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Children have been made a priority in Australian government obesity interventions, with programmes tending to focus on promoting behaviour change in food and exercise practices. This paper reports findings from ethnographic research with a group of Australian children aged 10–14 years living in a low socio-economic suburban setting. We propose that central to these children’s experiences of food and eating is the negotiation and management of hunger. Historically, disadvantage has been embodied and inscribed on children’s bodies in very visible ways, and the coexistence of hunger and obesity is part of this continuum. Despite considerable evidence of food insecurity in our research site, issues of hunger were absent in an obesity intervention underway at the time. We examine how hunger was felt in children’s lives, how it was managed and the ways in which messages about eating less, while eating more ‘healthy foods’, were at odds with the children’s experiences of hunger. Moreover, we argue that hunger and obesity in this context were doubly stigmatised, as children were very aware of how their hunger and their bodies marked them as different and disadvantaged. Attention to both the embodied and social impacts of hunger on children and their everyday relationships is key in formulating more sensitive, contextualised public health interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper draws on focus groups with young Australian males across a range of social demographics and ages in primary school years (5-12 years). It investigates the role of physical activity and dietary behaviours in the lives of young males. The paper will articulate the way in which young males come to perceive physical activity and dietary behaviours, including broader constructions of health, within the context of their lives. Understanding the decision making of young males' around physical activity and dietary behaviours will play a significant role in the health outcomes of adult men by through improved targeted health education and health promotion programs for this cohort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Australian Social Work is the property of Routledge and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Proportionately few problem gamblers seek formal help for gambling problems. However, research into gambling help-seeking behaviour is limited, especially qualitative studies capturing experiences of recovery. This paper conducted narrative analysis of in-depth interviews relating the help-seeking behaviour of 10 recovering problem gamblers. A common temporal sequence moved from self-help, professional and nonprofessional help, then returned to self-help, in a journey that emphasised the importance of their sharing of narratives. Key themes in the plot structures were: self-loathing and loss of identity; fear of failure, of the loss of the gambling experience, and of being judged; negotiation of control, being in control, and needing to be in control; changing based on insight, cognitive behavioural interventions, or integrative interventions; and finally, the shared narrative. The findings highlight the need for policy makers and practitioners to acknowledge the power of narrative and to open the door to a broader community awareness of problem gambling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increased prevalence of problem gambling has accompanied the spread of gaming venues in many parts of the world. One intervention to minimise the impact of harmful patterns of gambling behaviours is self-exclusion, where patrons can elect to ban themselves from a gaming venue or its gaming facilities for a specified time period. While self-exclusion programs are widely available, little research has been conducted into their operations and efficacy, particularly from the self-excluders’ perspective. This paper presents findings from 35 survey responses and 23 interviews with gamblers who had self-excluded through a centralised service in South Australia. They identified key program shortcomings as low publicity, limits on how many venues they could self-bar from, and inadequate venue monitoring for breaches of self-barring orders. Nevertheless, the centralised service, staffed by trained psychologists and located away from gaming venues, which allows multiple venue barring in one application, appeared advantageous over programs that require people to self-exclude directly from individual gaming venues. Most respondents (85%) had ceased or lessened their gambling in the 12 months following self-barring. Nevertheless, some continued to struggle to manage their gambling, reflected in breaches of their orders and gambling in venues from which they were not excluded. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Interprofessional practice implies that health professionals are able to contribute patient care in a collaborative environment. In this paper, it is argued that in a hospital the nurses' station is a form of symbolic power. The term could be reframed as a 'health team hub,' which fosters a place for communication and interprofessional working. Studies have found that design of the Nurses' Station can impact on the walking distance of hospital staff, privacy for patients and staff, jeopardize patient confidentiality and access to resources. However, no studies have explored the implications of nurses' station design on interprofessional practice. A multi-site collective case study of three rural hospitals in South Australia explored the collaborative working culture of each hospital. Of the cultural concepts being studied, the physical design of nurses' stations and the general physical environment were found to have a major influence on an effective collaborative practice. Communication barriers were related to poor design, lack of space, frequent interruptions and a lack of privacy; the name 'nurses' station' denotes the space as the primary domain of nurses rather than a workspace for the healthcare team. I mmersive work spaces could encourage all members of the healthcare team to communicate more readily with one another to promote interprofessional collaboration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understandings of culture and multiculture are broad and deeply embedded in every day talk and practices. In an increasingly globalised world, how we understand and work with these terms affects how parents and their families experience health care services and the support intended by health care professionals. This is particularly important for parents who are new to Australia. In this paper we report on findings