Association between plant-based diet quality and chronic kidney disease in Australian adults.

OBJECTIVE: To examine associations between three different plant-based diet quality indices, chronic kidney disease (CKD) prevalence and related risk factors in a nationally representative sample of the Australian population. DESIGN: Cross-sectional analysis. Three plant-based diet scores were calculated using data from two 24-h recalls: an overall plant-based diet index (PDI), a healthy PDI (hPDI) and an unhealthy PDI (uPDI). Consumption of plant and animal ingredients from 'core' and 'discretionary' products was also differentiated. Associations between the three PDI scores and CKD prevalence, BMI, waist circumference (WC), blood pressure (BP) measures, blood cholesterol, apo B, fasting TAG, blood glucose levels (BGL) and HbA1c were examined. SETTING: Australian Health Survey 2011-2013. PARTICIPANTS: n 2060 adults aged ≥ 18 years (males: n 928; females: n 1132). RESULTS: A higher uPDI score was associated with a 3·7 % higher odds of moderate-severe CKD (OR: 1·037 (1·0057-1·0697); P = 0·021)). A higher uPDI score was also associated with increased TAG (P = 0·032) and BGL (P < 0·001), but lower total- and LDL-cholesterol (P = 0·035 and P = 0·009, respectively). In contrast, a higher overall PDI score was inversely associated with WC (P < 0·001) and systolic BP (P = 0·044), while higher scores for both the overall PDI and hPDI were inversely associated with BMI (P < 0·001 and P = 0·019, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: A higher uPDI score reflecting greater intakes of refined grains, salty plant-based foods and added sugars were associated with increased CKD prevalence, TAG and BGL. In the Australian population, attention to diet quality remains paramount, even in those with higher intakes of plant foods and who wish to reduce the risk of CKD.

Impacts of the 2019/20 bushfires and COVID-19 pandemic on the physical and mental health of older Australians: a cross-sectional survey.

BACKGROUND: In 2019/20 major bushfires devastated Australia's East Coast. Shortly afterward the COVID-19 pandemic was declared. Older people are disproportionately affected by disasters and are at high risk from respiratory pandemics. However, little is known about how these events impact on older peoples' health and well-being and engagement with services such as primary care. OBJECTIVE: To explore the health impacts of the 2019/20 bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic on older Australians' health and well-being. METHODS: One hundred and fifty-five people aged over 65 years living in South-eastern New South Wales, Australia participated in an online survey. The survey measured the impacts of the bushfires and COVID-19 on physical and mental health and the capacity of older people to manage these impacts. RESULTS: Most respondents felt that the bushfires caused them to feel anxious/worried (86.2%) and negatively affected their physical (59.9%) and mental (57.2%) health. While many participants had similar feelings about COVID-19, significantly fewer felt these physical and mental health impacts than from the bushfires. A significantly greater perceived level of impact was observed for females and those with health problems. More respondents described negative mental health than physical health effects. Those who felt more impacted by the events had lower levels of resilience, social connection and support, and self-rated health. CONCLUSION: The health impacts identified in this study represent an opportunity for primary care to intervene to both ensure that people with support needs are identified and provided timely support and that older people are prepared for future disasters.

CHIME-GP trial of online education for prescribing, pathology and imaging ordering in general practice - how did it bring about behaviour change?

