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Background: Over one-third of cancer cases are attributable to modifiable risk factors. Because health-related behaviors are often established at adolescence, it is important that adolescents understand the risks and lifestyle decisions that may reduce their chances of developing cancer. This study aims to identify the levels of cancer awareness of adolescents in Australia. Methods: Paper questionnaires were used to collect information about baseline levels of cancer awareness. These questionnaires included socio-demographic questions and the Cancer Awareness Measure (CAM) with slight modifications to ensure their suitability for the Australian adolescent population. Students aged 11 to 19 years were recruited from 13 Australian high schools between 2016 and 2019. Results: A total of 766 adolescents (58% female, mean age = 14.5 years) completed the questionnaires. Adolescents' cancer awareness was low. Adolescents who knew someone with cancer recognized significantly more cancer risk factors and cancer warning signs than those who did not know someone with cancer (t (756) = 2.35, p =.019; t (747) = 5.57, p =.001). Those from high Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage (ICSEA) schools significantly recognized more cancer risk factors than those from low ICSEA schools (t (764) = 2.42, p =.016). Females recognized significantly more warning signs than males (t (583) = 3.11, p =.002) and students from senior high school grades recognized more warning signs than those from junior grades (t (754) = 2.24, p =.02). Most adolescents (78%) were aware of skin cancer as one of the most common cancers in Australia, however half or less were aware of other common cancers. Although most adolescents would seek medical help in the presence of possible cancer symptoms as soon as possible, approximately 20% of them would not see a doctor promptly. Emotional barriers were the most common reasons to delay seeing a doctor (56%), for example "being worried about hearing bad news" (27%). Conclusions: Australian adolescents show poor awareness of cancer risk factors and cancer warning signs. A number of demographic and experience factors were found to be related to lower cancer awareness. Education is essential to raise cancer awareness, promote healthy lifestyles from adolescence and avoid a preventable cancer diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Issue addressed: Given the increasing prevalence of cancer, there is a growing need for health interventions educating individuals about the disease and its impacts, risk‐reduction strategies and how to support others who are affected. School‐based programs are a promising medium addressing these issues in adolescents, yet no comprehensive cancer education program exists in Australia. This paper reports on the piloting of a cancer awareness program for Australian students. Methods: When Cancer Comes Along is a 90‐minute interactive presentation covering cancer's impacts, risk‐reduction strategies and how to support those affected. The program was piloted in four Australian secondary schools, with students (N = 113, 13‐16 years) and teachers (N = 2) providing feedback via postprogram survey. Results: Participants reported high satisfaction overall (92%‐97%) and with each program component (71%‐95%), and agreed that the program achieved learning outcomes (72%‐95%). Conclusions: Results indicate that When Cancer Comes Along is relevant, engaging and age‐appropriate. Participants reported improved understanding of cancer, its impacts, risk‐reduction strategies and how to support those affected. A larger‐scale evaluation is underway to more comprehensively evaluate program outcomes. So what?: The program has potential in educating students about various aspects of the cancer experience. It further demonstrates the feasibility and value of addressing psychosocial impacts and support strategies as well as information about cancer risks, elements which have not previously been combined in educational interventions. Equipping adolescents with the knowledge and skills to reduce their cancer risk and support others who are affected has significant health promotion implications for cancer prevention and support provision. Summary: This paper describes the piloting of a cancer awareness program for high school students that addresses what cancer is, its impacts, risk‐reduction strategies and how to support someone affected by cancer. Participating students and teachers indicated high satisfaction, suggesting the program is relevant, age‐appropriate and effective in educating adolescents about cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This special issue is part of a shift in social science and humanities thinking and in public awareness towards planetary water concerns. As societal and scholarly attention to the wet element – and its political import and its cultural constitution – is growing, we ask, how can we rethink our relationships with water in Australia now and into the future? The collection of papers in this issue shows that water responds to human practices which in turn are grounded in cultural imaginaries. Water is thus real in diverse ways, and makes possible diverse material, political and cultural relationships. Taking our lead from the ideas that contributors have developed from this and other questions posed for the issue, our introductory discussion considers three themes that are key to the understanding of water futures in Australia: materialities, temporalities and imaginaries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) police liaison programs were established around Australia from the late 1980s onwards to ameliorate discriminatory relationships between LGBTIQ people and police. With specialized training to better understand LGBTIQ issues, police liaison officers can provide support to LGBTIQ people as victims, offenders, or witnesses. Interestingly, very few LGBTIQ people seek support from these officers, even though many know they exist. This paper reports the results of a survey of a sample of LGBTIQ community members across two Australian states (Queensland and New South Wales) that explored why LGBTIQ people seek support from LGBTI police liaison officers. An online questionnaire asked LGBTIQ people about their perceptions of, and experiences with, police generally, and LGBTI police liaison officers specifically. Similar to past research, our analysis primarily found high levels of awareness of liaison officers, but very few participants accessed them. Further, and concerningly, the participants were generally reluctant to seek them out for support. Key implications of our findings for policy and practice development in police and LGBTIQ community services are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper attempts to build on the contribution to moral imagination theory by Patricia Werhane by further integrating moral imagination with new theoretical developments that have taken place in the business ethics field. To accomplish this objective, part one will review the concept of moral imagination, from its definitional origins to its full theoretical conceptualization. Part two will provide a brief literature review of how moral imagination has been applied in empirical research. Part three will analyze and apply the construct of moral imagination as it relates to the key process stages of ethical decision making including awareness, judgment, intention, and behavior. Immoral imagination is then discussed, along with other behavioral ethics concepts as they relate to moral imagination. The paper concludes with potential future research directions, as well as teaching and managerial implications for the moral imagination construct. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Yaama (Hello)! This article will take you on a journey, through my eyes and my experiences. I hope you are ready to hear, explore and come to understand the context that I am positioned within as a Gamilaroi yinarr (woman) from Australia. I acknowledge Elders, past, present and future. For they have forged the way before us, and they have inspired me to articulate my experiences. In this article I share my Indigenous voice within the academic space with the aim to draw attention to the issue of colonisation and enable cross-cultural understanding. Throughout this article, I have utilised my voice to reference my reflections on the challenges related to colonisation in two distinct formats: an open letter to my sons (as they are my future) and a paper for you, the reader. Within this space, I acknowledge my accountability to myself as a Gamilaroi yinarr, guni (mother) and researcher. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a case study of undergraduate students' awareness, experiences and perceptions of research in a major metropolitan university in Australia. The findings are based on the responses to a questionnaire in which 282 undergraduate students from humanities-based disciplines participated. Overall, students were aware of one or more of the different types of research occurring in the university. The findings indicated that students were acquiring some form of research experience in their learning, although the extent and benefits of their experiences were not examined in this particular study. Respondents perceived clear benefits to being taught by research-engaged staff members. Many of the open-ended responses showed that students perceived research-engaged staff to be more enthusiastic and effective teachers than those not engaged in research. However, some students remarked that not all research-engaged staff members possessed the skills to promote good quality teaching. More than half the participants agreed that they learn best when they are actively engaged in research processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The issue of gender in global cross-generational consciousness must be urgently addressed. Gender equality (Sustainable Development Goal 5 or SDG5) should be the responsibility of all countries around the world. As a result, this study intends to draw a map of knowledge on gender issues in consciousness across generations to investigate the state of research and future possibilities. This study aims to build a knowledge map that provides a comprehensive understanding of gender issues in awareness across generations. Vosviewer was used to perform bibliometric techniques on 370 English articles from Scopus on cross-generational awareness and gender equality themes. The study emphasizes the continued focus and upward trend of publications after cluster analysis and time series analysis and outlines the important authors, and research countries on the issue. The US has made significant contributions and influenced the UK and Australia. Gender, generation, gender equality, awareness, generational differences, gender issues, culture, education, gender inequality, feminism, health equity, diversity, social psychology, policy, and