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Domestic violence against women increased during COVID-19 lockdowns. This inaugural study examined the content of Australian government online portals, for women seeking support and help for domestic violence, during the 2021 COVID-19 pandemic. This mixed methods study incorporated four phases: a search; measurement of portal quality standard using DISCERN; enumeration of portal items; and a qualitative exploration of portal text. Australian governments must continue to work alongside domestic violence services as we found some portals were better than others. Continued review, revision, and funding are needed to meet the demands associated with this evolving public health emergency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are few short, validated tools to assess young children's obesity‐related dietary behaviours, limiting the rapid screening of dietary behaviours in research and practice‐based early obesity prevention. This study aimed to develop and assess the reliability and validity of a caregiver‐reported short dietary questionnaire to rapidly assess obesity‐related dietary behaviours in children aged 6 months to 5 years. The Early Prevention of Obesity in Childhood Dietary Questionnaire (EPOCH‐DQ) was developed using a rigorous process to determine content and structural validity. Three age‐appropriate versions were developed for (1) infants, aged 6–12 months, (2) toddlers, aged 1–2.9 years and (3) pre‐schoolers, aged 3–5 years. The questionnaire (7–15 items) measures dietary behaviours, including diet risk from non‐core food and beverage intake, diet quality from vegetable frequency, bread type and infant feeding practices. Test–retest reliability was assessed from repeated administrations 1 week apart (n = 126). Internal consistency, concurrent validity (against a comparison questionnaire, the InFANT Food Frequency Questionnaire), construct validity and interpretability were assessed (n = 209). Most scores were highly correlated and significantly associated (p < 0.05) for validity (rs: 0.45–0.89, percentage agreement 68%–100%) and reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient: 0.61–0.99) for diet risk, diet quality and feeding practice items. The EPOCH‐DQ shows acceptable validity and reliability for screening of obesity‐related behaviours of children under 5 years of age. The short length and, thus, low participant burden of the EPOCH‐DQ allows for potential applications in various settings. Future testing of the EPOCH‐DQ should evaluate culturally and socio‐economically diverse populations and establish the predictive validity and sensitivity to detect change. Key messages: Accurate measurement of obesity‐related dietary behaviours is essential for the evaluation of early obesity prevention programmes and monitoring population trends.The 7–15 item Early Prevention of Obesity in Childhood Dietary Questionnaire (EPOCH‐DQ) was shown to have acceptable validity and reliability for assessing obesity‐related behaviours of children aged 6 months to 5 years of age.The short length and thus low participant burden of the EPOCH‐DQ allows for potential applications in various settings, including research, population health monitoring and use by health professionals.Future testing of the EPOCH‐DQ should include evaluation across culturally and socio‐economically diverse populations and determine the predictive validity and sensitivity to detect change of the EPOCH‐DQ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eliciting clinicians' views about antipsychotic medication side-effects may assist in understanding strategies that could enhance the identification and management of these side-effects. The present paper details the development and psychometric evaluation of a questionnaire that captures clinicians' perceptions about these issues. An initial item set was derived from a literature review, and then refined by an expert content validity panel that assessed the relevance of the items. The online questionnaire was distributed to Australian mental health nurses and 140 fully completed questionnaires were returned. Principal components analysis yielded two robust scales that conceptually tapped 'system responsibility' and 'personal confidence'. These scales may be used to advance knowledge about how mental health nurses' attitudes towards the assessment and management of antipsychotic medication side-effects influences their clinical behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims This study aimed to compare the findings of the quality of nursing doctoral education survey across seven countries and discuss the strategic directions for improving quality. Background No comparative evaluation of global quality of nursing doctoral education has been reported to date despite the rapid increase in the number of nursing doctoral programmes. Design A descriptive, cross-country, comparative design was employed. Methods Data were collected from 2007-2010 from nursing schools in seven countries: Australia, Japan, Korea, South Africa, Thailand, UK and USA. An online questionnaire was used to evaluate quality of nursing doctoral education except for Japan, where a paper version was used. Korea and South Africa used e-mails quality of nursing doctoral education was evaluated using four domains: Programme, Faculty (referring to academic staff), Resource and Evaluation. Descriptive statistics, correlational and ordinal logistic regression were employed. Results A total of 105 deans/schools, 414 faculty and 1149 students/graduates participated. The perceptions of faculty and students/graduates about the quality of nursing doctoral education across the seven countries were mostly favourable on all four domains. The faculty domain score had the largest estimated coefficient for relative importance. As the overall quality level of doctoral education rose from fair to good, the resource domain showed an increased effect. Conclusions Both faculty and students/graduates groups rated the overall quality of nursing doctoral education favourably. The faculty domain had the greatest importance for quality, followed by the programme domain. However, the importance of the resource domain gained significance as the overall quality of nursing doctoral education increased, indicating the needs for more attention to resources if the quality of nursing doctoral education is to improve. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To develop a parsimonious, shortened version of the Perceived Perioperative Competence Scale‐Revised for perioperative nurses to complete as part of their specialty training while retaining good psychometric properties. Design: A longitudinal online survey was adopted. Methods: A national sample of perioperative nurses from Australia completed an online survey at two different time points 6 months apart between February and October 2021. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted for item reduction and construct validity, while criterion, convergent validity and internal consistency were examined. Results: Usable data for psychometric assessment were obtained from 485 operating room nurses at time 1 and 164 nurses at time 2. The original 40‐item revised scale was reduced to an 18‐item measure, maintaining its six domains. Cronbach's alpha for the 18‐item scale was.92 at time 1 and.90 at time 2. Scale validation demonstrated moderate to weak positive relationships in perceived competence scores relative to general self‐efficacy, years of operating room experience, postgraduate education and recency of training. Conclusions: Results suggest the 18‐item Perceived Perioperative Competence Scale‐Revised Short Form has initial robust psychometric properties and may be implemented in clinical settings as part of perioperative transition‐to‐practice, orientation programs and yearly professional development reviews. Implications for the Profession: This short‐form scale can help prepare perioperative nurses to demonstrate clinical competence in a climate of increasing professional demands using a valid measure of competence required in clinical practice. Impact: Short and validated scales of perioperative competence are needed in clinical practice. Assessment of practising operating room nurses' perceived competence is essential in quality care provision, workforce planning and human resource management. This study provides an 18‐item measure of the previously validated 40‐item Perceived Perioperative Competence Scale‐Revised. This scale can help provide an option for future testing of perioperative nurses' competence in clinical or research settings. Patient or Public Contribution: Perioperative nurses were involved in the design of the study, particularly in the assessment of validation of the tools used in the study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To examine the associations between self‐efficacy, resilience and healthy ageing among older people who have an acute hospital admission. Design: A cross‐sectional study. Method s : Survey and medical record data were collected from older people on discharge from hospital. The survey measured self‐efficacy with the 6‐item General Self‐Efficacy scale (GSE‐6), resilience with the Brief Resilience Scale (BRS), and healthy ageing with the Selfie Ageing Index (SAI). Medical record data included potential confounders: co‐morbidities, frailty items, previous falls and previous admission in the last 28 days. Multi‐linear regression and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient were used to examine the independent associations between self‐efficacy, resilience and healthy ageing. Results: Responses were received from 143 older people (mean age 79). After adjusting for potential confounders, co‐morbidities (ß = ‐0.08, p = 0.001) remained negatively associated with healthy ageing, while self‐efficacy (ß = 0.03, p = 0.005) and resilience (ß = 0.05, p < 0.001) remained positively associated with healthy ageing (R2 = 0.243). Positive correlations were found between self‐efficacy (ρ = 0.33, p < 0.01), resilience (ρ = 0.38, p < 0.001) and