A tale of two countries: comparing disability weights for gambling problems in New Zealand and Australia.

Purpose: This study aimed to assess the impact of gambling problems on quality of life. Specifically, we generated disability weight estimates for gambling problems in New Zealand, and compared these results with (i) Australian figures (J Gambl Issues, 10.4309/jgi.

The default option: Why a system of presumed consent may be effective at increasing rates of organ donation.

In Australia, general sentiment towards organ donation is somewhat positive, but actual donation rates languish amongst the poorest in the western world. Even for registered organ donors, the Australian system mandates obtaining family consent for posthumous donation; making non-donation the default option. A telephone survey in Central Queensland, Australia (n=1289), investigated people's confidence regarding their decision on whether to donate organs of a deceased family member; whether or not they had discussed donation with their family; and their support for an opt-out (presumed consent) system of donation.

Access to dental care and dental ill-health of people with serious mental illness: views of nurses working in mental health settings in Australia.

People with serious mental illness experience higher rates of oral and dental health problems than the wider population. Little is known about how dental health is viewed or addressed by nurses working with mental health consumers. This paper presents the views of nurses regarding the nature and severity of dental health problems of consumers with serious mental illness, and how often they provide advice on dental health.

The effect of changes to question order on the prevalence of 'sufficient' physical activity in an Australian population survey.

Background: Population surveys are frequently used to assess prevalence, correlates and health benefits of physical activity. However, nonsampling errors, such as question order effects, in surveys may lead to imprecision in self reported physical activity. This study examined the impact of modified question order in a commonly used physical activity questionnaire on the prevalence of sufficient physical activity.

Temporal trends in and relationships between screen time, physical activity, overweight and obesity.

Background: The aims of this study were to examine temporal trends in the prevalence of sufficient moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA), high levels of screen time, combined measures of these behaviors and overweight or obesity in Australian adults during the period 2002-2008. Trends over this time period in overweight or obesity within each behavior group (sufficient/insufficient MVPA, high/low screen time and combined behaviors) were also examined.

Methods: Data were collected via annually conducted cross-sectional computer-assisted-telephone-interviews (CATI) of adults (n=7908) living in Central Queensland, Australia (2002-2008).

Identifying population subgroups at risk for underestimating weight health risks and overestimating physical activity health benefits.

People may incorrectly perceive that their body weight or Physical Activity (PA) meets health recommendations; this provides an obstacle for change. In this study self-reported BMI and PA were assessed in relation to questions regarding perception of meeting weight and PA recommendations. Signal detection analysis was used to identify population subgroups.

Physical activity trends in Queensland (2002 to 2008): are women becoming more active than men?

Objective: Regular monitoring of population levels of physical activity is an effective way to assess change over time towards meeting public health recommendations. The objective of this study was to determine physical activity trends in Central Queensland over the period 2002 to 2008.

Methods: Data was obtained from the Central Queensland Social Survey (CQSS) conducted annually from 2002 to 2008.

The development of an internet-based outpatient cardiac rehabilitation intervention: a Delphi study.

Background: Face-to-face outpatient cardiac rehabilitation (OCR) programs are an important and effective component in the management of cardiovascular disease. However, these programs have low participation rates, especially among patients who live rural or remote. Hence, there is a need to develop OCR programs that provide an alternative to face-to-face contact such as by using the Internet.