NobleBlocks

Act Health

governmentCanberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia

Research output, citation impact, and the most-cited recent papers from Act Health (Australia). Aggregated across the NobleBlocks index of 300M+ scholarly works.

Total works
1.5K
Citations
41.6K
h-index
85
i10-index
920
Also known as
Act Health

Top-cited papers from Act Health

Redefining Radiology: A Review of Artificial Intelligence Integration in Medical Imaging
Reabal Najjar
2023· Diagnostics727doi:10.3390/diagnostics13172760

This comprehensive review unfolds a detailed narrative of Artificial Intelligence (AI) making its foray into radiology, a move that is catalysing transformational shifts in the healthcare landscape. It traces the evolution of radiology, from the initial discovery of X-rays to the application of machine learning and deep learning in modern medical image analysis. The primary focus of this review is to shed light on AI applications in radiology, elucidating their seminal roles in image segmentation, computer-aided diagnosis, predictive analytics, and workflow optimisation. A spotlight is cast on the profound impact of AI on diagnostic processes, personalised medicine, and clinical workflows, with empirical evidence derived from a series of case studies across multiple medical disciplines. However, the integration of AI in radiology is not devoid of challenges. The review ventures into the labyrinth of obstacles that are inherent to AI-driven radiology-data quality, the 'black box' enigma, infrastructural and technical complexities, as well as ethical implications. Peering into the future, the review contends that the road ahead for AI in radiology is paved with promising opportunities. It advocates for continuous research, embracing avant-garde imaging technologies, and fostering robust collaborations between radiologists and AI developers. The conclusion underlines the role of AI as a catalyst for change in radiology, a stance that is firmly rooted in sustained innovation, dynamic partnerships, and a steadfast commitment to ethical responsibility.

Past exposure to sun, skin phenotype, and risk of multiple sclerosis: case-control study
Ingrid van der Mei, A-L Ponsonby, Terence Dwyer, Leigh Blizzard +4 more
2003· BMJ554doi:10.1136/bmj.327.7410.316

OBJECTIVE: To examine whether past high sun exposure is associated with a reduced risk of multiple sclerosis. DESIGN: Population based case-control study. SETTING: Tasmania, latitudes 41-3 degrees S. PARTICIPANTS: 136 cases with multiple sclerosis and 272 controls randomly drawn from the community and matched on sex and year of birth. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Multiple sclerosis defined by both clinical and magnetic resonance imaging criteria. RESULTS: Higher sun exposure when aged 6-15 years (average 2-3 hours or more a day in summer during weekends and holidays) was associated with a decreased risk of multiple sclerosis (adjusted odds ratio 0.31, 95% confidence interval 0.16 to 0.59). Higher exposure in winter seemed more important than higher exposure in summer. Greater actinic damage was also independently associated with a decreased risk of multiple sclerosis (0.32, 0.11 to 0.88 for grades 4-6 disease). A dose-response relation was observed between multiple sclerosis and decreasing sun exposure when aged 6-15 years and with actinic damage. CONCLUSION: Higher sun exposure during childhood and early adolescence is associated with a reduced risk of multiple sclerosis. Insufficient ultraviolet radiation may therefore influence the development of multiple sclerosis.

Health literacy revisited: what do we mean and why does it matter?
Anita Peerson, Margo Saunders
2009· Health Promotion International486doi:10.1093/heapro/dap014

'Health literacy' refers to accessing, understanding and using information to make health decisions. However, despite its introduction into the World Health Organization's Health Promotion Glossary, the term remains a confusing concept. We consider various definitions and measurements of health literacy in the international and Australian literature, and discuss the distinction between the broader concept of 'health literacy' (applicable to everyday life) and 'medical literacy' (related to individuals as patients within health care settings). We highlight the importance of health literacy in relation to the health promotion and preventive health agenda. Because health literacy involves knowledge, motivation and activation, it is a complex thing to measure and to influence. The development of health literacy policies will be facilitated by better evidence on the extent, patterns and impact of low health literacy, and what might be involved in improving it. However, the current lack of consensus of definitions and measurement of health literacy will first need to be overcome.

