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1.
Public Health Nutr ; 27(1): e134, 2024 May 14.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38742445

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to understand what influences parents' purchasing behaviours when shopping for groceries online and potential ways to improve the healthiness of online grocery platforms. DESIGN: We conducted semi-structured interviews, guided by the Marketing Mix framework. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyse data. SETTING: Online interviews were conducted with primary grocery shoppers. PARTICIPANTS: Parents (n 14) or caregivers (n 2) using online grocery platforms at least every 2 weeks. RESULTS: Most participants perceived purchasing healthy food when shopping for groceries online to be more challenging compared to in physical stores. They expressed concerns about the prominence of online marketing for unhealthy food. Participants from lower socio-economic backgrounds often depended on online supermarket catalogues to find price promotions, but healthy options at discounted prices were limited. Across socio-economic groups, fresh items like meat and fruit were preferred to be purchased instore due to concerns about online food quality.Participants believed online grocery platforms should make healthy foods more affordable and supported regulations on supermarket retailers to promote healthy options and limit unhealthy food promotion online. CONCLUSIONS: Participants had varied experiences with online grocery shopping, with both positive and negative aspects. Efforts to improve population diets need to include mechanisms to create health-enabling online grocery retail platforms. Government interventions to restrict marketing of unhealthy foods and promote marketing of healthy options on these platforms warrant investigation.


Subject(s)
Consumer Behavior , Diet, Healthy , Internet , Supermarkets , Humans , Male , Female , Adult , Australia , Diet, Healthy/psychology , Marketing/methods , Parents/psychology , Middle Aged , Commerce , Choice Behavior , Food Preferences/psychology , Food Supply/statistics & numerical data , Socioeconomic Factors
2.
BMC Public Health ; 24(1): 137, 2024 01 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38195419

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Food retailers can be reluctant to initiate healthy food retail activities in the face of a complex set of interrelated drivers that impact the retail environment. The Systems Thinking Approach for Retail Transformation (START) is a determinants framework created using qualitative systems modelling to guide healthy food retail interventions in community-based, health-promoting settings. We aimed to test the applicability of the START map to a suite of distinct healthy food marketing and promotion activities that formed an intervention in a grocery setting in regional Victoria, Australia. METHODS: A secondary analysis was undertaken of 16 previously completed semi-structured interviews with independent grocery retailers and stakeholders. Interviews were deductively coded against the existing START framework, whilst allowing for new grocery-setting specific factors to be identified. New factors and relationships were used to build causal loop diagrams and extend the original START systems map using Vensim. RESULTS: A version of the START map including aspects relevant to the grocery setting was developed ("START-G"). In both health-promoting and grocery settings, it was important for retailers to 'Get Started' with healthy food retail interventions that were supported by a proof-of-concept and 'Focus on the customer' response (with grocery-settings focused on monitoring sales data). New factors and relationships described perceived difficulties associated with disrupting a grocery-setting 'Supply-side status quo' that promotes less healthy food and beverage options. Yet, most grocery retailers discussed relationships that highlighted the potential for 'Healthy food as innovation' and 'Supporting cultural change through corporate social responsibility and leadership'. CONCLUSIONS: Several differences were found when implementing healthy food retail in grocery compared to health promotion settings. The START-G map offers preliminary guidance for identifying and addressing commercial interests in grocery settings that currently promote less healthy foods and beverages, including by starting to address business outcomes and supplier relationships.


Subject(s)
Beverages , Food , Humans , Commerce , Emotions , Victoria
3.
Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act ; 20(1): 20, 2023 02 17.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36803988

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Adoption of health-enabling food retail interventions in food retail will require effective implementation strategies. To inform this, we applied an implementation framework to a novel real-world food retail intervention, the Healthy Stores 2020 strategy, to identify factors salient to intervention implementation from the perspective of the food retailer. METHODS: A convergent mixed-method design was used and data were interpreted using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). The study was conducted alongside a randomised controlled trial in partnership with the Arnhem Land Progress Aboriginal Corporation (ALPA). Adherence data were collected for the 20 consenting Healthy Stores 2020 study stores (ten intervention /ten control) in 19 communities in remote Northern Australia using photographic material and an adherence checklist. Retailer implementation experience data were collected through interviews with the primary Store Manager for each of the ten intervention stores at baseline, mid- and end-strategy. Deductive thematic analysis of interview data was conducted and informed by the CFIR. Intervention adherence scores derived for each store assisted interview data interpretation. RESULTS: Healthy Stores 2020 strategy was, for the most part, adhered to. Analysis of the 30 interviews revealed that implementation climate of the ALPA organisation, its readiness for implementation including a strong sense of social purpose, and the networks and communication between the Store Managers and other parts of ALPA, were CFIR inner and outer domains most frequently referred to as positive to strategy implementation. Store Managers were a 'make-or-break' touchstone of implementation success. The co-designed intervention and strategy characteristics and its perceived cost-benefit, combined with the inner and outer setting factors, galvanised the individual characteristics of Store Managers (e.g., optimism, adaptability and retail competency) to champion implementation. Where there was less perceived cost-benefit, Store Managers seemed less enthusiastic for the strategy. CONCLUSIONS: Factors critical to implementation (a strong sense of social purpose; structures and processes within and external to the food retail organisation and their alignment with intervention characteristics (low complexity, cost advantage); and Store Manager characteristics) can inform the design of implementation strategies for the adoption of this health-enabling food retail initiative in the remote setting. This research can help inform a shift in research focus to identify, develop and test implementation strategies for the wide adoption of health-enabling food retail initiatives into practice. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN 12,618,001,588,280.


