Justine Leavy

Recreational drowning prevention interventions for adults, 1990-2012: a review.

AbstractDrowning is a frequently occurring and preventable public health issue. Internationally, drowning literature has focussed on children under 5xa0years, however, evidence based interventions to prevent adult drowning are needed to reduce deaths on a global scale. The aim of this paper is to systematically identify and analyse the evidence for drowning interventions with an adult focus. A systematic search was undertaken for peer-reviewed articles which were published in English between 1990 and 2012, focused on adults and described a drowning intervention. After quality appraisal by expert reviewers using a purposively tailored checklist, a final total of six studies were included for review. The six studies were all conducted in high income countries. Four were drowning interventions, two were retrospective analyses. The drowning interventions duration ranged from 10xa0days to 5xa0years, the analysis studies from 6 to 21xa0years. Two of the studies reviewed used behaviour change theory to inform development, and two reported formative evaluation. Prevention strategies included education (nxa0=xa03), technology (nxa0=xa01) and environmental (nxa0=xa01). Positive short term effects and significant behaviour change in life jacket use was reported (nxa0=xa02). A mixed effect was observed in the six studies. The complexity of the issues surrounding drowning requires the collection of robust data and evaluation of preventative measures to support the development of targeted and tailored prevention interventions. This review reinforces the need for a genuine and sustained global approach to addressing adult drowning prevention. Drowning is a serious public health issue and should receive the same attention as other public health prioritiesn.

A Review of Drowning Prevention Interventions for Children and Young People in High, Low and Middle Income Countries

Globally, drowning is one of the ten leading causes of child mortality. Children aged <5xa0years are particularly at risk, and children and young people continue to be overrepresented in drowning statistics. Accordingly, evidence informed interventions to prevent children drowning are of global importance. This review aimed to identify, assess and analyse public health interventions to reduce child drowning and investigate the use of behavioural theories and evaluation frameworks to guide child drowning prevention. Thirteen databases were searched for relevant peer reviewed articles. The systematic review was guided by the PRISMA criteria and registered with PROSPERO. Fifteen articles were included in the final review. Studies were delivered in high, middle and low income countries. Intervention designs varied, one-third of studies targeted children under five. Almost half of the studies relied on education and information to reduce drowning deaths, only three studies used a multi-strategy approach. Minimal use of behavioural theories and/or frameworks was found and just one-third of the studies described formative evaluation. This review reveals an over reliance on education and information as a strategy to prevent drowning, despite evidence for comprehensive multi-strategy approaches. Accordingly, interventions must be supported that use a range of strategies, are shaped by theory and planning and evaluation frameworks, and are robust in intervention design, delivery and evaluation methodology. This approach will provide sound evidence that can be disseminated to inform future practice and policy for drowning prevention.

Uprising: An examination of sit-stand workstations, mental health and work ability in sedentary office workers, in Western Australia

BACKGROUNDnOffice-based staff spend around three quarters of their work day sitting. People who sit for long periods while at work are at greater risk of adverse health outcomes.nnnOBJECTIVEnThe pilot study aimed to determine the effect of sit-stand workstations on office-based staff sedentary and physical activity behaviors, work ability and self-reported physical and mental health outcomes.nnnMETHODSnA two-group pre-post study design assessed changes in sedentary and physical activity behaviors (time spent sitting, standing and stepping and sit-stand transitions and number of steps taken) work ability and physical and mental health. Physical activity behaviors were measured using activPAL activity monitors and self-reported data on work ability and physical and mental health were collected using an online questionnaire.nnnRESULTSnRelative to the controls (n=19), the intervention group (n=18) significantly decreased time spent sitting by 100 minutes (p<0.001) and increased standing time by 99 minutes (p<0.001). There was axa0decrease in self-reported current work ability when compared to lifetime best (p=0.008). There were no significant differences for all other sedentary behavior, other workability outcomes, physical health or mental health outcomes at follow-up.nnnCONCLUSIONSnThe Uprising Study found that sit-stand workstations are an effective strategy to reduce occupational sitting time in office-based workers over axa0one month period.

This Much Water: A qualitative study using behavioural theory to develop a community service video to prevent child drowning in Western Australia

