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Relationships between students and external partners in work-integrated learning can vary and power dynamics, hierarchies and student agency have been under explored in research to date. Integrated research involving workintegrated learning, students as partners and transdisciplinarity presents an opportunity to enrich each of these fields. This paper presents the results of a case study of transdisciplinary project-based work-integrated learning in Australia. Our results highlight that reciprocity and the valuing of student knowledge are key elements in breaking down traditional power dynamics and enabling student agency, in line with the transdisciplinary principle of mutual learning. Participants who valued these elements in their relationship were less likely to frame the relationship in hierarchical terms and were more open to learning from one another. By empowering students to draw on their expertise and reframe challenges while also preparing partners for this kind of relationship, all parties can be positioned as learners within work-integrated learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: An international systematic review concluded that individuals with poor social health (social isolation, lack of social support or loneliness) are 30% more likely to develop coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke. Notably, the two included Australian papers reported no association between social health and CHD or stroke. Objective: We undertook a systematic review and meta‐analysis to investigate the association between social isolation, lack of social support and loneliness and cardiovascular disease (CVD) incidence among people living in Australia and New Zealand. Methods: Four electronic databases were systematically searched for longitudinal studies published until June 2020. Two reviewers undertook title/abstract screen and one reviewer undertook full‐text screen and data extraction. Quality was assessed using the Newcastle – Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale. Results: Of the 725 unique records retrieved, five papers met our inclusion criteria. These papers reported data from three Australian longitudinal datasets, with a total of 2137 CHD and 590 stroke events recorded over follow‐up periods ranging from 3 to 16 years. Reports of two CHD and two stroke outcomes were suitable for meta‐analysis. The included papers reported no association between social health and incidence of CVD in all fully adjusted models and most unadjusted models. Conclusions: Our systematic review is inconclusive as it identified only a few studies, which relied heavily on self‐reported CVD. Further studies using medical diagnosis of CVD, and assessing the potential influence of residential remoteness, are needed to better understand the relationship between social health and CVD incidence in Australia and New Zealand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The focus of this methodological paper is to discuss the challenges of conducting fieldwork, using reflections from our experiences of accessing a research site for ethnographic data collection. The research project aimed to explore nurses' social relations in their workplace and the inequities between and within these relations among nurses of diverse social positions. Due to the sensitive nature of this topic, access to the research site posed several challenges and was further complicated by the bureaucratic ethics process that governs clinical sites in Australia. Although this study was considered a low and negligible risk research, negotiating the ethics process was full of hitches and hindrances resulting in the refusal of access. This paper offers ethnographers a reflection on challenges in accessing clinical sites to conduct research and a discussion of strategies that may be useful to navigate and counter these challenges by managing social relations in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The quality of the helping relationship is experienced when theories and principles are enacted in practice. Here, the people social workers seek to serve are able to decide whether the practice they experience is useful. One way that social workers can enhance the quality of the relationships they develop is to 'start where the person is at'. In order to explore what this phrase means in and for effective social work practice, this paper revisits Martin Buber's articulation of the I/thou relationship seeking to shed light on the notion of personhood in this value-based profession. Two participants, within a larger research project exploring the experiences of social workers in the Australian child welfare field, independently used the language of personhood to refer to the way they conceptualised the process of engaging with people. Both were referring to enacting the transcendent value of each person in terms of a practice philosophy. These personal narratives inspired the authors to move away from the usual professional discourse about the skills involved in relationship building and instead reflect on their own practice in order to capture something philosophical about caring relational processes. Revisiting humanistic conceptualisations of the helping relationship such as the I/thou has the potential to discourage practitioners from seeing relationships as transactional. This has particular significance in practice contexts characterised as risk-averse, austere or involuntary, and/or where people may be feeling anxious, stressed and/or simply unheard. Contemporary implications for social work practice are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a discussion of the roles that non-custodial grandparents play in the lives of their grandchildren, and the stresses and difficulties they experience in undertaking these roles. It concludes with some recommendations about maximising the benefits of grandparent child care across the generations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 1970s Australia, a Royal Commission on Human Relationships asked people to have their say about all aspects of national life bearing upon relations between the sexes and family life. Historians have focused on the Commission's implications for women and feminist public policy in a period of profound social change. In this paper, we shift attention to the Commission's interrogation of the male role in society. We argue that the Commission broadcast and inculcated the possibility that men could change, even if the imminent revolutionising of the male role proved a bridge too far. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Addressing respect, gender equity and gender-based violence in schools has a long history. Renewed government efforts to address gender-based violence in schools through a whole school approach have commenced under the umbrella 'respectful relationships education'. The research presented in this paper is nestled within a larger project aimed to evaluate the implementation and impact of a whole school approach to respectful relationships education across two Australian states (Our Watch, forthcoming). The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of a six-month respectful relationships education program on the gender awareness and bias of early primary school students. Using a single group pre-post test research design, students from two primary schools in Australia completed a survey before (n = 202) and after (n = 217) completion of a respectful relationships education pilot program. A modified version of the Children's Occupation, Activities, and Traits-Attitudes Measure (COAT-AM; Liben and Bigler, 2002) and the Children's Occupation, Activities, and Traits-Personal Measure (COAT-PM; Liben and Bigler, 2002) were used to assess students' views about gender. After the pilot, boys and girls were significantly less likely to consider stereotypically masculine occupations and activities as only for boys and stereotypically feminine occupations and activities as only for girls. Results indicate that ongoing respectful relationships education could be an effective way to disrupt gender stereotyping in early primary school students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Where one sibling has a disability, research has examined the role of disability in sibling relationships; however, the majority has reflected a normative understanding of sibling relationships and a deficit understanding of disability. Reacting to this history, this paper draws on the concepts of embodiment (absorption of bodily experience into self/identity) and enactment (performance of self/identity) to provide a new way of understanding the role of disability in sibling relationships. Using data from an Australian study of young adult siblings with and without disabilities, the paper discusses how disability is embodied and enacted in: how siblings engage in supportive and conflictual talk and everyday chat with each other; how they enact recreation and seek connection with each other; and how they strive to understand and experience their emotions about each other. The paper ends by discussing how embodiment and enactment allow a clearer understanding of disability in sibling relationships, which may be empowering for siblings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To systematically review evaluated local, community or peer‐delivered well‐being and employment interventions delivered within regional, rural and remote Australia. Design: Searches within nine databases retrieved peer‐reviewed