Subject(s)
Beverages , Food , Humans , Australia , Marketing , Food Preferences
4.
Int J Equity Health ; 22(1): 119, 2023 06 21.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37344850

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: With their close connection to community and increasing preventive health remit, local governments are well positioned to implement policies and programs to address health inequities. Nevertheless, there is a lack of evidence of equity-focused policy action in this sector. We aimed to understand how local government representatives approach equity in the development and implementation of health and wellbeing policies and programs, and to identify potential enablers for strengthening an equity focus. METHODS: We conducted semi-structured interviews (June 2022-January 2023) with 29 health directorate representatives from 21 local governments in Victoria, Australia. Representatives were recruited from urban, regional and rural local government areas, with varying levels of socioeconomic position. Data was analysed inductively using Braun and Clarke's reflexive thematic analysis, informed by social determinants of health theory and a public policy decision making framework. RESULTS: Local governments approach health equity in different ways including focusing on priority populations, disadvantaged geographic areas, or by targeting the upstream determinants of health, such as housing and employment. Enabling factors for more equity-oriented local government policy action included those internal to local governments: (i) having a clear conceptualisation of equity, (ii) fostering a strong equity-centric culture, and (iii) developing organisational-wide competency in health equity. External factors related to key stakeholder groups that support and/or influence local governments included: (iv) strong support from community, (v) state government leadership and legislation, and (vi) supportive local partners, networks and NGO's. CONCLUSIONS: Local governments have a responsibility to implement policies and programs that improve health and reduce health inequities. Local government's capacity to leverage resources, structures, processes and relationships, internally and across sectors and community, will be key to strengthening equity-oriented local government health policies and programs.


Subject(s)
Health Equity , Local Government , Humans , Health Policy , Victoria , Health Inequities , Government
5.
Global Health ; 19(1): 16, 2023 03 06.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36879312

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Evidence is mounting that the ultra - processed food industry seeks to influence food and nutrition policies in ways that support market growth and protect against regulatory threats, often at the expense of public health. However, few studies have explored how this occurs in lower - middle income countries. We aimed to explore if and how the ultra - processed food industry seeks to influence food- and nutrition - related policy processes in the Philippines, a lower - middle income country in East Asia. METHODS: Semi - structured key informant interviews were conducted with ten representatives from the Philippines government and non - government organisations closely involved with nutrition policy making in the Philippines. Interview schedules and data analysis were guided by the policy dystopia model, which we used to identify the instrumental and discursive strategies used by corporate actors to influence policy outcomes. RESULTS: Informants were of the view that ultra - processed food companies in the Philippines sought to delay, prevent, water - down and circumvent implementation of globally recommended food and nutrition policies by engaging in a range of strategies. Discursive strategies included various tactics in which globally recommended policies were framed as being ineffective or highlighting potential unintended negative impacts. Instrumental strategies included: directly engaging with policymakers; promoting policies, such as industry - led codes and practices, as substitutes for mandatory regulations; presenting evidence and data that industry has generated themselves; and offering gifts and financial incentives to government individuals and agencies. CONCLUSIONS: In the Philippines, the ultra - processed food industry engaged in overt activities designed to influence food and nutrition policy processes in their favour. A range of measures to minimise industry influence on policy processes should be introduced, to ensure that implemented food and nutrition policies align with best practice recommendations.


Subject(s)
Food, Processed , Nutrition Policy , Humans , Philippines , Asia, Eastern , Politics
6.
BMC Health Serv Res ; 23(1): 405, 2023 Apr 26.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37101142

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Hospital clinical staff have reported poor psychosocial wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Little is known about community health service staff who undertake various roles including education, advocacy and clinical services, and work with a range of clients. Few studies have collected longitudinal data. The aim of this study was to assess the psychological wellbeing of community health service staff in Australia during the COVID-19 pandemic at two time points in 2021. METHODS: A prospective cohort design with an anonymous cross-sectional online survey administered at two time points (March/April 2021; n = 681 and September/October 2021; n = 479). Staff (clinical and non-clinical roles) were recruited from eight community health services in Victoria, Australia. Psychological wellbeing was assessed using the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) and resilience using the Brief Resilience Scale (BRS). General linear models were used to measure the effects of survey time point, professional role and geographic location on DASS-21 subscale scores, adjusting for selected sociodemographic and health characteristics. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in respondent sociodemographic characteristics between the two surveys. Staff's mental health declined as the pandemic continued. Adjusting for dependent children, professional role, general health status, geographic location, COVID-19 contact status and country of birth; depression, anxiety and stress scores were significantly higher for respondents in the second survey than the first (all p < 0.001). Professional role and geographic location were not statistically significantly associated with scores on any of the DASS-21 subscales. Higher levels of depression, anxiety and stress were reported among respondents who were younger, and had less resilience or poorer general health. CONCLUSIONS: The psychological wellbeing of community health staff was significantly worse at the time of the second survey than the first. The findings indicate that the COVID-19 pandemic has had an ongoing and cumulative negative impact on staff wellbeing. Staff would benefit from continued wellbeing support.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Child , Humans , COVID-19/epidemiology , Pandemics , Longitudinal Studies , Cross-Sectional Studies , Prospective Studies , Depression/epidemiology , Depression/psychology , Stress, Psychological/epidemiology , Stress, Psychological/psychology , Anxiety/epidemiology , Anxiety/psychology , Victoria/epidemiology
7.
J Med Internet Res ; 25: e38081, 2023 01 18.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36652291

