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Background: This qualitative study explored the attitudes and experiences of Hong Kong Chinese parents/carers relating to the sexual needs of their child with intellectual disabilities. Methods: Semi‐structured interviews were conducted in Hong Kong with seven parents/carers applying Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis to explore their experiences of and attitudes towards the sexual needs of their adult child with intellectual disabilities. Findings: Data revealed three salient variations in participants' attitudes towards the child's sexual needs: concern, reluctance and prohibition. Participants' anxiety about discussing sexuality was evident. Most participants further displayed a layer of feeling that combined 'love' and 'grief'. Based on Goffman's dramaturgical perspective, participants exhibited front stage and back stage behaviours that are believed to be strongly influenced by stigmatisation and collectivist culture. Conclusion: Various levels of intervention to reduce stigma are identified and discussed. This study also highlighted the role of caring professionals in generating awareness of the cultural impact on the family and the need to carefully address the subtle feelings experienced by family members with intellectual disabilities. Accessible summary: People with intellectual disabilities experience physical changes and wide‐ranging sexual expression. Their parents are among the most important influences on the development of their sexuality.This study investigated the experiences and attitudes in Hong Kong of parents/carers with an adult child with intellectual disabilities regarding their child's sexuality.We considered what mattered most to parents/carers in three areas: They have had less concern with sexuality, they were hesitant to talk about sex, and were not allowing their adult child with intellectual disabilities to have sex or romantic relationships. Parents/carers were also anxious about discussing sexuality and displayed feelings that combined 'love' and 'grief'.Stigma should be reduced. Caring professionals should also be aware of the cultural factors that impact the feelings of people with intellectual disabilities and their parents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Wave forced impacts are known to result in cervical spine injuries (CSI) and approximately 20% of drownings in Australia occur at the beach. The most common mechanism of injury in studies examining the frequency of CSI in drowning patients is shallow water diving. The aim of the present study was to determine what proportion of CSIs occurring in bodies of water experienced a concomitant drowning injury in a location where wave forced impacts are likely to be an additional risk factor. Methods: Electronic medical records at the Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service EDs, Queensland Ambulance Service case records and Surf Life Saving Queensland data between 1 January 2015 and 21 April 2021 were manually linked. Outcomes recorded included victim demographics, scene information, hospital course and patient disposition. Results: Ninety-one of 574 (15.9%) CSIs occurred in a body of water with risk of drowning. However, only 4 (4.3%) had a simultaneous drowning injury, representing 0.8% (4/483) of drowning presentations. Ten (10.9%) patients reported loss of consciousness, including the four with drowning. The principal mechanism of CSI was a wave forced impact (71/91, 78%). Most injuries occurred at the beach (79/91, 86.8%). Delayed presentation was common (28/91, 31%). A history of axial loading was 100% sensitive when indicating imaging. Conclusions: The combination of CSI and drowning is uncommon. Cervical spine precautions are only required in drowning patients with signs or a history, or at high risk of, axial loading of the spine. This paper supports the move away from routine cervical spine precautions even in a high-risk population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To focus on the needs, challenges and opportunities to improve access to cardiac rehabilitation (CR) (Heart: Road to health [HRH]) for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in rural and remote (R&R) areas of North Queensland. Context: It is known that there is insufficient access to HRH for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in R&R areas of NQ, who have the highest rates of heart disease and socioeconomic disadvantage mainly due to poor social determinants of health. However, at least in part due to the impact of colonialism and predominantly western medicalised approach to health care, few gains have been made. Approach: This commentary draws on recent research and literature and reflects on cultural issues that impact on improving access to an HRH for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in R&R areas. The underutilisation of the skills of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers (ATSIHW) and a lack of a defined process to ensure access to culturally responsive HRH are discussed. Finally, a way forward is proposed that includes the development of policies, pathways and guidelines to ensure that appropriate support is available in the client's home community. Conclusion: It is proposed that culturally responsive, accessible