from an ethnographic study undertaken across two community child and family health nursing sites in South Australia. Using examples, we explore how child and family health nurses appear to understand and use constructs of culture and multiculture during everyday, intercultural communication with parents who are new to Australia and Australian health services. By analysing these understandings through postcolonial and feminist theories we found pervading evidence that neo-colonial constructs of a white western monoculture shaped intercultural communication practice. We conclude by reflecting on how these constructs might be addressed to improve intercultural communication in child and family health settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explored the experiences of people with acquired brain injury and their families during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on how they maintained their communities and sense of belonging, the strategies they found helpful, and advice they have for improving service provision and community connectedness. Semi structured interviews with pictorial mapping were conducted with ten adults with ABI and six of their family members. Participants responded to recruitment information circulated by a state-wide ABI peer support network in South Australia. Four primary themes were identified from the findings: (1) disruptions to routine; (2) social isolation; (3) using technology; and (4) strategies for staying safe and keeping well. Results are discussed using a social and urban geography lens and a conceptual framework of belonging to explore the experiences of people with ABI and their communities. The study reinforces the role of robust peer/support networks to stay connected, stay well and support others. Government, health services and community groups must provide clear and accessible information and supports, and regularly reach out to ensure the safety and wellbeing of people with ABI and their families during the pandemic. People with acquired brain injury and their families experienced increased challenges to maintaining contact with their communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. The main challenges were disruptions to routine, social isolation, and use of technology for health, therapy and social contact. Strategies to support people with ABI to maintain connections, stay engaged, and access technology and information to stay safe and well during lock-down are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food security is an evolving concept with various definitions and associated meanings. The way food security is understood by policy-makers impacts on how it gets addressed in public policy. This research uses an interpretive approach to uncover how food security is represented by stakeholders. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 24 stakeholders in South Australia between June and September 2010. The findings reveal four dominant representations for food security that locate responsibility for the issue across different stakeholders, namely individuals, governments, communities and private enterprise. These representations hold different underlying assumptions about the role of government in addressing the issue; the neo-liberal perspective supports a reduced role for government whereas the social determinants of health perspective calls for greater government intervention. Food security activists may need a greater awareness of how they represent the issue in order to change public policy action in this area. The approach taken in this research is relevant to other public policy problems and contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Canadian Journal of Pain is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objective: As the first professional contact for most Australians with mental health concerns, general practitioners (GPs) are often considered the “gateway” to accessing psychologists. Understanding GPs’ views of psychologists is therefore of great importance to the profession. GPs serve a particularly important role in mental health in rural and remote areas given the lack of other services; however there has been limited research investigating the relationship between psychologists and GPs in rural areas. This study aimed to investigate rural GPs’ perceptions of rural psychologists. Method: Semi‐structured qualitative telephone and in‐person interviews were conducted with 13 GPs working in rural and remote South Australia. Data were analysed thematically. Results: Three main themes were identified: Psychologists are useful/helpful; working with psychologists can be challenging; and psychologists are not well understood. Rural GPs held mostly positive views about psychologists and their value in providing professional support and reducing GP workloads. However, GPs’ understanding of psychologists’ training and expertise varied considerably, with most reporting gaps in their knowledge. Challenges included limited access to psychologists and communication barriers. Communication was considered to be enhanced by co‐locating psychology services within the GP practice, which was also considered to be a valuable educational opportunity for GPs. Conclusion: While rural GPs held largely positive views of psychologists, they may require further support in understanding what psychologists can offer and promoting psychology to their patients. Results may assist in improving communication between rural psychologists and GPs and inform strategies to improve rural GPs’ understanding of psychologists’ skills and training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Australian Social Work is the property of Routledge and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Over 5000 Australians are diagnosed with alcohol-related cancers annually, with growing evidence that low-levels of chronic alcohol consumption significantly increases cancer risk. Public knowledge of the link between alcohol and cancer is limited and, therefore, alcohol consumers may be inadvertently putting themselves at increased risk of developing cancer. Informing the community of alcohol-related cancer risk is important to reduce the burden of disease, however, the message that alcohol causes cancer may challenge current understanding of the risks and benefits associated with alcohol consumption. We examine how Australian adults who self-identify as light-to-moderate alcohol consumers, respond to the message that alcohol causes cancer. Seven focus groups with males and females aged between 18 and 65 years of age were audio–visually recorded, with transcripts thematically analysed within a social constructionist