sustainable development are some of the groups of terms generated by the author's collaboration. As a result, the conclusions propose that research on gender issues could be expanded to include more authors, fields, subjects, and other diverse cooperative sectors. The implications of this knowledge mapping go beyond academia, holding practical and policy relevance, especially regarding gender equality and cross-generational awareness. This study is critical to inform future policies and practices aimed at fostering inclusivity and equality across generations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality, contributing to approximately 20 000 deaths in 2021 in Australia. Importantly, progression of CKD can be substantially reduced if it is detected and treated early. Here we present the perspectives of a general practitioner (primary care physician), a nephrologist and a patient advocate on how the diagnosis and management of CKD in primary care could be improved. Early detection and treatment of CKD are impeded by limited patient awareness and knowledge, communication challenges between patients and doctors, and psychosocial issues, with these factors also interacting with, and exacerbating, each other. We make the following recommendations to help improve outcomes in patients with CKD: (1) identifying people at increased risk of CKD and ensuring they have a complete kidney health check (including estimated glomerular filtration rate, urine albumin-creatinine ratio and a blood pressure check) every 1−2 years; (2) using simple, nonconfrontational language and supportive resources to communicate with patients about kidney health; (3) implementing early treatment to slow the progression of CKD and avoid adverse cardiovascular disease outcomes; and (4) asking patient-orientated questions to support shared decision-making and empower patients to be active partners in their healthcare. We acknowledge that limited time is a major barrier to implementing these recommendations in primary care. Utilizing the expertise of the whole practice team, and adopting supportive technology to introduce efficiencies, are likely to be of benefit. By adopting these recommendations, we believe general practitioners have the opportunity to drive improved outcomes and quality of life for people living with CKD in Australia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: This paper presents updated prevalence estimates of awareness, ever‐use, and current use of nicotine vaping products (NVPs) from 14 International Tobacco Control Policy Evaluation Project (ITC Project) countries that have varying regulations governing NVP sales and marketing. Design, Setting, Participants and Measurements: A cross‐sectional analysis of adult (≥ 18 years) current smokers and ex‐smokers from 14 countries participating in the ITC Project. Data from the most recent survey questionnaire for each country were included, which spanned the period 2013–17. Countries were categorized into four groups based on regulations governing NVP sales and marketing (allowable or not), and level of enforcement (strict or weak where NVPs are not permitted to be sold): (1) most restrictive policies (MRPs), not legal to be sold or marketed with strict enforcement: Australia, Brazil, Uruguay; (2) restrictive policies (RPs), not approved for sale or marketing with weak enforcement: Canada, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand; (3) less restrictive policies (LRPs), legal to be sold and marketed with regulations: England, the Netherlands, Republic of Korea, United States; and (4) no regulatory policies (NRPs), Bangladesh, China, Zambia. Countries were also grouped by World Bank Income Classifications. Country‐specific weighted logistic regression models estimated adjusted NVP prevalence estimates for: awareness, ever/current use, and frequency of use (daily versus non‐daily). Findings NVP awareness and use were lowest in NRP countries. Generally, ever‐ and current use of NVPs were lower in MRP countries (ever‐use = 7.1–48.9%; current use = 0.3–3.5%) relative to LRP countries (ever‐use = 38.9–66.6%; current use = 5.5–17.2%) and RP countries (ever‐use = 10.0–62.4%; current use = 1.4–15.5%). NVP use was highest among high‐income countries, followed by upper–middle‐income countries, and then by lower–middle‐income countries. Conclusions: With a few exceptions, awareness and use of nicotine vaping products varied by the strength of national regulations governing nicotine vaping product sales/marketing, and by country income. In countries with no regulatory policies, use rates were very low, suggesting that there was little availability, marketing and/or interest in nicotine vaping products in these countries where smoking populations are predominantly poorer. The higher awareness and use of nicotine vaping products in high income countries with moderately (e.g. Canada, New Zealand) and less (e.g. England, United States) restrictive policies, is likely due to the greater availability and affordability of nicotine vaping products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper will discuss how Web 2.0 technologies were used in one of the foundation units for the Bachelor Degree of Commerce at Curtin Business School. The research targets undergraduate students, lecturers, and tutors of the Business Information Systems (BIS100) at the School of Information Systems in Curtin University. The research sample size is 122 students for surveys, ten students and seven instructors for interviews. Only 88 