and effective HRH is achievable through the reorientation of current health systems that include a continuous client‐centred pathway from hospital to home. In this model, ATSIHW will take a lead or partnership role in which their clinical, cultural brokerage and health promotion skills are fully utilised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Staff members' views can have a significant impact on sexuality issues of people with intellectual disabilities. Research on the impact of sociocultural factors in this area in the Chinese context is sparse. Methods: Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with seven professionals (social worker, nurse, life skills trainer and manager) to explore their experiences of and attitudes towards the sexual needs of people with intellectual disabilities by applying interpretative phenomenological analysis. Results: The study identified two major themes, each with two sub‐themes: 1. Professional handling of the sexual needs of people with intellectual disabilities (sex education and intervention); 2. Barriers (incompatible approaches and parental resistance). Participants also experienced feelings of resignation facing the barriers they encountered. Collectivism and cultural view about sex are potentially the influencing factors. Conclusion: This study highlights the need to adopt an evidence‐based sex education programme whose content and delivery should take account of cultural factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To address access to cardiac rehabilitation (CR) for people in R&R areas, this research aimed to investigate: (1) post discharge systems and support for people returning home from hospital following treatment for heart disease (HD). (2) propose changes to improve access to CR in R&R areas of NQ. Setting: Four focus communities in R&R areas of NQ. Participants: Focus communities' health staff (resident/visiting) (57), community leaders (10) and community residents (44), discharged from hospital in past 5 years following treatment for heart disease (purposeful sampling). Design: A qualitative descriptive case study, with data collection via semi‐structured interviews. Inductive/deductive thematic analysis was used to identify primary and secondary themes. Health service audit of selected communities. Results: Health services in the focus communities included multipurpose health services, and primary health care centres staffed by resident and visiting staff that included nurses, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers, medical officers, and allied health professionals. Post‐discharge health care for people with HD was predominantly clinical. Barriers to CR included low referrals to community‐based health professions by discharging hospitals; poorly defined referral pathways; lack of guidelines; inadequate understanding of holistic, multidisciplinary CR by health staff, community participants and leaders; limited centre‐based CR services; lack of awareness, or acceptance of telephone support services. Conclusion: To address barriers identified for CR in R&R areas, health care systems' revision, including development of referral pathways to local health professionals, CR guidelines and in‐service education, is required to developing a model of care that focuses on self‐management and education: Heart: Road to Health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To explore rural motor vehicle collision (MVC) fatalities by trends over time, mode of transport, age, state, sex, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander status. Design: A retrospective total population‐based time series was conducted using the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) death registration data. Setting: All statistical local area (SLA) within Australia from 2006 to 2017. Participants: Australian residents whose deaths were registered with the ABS between 01 January 2006 and 31 December 2017 where the underlying cause of death was related to unintentional transport accidents. Main outcome measures: Fatality rates were determined using population data collected from the 2006, 2011 and 2016 census. Trends over time by rurality were analysed by financial year. Rates of transport deaths by vehicle type were determined by rurality. Risk ratios were calculated to compare demographic groups based on sex, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander status and age. A 3‐year scorecard was organised by state and rurality using 99.7% confidence intervals. Results: Motor vehicle collision fatalities increase with increasing remoteness. Females, children from 0 to 14 years, pedestrians, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are at a significantly higher risk of fatal MVCs than their respective metropolitan counterparts. The 3‐year scorecard indicates that road fatality rates in the NT, WA, and all rural and remote areas required immediate attention and targeted action. Conclusions: There is a need for investment in MVC fatality prevention in rural Australia from inner regional to remote areas in order to meet the road safety targets established by the National Road Safety Strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess implementation of in‐patient cardiac rehabilitation (Phase‐1‐cardiac rehabilitation), impact on people in rural and