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In high‐income nations, multiple micronutrient (MMN) supplementation during pregnancy is a common practice. We aimed to describe maternal characteristics associated with supplement use and daily dose of supplemental nutrients consumed in pregnancy, and whether guideline alignment and nutrient status are related to supplement use. The Queensland Family Cohort is a prospective, Australian observational longitudinal study. Maternal characteristics, nutrient intake from food and supplements, and biochemical nutrient status were assessed in the second trimester (n = 127). Supplement use was reported by 89% of participants, of whom 91% reported taking an MMN supplement. Participants who received private obstetric care, had private health insurance and had greater alignment to meat/vegetarian alternatives recommendations were more likely to report MMN supplement use. Private obstetric care and general practitioner shared care were associated with higher daily dose of supplemental nutrients consumed compared with midwifery group practice. There was high reliance on supplements to meet nutrient reference values for folate, iodine and iron, but only plasma folate concentrations were higher in MMN supplement versus nonsupplement users. Exceeding the upper level of intake for folic acid and iron was more likely among combined MMN and individual supplement/s users, and associated with higher plasma concentrations of the respective nutrients. Given the low alignment with food group recommendations and potential risks associated with high MMN supplement use, whole food diets should be emphasized. This study confirms the need to define effective strategies for optimizing nutrient intake in pregnancy, especially among those most vulnerable where MMN supplement use may be appropriate. Key messages: Multiple micronutrient (MMN) supplementation during pregnancy is a common practice in high‐income countries.Participants who received private obstetric care, had private health insurance and had greater alignment to meat/vegetarian alternatives recommendations were more likely to report MMN supplement use.There was high reliance on supplements to meet intake guidelines for folate, iodine and iron, which also raised concern for excess nutrient intake.This study confirms the need to define effective strategies for optimizing nutrient intake in pregnancy, including the promotion of whole food diets and appropriate use of MMN supplements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of health guidelines is to ensure consistency in the delivery of care to minimise health-related complications. However, even when good evidence is available, professionals do not necessarily implement it. Following a 2011 survey (Time 1) of staff in a tertiary maternity hospital, a number of service changes were implemented to facilitate best practice delivery of care to pregnant women regarding gestational weight gain (GWG). A (second) staff survey was then undertaken to re-assess staff knowledge, attitudes and behaviours around the management of GWG in our hospital. This cross-sectional, prospective online survey was distributed to staff in antenatal clinic. The survey assessed staff awareness of pregnancy-related weight complications, knowledge and application of specific guidelines, and a guideline adherence score was calculated. Sixty-nine staff (44.8% response rate) completed the 2014 (Time 2) survey. Just over half (51.9%) stated they were familiar with clinical guidelines regarding weight management in pregnancy. Guideline adherence ranged from 3.7 ± 1.9 to 11.3 ± 1.0 /15 across different professional groups; significant improvements with adherence by dietitians were noted over time. Despite minimal change over time in the overall adherence score, compliance with individual elements of the guideline recommendations comprising the adherence score differed. Improvements in staff practices and attitudes are apparent since the first survey. However, further improvements in guideline awareness and guideline elements are still required to improve the delivery of best practice antenatal GWG care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of this study was to validate a modified version of the Paddington Alcohol Test for use in the Australian emergency department (ED) setting. Methods: A cross sectional survey was used to screen patients attending an Australian tertiary hospital ED. Datawere collected over a three-month period at randomly allocated time periods and days. Consenting participants were screened using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) and a modified-for-Australia version of the Paddington Alcohol Test (AusPAT). The association between the two tools was investigated, as well as the sensitivity and specificity of AusPAT at various AUDIT cut-off scores and by gender and age group. Results: The sample comprised 637 ED attendees. Their mean age was 49.9 (SD 20.0) years with a mean AUDIT score of 5.21 (SD 6.58). Most (73.2%) consumed alcohol, and a quarter was AusPATpositive (n = 153, 24.0%). AusPAT demonstrated a moderate fit with AUDIT at a cut-off score of 8 (Kappa = 0.63, P < 0.001). At this cut-off 23.4% (n = 149) were identified by AUDIT as problematic drinkers. AusPAT sensitivity