Publication: Interventions designed to promote exclusive breastfeeding in high-income countries: a systematic review update

Skouteris, Helen, Bailey, Cate, Nagle, Cate, Hauck, Yvonne, Bruce, Lauren, and Morris, Heather (2017) Interventions designed to promote exclusive breastfeeding in high-income countries: a systematic review update. Breastfeeding Medicine. pp. 1-11. (In Press)

https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/51215/

Abstract

Background: Worldwide, women seldom reach the recommended target of exclusive breastfeeding up to 6 months postpartum. The aim of the current study was to update a previously published review that presented a conceptual and methodological synthesis of interventions designed to promote exclusive breastfeeding up to 6 months in high-income countries.

Materials and Methods: A systematic search of leading databases was conducted for scholarly, peer-reviewed, randomized controlled trials published from June 2013 to December 2016. Twelve new articles were identified as relevant; all were published in English and assessed exclusive breastfeeding with a follow-up period extending beyond 4 months postpartum. Articles were analyzed for overall quality of evidence in regard to duration of exclusive breastfeeding, using the Grading and Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach.

Results: A significant increase in the duration of exclusive breastfeeding was found in 4 of the 12 studies. All four successful interventions had long-duration postpartum programs, implemented by telephone, text message, or through a website. Some of the successful interventions also included prenatal education or in-hospital breastfeeding support.

Conclusions: Results from this review update correspond closely with previous findings, in that all of the successful interventions had lengthy postnatal support or an education component. More studies assessed intervention fidelity than in the previous review; however, there was little discussion of maternal body–mass index. While a pattern of successful interventions is beginning to emerge, further research is needed to provide a robust evidence base to inform future interventions, particularly with overweight and obese women.

Publication: Dying to win?: the Goldman Dilemma in legend and fact

Moston, Stephen, Hutchinson, Brendan, and Engelberg, Terry (2017) Dying to win?: the Goldman Dilemma in legend and fact. International Journal of Sport Communication. (In Press)

https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/49903/

Abstract
One of the implicit justifications for anti-doping is that athletes are so committed to winning that they will take performance enhancing substances regardless of the apparent consequences. Athletes are alleged to be, quite literally, willing to die to win. Support for this claim usually centres on the results of research by physician Bob Goldman, in which athletes were asked to respond to a hypothetical dilemma in which they were offered spectacular success in their chosen sport, but at a heavy price: they would die after five years of glory. In this paper, we examine the origins of this bargain, now popularly referred to as the Goldman dilemma, finding that both the methodology and implications of the original work have repeatedly been described inaccurately in both popular and scientific writings. These errors reflect both poor scholarship, and deliberate misuse, where the flawed narrative is used to justify contentious policy decisions.

Publication: Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for anxiety symptoms in older adults in residential care

Helmes, Edward, and Ward, Bradley G. (2017) Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for anxiety symptoms in older adults in residential care. Aging & Mental Health, 21 (3). pp. 272-278.

https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/50305/

Abstract

Objectives: Anxiety in older people is under-diagnosed and poorly treated despite significant impairments that arise from anxiety. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) has been shown to be a promising treatment for anxiety. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of an MBCT program on anxiety symptoms in older people living in residential care.

Method: Fifty-two participants (34 females) were randomly allocated into therapy and control groups using a 2-3 mixed design. The average age of participants was 83 years.

Results: The group effect showed significant improvements on all measures at the end of the sevenweek program in the therapy group, while the control group did not show significant changes.

Conclusion: This study represents one of the first studies of the effectiveness of an MBCT program on anxiety symptoms for older people using a randomized controlled trial. The study has implications for future research that include the effectiveness of MBCT for the treatment of anxiety symptoms in older people, the utility of group therapy programs in residential care and the benefits of using specialized instruments for older populations.

Research participants wanted: Water conservation behaviour in the Townsville region

My name is Madelyn Pardon and I am a postgraduate research student at James Cook University. I would like to invite you to take part in my research project investigating water conservation behaviour in the Townsville region. In this research, I am interested in understanding the common beliefs, attitudes and thoughts among the residents of Townsville and how these characteristics influence how people use water.

The study is also being conducted by Dr Anne Swinbourne and Dr Connar McShane and will contribute to my thesis for my Masters of Philosophy (Research) at James Cook University.

If you would like to participate in this study, you will be invited to fill out a questionnaire. With your consent, the questionnaire will enquire about your water usage behaviour, your perceptions relating to how the water restrictions have been communicated to you, as well as your concerns regarding the issue at present and in the future. The questionnaire should only take approximately 15 minutes of your time to complete.

https://jcuchs.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3VptFUS9Nk8EHqt

Taking part in this study is completely voluntary and you can stop taking part in the study at any time without explanation or prejudice. You can stop taking part in the survey by exiting the web page. By completing this questionnaire you are consenting to participate in this study.

The data from the study will be used in research publications and reports as part of my postgraduate research. A summary report of my findings will also be posted on community boards such as the 'Townsville Water Usage survey' Facebook page. Because we never ask for your name, your responses will be completely unidentifiable in these reports and publications.

