Publications by authors named "Assunta Hunter"
Background: In 2019 and 2020, over 17 million hectares of Australia burned, and half of the Australian population was affected by toxic bushfire smoke. Then in 2020, restrictions designed to curtail the spread of COVID-19 resulted in significant changes to healthcare access. There is no Australian emergency management standard for persons with disabilities, including those with multiple sclerosis (MS).
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- The study explored the impact of bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic on individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) in Australia, aiming to understand their needs during these crises.
- It involved a mixed-method approach, collecting data through online surveys, interviews, and workshops, with a total of 218 participants providing insights on their concerns and experiences.
- Key findings highlighted worries about bushfire smoke exposure and COVID-19 vulnerability, while also emphasizing the importance of effective crisis communication and support systems in future emergencies.
Background: Depression is common in people with multiple sclerosis (MS), with lifetime prevalence estimates between 25 and 50%. Depression is commonly underdiagnosed and undertreated in people with MS. This qualitative study assessed current practices, as well as facilitators and required resources to improve detection and management of depression in people with MS.
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- Depression is prevalent among individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS), yet many cases remain undetected or inadequately treated.
- A study with 26 Australians with MS found that 73% reported severe depression symptoms, highlighting insufficient formal assessments and limited information provided by healthcare services.
- Recommendations for improvement include better information dissemination, regular mental health screenings, and enhanced collaboration between general practitioners and MS care teams.
Introduction Smoking is a key modifiable risk factor in multiple sclerosis (MS). MS healthcare providers have a central role informing people of the deleterious effects of smoking on MS progression and promote smoking cessation, yet there is limited information about smoking cessation and support provided by these providers. This study aimed to gain an understanding of MS healthcare providers current practices, barriers and facilitators related to providing smoking cessation support for people with MS.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBarriers and motivators for tobacco smoking cessation in people with multiple sclerosis.
Mult Scler Relat Disord
September 2021
Introduction: Smoking is a key modifiable risk factor for health outcomes of people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Little evidence exists on whether the information and support needs of people with MS who smoke are met. This study aimed to explore knowledge, attitudes and beliefs about smoking and quitting, and quitting support needs in Australian people with MS.
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