BACKGROUND: There is a need for scalable clinician education in rational medication prescribing and rational ordering of pathology and imaging to help improve patient safety and enable more efficient utilisation of healthcare resources. Our wider study evaluated the effectiveness of a multifaceted education intervention for general practitioners (GPs) in rational prescribing and ordering of pathology and imaging tests, in the context of Australia's online patient-controlled health record system, My Health Record (MHR), and found evidence for measurable behaviour change in pathology ordering among participants who completed the educational activities. This current study explored the mechanisms of behaviour change brought about by the intervention, with a view to informing the development of similar interventions in the future. METHODS: This mixed methods investigation used self-reported questionnaires at baseline and post-education on MHR use and rational prescribing and test ordering. These were analysed using multi-level ordinal logistic regression models. Semi-structured interviews pre- and post-intervention were also conducted and were analysed thematically using the COM-B framework. RESULTS: Of the 106 GPs recruited into the study, 60 completed baseline and 37 completed post-education questionnaires. Nineteen participants were interviewed at baseline and completion. Analysis of questionnaires demonstrated a significant increase in confidence using MHR and in self-reported frequency of MHR use, post-education compared with baseline. There were also similar improvements in confidence across the cohort pre-post education in deprescribing, frequency of review of pathology ordering regimens and evidence-based imaging. The qualitative findings showed an increase in GPs' perceived capability with, and the use of MHR, at post-education compared with baseline. Participants saw the education as an opportunity for learning, for reinforcing what they already knew, and for motivating change of behaviour in increasing their utilisation of MHR, and ordering fewer unnecessary tests and prescriptions. CONCLUSIONS: Our education intervention appeared to provide its effects through providing opportunity, increasing capability and enhancing motivation to increase MHR knowledge and usage, as well as rational prescribing and test ordering behaviour. There were overlapping effects of skills acquisition and confidence across intervention arms, which may have contributed to wider changes in behaviour than the specific topic area addressed in the education. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12620000010998) (09/01/2020).

Changes in subdomains of non-organized physical activity between childhood and adolescence in Australia: a longitudinal study.

BACKGROUND: Physical activity (PA) participation among youth tends to be insufficient and is prone to decline with age. In Australia, this decline has been shown to particularly occur in the domain of non-organized PA (e.g. active play and informal sport) between childhood and adolescence. However, information about changes in more specific groupings of activities within non-organized PA (i.e. subdomains) is needed, as this could support more targeted intervention strategies. This study aimed to investigate changes in the duration of specific subdomains of non-organized PA between late childhood (10-11 years) and early adolescence (12-13 years) in Australia, as well as whether these changes are moderated by sex. METHODS: Data were sourced from Waves 6 and 7 of the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children (n = 3614). Youth time-use diaries (24-h) were used to measure the duration of eight subdomains of non-organized PA at both waves (athletics/gymnastics, ball sports, cycling/motor/roller sports, fitness/gym/exercise, martial arts/dancing, water/ice/snow sports, active play and other outdoor/nature PA). Multilevel mixed modelling was used to explore longitudinal changes between waves and the potential moderation effect of sex. RESULTS: Active play declined the most of all subdomains (ß = -20.5 min/day; 95% CI = -23.4, -17.6, p < 0.001). A smaller decline was observed in the subdomain of non-organized ball sports (ß = -4.1 min/day; 95% CI = -5.9, -2.3, p < 0.001). Other subdomains remained stable or had only very small changes in participation. The decline in active play was moderated by sex, with a steeper decline among girls. No other notable moderation effects were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Future studies may seek to explore and test the acceptability of PA promotion strategies to encourage active play participation, such as 'reframing' childhood play activities to be appropriate for adolescents. Such studies might particularly seek the perspectives of girls in the transition to adolescence.

Effectiveness of Quality Incentive Payments in General Practice (EQuIP-GP) cluster randomized trial: impact on patient-reported experience.

BACKGROUND: Relational continuity, 'a therapeutic relationship between a patient and provider/s that spans health care events', has been associated with improved patient outcomes. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate whether an intervention incorporating patient enrolment and a funding model for higher-risk patients influenced patient-reported experience measures, particularly relational continuity. METHODS: Cluster-randomized controlled trial over 12 months (1 August 2018-31 July 2019). Participating patients within intervention practices were offered enrolment with a preferred general practitioner, a minimum of 3 longer appointments, and review within 7 days of hospital admission or emergency department attendance. Intervention practices received incentives for longer consultations (dependent on reducing unnecessary prescriptions and tests), early post-hospital follow-up, and hospitalization reductions. The primary outcome was patient-reported relational continuity, measured by the Primary Care Assessment Tool Short Form. RESULTS: A total of 774 patients, aged 18-65 years with a chronic illness or aged over 65 years, from 34 general practices in metropolitan, regional, and rural Australia across 3 states participated. Response rates for questionnaires were >90%. From a maximum of 4.0, mean baseline scores for relational continuity were 3.38 (SE 0.05) and 3.42 (SE 0.05) in control and intervention arms, respectively, with no significant between-group differences in changes pre-post trial. There were no significant changes in other patient-focussed measures. CONCLUSION: Patient-reported relational continuity was high at baseline and not influenced by the intervention, signalling the need for caution with policies incorporating patient enrolment and financial incentives. Further research is required targeting at-risk patient groups with low baseline engagement with primary care.

