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An understanding of the extent to which target audiences consider different nutrition-related messages to be effective could assist campaign developers design more persuasive communications. Accordingly, this study sought to develop and assess the utility of the Perceived Effectiveness of Nutrition Messages Scale (PENMS). A longitudinal online survey was completed by Australian adults (n = 5,014 at Time 1 and 2,880 at Time 2). At T1, respondents saw one of two messages promoting healthy eating. They were then administered the PENMS, and asked how likely they were to engage in the behaviour specified in the message. Respondents completed the PENMS again at T2. An exploratory factor analysis was performed on PENMS scores and measures of reliability and validity obtained. Two factors were identified: 'effects perceptions' (Factor 1) and 'message perceptions' (Factor 2). Internal consistency of scores was 0.82 for Factor 1 and 0.70 for Factor 2. Test re-test reliability was 0.76 and 0.69 for Factors 1 and 2, respectively. Scores on both factors were moderately correlated with behavioural intentions. The favourable results for PENMS scores suggest the scale may be a useful tool for assessing the extent to which target audiences consider different nutrition-related messages to be effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Understanding health behaviour changes during the COVID-19 pandemic can assist in developing strategies to promote healthy lifestyles at such times. The aim of this exploratory study was to examine whether the frequency of consuming unhealthy foods and beverages changed during lockdown and whether certain population subgroups were more likely to make such changes. Method: An online survey was administered to a national sample of 4022 Australian adults (51% female, mean age 48 years). Generalised linear models with generalised estimating equations were used to identify whether demographic characteristics (age, gender, education, presence of children in the household, number of people in the household) and beliefs related to COVID-19 were associated with changes in the frequency of consuming alcohol, sweet snacks, salty snacks, and sugary beverages from pre to during lockdown. Results: Overall, the frequency of consuming the four assessed unhealthy products did not change during lockdown. However, being male and having children at home were consistently associated with unhealthy changes, whereas believing that alcohol or unhealthy diets would exacerbate COVID-19 severity was linked to a decreased frequency of consuming these products respectively. Age, education, and living with more people were also associated with changes in the frequency of consuming some product categories. Conclusion: During lockdown, certain population subgroups appeared to be at increased risk of more frequent consumption of unhealthy foods and beverages. Believing certain consumption habits are linked to adverse health impacts of COVID was found to reduce frequency of consumption of related products, presenting a potential focus for future public health actions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Gambling is a growing public health issue in Australia. However, limited research has examined the role of primary health care and social services in routine screening for gambling harm in Australia. This research aimed to explore the enablers and barriers to implementing a co-designed gambling screening model in Fairfield, New South Wales – an area with high gambling expenditure. Methods: A co-designed gambling screening and referral model for GP and community-based organisations was implemented in Fairfield in 2020. Follow-up interviews were conducted with nine health care professionals who implemented the screening in 130 patients. Thematic analysis generated key barriers and enablers for implementation of this model. Results: Key enablers for the screening model implementation included structural factors (alignment of the screening model with current work), process factors and staffing factors (staff empowerment). However, we also noted process factors as a barrier to implementation, particularly the referral pathway following screening. Other barriers included social and structural factors, such as the complexity of gambling harm and project funding. Conclusions: Embedding routine screening in primary and community care settings can play a role in treating, reducing and preventing gambling-related harm, and reducing stigma in Fairfield and beyond. Additionally, screening models such as this provide health systems with clear evidence on the level of gambling harm in their community (particularly important in culturally and linguistically diverse communities who are underrepresented in research). This evidence is important for addressing system-level drivers of harm and advocating for political reform to reduce the impact of gambling on communities. Primary healthcare and community services are important settings for gambling harm screening, and more broadly can contribute to the prevention and treatment of gambling harm in communities. However, there has been limited research on how screening can be embedded into routine practice. This pilot research identifies the enablers and barriers to implementing a co-designed screening model in local primary care settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Issues: Young people are particularly impressionable when it comes to forming expectations and attitudes around alcohol consumption. Any stimuli that normalise and foster positive expectations around alcohol use may increase the risk of underage alcohol consumption. Alcohol venues that market themselves as being appropriate 'family friendly' establishments for children risk exposing minors to environments that are saturated with alcohol‐related stimuli. However, research examining how exposure to licenced venues affects underage people is very limited. The aim of this narrative review was to identify and synthesise relevant evidence to better understand how attending these venues might affect