remote areas of Australia and potential methods for addressing identified weaknesses. Design: Exploratory case study methodology using qualitative and quantitative methods. Qualitative data collection via semi‐structured interviews, using thematic analysis, augmented by quantitative data collection via a medical record audit. Setting: Four regional hospitals (2 Queensland Health and 2 private) providing tertiary health care. Participants: (a) Hospital in‐patients with heart disease ≥18 years. (b) Staff responsible for their care. Outcome Measures: Implementation of Phase‐1‐cardiac rehabilitation in tertiary hosptials in North Queensland and the impact on in‐patients discharge planning and post discharge care. Recommentations and implications for practice are proposed to address deficits. Results: Phase‐1‐cardiac rehabilitation implementation rates, in‐patient understanding and multidisciplinary team involvement were low. The highest rates of Phase‐1‐cardiac rehabilitation were for in‐patients with a length of stay three days or more in cardiac units with cardiac educators. Rates were lower in cardiac units with no cardiac educators, and lowest for in‐patients in all areas of all hospitals with length of stay of two days or less days. Low Phase‐1‐cardiac rehabilitation implementation rates resulted in poor in‐patient understanding about their disease, treatment and post‐discharge care. Further, medical discharge summaries rarely mentioned cardiac rehabilitation/secondary prevention or risk factor management resulting in a lack of information for health care providers on cardiac rehabilitation and holistic health care. Conclusion: Implementation of Phase‐1‐cardiac rehabilitation in regional hospitals in this study fell short of recommended best practice, resulting in patients' poor preparation for discharge, and insufficient information on holistic care for health care providers in rural and remote areas. These factors potentially impact on holistic care for people returning home following treatment for heart disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Aeromedical services are an essential part of the healthcare system. Centralised coordination of aeromedical retrieval tasking offers benefits for safety, timeliness and efficiency in service delivery. The aim of the present study is to review aeromedical retrievals in Queensland exploring patient demographics, temporal patterns and usage characteristics. Methods: This is a retrospective cases series for the period 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2014 incorporating data from Retrieval Services Queensland and Queensland Newborn Emergency Transport Service. Ethics approval was obtained (JCU‐HREC H6137 and Public Health Act #RD005673). Descriptive analysis of the de‐identified data was undertaken included patient demographics, referral and receiving locations, retrieval platform and acuity of transport request. Results: There were 73 042 aeromedical retrievals undertaken during the period, with an average of 40 cases per day (range 16–89). The majority (95%) of retrievals were for Queensland residents. Overall 23.1% of cases were cardiology‐related and 12.7% were injury‐related. Older adults aged 75–84 years had the highest rate of retrievals relative to the population with a crude rate of 942.4 per 100 000 per annum. Overall 14.9% of cases were Priority 1, which represents the tasking with the highest acuity but majority were Priority 4 (41.6%). One third (37.6%) of all patients were from inner regional locations. Conclusions: Potential investments in health service planning may alleviate the burden on aeromedical services, particularly related to cardiology services in inner and outer regional Queensland. Aeromedical services are pivotal in enabling all sick and injured residents' access to the highest quality of care regardless of the remoteness of their residence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Issue Addressed: Drowning is a global public health challenge with a need to ensure equity to drowning prevention information and interventions. In Australia, people born overseas are identified as being at greater risk of drowning. This paper presents findings from a community-based qualitative evaluation of swimming and water safety (SWS) programs delivered to adults from migrant backgrounds in Sydney, Australia.Methods: A qualitative study was conducted in November-December 2019 among 35 female participants of SWS programs targeted to adult migrants. While offered to all SWS program participants, no males took part in the study. Focus groups and interviews were recorded, transcribed and thematically analysed using a deductive approach. The domains of enquiry were guided by the health belief model and the theory of planned behaviour.Results: Study participants were ≥25 years, first generation and most had lived in Australia for ≥10 years. Most were nonswimmers and were fearful of water prior to the program. Key themes were: direct SWS program outcomes, health and well-being; enablers and barriers to participation including: motivation, a program coordinator, fear and settlement priorities.Conclusion: Findings suggest that in order to increase SWS participation among migrant communities, the broader determinants of health need to be considered. Culturally appropriate