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: There has been a rapid shift toward the adoption of virtual health care services in Australia. It is unknown how widely virtual care has been implemented or evaluated for the care of older adults in Australia. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to review the literature evaluating virtual care initiatives for older adults across a wide range of health conditions and modalities and identify key challenges and opportunities for wider adoption at both patient and system levels in Australia. METHODS: A scoping review of the literature was conducted. We searched MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, AgeLine, and gray literature (January 1, 2011, to March 8, 2021) to identify virtual care initiatives for older Australians (aged ≥65 years). The results were reported according to the World Health Organization's digital health evaluation framework. RESULTS: Among the 6296 documents in the search results, we identified 94 that reported 80 unique virtual care initiatives. Most (69/80, 89%) were at the pilot stage and targeted community-dwelling older adults (64/79, 81%) with chronic diseases (52/80, 65%). The modes of delivery included videoconference, telephone, apps, device or monitoring systems, and web-based technologies. Most initiatives showed either similar or better health and behavioral outcomes compared with in-person care. The key barriers for wider adoption were physical, cognitive, or sensory impairment in older adults and staffing issues, legislative issues, and a lack of motivation among providers. CONCLUSIONS: Virtual care is a viable model of care to address a wide range of health conditions among older adults in Australia. More embedded and integrative evaluations are needed to ensure that virtually enabled care can be used more widely by older Australians and health care providers.


Subject(s)
Health Services for the Aged , Telemedicine , Aged , Humans , Australia
8.
J Med Internet Res ; 25: e39384, 2023 02 07.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36649230

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: In March 2020, the Australian Government expanded general practitioner (GP) telehealth services in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. OBJECTIVE: This study sought to assess use patterns of GP telehealth services in response to changing circumstances (before and during the COVID-19 pandemic and with or without a lockdown) in regional Victoria, Australia. METHODS: We conducted a secondary analysis of monthly Medicare claims data from July 2019 to June 2021 from 140 regional GP practices in Western Victoria. The longitudinal patterns of proportion of GP telehealth consultations stratified by type of consultation (ie, videoconference vs telephone) and by geographical, consumer, and consultation characteristics were analyzed. RESULTS: Telehealth comprised 25.8% (522,932/2,025,615) of GP consultations over the 2-year period. After the introduction of the Australian telehealth expansion policy in March 2020, there was a rapid uptake in GP telehealth services (including telephone and video services), from 0% before COVID-19 to 15% (11,854/80,922) of all consultations in March 2020, peaking at 55% (50,828/92,139) in August 2020. Thereafter, the use of telehealth declined steadily to 31% (23,941/77,344) in January 2021 and tapered off to 28% (29,263/103,798) in June 2021. Telephone services and shorter consultations were the most dominant form, and those aged 15-64 years had higher telehealth use rates than younger or older age groups. The proportion of video consultations was higher during periods with government-imposed lockdowns and higher in the most socioeconomically advantaged areas compared to less socioeconomically advantaged areas. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings support the continuation of telehealth use in rural and regional Australia post pandemic. Future policy must identify mechanisms to reduce existing equity gaps in video consultations and consider patient- and system-level implications of the dominant use of short telephone consultations.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , General Practitioners , Telemedicine , Humans , Aged , Victoria , Pandemics , Retrospective Studies , Communicable Disease Control , National Health Programs
9.
Australas Psychiatry ; 31(5): 598-600, 2023 10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37437302

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Person-centred growth-oriented language and care are considered vital for achieving favourable outcomes in mental health care. Personal testimonies detailed in the Final Report of the Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System (RCVMHS) illustrate the need for a more compassionate and hope filled system, and demonstrate the opportunity to achieve this through embedding best practice person-centred growth-oriented language. A current gap exists in understanding the process and language involved in individuals growing to mental health. Recovery has long been the paradigm for people in the mental health system 'returning to baseline', a stark contrast to our lived experience. We experienced a new beginning post decline, daily personal growth and healing, aiming for constant improvement as we work towards mental health, a status that many may not have even experienced before becoming unwell. CONCLUSIONS: Person-centred growth-oriented care includes healing, supportive relationships with the 'caregivers' ideally being transformation specialists; knowing and understanding the process of daily personal growth. While the system is metamorphosing, it is highly recommended to embed person-centred growth-oriented language and care to aid in the transformation of individuals in the service.


