Best practice in dementia health care: Key clinical practice pointers from a national conference and innovative opportunities for pharmacy practice.

Objective: Sub-optimal care of people living with dementia has serious consequences for older populations. The 2021 Australian Royal Commission noted that a large proportion of older adults in aged care live with dementia, yet there are limitations in the knowledge and understanding of staff who care for them. In the pursuit of educating pharmacists, physicians, allied health care professionals, researchers, academics, people living with dementia and their carers, and the public, who are facing the challenges of dementia management, the 'Best Practice in Dementia Health Care' conference was held on November 10, 2022 at Western Health (Sunshine Hospital, Melbourne, Australia).

Factors that influence mental health and well-being of high-performance athletes from Olympic or Paralympic sport who have transitioned out of national-level or international-level sport: a mixed methods approach.

Transitioning out of elite sports can be a challenging time for athletes. To illuminate the gaps and opportunities in existing support systems and better understand which initiatives may have the greatest benefit in supporting athletes to transition out of elite sport, this study examined the lived experience of retired elite Australian athletes. Using a sequential mixed-methods approach, quantitative data were collected via a self-report online survey, while qualitative data were collected via semistructured interviews.

Resistance training and combined resistance and aerobic training as a treatment of depression and anxiety symptoms in young people: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Aim: To determine the treatment effect of resistance training in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression in young people.

Methods: We searched MEDLINE, PsychINFO, and PubMed for articles published in English from January 1980 to September 2023 for randomized controlled trials (RCT) that included at least 4 weeks of resistance training, with participants aged 26 years or younger with clinically elevated anxiety and depression symptoms. A random-effects meta-analysis was used to calculate a pooled effect size of resistance training pre-and post-intervention compared to control groups.

Underreporting of implementation strategies and barriers in physical activity interventions for young people at risk of problematic substance use: a brief report.

Background: Several studies have assessed whether physical activity interventions can reduce substance use in young people at risk of problematic substance use. This report identifies and describes the reporting of implementation characteristics within published studies of physical activity interventions for young people at risk of problematic substance use and provides recommendations for future reporting.

Methods: Reported implementation strategies (including intervention manualization), barriers, implementation fidelity, and personnel acceptance were extracted from studies of physical activity interventions for young people aged 12-25 years at risk of problematic substance use that were included in a previous systematic review of intervention efficacy.

Behaviour change techniques in physical activity-focused interventions for young people at risk of problematic substance use: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Aim: This systematic review investigates behaviour change techniques in interventions promoting physical activity for young people aged 12-25 years at heightened risk of problematic substance use, and the effect of these techniques on physical activity participation and substance use outcomes.

Methods: Four databases (PsycINFO, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus and Medline) were searched between November 2020 and November 2022 for randomized and non-randomized controlled studies according to inclusion criteria. Meta-analyses were calculated using weighted, standardized averages of effect sizes (Hedges' g).

Understanding the complexity, patterns, and correlates of alcohol and other substance use among young people seeking help for mental ill-health.

Purpose: Use of alcohol and other substances is a multifaceted issue impacting young people across multiple life domains. This paper aims to elucidate patterns of substance use and associated demographic and clinical factors among young people seeking treatment for their mental health.

Methods: Young people (12-25 years old) were recruited from five youth-specific primary mental health ("headspace") services in Australia.

Efficacy of high-intensity interval training for improving mental health and health-related quality of life in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Women with PCOS have substantially greater symptoms of depression and anxiety, and a lower health-related quality of life (HRQoL) compared to women without PCOS. The aim of this study was to determine if high-intensity interval training (HIIT) could provide greater improvements in mental health outcomes than standard moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT). Twenty-nine overweight women with PCOS aged 18-45 years were randomly assigned to 12 weeks of either MICT (60-75% HR, N = 15) or HIIT (> 90% HR, N = 14).

The engagement of tertiary students with an online mental health intervention during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic: A feasibility study.

Background: We discuss the feasibility of a brief, online mental health promotion programme for tertiary students and establish recommendations for future programmes.