Relational continuity, 'a therapeutic relationship between a patient and provider/s that spans health care events', has been associated with improved patient outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate whether patient enrolment with a preferred general practitioner (GP) and a funding model for higher-risk patients influenced patient-reported experience measures, particularly relational continuity. The trial was randomized by practice and ran over 12 months (1 August 2018­31 July 2019). Participating patients within intervention practices were offered enrolment with a preferred GP, a minimum of 3 longer appointments, and review within 7 days of hospital discharge. Intervention practices received incentives for longer consultations (with quality improvements), early post-hospital follow-up, and hospitalization reductions. We measured patient experience using the Primary Care Assessment Tool­Short Form at baseline and completion. A total of 774 patients, aged 18­65 years with a chronic illness or aged over 65 years, from 34 general practices in metropolitan, regional, and rural Australia participated. Patient-reported relational continuity was high at baseline and not influenced by the intervention. There were no significant changes in other patient-focussed measures. We advise caution with policies incorporating patient enrolment and financial incentives. Further research is required targeting at-risk patient groups with low baseline engagement with primary care.

Nurse-led interventions to manage hypertension in general practice: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

To evaluate the impact of general practice nurse-led interventions for blood pressure control and cardiovascular disease risk factor reduction in patients with hypertension. Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized control trials. CINAHL, Medline and Scopus databases were searched to identify peer-reviewed studies published between 2000 and 2021. A systematic review of randomized control trials was conducted using a structured search strategy. The Meta-Analysis of Statistics Assessment and Review Instrument (JBI-MAStARI) was used to appraise study quality. Meta-analysis and narrative synthesis were performed to determine the effectiveness of the included interventions. Eleven trials comprising of 4454 participants were included in the review. Meta-analysis showed significant reductions in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in trials with 6 months or less follow-up. Improvements were also demonstrated in reducing blood lipids, physical activity, general lifestyle measures and medication adherence. Evidence for dietary improvements and reduction in alcohol and smoking rates was inconclusive. Nurse-led interventions for patients with hypertension are heterogeneous in terms of the nature of the intervention and outcomes measured. However, nurse-led interventions in general practice demonstrate significant potential to improve blood pressure and support cardiovascular disease risk factor reduction. Future research should be directed towards elucidating the successful elements of these interventions, evaluating cost-effectiveness and exploring translation into usual care. This review provides evidence that nurses in general practice could enhance current hypertension management through nurse-led interventions.

Socio-ecological predictors of non-organized physical activity participation and decline between childhood and adolescence.

Physical activity (PA) tends to decline during late childhood and adolescence. In Australia, this decline has been shown to particularly occur non-organized PA (e.g., active play, informal sport). This study aimed to explore predictors of non-organized PA at 13y; and decline between 11y and 13y. Data were sourced from the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children. Non-organized PA was measured using time-use diaries. Analyses included Cragg hurdle and binary logistic regressions. The likelihood of non-organized PA at 13y was predicted by PA enjoyment (OR = 1.36, p = 0.007), number of siblings (OR = 1.11, p < 0.001), sex (females) (OR = 0.66, p < 0.001) and home computer use at 11y (OR = 0.98, p = 0.002) (n = 3,193). Females also engaged in less non-organized PA at 13y (ß = -77.77, p = 0.048) (n = 3,193). Significant predictors of decline in non-organized PA were socioeconomic position (OR = 0.92, p = 0.047) and sugary drink consumption at 11y (OR = 1.06, p = 0.033) (n = 3,222). Strategies to promote non-organized PA may include targeting females and those of lower socioeconomic position, and focusing on types of PA that may replace the perceived benefits of computer use.