Subject(s)
Health Care Reform , Mental Health , Humans , Caregivers , Patient-Centered Care , Empathy
10.
Health Econ ; 31(1): 197-214, 2022 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34716628

ABSTRACT

The obesity epidemic is a significant public policy issue facing the international community, resulting in substantial costs to individuals and society. Various policies have been suggested to reduce and prevent obesity, including those informed by standard economics (a key feature of which is the assumption that individuals are rational) and behavioral economics (which identifies and harness deviations from rationality). It is not known which policy interventions taxpayers find acceptable and would prefer to fund via taxation. We provide evidence from a discrete choice experiment on an Australian sample of 996 individuals to investigate social acceptability of eight policies: mass media campaign; traffic light nutritional labeling; taxing sugar sweetened beverages; prepaid cards to purchase healthy food; financial incentives to exercise; improved built environment for physical activity; bans on advertising unhealthy food and drink to children; and improved nutritional quality of food sold in public institutions. Latent class analysis revealed three classes differing in preferences and key respondent characteristics including capacity to benefit. Social acceptability of the eight policies at realistic levels of tax increases was explored using post-estimation analysis. Overall, 78% of the sample were predicted to choose a new policy, varying from 99% in those most likely to benefit from obesity interventions to 19% of those least likely to benefit. A policy informed by standard economics, traffic light labeling was the most popular policy, followed by policies involving regulation: bans on junk food advertising to children and improvement of food quality in public institutions. The least popular policies were behaviorally informed: prepaid cards for the purchase of only healthy foods, and financial incentives to exercise.


Subject(s)
Economics, Behavioral , Sugar-Sweetened Beverages , Australia , Child , Humans , Obesity/prevention & control , Public Policy , Taxes
11.
Public Health Nutr ; 25(3): 528-537, 2022 03.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34544513

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To compare the cost and affordability of two fortnightly diets (representing the national guidelines and current consumption) across areas containing Australia's major supermarkets. DESIGN: The Healthy Diets Australian Standardised Affordability and Pricing protocol was used. SETTING: Price data were collected online and via phone calls in fifty-one urban and inner regional locations across Australia. PARTICIPANTS: Not applicable. RESULTS: Healthy diets were consistently less expensive than current (unhealthy) diets. Nonetheless, healthy diets would cost 25-26 % of the disposable income for low-income households and 30-31 % of the poverty line. Differences in gross incomes (the most available income metric which overrepresents disposable income) drove national variations in diet affordability (from 14 % of the median gross household incomes in the Australian Capital Territory and Northern Territory to 25 % of the median gross household income in Tasmania). CONCLUSIONS: In Australian cities and regional areas with major supermarkets, access to affordable diets remains problematic for families receiving low incomes. These findings are likely to be exacerbated in outer regional and remote areas (not included in this study). To make healthy diets economically appealing, policies that reduce the (absolute and relative) costs of healthy diets and increase the incomes of Australians living in poverty are required.


Subject(s)
Diet, Healthy , Diet , Australia , Costs and Cost Analysis , Humans , Income
12.
Health Promot Int ; 37(3)2022 Jun 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35788312

ABSTRACT

School-based employee interventions can benefit the health of staff and have the potential to influence the health of school students through role-modelling. However, interventions within schools typically focus on students, with very few studies addressing obesity and related health behaviours among school staff. A systematic review of the peer-reviewed literature published between January 2000 and May 2020 was undertaken to synthesize the evidence on the impact that school-based obesity prevention programmes have on the staff they employ. Search terms were derived from four major topics: (i) school; (ii) staff; (iii) health promotion and (iv) obesity. Terms were adapted for six databases and three independent researchers screened results. Studies were included if they reported on the outcomes of body weight, dietary behaviours and/or physical activity. Of 3483 papers identified in the search, 13 studies met the inclusion criteria. All 13 studies included an intervention that focussed on improving nutrition, physical activity or both. All included studies demonstrated a positive outcome for either dietary intake, weight or body mass index or physical activity outcomes, however not all results were statistically significant. The included studies showed promising, although limited, impacts on employee health outcomes. This review demonstrated a lack of global focus and investment in interventions targeting school staff, particularly in contrast to the large amount of research on school-based health promotion initiatives focussed on students. There is a need for further research to understand effective interventions to promote health and prevent obesity in this large, diverse and influential workforce.


School-based health promotion interventions that focus on employees can benefit the health of staff and have the potential to also influence the health of school students through role-modelling. Most published intervention studies within schools have typically focussed on students, however, with very few studies addressing obesity and related health behaviours among school staff. This systematic review summarizes the evidence on the impact of school-based obesity prevention programmes on the outcomes of physical activity, weight or dietary practices of school staff. The search identified 13 relevant studies published since 2000. The findings of this review show that school staff focussed health promotion interventions can positively impact obesity-related outcomes. The small number of available studies, however, demonstrates a lack of research focus and investment in interventions targeting school staff and teachers' health. The majority of included studies used relatively weak study designs and included small numbers of schools and staff members. This is particularly contrasting to the large body of research on school-based health promotion initiatives focussed on students. There is a need for further research to understand effective interventions to promote health and prevent obesity in this large, diverse and influential workforce.