Accelerated Maturation and Abnormal Morphology in the Preterm Neonatal Kidney
Megan R. Sutherland, Lina Gubhaju, Lynette Moore, Alison L. Kent +4 more
2011· Journal of the American Society of Nephrology335doi:10.1681/asn.2010121266

Nephrogenesis is ongoing at the time of birth for the majority of preterm infants, but whether postnatal renal development follows a similar trajectory to normal in utero growth is unknown. Here, we examined tissue collected at autopsy from 28 kidneys from preterm neonates, whose postnatal survival ranged from 2 to 68 days, including 6 that had restricted intrauterine growth. In addition, we examined kidneys from 32 still-born gestational controls. We assessed the width of the nephrogenic zone, number of glomerular generations, cross-sectional area of the renal corpuscle, and glomerular maturity and morphology. Renal maturation accelerated after preterm birth, with an increased number of glomerular generations and a decreased width of the nephrogenic zone in the kidneys of preterm neonates. Of particular concern, compared with gestational controls, preterm kidneys had a greater percentage of morphologically abnormal glomeruli and a significantly larger cross-sectional area of the renal corpuscle, suggestive of renal hyperfiltration. These observations suggest that the preterm kidney may have fewer functional nephrons, thereby increasing vulnerability to impaired renal function in both the early postnatal period and later in life.

Control of paratuberculosis: who, why and how. A review of 48 countries
Richard J. Whittington, Karsten Donat, M.F. Weber, D.F. Kelton +4 more
2019· BMC Veterinary Research327doi:10.1186/s12917-019-1943-4

Paratuberculosis, a chronic disease affecting ruminant livestock, is caused by Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP). It has direct and indirect economic costs, impacts animal welfare and arouses public health concerns. In a survey of 48 countries we found paratuberculosis to be very common in livestock. In about half the countries more than 20% of herds and flocks were infected with MAP. Most countries had large ruminant populations (millions), several types of farmed ruminants, multiple husbandry systems and tens of thousands of individual farms, creating challenges for disease control. In addition, numerous species of free-living wildlife were infected. Paratuberculosis was notifiable in most countries, but formal control programs were present in only 22 countries. Generally, these were the more highly developed countries with advanced veterinary services. Of the countries without a formal control program for paratuberculosis, 76% were in South and Central America, Asia and Africa while 20% were in Europe. Control programs were justified most commonly on animal health grounds, but protecting market access and public health were other factors. Prevalence reduction was the major objective in most countries, but Norway and Sweden aimed to eradicate the disease, so surveillance and response were their major objectives. Government funding was involved in about two thirds of countries, but operations tended to be funded by farmers and their organizations and not by government alone. The majority of countries (60%) had voluntary control programs. Generally, programs were supported by incentives for joining, financial compensation and/or penalties for non-participation. Performance indicators, structure, leadership, practices and tools used in control programs are also presented. Securing funding for long-term control activities was a widespread problem. Control programs were reported to be successful in 16 (73%) of the 22 countries. Recommendations are made for future control programs, including a primary goal of establishing an international code for paratuberculosis, leading to universal acknowledgment of the principles and methods of control in relation to endemic and transboundary disease. An holistic approach across all ruminant livestock industries and long-term commitment is required for control of paratuberculosis.

Key findings from the second Australian Child and Adolescent Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing
David Lawrence, Jennifer Hafekost, Sarah E. Johnson, Suzy Saw +4 more
2015· Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry297doi:10.1177/0004867415617836

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of mental disorders in children and adolescents in Australia, and the severity and impact of those mental disorders. METHOD: Seven mental disorders were assessed using the parent- or carer-completed version of the Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children Version IV, and major depressive disorder was also assessed using the youth self-report version of the Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children Version IV. Severity and impact were assessed using an extended version of the Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children Version IV impact on functioning questions, and days absent from school due to symptoms of mental disorders. Data were collected in a national face-to-face survey of 6310 parents or carers of children and adolescents aged 4-17 years, with 2969 young people aged 11-17 years also completing a self-report questionnaire. RESULTS: Twelve-month prevalence of mental disorders was 13.9%, with 2.1% of children and adolescents having severe disorders, 3.5% having moderate disorders and 8.3% having mild disorders. The most common class of disorders was attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder followed by anxiety disorders. Mental disorders were more common in step-, blended- or one-parent families, in families living in rented accommodation and families where one or both carers were not in employment. Mental disorders were associated with a substantial number of days absent from school particularly in adolescents. CONCLUSION: Mental disorders are common in children and adolescents, often have significant impact and are associated with substantial absences from school. Child and adolescent mental disorders remain an important public health problem in Australia. Accurate information about prevalence and severity of child and adolescent mental disorders is an essential prerequisite for effective mental health policy and service planning.