'Jump start' childcare-based intervention to promote physical activity in pre-schoolers: six-month findings from a cluster randomised trial.

BACKGROUND: Participation in adequate levels of physical activity during the early years is important for health and development. We report the 6-month effects of an 18-month multicomponent intervention on physical activity in early childhood education and care (ECEC) settings in low-income communities. METHODS: A cluster randomised controlled trial was conducted in 43 ECEC settings in disadvantaged areas of New South Wales, Australia. Three-year-old children were recruited and assessed in the first half of 2015 with follow-up 6 months later. The intervention was guided by Social Cognitive Theory and included five components. The primary outcome was minutes per hour in total physical activity during ECEC hours measured using Actigraph accelerometers. Intention-to-treat analysis of the primary outcome was conducted using a generalized linear mixed model. RESULTS: A total of 658 children were assessed at baseline. Of these, 558 (85%) had valid accelerometer data (mean age 3.38y, 52% boys) and 508 (77%) had valid accelerometry data at 6-month follow-up. Implementation of the intervention components ranged from 38 to 72%. There were no significant intervention effects on mins/hr. spent in physical activity (adjusted difference = - 0.17 mins/hr., 95% CI (- 1.30 to 0.97), p = 0.78). A priori sub-group analyses showed a greater effect among overweight/obese children in the control group compared with the intervention group for mins/hr. of physical activity (2.35mins/hr., [0.28 to 4.43], p = 0.036). CONCLUSIONS: After six-months the Jump Start intervention had no effect on physical activity levels during ECEC. This was largely due to low levels of implementation. Increasing fidelity may result in higher levels of physical activity when outcomes are assessed at 18-months. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12614000597695.

Whole grain and cereal fibre intake in the Australian Health Survey: associations to CVD risk factors.

OBJECTIVE: To explore associations of whole grain and cereal fibre intake to CVD risk factors in Australian adults. DESIGN: Cross-sectional analysis. Intakes of whole grain and cereal fibre were examined in association to BMI, waist circumference (WC), blood pressure (BP), serum lipid concentrations, C-reactive protein, systolic BP, fasting glucose and HbA1c. SETTING: Australian Health Survey 2011-2013. PARTICIPANTS: A population-representative sample of 7665 participants over 18 years old. RESULTS: Highest whole grain consumers (T3) had lower BMI (T0 26·8 kg/m2, T3 26·0 kg/m2, P < 0·0001) and WC (T0 92·2 cm, T3 90·0 cm, P = 0·0005) compared with non-consumers (T0), although only WC remained significant after adjusting for dietary and lifestyle factors, including cereal fibre intake (P = 0·03). Whole grain intake was marginally inversely associated with fasting glucose (P = 0·048) and HbA1c (P = 0·03) after adjusting for dietary and lifestyle factors, including cereal fibre intake. Cereal fibre intake was inversely associated with BMI (P < 0·0001) and WC (P < 0·0008) and tended to be inversely associated with total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and apo-B concentrations, although associations were attenuated after further adjusting for BMI and lipid-lowering medication use. CONCLUSIONS: The extent to which cereal fibre is responsible for the CVD-protective associations of whole grains may vary depending on the mediators involved. Longer-term intervention studies directly comparing whole grain and non-whole grain diets of similar cereal fibre contents (such as through the use of bran or added-fibre refined grain products) are needed to confirm independent effects.

Whole grain intake compared with cereal fibre intake in association to CVD risk factors: a cross-sectional analysis of the National Diet and Nutrition Survey (UK).

