Sample Of Australian Adults Research Articles

Bayesian hierarchical modeling of the temporal dynamics of subjective well-being: A 10 year longitudinal analysis

This study demonstrates, for the first time, how Bayesian hierarchical modeling can be applied to yield novel insights into the long-term temporal dynamics of subjective well-being (SWB). Several models were proposed and examined using Bayesian methods. The models were assessed using a sample of Australian adults (n=1081) who provided annual SWB scores on between 5 and 10 occasions. The best fitting models involved a probit transformation, allowed error variance to vary across participants, and did not include a lag parameter. Including a random linear and quadratic effect resulted in only a small improvement over the intercept only model. Examination of individual-level fits suggested that most participants were stable with a small subset exhibiting patterns of systematic change.

Walk Score and Australian adults' home-based walking for transport

The relationships of Walk Score, a publicly-accessible walkability assessment tool, with walking for transport to and from home were examined among a large representative sample of Australian adults aged 18–64 years (N=16,944). Residents in highly and somewhat walkable areas were twice and 1.4 times more likely to accumulate 30min of walking per day compared to those in very car-dependent neighborhoods, respectively. Mean duration of walking was also longer for participants living in highly and somewhat walkable areas compared to those in very car-dependent areas. Walk Score has potential as a widely-applicable tool for identifying the walkability of local neighborhoods.

Prevalence and relationship between gastrointestinal symptoms among individuals of different body mass index: A population-based study

Obesity has been identified as a potential risk factor for gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, although the data from community samples remain sparse. We assess the associations between GI symptoms and obesity in a population-based sample of Australian adults. The prevalence of 26 GI symptoms was determined by a validated postal questionnaire which was sent to 5000 randomly selected residents. The response rate was 60%. GI symptoms were classified into six broader symptom groups based on the Rome II Criteria - abdominal pain, esophageal symptoms, dysmotility symptoms, diarrhea, vomiting, and constipation. Obesity was defined according to body mass index using self-reported height and weight. The prevalence of obesity (BMI≥30kg/m(2)) was 25.1%; 36.1% were overweight. There were significant and positive univariate associations between obesity and abdominal pain (OR=1.75; 95% CI: 1.39-2.21), esophageal symptoms (OR=1.74; 95% CI: 1.36-2.22), dysmotility symptoms (OR=1.43; 95% CI: 1.16-1.77) and diarrhea (OR=2.01; 95% CI: 1.65-2.45). The adjustment for socioeconomic characteristics and eating behaviors had minimal effect on the associations for abdominal pain (OR=1.34; 95% CI: 1.01-1.79), esophageal symptoms (OR=1.35; 95% CI: 1.03-1.78), and diarrhea (OR=1.86; 95% CI: 1.49-2.31); however, the association between obesity and dysmotility symptoms became non-significant. Obesity was not related to constipation. Obesity is an independent risk factor for abdominal pain, esophageal symptoms and diarrhea, but is not associated with dysmotility symptoms or constipation.

The Australian public's preferences for emergency care alternatives and the influence of the presenting context: a discrete choice experiment

ObjectivesThe current study seeks to quantify the Australian public's preferences for emergency care alternatives and determine if preferences differ depending on presenting circumstances.SettingIncreasing presentations to emergency departments have led to...

Assessment of attitudes towards sun-protective behaviour in Australians: A cross-sectional study.

To assess the knowledge, attitudes and behaviour towards sun protection measures in a sample of Australian adults. A multicentre, cross-sectional study was undertaken during 2014 using a population-based survey of 416 individuals over the age of 18. The knowledge, behaviour and attitudes towards sun protection measures in this group of adults were assessed. The impact of educational level and employment status on responses was also evaluated. Sunscreen is the most common sun-protective measure. Daily sunscreen use is below 20%. Forgetfulness was the largest barrier to sunscreen use. A total of 85% of respondents did not apply a sufficient amount of sunscreen. Only 32% of individuals reapplied sunscreen every 2 hours and 20% never reapplied it. In the preceding year, one or more sun burns were suffered by 46% of the participants in the survey. In all, 36% of individuals rarely or never check their sunscreens expiry date and less than 50% of individuals replaced their sunscreen each year. Furthermore, 65% were unaware that sunscreens stored above 25°C were less effective than when stored correctly as per manufactures labelling. This study highlights a number of significant deficiencies that future sun-protection programmes could target in order to improve the general public's knowledge and attitudes towards sun protection. There is also a need for this to be translated into the public's sun-protection behaviour.

