Quality of life in bipolar and schizoaffective disorder--a naturalistic approach.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in bipolar type I (BD I) and schizoaffective (SQA) patients during a 2-year period in a naturalistic study.

Methods: This study was based on the data generated by the Bipolar Comprehensive Outcome Study, a prospective, non-interventional, observational study of participants with BD I and SQA disorder. Mixed-Model Repeated Measures Analysis was used to analyze changes in the SF-36 and EQ-5D.

Revisiting lifestyle risk index assessment in a large Australian sample: should sedentary behavior and sleep be included as additional risk factors?

Objective: Most studies on multiple health behaviors include physical inactivity, alcohol, diet, and smoking (PADS), with few including emerging lifestyle risks such as sleep or sitting. We examined whether adding sitting and sleep to a conventional lifestyle risk index improves the prediction of cross-sectional health outcomes (self-rated health, quality of life, psychological distress, and physical function). We also explored the demographic characteristics of adults with these multiple risk behaviors.

Does playground improvement increase physical activity among children? A quasi-experimental study of a natural experiment.

Outdoor recreational spaces have the potential to increase physical activity. This study used a quasi-experimental evaluation design to determine how a playground renovation impacts usage and physical activity of children and whether the visitations correlate with children's physical activity levels and parental impressions of the playground. Observational data and intercept interviews were collected simultaneously on park use and park-based activity among playground visitors at pre- and postrenovation at an intervention and a comparison park during three 2-hour periods each day over two weeks.

Formulating a programme of repairs to structural home injury hazards in New Zealand.

Home injuries are a substantial health burden worldwide, with the home setting being at least as important as the road for injury. Focusing on common injury hazards presented by the home environment, we sought to examine the justification for significant expenditure on safety-related repairs to the housing stock. Trained inspectors assessed 961 New Zealand houses for injury hazards.

How diverse was the leisure time physical activity of older Australians over the past decade?

Objectives: Public health recommendations for older adults highlight the need to engage in a combination of aerobic, muscle strength, flexibility and balance activities. This study characterised leisure time physical activity in older Australians (≥ 65 years), examining the diversity in reported activities

Design: Cross-sectional monitoring.

Methods: The Exercise Recreation and Sport Surveys (2001-2009) were combined and analysed for 22,050 elderly.

A tale of two parasites: the comparative epidemiology of cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis.

New Zealand has a higher reported incidence of cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis than most other developed countries. This study aimed to describe and compare the epidemiology of these infections in New Zealand, to better understand their impact on public health and to gain insight into their probable modes of transmission. We analysed cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis notification data for a 10-year period (1997-2006).