OBJECTIVE: To investigate how intakes of whole grains and cereal fibre were associated to risk factors for CVD in UK adults. DESIGN: Cross-sectional analyses examined associations between whole grain and cereal fibre intakes and adiposity measurements, serum lipid concentrations, C-reactive protein, systolic blood pressure, fasting glucose, HbA1c, homocysteine and a combined CVD relative risk score. SETTING: The National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS) Rolling Programme 2008-2014. PARTICIPANTS: A nationally representative sample of 2689 adults. RESULTS: Participants in the highest quartile (Q4) of whole grain intake had lower waist-hip ratio (Q1 0·872; Q4 0·857; P = 0·04), HbA1c (Q1 5·66 %; Q4 5·47 %; P = 0·01) and homocysteine (Q1 9·95 µmol/l; Q4 8·76 µmol/l; P = 0·01) compared with participants in the lowest quartile (Q1), after adjusting for dietary and lifestyle factors, including cereal fibre intake. Whole grain intake was inversely associated with C-reactive protein using multivariate analysis (P = 0·02), but this was not significant after final adjustment for cereal fibre. Cereal fibre intake was also inversely associated with waist-hip ratio (P = 0·03) and homocysteine (P = 0·002) in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Similar inverse associations between whole grain and cereal fibre intakes to CVD risk factors suggest the relevance of cereal fibre in the protective effects of whole grains. However, whole grain associations often remained significant after adjusting for cereal fibre intake, suggesting additional constituents may be relevant. Intervention studies are needed to compare cereal fibre intake from non-whole grain sources to whole grain intake.

Nut consumption in a representative survey of Australians: a secondary analysis of the 2011-2012 National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey.

OBJECTIVE: Nut consumption is associated with a range of health benefits. The current study aimed to examine nut consumption in the 2011-2012 National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey (NNPAS) and to investigate associations between nut intake, nutrient intake and anthropometric and blood pressure measurements. DESIGN: Secondary analysis of the 2011-2012 NNPAS. Usual consumption of nuts in the 2011-2012 NNPAS was determined, and nut consumption was compared with population recommendations of 30 g nuts per day. The relationship between nut consumption and intakes of key nutrients, anthropometric outcomes (weight, BMI and waist circumference) and blood pressure was examined using linear regression for participants aged over 18 years. SETTING: Australia. PARTICIPANTS: Australians (2 years and older, n 12 153) participating in the representative 2011-2012 NNPAS. RESULTS: Mean nut intake was 4·61 (95 % CI: 4·36, 4·86) g/d, with only 5·6 % of nut consumers consuming 30 g of nuts per day. Nut consumption was associated with significantly greater intakes of fibre, vitamin E, Fe, Mg and P. There was no association between nut consumption and body weight, BMI, waist circumference, or blood pressure. CONCLUSIONS: Exploration of nut consumption in a representative sample of Australians identified that nut intake does not meet recommendations. Higher nut consumption was not adversely associated with higher body weight, aligning with the current evidence base. Given the current levels of nut consumption in Australia, strategies to increase nut intake to recommended levels are required.

Unwrapping nutrition: Exploring the impact of hospital food and beverage packaging on plate waste/intake in older people.

Food and beverage packaging is increasingly used in hospital food service provision. Previous research has identified that the packaging used in New South Wales hospitals can be difficult to open by older adults. As older adults experience high rates of malnutrition, it is important to understand the effects of packaging on actual consumption of food and fluids. The aim of this study was to explore the impact of hospital food and beverage packaging on dietary intakes of 62 independently living older people (65 years and over) in a university simulated hospital ward in NSW, Australia. Participants were allocated to either a breakfast and snack meal or a lunch and snack meal on two occasions one week apart. Meals were served in a shared ward environment and each participant experienced a 'sealed' and 'pre-opened' meal and snack condition. The nutritional status of participants was measured using the Mini Nutritional Assessment - Short Form (MNA®-SF) and intake was estimated through an aggregated plate waste method. Overall findings were not significant for dietary intakes and the 'sealed' versus 'pre-opened' conditions. However, for the seven participants classified by the MNA®-SF as 'at risk' of malnutrition, packaging impeded intake for breakfast (η2 = -0.34) and the high protein snack (cheese and biscuits) (η2 = -0.24) meals. This finding has implications for the provision of packaged high protein snacks (cheese portions) and breakfast meals for the older inpatient. Further research is required for nutritionally compromised and frail older people in the hospital environment to investigate the impact of packaging on food and beverage consumption in detail.

