Priority populations' experiences of isolation, quarantine and distancing for COVID-19: protocol for a longitudinal cohort study (Optimise Study).

Introduction: Longitudinal studies can provide timely and accurate information to evaluate and inform COVID-19 control and mitigation strategies and future pandemic preparedness. The Optimise Study is a multidisciplinary research platform established in the Australian state of Victoria in September 2020 to collect epidemiological, social, psychological and behavioural data from priority populations. It aims to understand changing public attitudes, behaviours and experiences of COVID-19 and inform epidemic modelling and support responsive government policy.

COVID-19 disaster recovery capitals: A conceptual framework to guide holistic and strengths-based support strategies.

Issue Addressed: The COVID-19 pandemic bears many similarities to other disasters such as bushfires, earthquakes and floods. It also has distinctive features including its prolonged and recurrent nature and the social isolation induced by pandemic responses. Existing conceptual frameworks previously applied to the study of disaster, such as the Recovery Capitals Framework (RCF), may be useful in understanding experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic and in guiding agencies and governments tasked with supporting communities.

Inclusion of Cultural and Linguistic Diversity in COVID-19 Public Health Research: Research Design Adaptations to Seek Different Perspectives in Victoria, Australia.

Participation of people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities in public health research is often limited by challenges with recruitment, retention and second-language data collection. Consequently, people from CALD communities are at risk of their needs being marginalised in public health interventions. This paper presents intrinsic case analyses of two studies which were adapted to increase the cultural competence of research processes.

Exploring the Use of Hospital and Community Mental Health Services Among Newly Resettled Refugees.

Importance: Resettled refugees in high-income countries represent a vulnerable population. It is known that refugees have high rates of trauma-related mental health issues; however, ad hoc research has generally revealed low rates of health services use among refugees. Such research usually samples a population at a single point in time and is based on targeted surveys.

The controversies surrounding assemblages A and B.

continues to be one of the most encountered parasitic diseases around the world. Although more frequently detected in developing countries, infections nonetheless pose significant public health problems in developed countries as well. Molecular characterisation of isolates from humans and animals reveals that there are two genetically different assemblages (known as assemblage A and B) that cause human infections.

Intent to Be Vaccinated against COVID-19 in Victoria, Australia.

Background: High vaccine uptake requires strong public support, acceptance, and willingness.

Methods: A longitudinal cohort study gathered survey data every four weeks between 1 October 2020 and 9 November 2021 in Victoria, Australia. Data were analysed for 686 participants aged 18 years and older.

Giardiasis notifications are associated with socioeconomic status in Sydney, Australia: a spatial analysis.

Objective: In developed countries prolonged symptoms due to, or following, Giardia intestinalis infection can have a significant impact on the quality of life. In this research, we investigate the presence of a socioeconomic status (SES) gradient in the reporting of giardiasis in South West Sydney Local Health District (SWSLHD), New South Wales (NSW), Australia, across geographic scales.

Methods: We used a large database, spatial-cluster analysis and a linear model.

Effectiveness of Oseltamivir Prophylaxis in Influenza Outbreaks in Residential Aged Care.

Influenza outbreaks in Aged Care Facilities (ACFs) can lead to hospitalizations and deaths. Influenza can spread rapidly through ACFs if precautionary measures are not taken. Along with influenza vaccination and precautionary hygiene measures, Oseltamivir Prophylaxis (OP) may be effective in reducing the attack rate of influenza by preventing new cases.

Epidemiology and associated risk factors of giardiasis in a peri-urban setting in New South Wales Australia.

Giardiasis is one of the most important non-viral causes of human diarrhoea. Yet, little is known about the epidemiology of giardiasis in the context of developed countries such as Australia and there is a limited information about local sources of exposure to inform prevention strategies in New South Wales. This study aimed to (1) describe the epidemiology of giardiasis and (2) identify potential modifiable risk factors associated with giardiasis that are unique to south-western Sydney, Australia.

Perceptions of barriers to the management of respiratory tract infections in general practice settings in Australia.

Inappropriate prescribing of antibiotics for the management of respiratory tract infections (RTIs) has contributed to increased prevalence of antibiotic resistance, and this remains a challenge. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of general practitioners' (GPs) participation in the Antibiotics: Clinical e-Audit, a quality-improvement activity, on GP self-reported knowledge and practice change, and explored barriers encountered in the management of respiratory tract infections (RTIs). Participants completed a survey at the end of the activity to assess the usefulness of the audit, any reported changes made and barriers encountered to their clinical practice.

A Typhimurium outbreak linked to Vietnamese bread rolls in South Western Sydney, Australia, 2015.

Introduction: In September 2015, the South Western Sydney (SWS) Public Health Unit was notified of a cluster of Typhimurium (STm) cases with a common multiple-locus variable-number tandem repeats analysis (MLVA) pattern. An investigation was conducted to identify a source and contain the outbreak.

Methods: The cluster was initially identified through routine geographic information system cluster scanning applied to the New South Wales Notifiable Conditions Management System.

A Q fever cluster among workers at an abattoir in south-western Sydney, Australia, 2015.

Background: In September 2015, the Public Health Unit of the South Western Sydney Local Health District was notified of two possible Q fever cases. Case investigation identified that both cases were employed at an abattoir, and both cases advised that co-workers had experienced similar symptoms. Public Health Unit staff also recalled interviewing in late 2014 at least one other Q fever case who worked at the same abattoir.

Why do general practitioners prescribe antibiotics for upper respiratory tract infections to meet patient expectations: a mixed methods study.

Objectives: To describe the role patient expectations play in general practitioners (GPs) antibiotic prescribing for upper respiratory tract infections (URTI).

Methods: Concurrent explanatory mixed methods approach using a cross-sectional survey and semistructured interviews.

Settings: Primary care GPs in Australia.

A mixed methods study to understand patient expectations for antibiotics for an upper respiratory tract infection.

Background: Antimicrobial resistance is a public health challenge supplemented by inappropriate prescribing, especially for an upper respiratory tract infection in primary care. Patient/carer expectations have been identified as one of the main drivers for inappropriate antibiotics prescribing by primary care physicians. The aim of this study was to understand who is more likely to expect an antibiotic for an upper respiratory tract infection from their doctor and the reasons underlying it.

Application of GIS technology in public health: successes and challenges.

The uptake and acceptance of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology has increased since the early 1990s and public health applications are rapidly expanding. In this paper, we summarize the common uses of GIS technology in the public health sector, emphasizing applications related to mapping and understanding of parasitic diseases. We also present some of the success stories, and discuss the challenges that still prevent a full scope application of GIS technology in the public health context.