Methods: The programme 'Student Elevenses' was delivered at a tertiary education institution. 'Student Elevenses' aimed to promote student wellbeing during the coronavirus disease 2019 crisis, comprised of 10-15-min daily online micro-interventions targeting six lifestyle areas for wellbeing, and was delivered via video conference.

Psychological, Physical, and Sexual Violence Against Children in Australian Community Sport: Frequency, Perpetrator, and Victim Characteristics.

Childhood sport participation is associated with physical, social, and mental health benefits, which are more likely to be realized if the sport environment is safe. However, our understanding of children's experience of psychological, physical, and sexual violence in community sport in Australia is limited. The aims of this study were to provide preliminary evidence on the extent of experiences of violence during childhood participation in Australian community sport and to identify common perpetrators of and risk factors for violence.

Heterogeneity of quality of life in young people attending primary mental health services.

Aims: The utility of quality of life (QoL) as an outcome measure in youth-specific primary mental health care settings has yet to be determined. We aimed to determine: (i) whether heterogeneity on individual items of a QoL measure could be used to identify distinct groups of help-seeking young people; and (ii) the validity of these groups based on having clinically meaningful differences in demographic and clinical characteristics.

Methods: Young people, at their first presentation to one of five primary mental health services, completed a range of questionnaires, including the Assessment of Quality of Life-6 dimensions adolescent version (AQoL-6D).

Prevalence and Correlates of Tobacco Use in Young People Presenting to Australian Primary Mental Health Services.

Introduction: In Australian youth primary mental health settings it is unclear as to the rates and correlates of tobacco use at service entry.

Aims And Methods: We aimed to delineate the prevalence and correlates of recent tobacco use (eg, cigarettes, chewing tobacco, cigars, etc) in the past 3 months in young people at their first presentation to primary mental health services as a function of age. Cross-sectional self-report measures were collected using a tablet device from young people presenting to one of five Australian primary mental health (headspace) services.

Lifestyle behaviours and mental health and wellbeing of tertiary students during COVID-19 lockdown in Australia: A cross-sectional study.

Background: Australia experienced significant COVID-19 lockdown restrictions throughout 2020 that had an impact on mental health and disrupted health-promoting lifestyle behaviours. Lockdowns may have exacerbated existing mental health concerns among tertiary students, who experience higher levels of mental health concerns compared to the wider community. This study aimed to investigate the association between modifiable lifestyle factors and wellbeing of students at a Melbourne-based tertiary education institution during COVID-19 lockdown.

High-intensity training elicits greater improvements in cardio-metabolic and reproductive outcomes than moderate-intensity training in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomized clinical trial.

Study Question: Does 12 weeks of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) result in greater improvements in cardio-metabolic and reproductive outcomes compared to standard moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)?

Summary Answer: HIIT offers greater improvements in aerobic capacity, insulin sensitivity and menstrual cyclicity, and larger reductions in hyperandrogenism compared to MICT.

What Is Known Already: Exercise training is recognized to improve clinical outcomes in women with PCOS, but little is known about whether HIIT results in greater health outcomes compared to standard MICT.

Study Design, Size, Duration: This was a two-armed randomized clinical trial enrolling a total of 29 overweight women with PCOS between May 2016 and November 2019.

Critical measurement issues in the assessment of social media influence on body image.

Progress towards understanding how social media impacts body image hinges on the use of appropriate measurement tools and methodologies. This review provides an overview of common (qualitative, self-report survey, lab-based experiments) and emerging (momentary assessment, computational) methodological approaches to the exploration of the impact of social media on body image. The potential of these methodologies is detailed, with examples illustrating current use as well as opportunities for expansion.

Effectiveness of exercise interventions on mental health and health-related quality of life in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review.

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex condition, impacting cardio-metabolic and reproductive health, mental health and health-related quality of life. The physical health benefits of exercise for women with PCOS are well-established and exercise is increasingly being recognised as efficacious for improving psychological wellbeing. The aim of this review was to summarise the evidence regarding the effectiveness of exercise interventions on mental health outcomes in women with PCOS.

Identifying barriers and facilitators to implementing mindfulness-based programmes into schools: A mixed methods study.