Can Parental Engagement in Social Media Enhance Outcomes of an Online Healthy Lifestyle Program for Preschool-Aged Children?

This study explored parental engagement, child BMI and secondary outcomes from the social media component of an online healthy lifestyle program for parents of preschool-aged children. Intervention group participants received access to an online program and Facebook group. Data were collected at baseline and 3- and 6-months follow-up. Facebook usage data on comments and posts were used to determine total active engagement. There was a high level of Facebook group membership and most parents actively engaged at least once. Although there were varying levels of engagement between modules and cohorts, it was modest overall. User acceptability of the Facebook group was lower than expected. Children of parents in the intervention who engaged more in the Facebook group (by posting and commenting) demonstrated greater sleep duration over time (estimate 1.79, 95% CI 0.42 to 3.17, p = .01) Children of parents who engaged more in the Facebook group also participated in less moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity (estimate -0.14, 95% CI -0.26 to -0.01, p = .03). This study is one of the first parent-focussed healthy lifestyle interventions to include a social media component. Further research is recommended with larger sample sizes and longer duration to further explore the potential of social media in childhood obesity interventions.

Whole grain, bran and cereal fibre consumption and CVD: a systematic review.

Whole grain intake is associated with lower CVD risk in epidemiological studies. It is unclear to what extent cereal fibre, located primarily within the bran, is responsible. This review aimed to evaluate association between intake of whole grain, cereal fibre and bran and CVD risk. Academic databases were searched for human studies published before March 2018. Observational studies reporting whole grain and cereal fibre or bran intake in association with any CVD-related outcome were included. Studies were separated into those defining whole grain using a recognised definition (containing the bran, germ and endosperm in their natural proportions) (three studies, seven publications) and those using an alternative definition, such as including added bran as a whole grain source (eight additional studies, thirteen publications). Intake of whole grain, cereal fibre and bran were similarly associated with lower risk of CVD-related outcomes. Within the initial analysis, where studies used the recognised whole grain definition, results were less likely to show attenuation after adjustment for cereal fibre content. The fibre component of grain foods appears to play an important role in protective effects of whole grains. Adjusting for fibre content, associations remained, suggesting that additional components within the whole grain, and the bran component, may contribute to cardio-protective association. The limited studies and considerable discrepancy in defining and calculating whole grain intake limit conclusions. Future research should utilise a consistent definition and methodical approach of calculating whole grain intake to contribute to a greater body of consistent evidence surrounding whole grains.

How to use replicate weights in health survey analysis using the National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey as an example.

OBJECTIVE: To conduct nutrition-related analyses on large-scale health surveys, two aspects of the survey must be incorporated into the analysis: the sampling weights and the sample design; a practice which is not always observed. The present paper compares three analyses: (1) unweighted; (2) weighted but not accounting for the complex sample design; and (3) weighted and accounting for the complex design using replicate weights. DESIGN: Descriptive statistics are computed and a logistic regression investigation of being overweight/obese is conducted using Stata. SETTING: Cross-sectional health survey with complex sample design where replicate weights are supplied rather than the variables containing sample design information. PARTICIPANTS: Responding adults from the National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey (NNPAS) part of the Australian Health Survey (2011-2013). RESULTS: Unweighted analysis produces biased estimates and incorrect estimates of se. Adjusting for the sampling weights gives unbiased estimates but incorrect se estimates. Incorporating both the sampling weights and the sample design results in unbiased estimates and the correct se estimates. This can affect interpretation; for example, the incorrect estimate of the OR for being a current smoker in the unweighted analysis was 1·20 (95 % CI 1·06, 1·37), t= 2·89, P = 0·004, suggesting a statistically significant relationship with being overweight/obese. When the sampling weights and complex sample design are correctly incorporated, the results are no longer statistically significant: OR = 1·06 (95 % CI 0·89, 1·27), t = 0·71, P = 0·480. CONCLUSIONS: Correct incorporation of the sampling weights and sample design is crucial for valid inference from survey data.