and grey literature from an initial pool of 3186 papers published between 2012 and 2022. PRISMA guidelines were adhered to, and the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) was used to assess the quality of the well‐being or employment (or both) articles. Findings: A total of 19 items met the inclusion criteria, which included two quantitative, 12 qualitative and five mixed‐methods evaluations. Intervention cohorts included Indigenous Australians, youth, older people, workers and the general community. The average methodological rating was 83%. The overall level of evidence for the interventions was low due to mostly descriptive studies. Discussion: Interventions that appeared effective in improving well‐being tended to focus on addressing social connectedness and self‐determination. Unexpected employment outcomes were evident across many of the studies, which highlighted the reciprocity between well‐being and employment. Conclusion: This review highlights promising interventions for improving well‐being by focusing on social connectedness and self‐determination. Further empirical evidence is encouraged to explore the reciprocal relationship between well‐being and employment, emphasising the significance of social connectedness and self‐determination in this context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given that the number of children and young people needing care keeps rising and fewer people are becoming foster carers, efforts to support carers and workers in foster caring are essential. This paper considers the experiences of carers and foster care agency workers involved in Australia's piloting of the Mockingbird Family. With a view understanding experience, data were collected via focus groups with carers and agency workers (n = 20) involved in piloting, implementation and evaluation. Deductive analysis applied the theory of experience to generate understanding of experience, as both intrinsic and extrinsic dimensions to capture strengths in the Mockingbird Family's foster caring networks. These dimensions of experience included collective passions of carers and workers; experiential change over time; collective experiences as a moving force; and experiences as transformational. Understanding of experience associated with the perceived strengths of the Mockingbird Family, including strategies to promote strong professional relationships between carers and workers, is an important element in strengthening environments of children and young people in care. Safe and stable environments are crucial for wellbeing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adolescent relational violence has significant and pervasive impacts for young people's current and future relationships. It is known that there is a cross‐over between adolescent family violence and other offending behaviour, meaning there is a need for youth justice systems to recognise and respond to these forms of violence. This paper outlines a pilot intervention, the KIND Program, run in Youth Justice South Australia, and aimed at intervening with adolescent family and dating violence. KIND aims to provide tailored systemic intervention to young people and their support network, reducing violence while increasing connection and strength within relationships. The pilot of KIND ran for seven months in 2017, and had eight families participating in the program. Participation in, feedback from, and impact of the program suggest that participation was worthwhile and useful for young people and their families. The KIND Program would benefit from a more extensive pilot period to explore the outcomes of this form of intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Chinese outbound tourism market has become one of the acknowledged emerging markets in Australia. This paper reviews the development of the Chinese outbound tourism market to Australia, with particular reference to issues emerging from the interaction between Chinese and Australian-based businesses. The paper begins with an overview of Chinese inbound tourism to Australia to provide some context to the discussion. This is followed by an examination of cultural factors, particularly guanri, in business transactions in the Australian-Chinese tourism sector. A theoretical model is introduced to conceptualize the strategies managing the Chinese business relationships. This is an ongoing research project; this paper reports Stage One of the research which has been conducted to explore the crucial factors which influence establishing, developing and maintaining the relationships between Chinese authorized travel agencies and Australian inbound tour operators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the environmental, interpersonal, and personal outcomes of music performance in a hospital oncology setting. An original, qualitative research study examined the impact of live music for staff, patients, and carers. Data were collected using a multi-method approach of observations and semi-structured interviews and were analysed using inductive and theory-driven theming that was shaped by a determinants of health framework. The research found that live music promoted stronger relationships and calmer environments, among other environmental, social and individual outcomes. Improved communication between staff through the creation of a more supportive environment was a pertinent finding of the research. No negative effects were reported. We discuss research findings in the context of relevant literature and suggest recommendations for future hospital-based live music programs. Results of this study indicate that live music interventions impacted individual, interpersonal, social and environment factors that led to health and wellbeing outcomes for participants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intimate partner sexual violence (IPSV) is a common yet hidden form of violence. It is primarily perpetrated against women by their male partners and is associated with a range of serious mental and physical health outcomes. Despite these harms, it is chronically under-researched. In particular, the overlaps between IPSV and psychological abuse in relationships are poorly understood. Extant literature has focused primarily on the relationship between IPSV and physical violence, neglecting the fact that IPSV often involves verbal or emotional coercion, threats or blackmail rather than the use of 'force'. In this paper, we draw on reflexive thematic analysis of qualitative interviews with n = 38 victim/survivors of IPSV to explore how they understood the relationship between sexual and psychological abuse in their heterosexual relationships. Four themes were developed from this analysis: 1. I felt like I couldn't say Nno'; 2. I felt degraded and worthless; 3. Letting me know who's boss; and 4. Making me feel crazy. These themes broadly correspond to four distinct patterns or interactions between IPSV and psychological abuse. Our findings strongly suggest that the relationship between sexual and psychological abuse in relationships is far more complex than previous research would indicate. Psychological abuse is not simply a tool to obtain sex and sexual violence is not only used as a mechanism of psychological control. Instead, the two forms of abuse interact in ways that can be unidirectional, bi-directional or simultaneous to develop and maintain an environment of fear and control and erode women's self-worth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a growing population of people from refugee backgrounds settling in Australia. They have often been forced to flee from their homes in violent circumstances and may have spent many years in refugee camps with poor health support. There are multiple barriers to their effective access to health services. Community engagement with this community can be tokenistic and difficult to effect. This paper highlights the importance of developing a meaningful strategy for community engagement that is not 'one-size-fits-all', which is achieved over time. There is a rich resource available to health practitioners if engagement with refugee-background communities is managed according to the set of trauma-informed and structural principles outlined in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Loneliness is an important health issue facing older people due to its association with poor quality of life and poor health outcomes. This paper aimed to clarify key issues around loneliness among older adults and draw attention to innovative programs and the translation of emerging research into practice. Loneliness is a mismatch between a person's actual and desired social connections, experienced as negative emotions. Older adults are vulnerable to loneliness because of changes associated with ageing. As such, identifying as older is often seen as a burden, negatively impacting self‐esteem, sense of purpose and relevance, culminating in loneliness. Interventions combatting loneliness can target individuals, relationships, communities or societies. We advocate for an intersectoral approach to support healthy ageing and reduce loneliness. This will require further research to evaluate new approaches with loneliness as the primary outcome, and additional funding to translate evidence into an integrated multi‐level approach to addressing loneliness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a systematic review that assessed the different types of mental health programs and interventions available for young people from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds in Australia, and identified core elements of practice for supporting the mental health of CALD youth, and key barriers that preclude CALD youth from engaging with mental health services. A total of 19 articles met inclusion criteria and a total of six distinct practices were identified: (1) personalization, identity and recognition of trauma; (2) creative expression; (3) cultural competence; (4) self-efficacy and empowerment; (5) social connections and relationships; and (6) information and content delivery. Key barriers related to engagement with CALD youth mental health programs included language and literacy barriers, stigma and shame, and service providers' limited cultural competency, and lack of diverse understandings of wellbeing. The findings from this review suggest several avenues for ensuring practice that effectively meets the unique mental health needs of CALD young people and reduces barriers to their access and engagement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Disability support systems have not consistently used family‐centered practices when supporting families of children with disability. Families have experienced structural and interpersonal barriers that have negatively impacted not only their child's quality of life, but also family quality of life (FQOL). The eight domains of QOL as defined by the International Association for the Scientific Study of Intellectual Disabilities [IASSID] are reflected in a family‐centered model of support developed for children and young people by Microboards Australia. The Microboards for Children [MB4C] model reflects best family centered practice based on principles that integrate well with recognised FQOL domains such as family relationships, support from other people and from disability‐related services, and leisure and enjoyment of life. The MB4C model aims to enhance families' knowledge, skills, confidence, and sense of wellbeing to support them develop a vision for an active, socially connected, and happy future with their child. The model consists of a structured network of formal and informal support to enhance not only their child or young person's personal relationships, social networks, and community inclusion but also to enable parents and siblings to access education, employment and to enjoy life in their community – all indicators of FQOL. In this paper we explore how these features of MB4C policies and practice align with family‐centered practice principles and with FQOL domains. We argue that the MB4C model provides an example of how FQOL may be enhanced by a holistic family‐centered disability service system that works in partnership with families with disability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is no literature to guide mental health nursing in bushfire‐affected communities. Using autoethnographic methods, the author reflects on his experience of mental health nursing during the Australian bushfires of 2019–20 and the challenges of identifying existing practice guidance. Applying an existing nursing model and insights from gestalt, he analyses his field notes to identify and describe practices which he found important and useful for working with bushfire‐affected persons and communities. Eight suggestions are provided to assist mental health nurses to practise in an informed way and promote recovery. This paper makes a contribution to a small body of existing mental health nursing research using autoethnographic methods, and it is the first contribution to the mental health nursing literature about working with bushfire‐affected persons and communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Terrorism has typically been considered an organized activity undertaken by networks of individuals who share a collective identity and purpose. In recent years, media, law enforcement and scholarly attention has increasingly focused on the construct of the lone actor terrorist. However, lone actor terrorism has suffered from significant conceptual confusion, particularly with regard to whether such actors actually radicalize and/or undertake acts of violence alone. In order to contribute to a more nuanced understanding of this emerging phenomenon, this paper analyzes five lone actor attacks perpetrated in Australia between September 2014 and the end of 2017. It examines what (if any) interpersonal relationships these lone actors had with others, along with the nature of such connections and any ideological or logistical support these individuals may have provided. A personal network design is used to visualize interpersonal relationships and explore the nature of such connections. The paper concludes by discussing implications for policy and practice, and for the construct of the lone actor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the boom of innovative technologies, information technologies in construction are getting enough attention, whereas construction technology implementation remains an undiscovered area. This paper explores the process of construction technology implementation, including the main activities, assessment criteria, and the mechanism through which it influences future technology purchase decisions. To achieve this purpose, 98 experienced practitioners from Australia and the United States were interviewed, and the process used by customers during technology adoption decisions was extracted in the form of thematic analysis. This paper presents an original framework including the key subprocesses of technology implementation describing the activities of customers and vendors, including operation commencement, maintenance set up, and assessment. In addition, the findings show that customers assess the implementation based on assessment criteria, including down time, interpersonal relationship, and technology operation quality. Comparison between the United States and Australia showed that rapport with the vendor is more important in large markets, whereas lead time and disposal are more important in remote markets. The findings contribute to the body of knowledge by validating a framework that incorporates both customer and vendor activities into a unique framework of three subprocesses. As for manufacturers, they can increase their competitive advantage by ensuring that their equipment has minimized downtime through swift provision of spare parts and maintenance information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents findings from the evaluation of an Australian trial of self‐managed home aged care. The self‐management model was codesigned by advocacy organisation COTA Australia, consumers and service providers. The primary aim of the evaluation was to examine whether self‐management improved consumers' perceptions of their choice, control, and wellbeing. The secondary aim was to examine whether provider prior experience with self‐managed packages significantly influenced consumers' perceptions of choice, control and wellbeing, thereby confounded trial effects. A pre‐test post‐test quasi‐experimental design and mixed‐methods design were used to collect data over nine months in 2018–2019. The pre‐trial methods and findings have been published. The post‐trial evaluation replicated the pre‐trial data collection method of an online survey (n = 60) and semi‐structured telephone interviews with consumers (n = 9), family carers (n = 13), and consumers and carers jointly (n = 2), totalling 24 interviews. Semi‐structured telephone interviews were also conducted with CEOs and senior managers from each of the seven providers (n = 14). Three providers had prior experience supporting self‐management. Parametric and non‐parametric tests examined the statistical data. Qualitative data were analysed thematically and framed according to self‐determination principles and ecological systems theory. Both datasets demonstrated that consumers reported greater choice and control at post‐trial than pre‐trial. This finding was not affected by providers' prior experience with self‐management; therefore, it was not a confounding factor. Participants reported improved wellbeing in interviews, however this was not reinforced statistically. Key desirable features of self‐management included greater autonomy and control over spending, recruiting support staff and paying lower administration fees. There was no evidence of increased risks or fraud. The research limitations included a small sample size, convenience sampling with providers recruiting interview participants, no control group and differences in trial implementation. The findings support the expansion of self‐management opportunities and more comprehensive evaluations that use mixed methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Informal caregiving for a person living with glioma can be both rewarding and multidimensionally challenging, given the potential for debilitating symptoms, cognitive impairment or personality changes, as early as diagnosis. There is growing evidence that, due to the demands of care, experiences and feelings of loneliness and isolation among informal caregivers are widespread, and opportunities for quality or meaningful social connectedness are lacking. While considerable research has quantified the causes and effects of loneliness and isolation in informal care contexts, the lived experience of loneliness has received relatively little attention. The aim of this study was to better understand the everyday experiences of a group of home‐based informal caregivers of people living with glioma in Queensland, Australia. Drawing on in‐depth