Publication: Comparing the effect of stigma on the recognition of suicide risk in others between Australia and Brazil

Peel, Raquel, Buckby, Beryl, and McBain, Kerry Anne (2017) Comparing the effect of stigma on the recognition of suicide risk in others between Australia and Brazil. GSTF Journal of Psychology, 3 (2). pp. 1-10.

https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/48982/

Abstract
Few studies have considered how suicide is perceived and impacted by stigma across cultures. A sample of 478 participants from Australia and Brazil was used to investigate cross-cultural perceptions of suicide and the impact of stigma on the recognition of suicide risk in others. The Interpersonal-Psychological Theory of Suicide framed a mixed method within and between groups design. English and Portuguese versions of an online survey were developed to assess perception of thwarted belongingness, perceived burdensomeness, acquired capability for suicide, suicide stigma, and demographic characteristics. A significant model was identified predicting recognition of suicide risk in Australia and Brazil. However, not all constructs contributed uniquely. Suicide stigma was found to blind perception of suicide risk in others across cultures. Theoretical implications and future directions for research are outlined.

Publication: 'What about swallowing?' Diagnostic performance of daily clinical practice compared with the Eating Assessment Tool-10

Heijnen, Bas Joris, Speyer, Renée, Bülow, Margareta, and Kuijpers, Laura M.F. (2016) 'What about swallowing?' Diagnostic performance of daily clinical practice compared with the Eating Assessment Tool-10. Dysphagia, 31 (2). pp. 214-222.

https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/49279/

Abstract
In daily clinical practice, patients are frequently asked about their swallowing as part of the patient-clinician interview. This study compares the diagnostic performance of a single open question 'What about swallowing?' (usual care) with the Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10) as reference test in screening for oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD). 303 outpatients at risk of OD were recruited at three university hospitals: 162 men and 141 women with a mean age of 70 years. All data were retrieved by phone. To identify patients at risk of dysphagia, two different cut-off scores for the EAT-10 total score were retrieved from the literature. The diagnostic performance of the single question was determined by comparing dichotomized answers to the single question (no problems versus difficulties in swallowing) with the EAT-10 as reference test. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values ranged between 0.75–0.76, 0.75–0.84, 0.93–0.97 and 0.38–0.43, respectively. Mostly, the results of this exploratory study indicate a sufficient diagnostic performance of the single question in identifying patients who are at risk of dysphagia when using the EAT-10 questionnaire as a reference test. Further research, is, however, necessary to provide additional psychometric data on Functional Health Status (FHS) questionnaires including the single question using either FEES or VFS as gold standard or reference test.

Scientists' formula for NRL success

Scientists from James Cook University and Victoria University may have unlocked the secret behind success in the NRL.

JCU College of Healthcare Sciences' Dr Carl Woods and colleagues looked at the performance indicators of winning and losing National Rugby League teams. He says a number of factors stood out.

“Winning NRL teams run further during the game, they have more try assists, offloads and dummy half runs. They also hold on to the ball more and kick further.”

But he said the study’s unique finding was the relationship between a high number of missed tackles and a lowly position on the ladder.

“This suggests that higher ranked NRL teams have more comprehensive defensive strategies and less missed tackles when compared to their lower ranked counterparts. We would expect to see players in more successful teams tackle in pairs or groups - otherwise known as gang tackling.”

Dr Woods says gang tackling is not exactly a secret weapon, but what was less well known was what happened immediately after.

“With the defending side committing more than one person in a tackle, it can open up holes along the defensive line. Defending players need to spread at speed following the tackle to fill those holes. Higher ranked teams may be better at this given their lower number of missed tackles noted in this study.”

He said the finding dove-tailed neatly with another fact the scientists had uncovered.

“Our results showed that higher ranked teams accrued a greater count of dummy half runs. This is an attacking strategy commonly employed against an unstructured defence.

“So, higher ranked teams may not only spread at speed following a gang tackle but they appear more equipped at identifying and exacerbating holes in an opponent’s defensive line when they try to employ the same defensive tactic.”

Dr Woods says the study broke new ground and needed to be repeated for sports scientists to be sure of its findings. He said it also didn’t look at locational or environmental factors that other studies have shown to have an impact on a team’s performance.

He says the analytical techniques could also be applied to other sports to examine the relationships between performance indicators and match results.