Objectives Drowning in children under the age of 5 is a frequently occurring, yet preventable event. This research used behavioural theory to test the suitability and appropriateness of a drowning prevention message in a community service video. Design This qualitative study used content analysis of focus groups. Constructs from the Health Belief Model guided the data analysis. Setting Community organisations and playgrounds in Perth, Western Australia. Participants Participants were parents or carers of at least one child under 5u2009years residing in Western Australia. Seven focus groups (n=57) were conducted with eight participants in each group. Most participants were parents (96%), female (95%), aged between 25 and 34 years (63%) and were born in Australia (68%). Results Participants indicated the community service video was credible in communicating the message that young children were susceptible to drowning in shallow water and that various water hazards existed in and around the home. However, a range of external factors, such as the childs age, type of water hazard, presence of siblings and other environmental factors, influenced risk perceptions. Child drowning was seen as a serious issue. Controlling access to water and the role of supervision were understood to be important factors in preventing drowning. Conclusions The lack of published drowning prevention interventions shaped by behavioural theory limits the understanding of best practice. Using constructs from the Health Belief Model, this research confirmed the perceived seriousness, devastating and unforgettable consequence of drowning; however, findings were mixed regarding cues to action. Future development of drowning prevention media messages should test strategies to increase susceptibility and self-efficacy among the target group and explore the impact of different message senders. The findings provide a valuable understanding of possible messages and their execution for use in media campaigns, as one component of an effective public health intervention to prevent child drowning underpinned by behavioural theory.

Correlates of mobile screen media use among children aged 0–8: protocol for a systematic review

BackgroundChildhood is a crucial period for shaping healthy behaviours; however, it currently appears to be dominated by screen time. A large proportion of young children do not adhere to the screen time recommendations, with the use of mobile screen devices becoming more common than fixed screens. Existing systematic reviews on correlates of screen time have focused largely on the traditional fixed screen devices such as television. Reviews specially focused on mobile screen media are almost non-existent. This paper describes the protocol for conducting a systematic review of papers published between 2009 and 2015 to identify the correlates of mobile screen media use among children aged 0–8xa0years.MethodsA systematic literature search of electronic databases will be carried out using different combinations of keywords for papers published in English between January 2009 and December 2015. Additionally, a manual search of reference lists and citations will also be conducted. Papers that have examined correlates of screen time among children aged 0–8 will be included in the review. Studies must include at least one type of mobile screen media (mobile phones, electronic tablets or handheld computers) to be eligible for inclusion. This study will identify correlates of mobile screen-viewing among children in five categories: (i) child biological and demographic correlates, (ii) behavioural correlates, (iii) family biological and demographic correlates, (iv) family structure-related correlates and (v) socio-cultural and environmental correlates. PRISMA statement will be used for ensuring transparency and scientific reporting of the results.DiscussionThis study will identify the correlates associated with increased mobile screen media use among young children through the systematic review of published peer-reviewed papers. This will contribute to addressing the knowledge gap in this area. The results will provide an evidence base to better understand correlates of mobile screen media use and potentially inform the development of recommendations to reduce screen time among those aged 0–8xa0years.Systematic review registrationPROSPERO CRD42015028028.

Alcohol and injury risk at a Western Australian school Leavers Festival

BACKGROUNDnLeavers Festivals have become an institution for Australian youth to celebrate the completion of secondary school. Reported hazardous consumption of alcohol by leavers has focused concern on risk-taking behaviour. In response to this, campaigns such as Dont Drink and Drown have targeted youth to reduce alcohol consumption during aquatic activities. This research investigated intended and actual alcohol consumption, particularly during aquatic activities at a Leavers Festival located in the coastal town of Dunsborough, southern Western Australia.nnnMETHODnIn November 2016, 549 leavers aged 17 or 18xa0years completed a paper-based survey over a four-day period during the Festival.nnnRESULTSnOverall, 90% of leavers reported intending to drink during the Festival, with expected average daily consumption being seven to nine standard drinks; reported daily consumption was five to six standard drinks (Pxa0<xa00.001). Of the 29% of leavers who consumed alcohol around water during Leavers, 47% had done so while swimming. About 91% were aware of the campaign Dont Drink and Drown.nnnCONCLUSIONnAwareness of the Dont Drink and Drown campaign and knowledge of risks associated with alcohol consumption and swimming were relatively high. Intention and actual consumption of alcohol did not correlate, with daily consumption less than anticipated.nnnSO WHATnLeavers appear to have a reasonable level of awareness and knowledge of the risks associated with alcohol consumption and aquatic activities, which may reflect the impact of education campaigns. However, this knowledge is not always translated into nonrisky aquatic behaviour.

