/or in child or adolescent settings. Wed, 01 Jan 2020 00:00:00 GMT https://hdl.handle.net/2123/23963 2020-01-01T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/2123/23964 Implementing Policies to Increase the Availability and Promotion of Healthy Food and Drinks, Delivered at Scale: Barriers and Enablers. A Rapid Evidence Review. Nguyen, B; Thomas, M The aim of this rapid review is to provide a concise summary of the evidence for barriers and enablers to successful implementation of policies designed to increase the availability and promotion of healthy food and drinks (or to decrease the availability and promotion of unhealthy food and drinks) and that have been delivered at scale. Wed, 01 Jan 2020 00:00:00 GMT https://hdl.handle.net/2123/23964 2020-01-01T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/2123/22997.2 Weight stimga and bias - what is known? Rapid review of evidence Bellew, William; Grunseit, Anne; Huang, Bo-Huei; Kite, James; Laird, Yvonne; Thomas, Margaret; Williams, Kathryn Weight stigma is pervasive in mass media, including news, movies and television, as well as social media. Mass media perpetuate weight stigma through overrepresentation of thin and underweight individuals, underrepresentation of individuals with obesity, and the portrayal of characters with obesity in a stigmatizing or negative light. This cumulative evidence indicates that the media is an influential source that can reinforce bias against people with obesity. Despite having a goal to promote healthy behavior and reduce obesity, and in contrast to the argument that stigma motivates engagement in health behaviours, obesity-related media campaigns perpetuating messages of blame and stigma against individuals with obesity can instead reduce motivation to engage in weight-related health behaviours. Stigmatizing visual portrayals of obesity elicit less self-efficacy to engage in health behaviours among individuals of diverse weight status. Children and adults who experience weight stigma are vulnerable to numerous consequences affecting their psychological and physical health. Psychological consequences include increased risk of depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, poor body image, substance abuse, and suicidal thoughts and behaviours. Many of these outcomes persist even after accounting for factors such as BMI, obesity onset, gender, and age, indicating that negative psychological consequences emerge from stigmatizing experiences rather than from obesity per se. Adverse health outcomes which result from peoples experience of weight stigma can reduce quality of life and pose major obstacles to efforts to prevent and treat obesity effectively. This combined evidence suggests that weight stigma and discrimination represent a public health issue and should be prioritized alongside efforts to address this problem as a societal injustice. The evidence on prevention and reduction of weight stigma is at an emergent stage and the quality overall is weak but the seriousness of the probable consequences is such that there is an ethical imperative to take precautionary action now, even as more research is underway or about to commence. Common themes across studies include the following points: i) weight bias is common and has adverse health consequences; ii) shaming individuals for their body weight does not motivate positive behaviour change; iii) internalized weight bias is particularly problematic; iv) public health interventions, if not carefully thought out, can perpetuate weight bias; v) weight bias is a manifestation of social inequity; vi) action on weight bias requires an upstream, population-level approach; and vii) to achieve sustainable reductions in weight bias at a population level, substantive modifications and collaborative efforts in multiple settings are required. The body of evidence on prevention indicates that multilevel efforts to implement stigma reduction strategies may be required. This will entail downstream stigma reduction interventions targeted to different settings (e.g., education and training of medical professionals to reduce weight-based stigma in health care), but broader upstream policy initiatives are likely required to eradicate systemic societal weight-based discrimination and prejudice that otherwise remain pervasive and impair the health and quality of life for many people who are so affected. On message framing, the evidence suggests that neutral terminology (e.g., “weight” or “unhealthy weight”) is preferred and that words like “obese” and “fat” are least acceptable, particularly in provider patient conversations about weight. Individual variation in language preferences is evident across demographic characteristics like race/ethnicity, gender, and weight status. Research to improve upon the limited diversity of the existing evidence, both with respect to sample diversity and the use of culturally relevant weight-related terminology (which is currently lacking in measurement) is urgently needed. In public health media campaigns targeting obesity prevention, careful consideration should be given to messages communicated to ensure that messages intended to promote optimal weight-related health behaviours do not simultaneously stigmatize or shame individuals with obesity. Wed, 01 Jan 2020 00:00:00 GMT https://hdl.handle.net/2123/22997.2 2020-01-01T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/2123/23232 Implementing policies to increase the availability and promotion of healthy food and drinks, delivered at scale: barriers and enablers Nguyen, Binh; Thomas, Margaret A rapid review of the evidence was undertaken to examine the evidence for barriers and enablers to successful implementation of healthy food and drinks policies that are delivered at scale. It is intended that the findings from this rapid review will be used to inform the development and implementation of future healthy food and drink policies. Wed, 01 Jan 2020 00:00:00 GMT https://hdl.handle.net/2123/23232 2020-01-01T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/2123/22467 Active and Inactive Young Australians. An independent review of research into enablers and barriers to participation in sport. Active recreation and physical activity among children and adolescents. Bellew, B; Rose, C; Reece, L The purpose of this review is to identify what is known about barriers and enablers of participation in physical activity (including sport and active recreation) among children and young people aged 3-18 years, living in Australia. It has been compiled at the request of the NSW Office of Sport and primarily for consideration by the Committee of Australian Sport and Recreation Officials (CASRO). During childhood and adolescence, physical activity (PA) is important for motor and cognitive development, as well as psychosocial and cardiometabolic health. Movement skills and experiences in childhood and adolescence lay the foundation for participation in PA and sport in those formative years and across the life course. Yet many Australian children are missing out on these benefits; Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) data show that overall, 