Outcomes for Older Patients With Hip Fractures: The Impact of Orthopedic and Geriatric Medicine Cocare
Alexander A. Fisher, Michael W. Davis, S. E. Rubenach, Soori Sivakumaran +2 more
2006· Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma287doi:10.1097/01.bot.0000202220.88855.16

OBJECTIVES: To assess the impact of a specifically designed model of orthopedic-geriatric cocare on hip fracture (HF) outcomes. SETTING: Tertiary teaching hospital (level I trauma center). DESIGN: Prospective observational study with a retrospective (historical) control. Data on 951 consecutive patients 60 years of age or older admitted to the authors' institution with a nonpathologic HF over a 7-year period (1995 to 2002) were analyzed. Between 1995 and 1997, medical problems were managed by a geriatric medicine (GM) consultation-only service (retrospective audit). In 1998, a GM registrar began overseeing daily medical care with weekly geriatrician consultant review (prospective study). Outcomes for 2 time periods were compared: a 3-year period before (no GM; 504 patients) and a 4-year period after (GM; 447 patients) the introduction of GM cocare. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Postoperative medical complications, mortality, length of stay, discharge destination, use of thromboprophylaxis, and antiosteoporotic treatment. RESULTS: While comparing 2 periods (GM and no GM), significant reductions in postoperative medical complications and comorbid conditions (in total 49.5% vs. 71.0%, P<0.001) and mortality (4.7% vs. 7.7%, P<0.01) occurred and rehospitalization to medical wards within 6 months decreased (28% vs. 7.6%). However, no differences were observed in median length of hospital stay (10.8 vs. 11.0 days) or in discharge destination. Antiosteoporotic treatment (12% to 69%) and specific thromboprophylaxis (63% to 94%) increased in the GM period. CONCLUSIONS: Orthopedic-geriatric cocare for the older patients with HF was associated with significant reductions in morbidity and mortality, and increases in optimal postoperative care. Options for further improvement of orthopedic-GM cocare need to be investigated.

Simulation-based assessments in health professional education: a systematic review
Christopher J. Gordon, Tayne Ryall, Belinda Judd
2016· Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare224doi:10.2147/jmdh.s92695

INTRODUCTION: The use of simulation in health professional education has increased rapidly over the past 2 decades. While simulation has predominantly been used to train health professionals and students for a variety of clinically related situations, there is an increasing trend to use simulation as an assessment tool, especially for the development of technical-based skills required during clinical practice. However, there is a lack of evidence about the effectiveness of using simulation for the assessment of competency. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review was to examine simulation as an assessment tool of technical skills across health professional education. METHODS: A systematic review of Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Education Resources Information Center (ERIC), Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (Medline), and Web of Science databases was used to identify research studies published in English between 2000 and 2015 reporting on measures of validity, reliability, or feasibility of simulation as an assessment tool. The McMasters Critical Review for quantitative studies was used to determine methodological value on all full-text reviewed articles. Simulation techniques using human patient simulators, standardized patients, task trainers, and virtual reality were included. RESULTS: A total of 1,064 articles were identified using search criteria, and 67 full-text articles were screened for eligibility. Twenty-one articles were included in the final review. The findings indicated that simulation was more robust when used as an assessment in combination with other assessment tools and when more than one simulation scenario was used. Limitations of the research papers included small participant numbers, poor methodological quality, and predominance of studies from medicine, which preclude any definite conclusions. CONCLUSION: Simulation has now been embedded across a range of health professional education and it appears that simulation-based assessments can be used effectively. However, the effectiveness as a stand-alone assessment tool requires further research.

Telehealth mental health services during COVID-19: summary of evidence and clinical practice
Rebecca E Reay, Jeffrey CL Looi, Philip Keightley
2020· Australasian Psychiatry188doi:10.1177/1039856220943032

OBJECTIVE: To provide a rapid clinical update on the evidence for telehealth in mental healthcare in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic public health measures. CONCLUSIONS: Telehealth has been rapidly implemented in metropolitan and rural settings and the existing evidence base demonstrates that it represents an effective mode of service delivery.