interviews with 32 informal caregivers, purposively sampled, and recruited through a tertiary hospital, in this paper, we explore how the various experiences, demands, and social and relational dynamics in/of informal care (re)produce forms of isolation and loneliness. Using the framework approach to thematic analysis, we derived four themes: (a) the 'need' to be near the care recipient, and the implications for caregiver mobility; (b) the strong sense of responsibility for care, and the virtues of 'good' caring; (c) experiences of loneliness in the company of others and (d) postponement of social connection and minimising the self. The findings, we argue, are reflective of broader social and moral norms and expectations within experiences of home‐based informal care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Whilst research into the wide‐ranging needs of family members following traumatic brain injury (TBI) is well established, investigation into the specific needs of families in relation to supporting cognitive–communication difficulties, relationships and social participation is limited. Aims: To identify the family needs for cognitive‐communication difficulties following TBI and to explore whether current services are meeting these needs. Methods & Procedures: Following a successful pilot, family members from the UK and Australia were invited via posters, social media and e‐mail to take part in an anonymous, communication needs survey. Data arising from the thirty two closed questions (six eligibility, nine demographic and seventeen needs questions) were analysed using SPSS descriptive statistics. Data arising from one open question were analysed using qualitative content analysis. Outcomes & Results: A total of 102 family members from the UK (n = 89, 87%) and Australia (n = 13, 13%) completed the survey. The majority of respondents were female (n = 76; 75%), between the ages of 30 and 69 (n = 88; 87%), and either a parent or a partner of the person following TBI (n = 78;76%). Respondents rated information about expected recovery from cognitive‐communication difficulties and training in helpful strategies as their most important needs. The majority of respondents (more than 60%) were not satisfied that any of their cognitive–communication needs had been fully met and high levels of unmet need remained evident at three years or more post‐injury. Written information, communication partner training and counselling were identified as key supports. Conclusions & Implications: Families report high levels of unmet need for managing cognitive‐communication difficulties following TBI. Access to written information and communication partner training should be available to families at various time points following TBI and not just in the early stages. What this paper addsWhat is already known on this subjectAttempting to support a person who has cognitive‐communication difficulties following TBI has been found to be highly burdensome for family members. However, few studies have asked how families perceive their needs in relation to cognitive‐communication difficulties or measured how well current services are meeting their needs.What this paper adds to existing knowledgeThis study demonstrates that current speech and language therapy services are not yet meeting the needs of the relatives of individuals with cognitive‐communication difficulties following TBI. Important insights into the information, training and support families' rate as important are identified in addition to how these needs develop over time.What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?Speech and language therapy service design requires to reflect the ongoing nature of familial needs for cognitive‐communication difficulties following TBI. Families require access to appropriate literature, speech and language therapy support, and communication partner training in the longer term, not just in the acute phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

People with an intellectual disability experience a protective regime when it comes to their sexuality. Families, carers, services and others mediate their experiences and act as gatekeepers through policies and practices that focus on the regulation and management of sexuality. Sex education has traditionally been 'for' people with intellectual disabilities provided 'by' health professionals, teachers and other professions who position themselves as experts with the power to shape the sex education, information and learning opportunities that people with an intellectual disability access. This paper presents an alternative programme developed in collaboration with people with intellectual disabilities, which uses the stories of people with an intellectual disability and is facilitated by people with intellectual disabilities as peer educators. Crip theory rejects approaches to understanding the disability experience that privilege particular characteristics of disability experience over others including cognition. This paper argues this idea can offer a 'way in' for people with intellectual disabilities to research, debate and progress sexual rights within the current sexual rights vacuum in international law and policy. The paper demonstrates how an Australian peer education programme provides a liberating sex education for those involved through a focus on rights and use of peer education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Ensuring sufficient qualified and experienced managers is difficult for public sector healthcare organisations in Australia, with a limited labour market and competition with the private sector for talented staff. Although both competency-based management and talent management have received empirical support in association with individual and organisational performance, there have been few studies exploring these concepts in the public healthcare sector. This study addresses this gap by exploring the perceived differences in demonstration of core competencies between average and higher-performing managers in public sector healthcare organisations. Methods: Mixed methods were used to define and measure a set of competencies for health service managers. In addition, supervisors of managers were asked to identify the differences in competence between the average and high-performing managers reporting to them. Results: Supervisors could clearly distinguish between average and higher-performing managers and identified related competencies. Conclusions: The consistent pattern of competence among community health and hospital public sector managers demonstrated by this study could be used to develop a strategic approach to talent management for the public healthcare sector in Australia. What is known about this topic?: Although there are validated competency frameworks for health service managers, they are rarely used in practice in Australia. What does this paper add?: This paper illustrates the perceived differences in competencies between top and average health services managers using a validated framework. What are the implications for practitioners?: The public health sector could work together to provide a more effective and efficient approach to talent management for public hospitals and community health services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Research into parents' experiences of living with a family member with intellectual disability and challenging behaviour does not specifically address what parents say about themselves and their lives. This paper explores "I-statements" parents made about their day-to-day actions in life with their family member. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 26 parents, of which 91% were mothers. "I-statements" were analysed using process analysis from systemic functional linguistics and thematic analysis. Results: "I-statements" showed that parents enacted a range of complex and sometimes extreme activities across a variety of life domains. Parents spoke about: managing relationships with services; educating themselves and others; seeking support; resisting poor service delivery; assisting others; and making both small and significant changes. Conclusion: The paper provided insights into the complex lives of these families and offered observations on the implications of the potential misalignment between the supports the data suggests are needed and those that, in reality, are available to them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This literature review presents a critical appraisal of the dominant approaches toward the sexuality and relationships of people with acquired brain injury. In particular, we sought to identify and review existing programs focusing on sexuality and relationships which use an educational and/or peer–peer approach. A systematic and comprehensive search of the EBSCOHOST database was conducted within an unlimited time-frame to yield the highest number of relevant results possible, along with hand-searching of key journals and databases. Reports, papers and webpages, documents commonly referred to as 'grey literature' that are not published in peer-reviewed journals, were also hand searched as a part of this review. The database search yielded 862 results, 14 of which were found to be relevant to our research interests. All of the sexuality education programs identified in this review were experienced positively by participants, families, caregivers, and professionals working with people with acquired brain injury. No peer–peer sexuality and relationships programs were