Reproduced from https://www.jcu.edu.au/news/releases/2017/june/scientists-formula-for-nrl-success

Publication: The rhetoric and reality of nursing in aged care: views from the inside

Davis, Jenny, Morgans, Amee, Birks, Melanie, and Browning, Colette (2016) The rhetoric and reality of nursing in aged care: views from the inside. Contemporary Nurse, 52 (2-3). pp. 191-203.

https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/49249/

Abstract

Background: Aged care services and nursing roles are evolving in response to policy reform and increasing consumer expectations, however the nursing workforce is declining in numbers.

Aims: To examine registered nurses' perceptions and experiences of working in aged care.

Methods: Descriptive, exploratory study involving thematic analysis of individual interviews.

Results: Key issues related to: professional role strain; workforce challenges; managing expectations, relationships and communication; balancing rights and risk in decision-making; changing models of care and impacts of policy and regulation.

Conclusion: Expectations and perceptions of aged care nursing are unclear and conflicted. Nurses face significant challenges in meeting consumer, profession, organisational, and policy expectations amidst workforce instability and resource constraints. Structural barriers and aged care policy environments represent significant threats to sustaining nursing in aged care.

Technology is advancing nursing practice

Advancements in technology are transforming the way nurses deliver patient care. From smart bedside solutions to providing education and remote monitoring of patients, it’s never been more important for nurse leaders to keep pace with the rapid changes in healthcare technology – designed to boost accuracy, efficiency and, ultimately, improve patient outcomes.

For the full story see https://online.jcu.edu.au/blog/technology-advancing-nursing-practice

Publication: Integrating digital technologies in the classroom: lecturers’ views on flipped classroom approach

Hajhashemi, Karim, Caltabiano, Nerina, and Anderson, Neil (2016) Integrating digital technologies in the classroom: lecturers’ views on flipped classroom approach. Australian and International Journal of Rural Education, 26 (3). pp. 18-29.

https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/47919/

Abstract

The 2016 Good University Guide demonstrated that Australian rural and regional universities are outperforming more established, and highly internationally ranked city peers in relation to student perceptions of the quality of teaching that they experience. Recently, many universities have encouraged academic staff to rethink the delivery method for subjects and give consideration to the further development of significant online components. Lecturers at rural and regional universities are increasingly encouraged and supported to include a variety of online resources in their subjects and to explore the use of promising methods such as the ‘flipped classroom’. The ‘flipped classroom’ is an innovative pedagogical approach and is a technique that has garnered a lot of attention among school-based and tertiary educators. It is important to identify what influences successful implementation of information and communications technology (ICT) for augmented learning in the context of the flipped classroom. This paper briefly outlines aspects of the flipped classroom approach and looks at how the school of Education, in a regional Australian university servicing rural and remote areas, in particular, is integrating this approach in their pedagogy. This paper reports on interviews conducted with the lecturers at the university about their views, understanding, and challenges of the learning and teaching environment in a flipped classroom approach. This paper also reports the lecturers’ perception of student learning when a ‘flipped classroom’ approach is adopted. As a variant of blended learning and an innovative pedagogical approach, it was found that the flipped classroom approach has gathered a lot of attention and challenges among university lecturers.

Publication: A systematic review of the prevalence of oropharyngeal dysphagia in stroke, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, head injury, and pneumonia

Takizawa, Claire, Gemmell, Elizabeth, Kenworthy, James, and Speyer, Renée (2016) A systematic review of the prevalence of oropharyngeal dysphagia in stroke, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, head injury, and pneumonia. Dysphagia, 31 (3). pp. 434-441.

https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/49198/

Abstract

Oropharyngeal dysphagia is a common condition after stroke, Parkinson’s disease (PD), and Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and can cause serious complications including malnutrition, aspiration pneumonia, and premature mortality. Despite its high prevalence among the elderly and associated serious complications, dysphagia is often overlooked and under-diagnosed in vulnerable patient populations. This systematic review aimed to improve understanding and awareness of the prevalence of dysphagia in susceptible patient populations. MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane library, PROSPERO, and disease-specific websites were systematically searched for studies reporting oropharyngeal dysphagia prevalence or incidence in people with stroke, PD, AD, traumatic brain injury, and community-acquired pneumonia, from the USA, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, UK, Japan, China, and regional studies. The quality of study descriptions were assessed based on STROBE guidelines. A total of 1207 publications were identified and 33 met inclusion criteria: 24 in stroke, six in PD, two in traumatic brain injury, and one in patients with traumatic brain injury. Dysphagia was reported in 8.1–80 % of stroke patients, 11–81 % of PD, 27–30 % of traumatic brain injury patients, and 91.7 % of patients with community-acquired pneumonia. No relevant studies of dysphagia in AD were identified. This review demonstrates that dysphagia is highly prevalent in these populations, and highlights discrepancies between studies, gaps in dysphagia research, and the need for better dysphagia management starting with a reliable, standardized, and validated method for oropharyngeal dysphagia identification.