minors. Approach: A narrative review of research published between January 2016 and November 2022 was conducted to investigate the potential effects on underage people of exposure to licenced venues and stimuli encountered in/around these venues. Examined stimuli included alcohol advertising, people consuming alcohol and alcohol outlets. Key Findings: The reviewed literature indicates that the risk of alcohol‐related harm among minors is likely to increase with greater exposure to alcohol venues due to the associated exposure to alcohol advertising, exposure to others consuming alcohol and higher outlet density. In combination, these factors are likely to normalise alcohol consumption for minors and create positive alcohol expectancies. Implications and Conclusion: Venues serving alcohol should be discouraged from targeting families and parents should be warned about the risks associated with taking minors to venues where alcohol is sold and consumed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: A mandatory pregnancy warning was introduced in Australia 2020 to advise the public of the potential harms of prenatal alcohol exposure. Due to industry pressure, a 3‐year implementation period was granted. The aim of this study was to analyse the extent to which the mandatory warning had been applied to ready‐to‐drink (RTD) alcohol product labels almost 2 years into the implementation period. Methods: The sample included 491 RTD products sold in three alcohol stores in Sydney, Australia in March–May 2022. Identified warnings were categorised as a mandated warning, a DrinkWise warning (an industry‐developed option) or 'Other' warning. Analyses were conducted overall and by RTD type. Results: Almost all (94%) of the sampled RTD products had some form of pregnancy warning, but only 36% displayed the mandatory version. Of the non‐mandatory warnings, 74% were DrinkWise warnings (42% of total sample) and 27% were 'Other' warnings (15% of total sample). There was no apparent relationship between alcohol content and likelihood of displaying a mandatory warning. Discussion and Conclusions: Two years into the three‐year implementation period for the mandatory pregnancy warning, only around one‐third of the assessed RTD products exhibited compliance. Uptake of the mandatory pregnancy warning appears to be slow. Continued monitoring will be required to determine whether the alcohol industry meets its obligations within and beyond the implementation period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: The automation of transport systems is well underway; however, it is unclear how this will affect people's mobility choices. Changes in these choices have implications for health and the sustainability and efficiency of transport systems, making it important to understand how the advent of autonomous vehicles might affect people's transport behaviors. The aim of the present study was to address this knowledge gap in the Australian context. (2) Methods: Respondents reported their demographic information, current transport behaviors, the perceived importance of transport-related factors, and attitudes toward autonomous vehicles. They then read a vignette describing a future scenario involving autonomous vehicles that was informed by expert stakeholders. After reading the vignette, the respondents selected those transport options that they would anticipate using in the depicted scenario. Descriptive analyses were conducted to examine changes in transport choices, while regression models were employed to identify the predictors of choices in the future scenario. (3) Results: Most respondents envisaged making greater use of active, shared, and public transport options in an autonomous future, compared to their current use of these options. The intended use of private transport options halved. The most consistent predictor for selecting a certain mode of transport was the current use of that option or its non-autonomous equivalent. (4) Conclusion: Overall, favorable changes in the envisaged use of transport were observed for the hypothetical scenario, which was characterized by improved public transport, a practical active transport infrastructure, and relatively cheap shared autonomous vehicles. If policymakers can act to realize these outcomes, the autonomation of transport is likely to lead to positive societal change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Some parents provide alcohol to their underage children, despite a range of negative outcomes being associated with this practice. The present study aimed to assess factors associated with and changes in parental provision behaviours from 2013 to 2019 in Western Australia. Methods: Annual cross‐sectional online surveys were conducted (total n = 2635). Assessed variables included parents' demographic characteristics, alcohol use, awareness of the relevant Australian alcohol guideline, attitudes to parental provision of alcohol and provision behaviours. A binary logistic generalised linear model was used to identify factors associated with parental provision of alcohol. Results: Parental provision of alcohol prevalence decreased from 40% in 2013 to 27% in 2019. The following variables were significantly associated with parental provision: permissive attitudes to provision (β = 2.82); older parental age (β = 1.28); a lack of knowledge of the relevant guideline (β = 0.78); survey year (β = 0.083); and greater alcohol use (β = 1.12). Socioeconomic position was not associated with parental provision. Female parents were more likely to report that an adult in the household provided children with alcohol (β = 1.3) Discussion and Conclusions: The findings suggest that (i) although still commonplace, parental provision of alcohol to minors in Western Australia has declined over time; and (ii) the effectiveness of campaigns aiming to reduce this behaviour may be enhanced by targeting households with parents who are older and heavier drinkers and by including content that challenges permissive views on alcohol provision to minors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The emergence of autonomous vehicles (AV) heralds new methods of alcohol delivery that are likely to have substantial implications for home drinking. The aim of this study was to explore the factors that have the potential to hasten or restrict widescale increases in alcohol availability resulting from AVs. Methods: Thirty‐six interviews were conducted with 44 stakeholders across diverse sectors. Interviewees discussed their perceptions of how AVs will evolve and the implications for alcohol access. The interview transcripts were analysed to develop a typology of factors that need to be addressed to minimise harms associated with greater home alcohol consumption due to AVs. Results: The interviewees identified a range of demand‐side (e.g., enhanced convenience for consumers) and supply‐side (e.g., increased efficiency for providers) factors associated with AV home deliveries that could increase the prevalence and volume of home drinking. A third category of factors related to potential forms of regulation: suggested harm‐minimisation options related to appropriate enhancements of licensing restrictions and responsible service requirements and the use of various fiscal levers to introduce price barriers. Discussion and Conclusions: The suggested strategies will require collaborative efforts across government and non‐government organisations to address the potential issues arising from the advent of AV alcohol deliveries. Technological and policy solutions will be needed to ensure responsible service of alcohol. This study provides policy makers with insights into forms of intervention that may be required to minimise the harms associated with the use of AVs in alcohol home delivery systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Food policy is important to promote healthy and sustainable diets. However, who is responsible for developing and implementing food policy remains contentious. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate how the public attributes responsibility for food policy to governments, individuals and the private sector. Methods A total of 7559 respondents from seven countries [Australia (n  = 1033), Canada (n  = 1079), China (n  = 1099), India (n  = 1086), New Zealand (n  = 1090), the UK (n  = 1079) and the USA (n  = 1093)] completed an online survey assessing perceived responsibility for 11 recommended food policies. Results Overall, preferred responsibility for the assessed food policies was primarily attributed to governments (62%), followed by the private sector (49%) and individuals (31%). Respondents from New Zealand expressed the highest support for government responsibility (70%) and those from the USA the lowest (50%). Respondents from the USA and India were most likely to nominate individuals as responsible (both 37%), while those from China were least likely (23%). The private sector had the highest attributed responsibility in New Zealand (55%) and the lowest in China and the USA (both 47%). Support for government responsibility declined with age and was higher among those on higher incomes, with a university degree, and who perceived themselves to consume a healthy diet or be in poor health. Conclusions Across seven diverse countries, results indicate the public considers government should take primary responsibility for the assessed food policies, with modest contribution from the private sector and minority support for individual responsibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Public support for evidence-based nutrition interventions can be an important determinant of government willingness to develop and implement such interventions. The aim of this study was to assess support for a broad range of nutrition interventions across seven countries: Australia, Canada, China, India, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Assessed interventions included those relating to food availability, affordability, reformulation, labelling, and promotion. Methods: Approximately 1000 adults per country (total n = 7559) completed an online survey assessing support for 35 nutrition interventions/policies. ANOVA analyses were used to identify differences between countries on overall levels of support and by intervention category. Multiple regression analyses assessed demographic and diet-related factors associated with higher levels of support across the total sample and by country. Results: Substantial levels of public support were found for the assessed interventions across the seven countries and five intervention categories. The highest levels were found in India (Mean across all interventions of 4.16 (standard deviation (SD) 0.65) on a 5-point scale) and the lowest in the United States (Mean = 3.48, SD = 0.83). Support was strongest for interventions involving food labelling (Mean = 4.20, SD = 0.79) and food reformulation (Mean = 4.17, SD = 0.87), and weakest for fiscal interventions (Mean = 3.52, SD = 1.06). Consumer characteristics associated with stronger support were higher self-rated health, higher educational attainment, female sex, older age, and perceptions of consuming a healthy diet. Conclusion: The results indicate substantial support for a large range of nutrition interventions across the assessed countries, and hence governments could potentially be more proactive in developing and implementing such initiatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a mass media campaign alerting the public to the potential harms of alcohol to unborn babies and to inform future intervention efforts. Method: An online survey was administered to 889 adult Western Australians. The survey assessed demographic characteristics, typical alcohol use, recognition and perceptions of the campaign, and behavioural changes resulting from campaign exposure. A multiple regression analysis was conducted to identify factors associated with perceived campaign effectiveness. Results: Most respondents reported having seen/heard the campaign on at least one form of media (71%). Most considered the campaign to be believable (89%), clear (88%), trustworthy (87%), memorable (82%) and among the best they had seen (78%). As a result of campaign exposure, a large