epistemology informed by critical realism. Cancer was represented as an inevitable part of life and something over which participants had no control: consequently, altering alcohol consumption to reduce cancer risk was not justifiable. Participants worked to present themselves as ‘normal’ consumers of alcohol by recounting personal experiences and depicting an obligation to uphold societal expectations to consume alcohol. Through the construction of cancer as an inescapable disease, and their own alcohol consumption as unproblematic and socially sanctioned, participants were able to resist the message that alcohol causes cancer, and any implied need to alter personal alcohol consumption to reduce the risk of cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Mental health disorder and alcohol and other drug comorbidity is prevalent in Australia. This qualitative study used semistructured interviews (N= 20) to elicit clinicians' and workers' knowledge, experiences, and opinions regarding issues pertaining to service needs of people with comorbidity in a metropolitan region of South Australia. The study revealed barriers to effective access and delivery of comorbidity care by MH and AOD services. Participants reported difficulties with identification, access, suitability, policy, funding, and collaboration between sectors and services responding to comorbidity. Results suggest that these models of practice were inadequate influencing the delivery, consistency, and reliability of comorbidity care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Formal kinship care continues to grow in Australia, demanding more research into its characteristics and organizational practice. This research aimed to gain a better understanding of kinship care, its practice issues, and its role in the South Australian alternative care system. Quantitative and qualitative methods, including an online staff survey (n = 81), staff focus groups (n = 56), and interviews and focus groups with Aboriginal (n = 11) and non-Aboriginal (n = 33) kinship carers were used to gain insight into staff and carers' experiences of kinship care, and of working with each other and the care organization. Descriptive statistics and thematic analyses generated the findings. All participants focused on achieving child safety and the child's best interests through kinship care. They agreed that kinship care is a valuable, but complex and under-resourced alternative to foster care. They called for more training and support for kinship carers and staff to develop mutual respect and trust to effectively address kinship care's unique, complex, family, community, and cultural issues. The research concluded that greater resources, organizational support, and sharing and valuing of diverse knowledge and experience are needed to facilitate safe, stable kinship care that is also in the child's best interests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primary objective: To investigate how a vestibular deficit following an acquired brain injury (ABI) affects an individuals' quality-of-life. Research design: A qualitative exploratory design. Participants: Nine community dwelling individuals who experienced significant symptoms and limitations as a result of their vestibular deficits. Methods: The individuals participated in face-to-face interviews with open ended questions. Data was analysed initially using a case study research approach, exploring the experience for each individual and then cross-case analysis to determine common themes for the group with the assistance of nVivo 10 qualitative analysis software. Results: Thematic analysis determined four main themes arising from the interviews; (1) validation, (2) definitive diagnosis is more difficult amongst an array of ABI symptoms, (3) vestibular adaptation is more difficult in the presence of an ABI and (4) emotional and social. Conclusion: Individuals who suffer a brain injury and experience vestibular symptoms as part of their overall presentation are not diagnosed in a timely manner, with individuals, their families, associates and even health professionals feeling uncertain of the legitimacy of their reported symptoms. It is important that all patients who experience an acquired brain injury are screened for vestibular impairment and, if necessary, receive vestibular rehabilitation including explanation and education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Men's experience of recovery from treatment for prostate cancer has been extensively researched with reports highlighting the physical side effects of treatments such as erectile dysfunction and incontinence. The psychological, emotional and spiritual burden of prostate cancer on men and their partners has received far less attention. Design:In this study, a secondary thematic analysis of data from a series of separate but related qualitative studies with prostate cancer survivors and their partners was conducted to further explore themes of love, hope and faith within this population. Results: This study identified unresolved needs related to the emotive concepts of love, hope and faith. The findings from this study can be employed to refine psychosocial assessments of men with prostate cancer, and provide a more comprehensive understanding of prostate cancer survivors supportive care needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to explore how refugee people utilised their coping resources and strategies to find meaning in their past and present experiences. Using an experience-centred narrative approach, we analysed the stories of 24 former refugees from two African countries resettled in South Australia. Data analysis revealed altruism and helping behaviour as a prominent and recurring theme of participants' narrated lives. This meta-theme encompassed four subthemes: (a) surviving war and exile, (b) adapting to Australian society, (c) reaching back home, and (d) meaning making through religious beliefs. Helping, cooperating, and sharing were entwined with participants' coping strategies and meaning making of experience. Participants' socio-historical, cultural, and religious context influenced the interpretations of their experiences. Taken together, our findings identified a counter narrative in refugee mental health research beyond trauma and psychopathology. Specifically, we have shown that when the refugee experience is also accompanied by situational contingencies such as receiving help and being called upon to help, together with evaluations such as empathy, identification with suffering, and gratitude, people can be motivated to help others. Future research is needed to explore how altruism and helping behaviour can promote healing from trauma, alleviate distress of separation, and ameliorate acculturation stress among diverse refugee populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To investigate the patient experience of Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC) insertion, the significance of arm choice and the impact of the device on activities of daily living. Background: Arm choice for PICC insertion is often determined by PICC nurses with little input from consumers. There are few studies that have investigated the patient experience of living with a PICC and none that have examined the impact of arm choice from the consumer's perspective. Method: Participants were recruited in a hospital whilst they waited for PICC insertion. A purposeful sampling approach was used to select participants based on diagnosis types. Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted November 2012-August 2013. Transcripts of the interviews were analysed using thematic analysis. Findings: Ten participants were interviewed. Four themes were identified: (i) apprehension/adaptation/acceptance, (ii) impact of treatment, (iii) asking questions (trusting doctors) and (iv) freedom. Although initially apprehensive, participants adapted to the PICC and came to accept that the device allowed convenient access for treatment. This allowed them the freedom to receive treatment at home. The use of the dominant or non-dominant arm for PICC insertion had marginal impact on activities of daily living for participants. Auxiliary factors such as the infusion pump had a significant impact for those who received outpatient treatment. For those participants who did not understand the procedure, many did not seek clarification and trusted medical and nursing staff to make decisions for them. Conclusion: Nurses should involve consumers in clinical decision-making and provide individualised information and support that facilitates adaptation for patients living with a PICC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Australian Social Work is the property of Routledge and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

ObjectiveTo explore the process of decision-making of older people with limited English proficiency (LEP) about using a professional interpreter during their health care after stroke. DesignA constructivist grounded theory approach was used. Up to two in-depth interviews were conducted with 13 older people with LEP from seven different language groups, and one older person who preferred to speak English, who had recently received health care after an acute stroke. Professional interpreters assisted with 19 of the 24 study interviews. Data were analysed and theoretical processes developed using a constant comparative method. ResultsProfessional interpreters were not a strong presence in the health care experience after stroke for participants. The use of professional interpreters was a complex decision for participants, influenced by their perception of the language and health care expertise of themselves and others, their perceived position to make the decision and whom they trusted. Getting by in English allowed participants to follow rules-based talk of health professionals, but did not enable them to understand detailed information or explanation, or to engage in the management of their condition in a meaningful way. ConclusionHealth professionals have an opportunity and a mandate to demonstrate leadership in the interpreter decision by providing knowledge, opportunity and encouragement for people with LEP, to use an interpreter to engage in, and understand, their health care after stroke. Health professionals may need to advise when interpretation is needed for health care situations, when communication difficulties may not be anticipated by the person with LEP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Health literacy, which relates to the acquisition, understanding and application of health information, has become an increasingly important public health issue, particularly where parents and children are concerned. Given that the home setting comprises a strong influence on children's diets, this qualitative study explored the concept of health literacy using parents' experiences with health information seeking and food related parenting practices. Semi-structured focus groups and in-depth interviews were conducted with parents, with children aged from birth to 12 years, in a low socio-economic region of South Australia. The results of this study indicated that there were a number of perceived barriers to accessing, understanding and utilising health information related to children's nutrition. These findings contribute to a broader understanding of how parents obtain and process dietary information and the channels through which they appear to be accessible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Australia, a national approach to the regulation of health practitioners and students has been established through the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law Act (2009; Qld) (the National Act). Whilst regulation of nursing and midwifery students under this new scheme is novel in most jurisdictions, students in South Australia have been registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of South Australia under the Nursing and Midwifery Practice Act 2008 (SA) (the State Act) since January 2010. Given the significant move to national registration of nursing and midwifery students, a mixed method study was initiated exploring South Australian nursing students' understanding of being regulated. Two hundred and twenty online surveys were completed and four focus groups conducted. Analysis revealed participants had little understanding of regulation and how the State Act applied to their student role and practice. The study recommends a nationally consistent strategy to inform students of their regulatory responsibilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Total laryngectomy (TL), a life-preserving surgery, results in profound physical and communication changes for the individual. Physical and psychosocial adjustment to a TL is complex, and quality-of-life (QoL) measures have provided useful knowledge to assist clinical management. However, many tools were developed without considering the perspectives of people who have experienced TL. To improve understanding of the phenomena of living with TL, a qualitative study was conducted which explored the views and experiences of seven men and five women from a range of ages, geographical locations, and social situations who had undergone a TL. Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews, journals, and field notes, and analysed using a constructivist grounded theory approach and symbolic interactionism. The emergent concept was identifying with the altered self after TL as reflected in dynamic multi-level changes (physical, communication, and psycho-emotional) continuously interacting with intrinsic and extrinsic interpersonal factors including personal and socio-cultural constructs, e.g., age, gender, resilience, beliefs, and supports. This process affected the strategies these individuals used to negotiate their social experiences. The extent to which communication changes disrupted social roles affecting a person's sense of self appeared to relate to long-term adjustment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intensive nurse home visiting programs are an early childhood, population based intervention that tar-get vulnerable families. Programs are dependent on the relationship between home visitor and mother to bring about change. Few studies have focused on investigating parents' perspectives of these programs using qualitative methods and none in the Australian context. The aim of this qualitative study was to explore and describe mothers' perspectives of an intensive nurse home visiting program in South Australia. Eight in-depth interviews were conducted with mothers receiving the program. The findings indicated the role of a trusting relationship between nurse and participant as well as shared decision making was central to program engagement and led to participant perceptions of increasing control over their role as parents. However, a clear distinction was made by the mothers: that they engaged in a relationship, not a program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

International research demonstrates diminishing trust in the food supply associated with food scares which undermine trust in expert advice. Even though Australia has not experienced major food scares, there is evidence of diminishing trust in the food supply. Interviews were conducted with 47 South Australian food shoppers from high (n = 17) and low (n = 16) socio-economic regions of Adelaide and from rural South Australia (n = 14) about food governance and trust in the Australian food supply. Participants display a high level of trust in the food supply associated with a perception that Australian food is safe; a lack of exposure to food risks; and trust in personal food safety practices. The media was the only factor which created distrust in the food system. Other participants express confidence in the food supply where confidence is understood as a lack of reflection. Contrary to concepts of reflexive modernisation which presume an increasing awareness of risk and placement of trust as a means of reducing uncertainly, participants adopt an ‘innocent until proven guilty’ approach displaying little knowledge or interest in knowing about food regulation relying instead on routine food safety practices as a means of managing uncertainty. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This article delves into a relatively neglected aspect of feminist, or anti-oppressive practice, namely that of practitioners’ experiences of this work, and specifically, their personal and professional identifications with feminism. It explores the question: is feminism, in the context of feminist practice, something one does, a professional “persona” adopted at particular times and for particular purposes at work, or something one is, transcending—or linking—the personal and professional realms? Drawing upon a qualitative, exploratory study, this article investigates understandings of, and identifications with, feminism within the context of an area of practice, namely domestic violence intervention, which is explicitly feminist. It focuses on the relationship of the research participants, practitioners in this field, to feminism in terms of their identification with feminist principles. Paying attention to these issues has implications for feminist and other anti-oppressive ways of working, particularly where these are adopted by organisations as the required model of practice. The broader question, that of whether one needs to—or “should”—be (or identify as) feminist in order to engage in feminist practice, while beyond the scope of the current study, is critical, both for feminist theorising in general and in relation to specific concerns such as professional education, development, and supervision. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Single parent households experience periods of food insecurity more frequently than other Australian families. Despite elevated risk, many single parents achieve food security with limited means. This article applies and evaluates the utility of the livelihoods framework approach as a tool for understanding food insecurity in this population and generating relevant policy recommendations. The approach is adapted here to provide insight into the skills, strategies and resource individuals use to attain or strive for food security. The framework incorporates these individual capabilities into a model of the social, economic and political structures and processes through which individuals navigate to attain food security. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with single parents living in rural and urban South Australia. Transcripts were analysed in an effort to populate a food security livelihoods framework for single parents. The livelihoods framework is found to be capable of reproducing the types and levels of capabilities reported in previous findings. Furthermore, it provides novel insight into the relationships that form between classes of capabilities and between capabilities and the structures and processes in which they are utilised. These insights are considered in terms of relevance to policy. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This Australian exploratory study investigates the financial considerations retirees experienced before moving into a retirement village. A qualitative content analysis was undertaken on the responses of 52 retirement village residents, who were part of a much larger study on retirees' accommodation choices in 2007. The respondents were grouped according to income, and the results were compared across the following groups (self-funded retirees, part-pension retirees, and full-pension retirees). Differences between the groups extended beyond affordability. Both pension groups were more anxious about the increasing costs of maintenance fees than self-funded retirees, and the importance of pensions and superannuation was also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]