Research participants wanted: Social Support for Grieving Individuals

You are invited to take part in a research project about understanding the factors that contribute to social support for grieving individuals. The study is being conducted by Lisa Stibbs and will contribute to the honours thesis in Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) at James Cook University.

If you agree to be involved in the study, you will be invited to complete the following survey. The survey asks about your previous experiences related to bereavement, your preferred style of relating to others, and your attitudes towards social support for grieving individuals. The survey should only take approximately half an hour of your time.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BVMVYNH

If you have any questions about the study, please contact -

Principal Investigator:
Lisa Stibbs
College of Healthcare Sciences
James Cook University
Phone: (07) 4232 1182
Email: lisa.stibbs@my.jcu.edu.au

Supervisor:
A/Prof. Nerina Caltabiano
College of Healthcare Sciences
James Cook University
Phone: (07) 4232 1182
Email: nerina.caltabiano@jcu.edu.au

This project has been approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee. Approval number: H6946

Publication: Prevalence of substance abuse and socio-economic differences in substance abuse in an Australian community-dwelling elderly sample

Li, Wendy, and Caltabiano, Nerina (2017) Prevalence of substance abuse and socio-economic differences in substance abuse in an Australian community-dwelling elderly sample. Health Psychology Open, 4 (1). pp. 1-7.

https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/48956/

Abstract
A sample of 324 55–90-year-old Australian adults participated in a survey on elderly substance abuse using the Clinical Assessment Scales for the Elderly. Overall, males had a higher prevalence rate of substance abuse than females. Significant differences in substance abuse mean scores were found for gender, age, income, community involvement, and retirement. The findings also reveal that being a female, involved in community groups, being a retiree, and being a non-baby boomer are protective factors of substance abuse. Being an upper medium income earner appears to be a risk factor of substance abuse.

Queensland Health’s new Graduate Training Scheme - applications open 5 June to 3 July 2017

Are you looking to kick start your career in health?

Queensland Health’s new Graduate Training Scheme recruits high performing grads and transforms them into future leaders through a three year intensive program.

Do you want to know more? Queensland Health is accepting applications now!

Go to the QHealth Graduate Training Scheme website for further information.

Publication: Family-centred care in cystic fibrosis: a pilot study in North Queensland, Australia

Smyth, Wendy, Abernethy, Gail, Jessup, Melanie, Douglas, Tonia, and Shields, Linda (2017) Family-centred care in cystic fibrosis: a pilot study in North Queensland, Australia. Nursing Open. pp. 1-6. (In Press)

https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/48954/

Abstract

Aims: The aims were to: (i) examine perceptions of family-centred care of parents of children with cystic fibrosis and healthcare professionals who care for them; (ii) test design and tools in a regional population.

Design: Quantitative pilot study of existing questionnaire.

Methods: The methods involved were comparative, cross-sectional survey of parents of children with cystic fibrosis and health staff in North Queensland, using “Perceptions of Family Centered Care – Parent” and “Perceptions of Family Centered Care – Staff” questionnaires; and descriptive study of tools.

Results: Eighteen staff, 14 parents (78%, 61%); using Mann–Whitney U, showed no significant differences in scores in categories: ‘support’ ‘respect’, ‘collaboration’. Comments about suitability of questionnaires varied, but were largely positive.

The science working hard behind the champions

Hot and humid environments, such as those in Australia’s north, can be utilised to improve cardiovascular endurance in athletes – improving their ability to go harder for longer.

JCU Sport and Exercise Science researcher Wade Sinclair has been working with elite sporting teams, including the North Queensland Cowboys, to help athletes achieve optimal performance through a process called heat acclimatisation.

For the full story see
https://www.jcu.edu.au/brighter/articles/the-science-working-hard-behind-the-champions

Seeking research participants: Familiarity, Affect and Attitudes Towards People with Schizophrenia

You are invited to take part in a research project about attitudes towards people with schizophrenia. The study is being conducted by Angela Kelly and will contribute to an honours project for the Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) at James Cook University. If you agree to be involved in the study, you will be invited to complete a questionnaire about attitudes towards people with schizophrenia. The completion of the questionnaire, with your consent, should only take approximately 20 minutes of your time.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/P836TGJ

Taking part in this study is completely voluntary and you can stop taking part in the study at any time without explanation or prejudice.

