Jacob J. Keech

Predicting sugar consumption: Application of an integrated dual-process, dual-phase model

Excess consumption of added dietary sugars is related to multiple metabolic problems and adverse health conditions. Identifying the modifiable social cognitive and motivational constructs that predict sugar consumption is important to inform behavioral interventions aimed at reducing sugar intake. We tested the efficacy of an integrated dual-process, dual-phase model derived from multiple theories to predict sugar consumption. Using a prospective design, university students (Nxa0=xa090) completed initial measures of the reflective (autonomous and controlled motivation, intentions, attitudes, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control), impulsive (implicit attitudes), volitional (action and coping planning), and behavioral (past sugar consumption) components of the proposed model. Self-reported sugar consumption was measured two weeks later. A structural equation model revealed that intentions, implicit attitudes, and, indirectly, autonomous motivation to reduce sugar consumption had small, significant effects on sugar consumption. Attitudes, subjective norm, and, indirectly, autonomous motivation to reduce sugar consumption predicted intentions. There were no effects of the planning constructs. Model effects were independent of the effects of past sugar consumption. The model identified the relative contribution of reflective and impulsive components in predicting sugar consumption. Given the prominent role of the impulsive component, interventions that assist individuals in managing cues-to-action and behavioral monitoring are likely to be effective in regulating sugar consumption.

The lived experience of rescuing people who have driven into floodwater: Understanding challenges and identifying areas for providing support

BACKGROUNDnDrowning is a major public health issue, with risk increasing during times of flood. Driving into floodwater is a major risk factor for flood-related drowning and injury, and despite widespread public health campaigns, many people continue to undertake this risky behaviour and require rescue.nnnPURPOSEnWe aimed to identify key challenges faced by emergency services personnel when rescuing those who have driven into floodwater, and to identify strategies for supporting rescuers in this important role.nnnMETHODSnAustralian flood rescue operators (N = 8) who had previously rescued a driver who had driven into floodwater participated in semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.nnnRESULTSnFour challenges emerged from their experiences: involvement of untrained personnel; varying information provided by emergency telephone operators; behaviour of drivers complicating the rescue; people sightseeing floods or flood rescues or ignoring closed roads providing rescuers with sources of distraction and frustration.nnnCONCLUSIONSnWe propose five strategies for translating these results into practice, including: training and protocol development for (i) emergency personnel and (ii) telephone operators; (iii) training for rescuers regarding non-compliant rescuees; (iv) educating the public and (v) increasing compliance with closed roads. Current findings provide valuable insights into how rescuers can be supported in performing their roles, and implementation of these strategies has the potential to reduce fatalities occurring due to attempting to drive through floodwater. SO WHAT?: The strategies presented have the potential to reduce the frequency and improve the outcomes of floodwater rescues, aiding in the prevention of injury and death.

Alcohol use, aquatic injury, and unintentional drowning: A systematic literature review: ALCOHOL & UNINTENTIONAL DROWNING REVIEW

ISSUESnDrowning is a global public health issue, and there is a strong association between alcohol and risk of drowning. No previous systematic review known to date has identified factors associated with alcohol use and engagement in aquatic activities resulting in injury or drowning (fatal and non-fatal).nnnAPPROACHnLiterature published from inception until 31 January 2017 was reviewed. Included articles were divided into three categories: (i) prevalence and/or risk factors for alcohol-related fatal and non-fatal drowning and aquatic injury, (ii) understanding alcohol use and aquatic activities, and (iii) prevention strategies. Methodological quality of studies was assessed using National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Level of Evidence and risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scales.nnnKEY FINDINGSnIn total, 74 studies were included (57 on prevalence and/or risk factors, 15 on understanding alcohol use, and two on prevention strategies). Prevalence rates for alcohol involvement in fatal and non-fatal drowning varied greatly. Males, boating, not wearing lifejackets, and swimming alone (at night, and at locations without lifeguards) were risk factors for alcohol-related drowning. No specific age groups were consistently identified as being at risk. Study quality was consistently low, and risk of bias was consistently high across studies. Only two studies evaluated prevention strategies.nnnIMPLICATIONSnThere is a need for higher quality studies and behavioural basic and applied research to better understand and change this risky behaviour.nnnCONCLUSIONnOn average, 49.46% and 34.87% of fatal and non-fatal drownings, respectively, involved alcohol, with large variations among studies observed.

Parents' role constructions for facilitating physical activity-related behaviours in their young children: Parent role constructions for PA-related behaviour

Abstract Background The research explored parents role constructions for themselves and other caregivers in promoting physical activity, limiting screen time, and ensuring their young child is not sedentary or restrained for extended periods. Method Using a qualitative social constructionist epistemological position, 10 mothers and 10 fathers (aged 22–49-years) from different households in South East Queensland, Australia, were interviewed. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis. Results Thirteen themes emerged in parents descriptions of their role, aligning with three of the four key influences on parents role constructions for involvement in their childs behaviour: beliefs about desired child outcomes, beliefs about who is responsible for the outcomes, and parental behaviours related to the beliefs and expectations. Conclusions Current findings indicate that parents commonly describe active manifestations of parent role constructions that are conducive to facilitating childhood physical activity‐related behaviours. Because many young Australian children are still not sufficiently active, future interventions should seek to target processes influencing parents ability to fulfil their constructed roles and translate them into actions, including knowledge and skills, self‐efficacy for helping their child, and developing the ability to manage the mix of demands on their time.

The Influence of University Students’ Stress Mindsets on Health and Performance Outcomes

BackgroundnEmerging evidence indicates that holding particular stress mindsets has favorable implications for peoples health and performance under stress.nnnPurposenThe aim of the current study was to examine the processes by which implicit and explicit stress mindsets relate to health- and performance-related outcomes. Specifically, we propose a stress beliefs model in which somatic responses to stress and coping behaviors mediate the effect of stress mindsets on outcomes.nnnMethodsnUndergraduate university students (N = 218, n = 144 females) aged 17- 25 years completed measures of stress mindset, physical and psychological wellbeing, perceived stress, perceived somatic responses to stress, proactive behaviors under stress, and an implicit association test assessing an implicit stress mindset. At the end of the semester, students academic performance was collected from university records.nnnResultsnPath analysis indicated significant indirect effects of stress mindset on psychological wellbeing and perceived stress through proactive coping behaviors and perceived somatic symptoms. Stress mindset directly predicted perceived stress and physical wellbeing, and physical wellbeing and academic performance were predicted by stress mindset through perceived somatic symptoms. Implicit stress mindset did not predict proactive behavior as anticipated.nnnConclusionsnCurrent findings indicate that behaviors with the goal of proactively meeting demands under stress and perceived somatic symptoms are important mediators of the effect of stress mindset on health- and performance-related outcomes. The findings from this study provide formative data that can inform the development of future interventions aiming to encourage more adaptive responses to stress.