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Background The transport and logistics industry contributes to a significant proportion of the Australian economy. However, few studies have explored the economic and clinical burden attributed to poor truck driver health. We therefore estimated the work-related mortality burden among truck drivers over a 10-year period. Methods Dynamic life table modelling was used to simulate the follow-up of the Australian male working-age population (aged 15–65 years) over a 10-year period of follow-up (2021–2030). The model estimated the number of deaths occurring among the Australian working population, as well as deaths occurring for male truck drivers. Data from the Driving Health study and other published sources were used to inform work-related mortality and associated productivity loss, hospitalisations and medication costs, patient utilities and the value of statistical life year (VoSLY). All outcomes were discounted by 5% per annum. Results Over 10 years, poor truck driver health was associated with a loss of 21,173 years of life lived (discounted), or 18,294 QALYs (discounted). Healthcare costs amounted to AU$485 million (discounted) over this period. From a broader, societal perspective, a total cost of AU$2.6 billion (discounted) in lost productivity and AU$4.7 billion in lost years of life was estimated over a 10-year period. Scenario analyses supported the robustness of our findings. Conclusions The health and economic consequences of poor driver health are significant, and highlight the need for interventions to reduce the burden of work-related injury or disease for truck drivers and other transport workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prospective longitudinal cohort study. Traumatic brachial plexus injuries (BPIs) can be devastating and negatively impact daily function and quality of life. Occupational therapists play an important role in rehabilitation; however, studies identifying outcomes are lacking. This study aims to describe outcomes including motor recovery, upper limb function, participation, pain, and quality of life for people receiving occupational therapy intervention. A convenience sample of English-speaking adults (n = 30) with a traumatic BPI, attending the clinic between December 1, 2014, to November 30, 2016, participated. Participants received occupational therapy focusing on sensorimotor retraining and activity-based rehabilitation. Data on active range of motion (goniometry), strength (Medical Research Council (MRC)), upper-limb function (UEFI15, QuickDASH), participation (PSFS), pain (Brief Pain Inventory), and quality of life (EQ-5D-3L) were collected at baseline, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. Elbow flexion strength showed significant improvement at all time-points, average increase 2.17 (MRC) (95% confidence interval: 1.29-3.04; P <.001) and mean final MRC grading 3.86 (standard error: 0.44). Significant improvements at 12 months were seen in: shoulder abduction strength and range, flexion strength and range, external rotation range; elbow extension strength and flexion range; thumb flexion and extension strength. Upper limb function (QuickDASH) showed significant improvement (mean change = 18.85; 95% confidence interval: 4.12-33.59; P =.02). Forearm protonation range and finger flexion strength were significantly worse. Remaining outcomes did not show significant improvement. Occupational therapy with surgical intervention can improve strength, range, and upper limb function with people following traumatic BPI. Further investigations into impact on participation, pain, and quality of life are required. • Traumatic brachial plexus injuries (BPIs) in adults can be devastating to function and quality of life. • Studies detailing outcomes of occupational therapy for BPI are lacking. • This study reports outcomes for occupational therapy intervention for BPI rehabilitation. • Significant improvements were seen in motor recovery and upper limb function. • Participation, pain, or quality of life did not show significant change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Family violence has been highlighted by the World Health Organization as a major public health concern. Although family violence occurs to all genders, a higher prevalence of victims are female. Estimates report around 30% of all women experience intimate partner violence worldwide. Experiencing assault in the family violence context can lead to an acquired brain injury (ABI); however, the connection between these two phenomena has not been well established. The aim of this qualitative study was to explore the extent of, and factors contributing to, ABI and family violence. We conducted 22 semi‐structured interviews and one focus group (n = 4) with practitioners working with family violence victims and/or perpetrators. Thematic data analysis utilised inductive and deductive coding approaches. The Social Determinants of Health Framework was used to guide analysis. Practitioners estimated 30%–40% of the clients on their caseloads had a suspected or diagnosed ABI. They identified that contributing factors were extremely complex. These included acquiring an ABI through assault (past family violence or other criminal act), and transport crashes. Complicating factors of ABI were identified as mental health conditions, alcohol and drug use, and post‐traumatic stress disorder. Additional factors contributing to family violence were recognised as biological (age of parent, twin births, pregnancy, premature births, and children with congenital abnormalities), relationships (intimate partner, father, boyfriend, mother and siblings), previous trauma (family violence), and life stressors (unemployment, financial, and lack of housing). Social determinants of health included cultural (ethnicity, societal attitudes, values, and beliefs) and organisational (legislation and policy) factors which influenced behaviours and outcomes across all sectors. A model of Brain injury Family violence Nexus (BFN) was created to understand the interaction between these phenomena. Utilising the BFN model to understand the interaction can enhance the methods used within health and social services for a more efficacious approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study explored the impact of a person-centered activity program for sub-acute inpatients with Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD). Method: A prospective observational study was conducted in a 15-bed secure wing of a sub-acute metropolitan hospital ward in Australia. Using convenience sampling, patients presenting with delirium or dementia exhibiting BPSD were considered for inclusion. Activity programs were implemented with data collected through observation of behavioral incidences, pre- and post-implementation. Results: Participants were observed over two stages of five weeks (n = 30 pre-intervention, n = 29 post-intervention). The mean age of participants pre-intervention was 80.3 years (SD 15.01) and post-intervention was 85.5 (SD 6.99). There was a 26% decrease of 'overall' behaviors with a statistically significant reduction in 'physical' behaviors (i.e. agitation, restlessness) post-intervention reported as 54% (p =.01). Conclusion: A person-centered activity program can be successfully implemented on a dementia/delirium specific inpatient ward with the reduction of BPSD incidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To explore factors that support or inhibit participation in daily activities amongst older adults who have returned home following hospitalization. Design and Methods: An exploratory qualitative design was used to gather information from a sample of older adults. Participants were recruited during their hospital stay from acute and rehabilitation wards in Victoria, Australia. Semistructured interviews were carried out in the participants' home within 6 weeks of discharge. Data were analyzed through thematic analysis. Results: Participants (n = 21) were aged >65 years (mean 82 years [SD 8.5]), 57% were female (n = 11) and 76% with English as their first language (n = 16). Thematic analysis identified one primary theme (personal life approach) moderated by spirituality and two subthemes; interpretation of physical and mental abilities, and social interactions. The life approach acted as a filter through which participants interpreted their abilities and social interactions that either supported or inhibited their return to participation after a stay in hospital. Implications: The findings suggest that clinicians need to consider the individual's approach to life in their recovery following hospitalization. This approach can influence their return to participation in activities and potentially be supported (towards higher levels of optimism) by health professionals to enhance participation in activities postdischarge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article explores on the positive association between participation and volition with two to three daily physical activities of the older adults living in the community. It highlights several daily activities which include shopping, walking for exercise and bicycling. It cites the positive effects of exercise programmes to strengthen the muscles of the older adults.