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Introduction and hypothesis: Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are common in the general female population. It was hypothesised that Australian female military personnel and veterans would experience similar types and prevalence of LUTS as the broader Australian female population. Methods: An online cross-sectional survey was utilised to explore the pelvic health of active servicewomen and veterans in the Australian Defence Force (ADF). For the purposes of this report, only the demographic and LUTS data (excluding urinary tract infections) were extracted and descriptively analysed. Results: A total of 491 complete survey responses were received and analysed. Respondent characteristics were comparable to those documented in a departmental report regarding ADF servicewomen. No LUTS were reported by 38% of respondents. Regular symptoms of urinary incontinence were experienced by 27% of respondents (stress urinary incontinence = 23%, urge urinary incontinence = 16%, mixed urinary incontinence = 13%), bladder storage issues by 20–27%, and various voiding impairments by 9–27%. In addition, 41% reported regularly experiencing two or more LUTS, and for over two thirds of respondents, LUTS were an ongoing issue. Relationships between age, parity, and symptoms of urinary incontinence were also seen. Conclusions: Consistent with wider research in Australian female populations, LUTS were commonly experienced during service by ADF female military personnel and veterans. Given the high likelihood of female military personnel experiencing LUTS during their service, and a proportion experiencing ongoing symptoms, tailored monitoring and support for urinary health should be available to enhance occupational health, safety, and performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To effectively provide clinical placements for students and increase healthcare options for rural communities, an investigation of university clinics was conducted. Method: This project adopted a consultative inquiry strategy and involved two processes: (1) a review of literature; and (2) interviews with existing health sciences clinic staff. Results: Low income population groups are more likely to find student-provided services acceptable and have a reliable demand for these services if they are accessible. University clinics reporting high client numbers had a consistent flow of low income clients with chronic problems. Private healthcare providers were often unable to meet the demand from this group. However, multiple methods and flexibility of delivery that fitted in with local services were required rather than single point of access clinics. Discussion: University clinics are an effective way of providing clinical placements for students and some healthcare for rural communities. Key aspects of the community context that make a university clinic viable are the degree of disadvantage in a community, the population density (or dispersion), the workforce available to supply health services in the public and private sectors, and the types of services that are demanded by policy or lobby groups and not yet supplied. (Contains 1 table.)

The Nana positioning protocol is widely used to position participants to minimize technical error when undertaking body composition scanning and analysis with a Dual energy X-Ray absorptiometry (DXA) machine. Once biological and technical errors are accounted for, the only variation in test-retest results is from statistical fluctuation or machine error. Therefore, the aim of this study is to assess the test-retest reliability of the Nana positioning protocol and establish the smallest real difference percentage (SRD%). A gender-balanced group of 30 participants (15 males, 15 females) underwent two scans in succession using the Nana positioning protocol, with repositioning between scans. Percentage change in mean with typical error, Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICC), and standard error measurement percentage (SEM%) were used to identify the test-retest reliability and error rate of these protocols. Additionally, SRD% was calculated to assess the point at which clinically important changes occurred in a participant. The reliabilities of the whole body and regional scans were excellent. Percentage change in mean ranged between 0.00% and 0.23%. High reproducibility of the Nana positioning protocol was evident through an ICC ranging between 0.966-1.000. Additionally, typical error, SEM%, and SRD% were all low. Interestingly, fat mass was associated with the largest fluctuations observed to be associated with any of the parameters assessed. When all sources of biological and technical errors have been accounted for, the Nana positioning protocol has excellent test-retest reliability and produces low SEM% and SRD%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the cross-generational physical activity of primary school-aged children and parents in Australia. Separate child and parent questionnaires were administered to establish a profile of the phenomenon. Cross-generational physical activity occurred across a wide variety of types of physical activity, including recreation, sport, and exercise. The study provides insight into the complexity of the physical activity partnership by showing that in a substantial proportion of partnerships, children initiate the physical activity. The importance of investigating both populations was shown as both common experiences in cross-generational physical activity, such as bonding and enjoyment were identified in addition to unique aspects. For example, child respondents disliked power, fitness, and skills mismatches whilst parent respondents disliked their children fighting and complaining. 59% of parents ranked holidays as a time they were more likely to engage in cross-generational physical activity. Findings from the surveys suggest that this physical activity partnership involves more than the provision of parental support for physical activity and modeling of a healthy behavior from parent to child. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the empowerment of rural communities in Australia faced by the impact of adverse climate change. It focuses on community building project implemented by the North East Riverina Rural Counselling Service (NERRCS) funded by the Australian Government Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA) in New South Wales. It presents the findings that highlight the issues of stress, strain and financial hardship in these communities. It explores the significance of NERRCS project on how drought workers can empower affected rural communities.