was 72.5% (95% CI 65.3–79.7) with a specificity of 90.8% (95% CI 88.3–93.4). Conclusion: Our results indicate that AusPAT was moderately well associated with AUDIT. When used universally in the ED setting, its sensitivity and specificity were moderate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protection motivation theory components were used to predict sun protection behaviors (SPBs) using four outcome measures: typical reported behaviors, previous reported behaviors, current sunscreen use as determined by interview, and current observed behaviors (clothing worn) to control for common method bias. Sampled from two SE Queensland public beaches during summer, 199 participants aged 18-29 years completed a questionnaire measuring perceived severity, perceived vulnerability, response efficacy, response costs, and protection motivation (PM). Personal perceived risk (similar to threat appraisal) and response likelihood (similar to coping appraisal) were derived from their respective PM components. Protection motivation predicted all four SPB criterion variables. Personal perceived risk and response likelihood predicted protection motivation. Protection motivation completely mediated the effect of response likelihood on all four criterion variables. Alternative models are considered. Strengths and limitations of the study are outlined and suggestions made for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Poor satisfaction with institutional food is a significant moderator of food intake in geriatrics/rehabilitation and residential aged care. Purpose To quantify the relationship between foodservice satisfaction, foodservice characteristics, demographic and contextual variables in geriatrics/rehabilitation and residential aged care. Methods The Resident Foodservice Satisfaction Questionnaire was administered to 103 patients of 2 geriatrics/rehabilitation units and 210 residents of nine residential aged care facilities in Brisbane, Australia. Ordered probit regression analysis measured the association of age, gender, ethnicity and appetite, timing and amount of meal choice, menu selectivity, menu cycle, production system, meal delivery system and therapeutic diets with foodservice satisfaction. Results Patient and resident appetite ( P < 0.01), the amount and timing of meal choice ( P < 0.01), self-rated health ( P < 0.01), accommodation style ( P < 0.05) and age ( P < 0.10) significantly moderated foodservice satisfaction. High protein/high energy therapeutic diets ( P < 0.01), foodservice production ( P < 0.01) and delivery systems ( P > 0.01) were significant moderators for those with 'fair' self-rated health. Conclusions Patient and resident characteristics and structural and systems-related foodservice variables were more important for influencing foodservice satisfaction than characteristics of food quality. The results suggest modifications to current menu planning and foodservice delivery methods: reducing the time-lapse between meal choice and consumption, augmenting the number of meals at which choice is offered, and revising food production and delivery systems.It is important that residents in poorer health who are a high risk of under-nutrition are provided with sufficient high protein/high energy therapeutic diets. Diets that restrict macro- and micro-nutrients should be minimized for all patients and residents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Health literacy is the ability to obtain, interpret and use health information. Low rates of health literacy in Australia have been suggested, but no validated measure exists. Objective To explore health literacy competencies in a sample of community pharmacy consumers. Design Structured interviews were undertaken by a team of researchers during August, 2009. The instrument was derived from available literature, measuring aspects of functional, interactive and critical health literacy regarding use of medicines. Setting and participants Twelve community pharmacies in the Brisbane region, Australia. Results Six hundred and forty-seven consumers participated; 64% were women. A wide distribution of ages was evident. English was the first language of 89% of respondents. More than half of the sample (55%), predominantly aged 26-45 years, was tertiary educated. While 87% of respondents recognized a sample prescription, 20% could not readily match the prescription to a labelled medicine box. Eighty-two percentage of respondents interpreted 'three times a day' appropriately, but interpretation of a standard ancillary label was highly variable. Advanced age, less formal education, non-English-speaking background and male gender were independently related to lower performance in some variables. Discussion This health literacy measure applied comprehension and numeracy skills required of adults receiving prescription medications. While the majority of consumers adequately performed these tasks, some behaviours and responses were of sufficient concern to propose additional verbal and written information interventions by pharmacy staff. Conclusions This research provides insight into issues that may affect consumers' appropriate use of medicines and self-efficacy. Initiatives to improve public health literacy are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]