A balanced approach to falls prevention: Application in the real world

BACKGROUNDnFalls place a heavy burden on the health system, impacting on an individuals quality of life, often resulting in a fear of falling, reduction in independence and at times admission to residential care. This study aimed to determine health professionals confidence in discussing falls prevention strategies, topics discussed and the barriers and enablers to falls prevention discussions with clients aged 60xa0years and over.nnnMETHODnA cross-sectional self-complete online survey was undertaken with a sample of health professionals (nxa0=xa0191) who had engaged in the services of the Stay On Your Feet® programs delivered by the Injury Matters in Western Australia (WA).nnnRESULTSnThe majority of participants were physiotherapists (25.7%), registered nurses (17.8%) and occupational therapists (11%) located in metropolitan (56%) and regional (44%) WA. Most health professionals (80.2%) were highly confident discussing falls prevention strategies. Discussion of falls prevention included the benefits of strength and balance exercises (83%), eating a healthy diet (78.7%), regular eyesight checks (64.5%), reviewing medications (54.8%) and exposure to sunlight (50.3%). The main enablers to falls prevention were knowledge (89.7%), skills to identify (77.7%) and implement (66.3%) falls prevention strategies, and access to printed resources (74.9%), while the main barrier was appointment times (14.6%).nnnCONCLUSIONnHealth professionals indicated that they are confident in discussing falls prevention strategies, and although a range of falls prevention strategies were discussed, limited attention was directed at the pharmacists review of medications, eyesight checks and increasing vitamin D levels. SO WHAT?: Health professionals are discussing falls prevention strategies with their clients. A more multifaceted approach should be encouraged with an emphasis on all prevention strategies.

Formative research to develop theory-based messages for a Western Australian child drowning prevention television campaign: study protocol

Introduction Worldwide, children under the age of 5 years are at particular risk of drowning. Responding to this need requires the development of evidence-informed drowning prevention strategies. Historically, drowning prevention strategies have included denying access, learning survival skills and providing supervision, as well as education and information which includes the use of mass media. Interventions underpinned by behavioural theory and formative evaluation tend to be more effective, yet few practical examples exist in the drowning and/or injury prevention literature. The Health Belief Model and Social Cognitive Theory will be used to explore participants perspectives regarding proposed mass media messaging. This paper describes a qualitative protocol to undertake formative research to develop theory-based messages for a child drowning prevention campaign. Methods and analysis The primary data source will be focus group interviews with parents and caregivers of children under 5u2005years of age in metropolitan and regional Western Australia. Qualitative content analysis will be used to analyse the data. Ethics and dissemination This study will contribute to the drowning prevention literature to inform the development of future child drowning prevention mass media campaigns. Findings from the study will be disseminated to practitioners, policymakers and researchers via international conferences, peer and non-peer-reviewed journals and evidence summaries. The study was submitted and approved by the Curtin University Human Research Ethics Committee.

Correlates of mobile screen media use among children aged 0–8: a systematic review

Objective This study is a systematic review of the peer-reviewed literature to identify the correlates of mobile screen media use among children aged 8u2009years and less. Setting Home or community-based studies were included in this review while child care or school-based studies were excluded. Participants Children aged 8u2009years or less were the study population. Studies that included larger age groups without subgroup analysis specific to the 0–8u2009years category were excluded. Eight electronic databases were searched for peer-reviewed English language primary research articles published or in press between January 2009 and March 2017 that have studied correlates of mobile screen media use in this age group. Outcome measure Mobile screen media use was the primary outcome measure. Mobile screen media use refers to children’s use of mobile screens, such as mobile phones, electronic tablets, handheld computers or personal digital assistants. Results Thirteen studies meeting the inclusion criteria were identified of which a total of 36 correlates were examined. Older children, children better skilled in using mobile screen media devices, those having greater access to such devices at home and whose parents had high mobile screen media use were more likely to have higher use of mobile screen media devices. No association existed with parent’s age, sex and education. Conclusion Limited research has been undertaken into young children’s mobile screen media use and most of the variables have been studied too infrequently for robust conclusions to be reached. Future studies with objective assessment of mobile screen media use and frequent examination of the potential correlates across multiple studies and settings are recommended. Trial registration number This review is registered with PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Ongoing Systematic Reviews (registration number: CRD42015028028).

Ethics and health promotion practice: exploring attitudes and practices in Western Australian health organisations

Issue addressed Evidence-informed practice underpinned by ethics is fundamental to developing the science of health promotion. Knowledge and application of ethical principles are competencies required for health promotion practice. However, these competencies are often inconsistently understood and applied. This research explored attitudes, practices, enablers and barriers related to ethics in practice in Western Australian health organisations. Methods Semistructured, in-depth interviews were conducted with 10 health promotion practitioners, purposefully selected to provide a cross-section of government and non-government organisations. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and then themed. Results The majority of participants reported consideration of ethics in their practice; however, only half reported seeking Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) approval for projects in the past 12 months. Enablers identified as supporting ethics in practice and disseminating findings included: support preparing ethics applications; resources and training about ethical practice; ability to access HRECs for ethics approval; and a supportive organisational culture. Barriers included: limited time; insufficient resourcing and capacity; ethics approval not seen as part of core business; and concerns about academic writing. Conclusion The majority of participants were aware of the importance of ethics in practice and the dissemination of findings. However, participants reported barriers to engaging in formal ethics processes and to publishing findings. So what? Alignment of evidence-informed and ethics-based practice is critical. Resources and information about ethics may be required to support practice and encourage dissemination of findings, including in the peer-reviewed literature. Investigating the role of community-based ethics boards may be valuable to bridging the ethics-evidence gap.