Effectiveness of quality incentive payments in general practice (EQuIP-GP): a study protocol for a cluster-randomised trial of an outcomes-based funding model in Australian general practice to improve patient care.

BACKGROUND: There is international interest in whether improved primary care, in particular for patients with chronic or complex conditions, can lead to decreased use of health resources and whether financial incentives help achieve this goal. This trial (EQuIP-GP) will investigate whether a funding model based upon targeted, continuous quality incentive payments for Australian general practices increases relational continuity of care, and lessens health-service utilisation, for high-risk patients and children. METHODS: We will use a mixed methods approach incorporating a two-arm pragmatic cluster randomised control trial with nested qualitative case studies. We aim to recruit 36 general practices from Practice-Based Research Networks (PBRN) covering urban and regional areas of Australia, randomised into intervention and control groups. Control practices will provide usual care while intervention practices will be supported to implement a new service model incorporating incentives for relational continuity and timely access to appointments. Patients will comprise three groups: older (over 65 years); 18-65 years with chronic and/or complex conditions; and those aged less than 16 years with increased risk of hospitalisation. The funding model includes financial incentives to general practitioners (GPs) for providing longer consultations, same day access and timely follow-up after hospitalisation to enrolled patients. The payments are proportional to expected health system savings associated with improved quality of GP care. An outreach facilitator will work with practices to help incorporate the incentive model into usual work. The main outcome measure is relational continuity of care (Primary Care Assessment Tool short-form survey), with secondary outcomes including health-related quality of life and health service use (hospitalisations, emergency presentations, GP and specialist services in the community, medicine prescriptions and targeted pathology and imaging ordering). Outcomes will be initially evaluated over a period of 12 months, with ongoing data collection for 5 years. DISCUSSION: The trial will provide robust evidence on a novel approach to providing continuous incentives for improving quality of general practice care, which can be compared to block payment incentives awarded at target quality levels of pay-for-performance, both within Australia and also internationally. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12618000105246. Registered on 23 January 2018.

Correction to: Effectiveness of quality incentive payments in general practice (EQuIP-GP): a study protocol for a cluster-randomised trial of an outcomes-based funding model in Australian general practice to improve patient care.

In the original publication of this article [1], the first name of the 3rd author is wrong.

An Internet-Based Childhood Obesity Prevention Program (Time2bHealthy) for Parents of Preschool-Aged Children: Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Electronic health (eHealth) obesity programs offer benefits to traditionally delivered programs and have shown promise in improving obesity-related behaviors in children. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the efficacy of a parent-focused, internet-based healthy lifestyle program for preschool-aged children, who are overweight or at or above the fiftieth percentile for body mass index (BMI) for their age and sex, on child BMI, obesity-related behaviors, parent modeling, and parent self-efficacy. METHODS: The Time2bHealthy randomized controlled trial was conducted in Australia, during 2016 to 2017. Participants were recruited both online and through more traditional means within the community. Parent or carer, and child (aged 2-5 years) dyads were randomized into an intervention or comparison group. Intervention participants received an 11-week internet-based healthy lifestyle program, underpinned by social cognitive theory, followed by fortnightly emails for 3 months thereafter. Intervention participants set goals and received individual feedback from a dietitian. They were also encouraged to access and contribute to a closed Facebook group to communicate with other participants and the dietitian. Comparison participants received email communication only. Objectively measured child BMI was the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included objectively measured physical activity, parent-measured and objectively measured sleep habits, and parent-reported dietary intake, screen time, child feeding, parent modeling, and parent self-efficacy. All data were collected at face-to-face appointments at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months by blinded data collectors. Randomization was conducted using a computerized random number generator post baseline data collection. RESULTS: A total of 86 dyads were recruited, with 42 randomized to the intervention group and 44 to the comparison group. Moreover, 78 dyads attended the 3- and 6-month follow-ups, with 7 lost to follow-up and 1 withdrawing. Mean child age was 3.46 years and 91% (78/86) were in the healthy weight range. Overall, 69% (29/42) of participants completed at least 5 of the 6 modules. Intention-to-treat analyses found no significant outcomes for change in BMI between groups. Compared with children in the comparison group, those in the intervention group showed a reduced frequency of discretionary food intake (estimate -1.36, 95% CI -2.27 to -0.45; P=.004), and parents showed improvement in child feeding pressure to eat practices (-0.30, 95% CI 0.06 to -0.00; P=.048) and nutrition self-efficacy (0.43, 95% CI 0.10 to 0.76; P=.01). No significant time by group interaction was found for other outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The trial demonstrated that a parent-focused eHealth childhood obesity prevention program can provide support to improve dietary-related practices and self-efficacy but was not successful in reducing BMI. The target sample size was not achieved, which would have affected statistical power. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ANZCTR12616000119493; https://www.anzctr.org.au/ Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=370030 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/74Se4S7ZZ).

