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: Objective: An analysis of food and physical activity environments in relation to socioeconomic disadvantage was conducted in 25 communities across Queensland, Australia. Methods: Physical activity and food environments were assessed in 25 Queensland communities using The Systematic Pedestrian and Cycling Environmental Scan (SPACES) and the Nutrition Environment Measurement Survey (NEMS). Spearman's correlation tested the association between physical activity and food environments and degree of remoteness and socioeconomic disadvantage of each region. Results: A significant negative association was observed between the supermarket food environment and degree of remoteness and socioeconomic disadvantage. All regions have a moderately supportive environment for physical activity. Food availability and price varied in supermarkets with more remote communities having less supportive food environments. Conclusions: Areas with a high degree of remoteness and socioeconomic disadvantage were more likely to experience disadvantages in the physical activity, supermarket, and restaurant food environments than metropolitan areas and socioeconomically disadvantaged areas. Implications for public health: Socioeconomic disadvantage and remoteness were associated with reduced supportiveness of the built environment hindering the ability of consumers to make healthy food and physical activity choices. Improving the food and physical activity environments in these areas may assist in reducing the health inequalities experienced by these communities., The implication of the burden of disease to individuals, their families, and the wider community is significant, costing the Australian economy between $840 million and $185 billion annually.[sup.1-3] In the [...]

AbstractThis scoping review explores the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) with communication, behavioral, and social theories to enhance health behavior interventions. A systematic search of articles published through February 2024, following PRISMA guidelines, identified 28 relevant studies from 13,723 screened. These studies, conducted across various countries, addressed health issues such as smoking cessation, musculoskeletal injuries, diabetes, chronic diseases and mental health using AI-driven tools like chatbots and apps. Despite AI’s potential, a gap exists in aligning technical advancements with theoretical frameworks. The proposed AI Impact Communications Model (AI-ICM) aims to bridge this gap, offering a road map for future research and practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Issue Addressed: The implementation of quick response (QR) code check‐in compliance behaviour during the COVID‐19 pandemic featured in infection control strategies in several global jurisdictions, but was of particular interest in the Australian context, where it became mandated on a nationwide scale. We aimed to identify the salient beliefs people hold toward complying with the QR code check‐in using a Theory of Planned Behaviour belief‐based framework. Methods: An elicitation study using open‐ended questions (Queensland; N = 93, Mage = 4.77 years, SD = 13.62 and Victoria; N = 76, Mage = 44.92 years, SD = 11.63) and a prospective correlational study using a two‐wave online survey (Queensland; N = 290, Mage = 38.99, 46.6% female and Victoria; N = 290, Mage = 38.27, 53.4% female) were conducted. Results: Qualitative data were coded through an iterative content analysis, while quantitative data were analysed using linear multiple regression. Behavioural, normative and control beliefs were associated with intention and behaviour in both samples. Variation in beliefs across the states also were observed. Conclusions: Across both samples, beliefs in positive outcomes consistently exhibited stronger associations with both intention and behaviour than the reported negative outcomes. Distinct differences emerged between the two samples in terms of regression effects. So What?: Results indicate individual experience may affect the beliefs which guide behaviour, supporting the potential efficacy of health promotion campaigns tapping into context specific beliefs and experiences if QR code check‐in is to be implemented as an infection control measure in future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article highlights period poverty and menstrual hygiene as critical global issues impacting health, education, and gender equality for those who menstruate. Topics include the prevalence of inadequate access to menstrual products and sanitation facilities, the negative health and educational impacts of period poverty, and the role of organizations like Share the Dignity in providing support and resources to combat this issue in Australia.

In Australia, checking in while entering venues was a legal requirement during the COVID-19 pandemic to track potential infection sites. This two-wave correlational study used an integrated theory of planned behavior model including moral norms, anticipated regret, and habit to predict check-in compliance in a sample of 181 Victorians (Mean Age = 41.88, 56.4% female) and 162 Queenslanders (Mean Age = 43.26, 47.5% female). Habit and intention predicted behavior, while perceived behavioral control did not. Intention was predicted by baseline habit, attitude, subjective norm, and moral norm in the Victorian sample, while only baseline habit and moral norm predicted intention in the Queensland sample. This study has potential implications for reviewing previous strategies and for future pandemic preparedness, both by identifying the drivers of infection control compliance, and through the discussion of how differences in effects between states may be linked to each state's experience of the pandemic (e.g. infection rates, lockdown length). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on the concept and evaluation of social impact within health marketing. Topics include the definition and importance of social impact in addressing complex social issues such as health inequality and poverty, the need for a shift from measuring to evaluating social impact to incorporate both quantitative and qualitative methods, and the challenges and systematic approaches involved in effectively assessing and communicating social impact.

Dietary habits established in childhood, often persist into adulthood highlighting the importance of early intervention. However, limited interventions exist promoting "how" to establish healthful eating behaviors in children. To create impactful interventions, it is important they are based on evidence and co-designed with end-users. Fifteen child health nurses participated in this co-design study, underpinned by the Knowledge to Action Framework. Child health nurses reviewed evidence-based statements and then workshopped practical strategies. Findings from the co-design sessions were used to inform the development of a preventive intervention. The study has important health marketing implications for conducting co-design with child health nurses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How parents communicate about food is important for building children's emotional relationships with food. "Mealtime Chatter Matters" (MCM) is an evidence-informed brief intervention providing behavioral strategies for parents focusing on positive communication at mealtimes. This process study explored parents' experiences of the brief intervention. Nine mothers participated in interviews, followed by a qualitative inductive analysis. Findings revealed the strengths and weaknesses of MCM and critical reflections of participants' experiences that can be used to inform future program strategies. This study has important health marketing implications for developing preventive health resources and indicates that future research on mealtime communication is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]