students responded to the post-survey. Most universities have already planned, or are currently planning, to change from instructor-delivered teaching to studentfacilitated learning with the help of Web 2.0. Because interest has been expressed in the application of Web 2.0 technology in education in some schools, it was deemed worthwhile to carry out further research on the subject. The main purpose of this paper is to investigate the impacts of Web 2.0 technologies on teaching and learning performance at Curtin University, Australia. This research will provide additional information about why Web 2.0 should be adopted in education and will provide several strategies to formulate the adoption of Web 2.0 successfully. The Critical Realism paradigm, which consists of both positivism and interpretive, were applied in the study to explore and understand the relationship between the use of Web 2.0 and the teaching and learning performance. Qualitative and quantitative approaches were used to collect data from surveys and interviews. The results from the post-survey were compared with pre-survey results, to determine any changes in the levels of both awareness and knowledge since the pre-survey. On top of that, face-to-face and email interviews were conducted with students and email interviews with tutors. Significant findings show that the levels of awareness and knowledge of students using Web 2.0 were low at the beginning of the semester, with a slight increase in the levels of awareness and knowledge as the students were exposed to several Web 2.0 tools. In addition, it was noticed that males have more knowledge of Web 2.0 technologies than do females, and are more interested in technology than are females. It was also found that the percentage of students using Web 2.0 to organise group meetings, to communicate with other classmates, and to communicate with their tutors has increased by 6.62%, 7.7%, and 1.82% respectively. Some students found Web 2.0 technologies easy to use and very flexible because they can be easily customised according to users' requirements, such as Blackboard, the Learning Management System at Curtin University. Web 2.0 tools facilitate easy networking. They help students to more easily collaborate and communicate. Moreover, students do not have to rush to complete, print, and submit assignments to the tutor or lecturer. In regards to teaching, adopting Web 2.0 technology will increase student engagement and it will make classes more interesting and interactive, which may lead to an increase in, creativity, usability, and participation. This technology may encourage better interaction amongst students, and between students and the tutor. However, the Internet is always a necessary part of any work with the Web 2.0 tools. If Web 2.0 tools are used in classes, students may find it difficult to focus and be distracted by other activities such as browsing, chatting, or playing games online. The use of Web 2.0 technology in classes may discourage social interaction, although this depends on how the teacher uses the tools. Further research should be carried out to tackle any disadvantages and challenges of adopting web 2.0 in teaching and learning in Australia and globally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The paper seeks to provide perspectives on the job search expectations and job seeking strategies of Australian graduates, including their perceptions of University Careers Centres (UCCs). Design/methodology/approach - A total of 45 new graduates and representatives of five UCCs were interviewed. Findings - Both Australian graduates and UCCs are aware of the misalignment between graduates' high expectations and job search realities, but currently do little to proactively redress it. The study also found major inconsistencies between the viewpoints of graduates and UCCs regarding the usefulness of UCCs, as not only did most graduates not use these services, they were often completely unaware of them. This suggests that many graduates find employment based on learning through adversity and persistence rather than good career management. Research limitations/implications - The research interviewed a small number of new graduates across many disciplines. Focussed interviews from more students in specific discipline areas would be useful. Practical implications - UCCs should develop strategies for engaging students in the career seeking process early in their studies, and promote the availability and utility of their services. In addition, strategies should be developed to increase students' awareness of the realities of job and career seeking, and to develop their resilience in this area. Originality/value - The paper increases understanding of student experiences when job seeking, which can be used by universities and UCCs to better prepare students for, and support students during, this process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction and Aims: The introduction of standardised packaging (SP) in Australia in December 2012 has heightened interest in how image and branding might affect smoking. This paper tests the hypothesis that brand awareness and identification among smokers will decline after the introduction of SP.Design and Methods: Longitudinal study of three waves of smokers in Australia, conducted between October 2011-February 2012 (pre-SP) (n = 1104), February-May 2013 (post-SP1) (n = 1093) and August-December 2014 (post-SP2) (n = 1090). We explored the extent of changes in two variables, brand