If you have any questions about the study, please contact either Madelyn Pardon, Dr Anne Swinbourne or Dr Connar McShane.

Principal Investigator:
Madelyn Pardon
College of Healthcare Sciences
James Cook University
Phone: 4781 6022
Email: madelyn.pardon@my.jcu.edu.au

Supervisors:
Dr Anne Swinbourne
College of Healthcare Sciences
James Cook University
Phone: 4781 4809
Email: anne.swinbourne@jcu.edu.au

Dr Connar McShane
College of Healthcare Sciences
James Cook University
Phone: 4781 8679
Email: connar.mcshane@jcu.edu.au

Prestige Research Scholarships

In 2018, James Cook University (JCU) are offering 10 Prestige Research Scholarships for outstanding Doctorate or Research Masters applicants. These will include five Domestic Prestige Research Scholarships and five Indigenous Prestige Scholarships.

For more information on how to apply:
https://www.jcu.edu.au/graduate-research-school/candidates/postgraduate-research-scholarships/prestige-research-scholarships

Publication: Retention of early career registered nurses: the influence of self-concept, practice environment and resilience in the first five years post-graduation

Mills, Jane, Woods, Cindy, Harrison, Helena, Chamberlain-Salaun, Jennifer, and Spencer, Ben (2017) Retention of early career registered nurses: the influence of self-concept, practice environment and resilience in the first five years post-graduation. Journal of Research in Nursing, 22 (5). pp. 372-385.

https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/50337/

Abstract
Health care systems depend on viable health professional workforces. Nurse workforce projections for Australia indicate that by 2030 the demand for nurses will exceed supply. Retaining nurses is an ongoing problem both in Australia and globally. This study investigates nurse self-concept, practice environment and resilience, and how these three factors influence the retention of early career registered nurses (ECRNs). ECRNs are defined as RNs in the first 5 years of practice post-graduation. The researchers used a cross-sectional design for the study. Survey responses were elicited from 161 ECRNs in one Australian hospital and health service using four survey instruments: The Nurse Self-Concept Questionnaire, the Practice Environment Scale of the Nursing Work Index, the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale and the Nurse Retention Index. Study findings demonstrate correlations between ECRN retention intentions and nurse self-concept, practice environment and resilience. The significance of these factors at different points during the first five years of practice emphasises the need for judicious and well-timed use of strategies to positively influence nurse retention. Longitudinal research investigating the significance of influencing factors over time would further contribute to our understanding of ECRN retention intentions.

Ready to graduate at the end of 2017? Pre-apply to graduate now - applications for December ceremonies close end-October

Ready to graduate at the end of 2017? If you are completing your studies and want to graduate you must submit the form below before the closing date, even if you are not attending the ceremony (graduate in absentia). If you are intending to graduate you do not have to wait for the release of results before applying to graduate.

The option to graduate in absentia is for students who cannot attend a graduation ceremony. If you select this option you cannot change your mind and attend a ceremony at a later date.

Complete the online application form at https://www.jcu.edu.au/graduation

Ceremony details and closing dates

Remember: If you're going to your ceremony, you must graduate within the College/Division of your enrolment.

Townsville Campus (Venue: Entertainment Centre)

College/Division	Date	Time	Closing date
College of Public Health, Medical & Vet Science College of Medicine and Dentistry	20 December 2017	10.30am	28 October 2017
College of Healthcare Sciences	20 December 2017	3:30pm	28 October 2017
College of Science & Engineering and Division of Tropical Health & Medicine	8 March 2018	3.00pm	TBA

Cairns campus (Venue: Convention Centre)

College/Division	Date	Time	Closing date
Divison of Tropical Health and Medicine	18 December 2017	3.30pm	27 October 2017
All Colleges	13 March 2018	3.00pm	TBA

Your allocated ceremony will be advised closer to graduation.

For further information visit the Graduations website at https://www.jcu.edu.au/graduation or for contacts see https://www.jcu.edu.au/graduation/graduation-contacts 

Publication: Perceived barriers and enablers to participation in a community-tailored physical activity program with indigenous Australians in a regional and rural setting: a qualitative study

Sushames, Ashleigh, Engelberg, Terry, and Gebel, Klaus (2017) Perceived barriers and enablers to participation in a community-tailored physical activity program with indigenous Australians in a regional and rural setting: a qualitative study. International Journal for Equity in Health. (In Press)

https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/50226/

Abstract

Background: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have higher rates of chronic disease and a lower life expectancy than non-Indigenous Australians. In non-urban areas these health disparities are even larger. The aim of this qualitative study was to explore perceived barriers and enablers to attending an eight-week physical activity program in a rural and regional setting which aimed to improve health outcomes, but had a low attendance rate.

Methods: Thirty-four Indigenous Australians participated in the intervention from the rural (n = 12) and the regional (n = 22) community. Qualitative semi-structured individual interviews were conducted at the follow-up health assessments with 12 participants. A thematic network analysis was undertaken to examine the barriers and enablers to participation in the program.