Subject(s)
Health Promotion , School Health Services , Body Mass Index , Exercise , Health Promotion/methods , Humans , Obesity/prevention & control
13.
Health Promot Int ; 37(5)2022 Oct 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36166267

ABSTRACT

School nutrition policies that aim to address unhealthy diets have been introduced in many countries. This systematic review aimed to synthesize the international literature to determine the impact (overall and by socioeconomic position [SEP]) of primary school nutrition policies on the availability of foods and beverages in schools. Seven databases were searched using keywords and medical subject headings related to nutrition policies and schools. Studies that reported on the impact of implemented school nutrition policies on food and beverage availability within primary schools were included. Eighteen studies (reported across 20 papers) were included. Fifteen of the included studies reported some positive impacts of policies, including increased availability of healthier foods and decreased availability of less healthy foods. Five studies focused specifically on schools in low-income communities and a further three specifically compared schools by SEP, with mixed findings. Two studies reported on factors influencing policy implementation, reporting a lack of financial resources as a barrier to schools offering a wider selection of healthy foods and additional school resources as increasing the likelihood of offering healthy foods. School nutrition policies appear to be effective at improving the healthiness of foods and beverages available at schools. Furthermore, the results suggest that well-implemented school nutrition policies that improve the healthiness of foods available are unlikely to exacerbate the socioeconomic gradient of poor nutrition. However, the number of studies that reported results by SEP limits drawing strong conclusions regarding equity impacts and we strongly recommend further studies analyze their findings according to SEP.


Subject(s)
Food Services , Nutrition Policy , Beverages , Food , Humans , Schools
14.
Health Promot J Austr ; 33(1): 216-223, 2022 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33561895

ABSTRACT

ISSUE ADDRESSED: Governments across the world use guidelines and policy to support improving the quality and nutrition in school canteens, yet little is known about what makes for success in supporting school canteens. This study aimed to investigate the factors influencing the implementation of a healthy school canteen policy. METHODS: A qualitative descriptive approach using interviews with a purposive sample of Victorian schools that had successfully implemented a healthy school canteen was conducted. Twelve interviews were conducted with principals (n = 4), assistant principal (n = 1), canteen managers (n = 5), food services manager (n = 1) and canteen staff members (n = 3) across six Victorian schools. Data were analysed using a content analysis approach. RESULTS: Three key themes explained the adoption of policy: Values - emphasising service over profit; Knowledge - understanding of nutrition and the policy; and Support - from within and external to the school. CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of school canteen policy is more likely to be achieved when a school can focus on the service and educative component of the policy and where there is a shared priority for healthy eating across the entire school community. SO WHAT?: Creating a culture of service and community engagement with a healthy school canteen may increase policy implementation and should be the focus of future health promotion efforts.


Subject(s)
Food Services , Diet, Healthy , Health Policy , Health Promotion , Humans , Nutrition Policy , Schools
15.
Curr Psychol ; : 1-12, 2022 Jan 10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35035189

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to assess changes in mental health and wellbeing measures across a 50-day physical activity workplace program. The secondary aims assessed the relationship between demographic and pre-program physical activity self-reported variables, mental health, wellbeing and program engagement measures. The study utilized a naturalistic longitudinal design with a study population of 2903 people. Participants were engaged in the 10,000 step daily physical activity program for 50-days and measures of engagement were tracked. 1320 participants provided full pre/post-program data across a range of standardized mental health and wellbeing measures alongside demographic and program engagement measures. For individuals providing pre and post program data there was a significant reduction in anxiety (18.2%, p = .008), stress (13.0%, p = .014) and sleep related impairment (6.9%, p < .001) alongside a significant improvement in overall wellbeing (6.7%, p = .001). The data further showed no significant mental health differences were identified between individuals who recorded below versus equal to or above 10,000 steps. Regression analyses indicated numerous group and personal variables impacted mental health, wellbeing and program engagement. The study highlights improvements in a range of mental health and wellbeing scores occurred over the 50-day activity program for people who complete the program. Finally, the study identified a range of protective and risk factors for mental health benefits of these programs and level of engagement. Whilst there were similarities in the pre-program mental health and wellbeing scores of those who completed and those lost to follow-up, further research is required to better characterize and understand this group.

16.
Bull World Health Organ ; 99(12): 865-873, 2021 Dec 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34866682

ABSTRACT

Implementation of effective cross-sectoral nutrition policies remains a challenge worldwide. By reviewing reports from World Health Organization meetings and consultations - convened for policy-makers representing Member States of the Western Pacific Region - we provide an insight into how national policy-makers and external actors can support different dimensions of nutrition policy implementation. Key insights of policy-makers attending food and nutrition-centred meetings include that country-level implementation of nutrition policy relies on strong policy design, organizational planning and governance mechanisms that promote collective responsibility across multiple sectors. Policy-makers responsible for implementing nutrition policies face major challenges resulting from limited capacity, both within and external to government, particularly in relation to monitoring and enforcement activities. Successful implementation of nutrition policy measures will require greater political will to provide the requisite resources and institutional structures to ensure sustained policy effectiveness. Nongovernmental partners, including international agencies and researchers, have an opportunity to support policy implementation by providing technical support to Member States to frame action on nutrition in a more compelling way. They can also help policy-makers to build the organizational and structural capacity to coordinate cross-sectoral policy. Improved policy design, planning and governance and strategic capacity-building, supported by external partners, can strengthen the sustained implementation of cross-sectoral nutrition policy and improve nutrition outcomes.