Vaccine Preventable Diseases and Vaccination Coverage in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, Australia, 2011–2015
Sally J. Ioannides, Frank Beard, Natasha Larter, Katrina Clark +4 more
2019· Communicable Diseases Intelligence185doi:10.33321/cdi.2019.43.36

mum estimates of the true burden of disease. In recognising this issue, we respectfully acknowledge the history of dispossession and intergenerational trauma that affects the lives of many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. We recognise that the provision of culturally appropriate health care services and systems are vital to support self-identification and prioritisation of the collection of these data.

DNAH11 Localization in the Proximal Region of Respiratory Cilia Defines Distinct Outer Dynein Arm Complexes
Gerard W. Dougherty, Niki T. Loges, Judith A. Klinkenbusch, Heike Olbrich +4 more
2016· American Journal of Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology169doi:10.1165/rcmb.2015-0353oc

Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is a recessively inherited disease that leads to chronic respiratory disorders owing to impaired mucociliary clearance. Conventional transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is a diagnostic standard to identify ultrastructural defects in respiratory cilia but is not useful in approximately 30% of PCD cases, which have normal ciliary ultrastructure. DNAH11 mutations are a common cause of PCD with normal ciliary ultrastructure and hyperkinetic ciliary beating, but its pathophysiology remains poorly understood. We therefore characterized DNAH11 in human respiratory cilia by immunofluorescence microscopy (IFM) in the context of PCD. We used whole-exome and targeted next-generation sequence analysis as well as Sanger sequencing to identify and confirm eight novel loss-of-function DNAH11 mutations. We designed and validated a monoclonal antibody specific to DNAH11 and performed high-resolution IFM of both control and PCD-affected human respiratory cells, as well as samples from green fluorescent protein (GFP)-left-right dynein mice, to determine the ciliary localization of DNAH11. IFM analysis demonstrated native DNAH11 localization in only the proximal region of wild-type human respiratory cilia and loss of DNAH11 in individuals with PCD with certain loss-of-function DNAH11 mutations. GFP-left-right dynein mice confirmed proximal DNAH11 localization in tracheal cilia. DNAH11 retained proximal localization in respiratory cilia of individuals with PCD with distinct ultrastructural defects, such as the absence of outer dynein arms (ODAs). TEM tomography detected a partial reduction of ODAs in DNAH11-deficient cilia. DNAH11 mutations result in a subtle ODA defect in only the proximal region of respiratory cilia, which is detectable by IFM and TEM tomography.

Group 2 <scp>ITI</scp> Consensus Report: Prosthodontics and implant dentistry
Dean Morton, German O. Gallucci, Wei‐Shao Lin, Bjarni E. Pjetursson +4 more
2018· Clinical Oral Implants Research162doi:10.1111/clr.13298

OBJECTIVES: Working Group 2 was convened to address topics relevant to prosthodontics and dental implants. Systematic reviews were developed according to focused questions addressing (a) the number of implants required to support fixed full-arch restorations, (b) the influence of intentionally tilted implants compared to axial positioned implants when supporting fixed dental prostheses (FDPs), (c) implant placement and loading protocols, (d) zirconia dental implants, (e) zirconia and metal ceramic implant supported single crowns and (f) zirconia and metal ceramic implant supported FDPs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Group 2 considered and discussed information gathered in six systematic reviews. Group participants discussed statements developed by the authors and developed consensus. The group developed and found consensus for clinical recommendations based on both the statements and the experience of the group. The consensus statements and clinical recommendations were presented to the plenary (gathering of all conference attendees) and discussed. Final versions were developed after consensus was reached. RESULTS: A total of 27 consensus statements were developed from the systematic reviews. Additionally, the group developed 24 clinical recommendations based on the combined expertise of the participants and the developed consensus statements. CONCLUSIONS: The literature supports the use of various implant numbers to support full-arch fixed prostheses. The use of intentionally tilted dental implants is indicated when appropriate conditions exist. Implant placement and loading protocols should be considered together when planning and treating patients. One-piece zirconia dental implants can be recommended when appropriate clinical conditions exist although two-piece zirconia implants should be used with caution as a result of insufficient data. Clinical performance of zirconia and metal ceramic single implant supported crowns is similar and each demonstrates significant, though different, complications. Zirconia ceramic FDPs are less reliable than metal ceramic. Implant supported monolithic zirconia prostheses may be a future option with more supporting evidence.