awareness (noticing others with the brand of cigarettes you smoke) and brand identification (perceiving something in common among smokers of your brand), and examined change in a number of other measures of brand appeal, brand characteristics and determinants of brand choice.Results: Brand awareness 'at least sometimes' reduced from 45.3% pre-SP to 26.9% at post-SP2 [odds ratio (OR) 0.35 (0.27-0.45)]. Brand identification also decreased from 18.2% to 12.7% [OR 0.62 (0.42-0.91)]. Significant decline was also found in measures of perceived brand prestige [OR 0.51 (0.39-0.66)] and choice of brand for health reasons [OR 0.45 (0.32-0.63)]. Liking the look of the pack was strongly associated with brand identification, but only post-SP (P = 0.02 for interaction across the three waves).Discussion and Conclusions: The introduction of SP of tobacco products in Australia has been associated with reductions in brand awareness and identification, and changes in related measures. The findings support the notion that SP has reduced the capacity for smokers to use pack branding to create and communicate a desired identity. [Balmford J, Borland R, Yong H-H. Impact of the introduction of standardised packaging on smokers' brand awareness and identification in Australia. Drug Alcohol Rev 2015;00:000-000]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The aim of this paper is to examine whether Australian young people's awareness of beyondblue is associated with better recognition of depression and anxiety disorders, and better quality of beliefs about possible interventions and first-aid actions for these problems., Method: In 2011, a telephone interview was conducted with a national sample of 3021 Australians aged between 15 and 25 years. Participants were presented with a vignette portraying depression, depression with suicidal thoughts, social phobia, post-traumatic stress disorder or psychosis in a young person. They were then asked about recognition of the disorder portrayed, their beliefs about the helpfulness or harmfulness of various interventions and first-aid actions, and their awareness of beyondblue. The quality of youths' beliefs was scored against health professionals' ratings of the same list of interventions and first-aid actions., Results: Beyondblue awareness was associated with more accurate recognition of the disorder portrayed in all vignettes except social phobia. It was also associated with beliefs about the helpfulness of first-aid actions that were more closely aligned with professional ratings for the depression, psychosis and social phobia vignettes. However, it was associated with beliefs about interventions for the psychosis vignette only., Conclusions: Overall, the associations of beyondblue awareness with better mental health literacy were not specific to depression and anxiety disorders, which are their main focus. Beyondblue awareness is mostly unrelated to treatment beliefs, but seems to have non-specific associations with recognition of disorders and first-aid beliefs.

The aim of this study was to examine the role of mindfulness in consumer behavior and service marketing in Australia and Malaysia. Two studies were conducted; first to identify and characterize consumers on the basis of mindfulness, and to obtain data on the dimensions of relationship quality and consumer loyalty from the groups. Results from a standard analysis of data confirmed five of the six hypotheses tested. There are significant differences in the three dimensions of relationship quality (i.e., trust, satisfaction, and commitment), and in two of three dimensions of consumer loyalty (namely, attitudinal and behavioral loyalty) between the two consumer groups-high and low mindful consumers. There is no significant difference in consumer switching restraint between the groups. These findings lead to research and managerial implications that conclude the paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Throughout the Asia Pacific region, there is an urgent need to reduce the burden of depression by increasing depression awareness, reducing stigma and dismantling those social barriers that prevent full participation by people with depression. This paper describes the development and early achievements of the Australian depression initiative, beyondblue., Methods: A review of the key priorities of beyondblue and their impacts during the first three years of operation (2001-03)., Results: Key achievements include: the degree of national recognition of beyondblue; size and scope of media impact; growth in website utilisation; increased reporting of the community's recognition of people with depression; genuine reforms in life insurance and income protection; development of a new national consumer and carer organisation; establishment of major population-based preventative and early intervention programs; system-wide reform of primary care-based mental health services; national educational program uptake by general practitioners; and, development of key awareness and intervention programs for use in schools and the workplace., Conclusions: In its first three years of operation, beyondblue has had a major impact on depression awareness in Australia and demonstrable gains have been made in reducing stigma and major social barriers. A pre-existing national mental health policy and implementation plan, a substantial funding base and participation by key political, media and community leaders have been essential elements of its short-term success. Its longer-term impact will now depend on more sustainable community and business partnerships as well as the growth of a more influential consumer and carer voice.