30% of children aged 2–17 are not achieving the levels of PA recommended in Australia’s PA and Sedentary Behaviour Guidelines. The reviewed evidence indicates that PA barriers, preferences, personal level motivations and enablers vary: • across the life course; • by gender; • at family / household level; • by socio-economic status; and • by cultural and linguistic diversity (CALD). Strategies, policies, plans and programs purporting to promote and increase PA through the life course, including childhood and adolescence, need to reflect this diversity in barriers/enablers and to tailor strategies according to the particular populations being served (target group segmentation) – life course stage, female gender, lower SES background, CALD communities. Research studies identify barriers and enablers at the individual, family and household levels, but also at higher levels of influence, including policy, program, organisation and environment; to increase participation, the strategy levers at these higher levels of influence must be targeted in a comprehensive, intersectoral and whole-of-system approach. Some studies describe ‘modifiable’ and ‘non-modifiable’ barriers; for example, age and gender are ‘non-modifiable’ in research studies which focus on the individual. The key proposition that emerges from the evidence is that organisational, policy and service responses are modifiable. These are the higher-level factors that can and need to be prioritised for strategic action. Current World Health Organization [WHO]-led research states that the problem of insufficient PA is global and recommends that urgent scaling up is needed of known effective policies and programs to increase PA in adolescents. Multisectoral action is needed to offer opportunities for young people to be active, involving education, urban planning, road safety and other key actors. Specific transition points during the life course are associated with changes in PA and/or sedentary behaviour; the change can be positive or negative. For example, sedentary behaviour tracks from early to middle childhood (the 0-5-year old period) suggesting the need to intervene early. Evidence points to two key windows of opportunity for early intervention: (i) the after childcare/school period, and (ii) the transition from childcare to school. Three enabling approaches for this transition period are recommended: • “goals and planning” (using behavioural contracting); • “repetition and substitution” (using graded task-setting); and • “reward and treat” (incorporating incentives). 6 The adolescence–to–adulthood transition is an important window for intervention. Participation in PA and especially in sport is lower in adulthood than in childhood and adolescence. The steepest declines in participation occur during later adolescence. This is a transition period in which to target policy actions and interventions - positive behaviours established in this stage have the potential to last into later adulthood. In the Australian research evidence into barriers to participation, a key finding is the apparent lack of ageappropriate or engaging service offerings in organised sport and PA outside of school hours for children under 8 years of age and for teenagers. The lack of age-appropriate offerings affects 85% of 0-4-year-olds and 22% of 5-8-year-olds, whilst 37% of 12-14-year-olds dislike the sport and PA options available. Several recent reports and frameworks produced by the Australian Government have been noted in this review and provide a sound basis for action; an example is the Drivers of Participation Framework and Toolkit. Similarly, one international and two Australian case studies are provided to showcase concrete examples of relevant policy actions. Mon, 01 Jun 2020 00:00:00 GMT https://hdl.handle.net/2123/22467 2020-06-01T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/2123/20883 Consultation on the development of a National Sports Plan for Australia Bellew, William; Reece, Lindsey The submission draws on the expertise of several research and policy experts based here at The Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney. The analysis and recommendations are provided by a team drawn from the World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Physical Activity, Nutrition and Obesity (WHOCCPANO), The Sport and Active Recreation Intervention and Epidemiology Research (SPRINTER) Group, and the Prevention Research Collaboration (PRC). They are among the world's leading authorities on evidence-based policy for physical activity, sport and recreation. The development of the National Sports Plan envisions an Australia where everyone can be a part of sport and can be engaged in healthy living. The aspiration is to maximise the participation of Australians in sport and to identify and reduce barriers to participation. The Turnbull government is to be commended for strong and decisive leadership in recognising the important contribution that physical activity and community sport can make to the health and wellbeing of all Australians as well as to the nation's productivity Fully referenced and robust scientific evidence is Mon, 12 Aug 2019 00:00:00 GMT https://hdl.handle.net/2123/20883 2019-08-12T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/2123/20832 SPRINTER Annual Report July 2018-June 2019 I am delighted to introduce the 2018/19 annual report for SPRINTER. In 2018/19 the theme of solidifying partnerships and relationships has featured prominently in our work. SPRINTER’s approach of working integrally within the Office of Sport continues to show benefits and grows from strength to strength. SPRINTER has a significant presence within the sport development group and is embedded in flagship programs such as Women in Sport and Active Kids. Management of what is arguably the biggest dataset of children and young people globally (Active Kids) presents challenges, but also affords prime opportunities to inform policy. Early insights from the research data highlight the significant reach of the Active Kids program in areas of high disadvantage and in overweight and obese youth populations. I am confident that the depth of the Active Kids research will help us to better understand and describe, not only the important role that sport and physical activity can play in public health promotion, but also the potential impact in delivering a range of better outcomes for the community. The integration within Anne Gripper’s Sport and Active Recreation team this year was welcomed through the evaluation of regional sports plan. This area of work most definitely enhanced SPRINTER’s awareness of the gaps in evidence around participation behaviours amongst regional and remote communities and allowed the development of an evaluation toolkit to be developed which can be used throughout the Office of Sport. SPRINTER’s reputation as a centre of excellence continues to grow at State and Federal level as well as internationally. The “value-add” from working with SPRINTER is increasingly being recognised, particularly in relation to the space where public health integrates with sport and physical activity. The confidence with