strategies are required to enable both men and women equal opportunities to access SWS programs.So What: SWS programs provide multiple benefits for adult migrants; however, the impact on reducing inequities is limited, with broader multi-strategic health promotion approaches and policies required for inclusion and sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To describe rates of hospitalisation and Coaching on Achieving Cardiovascular Health referral, for Queensland's adults with heart and related disease, and comparisons between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non‐Indigenous peoples in northern Queensland. Design: Descriptive retrospective epidemiological study of Queensland Health Patient Admission Data Collection for adults with heart and related disease, and Coaching on Achieving Cardiovascular Health referral data. Relative risk and age standardisation were calculated for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non‐Indigenous peoples. Participants: Queensland's adults ≥20 years, hospitalised with heart and related disease (1 January 2012‐31 December 2016). Setting: Queensland, Australia. Main outcome measures: Queensland Health Hospital and Health Services' hospitalisation and Coaching on Achieving Cardiovascular Health referral rates for heart and related disease. Results: Queensland's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have a higher hospitalisation rate for heart and related disease, with higher rates for northern Queensland. Queensland's overall Coaching on Achieving Cardiovascular Health referral rates were low, but higher for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Deficiencies in documentation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people's status affected results in some areas. Conclusion: Queensland's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples were more likely to be admitted to hospital for heart and related disease and referred to Coaching on Achieving Cardiovascular Health than non‐Indigenous peoples. However, hospitalisation and Coaching on Achieving Cardiovascular Health referral rates are unlikely to reflect the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples especially in rural and very remote areas given their higher mortality and morbidity rates and fewer services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Issue Addressed: Cycling participation rates in Australia and Queensland remain low. Rural residents typically do not have distinct cycling infrastructure available for use. Investigating current cycling participation and barriers to cycling engagement will inform future work to promote cycling engagement.Methods: Data were collected through the inclusion of cycling-related questions in the 2012 Queensland Social Survey.Results: The majority of the sample had not cycled in the previous 12 months (66%; n = 831). Significantly more rural residents reported not cycling due to environmental concerns (P < 0.05) and preferring other modes of transport or exercise (P < 0.01). Rural cyclists (31.4%; n = 113) had higher levels of cycling engagement in the previous week (41.6% to 32.6% urban; χ2  = 7.83; n = 420; P < 0.05) but lower cycling durations than urban cyclists (41.6% rural residents cycling for 30+ minutes vs 57.4% urban residents; χ2  = 8.25; n = 418; P < 0.01). Rural cycling engagement was independently associated with being male (OR = 2.34; 95% CI = 1.40-3.91); sufficient physical activity engagement (OR = 1.86; 95% CI = 1.10-3.15); and having children at place of residence (1-2 children: OR = 3.21; 95% CI = 1.88-5.49; 3+ children: OR = 3.01; 95% CI = 1.17-7.75).Conclusions: One-third of all adults cycled in the previous 12 months irrespective of location; however reasons for not cycling varied by urban/rural location. Results indicate that environmental factors appear to be inhibiting cycling participation in rural areas. Advocating for government commitment for infrastructure development to support safe cycling across Queensland including outside of metropolitan areas is required. SO WHAT?: This research explores self-reported cycling engagement amongst a sample of urban and rural dwelling Queenslanders. Differences in cycling exposure and reasons for lack of engagement offer insights into what may encourage greater cycling participation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primary aeromedical retrievals are a direct scene response to patients with a critical injury or illness using a medically equipped aircraft. They are often high‐acuity taskings. In Australia, information on primary retrieval taskings is housed by service providers, of which there are many across the country. This exploratory literature review aims to explore the contemporary peer‐reviewed literature on primary aeromedical retrievals in Australia. The focus is on adult primary aeromedical retrievals undertaken in Australia and clinical tools used in this pre‐hospital setting. Included articles were reviewed for research theme (clinical and equipment, systems and/or outcomes), data coverage and appraisal of the evidence. Of the 37 articles included, majority explored helicopter retrievals (n = 32), retrieval systems (n = 21), compared outcomes within a service (n = 10) and explored retrievals in the state of New South Wales (n = 19). Major