Members' experiences and perceptions of participating in an Australian Regional One Health Network.

BACKGROUND: The One Health framework is intended to optimise the interdependent health of humans, animals and ecosystems. It relies on effective collaborations across disciplines, sectors and communities. One Health networks have become increasingly important platforms for encouraging, creating and supporting collaborations. Their success is usually judged by evaluations of their outputs. However, there is also a need to understand member experiences and perceptions of the networks in which they participate. To that end, we undertook the first membership survey of a One Health network that was established in Australia in 2005. METHODS: An online membership survey was created, comprising closed and open-ended questions. RESULTS: Around one third of the Regional One Health Partnership ('the Network') participated in the study (33 members). Participants contributed a combined total of 170 years of experience in the Network and 414 years of combined experience working in/on One Health. The Network has provided excellent opportunities for cross sectoral collaboration that would otherwise not have been possible. Findings also highlighted the intangible benefits of membership such as the creation of a collaborative support group for emerging and established One Health practitioners. CONCLUSIONS: The Network plays an important role in One Health collaborations in New South Wales and further afield. Commensurate with the literature on One Health collaborations globally, we identified a need for greater diversity amongst members, especially from First Nations people, local communities, non-government organisations and wildlife/environment experts, as well as concerted attempts to identify policy implications. Our membership survey tool could be adapted for future One Health Network membership surveys in Australia and internationally.

Evaluation of the Australian first few X household transmission project for COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: The Australian First Few X (FFX) Household Transmission Project for COVID-19 was the first prospective, multi-jurisdictional study of its kind in Australia. The project was undertaken as a partnership between federal and state health departments and the Australian Partnership for Preparedness Research on Infectious Disease Emergencies (APPRISE) and was active from April to October 2020. METHODS: We aimed to identify and explore the challenges and strengths of the Australian FFX Project to inform future FFX study development and integration into pandemic preparedness plans. We asked key stakeholders and partners involved with implementation to identify and rank factors relating to the strengths and challenges of project implementation in two rounds of modified Delphi surveys. Key representatives from jurisdictional health departments were then interviewed to contextualise findings within public health processes and information needs to develop a final set of recommendations for FFX study development in Australia. RESULTS: Four clear recommendations emerged from the evaluation. Future preparedness planning should aim to formalise and embed partnerships between health departments and researchers to help better integrate project data collection into core public health surveillance activities. The development of functional, adaptable protocols with pre-established ethics and governance approvals and investment in national data infrastructure were additional priority areas noted by evaluation participants. CONCLUSION: The evaluation provided a great opportunity to consolidate lessons learnt from the Australian FFX Household Transmission Project. The developed recommendations should be incorporated into future pandemic preparedness plans in Australia to enable effective implementation and increase local utility and value of the FFX platform within emergency public health response.

The role of leadership among a Congolese community in Australia in response to the COVID-19 pandemic: a narrative study.

Objective: Community leadership enhances collective action in times of uncertainty, such as during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. This study explores the role of leadership related to the COVID-19 response and information sharing among a newly emerging Congolese community in the Hunter New England region of Australia. Methods: Semi-structured qualitative inquiry was used to interview four participants who were identified as being influential leaders of the local Congolese community. The findings of this study were part of a larger exploration of COVID-19 messaging among emerging culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities. Two interviewers independently analysed the transcribed data before pairing their findings. Narrative analysis was employed. Results: Two major themes were identified: leadership as an assigned and trusted role, and leadership as a continuous responsibility. Several categories were identified within these themes, such as mutual connection, education level, multilingual ability and networking. Discussion: The Congolese community leaders reported feeling responsible and confident in their ability to proactively contribute to the local COVID-19 response by enhancing communication within the community. By partnering with and learning from respected leaders in CALD communities, government health services have the opportunity to improve how current public health messaging is developed.

Novel variant Hendra virus genotype 2 infection in a horse in the greater Newcastle region, New South Wales, Australia.