Results: Overall, there were positive attitudes to, and high levels of motivation towards the physical activity program. Enablers to participation were the inclusion of family members, no financial cost and a good relationship with the principal investigator, which was strengthened by the community-based participatory approach to the program design. Barriers to program attendance were mostly beyond the control of the individuals, such as ‘sorry business’, needing to travel away from the community and lack of community infrastructure.

Conclusions: More consideration is needed prior to implementation of programs to understand how community-specific barriers and enablers will affect attendance to the program.

Scholarship: The House Call Doctor Futures in Health Indigenous Scholarship

$10,000 scholarship for Indigenous students enrolled in a Health degree.  Applications close 15 December.

https://housecalldoctor.com.au/about/indigenous-scholarship/

JCU MICRRH student seeks increase of Indigenous nurses for improved health outcomes

A MOUNT Isa Aboriginal nursing student wants to know what opportunities are available for Indigenous people in the rural health sector.

Mount Isa Centre for Rural and Remote Health (MICRRH) student Lila Pigliafiori may learn the answer when she attends the Congress of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nurses and Midwives conference on the Gold Coast.

Ms Pigliafiori attends the three day conference due to a scholarship she has received. A topic at the congress will be on how to improve the health rate of the nation’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.

For the full story see http://www.northweststar.com.au/story/4962703/lila-aims-to-boost-nursing-numbers/

Publication: The Role of Nurses in Disaster Management in Asia Pacific Cyclone Yasi: FNQ, Australia

Congratulations to JCU College of Healthcare Sciences staff and alumni A/Prof Caryn West, Evan Casella and Andrea Grimes on the publication of "The Role of Nurses in Disaster Management in Asia Pacific Cyclone Yasi: FNQ Australia", chapter 2 of "The Role of Nurses in Disaster Management in Asia Pacific" (Bonito & Minami, eds., 2017).

This is the first chapter for Evan who is one of our stellar graduates and continues to work and study with us, and it is Andrea’s first ever publication - well done to all.

JCU Nursing Silver Jubilee Celebrations

James Cook University is proud to celebrate 25 years of Nursing graduates serving northern Queensland communities.

Head of Nursing, Midwifery and Nutrition at JCU, Professor Melanie Birks said the silver jubilee is about celebrating the achievements of Nursing graduates and the important role they play in northern Queensland and beyond.

“JCU has graduated many nurses and midwives who have gone on to make a difference to the communities we serve,” said Professor Birks. “We are exceptionally proud of our staff, students and graduates and value our excellent relationships with industry partners. Marking our 25 years of producing a major component of the healthcare workforce in this region formalises this pride in our achievements.”

To mark the occasion, the University is naming a lecture theatre at the Townsville campus after the late Emeritus Professor Barbara Hayes OAM. Professor Hayes was the Foundation Head of the Department of Nursing Sciences and Foundation Professor of Nursing Sciences, and her contribution helped shape the cultural foundations of what is today the College of Healthcare Sciences. A celebration reunion dinner for staff and alumni is also being held at the University Halls.

A member of the first cohort and current JCU senior lecturer Dr Narelle Biedermann completed her PhD under the supervision of Professor Hayes. She said Professor Hayes is remembered for strengthening and developing the academic side of nursing and midwifery in Australia, and her teaching continues to resonate with current students at JCU.

“We were always told we could make a real difference, and that the learning and care and research we were carrying out was important work,” said Dr Biedermann. “That message is still the same today although the buildings and the learning methods have changed.”

JCU’s Department of Nursing was the University’s first undergraduate health science department and the first university school of nursing in the Tropics in Australia. It opened in 1990 and there were 70 in the first graduating class of 1993, who are known as the Auroras.

Reproduced from https://www.jcu.edu.au/news/releases/2017/september/25-years-of-jcu-nurses-in-the-community

Exam Plan: Your Guide to Surviving and Thriving During Exam Time

Are you exam ready? Download your exam plan booklet today from The Learning Centre website at https://www.jcu.edu.au/students/learning-centre/exams

Publication: Child sexual abuse prevention opportunities: parenting, programs, and the reduction of risk

Rudolph, Julia, Zimmer-Gembeck, Melanie J., Shanley, Dianne C., and Hawkins, Russell (2017) Child sexual abuse prevention opportunities: parenting, programs, and the reduction of risk. Child Maltreatment. pp. 1-11. (In Press)

https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/50825/

Abstract
To date, child sexual abuse (CSA) prevention has relied largely on child-focused education, teaching children how to identify, avoid, and disclose sexual abuse. The purpose of this article is to explore how prevention opportunities can include parents in new and innovative ways. We propose that parents can play a significant role as protectors of their children via two pathways: (i) directly, through the strong external barriers afforded by parent supervision, monitoring, and involvement; and (ii) indirectly, by promoting their children’s self-efficacy, competence, well-being, and self-esteem, which the balance of evidence suggests will help them become less likely targets for abuse and more able to respond appropriately and disclose abuse if it occurs. In this article, we first describe why teaching young children about CSA protective behaviors might not be sufficient for prevention. We then narratively review the existing research on parents and prevention and the parenting and family circumstances that may increase a child’s risk of experiencing sexual abuse. Finally, we make a number of recommendations for future approaches to prevention that may better inform and involve parents and other adult protectors in preventing CSA.