majority reported increased concern about drinking during pregnancy (85%) and most female respondents reported being much less likely to use alcohol during a pregnancy (83%). One‐third of female respondents (33%) reported that as a result of being exposed to the campaign they had decided not to consume alcohol while pregnant. Confidence to abstain, awareness of strategies to abstain, lower socioeconomic position, residing in the metropolitan area and recognising the campaign were significantly associated with greater perceived campaign effectiveness. Discussion and Conclusions: Results indicate the campaign was well received by respondents, increased concern about drinking alcohol during pregnancy and positively influenced women's intentions to refrain from drinking while pregnant. Well‐designed campaigns on alcohol avoidance during pregnancy can be considered acceptable and effective by target audiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Drink counting has been found to be an effective protective behavioral strategy (PBS) to reduce alcohol consumption. However, little is known about attitudes to this strategy and barriers and facilitators to its use. The aim of this study was to explicate these factors and draw comparisons with less efficacious PBSs. Method: In Stage 1, 1,703 Australian drinkers were surveyed about their perceptions of five PBSs ("Count the number of drinks you have," "Drink slowly rather than gulping or sculling," "Refuse an alcoholic drink you are offered because you don't really want it," "Avoid trying to 'keep up' or 'outdrink' others," and "Decide not to exceed a certain number of drinks"). Respondents reported perceived believability, relevance, ease of use, effectiveness, barriers, and facilitators. In Stage 2, 10 focus groups were conducted with drinkers to identify potential methods of effectively promoting drink counting. Results: Overall, drink counting was rated less favorably than the less-efficacious PBSs, indicating a need to inform drinkers of the importance and feasibility of this strategy to encourage its use. The main identified barriers were a lack of awareness of the long-term harms associated with alcohol use, social factors (e.g., peer pressure), and difficulty counting when intoxicated. Participants suggested improving drinkers' understanding of alcohol-related harms and developing mechanisms to assist with counting. Conclusion: To encourage drink counting, information campaigns are needed to educate the community about the long-term risks of alcohol use. Evidenced-based mechanisms to facilitate drink counting may be welcomed by drinkers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: The emergence of autonomous vehicles (AVs) is likely to have substantial implications for walking behaviours due to the availability of new transport options and altered physical environments within cities. The aim of this exploratory study was to identify AV-related factors that could affect walking at the population level and strategies to ameliorate any negative effects. (2) Methods: A total of 46 Australian expert stakeholders were interviewed about their perceptions of the potential impacts of AVs on walking behaviours. The interviewees represented government departments (state and federal), non-government organisations (NGOs), private sector companies, peak bodies, and academia. (3) Results: Interviewees expected AVs to have different effects on individuals' ability and motivation to engage in planned versus incidental walking. While those with innate motivation to walk as a form of exercise or leisure may experience enhanced participation opportunities, it appears that incidental walking could be adversely impacted through the availability of convenient AV door-to-door transport options and automated home delivery services that reduce walking related to commuting and shopping. (4) Conclusions: Proactive policy actions are needed to optimize the potential positive impacts of AVs on walking and circumvent the potential negative impacts on valuable incidental walking that constitutes a key component of many people's total physical activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gambling causes significant levels of harm globally and is recognised as a serious public health issue. To reduce gambling-related harm, various strategies and policies have been recommended, including decreasing the availability of gambling products, restricting gambling advertising, and implementing public education campaigns. Government willingness to implement such strategies will be influenced by levels of public support, which in turn will be dependent on public perceptions of the harm caused by gambling products. The aim of the present study was to assess public perceptions of the harm associated with individual gambling products to inform future gambling reform. A sample of 2112 Australian adults provided perceived harm ratings for nine popular gambling products that are known to be associated with gambling-related harm: electronic gambling machines, casino table games, sports betting, bingo, scratch tickets, private betting, horse/dog races, keno, and the lottery. Binary logistic regressions were used to identify factors associated with harm perceptions. Only electronic gambling machines (70%), casino table games (64%), betting on horse/dog races (59%), and sports betting (53%) were perceived by a majority of respondents as being harmful. Less frequent gambling and experiencing greater levels of gambling-related harm were associated with higher harm perceptions. Many potentially harmful gambling products may not be recognised as such by the public, which is likely to reduce support for recommended harm-reduction strategies and policies. Efforts are needed to ensure Australians in general and gamblers in particular understand the levels of harm associated with popular gambling products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: 'Count your drinks' is a protective behavioural strategy (PBS) that has been found to be effective in reducing alcohol consumption. Previous research has shown that females, older people and