Examining the association between psychological wellbeing with daily and intra-individual variation in subjective wellbeing

A number of studies identify distinct dimensions of psychological and subjective wellbeing. However, few investigations have examined how these distinctive wellbeing dimensions may be related over time. The present study aimed to contribute to this growing body of research by adopting a measurement burst design to examine the association between psychological functioning with daily and intra-individual variation in affect over a 14-day period, controlling for personality. Participants (N=45) comprised a sample of Australian adults from Canberra, Australia who were observed on up to 14days over a 2-week period (Mobs=10.9 (SD=3.1)). Maximum Likelihood (ML) estimates from a multi-level structural equation model identified psychological functioning as only weakly associated with daily positive affect, and unrelated to daily levels of negative affect and intra-individual variation in both affect domains when adjusting for demographic, personality and daily stressors. Positive and negative daily events were most strongly associated with positive and negative feelings, respectively. Post-hoc analysis within a Bayesian context confirmed our ML results whilst a Monte Carlo simulation identified sufficient statistical power of significant parameters. Overall, evidence for an association between psychological functioning and daily affect was not identified.

Corrigendum to: Heterosexual experience and recent heterosexual encounters among Australian adults: The Second Australian Study of Health and Relationships

Background Current information about numbers of other-sex partners, experiences of different heterosexual behaviours and the recent heterosexual experiences among a representative sample of Australian adults is needed. It is not known whether these practices have changed between 2001–02 and 2012–13. Methods: Computer-assisted telephone interviews were completed by a representative sample of 9963 men and 10 131 women aged 16–69 years from all states and territories. The overall participation rate among eligible people was 66.2%. Results: Men reported more sexual partners than women, although the lifetime number of heterosexual partners reported by women increased significantly between 2001–02 and 2012–13. In 2012–13, 14.7% of men and 8.6% of women reported two or more sexual partners in the last year. Reporting multiple partners was significantly associated with being younger, being bisexual, living in major cities, having a lower income, having a blue-collar occupation and not being married. The proportion of respondents reporting ever having had oral sex or anal intercourse increased significantly since the last survey. At the last heterosexual encounter, 91.9% of men and 66.2% of women had an orgasm, oral sex was reported in only approximately one in four encounters and anal intercourse was uncommon. Conclusion: There were increases between 2001–02 and 2012–13 in partner numbers among women and in the lifetime experience of oral and anal sex. The patterns of heterosexual experience in Australia are similar to those found in studies of representative samples in other countries.

Associations of television viewing time with adults' well-being and vitality

ObjectiveTelevision (TV) viewing, a common leisure-time sedentary behaviour, is associated adversely with cardio-metabolic health, fatigue, depression and mental health. However, associations of TV viewing time with health-related quality of life attributes are less well understood. We examined associations of TV viewing time with physical well-being, mental well-being and vitality in a large population-based sample of Australian adults. MethodThe study sample comprised 4,483 men and 5,424 women (mean age 51±14years) from the Australian Diabetes, Obesity and Lifestyle study (1999–2000). Multiple linear regressions examined associations of TV viewing time (h/day) with the SF-36v1 physical and mental health component summary scores and the vitality sub-score, adjusting for leisure-time physical activity and waist circumference. ResultsEach 1-h/day increment in TV viewing time was associated with lower physical (−0.56 [95% CI: −0.77, −0.34]) and mental (−0.41 [−0.70, −0.12]) component summary scores and vitality (−0.51 [−0.81, −0.21]). Associations remained significant after adjustment for leisure-time physical activity and waist circumference. There was a gender interaction for the association of TV viewing time with vitality (significant in men only). ConclusionsTV viewing time is associated adversely with physical well-being, mental well-being and vitality. Further studies are required to better understand potential causal relationships and variations by gender and leisure-time physical activity.

Health and social correlates of Internet use for diabetes information: findings from Australia's Living with Diabetes Study.

