Hal Swerissen

Issues, Challenges, and Solutions in Translating Study Instruments

Cross-cultural adaptation of study instruments is a difficult, time-consuming, but arguably cost-effective process. If conducted properly, it has the advantage that the translated study instruments are accurate, easy to understand, accessible, and culturally appropriate to the target audience and produce reliable and valid data. This article explores issues, challenges, and solutions for translating a set of research instruments used in a randomized, controlled trial for four separate community languages (Chinese, Vietnamese, Greek, Italian).

Sun protection behaviour of children and their parents at the beach

Abstract The present study observed the sun protection behaviour of 8–12 year old children and their parents on the beach. Interviews with children and parents were then conducted to examine possible influences on sun protection and the relationship between observed and self reported behaviour. The sample consisted of 50 children and 68 parents. All 50 children were observed and interviewed. All the parents were observed and 33 were interviewed. Indices of sun protection cover were computed as a sum of clothing and sunscreen cover. Most parents and children were inadequately covered against the sun. Factors related to childrens sun protection included parents cover and the childs tan level. The relationship between attitude to sun protection and observed behaviour could not be examined as all children and parents indicated they thought it was important to protect their skin against the sun. Inconsistencies between observed and self-reported sun protection were found for children who were not protecting...

Correlates of Vigorous Physical Activity in Young Adults During School Transition

This study examined the relationship between past and present cognitive, social, and environmental factors and the current self-reported vigorous physical activity levels of 195 first-year university health-sciences students following their transition from secondary school to tertiaty education. A direct multiple regression analysis found that 31% of the variance in current levels of vigorous physical activity was explained by these factors. Hierarchical regression analysis indicated that both proximal (current) and distal (historical) variables contributed to the explanation of variation in physical activity levels. Perceived self-efficacy for vigorous activity and perceived obstacles had the highest association with activity levels.

A workforce survey of health promotion education and training needs in the State of Victoria

Objective: This study investigates the education and training needs of health professionals and factors affecting participation in education and training.

An Experimental Investigation of a Cognitive-Behavioural and Movement-Retraining Program for the Treatment of Chronic Pain Associated with Occupational Overuse Injuries

Twenty-two subjects diagnosed as having an occupationally related injury to the connective tissues, joints or muscles of the hands, arms, neck, shoulders or upper back were included in an experimental study which investigated the effectiveness of a cognitive-behavioural and movement-retraining program for reducing anxiety, depression, pain and disruption of activities by pain. Group and single case analyses indicated that the intervention program was associated with reductions in pain and the extent to which pain disrupted activities of daily living for some subjects, but program effects did not maintain over time.

Client Outcomes in Case Managed Care: Who Benefits Most?

Objective: To determine how well outcomes could be predicted by initial circumstances and subsequent deterioration in clients and carers.

General practitioner service provision in residential aged care facilities : 1998-2011

To examine the general practitioner (GP) consultation patterns for primary health‐care services provided in residential aged care facilities (RACFs) by consultation type.

The Behavior and Psychological Functioning of People at High Risk of Diabetes-Related Foot Complications

PURPOSE The purpose of this review was to propose a model that describes the influences on the behavior and psychological functioning of people at risk for diabetes-related foot complications. METHODS A literature search was conducted in Medline (1950-2005), CINAHL (1982-2005), and PsycInfo (1967-2005) databases and in reference lists of journal articles and relevant books. The search focused on published literature in the English language that was related to concepts such as diabetes-related foot complications, behavior, and psychology. RESULTS The literature reviewed was arranged to reflect the reciprocal relationship between the personal, environmental, and behavioral factors of people at risk of diabetes-related foot complications. The model proposed uses the concept of reciprocal determinism to illustrate how these factors interact and influence the development of diabetes-related foot complications. CONCLUSION The concept of reciprocal determinism may be useful when developing further investigation into educational and behavioral interventions in this clinical population.

Australian primary care policy in 2004: two tiers or one for Medicare?

The recent primary care policy debate in Australia has centred on access to primary medical (general practice) services. In Australia, access is heavily influenced by Commonwealth Government patient rebates that provide incentives for general practitioners not to charge copayments to patients (bulk billing). A steady decline in key access indicators (bulk billing) has led the Howard Government to introduce a set of changes that move Medicare from a universal scheme, to one increasingly targeted at providing services to more disadvantaged Australians. In doing so, another scene in the story of the contest between universal health care and selective provision in Australia has been written. This paper explores the immediate antecedents and consequences of the changes and sets them in the broader context of policy development for primary care in Australia.

Costs of Community Care Services for Individuals with Complex Needs

Objective: To determine to what extent costs of intensive community care can be predicted and by which factors.