low‐risk drinkers are more likely to use this strategy, but little is known about the attitudinal factors associated with engaging in drink counting. This information is important for developing effective interventions to encourage use of this PBS. The aim of this paper was to assess whether the following attitudinal factors are associated with frequency of enactment of the 'Count your drinks' PBS: (i) perceived ease of use; (ii) perceived effectiveness; (iii) personal relevance; and (iv) believability. Methods: A total of 683 Australian drinkers completed an online survey assessing demographic variables, alcohol consumption, frequency of drink counting and attitudes to the 'Count your drinks' PBS. A hierarchical regression analysis was used to determine whether the attitudinal factors were associated with frequency of enactment after controlling for demographic and alcohol‐related factors. Results: Attitudes to the 'Count your drinks' PBS accounted for 28% of the variance in reported frequency of drink counting. Perceptions of personal relevance, ease of use and effectiveness were found to be significantly associated with frequency of enactment. Discussion and Conclusions: Interventions designed to encourage drinkers to count their drinks should aim to increase the perceived personal relevance, ease of use and effectiveness of this strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A correction notice to the article, "Exploring the feasibility of a gambling harm screening model in general practice and community service settings in Fairfield: a pilot study," published in the previous issue of the periodical.

Introduction: By removing the need for a driver, autonomous vehicles (AV) are expected to substantially reduce rates of drink-driving. However, this benefit may be accompanied by an unintended negative consequence in the form of greater overall alcohol consumption due to increased availability of affordable and convenient transport.Aims: To assess: (i) the extent to which drinkers may choose to use AVs after consuming alcohol; (ii) the extent to which drinkers may consume more alcohol if they are using an AV afterwards; and (iii) whether demographic, alcohol-related and AV-related factors are associated with the likelihood of engaging in these behaviours.Design and Methods: A total of 1334 Australians of legal driving age who consume alcohol completed an online survey. Two regression models were used to calculate whether the analysed respondent characteristics were associated with intentions to use AVs after drinking and to consume more alcohol if using an AV afterwards.Results: Around half of the respondents (49%) reported being likely to use an AV after consuming alcohol, and over one-third (37%) reported being likely to consume more alcohol if using an AV afterwards. Younger age, more frequent alcohol consumption, a positive attitude to AVs and a preference for using 'ride-share' AVs were associated with a greater likelihood of engaging in these behaviours.Discussion and Conclusions: The results suggest that the introduction of AVs is likely to reduce drink-driving rates while facilitating greater participation in heavy episodic drinking. This will constitute a challenge to policymakers in their efforts to minimise alcohol-related harms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined whether standard cognitive training, tailored cognitive training, transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), standard cognitive training + tDCS, or tailored cognitive training + tDCS improved cognitive function and functional outcomes in participants with PD and mild cognitive impairment (PD-MCI). Forty-two participants with PD-MCI were randomized to one of six groups: (1) standard cognitive training, (2) tailored cognitive training, (3) tDCS, (4) standard cognitive training + tDCS, (5) tailored cognitive training + tDCS, or (6) a control group. Interventions lasted 4 weeks, with cognitive and functional outcomes measured at baseline, post-intervention, and follow-up. The trial was registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR: 12614001039673). While controlling for moderator variables, Generalized Linear Mixed Models (GLMMs) showed that when compared to the control group, the intervention groups demonstrated variable statistically significant improvements across executive function, attention/working memory, memory, language, activities of daily living (ADL), and quality of life (QOL; Hedge’s g range = 0.01 to 1.75). More outcomes improved for the groups that received standard or tailored cognitive training combined with tDCS. Participants with PD-MCI receiving cognitive training (standard or tailored) or tDCS demonstrated significant improvements on cognitive and functional outcomes, and combining these interventions provided greater therapeutic effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale - 21 (DASS-21) is a frequently used measure of emotional disturbance symptoms in Parkinson's disease (PD). However, the factor structure of the DASS-21 in PD has yet to be explored. Objective: To assess whether the scale is measuring these symptoms in PD in the same way as the general population. Methods: The present study fit a series of established DASS-21 factor structures with both confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and exploratory structural equation modelling (ESEM) using data from 251 participants with PD. Results: The 3-factor ESEM provided the best fit. The depression and stress scales fit well, however, few items on the anxiety subscale loaded clearly, with several items significantly loading onto the depression or stress factors. Conclusions: Whilst the depression and stress subscales appear suitable in PD, poor loadings and internal consistency indicate the anxiety subscale may not accurately assess anxiety symptomology in PD. This may be due to the scale's reliance on physiological symptoms as indicators of anxiety, when many of these are present in PD. Thus, the anxiety subscale of the DASS-21 may not be a suitable measure of anxiety in PD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]