This study investigated the relationship between online information seeking and a broad range of health and social characteristics among a large sample of Australian adults with type 2 diabetes. One in four participants used the Internet for diabetes-related purposes and Internet searching was associated with high patient activation, poor metabolic control, signs of peripheral nerve damage, a recent diagnosis of diabetes and poorer patient-assessed coordination of care. No relationship was found between Internet use and treatment complexity and the presence of comorbid conditions. The findings underline the importance of providing better online health resources and support to diabetes patients, and of targeting potential intervention points where services and information may be particularly beneficial.

Financial burden of dental care among Australian children

Financial burden of dental care among Australian children

First vaginal intercourse and oral sex among a representative sample of Australian adults: the Second Australian Study of Health and Relationships.

Background Current information about the characteristics of Australian adults' first vaginal intercourse and contraception or precautions used on that occasion is needed, as well as whether these characteristics have changed between 2001-02 and 2012-13. Computer-assisted telephone interviews were completed by a representative sample of 20094 men and women aged 16-69 years. The overall participation rate among eligible people was 66.2%. Respondents indicated their age at first vaginal intercourse and first oral sex. Those who reported vaginal intercourse were asked the age of their partner, their relationship to their partner, the duration of this relationship, and what contraception or precautions (if any) were used. There was a significant decline in the median age of first vaginal intercourse for both men and women among those born between the 1940s and the 1960s, but no further decline since. There has also been a significant increase in the use of protection at first vaginal intercourse, from less than 20% of men and women in the 1950s to over 90% in the 2000s. For men and women, first vaginal sex before age 16 years was significantly associated with a greater number of lifetime and recent sexual partners, and a greater likelihood of having had a sexually transmitted infection. Given the earlier age at first vaginal intercourse, sex education should begin earlier so that all young people have information about contraception and disease prevention before they begin their sexual careers.

Heterosexual experience and recent heterosexual encounters among Australian adults: the Second Australian Study of Health and Relationships.

Background Current information about numbers of other-sex partners, experiences of different heterosexual behaviours and the recent heterosexual experiences among a representative sample of Australian adults is needed. It is not known whether these practices have changed between 2001-02 and 2012-13. Computer-assisted telephone interviews were completed by a representative sample of 9963 men and 10131 women aged 16-69 years from all states and territories. The overall participation rate among eligible people was 66.2%. Men reported more sexual partners than women, although the lifetime number of heterosexual partners reported by women increased significantly between 2001-02 and 2012-13. In 2012-13, 14.7% of men and 8.6% of women reported two or more sexual partners in the last year. Reporting multiple partners was significantly associated with being younger, being bisexual, living in major cities, having a lower income, having a blue-collar occupation and not being married. The proportion of respondents reporting ever having had oral sex or anal intercourse increased significantly since the last survey. At the last heterosexual encounter, 91.9% of men and 66.2% of women had an orgasm, oral sex was reported in only approximately one in four encounters and anal intercourse was uncommon. There were increases between 2001-02 and 2012-13 in partner numbers among women and in the lifetime experience of oral and anal sex. The patterns of heterosexual experience in Australia are similar to those found in studies of representative samples in other countries.

Experiences of sexual coercion in a representative sample of adults: the Second Australian Study of Health and Relationships.

Background It is important to have current reliable estimates of the prevalence, correlates and consequences of sexual coercion among a representative sample of Australian adults and to identify changes over time in prevalence and consequences. Computer-assisted telephone interviews were completed by a representative sample of 20094 Australian men and women aged 16-69 years. The participation rate among eligible people was 66.2%. Sexual coercion (i.e. being forced or frightened into sexual activity) was reported by 4.2% of men and 22.4% of women. Sexual coercion when aged ≤16 years was reported by 2.0% of men and 11.5% of women. Correlates of sexual coercion were similar for men and women. Those who had been coerced reported greater psychosocial distress, were more likely to smoke, were more anxious about sex and more likely to have acquired a sexually transmissible infection. Few people had talked to others about their experiences of sexual coercion and fewer had talked to a professional. There were no significant differences between the First and Second Australian Study of Health and Relationships in whether men or women had experienced coercion, talked to anyone about this or talked to a counsellor or psychologist. Sexual coercion has detrimental effects on various aspects of people's lives. It usually occurs at the ages at which people become sexually active. There is a need to reduce the incidence of sexual coercion, better identify experiences of sexual coercion, and provide accessible services to minimise the detrimental effects of sexual coercion.