Le déploiement de mesures nutritionnelles intersectorielles efficaces reste un défi à travers le monde. En examinant des rapports de réunions et consultations convoquées par l'Organisation mondiale de la Santé (OMS) pour les représentants des États Membres de la Région du Pacifique occidental, nous analysons la manière dont les responsables politiques nationaux et les acteurs externes peuvent y contribuer à différents niveaux. Parmi les principaux enseignements tirés des responsables ayant participé à des réunions sur l'alimentation et la nutrition, citons la nécessité d'élaborer une politique solide pour appliquer des mesures nutritionnelles à l'échelle nationale, la planification organisationnelle et les mécanismes de gouvernance qui font appel à la responsabilité collective dans de multiples secteurs. Les législateurs chargés d'appliquer ces mesures nutritionnelles sont confrontés à des défis majeurs car ils disposent de capacités limitées, tant au sein du gouvernement qu'en dehors, en particulier lorsqu'il s'agit d'activités de surveillance et d'exécution. Pour que la mise en œuvre de telles mesures soit couronnée de succès, il faut consolider la volonté politique afin de fournir les ressources et les structures institutionnelles requises pour garantir une efficacité durable. Les partenaires non gouvernementaux, notamment les chercheurs et les organismes internationaux, peuvent soutenir cette mise en œuvre en apportant une assistance technique aux États Membres, dans le but d'encadrer les mesures nutritionnelles de façon plus convaincante. Ils peuvent également aider les législateurs à développer les capacités structurelles et organisationnelles leur permettant de coordonner les politiques intersectorielles. Améliorer la gouvernance, la planification, l'élaboration de politiques et la création de capacités stratégiques avec le concours de partenaires externes peut renforcer l'application à long terme de politiques nutritionnelles intersectorielles et générer de meilleurs résultats en matière de nutrition.


La aplicación de políticas intersectoriales de nutrición efectivas sigue siendo un desafío a nivel mundial. Mediante la revisión de los informes de las reuniones y consultas de la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS), dirigidas a los responsables de formular políticas que representan a los Estados miembros de la región del Pacífico Occidental, se presenta una reflexión sobre cómo los responsables de formular las políticas nacionales y los agentes externos pueden apoyar las diferentes dimensiones de la aplicación de las políticas de nutrición. Entre los principales puntos de vista de los responsables de formular políticas que asistieron a las reuniones sobre alimentación y nutrición figura la idea de que la aplicación de las políticas de nutrición a nivel nacional depende de un diseño sólido de las políticas, de la planificación organizativa y de los mecanismos de gobernanza que promueven la responsabilidad colectiva en múltiples sectores. Las autoridades responsables de aplicar las políticas de nutrición se enfrentan a importantes retos derivados de la limitada capacidad, tanto dentro como fuera del gobierno, sobre todo en relación con las actividades de seguimiento y cumplimiento. El éxito de la aplicación de las medidas políticas sobre nutrición requerirá una mayor voluntad política para suministrar los recursos necesarios y las estructuras institucionales que garanticen la efectividad sostenida de las políticas. Los asociados no gubernamentales, incluidos los organismos internacionales y los investigadores, tienen la oportunidad de apoyar la aplicación de las políticas al proporcionar apoyo técnico a los Estados miembros para estructurar las medidas sobre nutrición de manera más convincente. También pueden ayudar a los responsables de formular políticas a crear la capacidad organizativa y estructural necesaria para coordinar las políticas intersectoriales. La mejora del diseño, la planificación y la gobernanza de las políticas, así como la creación de capacidades estratégicas, con el apoyo de asociados externos, pueden reforzar la aplicación sostenida de las políticas intersectoriales de nutrición para mejorar sus resultados.


Subject(s)
Administrative Personnel , Nutrition Policy , Capacity Building , Government , Humans , Nutritional Status
17.
Med J Aust ; 214 Suppl 8: S5-S40, 2021 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33934362