topics of focus included retrieval of trauma patients and airway management. Overall, the publications had a lower strength of evidence because of the preponderance of cross‐sectional and case‐study methodology. This review provides some preliminary but piecemeal insight into primary retrievals in Australia through a localised systems lens. However, there are several areas for research action and service outcome improvements suggested, all of which would be facilitated through the creation of a national pre‐hospital and retrieval registry. The creation of a registry would enable consideration of the frequency and context of retrievals, comparison across services, more sophisticated data interrogation. Most importantly, it can lead to service and pre‐hospital and retrieval system strengthening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Issue Addressed: Rivers are a leading location for fatal drowning worldwide, often geographically isolated from timely medical assistance. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) benefits drowning victims and those who suffer cardiac arrests. This study explored CPR and first-aid training of river users in Australia.Methods: Adult river users (18+ years) were surveyed at four high-risk river drowning sites. Respondents were asked the last time they undertook CPR (responses converted into: "CPR ever undertaken"-yes/no; and "CPR training current"-yes/no (training undertaken ≤12 months ago). Responses were explored by demographics and social determinants of health.Results: Of those surveyed (N = 688), 98.4% responded regarding CPR. Seventy-five percent (74.9%) had undertaken CPR training previously. Females and 35- to 44-year-olds were more likely to have undertaken training (P < 0.05). Males and older people (65+ years) were less likely to hold a current qualification (P < 0.05). Major city residents reported a longer mean time (5.4 years) since last trained than remote and very remote locations (2.0 years). People in low socio-economic areas had a shorter time since qualification current (5.8 years) than those in areas deemed high (7.2 years).Conclusion: Current CPR qualifications are important, particularly among those visiting high-risk river drowning locations. System-level, upstream strategies that should be explored include compulsory CPR training in secondary schools and linking CPR updates to motor vehicle licence renewals. SO WHAT?: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation is a vital component of multifaceted river drowning prevention. Social determinants of health, such as socio-economic disadvantage and geographical isolation, were not barriers to participation or currency of qualification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Issue Addressed: Coronial data provide rich information on drowning causal factors. Coroners may make recommendations to prevent future drowning events. Rivers are the leading drowning location in Australia. This study examines coronial recommendations associated with unintentional fatal drowning in Australian rivers from an injury prevention perspective.Methods: All river drowning cases in Australia between 1 July 2002 and 30 June 2012 were extracted from the National Coronial Information System (NCIS). Recommendations were thematically analysed. Using a deductive process, each unique recommendation was coded to a category aligned to the Hierarchy of Control's 6 levels. An inductive process was used for those not categorised. Recommendations were also coded against a modified SMART principle.Results: Of the 730 river drownings, 58 cases (7.9%) resulted in 71 unique recommendations. Victorian cases (X2  = 32.1; P < 0.01) and multiple fatality events (X2  = 41.9; P < 0.01) were more likely to have recommendations. Common categories of recommendations were administrative (39.4%) and signage-related (18.3%). Recommendations were often low on the Hierarchy; namely administrative (67.6%) and behaviour (19.1%). Half (50.7%) satisfied four of six modified SMART principle components.Conclusion: Coronial recommendations associated with river drowning in Australia are reasonably rare. Recommendations provide opportunities for organisations to enact change, however, they could be strengthened with a specified time period and higher order control strategies recommended. SO WHAT?: SMART coronial recommendations may be more successful in achieving the behavioural, social and societal change required to prevent future river drownings. The recommendations examined in this study can be used as a benchmark for what could be considered appropriate safety actions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Short-term isolation might occur during pandemic disease or natural disasters. We sought to measure preparedness for short-term isolation in an Australian state during pandemic (H1N1) 2009. Methods: Data were collected as part of the Queensland Social Survey (QSS) 2009. Two questions related to preparedness for 3 days of isolation were incorporated into QSS 2009. Associations between demographic variables and preparedness were analysed using χ2, with P < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: Most respondents (93.6%; confidence interval [CI] 92.2-94.9%) would have enough food to last 3 days, but only 53.6% (CI 50.9-56.4%) would have sufficient