identified. However, we found strong support for the use of peer–peer approaches in other programs for people with acquired brain injury. This literature review provides strong support for the development peer–peer sexuality and relationships programs for people with acquired brain injury. However, any future programs would have to overcome the limitations of existing sexuality and relationships programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the wake of COVID-19 restrictions and lockdowns in the southern states of Australia, many community music and music therapy projects shifted to an online format. This paper discusses the formation and creation of four online music groups aimed at people with disability, including two groups for children and two for adults. The aim of the study was to explore the use of online technologies to support social inclusion and wellbeing when participants were physically isolated. This study positioned group participants as co-researchers to recognize the expertise many people with disability hold from being housebound or socially isolated. We adopted an action research framework in which participants provided ongoing reflections on the use of technology, access, musical foci and social interaction to iteratively develop the sessions through cycles of reflexive action. These data were triangulated with data collected through participant observation and individual interviews. The structured format of the sessions created online spaces for people with different disability, age and gender identities to explore their creativity together. Far from limiting participants' autonomy and safety, the structured setting promoted their agency in decision-making and shaping the groups to meet their needs. Many participants interacted with the group or adapted to the online experiences in ways which the authors had not anticipated. While we were expecting our cohort to have expertise with social isolation, we found that they also had high levels of expertise as passionate musicians, which they used to frame the activities of the online gatherings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Complex Audio Visual Emotion Assessment Task (CAVEAT) is a measure of emotion recognition using dynamic, naturalistic videos to assess recognition of 22 different emotional states (11 positive, 11 negative). It has established construct validity and demonstrated sensitivity to emotion perception impairments in those with moderate-severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). Despite this, its lengthy administration has limited its use in clinical practice and rehabilitation. The current paper aimed to develop shortened versions of the CAVEAT and examine their psychometric properties. The CAVEAT-S A and CAVEAT-S B (22 items each) and the CAVEAT-S AB (44 items) were developed using the original data. Comparability, reliability, construct and predictive validity were examined in the original sample (Study 1: 32 people with TBI and 32 demographically matched control participants) and a replication sample (Study 2: 18 adults with TBI and 21 demographically matched controls). All short forms produced comparable accuracy ratings to the full measure, as well as discriminating between people with or without a TBI. Shortened forms all correlated with other measures of emotion perception and social cognition and also predicted psychosocial outcomes in terms of self-reported interpersonal relationships. Internal reliability of the short forms was low relative to the longer forms, especially for the two very short measures. The new shortened forms of the CAVEAT are promising tools that are sensitive and valid for assessing emotion perception in people with TBI for clinical purposes. Their application in other clinical disorders is yet to be examined. Emotion perception deficits are present in many clinical populations and an important target for rehabilitation. CAVEAT Short provides ecologically valid emotional stimuli. Such stimuli are important for assessing real world function and to set rehabilitation targets. By having parallel versions of CAVEAT, there is the opportunity to test pre and post intervention while minimising practice effects. Alternatively, one version of CAVEAT-S can be used for assessment, while the other is used for training purposes during remediation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background While inclusive research has become an important stream in research with people with intellectual disabilities, there is a tension between the possibly empowering research process and the strength of the research itself to make social change happen. In this paper, we explore the contribution of two inclusive qualitative research studies in Australia and the Republic of Ireland to change in policy and legislation. Materials and methods Both studies used qualitative methods including life stories and focus groups to explore the issue of sexuality and relationships. In both studies, people with intellectual disabilities were actively involved in undertaking the research. Results Both studies revealed that it was difficult for people with intellectual disabilities to express their sexuality openly or to form adult relationships. Conclusions Both studies were used by people with intellectual disabilities and their supporters to promote change in which they had a heard voice. Accessible Abstract This paper is about how people with intellectual disabilities and their supporters can use research which they have done to change policies and laws that affect them. When people with intellectual disabilities are doing research it is called inclusive research.We write about two research studies which were about the sexual lives and relationships of people with intellectual disabilities. One research study was in Australia and one was in the Republic of Ireland.In the Australian study, Living Safer Sexual Lives, 25 people with intellectual disabilities told their life stories and talked about sexuality and relationships.In the Irish study people with intellectual disabilities told life stories and talked with other people with intellectual disabilities about their sexuality and relationships in groups. These are called focus groups.In this paper we explore 4 questions that arose from these studies. Question 1. What impact does doing research have on the people who are involved in it? People with intellectual disabilities in Australia were members of the group that guided the research. They were partners in its design, in deciding what questions should be asked about sexuality and relationships., and thinking about what was found out. They became involved in making films about the study. They learned a lot about research, sexuality and relationships and became members of a government committee to change policy about sexuality and people with disabilities. In Ireland people with intellectual disabilities involved in doing the research talked together about their lives. They then talked with 16 groups of people with intellectual disabilities about their relationships and sexuality. They learned about research and about sexuality and developed plays about their experiences., Question 2. To what extent can inclusive research change policy and practice? In Australia the research led to a change in government policy about sexuality and people with disabilities. The new policy clearly stated people with disabilities had rights to relationships and to a sexual life. It set out rights and responsibilities for people with intellectual disabilities and service providers about relationships and sexuality. It took a long time to get a change in policy and people with intellectual disabilities were part of the getting the change to happen. In Ireland there is a law which says that it is illegal to have some forms of sex with people with intellectual disabilities. From the research people with intellectual disabilities became involved in talking with government about changing this law so that it gives them more rights to a sexual life. The law has not changed yet but the voices of people with intellectual disabilities are now being heard., Question 3 When does research shift into being advocacy? How does this happen? People with intellectual disabilities in both studies became advocates to get change to happen. Partly this was because they had become more 'expert' about sexuality and relationships and the policy and law. They were angry at what they had found out in the research and wanted to get change to happen., Question 4 What added value does including people with intellectual disabilities as researchers give to the research? People with intellectual disabilities had knowledge and experience that made it possible for the research in both Australia and Ireland to happen. They were important in how the research was done and what was done with it after it was finished. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indigenous peoples throughout the world, despite being known to suffer from increased risk of stroke and traumatic brain injury (TBI), are marginalised in terms of access to rehabilitation services and have poorer health outcomes than non-indigenous peoples. Speech-language pathology services for indigenous people with aphasia have rarely been discussed in either clinical or research fora in this field, with few guidelines available for clinicians when working with indigenous clients, families, and communities. Exploiting the broad input gathered through the collective problem-solving of a focus group, the paper integrates the input of a group of practitioners and researchers at an international roundtable held in 2016 to generate a "declaration" of issues that need to be addressed regarding aphasia services for indigenous clients with aphasia. The paper aims to promote a transformative approach to service delivery that is driven by decolonizing attitudes and practices, and acknowledges historical, sociopolitical, linguistic, and family contexts as a framework for understanding indigenous clients with aphasia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we aim to contribute to a growing body of literature that explores the affective geographies of young people's internal migration decisions using mobilities/immobilities as our conceptual framework. As such, our focus is not only on why young people choose to leave their hometowns but also why some choose to stay. By paying attention to young people's experiences of being away, we also shed light on why some young people choose to return to regional areas having left for a time. In emphasising the affective, material, and embodied dimensions of these experiences, the affordances of rural and urban places are also brought to light. Fifty young people aged between 18 and 34 years from three regional Australian towns took part in the study by participating in semi‐structured interviews. Qualitative findings indicate that the internal migration decisions of these regional young people were predominantly affective. We demonstrate how bodies were affected by the particularities of place – including materialities and relations with human and non‐humans – that worked to connect or unify bodies, evoking feelings of inclusion and security. We discuss how the affective atmospheres of places pushed into and onto bodies, making them feel dislocated or oppressed, and the way that places worked to push bodies out through the embodied experience of difference. The participants in our study emphasised the dilemma of these affective pushes and pulls, where feelings of belonging, or longing for home or country had to be negotiated, reconsidered, and re‐worked in relation to the unfolding of place. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper will explore the clinical application of tracking sequences in family therapy with a particular focus on Bowen family systems theory. It considers how sequences can be used to track the emotional process occurring in relationship interactions, and the similarities and differences of a Bowen theory‐informed approach compared with dialectical behaviour therapy and both classic and contemporary family therapy models. Case examples are utilised from the author's clinical practice to raise ideas about the therapist joining the client as a co‐researcher in this exercise and facilitating a process that helps assist the client develop their own self‐awareness and problem‐solving resources in the context of their relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports on findings of the Sex Ed Dads survey which sought Australian fathers' perspectives on communicating with their young children about relationships and sexuality, as informal sexuality educators. Given the majority of existing family-based sexuality education research draws on the experiences of mothers, gaining insights from fathers is a much needed first step in designing resources to support paternal engagement in sexuality education. A diverse sample of 612 Australian fathers completed an online survey about their views on sexuality education and their role within it. Participating fathers valued sexuality education for their children and believed that their own informal contribution to its provision was important. Fathers reported high levels of comfort discussing a wide range of topics with their child at the age they deemed appropriate, although a gap between what fathers believed they should discuss and what they actually discussed was found. Findings offer insights for schools, resource developers and sexuality education providers seeking to support increased engagement of fathers in the sexuality education domain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Currently, there are no self‐management resources in Australia that support both Chinese immigrant patients affected by cancer and their caregivers. This paper reports on the development and acceptability assessment of a self‐management intervention (WeCope) in terms of its scope, social and cultural relevance and sensitivity. Methods: Using a community participatory approach in this qualitative study, patients, caregivers and community members took part in semi‐structured focus groups or interviews in Cantonese, Mandarin or English to develop and provide feedback on the acceptability of 'WeCope'. Content analysis was performed on the transcripts using inductive (codes) and deductive (themes and categories) methods. Results: Patients (n = 17), caregivers (n = 10) and community members (n = 2) participated. Four themes were developed, guided by the framework of cultural sensitivity in interventions: (1) content preference and satisfaction; (2) perceived usefulness and usability; (3) cultural relevance and acceptability; and (4) layout and presentation. Participants most commonly wanted more information about treatment‐related issues (n = 14) and available support services (n = 14). Conclusion: Chinese patients and caregivers expressed overall satisfaction with the WeCope resource and provided suggestions for improvement, including provision of more treatment‐related information and contact details for available support while reducing the overall resource length. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identification of factors which influence health after a cardiovascular disease (CVD) event will assist with reducing the high health and economic burden of CVD. We undertook a systematic review to investigate the association between social health (lower social isolation, higher social support and lower loneliness) and health and well‐being after a CVD event among people living in Australia and New Zealand. Four electronic databases were systematically searched until June 2020. Two reviewers undertook title/abstract screen. One reviewer undertook full‐text screen and data extraction. A second author either independently extracted or checked data. Narrative thematic analysis was undertaken. Of the 752 unique records retrieved, 39 papers from 29 studies met our inclusion criteria. Included studies recruited between 10 and 1,455 participants, aged 12–96 years, and the majority were male. Greater social health was consistently associated with better mental health outcomes (lower depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms and psychological distress). Lower social isolation and higher social support were associated with the extent to which patient needs were being met. Living situation was not associated with mental health outcomes, and being married or living with someone was associated with greater medication adherence. Our systematic review demonstrates that greater social health is associated with better mental health outcomes and met patient needs among cardiac patients. As partner status and living status did not align with social isolation and social support findings in this review, we recommend they not be used as social health proxies when assessing health outcomes among CVD patients. Our review highlights the need for more research focused on women and the importance of gender‐disaggregated reporting. Further assessment is required to evaluate whether loneliness is associated with health and well‐being outcomes after a CVD event. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Within the National Rugby League (NRL), the elite competition body across Australia & New Zealand, clubs are mandated to report concerns to the NRL Integrity Unit for possible misconduct, on or off the field. This includes returning a positive illicit drug test leading to players needing to attend counseling that promotes behavioral change; ranging from alcohol and other drugs usage, mental health issues, anger management and family work. This paper strives to understand the purpose of psychological support and interventions as a reflective case study across professional rugby league settings, whilst looking at the role of counseling theories and practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose Collective motives for alcohol consumption represent a nascent field, with individual-level attributes, peer pressure and broad-level environmental elements being at the forefront of research. The purpose of this paper is to explore the role of friendships in the context of alcohol consumption and determine what group-level motives exist for alcohol consumption.Design/methodology/approach Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 participants aged 18–30, these discussed the role the participant's friendship group played in alcohol consumption and helped to elucidate what collective and group-level motives existed.Findings Group-level motives can steer a collective's alcohol consumption by either endorsing it or degrading it, the findings revealed four group-level motives: these were, competition, conformity, hedonism, with opportunity cost receptiveness acting as a buffer.Research limitations/implications The small sample and qualitative nature of the study means external validity still needs to be established to generalize the research to other audiences.Practical implications By unpacking group-level motives researchers can develop group-level