healthy ageing. Positive correlations were also found between self‐efficacy and resilience (ρ = 0.38, p < 0.01). Those with lower self‐efficacy and resilience were more likely to report reduced activities of daily living, mobility, physical activity and mood. Conclusion: Findings indicate that while the number of co‐morbidities have negative consequences for healthy ageing among older people who are hospitalised, the promotion of self‐efficacy and resilience can potentially contribute to healthy ageing within the physical and psychological domains. Implications for Patient Care: Nurses can promote self‐efficacy, which can potentially increase resilience and help to improve self‐management of chronic conditions, functional ability in daily activities, mobility and physical activity and reduce both anxiety and depressive symptoms. Patient Contribution: Participant feedback throughout the data collection process assisted in the evaluation of study methods and data interpretation. This included processes such as assessing selected tools and clarifying the meanings of healthy ageing factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Measures of self-forgiveness that merely focus on the outcome of positive self-regard risk neglecting the process through which offenders restore it. They may thus tap pseudo self-forgiveness where offenders downplay their responsibility for the wrongdoing. For genuine self-forgiveness, the process should instead involve an attenuation of the negative link between responsibility acceptance and positive self-regard. In this paper, we examine how acts of value reaffirmation facilitate genuine self-forgiveness. In Study 1, a role-play experiment (N = 90), participants either confessed their wrongdoing to the victim or not. Although responsibility acceptance was strongly negatively related to reported self-forgiveness (i.e., self-regard), this relationship was tempered when participants confessed their wrongdoing to the victim and, through this, reaffirmed the violated values. In Study 2, a longitudinal study referring to self-reported transgressions (N = 74), responsibility acceptance was negatively related to self-forgiveness measures as well as self-esteem when offenders showed little value reaffirmation, but not when they more strongly reaffirmed the violated values. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Questionnaire on Palliative Care for Advanced Dementia (qPAD) is increasingly being used to assess residential aged care workers' knowledge and attitudes about palliative care for people with dementia. The qPAD developers performed an exploratory factor analysis and assessed the internal consistency using a small sample. Aim: The aim of this study was to further assess the structural validity of the qPAD using a large sample of qPAD responses from staff who work in residential aged care homes in Australia. Methods: Data from 727 care staff who participated in an Australian dementia palliative care training project were used for exploratory factor analyses, assessment of internal consistency, and confirmatory factor analysis of the knowledge test and attitude scale components of the qPAD. Results: The exploratory factor analysis of the knowledge test produced a four‐factor solution. One item loaded weakly, and four items had cross‐loadings. Factor labels for the knowledge test were difficult to define. Factor analysis of the attitude scale produced a three‐factor structure with good internal consistency—Feeling valued and part of the care team (α = 0.88), Family and team engagement (α = 0.75) and Perceptions and beliefs (α = 0.83). Confirmatory factor analysis indicated improvements in model fit were needed for both the knowledge test and attitude scale. Conclusion: The findings of this factor analysis differed from the original study. The attitude scale produced a three‐factor structure, but the knowledge test requires further development due to weak and cross‐loadings of several items, inadequate internal consistency of factors and poor model fit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: When handover is conducted at the patient's bedside, active patient participation can be encouraged, which may improve the safety and quality of care. There is a need for valid and reliable tools to measure patient perceptions of participation in bedside handover, to ensure the rising number of implementation and improvement efforts are consistently and effectively evaluated. The aim of this study is to systematically develop and evaluate the psychometric properties of a self‐report survey to measure patients' perceptions of participation in bedside handover. Methods: In Phase 1, our team developed a conceptual framework and item pool (n = 130). In Phase 2, content validity was assessed with four health consumers, four nurses and four researchers. Next, 10 current hospital inpatients tested the survey for end‐user satisfaction. In Phase 3, 326 inpatients completed the survey, allowing exploratory factor analysis, reliability analyses and convergent/divergent validity analyses to occur. Results: Phase 1 and 2 resulted in a 42‐item survey. In Phase 3, 321 surveys were available for analysis. Exploratory factor analysis revealed a three‐factor solution, with 24 items, which matched our conceptual framework. The three factors were: 'Conditions for patient participation in bedside handover', 'Level of patient participation in bedside handover' and 'Evaluation of patient participation in bedside handover'. There was strong evidence for factor reliability and validity. Additionally, the correlation between factors was strong. Conclusion: This study furthers our conceptual understanding by showing that nurse facilitating behaviours are a strong precursor for patient participation and perceived handover outcomes, justifying the need for nursing training. A robust survey has been developed to measure patient perceptions of participation in bedside handover, which can effectively evaluate this approach to care. Engaging consumers and nurses as research team members was invaluable in ensuring that the survey is acceptable for end‐users. Patient or Public Contribution: A health consumer and nurse partnered as members of the research team from study inception to dissemination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Evidence‐based guideline translation to practice can improve outcomes but is often impaired by poor implementation. This project aimed to evaluate the implementation of the Evidence‐based guidelines for the nutritional management of adult patients with head and neck cancer among Australian dietitians providing clinical care to this population. Methods: A questionnaire was developed, with face and content validity confirmed by an expert panel (n = 13), to gauge participant perceptions of the guidelines against an implementation evaluation framework. Dietitians were identified through Dietitians Australia and by contacting experts in the field. Eligibility was determined by questionnaire completion and prior guideline awareness. Responses were provided using a 5‐point Likert scale. Results were analysed using descriptive statistics; with inferential analysis to determine if demographic information could reveal trends in guideline use and perception. Results: Of the 43 initial respondents, n = 28 completed the questionnaire, with n = 24/28 (86%) meeting full eligibility criteria for analysis. Median (range) scores for all four domains were high: awareness (4.0 [3.2‐4.8]), agreement (4.4 [4.1‐4.7]), adoption (3.5 [3.1‐3.9]), and adherence (4.3 [4.1‐4.9]). However, perception of guideline awareness and use among multidisciplinary team colleagues was low (mean 3.2/5.0 and 3.1/5.0, respectively). Dietitians with <10 years' experience had significantly higher perceptions of the guidelines' ability to positively influence practice; support evidence‐based practice; and enhance dietitian credibility (P = 0.04) vs dietitians with ≥10 years' experience. Conclusion: Dietitians demonstrated high rates of guideline implementation and positive perceptions for its use in clinical practice. Future implementation strategies and evaluation should expand to engage the wider multidisciplinary team and more experienced clinicians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research investigating how cognition influences youth intimate partner abuse (IPA) remains limited. Understanding cognitive risk markers is theoretically important and can inform intervention to maximize the chance of behavior change. The current article investigated cognition regarding general antisociality, relationships, and gender-role attitudes on youth IPA perpetration among 275 (123 female) 14- to 18-year-olds. Theoretically derived relationships (based on social information processing theory and the General Aggression Model) were hypothesized, which furthered understanding of how cognition contributes to relationship aggression in adolescents, while controlling for common behavioral correlates. Results showed that, overall, other experiences of aggressive behavior more strongly related to youth IPA perpetration than cognitive correlates. Among boys, general antisocial cognition was more strongly associated with youth IPA perpetration than relationship-specific cognition, with the reverse being true for girls. These findings suggest there is value in exploring theoretically indicated cognitive risk markers for youth IPA in a gender-sensitive and dynamic manner. Findings also provide direction for future studies considering cognition and youth IPA in a more predictive manner and areas for consideration in intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fear of heterosexism—as distinct from actual experiences of heterosexism—plays a significant role in staff and students lives on campus. Ambient workplace heterosexism provides a context for staff and students about what to expect from their peers and colleagues, and shapes the daily activities of those who perceive heterosexism as a regulating force. In this article, we consider the psychometrics of the Fear of Heterosexism Scale (FoHS), which was integrated into a campus climate survey of Western Sydney University staff and students (N = 3,106; n = 412). This scale was considered in relation to a range of associated factors, including perceived safety on campus, bystander efficacy, responsibility to intervene, and awareness of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer/questioning, asexual, and many other terms such as nonbinary and pansexual (LGBTIQA+) issues. In turn, the results of the FoHS are considered across a range of demographic factors such as gender, sexuality, role, dis/ability, and membership of campus-based support organizations. Supporting the findings from the initial operationalization of the FoHS by Fox and Asquith in 2018, this research identifies the consequences of fear of heterosexism on daily activities and engagement with study/work. Understanding the factors associated with fear of heterosexism is critical in creating more inclusive and respectful university environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Teaching is a key role for nurses in contemporary clinical practice. Consequently, peer-assisted learning continues to gather momentum in nursing education in tertiary and professional education settings. In this study, we investigated the factor structure of the Peer Teaching Experience Questionnaire when completed by a group of nursing undergraduates from a large Australian university. Data from the 14-item Peer Teaching Experience Questionnaire completed by third year undergraduate nursing students were analyzed using factor analysis. A total of 257 final (third)-year undergraduate nursing students participated in the study. Factor analysis of the 14 items revealed three factors with eigenvalues above 1, accounting for 47.3% of the total variance. Items with loadings greater than ± 0.40, with the factor in question, were used to characterize the factor solutions. Findings from the exploratory factor analysis provide preliminary results that the Peer Teaching Experience Questionnaire has adequate dimensionality and reliability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To evaluate the nutrition knowledge of elite Australian athletes, and to obtain feedback from sports dietitians on the Platform to Evaluate Athlete Knowledge of Sports Nutrition Questionnaires' (PEAKS‐NQ) suitability. Methods: Sports dietitians from the National Institute Network across Australia recruited athletes to complete the online, 50‐item PEAKS‐NQ which contained two sections (General Nutrition and Sports Nutrition). Sports dietitians provided feedback on the PEAKS‐NQ using a 14‐item questionnaire (with two open‐ended items). The main outcome measures were nutrition knowledge score and tool suitability (usefulness, acceptability and feasibility) scores. For knowledge scores, independent t‐tests, ANOVA and Chi‐square tests were used to evaluate differences between groups. Suitability was evaluated using descriptive statistics. Results: Twelve sports dietitians from the National Institute Network in Australia recruited a convenience sample of 240 athletes (21.3 ± 4.3 years, 63.5% female, 63.3% competed internationally). Athletes scored 70.7 ± 10.5%, with better general vs sports nutrition knowledge. Females had higher overall scores (P <.001) with no differences for age or sport played. University‐educated athletes scored higher than non‐tertiary educated athletes (P =.004). Knowledge gaps were identified in fats (role and food sources), recovery nutrition and managing body composition. Sports dietitians rated suitability of PEAKS‐NQ positively with complete agreement on 8 of 12 items. Conclusions: Athletes have greater understanding of general nutrition compared to sports nutrition concepts and may benefit from education on applying nutrition in sports‐specific contexts. Sports dietitians' responses showed PEAKS‐NQ was a highly acceptable, feasible and useful measure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drug use has been shown to interact in complex ways with the occurrence and prevalence of family and domestic violence (FDV), with illicit drug use being associated with an increased risk for FDV. The current study aims to extend upon the literature by investigating the role of illicit drugs in intimate partner violence (IPV), family violence (FV), and other violence (violence between people other than partners or family) within a representative Australian sample (n = 5,118). Participants were recruited through an online survey panel and completed an online self-report survey assessing the role of alcohol and other drugs on violence, with a specific focus on FDV. Binary logistic regression showed that respondents who reported having used any illicit drug in the past 12 months (with or without alcohol use) had over three times the odds of experiencing any violence in the past 12 months (OR = 3.18, 95% confidence interval (CI) = [2.25, 4.48]) compared with those not using illicit drugs. Furthermore, drug involvement in FDV (IPV or FV) was significantly more likely than other violent incident types (OR = 1.65, 95% CI = [1.25, 2.19]). For the most recent FDV incident, age group was the only significant demographic predictor of drug involvement at this incident; younger age groups were over twice as likely to report drug involvement than those over 65 years of age. Drug involvement at the most recent FDV incident was also associated with over twice the odds of injury (OR = 2.38, 95% CI = [1.67, 3.38]) and significantly greater negative life impact. The findings that drug use increases both the risk for and impact of FDV indicate the need for policy that advocates for interventions addressing both drug use and violence in combination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To explore the relationship between blood sampling techniques and haemolysis. Background: Haemolysis rates of blood samples have been thought to be influenced by the method of collection. There is a lack of research evidence available to clearly show the comparative risk of haemolysis across different blood sampling methods, including venepuncture and use of peripheral intravenous cannulas. Design: A prospective cohort study. Reporting followed the STROBE checklist. Methods: A trained observer was used to record blood sampling techniques over a 10‐week period between April and June 2019. These records were then linked to pathology haemolysis results. Multivariable logistic regression was used to model patient and blood draw characteristics affecting haemolysis. Results: Most of the blood samples were not haemolysed (n = 324, 87.1%). Multivariable analysis showed haemolysis was associated with increased tourniquet duration and if the level of tube was less than half full. Univariable analysis showed haemolysis was associated with increased age of the patient, the difficulty of cannulation/ venepuncture and increased number of attempts. No difference was found in the haemolysis rate related to the qualification of the blood collector. Conclusion: There was no significant difference in haemolysis rates associated with sampling blood from a PIVC compared with venepuncture. Research should be undertaken to determine whether education on the factors influencing haemolysis is useful in decreasing haemolysis rates. Relevance to clinical practice: There was no association with increased haemolysis rates when drawing blood via venepuncture compared with a peripheral intravenous cannula. Haemolysis of blood samples was associated with increased tourniquet duration, if level of the tube was less than half‐filled, increased age of the patient and difficulty of blood draw. Awareness of the risk of haemolysis associated with specific blood sampling methods may assist clinicians to improve care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patients need medication and medical condition‐related information to better self‐manage their health. Health‐care professionals (HCPs) should be able to actively provide information outside of one‐on‐one consultations; however, patient consent may be required. Objective: To investigate the Australian public's preferences, and factors that may influence their preferences, towards an opt‐in versus an opt‐out approach to health communication. Design: A cross‐sectional study using a structured questionnaire administered via Computer‐Assisted Telephone Interviewing. Setting and participants: Participants across Australia who were adults, English‐speaking and had a long‐term medical condition. Main outcome measures: Preferences for opt‐in vs opt‐out approach to receiving follow‐up tailored information. Results: A total of 8683 calls were made to achieve the required sample size of 589 completed surveys. Many (346/589; 58.7%) indicated that they were interested in receiving tailored, ongoing follow‐up information from their HCP. Nearly half (n = 281; 47.7%) preferred an opt‐in service and 293/589 (49.7%) an opt‐out service for receiving follow‐up information. Reasons for preferring an opt‐in service were being in control of the information received (n = 254); able to make a decision that is best for them (n = 245); opt‐in service would save time for HCPs (n = 217); they may not want or need the information (n = 240). Many (n = 255) felt that an opt‐out service should be part of the normal duty of care of their HCP and believed (n = 267) that this approach would ensure that everyone has access to information. Conclusions: Respondents were interested in receiving tailored information outside of consultation times. However, preferences for an opt‐in or opt‐out approach were divided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Australia, school-based immunisation programmes (SBIP) provide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccinations to secondary school students. However, despite such free programmes, around 20% of girls and 25% of boys do not complete all doses. This formative study identified barriers and enablers to vaccine completion. Online surveys were conducted with senior school administrators and nurses from Western Australian secondary schools across all three school sectors. Year 8 students participated in focus group discussions. Parents participated in one-on-one interviews (n = 22). Administrators were supportive of vaccination and the SBIP. Nurses and administrators perceived lack of parental awareness, issues around consent and school absenteeism as the main barriers to completion. Parent and student knowledge concerning HPV, the HPV vaccine and immunisation in general were low. Despite this, students and parents were supportive of the SBIP and wanted the opportunity to learn more about HPV, the vaccination and immunisation in general. There are opportunities for targeted school-based work to increase awareness and provision of consent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Poorly controlled Cystic Fibrosis‐Related Diabetes (CFRD) is associated with adverse impacts on lung function and nutritional status. Insulin therapy is the only recommended medical treatment. Carbohydrate Counting (CC) is used to guide insulin doses and can assist in achieving optimal postprandial blood glucose levels. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of individuals with CFRD who carbohydrate count, explore barriers to its use and assess the accuracy of CC in hospitalised patients. Methods: A cross‐sectional, mixed‐methods, descriptive study recruited individuals with CFRD hospitalised at an Australian tertiary hospital. Consenting patients completed a questionnaire. Patients were asked to estimate the carbohydrate content of their ordered meals provided by hospital foodservices. The study dietitian assessed each meal's estimation against the actual content. Results: 17 individuals were recruited to this study and five declined. Seven had a fixed insulin regimen, and ten had a flexible insulin regimen and used CC. Patients in the fixed insulin group reported lower levels of confidence in their ability to carbohydrate count (P <.001) and placed less importance on CC (P <.001). 53% of the fixed insulin group's and 41.7% of the flexible insulin group's estimations of the carbohydrate content of the hospital food items were accurate. Conclusion: Of those patients recruited to this study, 59% used CC as a tool to guide insulin dosing, and patients estimated accurate carbohydrate values in only 46% of meals. Further research is warranted to investigate the most suitable method to assist accurate carbohydrate content estimations in a hospital setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Behavioral and medical science is currently in the grip of a "replication crisis," circumscribed by the failure to replicate a large proportion of key studies and a consequential impact on confidence in the veracity of the scientific method. Given the contemporary nature of the debate it is surprising that the psychometric properties of commonly used outcome measures have not been evaluated in this context, despite the obvious potential for the measurement characteristics of the measures themselves to be a source of error within a study. The current investigation sought to replicate the original validation study of the Australian version of the 10-item Birth Satisfaction Scale—Revised (A-BSS-R) with respect to key psychometric aspects and the issues of replicability. METHODS: A replication study of all quantitative aspects of Jefford et al. (2018) with an increased sample size. Participants were a purposive sample of Australian postnatal women (n = 445). RESULTS: Most key quantitative aspects of the original validation study were found to be replicable and consistent with Jefford et al. (2018), the A-BSS-R was found to have excellent psychometric properties fundamentally mirroring the measurement characteristics observed previously. However, a small number of instances of nonreplicability were found. CONCLUSIONS: The A-BSS-R is a valid and reliable measure of birth satisfaction. Replicability, at least in part, is influenced by participant group characteristics, statistical power and sample size. More focus is required on the influence of self-report measures themselves on the germane aspects of successful study replication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Studies report that increased levels of patient activation is associated with increased engagement with the health care system, better adherence to treatment protocols, and improved health outcomes. This study aims to evaluate the outcomes of a 12-month Patient-Centred Medical Home (PCMH) model called 'WellNet' on the activation levels of patients with one or more chronic diseases in general practices across Northern Sydney, Australia. Methods: A total of 636 patients aged 40 years and above with one or more chronic conditions consented to participate in the WellNet program which was delivered across six general practices in Northern Sydney, Australia. The WellNet intervention includes team-based care with general physicians and trained chronic disease management care coordinators collaborating with patients in designing a patient-tailored care plan with improved self-management support and care navigation according to the level of risk and health care needs. The level of patient activation was measured using the validated PAM 13-item scale at baseline and follow-up. A before and after case-series design was employed to determine the adjusted mean differences between baseline and 12-months using repeated measures analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). Additionally, the backward stepwise multivariable regression models were employed to identify significant predictors of activation at follow-up. Results: Of the 626 patients, 420 reported their PAM scores at follow-up. The mean (SD) baseline PAM score was 57.9 (13.0). The adjusted model showed significant mean difference in PAM scores by increase of 6.5 (95% CI 5.0–8.1; p-value< 0.001) after controlling for baseline covariates. The multivariable regression models showed that older age (B = − 0.14; 95% CI -0.28, − 0.01) and private insurance (uninsured patients) (B = − 3.41; 95% CI -6.50, − 0.32) were significantly associated with lower PAM scores at 12 months whereas higher baseline PAM score (B = 0.48; 95% CI 0.37, 0.59) was significantly associated with higher follow-up PAM score. Conclusion: The WellNet study is the first of its kind in Australia to report on changes in the patient activation levels among patients with one or more chronic diseases. PCMH has the potential to improve patient activation and engagement which can lead to long-term health benefits and sustained self-management behaviours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The current study aimed to assess the suitability of the Work Organisation Assessment Questionnaire (WOAQ) for use in the healthcare sector, specifically for community nurses and paramedics. Community nurses and paramedics work in complex environments and are exposed to a range of psychosocial hazards linked with the development of musculoskeletal and mental health disorders. To reduce the incidence of these disorders, assessment and then control of psychosocial hazards is required. WOAQ addresses this need through an employee survey to identify key hazards, with the responses used to underpin a participative development of solutions. Method: Using a bifactor model, the WOAQ and five nested factors were cross validated using a sample of 1255 community nurses and paramedics using data collected in 2011 and 2012. Results: The results of metric invariance testing demonstrated that the WOAQ is a valid tool across health organizations. Full invariance testing at mean constructs level also showed strong support of validity of the 'general score' of the WOAQ. However, minor mean differences were found between two nested factors (workload issues and the relationships with the coworkers). Conclusion: The WOAQ is a valid assessment tool for application within the nursing and paramedic settings. Practical implications for these findings in healthcare settings are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and objectives: To examine underlying factor structure of the Critical Care Family Needs Inventory—Emergency Department across three countries to identify similarities and differences. Background: Understanding family needs assists nurses to provide family‐centred care to deliver optimal outcomes for critically ill patients and their families in Emergency Departments. Design: Retrospective secondary analyses of data collected in three cross‐sectional surveys. Methods: Convenience samples involved recruitment of family members accompanying a critically ill relative into four Emergency Departments in Australia (2), South Africa (1) and Taiwan (1). Item‐matched raw data from 374 responses to 40 items from the surveys were collated and analysed using confirmatory factor analysis methods. Reporting adhered to an adapted STROBE checklist. Results: The factor structure of the 40‐item Critical Care Family Needs Inventory—Emergency Department differed between countries. Analyses of the Australian data revealed a four‐factor solution comprised of 18 items across four categories of family need (support, communication, participation and comfort); the Taiwanese data also demonstrated a four‐factor solution comprised of 13 items (support, communication, participation and comfort); alternatively, the South African data revealed a two‐factor solution comprised of nine items (communication and participation). Fifteen items did not match across the countries. However, loading for four items common across all three countries was related to family participation (3) and communication (1). Conclusions: The findings suggest family members from different countries responded to Critical Care Family Needs Inventory—Emergency Department items in different ways. Consistent with concepts of family‐centred care, the study identified participation and communication needs that were common across the countries. The outcomes illustrate the challenge of providing appropriate care for family members during critical illness of a relative in the ED. Relevance to clinical practice: Family perceptions of important