Allergic and asthmatic reactions to alcoholic drinks
Hassan Vally, Philip J. Thompson
2003· Addiction Biology141doi:10.1080/1355621031000069828

Alcoholic drinks are capable of triggering a wide range of allergic and allergic-like responses, including rhinitis, itching, facial swelling, headache, cough and asthma. Limited epidemiological data suggests that many individuals are affected and that sensitivities occur to a variety of drinks, including wine, beer and spirits. In surveys of asthmatics, over 40% reported the triggering of allergic or allergic-like symptoms following alcoholic drink consumption and 30 - 35% reported worsening of their asthma. Sensitivity to ethanol itself can play a role in triggering adverse responses, particularly in Asians, which is due mainly to a reduced capacity to metabolize acetaldehyde. In Caucasians, specific non-alcohol components are the main cause of sensitivities to alcoholic drinks. Allergic sensitivities to specific components of beer, spirits and distilled liquors have been described. Wine is clearly the most commonly reported trigger for adverse responses. Sensitivities to wine appear to be due mainly to pharmacological intolerances to specific components, such as biogenic amines and the sulphite additives. Histamine in wine has been associated with the triggering of a wide spectrum of adverse symptoms, including sneezing, rhinitis, itching, flushing, headache and asthma. The sulphite additives in wine have been associated with triggering asthmatic responses. Clinical studies have confirmed sensitivities to the sulphites in wine in limited numbers of individuals, but the extent to which the sulphites contribute to wine sensitivity overall is not clear. The aetiology of wine-induced asthmatic responses may be complex and may involve several co-factors.

The impact of COVID-19 critical illness on new disability, functional outcomes and return to work at 6 months: a prospective cohort study
Carol Hodgson, Alisa M. Higgins, Michael Bailey, Anne M. Mather +4 more
2021· Critical Care140doi:10.1186/s13054-021-03794-0

Abstract Background There are few reports of new functional impairment following critical illness from COVID-19. We aimed to describe the incidence of death or new disability, functional impairment and changes in health-related quality of life of patients after COVID-19 critical illness at 6 months. Methods In a nationally representative, multicenter, prospective cohort study of COVID-19 critical illness, we determined the prevalence of death or new disability at 6 months, the primary outcome. We measured mortality, new disability and return to work with changes in the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 12L (WHODAS) and health status with the EQ5D-5L TM . Results Of 274 eligible patients, 212 were enrolled from 30 hospitals. The median age was 61 (51–70) years, and 124 (58.5%) patients were male. At 6 months, 43/160 (26.9%) patients died and 42/108 (38.9%) responding survivors reported new disability. Compared to pre-illness, the WHODAS percentage score worsened (mean difference (MD), 10.40% [95% CI 7.06–13.77]; p &lt; 0.001). Thirteen (11.4%) survivors had not returned to work due to poor health. There was a decrease in the EQ-5D-5L TM utility score (MD, − 0.19 [− 0.28 to − 0.10]; p &lt; 0.001). At 6 months, 82 of 115 (71.3%) patients reported persistent symptoms. The independent predictors of death or new disability were higher severity of illness and increased frailty. Conclusions At six months after COVID-19 critical illness, death and new disability was substantial. Over a third of survivors had new disability, which was widespread across all areas of functioning. Clinical trial registration NCT04401254 May 26, 2020.

L-arginine and Vitamin D Adjunctive Therapies in Pulmonary Tuberculosis: A Randomised, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Anna P. Ralph, Govert Waramori, Gysje J. Pontororing, Enny Kenangalem +4 more
2013· PLoS ONE140doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0070032