In October 2021, the first contemporary detection of Hendra virus genotype 2 (HeV-g2) was made by veterinary priority disease investigation in a horse near Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia, as part of routine veterinary priority disease surveillance. This discovery followed an update of Hendra virus diagnostic assays following retrospective identification of this variant from 2015 via sentinel emerging infectious disease research, enabling timely detection of this case. The sole infected horse was euthanized in moribund condition. As the southernmost recognised HeV spill-over detection to date, it extends the southern limit of known cases by approximately 95 km. The event occurred near a large urban centre, characterised by equine populations of diverse type, husbandry, and purpose, with low HeV vaccination rates. Urgent multi-agency outbreak response involved risk assessment and monitoring of 11 exposed people and biosecurity management of at-risk animals. No human or additional animal cases were recognised. This One Health investigation highlights need for research on risk perception and strategic engagement to support owners confronted with the death of companion animals and potential human exposure to a high consequence virus. The location and timing of this spill-over event diverging from that established for prototype HeV (HeV-g1), highlight benefit in proactive One Health surveillance and research activities that improve understanding of dynamic transmission and spill-over risks of both HeV genotypic lineages and related but divergent emerging pathogens.

Factors contributing to the sharing of COVID-19 health information amongst refugee communities in a regional area of Australia: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a disproportionate impact on culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) groups worldwide. Newly emerging CALD populations formed by recently arrived refugees are predisposed to even greater health disadvantages due to complexities of the refugee experience. The aim of this study was to explore how culture, refugee experiences and existing relationships shaped what COVID-19 messages were listened to and shared during the early-mid phases of the pandemic. The work focused on three newly emerging refugee groups in the Hunter New England region, Australia: Afghan, Congolese and Syrian communities. METHODS: Qualitative, semi-structured interviews were conducted to explore the experiences and stories of 15 adult community members, nine influential members and six service providers. All community members arrived in Australia on or after January 2014. Interpreter-assisted interviews were conducted with small groups or individuals, audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim in English. Three levels of thematic data analysis were employed to uncover the important issues and experiences of the participants. RESULTS: Three key themes and several subthemes were identified. The themes were: 1) Experience as a refugee uniquely influences COVID-19 message communication; 2) Refugee groups use diverse practices when accessing and sharing COVID-19 messages; and 3) Official government messages could be improved by listening and tailoring to community needs. CONCLUSIONS: Effective health messaging relies on reaching communities in a culturally acceptable and meaningful way. Official COVID-19 messages can be tailored to engage newly emerging communities by improving the quality of the content, delivery and format whilst working collaboratively with communities and trusted service providers. Further mutual research is needed to understand emerging communities' viewpoints. The use of culturally informed approaches is recommended.

Culturally and linguistically diverse voices and views in COVID-19 pandemic plans and policies.

Objective: This paper presents a rapid assessment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic plans and explores the representation of culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities in such plans. Four levels of pandemic plans were reviewed: regional, state, national and international. Methods: Discussions with representatives from four CALD communities informed the development of search and selection criteria for the COVID-19 plans, which were gathered and assessed using a CALD lens. Six COVID-19 pandemic plans that met the inclusion criteria were critically assessed. Results: The reviewed plans did not report any CALD community voices, views or consultations with community groups in the development phase, nor did they acknowledge the diversity of CALD populations. A few plans noted the vulnerability of CALD communities, but none discussed the challenges CALD communities face in accessing health information or health services during the pandemic, or other structural barriers (social determinants of health). Discussion: Our analysis revealed major gaps in all pandemic plans in terms of engaging with immigrant or CALD communities. Policies and plans that address and consider the complex needs and challenges of CALD communities are essential. Collaboration between public health services, multicultural services and policy-makers is vital for the inclusion of this higher-risk population.