which we now move into a new phase of SPRINTER’s work has been made possible largely because of the steadfast support from the Prevention Research Collaboration at The University of Sydney. Our location is within the Charles Perkins Centre where multidisciplinary, cross-sectoral and innovative practice is purposefully nurtured, is another factor which has allowed SPRINTER to flourish. We also owe thanks to all our core and associate staff, our funders and stakeholders for their wonderful support; we look forward to continuing the journey with you in the years ahead. Thu, 01 Aug 2019 00:00:00 GMT https://hdl.handle.net/2123/20832 2019-08-01T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/2123/18051 Development and implementation of Heart Team: a Facebook support group for cardiac patients Partridge, Stephanie; Phongsavan, Philayrath; Grunseit, Anne; Due, Sarah; O'Hara, Blythe; Freeman, Becky; Neubeck, Lis; Paull, Glenn; Ding, Ding; Bauman, Adrian; Gallagher, Robyn Improving adherence to cardiac rehabilitation programs should reduce the risk of repeat cardiac events and improve quality of life. We present the process of developing and piloting a Facebook support group, Heart Team, which other cardiac health professionals could adapt and trial at their hospital, rehabilitation or community service. Tue, 03 Apr 2018 00:00:00 GMT https://hdl.handle.net/2123/18051 2018-04-03T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/2123/17008 Effectiveness of numeric enegery menu labelling and potential alternative formats and/or content: an evidence review Hector, Debra This review was conducted between January and March 2016 to inform ongoing implementation of the NSW Fast Choices Menu Labelling legislation. This legislation was passed by NSW Parliament in November 2010 requiring certain food outlets particularly in the Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) setting to display nutrition information in the form of numeric kilojoule (kJ) amounts for food and beverage items at the point-of-sale, on menu boards. Requirements came into effect on 1 February 2011, with a 12-month period for QSRs to comply before 1 February 2012. The primary audience for this review is the Working Group of the Fast Choices Labelling Reference Group within NSW. Research questions and primary outcomes, inclusion and exclusion criteria were determined by the author of this review in consultation with the Working Group. The findings of this review will be triangulated with those from a broad stakeholder consultation (online survey) to inform potential future steps in menu labelling. Fri, 01 Apr 2016 00:00:00 GMT https://hdl.handle.net/2123/17008 2016-04-01T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/2123/17007 Healthy Food Environment Scoping Review Hector, Debra; Boylan, Sinead; Lee, Amanda This work was conducted at the request of the Centre for Population Health at the NSW Ministry of Health, to inform implementation of the relevant strategic direction of the NSW Healthy Eating Active Living (HEAL) Strategy 2013–2018. It is not intended to be an exhaustive review but rather to provide an indication of the rationale for intervening and the potential effectiveness of a broad range of policy options. It is also intended to inform ongoing stakeholder consultation regarding action with respect to the food environment. This consultation will necessarily take account of other evidence of effectiveness including likely reach and population impact, as well as implementation issues such as sustainability of effects, feasibility, acceptability, equity, and other factors affectingplanning and investment decisions. It is noted that no single action contained within this evidence synthesis will in itself be sufficient to affect weight status substantially at the population level. A portfolio of interventions within the food environment, alongside action to increase physical activity and reduce sedentary behaviours, is required to halt the progress of obesity and prevent chronic disease. This sentiment has been expressed many times previously but also recently in the McKinsey paper by Dobbs et al (November 2014) relating to an economic analysis for obesity prevention: “Existing evidence indicates that no single intervention is likely to have a significant overall impact. A systemic, sustained portfolio of initiatives, delivered at scale, is needed to reverse the health burden.” Similarly, no individual sector in society can address obesity acting on its own — neither governments, retailers, consumer-goods companies, restaurants, employers, media organisations, educators, healthcare providers, or individuals.Achieving the full potential impact requires engagement from as many sectors as possible. Ideally such actions would be contained within an overarching National Nutrition Policy in Australia. Finally, we would like to echo another sentiment of the McKinsey Global Institute discussion paper, that “… our analysis is by no means complete. Rather we see our work [on a potential program to address obesity] as the equivalent of the maps used by 16th-century navigators. Some islands were missing and some islands were misshapen in these maps, but they were helpful to the sailors of the era. We are sure that we have missed some interventions and over- or underestimated the impact of others. But we hope our work to be a useful guide….” Fri, 01 Apr 2016 00:00:00 GMT https://hdl.handle.net/2123/17007 2016-04-01T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/2123/16803 The Weight of Time: Time influences on overweight and obesity in women Allman-Farinelli, M; King, L; Bonfiglioli, C; Bauman, A We know that adults’ weight increases with age, at least until around the age of 55 years or older. Recent National Australian surveys show that men and women of all age groups were heavier in 2000 than in 1995 or 1990. These studies also found that a greater proportion of people of all ages were overweight or obese in 2000 than in the previous surveys. These studies also suggested that different generations, also known as ‘birth cohorts’, had different patterns of weight gain. These birth cohort influences mean that the year a person is born and the unique set of experiences people born at that time experience, have an effect on weight gain patterns. People born at other times experience different conditions and have different weight gain patterns. Some birth cohorts or ‘generations’ are well-known, such as the ‘baby boomer’ generation, or pre-war generation. For example, Australians born in the first three decades of the twentieth century experienced World War I and II and the Great Depression during their childhood and early adult life. During these times food was scarce and everyday life required high levels of physical activity. This group overall had lower body weights than more recent generations, meaning they were less at risk of becoming obese. Australians born after 1980 were born into an advanced technological society with greater availability of food, a vastly increased range of food products and increasing serving sizes. At the same time, levels of physical activity in everyday life have