ISSN:1035-7319    

DOI:10.1111/j.1753-6405.1993.tb00132.x

出版商:Blackwell Publishing Ltd    

年代:1993

数据来源: WILEY

ISSN:1035-7319    

DOI:10.1111/j.1753-6405.1993.tb00133.x

出版商:Blackwell Publishing Ltd    

年代:1993

数据来源: WILEY

摘要:

Abstract:Community‐wide promotion of physical activity is becoming increasingly relevant in the development of social, economic, and health‐related policy. Such research raises issues in the assessment of physical activity on a population basis. This paper reviews definitions of physical activity for cardiovascular risk reduction and the assessment techniques which arise from them, and makes some recommendations, firstly for the identification of appropriate levels of physical activity, and secondly for the development and selection of assessment techniques. It seems that a clearer conception of appropriate activity levels for fitness and for health will require further research with a range of population groups and activity types. Greater standardisation of questionnaires, improved validity of measures, and a greater understanding of possible response biases will also improve the quality of the basic information on which interventions and policies are develo

ISSN:1035-7319    

DOI:10.1111/j.1753-6405.1993.tb00134.x

出版商:Blackwell Publishing Ltd    

年代:1993

数据来源: WILEY

摘要:

Abstract:Three data collection methods (street‐intercept, telephone ring‐in and focus‐group discussions) were compared for their feasibility, reliability, validity and cost. The subjects of investigation were drug‐related behaviours, attitudes and knowledge among current illicit drug users aged 16 to 21 years in Sydney. All three methods were found to be feasible and to produce reliable and valid information. Few differences in the demographic make‐up and drug‐use profiles of the samples were evident. The main differences between the data collections related to cost and the type of information obtained. The street‐intercept method was the cheapest per completed interview and the focus‐group method was the most expensive. Focus‐group discussions were considered a valuable adjunct to the surveys because they facilitated an understanding of the quantitative survey results. It was concluded that the street‐intercept method is the preferred survey method because of its lower cost and lower susceptibility to volunteer bias compared to the telephone ring‐in. For repeated data collection to monitor changes in drug use patterns, street‐intercept surveys in combination with focus‐group di

ISSN:1035-7319    

DOI:10.1111/j.1753-6405.1993.tb00135.x

出版商:Blackwell Publishing Ltd    

年代:1993

数据来源: WILEY

摘要:

Abstract:A cross‐sectional study of the sun‐related attitudes and beliefs of 3 655 children in Grades 7 to 11 attending 55 representative Queensland schools was undertaken using a structured questionnaire administered at school. Factors derived from a series of focus groups were incorporated into the questionnaire. Knowledge about risk factors in the aetiology of skin cancer and the role of protective measures was high. Several potential barriers to the use of sun protection were identified, including the desire to be tanned, the perceived attitudes of the peer group to sun protection, and difficulties with the use of specific sun protection measures. In general, these barriers were significantly more prominent among boys and children from older grades than other students. These data will be used to design school‐based sun protection interventions which are sensitive to these age and sex differ

ISSN:1035-7319    

DOI:10.1111/j.1753-6405.1993.tb00136.x

出版商:Blackwell Publishing Ltd    

年代:1993

数据来源: WILEY

摘要:

Abstract:This study explored the prevalence and predictors of solar protection behaviour in a community sample of beachgoers. A total of 670 participants was randomly selected from six beaches in the Newcastle district. The solar protection behaviour of each participant was assessed by direct observation and interview. A subsample was also asked to complete a written questionnaire to assess attitudes to solar protection use, knowledge of skin cancer and awareness of recommended solar protection behaviours. Forty‐five per cent of the beachgoers in this sample were using a high level of solar protection, and a substantial proportion (16 per cent) of the sample was not using any kind of solar protection. Sunscreen with SPF 15+ was applied to at least one body region by 69 per cent of the sample, 17 per cent of the sample were wearing a recommended hat, 15.1 per cent were using shade, and 3.4 per cent were wearing a recommended style of shirt at the time of observation. Chi‐square analyses of the data for under‐15‐year‐olds indicated that a significantly greater proportion of 0‐ to 9‐year‐olds were well protected compared to 11‐ to 14‐year‐olds, but there was no difference in use of protection by boys and girls under 15 years of age. Stepwise regression analysis of the adult sample (15 years and over) showed that the predictors of overall level of solar protection were marital status and frequency of skin self‐examination in the past 12 months. The practical implications of these findings for future community‐based skin cancer preventi

ISSN:1035-7319    

DOI:10.1111/j.1753-6405.1993.tb00137.x

出版商:Blackwell Publishing Ltd    

年代:1993

数据来源: WILEY

摘要:

Abstract:This survey aimed to assess the prevalence and knowledge of coronary risk factors and self‐perceived coronary heart disease risk among Greek‐Australians in the Marrickville area of inner Sydney. A random sample of 834 household addresses was selected from the 2 403 households having Greek‐Australian surnames on the electoral roll. In each household, one individual aged 18 years or over was selected using a Kish grid, and a questionnaire was administered by a bilingual interviewer. Questions concerned knowledge of and self‐reported risk factors for coronary heart disease, and ratings of perceived stress, social support and networks. There was a response rate of 81 per cent of actual Greek‐Australian households, a total of 541 interviews (61 per cent women). Most of the sample (86 per cent) were born in Greece and 77 per cent of interviews were administered in Greek. The age‐adjusted male prevalences of self‐reported smoking, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol and body mass index over 26 kg/m2were 44 per cent, 5 per cent, 14 per cent and 58 per cent, respectively. The age‐adjusted female prevalences of self‐reported smoking, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol and body mass index over 26 kg/m2were 19 per cent, 8 per cent, 15 per cent and 40 per cent, respectively. Compared to the National Heart Foundation risk‐factor prevalence survey, the prevalence of self‐reported high blood pressure was lower, but obesity and, among males, smoking, were higher. Low levels of education and poor English‐language skills among older Greek‐Australians may be contributing to the problem. There is a need for linguistically and culturally appropriate health promotion programs for communities of non‐

ISSN:1035-7319    

DOI:10.1111/j.1753-6405.1993.tb00138.x

出版商:Blackwell Publishing Ltd    

年代:1993

数据来源: WILEY

摘要:

Abstract:Recognition of the high prevalence of and the problems caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in the North Island of New Zealand is largely due to the observations and work of one man, Alexander Milne. This article outlines the history of the events that led up to the culmination of his team's work—a national hepatitis vaccination strategy for New Zealand children. The situation in Australia is reassessed in the light of the New Zealand example with data based on benefit‐cost analysis of various vaccination strateg

ISSN:1035-7319    

DOI:10.1111/j.1753-6405.1993.tb00139.x

出版商:Blackwell Publishing Ltd    

年代:1993

数据来源: WILEY

摘要:

Abstract:Current knowledge about human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease is used to assess past and future trends in Australian HIV/AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) incidence, focusing on the precision with which such assessments can be made. The statistical method of back‐projection is applied to reconstruct the past pattern of HIV incidence from surveillance data on AIDS incidence to June 1992. The results indicate that HIV incidence rose rapidly in the early 1980s to peak in 1983–1984, followed by a sharp decline. This finding is insensitive to plausible variations from the assumptions made, and is consistent with both success in preventive strategies and high levels of infection in a subgroup having a high probability of exposure. Cumulative HIV incidence to the end of 1987 is estimated with a 90 per cent confidence interval from 9 350 to 10 350. Estimation of the cumulative HIV incidence to June 1992 is less precise, with a 90 per cent confidence interval of 12 900 to 17 800. After adjustment for underreporting the incidence could be as high as 22 000, but only if recent infection rates, which cannot be quantified accurately, were very high. Based on data to June 1992, the estimated trend in AIDS incidence indicates 680 new cases in 1993, rising gradually to 695 in 1995. The estimated rate of increase in AIDS incidence over the recent past and near future is significantly less than that observed earlier in the epidemic. This is a consequence of both the earlier peak in HIV incidence and the effect of ther

ISSN:1035-7319    

DOI:10.1111/j.1753-6405.1993.tb00140.x

出版商:Blackwell Publishing Ltd    

年代:1993

数据来源: WILEY

摘要:

Abstract:An outbreak of measles occurred in Darwin from February to March 1991. The first case was in a 13‐year‐old high school student who had returned from a holiday overseas. She was symptomatic on the second day of the new school term. She infected an infant while both waited in a doctor's surgery. Outbreak control measures were instituted 18 days later when the Communicable Diseases Centre was first alerted of cases through the laboratory notification scheme. Through active surveillance, we identified 76 cases of measles, of whom 92 per cent (70 cases) were under 20 years of age. Of these, 46 were students at the index high school in which the attack rate was 39.2 per 1000. They transmitted the disease to six unvaccinated siblings aged 11 to 18 years, resulting in a secondary attack rate of 113 per 1000 in this age group (relative risk of disease in siblings 2.8, 95 per cent confidence interval 1.2 to 6.2). The outbreak affected one other high school, a number of primary schools, one tertiary institution, and nine children under five years. Only four of the cases had a verified history of previous immunisation against measles. The outbreak was arrested within two weeks of instituting community‐wide control measures. Inadequate immunisation coverage among school‐aged children and delays in notification contributed to the severity of the outbreak. Improved measles surveillance systems, including telephone notification of clinical cases are needed so that control measures can be instituted immediately within the household and in the co

ISSN:1035-7319    

DOI:10.1111/j.1753-6405.1993.tb00141.x

出版商:Blackwell Publishing Ltd    

年代:1993

数据来源: WILEY