Ezidi voices: The communication of COVID-19 information amongst a refugee community in rural Australia- a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: There is growing evidence that government health information related to COVID-19 has failed to adequately reach culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) populations in Australia. Refugees are a unique sub-set of the CALD communities and are subject to numerous barriers preventing adequate health care, both pre- and post-migration. The barriers are accentuated during emergencies, such as a pandemic, as a result of an intersection of various social and economic inequalities. The recently resettled Ezidi refugee community in a regional area of Australia is an example of a community sitting at the intersection of various inequities and thus at greater risk from COVID-19. The purpose of this study is to describe the experiences of the Ezidi in a regional area with COVID-19 information and how this has been communicated to and shared within this group; what barriers the community may experience in accessing COVID-19 information; and how the government-led COVID-19 information communication could be improved. METHODS: This qualitative study was designed to explore the perceptions and views of the Ezidi and service providers regarding COVID-19 messaging. Multicultural and Refugee Health staff facilitated interviews with four local service providers and ten Ezidi community members, including seven influential leaders. Thematic analysis was employed across individual, pair and group data analysis. Similar categories were grouped into themes. RESULTS: The main findings of the study are: the refugee experience influences the communication of COVID-19 messages; cultural, social and gender norms influence responses to COVID-19; trusted individuals and service providers are key in communities' uptake of COVID-19 messages; currently available governmental COVID-19 information resources and sharing strategies were found unhelpful and inappropriate; COVID-19 communiqués and message delivery for this regional minority refugee community can be improved. CONCLUSION: The recently resettled Ezidi community, and likely other similar communities, would benefit from tailored engagement by government organisations, as well as settlement services to improve the communication of COVID-19 health information and reduce related inequities.

Tuberculosis care designed with barramarrany (family): Participatory action research that prioritised partnership, healthy housing and nutrition.

ISSUE ADDRESSED: Ongoing tuberculosis (TB) transmission in Aboriginal communities in Australia is unfair and unacceptable. Redressing the inequity in TB affecting Aboriginal peoples is a priority in Australia's Strategic Plan for Tuberculosis Control. Improving TB care needs not to just identify barriers but do something about them. Privileging the voices of Aboriginal people affected by TB is essential to identify effective and enabling strategies. METHODS: A barramarrany (Aboriginal family) affected by recurring TB partnered with TB and Environmental Health teams using a participatory action research (PAR) methodology to improve housing health hardware and nutrition alongside biomedical TB prevention and care. A combination of the Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion; the International "End TB" Strategy; and Aboriginal barramarrany leadership, worldviews and traditional values guided actions to reduce TB transmission. RESULTS: Together the partners improved housing hardware and access to nutritious food, so the barramarrany could create a setting for good health and wellbeing. These actions supported the barramarrany to regain the physical, social and emotional wellbeing to deal with day-to-day challenges and stresses. The barramarrany were able to better sustain supportive relationships; grow, prepare and eat healthy food; and participate in health care activities. The barramarrany could better engage with medical approaches for TB and four barramarrany members completed TB treatment. The PAR action-project enabled and supported early TB diagnosis, treatment and prevention. CONCLUSION: Amplifying the voices of Aboriginal people and shared ownership of TB diagnosis, treatment and prevention by the barramarrany, was underpinned with principles of self-determination, capacity building and social justice. This PAR action-project provides further evidence that improving housing and nutrition can assist in Ending TB while improving wellbeing. SO WHAT?: Our action-research project undertaken within a PAR framework demonstrates the implementation of End TB Strategies by utilising the Ottawa Charter's five actions to promote health, by understanding and centralising the social determinants of health.

Value of consultation in establishing a public health research network: lessons from APPRISE.

OBJECTIVES: To understand the challenges and benefits of an extensive consultation process relating to the establishment and ongoing funding of a novel, disseminated national research network for infectious disease preparedness. METHODS: We used a two-part modified Delphi process to identify and rank factors relating to the consultation process across the different stages of setting up a new research network. RESULTS: Research priorities for the new research network remained the same following consultation with a broad range of stakeholders. Broad networking and the establishment of a nationally recognised preparedness research network were clearly identified as the consultation's key strengths. The need for ongoing management of diverse expectations, particularly between researchers and public health practitioners, are clear challenges. Clarity on the distinct roles of researchers and decision makers are necessary to integrate research into a translational pathway. Researcher expectations for investigator-driven detailed inquiry must be balanced with expectations of routine public health activities and decision making. CONCLUSIONS: Consultation had a clear benefit for the development of a complex public health network with a focus on policy translation. Ongoing challenges include managing diverse expectations and recognising the need for continuing relationship management. Understanding the strengths and limitations of consultation to enable ongoing funding should inform the development of further collaborative research networks in multidisciplinary and translational contexts in health.

The missing voices of Indigenous Australians in the social, cultural and historical experiences of tuberculosis: a systematic and integrative review.