Rumination, Substance Use, and Self‐Harm in a Representative Australian Adult Sample

There are few data on self-harm in the general population, especially examining the roles of rumination and substance use. To evaluate the inter-relationships of rumination, self-harm, and potential mediating variables. A cohort with follow-up every 4 years involving a random sample of adults aged 20-24 and 40-44 years (at baseline) living in Australia. The survey included items on three common forms of self-harm. Other measures included rumination, Goldberg Anxiety and Depression scales, substance use, coping style (Brief COPE), and demographic risk factors. The sample comprised 2,184 women and 1,942 men with 287 self-harm cases (7.0%). Depression and coping style were significant mediators of rumination on self-harm for men, with depression being the only robust mediator for women. For males, age and education were also significantly associated, while for women, age, smoking, trauma, and sexual abuse were significant. Men and women differ on mediators of self-harm.

Respiratory medication use in an Australian developmental disability clinic population: messages for health care professionals

Australian data suggest up to 15% of people with intellectual disability (ID) have asthma. The inhaled route of administration is optimal for the management of obstructive airways diseases; however, correct inhaler use requires dexterity and particular breathing patterns and potentially represents a problem in this population due to physical and cognitive deficits. Understanding the nature and extent of inhaler use in persons with ID is important, as correct inhaler technique is imperative for optimal clinical outcomes; however, currently no evidence base exists to inform health professionals. This study describes respiratory medication use, reported prevalence of asthma, and asthma management practices undertaken in a clinic sample of Australian adults with ID. Results showed a prevalence of retrospectively reported asthma of 6%, with 86% of asthma patients prescribed inhaled medication. A review of patient records also indicated omission of some recommended asthma management strategies.

Strategic Uses of Mediated Public Diplomacy

Using a newly launched U.S. tourism commercial as a stimulus, this pre/post quasi-experimental study empirically tests the bleed-over effect of tourism advertising on public diplomacy measures. Metrics for both tourism and public diplomacy objectives were obtained after the commercial was viewed by a large, nationally representative sample of Australian adults. Confirmation of the bleed-over effect was found. Subgroup analysis further explains how the commercial affected various audience segments. Practical and theoretical implications for the use of tourism advertising as a tool for mediated public diplomacy are explored.

The Australian public's beliefs about the causes of depression: Associated factors and changes over 16 years

Background: Biological conceptualisations of depression are increasingly prevalent. The current study aimed to investigate the current prevalence of causal beliefs about depression in the Australian public, the factors associated with these beliefs, and changes over time.Method: A nationally representative sample of Australian adults was surveyed as part of the 2011 National Mental Health Literacy and Stigma Survey. Beliefs about the causes of depression were assessed based on responses to vignettes depicting a person with either depression (n=893) or depression with suicidal thoughts (n=903). Socio-demographic characteristics, personal and professional experience with depression, and correct recognition of depression were investigated as predictors of causal beliefs about depression using binary logistic regression. Comparisons were made between the Australian public's current causal beliefs and data obtained in national surveys conducted in 1995 and 2003/4.Results: Over 80% of the Australian public attributed depression to day to day problems, death of a close friend or relative, a recent traumatic event, childhood problems, and a chemical imbalance in the brain. People who correctly labelled the disorder in the vignettes were more likely to attribute depression to psychosocial reasons and less likely to attribute it to an allergic reaction, a virus, or an infection. Belief in psychosocial and genetic causes has increased over time, whereas belief in infection, allergy and weakness of character has decreased.Limitations: Comparisons between the 1995, 2003/4 and 2011 surveys were limited by the differences in the survey methodology at each time point, and by low response rates to the 2003/4 and 2011 surveys. The survey design prevented insight into the reasoning underlying individuals' responses, and lacked sufficient power to explore the beliefs of Australians from cultural minorities.Conclusions: The majority of the Australian public believe that both psychosocial and biological factors cause depression.