needs during critical illness in the Emergency Department differ across countries; hence, the Critical Care Family Needs Inventory—Emergency Department has limited utility. Participation and communication needs emerged as common family needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this research was to explore how preschool-aged children with phonological impairment (PI) realise grammatical morphemes across different phonological contexts (i.e. singleton consonant, consonant cluster, syllable), conditions of finiteness and individual morpheme types. Factors accounting for children's realisation of grammatical morphemes were also examined. Eighty-seven Australian English-speaking preschoolers (aged 4-5 years) with PI completed the Children's Assessment of Morphophonology (CHAMP)—an elicited response task—in addition to standardised tests of speech and receptive language. The most challenging grammatical morphemes were finite morphemes (particularly past tense) and grammatical morphemes realised in consonant clusters. The ability to produce consonant clusters in single words significantly accounted for children's ability to realise grammatical morphemes, regardless of whether grammatical morphemes were realised in singleton, consonant cluster or syllable contexts. Realisation of grammatical morphemes by preschoolers with PI is influenced by phonological and morphological factors. The findings have implications regarding the assessment and differential diagnosis of preschoolers with concomitant phonological and language difficulties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The Lumbar Spine Instability Questionnaire (LSIQ) is a self-report measure of 15 items. Previous studies have used the LSIQ as a measure of clinical instability; however, a comprehensive evaluation of its clinimetric properties has not been conducted. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinimetric properties of the LSIQ in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain (LBP). METHODS: In this clinical measurement study the authors included patients with nonspecific LBP presenting to primary care clinicians in Australia. Rasch analysis was conducted to assess item hierarchy targeting, unidimensionality person fit, internal consistency and differential item functioning. The researchers assessed test-retest reliability of total scores and individual item scores, as well as convergent and divergent validity RESULTS: A total of 107 participants with LBP (60 men and 47 women) were recruited. The results were variable. The LSIQ appeared to constitute a unidimensional measure, targeted the sample well, and showed adequate test-retest reliability However, the scale had poor internal consistency, did not appear to function as an interval-level measure, and had unclear construct validity Although no items appeared to be redundant, several items were biased by factors other than the proposed construct of the measure. CONCLUSION: The LSIQ does not seem to be ready to be implemented in clinical practice and may require theoretical reconsideration. Although the LSIQ provided satisfactory estimates for some clinimetric features, the authors do not consider the instrument to be useful as an interval-level measure but rather as an index. Future studies are needed to investigate whether the LSIQ could measure clinical instability or some other construct. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To explore Registered Nurses' attitudes and behaviour towards patients' use of complementary therapies. Background: Despite high rates of use of complementary therapies by the general population, little is known of how nurses respond to patients' use of these therapies. Design: A two-phase sequential exploratory mixed methods design. Methods: Nineteen Registered Nurses working in Australia participated in a semi-structured interview in 2015-2016 and emerging themes informed the development of a quantitative survey instrument administered online nationwide in 2016. Findings: Emerging key themes "Promoting safe care"; "Seeking complementary therapies knowledge";" Supporting holistic health care"; and "Integrating complementary therapies in practice" were reflected in survey results. Survey responses (N = 614) revealed >90% agreement that complementary therapies align with a holistic view of health and that patients have the right to use them. Most nurses (77.5%) discussed complementary therapies with patients and 91.8% believed nurses should have some understanding of the area. One-third did not recommend complementary therapies and there was a lack of overall consensus as to whether these therapies should be integrated into nursing practice. Nurses with training in complementary therapies held more positive views than those without. Conclusion: Nurses were generally supportive of patients' interest in complementary therapies, although their primary concern was safety of the patient. Despite broad acceptance that nurses should have a basic understanding of complementary therapies, there was a lack of consensus about recommendation, integration into nursing practice and referral. Further research should explore how nurses can maintain safe, patient-centred care in the evolving pluralistic healthcare system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims The aim of this study was to develop the Patient Participation in Pressure injury Prevention ( PPPIP) scale and undertake initial testing of some of its psychometric properties. Background Clinical practice guidelines recommend patient involvement in pressure injury prevention. There is some evidence that patients are willing to participate in this activity, but there are currently no instruments to measure this participation. Design This methodological study used data collected as part of a cluster randomized trial to develop and test the PPPIP scale. Methods A sample of 688 of patients with complete PPPIP scale data was used. A stratified random subsample, (Subsample A) was created and the remainder became Subsample B. Item analysis, exploratory factor analysis and Cronbach's alpha reliability were undertaken in Subsample A. Confirmatory factor analysis and Cronbach's alpha reliability were undertaken in Subsample B. Data collection occurred between June 2014 - May 2015. Results In Subsample A ( n = 320), inter-item correlations, item total correlations met the acceptance criteria and an exploratory factor analysis identified a one factor solution. In Subsample B ( n = 368), the confirmatory factor analysis supported this one factor. In both subsamples, the Cronbach's alpha was 0·86. Conclusion This study provides preliminary evidence of acceptable reliability and validity of the PPPIP scale in two subsamples of hospitalized patients who had limited mobility. It may be used in research and quality improvement activities. As a better conceptual understanding of patient participation emerges, the PPPIP scale may require refinement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article reports the validation of the Chinese versions of the Suicidal Ideation Attributes Scale (SIDAS), the short form of Stigma of Suicide Scale (SOSS), and the short form of Literacy of Suicide Scale (LOSS) among 57 Chinese and English bilinguals and 224 Chinese university students. All the translated scales showed high correlations with the original versions. The translated SIDAS and refined SOSS demonstrated robust factor structures, good internal consistency, and convergent validity. Chinese students with self-reported depression symptoms tended to have higher glorification of suicide and lower suicide literacy. These brief scales fill an important gap in evaluating suicide outcomes in Chinese-speaking societies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nursing students have reported bioscience to be challenging and difficult to understand. This might have a negative impact upon their ability to understand patients' clinical conditions and nursing practice. We sought information about students' experiences with bioscience. A total of 126 final year nursing students completed a questionnaire. The findings showed that the majority of participants considered bioscience subjects to require more work compared to nursing subjects (65.9%), and that they would like a better understanding of bioscience (73.8%), but understood that bioscience forms the foundation of nursing practice (76.2%). Younger participants without secondary school science rated bioscience harder than nursing subjects and spent more time studying bioscience compared to older participants. Participants without any secondary school science lacked an ability to apply bioscience concepts to patient conditions. These results showed that nursing students, especially those without secondary school science, would benefit from improved bioscience integration with nursing practice. Nursing and bioscience educators should consider greater alignment of bioscience with nursing practice subjects, especially earlier in the curriculum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Interpersonal Psychological Theory of suicide proposes that the interaction between Thwarted Belongingness, Perceived Burdensomeness, and Acquired Capability for Suicide (ACS) predicts proximal risk of death by suicide. Instruments to assess all three constructs are available. However, research on the validity of one of them, the acquired capability for suicide scale (ACSS), has been limited, especially in terms of its clinical relevance. This study aimed to explore the utility of the different versions of the ACSS in clinical assessment. Three versions of the scale were investigated, the full 20-item version, a 7-item version and a single item version representing self-perceived capability for suicide. In a sample of patients recruited from a clinic specialising in the treatment of suicidality and in a community sample, all versions of the ACSS were found to show reasonable levels of reliability and to correlate as expected with reports of suicidal ideation, self-harm, and attempted suicide. The item assessing self-perceived acquired capacity for suicide showed highest correlations with all levels of suicidal behaviour. However, no version of the ACSS on its own showed a capacity to indicate suicide attempts in the combined sample. It is concluded that the versions of the scale have construct validity, but their clinical utility is limited. An assessment using a single item on self-perceived ACS outperforms the full and shortened versions of ACSS in clinical settings and can be recommended with caution for clinicians interested in assessing this characteristic. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