INTRODUCTION: Disparities in tuberculosis (TB) rates exist between Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations in many countries, including Australia. The social determinants of health are central to health inequities including disparities in TB rates. There are limitations in the dominant biomedical and epidemiological approaches to representing, understanding and addressing the unequal burden of TB for Indigenous peoples represented in the literature. This paper applies a social determinants of health approach and examines the structural, programmatic and historical causes of inequities for TB in Indigenous Australia. METHODS: Aboriginal Australians' families in northern New South Wales who are affected by TB initiated this investigation. A systematic search of published literature was conducted using PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus and Informit ATSIhealth databases, the Australian Indigenous Health, InfoNet and Google. Ninety-five records published between 1885 and 2019 were categorised and graphed over time, inductively coded and thematically analysed. RESULTS: Indigenous Australians' voices are scarce in the TB literature and absent in the development of TB policies and programmes. Epidemiological reports are descriptive and technical and avoid analysis of social processes involved in the perpetuation of TB. For Indigenous Australians, TB is more than a biomedical diagnosis and treatment; it is a consequence of European invasion and a contributor to dispossession and the ongoing fight for justice. The introduction and spread of TB has resulted in the stealing of lives, family, community and cultures for Indigenous Australians. Racist policies and practices predominate in the experiences of individuals and families as consequences of, and resulting in, ongoing structural and systematic exclusion. CONCLUSION: Development of TB policies and programmes requires reconfiguration. Space must be given for Indigenous Australians to lead, be partners and to have ownership of decisions about how to eliminate TB. Shared knowledge between Indigenous Australians, policy makers and service managers of the social practices and structures that generate TB disparity for Indigenous Australians is essential.A social determinant of health approach will shift the focus to the social structures that cause TB. Collaboration with Indigenous partners in research is critical, and use of methods that amplify Indigenous peoples' voices and reconfigure power relations in favour of Indigenous Australians in the process is required.

Australian beef industry worker's knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding Q fever: A pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Q fever is a vaccine-preventable zoonotic infection with potentially severe health outcomes and high economic costs that affects agricultural workers, including beef and cattle industry workers, however this population historically have sub-optimal vaccine uptake. OBJECTIVE: To gather quantitative and qualitative pilot data from Australian beef industry workers on their knowledge, attitudes and practices around Q fever and Q fever vaccination. METHODS: A mixed methods approach was used to ascertain the Q fever disease risk perception and vaccination behavior of a purposive convenience sample of beef industry workers attending an industry expo in Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia between May 7th and 9th, 2018. RESULTS: The quantitative survey response rate was 83% (n = 86). More than 70% of respondents reported exposure to known Q fever risk factors. Eighty six percent were aware of Q fever, the self-reported uptake of Q fever vaccine was 27% and 9% reported undertaking testing which showed evidence of previous infection. Five main themes emerged from the qualitative data: "Finding the time" among other life priorities to attend a doctor for a vaccine; "Employer responsibility" to provide the vaccine; "My doctor knows me" and could suggest Q fever vaccination; "Assigning Risk" across a range of attitudes, including thinking it would not happen to them, 'fatalism', and knowing the danger but taking the risk anyway; and "The Need for Outreach" vaccine delivery services in their communities. SIGNIFICANCE: These data suggest that a coordinated public health approach to testing and vaccine provision, coupled with an awareness campaign among regional doctors to prompt them to routinely ask patients about their Q fever risk and vaccination history, should form part of a broad approach to Q fever control and prevention.

Q fever: A rural disease with potential urban consequences

BACKGROUND: Q fever often presents as an undifferentiated febrile illness. Cases occur throughout Australia, with higher rates occurring in northern New South Wales and southern Queensland. OBJECTIVE: This article aims to provide clinicians with an overview of Q fever, and covers epidemiology, clinical features, laboratory diagnosis, sequelae, management and prevention. DISCUSSION: In Australia, Q fever is the most commonly reported zoonotic disease. Presentation includes fever, rigors, chills, headache, extreme fatigue, drenching sweats, weight loss, arthralgia and myalgia, often in conjunction with abnormal liver function tests. These features make it indistinguishable from many other febrile illnesses. Exposure occurs through contact with livestock and other animals. Coxiella bacteria can survive in dust, where infection may result from inhalation. Laboratory diagnosis is made by serology or polymerase chain reaction. An effective vaccine is available for adults (aged >15 years), but can only be administered after a rigorous pre-vaccination assessment to exclude prior exposure to Coxiella burnetii, requiring a detailed medical history, skin test and serology.