been decreasing. Together these factors produce an obesogenic environment. The three National Health surveys, conducted by the Australian Bureau of Statistics for the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare in 1990, 1995 and 2000, produced data which the NSW Centre for Overweight and Obesity has analyzed to find out what effects three time factors -- ageing, the time of the surveys and birth cohort, have on body mass index (BMI) and the prevalence of overweight and obesity. [Note – BMI used as the indicator of weight status, where BMI = weight (kg)/height2 (M2)] This report provides an overview of key findings of the analyses of the effects of these three time factors on female weight patterns. The complete findings have been published in a comprehensive technical report. The results from the analysis of the effect of birth cohorts have been used to predict the mean body mass index of women in NSW in 2010. The graphs in this report show the results for women, and the results for men are available in a separate document. The overall patterns and implications for men are generally similar to those for women. NSW Sun, 01 Jan 2006 00:00:00 GMT https://hdl.handle.net/2123/16803 2006-01-01T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/2123/16804 The Weight of Time: Time influences on overweight and obesity in men Allman-Farinelli, M; King, L; Bonfiglioli, C; Bauman, A We know that adults’ weight increases with age, at least until around the age of 55 years or older. Recent National Australian surveys show that men and women of all age groups were heavier in 2000 than in 1995 or 1990. These studies also found that a greater proportion of people of all ages were overweight or obese in 2000 than in the previous surveys. These studies also suggested that different generations, also known as ‘birth cohorts’, had different patterns of weight gain. These birth cohort influences mean that the year a person is born and the unique set of experiences people born at that time experience, have an effect on weight gain patterns. People born at other times experience different conditions and have different weight gain patterns. Some birth cohorts or ‘generations’ are well-known, such as the ‘baby boomer’ generation, or pre-war generation. For example, Australians born in the first three decades of the twentieth century experienced World War I and II and the Great Depression during their childhood and early adult life. During these times food was scarce and everyday life required high levels of physical activity. This group overall had lower body weights than more recent generations, meaning they were less at risk of becoming obese. Australians born after 1980 were born into an advanced technological society with greater availability of food, a vastly increased range of food products and increasing serving sizes. At the same time, levels of physical activity in everyday life have been decreasing. Together these factors produce an obesogenic environment. The three National Health surveys, conducted by the Australian Bureau of Statistics for the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare in 1990, 1995 and 2000, produced data which the NSW Centre for Overweight and Obesity has analyzed to find out what effects three time factors -- ageing, the time of the surveys and birth cohort -- have on body mass index (BMI) and the prevalence of overweight and obesity. [Note – BMI used as the indicator of weight status, where BMI = weight (kg)/height2 (M2)] This report provides an overview of key findings of the analyses of the effects of these three time factors on male weight patterns. The complete findings have been published in a comprehensive technical report. The results from the analysis of the effect of birth cohorts have been used to predict the mean body mass index of men in NSW in 2010. The graphs in this report show the results for men but the results for women are available. The overall patterns and implications for women are generally similar to those for men. Sun, 01 Jan 2006 00:00:00 GMT https://hdl.handle.net/2123/16804 2006-01-01T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/2123/16805 Creating Healthy Environments - a review of links between the physical enviornment, physical activity and obesity Gebel, K; King, L; Bauman, A; Vita, P; Gill, T; Rigby, A; Capon, A This document comprises two parts: an Overview Report that provides an integrated summary of how physical environments can influence physical activity, nutrition and obesity; and a Technical Report that provides a review of public health research on this topic. The organisation of the document into these two reports represents the two stages in translating research into policy and practice. This translation process involves both a critical appraisal and review of research, and synthesis and integration according to the key concepts that are familiar to policymakers and practitioners. The primary aim of the Overview Report is to communicate key concepts and research fi ndings in ways that allow them to be applied to urban planning. The technical report provides a scientific update of current research findings and evidence to support the associations between urban environments and both physical activity and obesity. Sat, 01 Oct 2005 00:00:00 GMT https://hdl.handle.net/2123/16805 2005-10-01T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/2123/16800 Australian Communications and Media Authority Children's Television Standards Review 2007 NSW Centre for Overweight and Obesity, (COO) Team; Bauman, Adrian; Baur, Louise; Caterson, Ian; Flood, Vicki; Gill, Tim; Hattersley, Libby; King, Lesley; Kelly, Bridget; Webb, Karen; Wise, Marilyn Thu, 30 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT https://hdl.handle.net/2123/16800 2007-08-30T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/2123/16801 Building solutions for prevneting childhood obesity. Overview module King, Lesley; Hector, Debra A set of modules in the series Building Solutions for prevention childhood obesity Tue, 01 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT https://hdl.handle.net/2123/16801 2008-01-01T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/2123/16802 The Weight of Opinion - The early childhood sector's perceptions about childhood overweight and obesty Pagnini, D; Wildenfeld, R; King, L; Booth, M; Booth, S Early childhood is a critical time in a child’s development when the foundations for good or poor eating habits and self-regulation of appetite are laid. Because long day care centres and preschools structure the daily environment in which the children in their care play and learn, the early childhood sector can make an important contribution to preventing and (sometimes) dealing with childhood overweight and obesity. Whether through the direct provision of food at child care or rules/suggestions surrounding the food that children are to bring to preschool, they exert some control over what children consume while in their care. Similarly, they control the amount of active play time that is available during the day. Long day care centres and preschools may also incorporate messages