Widespread flooding across eastern Australia between November 2010 and February 2011 has again highlighted the country's susceptibility to natural disasters. The floods have also triggered discussion about flood awareness, risk information, and the role and responsibility of governments, insurance providers and residents. This paper examines the availability of flood hazard information on local government websites in Australia; it was completed in mid-2010 before the 2010–2011 flooding. The quality and accessibility of information is discussed, as are variations based on state and population size of different Local Government Areas (councils). Particular attention is given to those areas that experienced recent flooding, as well as to known areas of concentrated risk. There are large gaps in information availability, with less than 50% of councils provided flood risk information. A higher percentage of councils in the more populous states, some of which also have higher flood risk, provide information than those in less-populous states. Of those councils with a recognised flood risk, 67% provided flood information online. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The ultraviolet radiation index (UVI) was adopted internationally to raise awareness about and encourage the public to protect their skin from skin cancer. The current paper is a systematic review of over 20 years of research investigating awareness, comprehension, use, and impact of the UVI. Thirty-one studies were included from the USA, Canada, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and elsewhere. Awareness of the UVI varies by country, with samples from some countries demonstrating high awareness. However, comprehension and use of the UVI to inform sun safety behaviors are typically much lower. In fact, greater UVI awareness has sometimes been associated with riskier UV-related behaviors such as intentional tanning. Fewer studies have evaluated interventions, and their results have been mixed. In summary, more research is needed to determine how to help the public understand and use the UVI for effective skin protection. This review offers suggestions for future use of and research with the UVI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the patterns of authorship in Australian Accounting Review over the past two years. Topics discussed including aim and process of the accounting in Australia; contribution of accounting research to activities such as standard setting have concluded its impact to be modest and greater degree of awareness of the scholarly accounting literature than the main vanguard of the practice community.

This paper reports the rationale, design, implementation, and outcomes of a strategic diversity course for developing the intercultural capability of academic staff at an Australian university. The interactive workshop called "Engaging and Building Alliance across Cultures" aims at developing awareness of and practical skills in facilitating the inclusion of culturally and linguistically diverse students in the classroom, while also engaging local students in internationalization at their home university. This paper reports the participating academics' workshop ratings, as well as their learning reflections regarding curriculum development, strategies that they intended to apply to engage their culturally diverse classes, and the perceived strengths and weaknesses of the workshop. Implications for the potential use of cultural diversity training to internationalize learning and teaching in a higher education environment are discussed, along with suggestions for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scholars have paid considerable attention to studying the relationship between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and firm performance. Yet, little empirical research demonstrates what actually shapes or drives CSR. This paper builds a case that formal strategic planning is one such driver in that it creates awareness of and formulates responses to stakeholder demands for CSR. However, exploring single variable relationships is problematic, as other important endogenous factors need to be considered in explaining CSR. Specifically, firm culture is identified as influencing a firm's orientation towards the responsible treatment of stakeholders. One such cultural factor, humanistic culture, is argued to have a positive effect on CSR. By studying a sample of heterogeneous firms in Australia, results demonstrate that a formal strategic planning effort is positively linked to CSR. Further, a humanistic culture positively impacts CSR, after accounting for a firm's formal planning efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Achieving high vaccination rates among health care workers (HCW) is an ongoing challenge. In 2007, the state of New South Wales, Australia instituted a policy directive with compulsory provisions for health care workers to be vaccinated. This study sought to identify staff awareness and attitudes in the early phase of implementation. It involved a self-completed paper-based or electronic survey of HCWs in two tertiary-referral teaching hospitals in Sydney, Australia in 2007. A total of 894/1200 completed the paper survey, whilst a further 185 completed it online. Of the 1079 respondents, 60% (646/1079) were aware of the policy directive but only 10% (63/646) described the specific requirements. Seventy-eight per cent supported the policy; 13% neither supported nor opposed it; and 4% opposed it. This survey provides an early, broad indication of the level of understanding and the attitudes of the HCWs towards the new directive. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objectives: The present paper aims to: (i) describe how the Mental Health Commission in New Zealand works and has contributed to the substantial enhancement of mental health resources and services; (ii) determine whether mental health reform policies will ever be implemented properly without an independent monitor with official influence at the highest levels of government; and (iii) demonstrate how variants on this model work in other Western countries and how it can be adapted to the Federated system in Australia.Conclusions: It is recommended that the Australian National Mental Health Plan 2003-2008 should be complemented by a long-standing national mental health commission (or similarly constituted body), which is also able to report independently from and to the government, with direct access to the Prime Minister, Premiers and Australian Health Ministers. Its aims would be to monitor service effectiveness and identify gaps in service provision, training and performance of the work force, management and government. It would be informed by consumer, carer and provider experience, and by reviews of evidence-based research regarding health needs and cost-effective services. It should accurately cost such service gaps, and advise government on a strategy for implementing them. It could also promote and advise formally on enhancing community awareness, decreasing stigma and discrimination and improving workforce recruitment and retention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper draws upon research in Victoria's Goulburn Broken Catchment exploring landholder responses to dryland salinity. It has been assumed that part of the explanation for limited adoption of recommended practices was that landholders were unaware of the extent of dryland salinity. Socio-economic data from a mail survey was combined in a Geographic Information System (GIS) with other layers, including the location of discharge sites and depth to saline ground water. Comparisons of expert maps and landholder identified salinity sites suggested that landholders in the upper catchment had excellent knowledge of the current extent of salinity on their property. At the same time, the expert maps failed to predict half of the saline-affected sites identified by landholders. It seems that the extensive community education effort undertaken in this region had been successful in raising salinity awareness. Our research also highlighted that most landholders were not concerned about the impacts of dryland salinity and appear to believe they can 'live with salt'. This is an important issue because the small, diffused amounts of salt exported from these properties in the upper catchment are/will have a substantial impact downstream. The research methodology and findings have important policy and management implications, and these are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the uniquely Australian leisure activity of calisthenics. The term 'calisthenics' has multiple applications; initially, it described a variety of exercise prescribed for physical and mental health. Australian calisthenics defies easy definition, representing a confluence of sport, music and dance; it is a highly structured competitive activity, affording the opportunity for a study of bodies, spaces and places. Individuals' movements are nestled within the framework of the team, and the synchronous corporeality that is a feature of each calisthenics discipline serves as a stimulus for spatial awareness and the construction of a shared physicality. Calisthenics provides an ideal exemplar of various kinds of leisure work, including somatic, emotional, cultural and community-building labour. Competitions underpin the activity, producing aesthetic strictures and perpetuating the requirement for considerable economic investment. Thus, the article represents a multi-faceted analysis of an important aspect of Australia's leisure and social histories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Implementing antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) programs is central to optimise antimicrobial use in primary care. This study aims to assess general practitioners' (GPs') awareness of AMS, uptake of AMS strategies, attitudes towards GP–pharmacist collaboration in AMS and future AMS improvement strategies. A paper-based survey of nationally representative GPs across Australia was conducted in 2019. Of 386 respondent GPs, 68.9% were familiar with AMS. Respondents most frequently used the Therapeutic Guidelines (TG) (83.2%, 321/385) and delayed antimicrobial prescribing (72.2%, 278/385) strategies, whereas few utilised point-of-care tests (18.4%, 71/382), patient information leaflets (20.2%, 78/384), peer prescribing reports (15.5%, 60/384) and audit and feedback (9.8%, 38/384). GPs were receptive to pharmacists' recommendations on the choice (50.5%, 192/381) and dose (63%, 241/382) of antimicrobials, and more than 60% (235/381) supported a policy fostering increased GP–pharmacist collaboration. Most GPs agreed to have AMS training (72%, 278/386), integration of electronic TG (eTG) with prescribing software (88.3%, 341/386) and policies limiting the prescribing of selected