STUDY DESIGN: Case-control study. BACKGROUND: Cervical spine meniscoids are thought to contribute to neck pain and hypomobil-ity in individuals with chronic whiplash-associated disorder (WAD); however, their morphology has not been studied in a clinical population. OBJECTIVES: To investigate cervical spine meniscoid morphology in individuals with chronic WAD. METHODS: Twenty volunteers with chronic WAD (mean ± SD age, 39.3 ± 11.0 years; 10 female) and 20 age- and sex-matched controls (age, 39.1 ± 10.6 years) underwent cervical spine magnetic resonance imaging. Lateral atlantoaxial and zygapophyseal joints (C2-3 to C6-7) were inspected for meniscoids. Length of meniscoid protrusion was measured and composition (adipose/fibrous/fibroadipose) assessed. Data were analyzed using Wilcoxon signed-rank tests and linear and logistic regression (P<.05). RESULTS: Meniscoids were identified in the chronic WAD (n = 317) and control (n = 296) groups. At the lateral atlantoaxial joints, median meniscoid length was greater in the control group (ventral, 6.07 mm; dorsal, 7.24 mm) than the WAD group (ventral, 5.01 mm; P = .06 and dorsal, 6.48 mm; P<.01). At the dorsal aspect of zygapophyseal joints, meniscoids were more frequently fibrous in the chronic WAD group (odds ratio = 2.38, P<.01; likelihood ratio test: χ²2 9.02; P = .01). CONCLUSION: In individuals with chronic WAD, lateral atlantoaxial meniscoids were shorter and dorsal cervical zygapophyseal meniscoids were more fibrous, suggesting alterations in meniscoid composition. This may have pathoanatomical implications in chronic WAD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to compare and contrast the contents of different types of written patient information about radiotherapy, namely (1) hospital radiotherapy departments vs. cancer control organisations and (2) generic vs. tumour-specific materials. A coding framework, informed by existing patients' information needs literature, was developed and applied to 54 radiotherapy information resources. The framework comprised 12 broad themes; cancer diagnosis, general information about radiotherapy, treatment planning, daily treatment, side effects, self-care management, external radiotherapy, internal radiotherapy, impact on daily activities, post-treatment, psychosocial health and other content, such as a glossary. Materials produced by cancer organisations contained significantly more information than hospital resources on diagnosis, general radiotherapy information, internal radiotherapy and psychosocial health. However, hospital materials provided more information about treatment planning, daily treatment and the impact on daily activities. Compared to generic materials, tumour-specific resources were superior in providing information about diagnosis, daily treatment, side effects, post-treatment and psychosocial health. Information about internal radiotherapy, prognosis and chronic side effects were poorly covered by most resources. Collectively, hospital and cancer organisation resources complement each other in meeting patients' information needs. Identifying ways to consolidate different information sources could help comprehensively address patients' medical and psychosocial information needs about radiotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A balanced diet informed by sound nutrition knowledge is key for operational readiness and the health of military personnel. Unfortunately, research suggests that military personnel have inadequate dietary intakes. This study assessed general nutrition knowledge, diet quality and their association in Australian military personnel. A convenience sample of male military personnel (n 211) including Army soldiers and officers completed a validated general nutrition knowledge questionnaire (GNKQ) and FFQ. The GNKQ assessed knowledge of dietary guidelines (Section A), sources of nutrients (Section B), choosing everyday foods (Section C) and diet-disease relationships (Section D). The Australian Recommended Food Score (ARFS) was used to assess diet quality from FFQ data. Statistical analyses included the χ² test, Spearman's correlation test, t test, median test, ANCOVA and ordinal logistic regression. The mean total GNKQ score was 52⋅7 %. Participants performed best on Section A (58⋅5 %) followed by Sections B (57⋅3%) and C (57⋅0%) and worst on Section D (31⋅0 %). Overall, officers scored significantly higher than soldiers (58⋅7 v. 51⋅9%, P = 0⋅001). Age was weakly but positively correlated with GNKQ total scores (r 0⋅307; P < 0⋅0005), with no significant effects seen for level of education (P = 0⋅463) or living arrangement (P = 0⋅167). Overall ARFS was 37⋅6 (SD 7⋅7) (50⋅8%) with officers scoring significantly higher than soldiers (54⋅7 v. 50⋅3%, P = 0⋅040). No demographic variables influenced total ARFS. The total GNKQ score had a significant, positive but weak relationship with total ARFS (r 0⋅179; P = 0⋅009). Given the importance of nutrition to personnel health and operational readiness, initiatives to improve nutrition knowledge and diet quality are recommended in this population, especially in soldiers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Excessive stress and poor coping skills can put university students at risk for mental health problems. The University Stress Scale ( USS) provides a measure of both the categories of stress experienced by university students as well as the overall intensity of the stress experienced. Methods This study evaluated the psychometric properties of the USS and its clinical utility. Participants were a convenience cross-sectional sample of 2,596 Australian university students. Results Exploratory factor analysis provided support for a six-factor model comprising the categories of academic, relationships, equity, parenting, practical, and health. This structure was confirmed using confirmatory factor analysis. The measure had good discriminant and convergent validity and good internal consistency. A cut-off of 13 on the USS indicates students most likely to be experiencing depression and anxiety symptoms as a result of excessive stress. This study used a broad sample of Australian students; however, further replication is needed to confirm the utility of the measure for students in other countries. Conclusions The total stress score and the categorical breakdown of stressors makes the USS a useful, brief screening measure for clinicians working with university students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Demoralisation is a psychological state characterised by experiences of distress and sadness, helplessness, subjective incompetence and hopelessness, in the context of a stressful situation. Experiences of demoralisation may be particularly relevant to women who have recently given birth, who can feel incompetent, isolated and helpless. The psychometric properties of the Demoralisation Scale among women in the postnatal period participating in a clinical program were examined. Women admitted with their infants to a hospital mother-baby unit in Australia for five nights were recruited consecutively ( N = 209) and assessed at admission and discharge. The Demoralisation Scale was perceived as relevant and exhibited high reliability, acceptable construct validity and good sensitivity to change. The mean demoralisation score was high ( M = 30.9, SD = 15.5) and associated with negative experiences of motherhood and functional impairment, independent of depression and anxiety symptoms. Mean demoralisation decreased significantly after program completion ( M = 18.4, SD = 12.4). More participants showed a significant improvement in demoralisation (57.5 %) than in depression (34.8 %) and anxiety (9.8 %) symptoms. Demoralisation can provide a useful framework for understanding and measuring the experiences of women participating in postnatal clinical programs and in directing treatment towards helping women to acquire the necessary caregiving skills and increasing parental efficacy. The Demoralisation Scale is a useful clinical tool for assessing intervention effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Undergraduate psychology students have been largely excluded from interprofessional education (IPE) initiatives. In contrast to many health professions, undergraduate psychology students do not engage in work placements as part of their degree, and many enter careers outside the health care context. However, the collaborative skills gained through an IPE experience may well be beneficial to students who work in this wider context. This research examines whether undergraduate psychology students' views of IPE vary according to their planned career directions, and if so, whether the perceived relevance of IPE mediates the relationships. A sample of 188 Australian university undergraduate psychology students completed an online questionnaire following completion of a first-year IPE health sciences program. Path analysis indicated that psychology students' attitudes towards IPE are associated with both professional identification and practitioner orientation, fully mediated through the perceived relevance of IPE to future career and study plans. Stronger professional identification and practitioner orientation were associated with greater perceived relevance and more positive and less negative attitudes towards IPE. Placing a stronger emphasis on the generalizability of IP skills taught may increase students' awareness of the relevance outside of the health context, reducing disengagement of students planning