Effects of Fluoridated Drinking Water on Dental Caries in Australian Adults

Systematic reviews produce conflicting conclusions regarding dental caries-preventive effects of water fluoridation in adults. The authors investigated the relationship using data from the nationally representative 2004−2006 Australian National Survey of Adult Oral Health. Effects were compared between the pre-fluoridation cohort born before 1960 (n = 2,270) and the cohort born between 1960 and 1990 (n = 1,509), when widespread implementation of fluoridation increased population coverage from < 1% to 67%. Residential history questionnaires determined the percentage of each person’s lifetime exposed to fluoridated water. Examiners recorded decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMF-Teeth) and decayed and filled tooth surfaces (DF-Surfaces). Socio-demographic and preventive dental behaviors were included in multivariable least-squares regression models adjusted for potential confounding. In fully adjusted models, > 75% of lifetime exposure to fluoridation relative to < 25% of lifetime exposure was associated with 11% and 10% fewer DMF-Teeth in the pre-1960 (p < .0001) and 1960–1990 cohorts (p = .018), respectively. Corresponding reductions in DF-Surfaces were 30% (p < .001) and 21% (p < .001). Findings for intermediate fluoridation exposure suggested a dose-response relationship. Results were consistent in sensitivity analyses accounting for missing data. In this nationally representative sample of Australian adults, caries-preventive effects of water fluoridation were at least as great in adults born before widespread implementation of fluoridation as after widespread implementation of fluoridation.

Knowledge and beliefs about alcohol consumption, longer-term health risks, and the link with cancer in a sample of Australian adults

This study explores knowledge and beliefs about longer-term health risks related to alcohol consumption among Australian adults. Data were drawn from the 2009 Cancer Institute NSW Lifestyle and Cancer Survey, a telephone survey of adults in NSW. Participants (n=1255) were asked about their alcohol consumption, knowledge of the Australian guidelines (revised in 2009), and personal perceptions and beliefs about longer-term health risks from alcohol consumption. Seventy-eight percent of the sample drank alcohol either occasionally or weekly, with 37% of drinkers drinking above the current Australian guidelines (two standard drinks on any day). Two-thirds (67%) correctly nominated the maximum number of standard drinks per day that met the current Australian guidelines, and a similar proportion (64%) agreed that regular moderate alcohol consumption can have serious health consequences in the longer term. Knowledge of the guidelines and longer-term health consequences was lower for drinkers, especially those drinking above the guidelines. Less than half (48%) of the participants were aware that drinking alcohol could cause cancer and 51% were aware that limiting alcohol intake helps prevent cancer. The current Australian guidelines, the longer-term health risks and the link with cancer are not well understood, especially by those who drink frequently and above the guidelines.

A Comparison of Attitudes Toward Cognitive Enhancement and Legalized Doping in Sport in a Community Sample of Australian Adults

Background: This article compares public attitudes toward the use of prescription drugs for cognitive enhancement with the use of performance enhancing drugs in sport. We explore attitudes toward the acceptability of both practices; the extent to which familiarity with cognitive enhancement is related to its perceived acceptability; and relationships between the acceptability of cognitive enhancement and legalized doping in sport. Methods: A survey was administered through a computer-assisted telephone interviewing system to members of the Australian general public aged 18–101 years in the state of Queensland. Results: Of 1,265 participants, 7% agreed that cognitive enhancement is acceptable; 2.4% of the total sample said they had taken prescription drugs to enhance their concentration or alertness in the absence of a diagnosed disorder, and a further 8% said they knew someone who had done so. These participants were twice as likely to think cognitive enhancement was acceptable. Only 3.6% of participants agreed that people who play professional sport should be allowed to use performance-enhancing drugs if they wanted to. Participants who found cognitive enhancement acceptable were 9.5 times more likely to agree with legalized doping. Conclusions: Policies that facilitated the use of prescription drugs by healthy people for cognitive enhancement or permitted performance-enhancing drugs in sport would be at odds with the attitudes of the vast majority of our participants. Furthermore, our findings do not support media claims that the use of prescription drugs for cognitive enhancement is widespread in all sectors of society.