about healthy eating and the benefits of active play into their curriculum, and may provide modelling of good eating habits by the teachers/workers during snack or meal times. They may also regulate the kinds of fundraising opportunities used to support their preschools/centres (e.g. no chocolates or donut fundraisers), and provide parents with information and support regarding the development of healthy habits. This report presents the findings from a series of in-depth interviews on the perceptions of early childhood staff about the issue of childhood overweight and obesity and their role in supporting healthy eating and active play.Interviews were conducted with eleven directors and staff members from four long day care centres and four preschools, located in three areas within metropolitan Sydney and one area in rural NSW. The results show that the early childhood educators recognise childhood overweight and obesity as a serious issue and appreciate the complexity of the causes of the increasing prevalence of overweight. They viewed these issues as part of their core mission as early childhood educators, and worked under a philosophy of close partnership with families (and, in some cases, with local health professionals). All of the participants also acknowledged that parents can be sensitive about their children’s weight, that there can be uncertainty surrounding definitions of overweight among young children, and that there can be emotions around the provision of food and children’s eating patterns. At the same time, interviewees recognised that the early childhood sector can only do so much by themselves and that their efforts need to be complemented by efforts to support parents and change cultural and environmental factors that make it difficult to eat healthy foods and get adequate physical activity, especially considering the fact that not all children have access to or participate in early childhood education. However, given the large proportion of children and parents who do have contact with the early childhood sector, the potential to strengthen the role of the sector in preventing childhood overweight and obesity and promoting healthy eating and active play was highlighted in the research. The interviewees gave practical suggestions for how that could occur. They wanted more early childhood-friendly games, activities, books, songs, and posters about healthy eating and physical activity, more resources they could give directly to parents, more guidance on optimal nutrition policies (for preschools), more training for themselves (including information on when to be concerned about children’s weight and what to do about it), and more access to health professionals who could come and speak to them and the parents. Thu, 01 Jun 2006 00:00:00 GMT https://hdl.handle.net/2123/16802 2006-06-01T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/2123/16806 Mid-point evaluation of Prevention of Obesity in Children and Young People: NSW Government Action Plan 2003-2007 Turnour, Caroline; King, Lesley; Wise, Marilyn Following the 2002 NSW Obesity Summit, the NSW Government launched the Prevention of Obesity in Children and Young People – NSW Government Action Plan 2003-2007 (GAP). The GAP1 identified 34 actions that NSW Health, NSW Department of Education and Training, NSW Department of Community Services, and NSW Roads and Traffic Authority agreed to implement, to expand their contributions to the prevention of obesity in children and young people. Many of the 34 actions fitted these agencies’ core business, while some involved an extension of existing roles. The GAP was designed to be simple and achievable, enabling it to be implemented within existing resources in the short-term, or with small increases in resources in the medium term. As a consequence, 88 per cent of the actions to which agencies committed have been completed or are on track. The NSW Government’s focus on childhood obesity in 2002 precipitated the formation of the National Obesity Taskforce and the development of plans and summits in other states/territories. Since 2002, there has also been significant policy work on obesity prevention at the international level, with major reports being produced by the International Obesity Task Force (IOTF), World Health Organisation (WHO), and comprehensive plans in the US and UK. All these reports have stressed the need for urgent action to turn around the escalating rates of childhood obesity. In this context a mid-point evaluation of the implementation of the GAP was instigated in October 2005, to ensure that the momentum for change created by the Summit and Action Plan was being maintained. The evaluation was designed to contribute to the ongoing implementation of the GAP by: • identifying the extent to which specified actions had been implemented, or were progressing ‘on track’; • identifying other achievements and approaches that have emerged in association with the implementation of the GAP; • identifying changes in the political, community and organisational contexts that might influence implementation opportunities and actions; • making recommendations to support the ongoing implementation and final evaluation of the plan. The NSW Centre for Overweight and Obesity was given responsibility by NSW Health for conducting the mid-point evaluation of implementation. The mid-point evaluation involved analysis of documentation and structured interviews with key stakeholders. A total of 12 interviews, with representatives from 6 government agencies and 3 additional agencies, were conducted. As well as reporting on progress in implementing GAP, the evaluation sought to assess the significance of the actions undertaken and their potential contribution to the prevention of childhood obesity. The evaluation used the WHO Stepwise Framework to assess the implementation of the actions according to their fit with existing policy, infrastructure and resources. Actions were classified as core, expanded and desirable: • Core implementation actions - interventions that are feasible to implement with existing resources; • Expanded implementation actions - interventions that are possible to implement with a realistically projected increase in, or reallocation of, resources in the medium term; • Desirable implementation actions - evidence-based interventions which are beyond the reach of existing resources (World Health Organisation 2005). Seventeen actions were identified as core actions, and seventeen actions as expanded actions. The GAP contained no actions that could be classified as ‘desirable’ under the criteria of the WHO framework. The fact that the GAP included a mix of core and expanded actions, only, is understandable in the early years of a response, when there was limited evidence of effective interventions. Thu, 01 Jun 2006 00:00:00 GMT https://hdl.handle.net/2123/16806 2006-06-01T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/2123/16809 NSW Schools Physical Activity and Nutrition Survey (SPANS) 2004 - Summary Report Booth, M; Okely, AD; Denney-Wilson, E; Hardy, L; Yang, B; Dobbins, T Physical activity, good nutrition and maintaining a healthy weight are