BACKGROUND: Vitamin D (vitD) and L-arginine have important antimycobacterial effects in humans. Adjunctive therapy with these agents has the potential to improve outcomes in active tuberculosis (TB). METHODS: In a 4-arm randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled factorial trial in adults with smear-positive pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) in Timika, Indonesia, we tested the effect of oral adjunctive vitD 50,000 IU 4-weekly or matching placebo, and L-arginine 6.0 g daily or matching placebo, for 8 weeks, on proportions of participants with negative 4-week sputum culture, and on an 8-week clinical score (weight, FEV1, cough, sputum, haemoptysis). All participants with available endpoints were included in analyses according to the study arm to which they were originally assigned. Adults with new smear-positive PTB were eligible. The trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00677339. RESULTS: 200 participants were enrolled, less than the intended sample size: 50 received L-arginine + active vitD, 49 received L-arginine + placebo vit D, 51 received placebo L-arginine + active vitD and 50 received placebo L-arginine + placebo vitD. According to the factorial model, 99 people received arginine, 101 placebo arginine, 101 vitamin D, 99 placebo vitamin D. Results for the primary endpoints were available in 155 (4-week culture) and 167 (clinical score) participants. Sputum culture conversion was achieved by week 4 in 48/76 (63%) participants in the active L-arginine versus 48/79 (61%) in placebo L-arginine arms (risk difference -3%, 95% CI -19 to 13%), and in 44/75 (59%) in the active vitD versus 52/80 (65%) in the placebo vitD arms (risk difference 7%, 95% CI -9 to 22%). The mean clinical outcome score also did not differ between study arms. There were no effects of the interventions on adverse event rates including hypercalcaemia, or other secondary outcomes. CONCLUSION: Neither vitD nor L-arginine supplementation, at the doses administered and with the power attained, affected TB outcomes. REGISTRY: ClinicalTrials.gov. Registry number: NCT00677339.

The Role of Telehealth During the COVID-19 Pandemic Across the Interdisciplinary Cancer Team: Implications for Practice
Catherine Paterson, Rachel Bacon, Rebecca Dwyer, Kittani S. Morrison +4 more
2020· Seminars in Oncology Nursing137doi:10.1016/j.soncn.2020.151090

OBJECTIVE: This literature review aims to explore the role of telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic across the interdisciplinary cancer care team. DATA SOURCES: Electronic databases including CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsychINFO, Scopus, and gray literature were searched using Google Scholar up until September 2020. CONCLUSION: Although the safe and effective delivery of cancer care via telehealth requires education and training for health care professionals and patients, telehealth has provided a timely solution to the barriers caused by the COVID-19 pandemic on the delivery of interdisciplinary cancer services. Globally, evidence has shown that telehealth in cancer care can leverage an innovative response during the COVID-19 pandemic but may provide a long-lasting solution to enable patients to be treated appropriately in their home environment. Telehealth reduces the travel burden on patients for consultation, affords a timely solution to discuss distressing side effects, initiate interventions, and enable possible treatment additions and/or changes. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Global public health disasters pose significant and unique challenges to the provision of necessary services for people affected by cancer. Oncology nurses can provide a central contribution in the delivery of telehealth through transformational leadership across all domains and settings in cancer care. Oncology nurses provide the "hub of cancer care" safely embedded in the interdisciplinary team. Telehealth provides a solution to the current global health crisis but could also benefit the future provision of services and broad reach clinical trials.

Human papillomavirus vaccine coverage among female Australian adolescents: success of the school‐based approach
Julia Brotherton, Sharron L Murray, Madeline Hall, Lynne K Andrewartha +4 more
2013· The Medical Journal of Australia136doi:10.5694/mja13.10272

OBJECTIVE: To describe quadrivalent human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination coverage achieved in the HPV vaccination catch-up program for girls aged 12-17 years. DESIGN: Analysis of data from the Australian National HPV Vaccination Program Register. PARTICIPANTS: Girls aged 12-17 years as at 30 June 2007. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: HPV vaccine coverage by dose (1, 2 and 3), age and state of residence, using Australian Bureau of Statistics estimates of resident populations as the denominator. RESULTS: Notified vaccination coverage for girls aged 12-17 years nationally was 83% for dose 1, 78% for dose 2 and 70% for dose 3. The Australian Capital Territory and Victoria recorded the highest three-dose coverage for the 12-17-year-old cohort overall at 75%. The highest national three-dose coverage rate by age was achieved in 12-year-olds (74%). In Queensland, coverage among Indigenous girls compared with non-Indigenous girls was lower with each dose (lower by 4% for dose 1, 10% for dose 2 and 15% for dose 3). This pattern was not seen in the NT, where initial coverage was 17% lower among Indigenous girls, but the course completion rate among those who started vaccination was identical (84%). CONCLUSIONS: The catch-up HPV vaccination program delivered over 1.9 million doses of HPV vaccine to girls aged 12-17 years, resulting in 70% of girls in this age group being fully vaccinated. The range in coverage achieved and the lower uptake documented among Indigenous girls suggest that HPV vaccination programs can be further improved.

