Experiences of Caregivers and At-Risk Children Enrolled in a Prospective Pregnancy-Birth Cohort Study into the Causes of Type 1 Diabetes: The ENDIA Study.

BACKGROUND: We sought research experiences of caregivers and their children were enrolled in the Environmental Determinants of Islet Autoimmunity (ENDIA) study. METHODS: ENDIA is a pregnancy-birth cohort investigating early-life causes of type 1 diabetes (T1D). Surveys were sent to 1090 families between June 2021 and March 2022 with a median participation of >5 years. Caregivers completed a 12-item survey. Children ≥ 3 years completed a four-item survey. RESULTS: The surveys were completed by 550/1090 families (50.5%) and 324/847 children (38.3%). The research experience was rated as either "excellent" or "good" by 95% of caregivers, and 81% of children were either "ok", "happy" or "very happy". The caregivers were motivated by contributing to research and monitoring their children for T1D. Relationships with the research staff influenced the experience. The children most liked virtual reality headsets, toys, and "helping". Blood tests were least liked by the children and were the foremost reason that 23.4% of the caregivers considered withdrawing. The children valued gifts more than their caregivers. Only 5.9% of responses indicated dissatisfaction with some aspects of the protocol. The self-collection of samples in regional areas, or during the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, were accepted. CONCLUSIONS: This evaluation identified modifiable protocol elements and was conducted to further improve satisfaction. What was important to the children was distinct from their caregivers.

Community knowledge, attitudes and behaviours about environmental tobacco smoke in homes and cars.

OBJECTIVE: to assess knowledge, attitudes and behaviours about environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) in cars and homes in Queensland. METHOD: 1,026 randomly selected Queensland residents (84% response) participated in a computer assisted telephone survey to assess knowledge, attitudes and behaviours about ETS in cars and homes; and attitudes towards restrictions on smoking in a range of contexts. RESULTS: Most respondents are aware of the negative health effects of ETS and have smoking bans in their cars (75.8%) and homes (76.8%), however bans are less prevalent for smokers (cars: 37.9%; homes: 51%; p=0.000). For cars/homes, most smokers who did not have smoking bans would not smoke at all around pregnant women (67.7%/53.7%); fewer would refrain for childrenor=2 years (p=0.000) compared to non-parent smokers. Most respondents support car/ home smoking bans for children

Young people and sun safety: the role of attitudes, norms and control factors.

ISSUE ADDRESSED: Differences in the behavioural, normative and control beliefs of young Australian sun-protectors and non sun-protectors are analysed using a theory of planned behaviour belief-based framework. METHODS: A questionnaire assessed the sun-safety-related beliefs and perceptions of a Queensland sample (n=858) of young people aged between 12 and 20 years. Two weeks later, participants reported their sun-protective behaviour for the previous fortnight. RESULTS: The study found that clear differences emerged between sun-protectors and non-protectors on underlying normative and control beliefs related to sun-safety behaviours (but not behavioural beliefs). Specifically, sun-protectors were more likely to believe that their friends and family think they should perform sun-protective behaviours. Sun-protectors were also more likely to perceive that a range of motivating factors would encourage them to perform sun-safety behaviours. Finally, non-protectors were more likely to report forgetfulness and laziness as barriers preventing them from performing sun-protection behaviours than sun-protectors. CONCLUSIONS: Findings indicate that future interventions should target young people's normative and control beliefs related to sun safety.

Testing an extended theory of planned behaviour to predict young people's sun safety in a high risk area.

OBJECTIVES: The present research examined the sun protection intentions and behaviours of young people in a high risk skin cancer area using an extended theory of planned behaviour (TPB) incorporating additional social influences of group and image norms. DESIGN: The study employed a prospective design to examine young people's sun protection intentions and behaviour. METHOD: Participants (N=1,134), aged 12-20 years, were students (school, university, TAFE) and young employees living in Queensland, Australia. Participants completed a questionnaire assessing the TPB predictors (attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioural control) and additional social influences (group norm, image norm) of sun protection intentions. Two weeks later, participants (N=734) reported their sun protection behaviour for the previous fortnight. RESULTS: Results revealed that the TPB variables of attitude, subjective norm and perceived behavioural control and the additional social influence variable of group norms, but not image norms, emerged as significant predictors of intentions to engage in sun protection. The extended TPB variables accounted for 36% of the variance in intentions. For behaviour, the extended TPB variables accounted for 27% of the variance with both intention and, unexpectedly, group norm as the significant direct predictors of sun protective behaviours. CONCLUSIONS: Results of this study provide support for the application of the TPB in the sun safety context and highlight the importance of considering the influence of group norms in the development of future interventions to increase young people's sun protection intentions and behaviour.