important factors for developing and maintaining good health. Although overweight and obesity has long been regarded by health professionals as an important condition that increases the risk of ill-health, it has only recently been recognised as a population-wide problem that requires a whole-of-community approach. In September 2002, the NSW Government convened the NSW Childhood Obesity Summit in response to the threat of rapidly rising rates of overweight and obesity among children. Two key recommendations of the summit were: • to establish a centre of excellence for research into overweight and obesity; and • to commission a state-wide survey to determine the current levels of overweight and obesity, patterns of physical activity and sedentary behaviour, and the nutrition profiles of children and young people in New South Wales. In 2003, the NSW Centre for Overweight and Obesity was established at the University of Sydney. Its first task was to conduct a survey of physical activity and nutrition in school students (SPANS). Almost 5500 school-aged children in NSW participated in the survey, one of the most comprehensive ever conducted in Australia. This report provides the NSW Government with the information needed to further develop its policies and programs in the area, and also to assess progress against the Prevention of Obesity in Children and Young People: NSW Government Action Plan 2003–2007. Thu, 01 Jan 2004 00:00:00 GMT https://hdl.handle.net/2123/16809 2004-01-01T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/2123/16807 Reporting Obesity: a resource for journalists Bonfiglioli, Catriona The obesity epidemic is a strong news story which has attracted Australian and international media attention increasingly since 2001. The Australian news media has highlighted many of the key issues in overweight and obesity as well as reporting debates including: Is food or exercise the most important factor? How bad are junk foods? Should food advertising to kids be banned? Should school canteens and tuckshops ban junk food? Is obesity alone really a health risk or only a problem when it is combined with diabetes, heart disease or other diseases? These choices in reporting overweight and obesity profoundly affect Australians’ understandings and attitudes to these problems. The increase in coverage is placing obesity on the public agenda. However, paradoxically, the focus on obesity may also make the issue seem irrelevant to some people, stigmatise overweight people and fuel the industries which are dependent on obesogenic lifestyles but offer only short-term solutions. The aim of this publication is to highlight current debates in relation to obesity as a health problem, point to evidencebased research, suggest alternative news angles and illuminate the choices journalists can make in how they cover this topic. The media guide is based on current research as well as analysis of media coverage of obesity in Australia. It is recognised that this issue is receiving constant media coverage and the focus of debate may change from time to time. Mon, 01 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMT https://hdl.handle.net/2123/16807 2007-01-01T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/2123/16808 Healthy Weight for Adults and Older Australians - A National Action Agenda to address overweight and obesity in adults and older Australians - 2006-2010 Bauman, A; Baur, L; Caterson, I; Gill, T; Wise, M; Brown, W; Raymond, I; Lyle, D Australia is ranked as one of the most overweight developed nations. The rate of overweight and obesity among Australian adults (over 18 years) has doubled over the past two decades. Obesity results in a range of diseases and conditions including cancer, cardiovascular disease and diabetes, which place huge burdens on individuals, families and the wider community. Obesity and its associated illnesses are estimated to cost health services $1.2 billion a year and the cost continues to rise dramatically. Australia’s combined rate of overweight and obesity is 62 per cent for men and 45 per cent for women1. Whilst all ages, sexes and social groups are affected, overweight and obesity are more prevalent among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, women in lower socioeconomic groups and women living in remote areas. Young women are gaining weight faster than any other group. Sun, 01 Jan 2006 00:00:00 GMT https://hdl.handle.net/2123/16808 2006-01-01T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/2123/16754 NSW Schools Physical Activity and Nutrition Survey (SPANS) Hardy, LL; Mihrshahi, S; Drayton, BA; Bauman, AE The NSW Schools Physical Activity and Nutrition Survey (SPANS) is a representative cross-sectional, school-based health behaviour surveillance survey of school children age 5 to 16 year. The survey is conducted by the Prevention Research Collaboration and lead by Dr Louise Hardy. This is the fifth SPANS of NSW school students and provides valuable prevalence and trend information on the weight status and health behaviours of a representative sample of 7,556 school students in Kindergarten and Years 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10, conducted in Term 1, 2015. In 2015, new indicators of children’s health were included: oral health, sleep, and muscular fitness. Sat, 01 Apr 2017 00:00:00 GMT https://hdl.handle.net/2123/16754 2017-04-01T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/2123/16596 Social countermarketing: brave new world, brave new map Bellew, William; Bauman, Adrian; Freeman, Becky; Kite, James Purpose – Conceptual advancement underpins the progress of social marketing and countermarketing research but has been neglected in recent years. This paper aims to describe a new integrative framework of social countermarketing (SCM) concepts, techniques and defining characteristics, based on research tracing the conceptual evolution of the field and contrasting commercial (profit-focused) and social (public good-focused) countermarketing. Design/methodology/approach – This paper undertook searches of electronic databases to examine how socially oriented countermarketing has been characterised in the research literature. Search terms included “countermarketing”, “critical marketing”, “de-marketing” and “counter-advertising”. Broad inclusion criteria allowed consideration of reports, conference and media outputs, as well as peer-reviewed articles published since1971. Selected marketing journals were searched individually. Findings – After screening of 408 initial search results, 80 studies were retained and full papers retrieved. Main ideas, definitions, scope, concepts and terms used were mapped to identify the common and distinguishing features, as well as higher-order organising themes. This led to the development of a new conceptual framework for SCM comprising eight domains. Research limitations/implications – The integrative conceptual framework offers a foundation for future research and SCM practice. Originality/value – This paper introduces a framework designed to advance the conceptual basis of SCM research and practice with particular reference to the field of public