Outcomes from the first 2 years of the Australian National Hand Hygiene Initiative
M. Lindsay Grayson, Philip L. Russo, Marilyn Cruickshank, Jacqui L Bear +4 more
2011· The Medical Journal of Australia134doi:10.5694/mja11.10747

OBJECTIVE: To report outcomes from the first 2 years of the National Hand Hygiene Initiative (NHHI), a hand hygiene (HH) culture-change program implemented in all Australian hospitals to improve health care workers' HH compliance, increase use of alcohol-based hand rub and reduce the risk of health care-associated infections. DESIGN AND SETTING: The HH program was based on the World Health Organization 5 Moments for Hand Hygiene program, and included standardised educational materials and a regular audit system of HH compliance. The NHHI was implemented in January 2009. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: HH compliance and Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia (SAB) incidence rates 2 years after NHHI implementation. RESULTS: In late 2010, the overall national HH compliance rate in 521 hospitals was 68.3% (168,641/246,931 moments), but HH compliance before patient contact was 10%-15% lower than after patient contact. Among sites new to the 5 Moments audit tool, HH compliance improved from 43.6% (6431/14,740) at baseline to 67.8% (106,851/157,708) (P < 0.001). HH compliance was highest among nursing staff (73.6%; 116,851/158,732) and worst among medical staff (52.3%; 17,897/34,224) after 2 years. National incidence rates of methicillin-resistant SAB were stable for the 18 months before the NHHI (July 2007-2008; P = 0.366), but declined after implementation (2009-2010; P = 0.008). Annual national rates of hospital-onset SAB per 10,000 patient-days were 1.004 and 0.995 in 2009 and 2010, respectively, of which about 75% were due to methicillin-susceptible S. aureus. CONCLUSIONS: The NHHI was associated with widespread sustained improvements in HH compliance among Australian health care workers. Although specific linking of SAB rate changes to the NHHI was not possible, further declines in national SAB rates are expected.

Some correlates of self-rated health for Australian women.
Bruce Shadbolt
1997· American Journal of Public Health134doi:10.2105/ajph.87.6.951

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to identify some of the correlates of self-rated health for young to middle-aged Australian women. METHODS: Regression analyses were based on a 4-year longitudinal study using a random sample of Sydney women 20 to 59 years of age at baseline. Participants were interviewed in 1986/87 and 1990. RESULTS: Cross-sectional relationships between self-assessed health and other health measures varied significantly by age, although physical health was a common correlate. Sixty-three percent of participants reported a similar rating of health over the 4-year period between the surveys. Changes in self-assessed health were sensitive to chronic disease. Also, participants' self-ratings of health were related to their subsequent chronic disease status. CONCLUSIONS: Self-rated health reflects a complex process of internalized calculations that encompass both lived experience and knowledge of disease causes and consequences. Women seem to take into consideration a broad range of factors, including lifestyle, vitality, mental attitude, and age, and, if they have a health condition, the chronicity of their disease, duration since diagnosis, and treatment.

Using systems science to understand the determinants of inequities in healthy eating
Sharon Friel, Melanie Pescud, Eleanor Malbon, Amanda Lee +4 more
2017· PLoS ONE131doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0188872

INTRODUCTION: Systems thinking has emerged in recent years as a promising approach to understanding and acting on the prevention and amelioration of non-communicable disease. However, the evidence on inequities in non-communicable diseases and their risks factors, particularly diet, has not been examined from a systems perspective. We report on an approach to developing a system oriented policy actor perspective on the multiple causes of inequities in healthy eating. METHODS: Collaborative conceptual modelling workshops were held in 2015 with an expert group of representatives from government, non-government health organisations and academia in Australia. The expert group built a systems model using a system dynamics theoretical perspective. The model developed from individual mind maps to pair blended maps, before being finalised as a causal loop diagram. RESULTS: The work of the expert stakeholders generated a comprehensive causal loop diagram of the determinants of inequity in healthy eating (the HE2 Diagram). This complex dynamic system has seven sub-systems: (1) food supply and environment; (2) transport; (3) housing and the built environment; (4) employment; (5) social protection; (6) health literacy; and (7) food preferences. DISCUSSION: The HE2 causal loop diagram illustrates the complexity of determinants of inequities in healthy eating. This approach, both the process of construction and the final visualisation, can provide the basis for planning the prevention and amelioration of inequities in healthy eating that engages with multiple levels of causes and existing policies and programs.