If you have any questions about the study, please contact -

Principal Investigator:
Angela Kelly
College: Tropical Health and Medicine
James Cook University
Email: Angela.Kelly1@my.jcu.edu.au

Supervisor: Name: Associate Professor Nerina Caltabiano
College: Tropical Health and Medicine
James Cook University
Phone: (07) 42321182 Email: Nerina.Caltabiano@jcu.edu.au

This project has been approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee. Approval number: H6947

Publication: Explaining match outcome and ladder position in the National Rugby League using team performance indicators

Woods, Carl T., Sinclair, Wade, and Robertson, Sam (2017) Explaining match outcome and ladder position in the National Rugby League using team performance indicators. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport. (In Press)

https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/48867/

Abstract

Objectives: To examine the extent at which match outcome and ladder position could be explained using team performance indicators in the National Rugby League (NRL).

Methods: The dataset consisted of 13 performance indicators acquired from each NRL team across the 2016 season (n = 376 observations). Data was sorted according to apriori match outcome (win/loss) and ladder position (ranked one to 16). Given the binary and categorical nature of the response variables, two analysis approaches were used; a conditional interference classification tree and ordinal regression.

Results: Five performance indicators (‘try assists’, ‘all run meters’, ‘offloads’, ‘line breaks’ and ‘dummy half runs’) were retained within the classification tree, detecting 66% of the losses and 91% of the wins. A significant negative relationship was noted between ladder position and ‘kick metres’ (β (SE) = -0.002 (<0.001); 95% CI = -0.003 – <-0.001) and ‘dummy half runs’ (β (SE) = -0.017 (<0.012); 95% CI = -0.041 – 0.006), while a significant positive relationship was noted for ‘missed tackles’ (β (SE) = 0.019 (0.006); 95% CI = 0.006 – 0.032).

Conclusions: A unique combination of primarily attacking performance indicators provided the greatest explanation of match outcome and ladder position in the NRL. These results could be used by NRL coaches and analysts as a basis for the development of practice conditions and game strategies that may increase their teams’ likelihood of success. Beyond rugby league, this study presents analytical techniques that could be applied to other sports when examining the relationships between performance indicators and match derivatives.

Exam Plan - Your guide to surviving and thriving during exam time

At JCU, you will need to sit exams for all or part of your study. The Exam Plan guide will provide some useful information to help you study and maintain balance, leading into the exam period.

There is also lots of information on the JCU website jcu.edu.au/students/exams-and-results to find out where to go, what you need, and when to turn up. You can also find information about how to apply to defer exams or apply for special consideration, information on your grades and how to maintain a good academic level.

https://www.jcu.edu.au/students/learning-centre/exams

Publication: Self-perceived effects of pornography consumption among heterosexual men

Miller, Dan J., Hald, Gert Martin, and Kidd, Garry (2017) Self-perceived effects of pornography consumption among heterosexual men. Psychology of Men & Masculinity. (In Press)

https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/48924/

Abstract
Pornography has been identified as playing an increasingly important role in the sexual socialization of men. However, relatively little attention has been paid to men's perceptions of their own pornography consumption. This study investigated self-perceived effects of pornography consumption among an online sample of heterosexual men (N = 312). The study used a short form version of the Pornography Consumption Effects Scale (PCES–SF). The PCES–SF measures both self-perceived positive and negative effects of pornography consumption across the domains of sex life, attitudes toward sex, life in general, perceptions, and attitudes toward the opposite gender, and sexual knowledge. Level of pornography use (measured in terms of frequency of use and average length of use) was positively predictive of both self-perceived positive and negative effects of pornography consumption. Those who indicated that they had never been regular users of pornography reported more negative effects than regular users. Older participants reported fewer negative effects than younger participants, even after controlling for level of pornography use. However, the relationship between age and perceived positive effects was nonsignificant. Religiosity was positively predictive of perceived negative effects, but unrelated to actual level of use. Overall, the sample perceived pornography to have a significantly greater positive than negative effect on their lives. This research is part of a growing body of literature that suggests that most men consider pornography to have a positive impact on their sexual self-schema and lives more generally.