strategies and match specialized interventions with the right priority group.Originality/value This paper is the first to address group-level motives for alcohol consumption and makes an important contribution to understanding how group-level factors can impact individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to investigate how accounting and supply function specialists shape controls in collaborative supply networks (CSNs) and how both might co-evolve. Design/methodology/approach - This paper is a case study of an Australian metal manufacturer ("SteelBiz") and its CSN is conducted. Findings - The paper finds changes in both trust vis-a-vis formal controls and in intra-organisational supply-accounting relations occurred in a mutually constructive manner. At SteelBiz, a shift to formal controls occurred due to the efforts of the accounting function in contesting organisational visibility. Overall, both intra- and inter-organisational relations were found to co-evolve. Research limitations/implications - The limitations of the paper include: an empirical examination of buyer organisations only; a focus on intra-organisational issues between functional specialists to the relative exclusion of both more "macro" trends and inter-personal relationships; and the limited generalisability associated with the methodology chosen. Future research should consider both buyer and supplier organisations and whether the "disciplinary alignments" observed here are reflective of more enduring patterns.Originality/value - The contributions of this paper are two-fold. First, the paper attempts to fill a gap in the literature pertaining to how intra-organisational relations might influence network controls. Furthermore, the few studies that do exist describe the "intra-inter"dynamic as uni-directional only, whereas this paper reveals how both mutually constitute the other. Second, complexities into the trust-formal control relationship are revealed while it is proposed that as CSN relations develop, process-based mechanisms become more important than other relationship-sustaining devices, with the trust-formal control dynamic dependent on ongoing negotiation and information as moblised by intra-organisational participants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social research with people living with HIV (PLHIV) rarely distinguishes between gay men and bisexual men. However, bisexual men may have unique experiences of HIV-related stigma and distinct support needs. In this paper, findings are presented from a cross-sectional survey of Australian PLHIV, which included the Berger (HIV) stigma scale. A total of 872 PLHIV completed the survey, of which 48 (6.0%) were bisexual men. Bisexual men reported higher levels of internalised HIV-related stigma, greater negative self-image and poorer emotional wellbeing than gay men. Bisexual men also reported less social support, less connection with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) communities, and less connection with other PLHIV. Analysis of data from an open-text question revealed feelings of social isolation and fear of rejection was associated with participant's HIV diagnosis. Study findings suggest that existing social supports for PLHIV may not adequately address the unique support needs of bisexual men. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As research has shown, the interactional practice of getting acquainted in initial encounters can play a crucial role in the construction of interpersonal relationships. This exploratory paper focusses on one aspect of the getting acquainted discourse, i.e. how conversational openings are constructed in dyadic and multi-party interactions between previously unacquainted interlocutors. These interactions are examined in a specific context – the launch night episode of the reality television gameshow Big Brother Australia 2012. The findings indicate that, while some conversational openings follow the canonical structure, including preference for self-identification, in most conversational openings in our data, the interactants tend to request other-identification, which, importantly, is not treated as problematic. In addition, this study further confirms that introducing sequences are discursively constructed as essential in conversational openings. This becomes visible when the lack of identification at an early stage is treated as problematic by the interlocutors who orient to resuming or initiating introducing, whether prompted or unprompted, while engaging in the first instances of getting acquainted. • This paper explores how conversational openings are constructed in interaction. • This paper analyses dyadic and multi-party interactions in a reality television gameshow. • Interactants tend to request other-identification, not offer self-identification. • Introducing sequences are essential in conversational openings while getting acquainted. • Lack of self-identification is treated as problematic by interlocutors, and if missing, is resumed at a later stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose : Drawing on survey data ( N = 7,826) collected in the United Kingdom, Australia, and the United States, this paper examines whether sexual orientation is a differentiating factor in explaining relationship quality and maintenance. Previous research suggests that sexual orientation is not significant in determining relationship satisfaction; however, these analyses have used traditional variable driven approaches, which do not provide an holistic view of the relationship by considering the unique combination of characteristics. Method : In this study, latent profile analyses were used, which is a person-centered approach that allows for identification of different types of long-term relationships. Results : Data suggested that LGB individuals had marginally higher levels of relationship quality compared to their heterosexual counterparts, and sexual orientation was also associated with differing types of long-term relationships. Discussion : These findings are interrogated in more detail, in particular, how sexual orientation is associated with types of long-term relationships and how everyday practices are associated with relationship quality.

Purpose:In 2013, the Australian Government Senate formed a committee for inquiry and report into the prevalence of speech, language, and communication disorders and speech pathology services in Australia. Submissions were sought from individuals and organisations. In this paper, submissions made by individuals with a history of childhood communication disorder were examined to explore their life experiences and the impact on their lives when the right to communicate could not be enacted. Method:There were 305 submissions to the Australian Government Senate Committee Inquiry, of which 288 were publically accessible. In this study, the submissions (n = 17) from children or adults with a history of communication disorder (including speech, language and stuttering), who provided personal accounts of their experiences, were analysed using an interpretative phenomenological approach. Result:Four themes emerged relating to: personal identity, life with communication disorder, the importance of help, and how life would be different without a communication disorder. Conclusions:This paper gives voice to children and adults with communication disorder. In listening to these voices, the impact of communication disorder on the right to communicate and on other human rights can be heard, and the need for a response is clear. However, the challenge is to determine how the voices of these individuals, and others like them, can be enabled to exert real influence on practice and policy so communication disorder will no longer be a barrier to attainment of their human rights. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationships between clinicians’ and managers’ risk aversion and a range of variables related to the implementation of the Collaborative Recovery Model (CRM). Positive risk taking is an integral component of the recovery process. Clinicians’ risk aversion has the potential to negatively impact on their implementation of recovery-oriented practices. The CRM provides an evidence-based framework to assist consumers to participate in the recovery process. However, there is a need for research to clarify the factors related to recovery that have impact on managers’ and clinicians’ risk aversion, and ultimately on implementation of recovery practices.Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional survey assessed clinicians’ (n=174) and managers’ (n=48) risk aversion and their self-reported learning experiences, commitment to using CRM, goal setting attitudes and CRM implementation behaviour.Findings Clinicians who reported more risk aversion were significantly more likely to report positive attitudes towards goal setting. Stepwise regression revealed that training experiences, goal setting attitudes and commitment to CRM significantly predicted an increase in CRM implementation. Over and above this, risk aversion predicted a small but significant increase in the self-reported use of CRM. Managers experienced significantly less risk aversion than clinicians, with a negative relationship between risk aversion and commitment to CRM principles.Originality/value This paper suggests that clinicians’ risk aversion impacts upon their implementation of the CRM, with managers less risk averse than clinicians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drawing from a programme of applied research engaging with diverse groups of young people in an urban setting in Australia, this paper explores the peace building potential of facilitated storytelling. In this study ‘co-performative refugee storytelling’ involved scaling up narrative practices with the intention of creating city spaces that are more meaningfully inclusive of young people from refugee backgrounds. This model hinges on the theories of urban philosophers who emphasized the role of the imagination, and of cultural activity, in producing public space as a site of resistance. If space is produced relationally, and if cultural activity is an important medium for the production of relational space, then the role of artists and storytellers becomes a critical one in the creation of city spaces that are either welcoming or alienating. This discussion weaves strands of urban and cultural philosophy into a practical model for mobilizing collective storytelling to support a practice where a cosmopolitan imaginary can be publicly rehearsed. Ultimately, the function of this paper is to establish that if, as cultural practitioners, we understand that ‘co-performative refugee storytelling’ has the potential to produce relational spaces, then we may put this imaginary to use in practical ways. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background: Interpersonal racism has had a profound impact on Indigenous populations globally, manifesting as negative experiences and discrimination at an individual, institutional and systemic level. Interpersonal racism has been shown to negatively influence a range of health outcomes but has received limited attention in the context of oral health. The aim of this paper was to examine the effects of experiences of interpersonal racism on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among Indigenous South Australians. Methods: Data were sourced from a large convenience sample of Indigenous South Australian adults between February 2018 and January 2019. Questionnaires were used to collect data on sociodemographic characteristics, cultural values, utilization of dental services, and other related factors. OHRQoL was captured using the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) questionnaire. We defined the dependent variable 'poor OHRQoL' as the presence of one or more OHIP-14 items rated as 'very often' or 'fairly often'. Experiences of racism were recorded using the Measure of Indigenous Racism Experiences instrument. Interpersonal racism was classified into two categories ('no racism' vs 'any racism in ≥ 1 setting') and three categories ('no racism', 'low racism' (experienced in 1–3 settings), and 'high racism' (experienced in 4–9 settings)). Logistic regression was used to examine associations between interpersonal racism, covariates and OHRQoL, adjusting for potential confounding related to socioeconomic factors and access to dental services. Results: Data were available from 885 participants (88.7% of the total cohort). Overall, 52.1% reported experiencing any interpersonal racism in the previous 12 months, approximately one-third (31.6%) were classified as experiencing low racism, and one-fifth (20.5%) experienced high racism. Poor OHRQoL was reported by half the participants (50.2%). Relative to no experiences of racism in the previous 12 months, those who experienced any racism (≥ 1 setting) were significantly more likely to report poor OHRQoL (Odds Ratio (OR): 1.43; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.08–1.92), after adjusting for age, education level, possession of an income-tested health care card, car ownership, self-reported oral health status, timing of and reason for last dental visit, not going to a dentist because of cost, and having no family support. This was particularly seen among females, where, relative to males, the odds of having poor OHRQoL among females experiencing racism were 1.74 times higher (95% CI: 1.07–2.81). Conclusion: Our findings indicate that the experience of interpersonal racism has a negative impact on OHRQoL among Indigenous Australians. The association persisted after adjusting for potential confounding factors. Identifying this link adds weight to the importance of addressing OHRQoL among South Australian's Indigenous population by implementing culturally-sensitive strategies to address interpersonal racism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper aims to examine the relationship between migrants' psychological well-being and the extent to which they keep in touch with people in their country of origin. Design/methodology/approach: An online survey completed by 1,328 Australian migrants from 4 cultural groups (Anglo, Southern Asian, Confucian Asian and other European) assessed 2 facets of well-being, namely, flourishing and psychological distress and the use of 3 modes of online communication, namely, social media, messaging services and phone/video services. Findings: Overall, keeping in touch with family and friends in their country of origin was associated with more flourishing and less distress amongst migrants. Nonetheless, the preferred modes of communication and how those usages relate with well-being varied considerably across cultural groups. In the Anglo group, communicating through messaging and phone/video services was associated with lower distress and communicating in all modes was associated with higher flourishing. Furthermore, the latter link was accounted for by having a meaningful conversation. Originality/value: These findings suggest that the psychological well-being of migrant populations may be supported by an understanding of the distinct roles played by specific communication modes that are used to stay in touch with family and friends back home. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sexual difficulties (SD) are common among men of all ages and can have considerable impact on quality of life and indications for future health. SD are associated with mental and physical wellbeing and with relationship satisfaction, yet they are rarely discussed with medical professionals who are often ill equipped to assess and manage them. This paper provides an updated overview on the status of SD in Australian men from 18 to 55 years of age and will form a baseline comparison for future analyses of SD based on Ten to Men data.Methods: We used data from Ten to Men, the Australian Longitudinal Study on Male Health. SD was measured using eight items capturing specific sexual difficulties. We examined associations of a range of health and lifestyle factors (smoking, alcohol consumption, illicit drug use, obesity and new sexual partners, self-rated health status, disability, pain medication, diagnosed physical and mental health conditions) with each SD using logistic regression. The sample included 12,636 adult males who had previously been sexually active. Analysis was stratified by age (18-34 years versus 35-55 years).Results: This paper shows that experiencing SD is relatively common among Australian men - overall half the sample (54 %; 95 % CI: 0.53-0.55) experienced at least one SD for more than 3 months over the past 12 months. While more common in older men aged 45 to 55 years, almost half the 18 to 24 year old men (48 %) also reported at least one SD highlighting that SD affects men of all ages. We found that SDs were associated with both lifestyle and health factors, although the strongest associations were observed for health factors in both age groups, in particular poor self-rated health, having a disability and at least one mental health condition. Lifestyle factors associated with SDs in men of all ages included smoking, harmful alcohol consumption and drug use in the past 12 months. Obesity was only associated with an increased rate of SD in men aged 35 to 55 years.Conclusion: Sexual difficulties are common among men of all ages and increasingly more prevalent as men grow older. They are strongly associated with both health and lifestyle factors. With previous literature showing that SDs can be a precursor of an underlying or developing physical and mental health condition, it is imperative that sexual health and sexual functioning is discussed with a doctor as part of a standard health check and across the lifespan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Men's sheds are a community-based organisation that allows a space for a community of men to interact and engage with one another with hands-on activities. As such, men's sheds form an appropriate setting to deliver health and wellbeing initiatives. This review aims to understand the role of Australian men's sheds with respect to the health and wellbeing of their male participants. This review was conducted in accordance with the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis (PRISMA) following a three-step process of planning, conducting, and reporting the review. All three authors reviewed all the eligible articles. There was significant methodological heterogeneity between the sources identified (n = 11). A narrative synthesis identified three key themes: health promotion, wellbeing, and socialisation; intergenerational mentoring; and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men's health. Men's sheds serve as ideal locations for the delivery of initiatives that can positively impact on the health and wellbeing of their male participants. Furthermore, research is needed to explore the implementation and evaluation of these health and wellbeing initiatives for men in their respective communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]