food and potable water if isolated for 3 days with an interruption in utility services. Subpopulations that were less likely to have sufficient food and potable water reserves for 3 days' isolation without utility services included single people, households with children under 18 years of age, people living in South-East Queensland or urban areas, those with higher levels of education and people employed in health or community service occupations. Conclusions: The majority of Queensland's population consider themselves to have sufficient food supplies to cope with isolation for a period of 3 days. Far fewer would have sufficient reserves if they were isolated for a similar period with an interruption in utility services. The lower level of preparedness among health and community service workers has implications for maintaining the continuity of health services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cyanoacrylate (CA) and its homologues have a variety of medical and commercial applications as biological adhesives and sealants. Homologues of CA are being widely promoted in surgery as a tissue adhesive to replace traditional suturing techniques. Potential benefits of using CA adhesives include better cosmetic results, more rapid wound closure, and perhaps most significantly, the potential for significant reductions in percutaneous injuries from suture needles, which would in turn also reduce the risk of transmission of infectious diseases. Nevertheless, certain concerns have been raised regarding the potential toxicity of CA within patients, as well as among health professionals who are occupationally exposed when using CA compounds. Reported toxicity of CA in the workplace may result in dermatological, allergic and respiratory conditions. To help reduce the occupational burden, therefore, medical staff using CA adhesives should avoid direct contact with the compound and use appropriate personal protective measures at all times. Maintaining higher levels of humidity, optimizing room ventilation and using special air conditioning filters in surgical suites and operating theatres may also be useful in minimizing the exposure to volatile CA adhesives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although needlestick and sharps injuries (NSI) represent a major hazard in nursing practice, most studies rely on officially reported data and none have yet been undertaken in tropical environments. Therefore, we conducted a cross-sectional NSI survey targeting all nurses within a tropical Australian hospital, regardless of whether they had experienced an NSI or not. Our overall response rate was 76.7%. A total of 39 nurses reported 43 NSI events in the previous 12 months. The most common causative device was a normal syringe needle, followed by insulin syringe needles, i.v. needles or kits and blood collection needles. Half of the nurses’ NSI events occurred beside the patient's bed: drawing up medication was the most common reason. Nurses working in the maternity/neonatal wards were only 0.3 times as likely to have experienced an NSI as their counterparts in the medical or surgical wards. Overall, our study has shown that NSI events represent an important workplace issue for tropical Australian nurses. Their actual rate might also be higher than official reports suggest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dermatitis is a common problem both in the workplace and in the general community. Airline personnel represent a novel occupational group as they are also exposed to a wide range of potential chemical irritants and other aggravating factors, such as low relative humidity and airborne pollutants. Common skin irritants include dielectric fluids from electrodischarge machining, ‘prepreg’ materials and sealants in aircraft manufacture, kerosene and various jet-fuel components. Commercial jet fuel is a complex mixture of aliphatic and aromatic compounds, and there is potential for dermal exposure among refueling and maintenance crew. Low relative humidity appears to exacerbate dermatitis amongst aircrew, especially on longer flight durations. Pilots may also be exposed to additional skin irritants outside of the cabin environment, such as ethylene glycol, hydraulic fluid or jet fuel, all of which may be encountered during routine inspections of aircraft before and after flight. Given these factors, preventive measures must carefully consider the undoubted potential for contact with irritants and allergens, which may lead to dermatitis in airline personnel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although skin disease is a common and inevitable consequence of ageing, relatively few epidemiological studies have focused on the elderly demographic. Those that do exist are often difficult to find, while matching studies from numerous countries can easily become a daunting task for the busy clinician. Therefore, we undertook a comprehensive literature search for any manuscripts targeting elderly skin disease published in peer-reviewed medical journals over the past 60 years. A total of 61 reports from 12 countries were eventually selected for inclusion. Among the community-dwelling elderly, seborrheic keratosis, xerosis and Campbell de Morgan spots were shown to have the highest prevalence rates, affecting 88%, 85% and 75% respectively. These