Identifying usual food choices at meals in overweight and obese study volunteers: implications for dietary advice.

Understanding food choices made for meals in overweight and obese individuals may aid strategies for weight loss tailored to their eating habits. However, limited studies have explored food choices at meal occasions. The aim of this study was to identify the usual food choices for meals of overweight and obese volunteers for a weight-loss trial. A cross-sectional analysis was performed using screening diet history data from a 12-month weight-loss trial (the HealthTrack study). A descriptive data mining tool, the Apriori algorithm of association rules, was applied to identify food choices at meal occasions using a nested hierarchical food group classification system. Overall, 432 breakfasts, 428 lunches, 432 dinners and 433 others (meals) were identified from the intake data (n 433 participants). A total of 142 items of closely related food clusters were identified at three food group levels. At the first sub-food group level, bread emerged as central to food combinations at lunch, but unprocessed meat appeared for this at dinner. The dinner meal was characterised by more varieties of vegetables and of foods in general. The definitions of food groups played a pivotal role in identifying food choice patterns at main meals. Given the large number of foods available, having an understanding of eating patterns in which key foods drive overall meal content can help translate and develop novel dietary strategies for weight loss at the individual level.

Ahead of the game protocol: a multi-component, community sport-based program targeting prevention, promotion and early intervention for mental health among adolescent males.

BACKGROUND: There is a recognised need for targeted community-wide mental health strategies and interventions aimed specifically at prevention and early intervention in promoting mental health. Young males are a high need group who hold particularly negative attitudes towards mental health services, and these views are detrimental for early intervention and help-seeking. Organised sports provide a promising context to deliver community-wide mental health strategies and interventions to adolescent males. The aim of the Ahead of the Game program is to test the effectiveness of a multi-component, community-sport based program targeting prevention, promotion and early intervention for mental health among adolescent males. METHODS: The Ahead of the Game program will be implemented within a sample drawn from community sporting clubs and evaluated using a sample drawn from a matched control community. Four programs are proposed, including two targeting adolescents, one for parents, and one for sports coaches. One adolescent program aims to increase mental health literacy, intentions to seek and/or provide help for mental health, and to decrease stigmatising attitudes. The second adolescent program aims to increase resilience. The goal of the parent program is to increase parental mental health literacy and confidence to provide help. The coach program is intended to increase coaches' supportive behaviours (e.g., autonomy supportive behaviours), and in turn facilitate high-quality motivation and wellbeing among adolescents. Programs will be complemented by a messaging campaign aimed at adolescents to enhance mental health literacy. The effects of the program on adolescent males' psychological distress and wellbeing will also be explored. DISCUSSION: Organised sports represent a potentially engaging avenue to promote mental health and prevent the onset of mental health problems among adolescent males. The community-based design, with samples drawn from an intervention and a matched control community, enables evaluation of adolescent males' incremental mental health literacy, help-seeking intentions, stigmatising attitudes, motivation, and resilience impacts from the multi-level, multi-component Ahead of the Game program. Notable risks to the study include self-selection bias, the non-randomised design, and the translational nature of the program. However, strengths include extensive community input, as well as the multi-level and multi-component design. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12617000709347 . Date registered 17 May 2017. Retrospectively registered.