Mindfulness-based initiatives have been shown to improve psychological wellbeing and increase academic engagement in school settings. The current study explored barriers and facilitators to the implementation of mindfulness-based (MB) programmes in schools. Ninety-five teachers completed an online survey, and six principals were interviewed, with questions for both informed by the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF).

Mindfulness is associated with reduced barriers to exercise via decreasing psychological distress in help-seeking young adults: A cross-sectional brief report.

Aim: Mental illness is common among young people. Exercise has benefits for mental health; however, young people experience a range of barriers to engaging in physical activity, one of which is psychological distress. Mindfulness is a modifiable factor that can reduce distress and may, in turn, reduce perceived barriers to physical activity.

Single Session and Short-Term Exercise for Mental Health Promotion in Tertiary Students: A Scoping Review.

Exercise can improve mental health; however many tertiary students do not reach recommended levels of weekly engagement. Short-term exercise may be more achievable for tertiary students to engage in to promote mental health, particularly during times of high stress. The current scoping review aimed to provide an overview of controlled trials testing the effect of short-term (single bout and up to 3 weeks) exercise across mental health domains, both at rest and in response to an experimentally manipulated laboratory stress task, in tertiary students.

The Effect of Interventions That Target Multiple Modifiable Health Behaviors on Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression in Young People: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Purpose: This meta-analysis aimed to determine the effect of interventions targeting multiple modifiable health behaviors (i.e., physical activity/sedentary behaviors, nutrition/diet, sleep, substance use) on depression and anxiety in young people.

Young people's attitudes towards integrating physical activity as part of mental health treatment: A cross-sectional study in youth mental health services.

Introduction: Due to the significant burden associated with mental disorders that have their onset in youth, there is a critical need to improve treatments and treatment outcomes. Given the evidence for physical activity (PA) as an effective intervention for reducing depression and anxiety symptoms in young people, we examined young people's attitudes towards and acceptability of PA as part of mental health treatment, predictors of current engagement in PA and predictors of attitudes towards PA as a treatment option.

Methods: Participants in this cross-sectional study were 88 young people (15-25 years) who were engaged in treatment at youth mental health services in Melbourne, Australia.

The Evolution of Technology and Physical Inactivity: The Good, the Bad, and the Way Forward.

Since the beginning of time people explored and developed new technologies to make their activities of daily living less labour intense, more efficient and, consequently, more sedentary. In addition, technological advances in medicine throughout history have led to a substantial increase in life expectancy. However, the combination of increased sedentary behaviour and increased life-expectancy resulted in a sharp increase in overweight and obesity related chronic conditions and illness.

The Neuropsychological Symptoms Self-Report: psychometric properties in an adolescent and young adult mental health cohort.

Background: Subjective cognitive symptoms are common in young people receiving mental health treatment and are associated with poorer outcomes. The aim of this study was to determine the psychometric properties of the Neuropsychological Symptoms Self-Report (NSSR), an eight-item measure recently developed to provide a snapshot of young people's perceived change in cognitive functioning in relation to mental health treatment.

Method: The sample included 633 youth aged 12-25 years (M  = 18.

Psychobiological mechanisms underlying the mood benefits of meditation: A narrative review.

Psychological stressors can lead to distress and result in autonomic arousal and activation of a stress response. Ongoing or persistent stress can disrupt the stress response feedback mechanisms and result in elevated cortisol and pro-inflammatory cytokines which can cause damage to brain regions involved in the regulation of mood and emotion. We propose that the magnitude of the stress response experienced in response to psychological stressors depends on a number of modifiable psychological processes including an individual's level of self-compassion, dispositional mindfulness, tendency to ruminate and attentional bias.

The effect of physical activity on anxiety in children and young people: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: There is emerging evidence that physical activity can have beneficial effects on anxiety. A comprehensive synthesis of the evidence of the anxiolytic effects of physical activity from randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in children and young people (CYP) is warranted.

Methods: A search of 13 databases was conducted to identify RCTs testing the effects of physical activity on anxiety symptoms in children and young people (up to 25 years).