alternative careers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Memory for Intentions Screening Test (MIST) is a clinical measure of prospective memory. There is emerging support for the sensitivity and ecological relevance of the MIST in clinical populations. In the present study, the construct validity of the MIST was evaluated in 40 younger (18-30 years), 24 young-old (60-69 years), and 37 old-old (70+ years) healthy adults. Consistent with expectations derived from the prospective memory and aging literature, older adults demonstrated lower scores on the MIST’s primary scale scores (particularly on the time-based scale), but slightly better performance on the seminaturalistic 24-hour trial. Among the healthy older adults, the MIST showed evidence of both convergent (e.g., verbal fluency) and divergent (e.g., visuoperception) correlations with standard clinical tests, although the magnitude of those correlations were comparable across the time- and event-based scales. Together, these results support the discriminant and convergent validity of the MIST as a measure of prospective memory in healthy older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Objective Difficulties with emotion regulation is considered an important maintaining factor of disordered eating. One of the most commonly used measures of this construct is the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS). The aim of this study was to explore the factor structure of this measure in young females and to examine its reliability and validity with respect to disordered eating. Method Females aged 17-25 years ( M age = 19.6 years, N = 486) were examined in the analyses. Confirmatory factor analyses were conducted followed by regression analyses examining the DERS subscales as predictors of eating disorder severity and disordered eating behaviors. Results The original 6-factor 36-item model did not fit well and analyses indicated a 6-factor 30-item solution was a more suitable fit for our population. Validity and reliability of the 30-item solution were found to be acceptable. Regression analyses also indicated the 36- and 30-item models were able to adequately predict eating disorder severity and disordered eating behaviors with the 'Awareness' and 'Goals' subscales being predictors of the former, and the 'Impulsivity' subscale being a significant predictor of the latter. Discussion The overall findings suggest that an abbreviated version of the DERS might be more appropriate than the original version with young females and that this measure exhibits stronger relationships with eating disorder severity and disordered eating behaviors than the longer version. Further examinations of the psychometric properties of the DERS with clinical populations are indicated. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2014; 47:630-639) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the psychometric characteristics of the Child Adjustment and Parent Efficacy Scale ( CAPES). The CAPES was designed as a brief outcome measure in the evaluation of both public health and individual or group parenting interventions. The scale consists of a 30-item intensity scale with two subscales measuring children's behaviour problems and emotional maladjustment and a 20-item self-efficacy scale that measures parent's self-efficacy in managing specific child problem behaviours. A sample of 347 parents of 2-12-year-old children participated in the study. Psychometric evaluation of the CAPES revealed that both the intensity and self-efficacy scales had good internal consistency, as well as satisfactory convergent and discriminant validity. Potential uses of the measure and implications for future validation studies are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous research indicates that increases in positive affect enhance personal resources and bring about improvements in various realms of life. The present study examined the role of general self-efficacy as a mediator between increases in positive affect and change in work and relationship satisfaction and mental health. Participants randomly assigned to a three-week intervention intended to increase positive affect showed significantly greater change in positive affect, ratio of positive to negative affect, self-efficacy, work satisfaction and mental health than participants in a control condition. Changes in affect were associated with changes in self-efficacy, work satisfaction, relationship satisfaction and mental health. Changes in self-efficacy were associated with increases in work satisfaction and mental health. The findings incorporate the concept of general self-efficacy into the broaden and build model and provide information regarding the utility of ratio of positive to negative affect indices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Standardized patients (SPs) are frequently included in the clinical preparation of students in the health sciences. An acknowledged benefit of using SPs is the opportunity to provide a standardized method by which students can demonstrate and develop their competency. Relatively little is known, however, about the capacity of SPs to offer an accurate and standardized performance across a speech-language therapy student cohort. Aims To investigate the accuracy, reproducibility (consistent performance of each SP across student interviews) and replicability (consistent performance of a number of SPs across each scenario) of SPs portraying three scenarios, each as a parent of a child presenting with a speech disorder. Methods & Procedures Forty-four speech-language therapy students interviewed four SPs to gain a case history. All interviews were videotaped. The accuracy of SP portrayal of key features of each scenario was scored by an expert rater and two other raters. Data were analysed to determine levels of accuracy, reproducibility and replicability, and inter-rater reliability was evaluated. Outcomes & Results SPs were found to have moderate to high levels of accuracy across the three scenarios. There were no significant differences in the performances of each individual SP across interviews or between all SPs on each scenario, indicating that reproducibility and replicability were achieved. Overall inter-rater reliability between raters across all scenarios was greater than 80%. Conclusions & Implications The results would seem to indicate that SPs can present in a standardized manner within a speech-language therapy context, confirming the value of their inclusion in clinical education programmes. Suggestions for improving the training of SPs in order to maintain accuracy are highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim This article is a report of the psychometric testing of the five-item English Language Acculturation Scale, an indicator of English language usage as reported by first-year undergraduate nursing students. Background Nursing students who have English as an additional language can struggle clinically and academically due to low levels of English language proficiency. A self-report screening tool may provide early identification of nursing students at risk of underperformance. Design Prospective correlational survey design. Methods The study used a prospective, correlational survey design. In 2010 and 2011, 1400 commencing nursing students were surveyed about their English language usage using the English Language Acculturation Scale. In addition to descriptive statistics, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses and Cronbach's alpha reliabilities, the relationship between English Language Acculturation Scale score and Grade Point Average at the end of first year was computed. Results Results show good reliability and construct validity of the English Language Acculturation Scale. Principal component analysis yielded only one component in which all five items loaded highly. This was further supported by confirmatory factor analysis, with standardized factor loadings ranging from 0·79 to 0·90. The results also showed strong association between English language use and academic performance; students in the high English Language Acculturation Scale score group were most likely to be in the high Grade Point Average group at the end of first year. Conclusion Language screening tools can be an important strategy to identify nursing students at risk of underperforming in their studies. The English Language Acculturation Scale has the potential to be a useful brief self-report measure for commencing nursing students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indigenous Australians have been known to be disadvantaged in many ways although higher art and physical self-concepts have been reported with Indigenous samples. Given recent research demonstrating the reciprocal effects of achievement and self-concept in academic domains, Indigenous students may experience further disadvantages in both academic performance and self-concept. A sample of Indigenous and non-Indigenous students (N = 1,342) from schools in New South Wales (NSW), Australia were asked to respond to a survey measuring: five domains of self-concept (i.e., school, reading, mathematics, art, and physical abilities), two learning-related factors (enjoyment and participation), and a self-assessment of their school work. Their scores in a NSW state-wide assessment of students’ literacy and numeracy were also obtained. Confirmatory factor analysis established the self-concept and learning-related factors. Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) using a 2 (identity: Indigenous vs. Non-Indigenous) × 2 (region: urban vs. rural) design found significant effects of identity for all variables except for art self-concept. That is, non-Indigenous students scored higher than Indigenous students in literacy and numeracy tests, self-concepts, learning-related factors, and self-ratings of school work, irrespective of region. The results did not support previous research demonstrating a relatively higher art self-concept for Indigenous children based on stereotypical perspectives. These results imply that school personnel would be well advised to not assume stereotypic differences between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australian students or assume a great difference between Indigenous students from urban and rural school settings. However, there seems to be a need for improving the school environment so as to promote Indigenous students’ performance and enjoyment of school life. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Aim To report a study in Australian operating theatres of compliance by the anaesthetic team with best peripheral arterial catheter practice for blood gas sampling and infection prevention. Comparisons are made with research recommendations and Centres for Disease Control Guidelines. Background There is wide global usage of peripheral arterial catheters in the operating theatre for haemodynamic monitoring and blood gas analysis. Frequent blood sampling from arterial catheters can lead to statistically significant blood loss and provide an infective potential. Evidence-based research and clinical guidelines prescribe best practice. Design Cross-sectional descriptive survey Methods Data were collected in 2009 from 64 major Australian hospitals using a self-designed internet survey. Results/Findings Hand hygiene prior to catheter insertion was the only infection prevention practice entirely adherent with guidelines. The recommended ratio of discard to dead space volume of 2:1 to decrease unnecessary blood loss during blood gas sampling was reported by only 11 (17%) respondents. Less than 32 (50%) respondents used the preferred solution, chlorhexidine to disinfect the insertion site. Access ports were reported as 'never disinfected' before use by 30 (47%) respondents. Conclusion The complex operating theatre environment presents barriers, which contribute to non-adherence with guidelines. These barriers need to be identified to plan strategies for improvement. A quality audit tool is proposed for development by nurses in collaboration with the anaesthetic team, providing a needed method to assess ongoing compliance with best peripheral arterial catheter care. Further international research would test the generalizability of our Australian findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite a paucity of studies evaluating the psychometric properties of the Locus of Control of Behaviour Scale ( LCBS), it continues to be widely used in behavioural research. The present study sought to redress this gap in the literature. The 17-item LCBS was administered to 373 Australians attending Alcohol and Other Drug ( AOD) treatment agencies in the northern metropolitan region of Perth. Confirmatory factor analyses were conducted in order to determine which of several plausible measurement models provided the best fit for the data. A unidimensional model, recommended by the authors of the LCBS, and a two-dimensional (Internal Locus of Control vs External Locus of Control) model provided poor fits. Other multidimensional models, differing only in the dimensionality of the externality factor, were also tested. A multidimensional model consisting of an Internal Locus of Control factor and four component External Locus of Control factors provided the best fit; however, the fit is probably best described as 'reasonable' rather than 'good.' A subsequent exploratory factor analysis using parallel analysis indicated a cohesive internality factor; however, the externality factor showed a tendency to fragment into smaller components. Results were discussed in terms of the problematic externality factor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To explore emergency department clinicians' perceived resource barriers to facilitating organ and tissue donation (OTD). Methods. A cross-sectional national online survey of Australian emergency department (ED) clinicians. Results. ED clinicians reported a range of resource barriers that hinder the facilitation of OTD, most notably a lack of time to discuss OTD with a patient's family (74.6%). Those reporting more resource barriers had been less involved in OTD-related tasks. For example, those reporting a lack of time to assess a patient's suitability to be a potential donor had less experience with OTD-related tasks in the last calendar year than did those who reported that they often or always have enough time for this (P < 0.01). In addition, ED clinicians working in DonateLife network hospitals were more involved in OTD-related tasks (P < 0.01) and reported fewer resource shortages in the ED and the hospital overall. Conclusions. Resource shortages hinder the facilitation of OTD in the ED and are related to decreased involvement in OTD-related tasks. In addition, ED clinicians working in DonateLife hospitals are more involved in OTD-related tasks and report fewer resource shortages overall. Addressing resource shortages and extending the DonateLife network could benefit OTD rates initiated from the ED. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to investigate and benchmark the level of general nutrition knowledge in elite Australian athletes (EA) against a similar aged community (CM) and criterion sample with dietetic training (DT). EA (n 175), CM (n 116) and DT (n 53) completed the General Nutrition Knowledge Questionnaire (GNKQ), which assesses four domains (sections A–D) of general nutrition knowledge (section A: dietary guidelines; section B: sources of nutrients; section C: choosing everyday foods; section D: diet–disease relationships). Age, sex and education level were collected in all groups, and athletic calibre and sport type (team or individual) in EA. Dietitians and nutrition scientists (n 53) re-examined the GNKQ for content validity, resulting in instrument revision (R-GNKQ; ninety-six items). Psychometric assessment (internal consistency: Cronbach-α; test–retest: Spearman rank correlation) was performed in a sub-sample (n 28). Independent t tests, ANOVA and ANCOVA (χ2 for categorical variables) were used to assess between-group differences. DT scored higher than EA and CM in all sub-sections and overall (P < 0·005). EA scored lower than CM in GNKQ for section B (P < 0·005) and overall (P < 0·005), and in R-GNKQ for section B (P < 0·005), section C (P < 0·005), section D (P = 0·006) and overall (P < 0·005). Overall score was influenced by age (P = 0·036 for GNKQ: P = 0·053 for R-GNKQ), sex (P = 0·016 for GNKQ: P = 0·003 for R-GNKQ) and athletic calibre (P = 0·029 for R-GNKQ only), but not level of education, living situation or ethnicity. EA and CM performed best on section A and worst on D. EA had lower overall general knowledge scores than CM. This was significantly influenced by age and sex. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to identify and compare individual behavioral and psychophysiological responses to workload demands and stressors associated with the reporting of musculoskeletal symptoms with computer work. Evidence is growing that the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms increases with longer hours of computer work and exposure to psychosocial stressors such as high workloads and unrealistic deadlines. Workstyle, or how an individual worker behaves in response to such work demands, may also be an important factor associated with musculoskeletal symptoms in computer operators. Method Approximately 8,000 employees of the Australian Public Service were invited to complete an on-line survey if they worked with a computer for 15 or more hours per week. The survey was a composite of three questionnaires: the ASSET to measure perceived organizational stressors, Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire to measure reported prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms and additional questions to measure individual work behaviors and responses. Results 934 completed surveys were accepted for analyses. Logistic regression was used to identify significant behavioral and work response predictors of musculoskeletal symptoms. Reporting of heightened muscle tension in response to workload pressure was more strongly associated, than other physical behavioral factors, with musculoskeletal symptoms for all body areas, particularly the neck (OR = 2.50, 95% CI: 2.09-2.99). Conclusions Individual Workstyles in response to workload demands and stressors, including working with heightened muscle tension and mental fatigue, were significantly associated with musculoskeletal symptoms. Future risk management strategies should have a greater focus on the identification and management of those organizational factors that are likely to encourage and exacerbate adverse Workstyles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

International statistics indicate that occupational, or work-related driving, crashes are the most common cause of workplace injury, death, and absence from work. The majority of research examining unsafe driver behavior in the workplace has relied on general road safety questionnaires. However, past research has failed to consider the organisational context in the use of these questionnaires, and thus, there is ambiguity in the dimensions constituting occupational driving. Using a theoretical model developed by ), this article proposes and validates a new scale of occupational driver behavior. This scale incorporates four dimensions of driver behavior that are influenced by demanding workplace conditions: speeding, rule violation, inattention, and driving while tired. Following a content validation process, three samples of occupational drivers in Australia were used to assess the scale. Data from the first sample ( n= 145) were used to reduce the number of scale items and provide an assessment of the factorial validity of the scale. Data from the second sample ( n= 645) were then used to confirm the factor structure and psychometric properties of the scale including reliability and construct validity. Finally, data from the third sample ( n= 248) were used to establish criterion validity. The results indicated that the scale is a reliable and valid measure of occupational driver behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]