diseases also affected nursing home residents (seborrheic keratosis 85% and xerosis 77%), as did tinea unguium at 57%. Prevalence rates within the dermatology clinic were different, however, with none exceeding 25%. By subcategory, the most frequently presented conditions were actinic keratosis (25%), fungal infections (17%) and xerosis (14%). Overall, our review has shown that skin disease is very common among the elderly and its prevalence varies widely depending on the patients’ clinical environment. Considerable work remains to be undertaken regarding skin disease risk factors. With the projected exponential ageing of almost all industrialised societies throughout the 21st century, a greater commitment should now be directed towards this burgeoning subdiscipline of clinical medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) among rural Australian nursing students and compare the results with other international studies.A self-reporting questionnaire adapted from previous research, was administered to 260 students from all three grades of a major nursing school in regional north Queensland, Australia.A high proportion of students reported an MSD at some body site (80.0%), with low back pain being the most common condition (59.2%). This was followed by MSD of the neck (34.6%), knee (25.0%), shoulder (23.8%), feet (16.5%), wrist (12.7%) and legs (11.9%). MSD of the shoulder was slightly more common among males when compared to females (39.3%vs22.0%,P  = 0.0424). Previous paid employment as a nurse or nursing assistant was found to increase the risk of upper arm MSD by a factor of 10.8 (odds ratio 10.8, 95% confidence interval 1.9–205.8,P  = 0.0276).Overall, this investigation suggests that MSD is more frequent among rural Australian nursing students, when compared to their counterparts around the world. Their high rate of MSD is also comparable to that reported by hospital nurses in other countries.Although musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) are known to affect nursing students at reasonably high rates, few studies have been undertaken in rural Australia. Therefore, it was considered necessary to investigate MSD among a complete cross-section of rural Australian nursing students, using a questionnaire adapted from previous research. Findings were then compared with similar international studies.A high proportion of students reported an MSD at some body site, with low back pain being the most common condition. Overall, this investigation suggests that MSD is more frequent among rural Australian nursing students, when compared to their counterparts around the world. Their high rate of MSD is also comparable to that reported by hospital nurses in other countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although hand dermatitis (HD) represents a frequent occupational issue for many health professionals, little is known about the prevalence and distribution of HD among veterinarians, particularly in Australia. Aim: We utilized a previously validated questionnaire survey to examine a cross-section of veterinarians from Queensland, Australia, to determine the prevalence of HD and its associated factors. Method: We conducted a questionnaire-based survey of HD, which was mailed to 1094 veterinarians registered with the Veterinary Surgeons Board of Queensland during 2006 (64.0% response rate). Results: The overall prevalence rate of HD during this study was 15.9%. HD prevalence was significantly higher in those with current allergic disease ( P < 0.001), among female veterinarians ( P < 0.001), and those reporting latex allergy in the past 12 months ( P < 0.001). Conclusions: Overall, this study suggests that HD may be more prevalent among veterinarians in Queensland than among their counterparts studied elsewhere. Veterinary practices may need to consider making non-latex gloves available or avoiding latex products wherever possible, particularly for their female staff. The importance of HD to the veterinary profession is predicted to increase as females begin to make up a greater proportion of registered veterinarians as result of a demographic shift. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented that describes the results of a survey into occupational health issues at a dental school in Queensland, Australia.

Although hand dermatitis (HD) is a frequent occurrence for many health professionals, little is known about the prevalence of HD among medical students, particularly in Australia. A questionnaire-based survey of HD was administered to 261 students at a medical school in tropical northern Australia during 2004 (98.9% response rate). The prevalence of HD varied by year of study, ranging from 9.7% to 20.4% ( P=0.322), with an overall prevalence of 17.4%. HD prevalence was significantly higher in those with current allergic disease ( P=0.012). Some students (13.8%) reported a reaction immediately after exposure to latex products, a finding which was associated with higher prevalence of HD ( P=0.001). HD may be more prevalent among students of a tropical Australian medical school than among their counterparts studied elsewhere. The identification of allergy as a significant correlate again stresses the importance of allergic disease and its relationship with skin conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]