health and disease prevention. Mon, 10 Apr 2017 00:00:00 GMT https://hdl.handle.net/2123/16596 2017-04-10T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/2123/11729 NSW Get Healthy Information and Coaching Services The First Five Years 2009-2013 O'Hara, B J; Phongsavan, P; McGill, B; Maxwell, M; Ahmed, N; Raheb, S; Bauman, Adrian The 'NSW Get Healthy Information and Coaching Service: The First Five Years 2009 - 2013' evaluation report was published in June 2014. The report showcases the effectiveness, reach, and health impact of the Service since it's inception in 2009. Sun, 01 Jun 2014 00:00:00 GMT https://hdl.handle.net/2123/11729 2014-06-01T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/2123/10229 Obesity and chronic disease prevention among old adults (55-74 years): An evidence overview and framework to inform policy and practice Espinel, Paola; King, Lesley; Hector, Debra This document is an expansive report detailing the research evidence (to mid-2012) on the rationale, determinants and effective approaches to reduce the prevalence of obesity and chronic disease among community-dwelling older adults, aged 55-74 years. It is designed specifically to contribute to the planning of programs and interventions for obesity and chronic disease prevention in New South Wales, Australia. A summary version of this report can be found at http://hdl.handle.net/2123/9084 Specifically this report: • Examines the available epidemiological evidence on the weight status and obesity-related chronic disease risk profile of older adults in NSW • Considers the behaviours contributing to weight status and chronic disease in this age group • Presents a structured planning framework to identify potential points for intervention based on analysis of contributing factors • Examines the evidence around the effectiveness of potential interventions, considering the strengths, limitations and gaps within the evidence base • Proposes a portfolio of evidence-based and promising intervention approaches for the reduction of obesity and related chronic disease risk. Review Fri, 28 Mar 2014 00:00:00 GMT https://hdl.handle.net/2123/10229 2014-03-28T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/2123/9561 Evaluation of two Australian Rugby Union sports recruitment programs Thomas, Margaret; Ong, Narelle; Hart, Kerry; Ramia, Ioana; Verstege, Emily; Hardy, Louise The focus of the evaluation was on how well the programs were implemented, the characteristics of participating children and families, and the impacts of the programs on the participants. The evaluation design was based on a program logic model developed in an earlier project, and used mixed data collection methods, including parent surveys (before and after the programs), focus groups with children participating, interviews with parents, rugby club members, teachers and ARU staff, and administrative data. The methods were implemented as planned, although there were some limitations, including lower numbers of children participating due to the unexpectedly low numbers of schools and children who took part in Gala Day, the lack of administrative data and the lower than expected response rate for the parent baseline survey (50% of all parents) and three month parent follow up survey (30% of all parents). Nevertheless, we are confident that this research provides a sound basis for further work in this area. Fri, 22 Nov 2013 00:00:00 GMT https://hdl.handle.net/2123/9561 2013-11-22T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/2123/9375 Prevention of excessive gestational weight gain: an evidence review to inform policy and practice Hector, Debra; Hebden, Lana This report was commissioned by the NSW Ministry of Health, Division of Population and Public Health, to support evidence-informed policy and planning with regard to obesity prevention in NSW. It provides an overview and summary of the evidence base regarding the prevention of excessive gestational weight gain (EGWG) and the promotion of appropriate GWG. It provides a rationale for taking action, indicates barriers to preventing EGWG, and critiques the interventions evidence. A substantial number of recommendations are made with respect to policy, practice and research in this area. Wed, 11 Sep 2013 00:00:00 GMT https://hdl.handle.net/2123/9375 2013-09-11T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/2123/9310 A guide to the implementing a pedometer-based physical activity intervention, Step by Step, in workplaces Rissel, Chris; St.George, Alexis; Laws, Rachel; Bohn-Goldbaum, Erika; Merom, Dafna; Passmore, Erin Step by Step is a self-administered pedometer walking program developed by researchers at the University of Sydney. It is a low-cost, easy to implement intervention shown to be effective at increasing people’s levels of physical activity in several community-based studies. More recently Step by Step has been implemented in 43 workplaces from a range of industries. The guide outlines the methods and provides the resources used in the trial where Step by Step was implemented in workplaces. Mon, 12 Aug 2013 00:00:00 GMT https://hdl.handle.net/2123/9310 2013-08-12T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/2123/9229 Scoping review for the NSW Get Healthy@Work Organisational Support Service: a component of the NSW Healthy Workers Initiative Hector, Debra; St.George, Alexis This review was commissioned by the NSW Office of Preventive Health to inform the ongoing development of the NSW Get Healthy@Work Organisational Support Service, as part of the NSW Healthy Workers Initiative. It is a rapid appraisal and synthesis of the literature for evidence regarding potential components of a support and facilitation service for workplace health promotion. Nb. Appendices presented as separate document for viewing concurrently with main report. Tue, 25 Jun 2013 00:00:00 GMT https://hdl.handle.net/2123/9229 2013-06-25T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/2123/9196 "Treats, sometimes food, junk.”: Exploring "extra‟ food with parents of young children Petrunoff, Nicholas; Wilkenfeld, Rachel; King, Lesley; Flood, Vicki This report presents the findings from an exploratory qualitative study which investigates parents‟ understanding and approaches to providing energy-dense and nutrient-poor “extra foods‟ to their preschool aged children. The study also explores the extent to which there is variation between parents of low and high socio-economic status (SES) in relation to these issues. The study involved 13 focus groups with 88 parents of 3-5-year-old children in distinctly socially disadvantaged and socially advantaged areas. Data from transcripts were analysed using framework analysis, which is an approach to qualitative thematic analysis that explicitly aims to generate practice and policy relevant findings. Wed, 19 Jun 2013 00:00:00 GMT https://hdl.handle.net/2123/9196 2013-06-19T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/2123/9197 Parents' views on food study: Feedback to participating centres Petrunoff, Nicholas; Wilkenfeld, Rachel; King, Lesley; Flood, Vicki The Parents’ Views on Food Study aimed to explore parents’ understanding