ABSTRACT

CHAPTER 1: HOW AUSTRALIA IMPROVED HEALTH EQUITY THROUGH ACTION ON THE SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH: Do not think that the social determinants of health equity are old hat. In reality, Australia is very far away from addressing the societal level drivers of health inequity. There is little progressive policy that touches on the conditions of daily life that matter for health, and action to redress inequities in power, money and resources is almost non-existent. In this chapter we ask you to pause this reality and come on a fantastic journey where we envisage how COVID-19 was a great disruptor and accelerator of positive progressive action. We offer glimmers of what life could be like if there was committed and real policy action on the social determinants of health equity. It is vital that the health sector assists in convening the multisectoral stakeholders necessary to turn this fantasy into reality. CHAPTER 2: ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER CONNECTION TO CULTURE: BUILDING STRONGER INDIVIDUAL AND COLLECTIVE WELLBEING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have long maintained that culture (ie, practising, maintaining and reclaiming it) is vital to good health and wellbeing. However, this knowledge and understanding has been dismissed or described as anecdotal or intangible by Western research methods and science. As a result, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture is a poorly acknowledged determinant of health and wellbeing, despite its significant role in shaping individuals, communities and societies. By extension, the cultural determinants of health have been poorly defined until recently. However, an increasing amount of scientific evidence supports what Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have always said - that strong culture plays a significant and positive role in improved health and wellbeing. Owing to known gaps in knowledge, we aim to define the cultural determinants of health and describe their relationship with the social determinants of health, to provide a full understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander wellbeing. We provide examples of evidence on cultural determinants of health and links to improved Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and wellbeing. We also discuss future research directions that will enable a deeper understanding of the cultural determinants of health for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. CHAPTER 3: PHYSICAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH: HEALTHY, LIVEABLE AND SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES: Good city planning is essential for protecting and improving human and planetary health. Until recently, however, collaboration between city planners and the public health sector has languished. We review the evidence on the health benefits of good city planning and propose an agenda for public health advocacy relating to health-promoting city planning for all by 2030. Over the next 10 years, there is an urgent need for public health leaders to collaborate with city planners - to advocate for evidence-informed policy, and to evaluate the health effects of city planning efforts. Importantly, we need integrated planning across and between all levels of government and sectors, to create healthy, liveable and sustainable cities for all. CHAPTER 4: HEALTH PROMOTION IN THE ANTHROPOCENE: THE ECOLOGICAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH: Human health is inextricably linked to the health of the natural environment. In this chapter, we focus on ecological determinants of health, including the urgent and critical threats to the natural environment, and opportunities for health promotion arising from the human health co-benefits of actions to protect the health of the planet. We characterise ecological determinants in the Anthropocene and provide a sobering snapshot of planetary health science, particularly the momentous climate change health impacts in Australia. We highlight Australia's position as a major fossil fuel producer and exporter, and a country lacking cohesive and timely emissions reduction policy. We offer a roadmap for action, with four priority directions, and point to a scaffold of guiding approaches - planetary health, Indigenous people's knowledge systems, ecological economics, health co-benefits and climate-resilient development. Our situation requires a paradigm shift, and this demands a recalibration of health promotion education, research and practice in Australia over the coming decade. CHAPTER 5: DISRUPTING THE COMMERCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH: Our vision for 2030 is an Australian economy that promotes optimal human and planetary health for current and future generations. To achieve this, current patterns of corporate practice and consumption of harmful commodities and services need to change. In this chapter, we suggest ways forward for Australia, focusing on pragmatic actions that can be taken now to redress the power imbalances between corporations and Australian governments and citizens. We begin by exploring how the terms of health policy making must change to protect it from conflicted commercial interests. We also examine how marketing unhealthy products and services can be more effectively regulated, and how healthier business practices can be incentivised. Finally, we make recommendations on how various public health stakeholders can hold corporations to account, to ensure that people come before profits in a healthy and prosperous future Australia. CHAPTER 6: DIGITAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH: THE DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION: We live in an age of rapid and exponential technological change. Extraordinary digital advancements and the fusion of technologies, such as artificial intelligence, robotics, the Internet of Things and quantum computing constitute what is often referred to as the digital revolution or the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Industry 4.0). Reflections on the future of public health and health promotion require thorough consideration of the role of digital technologies and the systems they influence. Just how the digital revolution will unfold is unknown, but it is clear that advancements and integrations of technologies will fundamentally influence our health and wellbeing in the future. The public health response must be proactive, involving many stakeholders, and thoughtfully considered to ensure equitable and ethical applications and use. CHAPTER 7: GOVERNANCE FOR HEALTH AND EQUITY: A VISION FOR OUR FUTURE: Coronavirus disease 2019 has caused many people and communities to take stock on Australia's direction in relation to health, community, jobs, environmental sustainability, income and wealth. A desire for change is in the air. This chapter imagines how changes in the way we govern our lives and what we value as a society could solve many of the issues Australia is facing - most pressingly, the climate crisis and growing economic and health inequities. We present an imagined future for 2030 where governance structures are designed to ensure transparent and fair behaviour from those in power and to increase the involvement of citizens in these decisions, including a constitutional voice for Indigenous peoples. We imagine that these changes were made by measuring social progress in new ways, ensuring taxation for public good, enshrining human rights (including to health) in legislation, and protecting and encouraging an independent media. Measures to overcome the climate crisis were adopted and democratic processes introduced in the provision of housing, education and community development.


