An examination of seasonality experienced by Australians living in a continental temperate climate zone.

Background: To date, there has been only limited information on factors associated with seasonal changes in mood and behaviour experienced by a random sample of Australians living in a continental temperate climate region. This paper identifies socio-demographic, psychological and personality factors associated with reporting higher levels of seasonality.

Method: Information on seasonal change using the Seasonal Pattern Assessment Questionnaire (SPAQ) was obtained from 7485 persons in three age groups.

Association of adverse childhood experiences, age of menarche, and adult reproductive behavior: does the androgen receptor gene play a role?

Previous research has reported associations between adverse childhood experiences, early menarche, and early sexual activity. One hypothesis to account for these findings is that an X-linked androgen receptor GGC-repeat polymorphism predisposes fathers to behaviors which include family abandonment and their daughters to earlier menarche and sexual activity and less stable relationships. Retrospective data relevant to this theory were examined from a community survey involving 3,702 women in the age groups 20-24, 40-44, and 60-64 years, and another involving 908 women aged 18-79 years.

Association of obesity with anxiety, depression and emotional well-being: a community survey.

Objective: To investigate the association of obesity with anxiety, depression and emotional well-being (positive and negative affect) in three age groups.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was carried out in Canberra and the neighbouring town of Queanbeyan, Australia, with a random sample from the electoral roll of 2,280 persons aged 20-24, 2,334 aged 40-44, and 2,305 aged 60-64.

Results: Self-reported height and weight were used to classify participants as underweight (body mass index of less than 18.

Sexual orientation and mental health: results from a community survey of young and middle-aged adults.

Background: Community surveys have reported a higher rate of mental health problems in combined groups of homosexual and bisexual participants, but have not separated these two groups.

Aims: To assess separately the mental health of homosexual and bisexual groups compared with heterosexuals.

Method: A community survey of 4824 adults was carried out in Canberra, Australia.

Predictors of refusal to participate: a longitudinal health survey of the elderly in Australia.

Background: The loss of participants in longitudinal studies due to non-contact, refusal or death can introduce bias into the results of such studies. The study described here examines reasons for refusal over three waves of a survey of persons aged >or=70 years.

Methods: In a longitudinal study involving three waves, participants were compared to those who refused to participate but allowed an informant to be interviewed and to those who refused any participation.