and approaches to giving ‘extra’ foods to their 3-5 year old children. This study was conducted to gain insights into the views of parents’ with children attending pre-school and long day care in NSW on the topic of energy-dense and nutrient-poor ‘extra foods’. This report was created as feedback to the 13 early centre-based child care services that took part in the study during October 2009. Therefore, it summarises the study and focuses on providing practical information in relation to the issues parents raised. Wed, 19 Jun 2013 00:00:00 GMT https://hdl.handle.net/2123/9197 2013-06-19T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/2123/9097 Building Solutions to Protect Children from Unhealthy Food and Drink Sport Sponsorship. Kelly, Bridget; Chapman, Kathy; Baur, Louise A; Bauman, Adrian; King, Lesley; Smith, Ben In Australia, and indeed across the world, the proportion of children who are overweight or obese is increasing. Almost one-quarter of school-aged children are now overweight or obese. While the causes of obesity are complex and many, children’s exposure to high levels of unhealthy food marketing is one factor that affects the food and drinks that children like, ask for, buy and consume. Extensive research evidence has found that, in general, children are exposed to high levels of food marketing, most of which is for unhealthy or high fat, sugar and/or salt food and drinks. The most commonly advertised foods have been found to be sugar-sweetened breakfast cereals, savoury snacks, fast food restaurants, onfectionery and soft drinks. Tue, 21 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT https://hdl.handle.net/2123/9097 2013-05-21T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/2123/9102 Walking to Work in Sydney: Analysis of Journey-to-work Census Data from 2001 and 2011 Zander, Alexis; Rissel, Chris; Rogers, Kris; Bauman, Adrian Walking is the most popular physical activity in Australia, and it is safe and suitable for a broad range of people. Walking to work is one way to incorporate physical activity into the daily routine, and is therefore likely to be both regular and sustained. These analyses examine the levels of walking to work in Sydney between the 2001, 2006 and 2011 Census. Data on the journey to work were purchased from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the Sydney area were coded as inner Sydney if they were within 10 kilometres of Central Station in Sydney, outer Sydney for the remaining Sydney LGAs and the rest as the Greater Metropolitan Region including the LGAs of Newcastle and Wollongong. Tue, 21 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT https://hdl.handle.net/2123/9102 2013-05-21T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/2123/9100 The Story of the NSW Get Healthy Information and Coaching Service®: An effective population Health Service with Public Health Impact and Reach O'Hara, Blythe; Phongsavan, Philayrath; Banovic, D; Bauman, Adrian In February 2009, the Ministry of Health launched the NSW Get Healthy Information and Coaching Service® (GHS; www.gethealthynsw.com.au), as part of New South Wales’ response to the Australian Better Health Initiative. The GHS is a telephonebased service supporting NSW adults make sustained improvements in healthy eating, physical activity and achieving or maintaining a healthy weight. Tue, 21 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT https://hdl.handle.net/2123/9100 2013-05-21T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/2123/9101 Cycling to Work in Sydney: Analysis of Journey-To-Work Census Data from 2001 and 2011. Zander, Alexis; Rissel, Chris; Bauman, Adrian Increasing the number of commuters who use bicycles to get to work is an essential element of sustainable transport systems in the world’s most livable cities. These analyses examine whether there have been changes in levels of cycling in Sydney between the 2001, 2006 and 2011 Census, and extends an earlier analysis of data from the 1996 Census. Data on the journey to work were purchased from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Use of a bicycle on any part of the journey to work was coded as ‘bicycle used’. Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the Sydney area were coded as inner Sydney if they were within 10 kilometers of Central Station in Sydney, outer Sydney for the remaining Sydney LGAs and the rest as the Greater Metropolitan Region including the LGAs of Newcastle and Wollongong. Tue, 21 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT https://hdl.handle.net/2123/9101 2013-05-21T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/2123/9086 Consumption of fruit and vegetables by children in Australia and NSW: Results from National Surveys in 1995 and 2007. Monitoring Update. Rangan, Anna; Hector, Debra Fruit and vegetables provide multiple health benefits in children and adults, including a likely role in the prevention of excess weight gain. As such, the promotion of fruit and vegetables is included as a core component of policies and programs to promote healthy eating and reduce obesity. In order to ascertain the effectiveness of promotional efforts, it is important to measure and report on levels of consumption of fruit and vegetables over time. This brief report provides detailed information on the levels of consumption of fruit and vegetables among children aged 2‐16 years, in Australia and in NSW. Data are derived from the two most recent national dietary surveys, the 1995 National Nutrition Survey (1995 NNS) and the 2007 Australian National Children Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey (2007 Survey). The national surveys use detailed 24‐hour recall methods, enabling amounts of fruit and vegetables consumed as well as numbers of serves consumed to be reported. Mon, 20 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT https://hdl.handle.net/2123/9086 2013-05-20T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/2123/9095 Weight and weight related behaviours among NSW students from low SES and non-English speaking backgrounds: Secondary analysis of the NSW Schools Physical Activity and Nutrition Survey 2010 Hardy, Louise; King, Lesley The 2010 SPANS survey showed that the prevalence of overweight and obesity among NSW school students has not increased since 2004, stabilizing at 22.8%. The findings reported in the SPANS Full Report also indicate that many children engage in a range of adverse weight related behaviours and that the prevalence of weight-related behaviours varied according to socioeconomic status (SES) and cultural background. The findings may have implications for policy regarding interventions among school aged children and the design of interventions for different sociodemographic groups. The purpose of the report is to undertake more detailed data analyses regarding socioeconomic and cultural variations in students’ health behaviours, in order to inform the NSW Ministry of Health, Local Health Districts (LHD) and other government and non-government stakeholders. Mon, 20 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT https://hdl.handle.net/2123/9095 2013-05-20T00:00:00Z