Pigs, pooches and pasteurisation: The changing face of brucellosis in Australia

BACKGROUND: Brucellosis, also known as undulant, Mediterranean or Malta fever, is a systemic infection that causes fever, sweats, arthralgias and myalgias. A globally important disease, brucellosis is re-emerging in Australia in association with feral pig hunting activities. OBJECTIVE: This article aims to provide clinicians with an overview of brucellosis, covering epidemiology, clinical features, diagnosis, management and prevention. DISCUSSION: Brucellosis should be suspected in all patients with non-specific, flu-like illness who fall into one of the major risk groups (feral pig hunters, overseas travellers and migrants). Depression is common and often severe, relative to other symptoms. Early diagnosis and treatment are important for preventing complications, which include osteoarticular, genitourinary or, more rarely, neurological or cardiovascular diseases. Diagnosing acute infections is based on serology and blood cultures; imaging and biopsy may be required for diagnosis of focal infections. Dual therapy with doxycycline and gentamicin is the recommended treatment. Relapse occurs in up to 10% of patients. Prevention is achieved through the use of protective gear during hunting and avoidance of unpasteurised dairy products in countries where occur in animals.

Systematic literature review to identify methods for treating and preventing bacterial skin infections in Indigenous children.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Bacterial skin infections in Indigenous children in Australia frequently lead them to access primary health care. This systematic review aims to identify and analyse available studies describing the treatment and prevention of bacterial skin infections in Indigenous children. METHODS: Electronic databases including Scopus, MEDLINE, CINAHL, ProQuest, Informit and Google Scholar were searched. Studies in English published between August 1994 and September 2016, with the subject of bacterial skin infections involving Indigenous children and conducted in Australia, New Zealand, the USA or Canada were selected. RESULTS: Initially 1474 articles were identified. After the application of inclusion and exclusion criteria, 10 articles remained. Strategies for the treatment and prevention of bacterial skin infections included the management of active infections and lesions, improving environmental and personal hygiene, the installation of swimming pools and screening and treatment. CONCLUSION: There is a need for more, rigorous, large-scale studies to develop evidence for appropriate, culturally acceptable methods to prevent and manage bacterial skin infections in Indigenous children in Australia. The problem is complex with multiple determinants. Until underlying socioeconomic conditions are addressed skin infections will continue to be a burden to communities.

Surveillance system enhancements for Q fever in NSW, 2005-2015.

INTRODUCTION: Q fever remains an important notifiable, zoonotic disease in Australia. Previous epidemiological reviews have noted increased importance of non-abattoir contact with livestock and native/feral animals. Changes to surveillance in New South Wales (NSW) have provided enhanced surveillance data with which to examine exposure pathways. METHODS: Descriptive analysis of NSW Q fever notification data for the period 2005-2015, with detailed analysis of exposures for the period 2011-2015 (after introduction of improvements to surveillance). RESULTS: Between 2005 and 2015, 1,653 confirmed cases of Q fever were notified in NSW residents who acquired the disease in this state. For the period 2011-2015, a high-risk occupation was reported in 345/660 (52.3%) of notifications with a known occupation. Of 641 cases with a known animal exposure, 345 (53.8%) had direct contact with livestock, while 62 (9.7%) had indirect contact with livestock (e.g. proximity to livestock, livestock holding areas or trucks). Direct or indirect contact with native/feral animals was reported in 111/641 (17.3%) cases. Mowing and close proximity to kangaroos/wallabies were commonly reported indirect exposure pathways, particularly in urban areas. CONCLUSIONS: Enhancements to the state based surveillance database in NSW introduced in 2010 have resulted in improved collection of surveillance data for Q fever. Further refinement of Q fever surveillance can be achieved through continuing to improve data quality, standardising data collection and better elucidating exposure pathways of cases.