Subject(s)
Health Equity/trends , Health Promotion/trends , Australia , Commerce , Community Health Planning/trends , Digital Technology/trends , Environmental Health/trends , Forecasting , Health Services, Indigenous/trends , Humans , Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander , Social Determinants of Health/trends
18.
Public Health Nutr ; 24(9): 2669-2680, 2021 06.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32912360

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To investigate (i) changes in stakeholder commitment and (ii) perceptions of the purpose, challenges and benefits of healthy food and beverage provision in community sports settings during the stepwise implementation of a healthy beverage policy. DESIGN: Convergent, parallel, mixed-methods design complemented (i) repeat semi-structured interviews with council stakeholders (n 17 interviews, n 6 interviewees), with (ii) repeat quantitative stakeholder surveys measuring Commitment to Organisational Change; (iii) weekly sales data examining health behaviour and revenue effects (15 months pre-intervention; 14 months post-intervention); (iv) customer exit surveys (n 458); and (v) periodic photographic audits of beverage availability. Interviews were analysed inductively. Stakeholder surveys, sales data, customer surveys and audits were analysed descriptively. SETTING: Four local government-owned sports and recreation centres in Melbourne, Australia, completed a 3-month trial to increase the availability of healthy beverages and decrease the availability of unhealthy beverages in food outlets. PARTICIPANTS: Interviews were conducted with council managers and those involved in implementation (September 2016-October 2017). Customers were surveyed (September-October 2017). RESULTS: Interviews and surveys indicated that stakeholders' commitment to policies varied such that, over time, optimism that changing beverage availability could increase the healthiness of customers' purchases became more widespread among interviewees. Stakeholder focus generally progressed from anticipatory concern to solutions-focused discussions. Sales, audit and customer survey data supported interview findings. CONCLUSIONS: We found a general increase in optimism regarding policy outcomes over time during the implementation of a healthy beverage policy. Stepwise trials should be further explored as an engagement tool within community retail settings.


Subject(s)
Beverages , Consumer Behavior , Commerce , Humans , Marketing , Nutrition Policy
19.
Public Health Nutr ; 24(9): 2758-2770, 2021 06.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32895071

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Local governments have integral roles in contributing to public health. One recent focus has been on how local governments can impact community nutrition by engaging food service outlets to improve their food offer. The Healthier Catering Commitment (HCC) is an initiative where London local governments support takeaways and restaurants to meet centrally defined nutrition criteria on their food options. Using the case of HCC, the current study aims to provide (1) practical learnings of how local governments could facilitate and overcome barriers associated with implementing healthy food service initiatives in general, and (2) specific recommendations for enhancements for HCC. DESIGN: Key informant, semi-structured interviews were conducted with local government staff involved in HCC, exploring barriers and facilitators to HCC implementation in food businesses. A thematic analysis approach was used, with results presented according to a logic pathway of ideal implementation in order to provide practical, focused insights. SETTING: Local governments implementing HCC. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-two individuals supporting HCC implementation. RESULTS: Facilitators to implementation included flexible approaches, shared resourcing and strategically engaging businesses with practical demonstrations. Barriers were limited resources, businesses fearing negative customer responses and low uptake in disadvantaged areas. Key suggestions to enhance implementation and impact included offering additional incentives, increasing HCC awareness and encouraging recruited businesses to make healthy changes beyond initiative requirements. CONCLUSIONS: In order to facilitate the implementation of healthy food initiatives in food outlets, local governments would benefit from involving their environmental health team, employing community-tailored approaches and focusing on supporting businesses in disadvantaged areas.


Subject(s)
Foods, Specialized , Local Government , Commerce , Humans , Motivation , Restaurants
20.
Public Health Nutr ; 24(1): 1-11, 2021 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32662385

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To determine the reliability of streamlined data-gathering techniques for examining the price and affordability of a healthy (recommended) and unhealthy (current) diet. We additionally estimated the price and affordability of diets across socio-economic areas and quantified the influence of different pricing scenarios. DESIGN: Following the Healthy Diets Australian Standardised Affordability and Pricing (ASAP) protocol, we compared a cross-sectional sample of food and beverage pricing data collected using online data and phone calls (lower-resource streamlined techniques) with data collected in-store from the same retailers. SETTING: Food and beverage prices were collected from major supermarkets, fast food and alcohol retailers in eight conveniently sampled areas in Victoria, Australia (n 72 stores), stratified by area-level deprivation and remoteness. PARTICIPANTS: This study did not involve human participants. RESULTS: The biweekly price of a healthy diet was on average 21 % cheaper ($596) than an unhealthy diet ($721) for a four-person family using the streamlined techniques, which was comparable with estimates using in-store data (healthy: $594, unhealthy: $731). The diet price differential did not vary considerably across geographical areas (range: 18-23 %). Both diets were estimated to be unaffordable for families living on indicative low disposable household incomes and below the poverty line. The inclusion of generic brands notably reduced the prices of healthy and unhealthy diets (≥20 %), rendering both affordable against indicative low disposable household incomes. Inclusion of discounted prices marginally reduced diet prices (3 %). CONCLUSIONS: Streamlined data-gathering techniques are a reliable method for regular, flexible and widespread monitoring of the price and affordability of population diets in areas where supermarkets have an online presence.


Subject(s)
Commerce , Diet , Food/economics , Costs and Cost Analysis , Cross-Sectional Studies , Humans , Reproducibility of Results , Victoria
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