antimicrobials (74.4%, 287/386) in the future. Conclusively, GPs are aware of the importance of judicious antimicrobial prescribing but inadequately uptake evidence-based AMS strategies. The majority of GPs support GP–pharmacist collaborative AMS approaches to optimise antimicrobial use. Developing a feasible GP–pharmacist collaborative AMS implementation model and facilitating stewardship resources and training could foster AMS activities in primary care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In September 2003, we released the first results of a national community attitude tracking study about child abuse and child protection. At that time, we concluded that as a community, violence against children was tolerated. The community did not understand or appreciate the seriousness, size and cost of child abuse in Australia. There was evidence that child abuse was not viewed as an important challenge facing children in Australia. A second study conducted in 2006 found that nothing much had changed, indeed community engagement with the issue of child abuse may have even deteriorated. A third study in 2010 found that the community actively avoids the problem of child abuse rating it less concerning than high petrol prices. In 2021, 18 years after the first report was published, we have concluded again that child abuse remains out of sight and out of mind as a community concern. This article describes the findings of this fourth iteration of our survey and analyses the implications for ensuring that individuals are more engaged and committed to taking action to preventing child abuse and/or protecting children from violation [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ageing aircraft are becoming a major issue in the general aviation (GA) industry, both in terms of safety and maintenance and support cost. Ensuring a sound structure is considered one of the primary challenges in this area, it is, therefore, attracting the attention of the regulating authorities. The Civil Aviation Safety Agency (CASA) has taken a mixture of actions to tackle the various issues related to the diverse Australian GA ageing aircraft fleet. Further efforts focus on increasing the awareness of the different parties engaged in aircraft operations, maintenance and design, as well as quantification of the associated risk. In this frame a holistic approach is proposed to cover the various aspects, emphasizing the use of cost-effective structural health monitoring (SHM) systems and web-based education and information dissemination on ageing aircraft issues. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background: Erosive tooth wear has significant impacts on oral and general health. This study aimed to measure the awareness of dental erosion to establish the relationships among sociodemographic factors, awareness and knowledge of dental erosion, and beverage consumption behaviours, in a sample of university students in Australia. Methods: All undergraduate students enrolled in the targeted programs at an Australian University were invited. A total of 418 students consented to participate. Each was assessed with an online questionnaire. Results: The awareness rate of dental erosion was 92.1%. Soft drinks and fruit juice were most often perceived as acidic beverages by the respondents. The students of greater age, and studying pharmacy, paramedicine, physiotherapy or science, were less likely to be aware of dental erosion. Those students that were aware of dental erosion also had better knowledge of dental erosion, which was associated with a reduced quantity of daily acidic beverage consumption as well. The students that predominantly resided overseas had less knowledge of dental erosion. The students that were of greater age, that were studying clinical science, pharmacy, medical science, paramedicine, or science, and that correctly identified more types of acidic beverages, more often consumed acidic beverages in high-risk patterns. Conclusions: Erosive tooth wear is a relevant matter in dentistry, nutrition and public health. Within a university setting, the effect of education on oral health literacy and beverage consumption behaviour is confirmed. Dental and health professionals should actively educate the individuals and communities about dental erosion and motivate them to change acidic beverage consumption behaviours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The My Baby's Movements (MBM) trial aimed to evaluate the impact on stillbirth rates of a multifaceted awareness package (the MBM intervention). Design: Stepped‐wedge cluster‐randomised controlled trial. Setting: Twenty‐seven maternity hospitals in Australia and New Zealand. Population: Women with a singleton pregnancy without major fetal anomaly at ≥28 weeks of gestation from August 2016 to May 2019. Methods: The MBM intervention was implemented at randomly assigned time points, with the sequential introduction of eight groups of between three and five hospitals at 4‐monthly intervals. Using generalised linear mixed models, the stillbirth rate was compared in the control and the intervention periods, adjusting for calendar time, study population characteristics and hospital effects. Main outcome measures: Stillbirth at ≥28 weeks of gestation. Results: There were 304 850 births with 290 105 births meeting the inclusion criteria: 150 053 in the control and 140 052 in the intervention periods. The stillbirth rate was lower (although not statistically significantly so) during the intervention compared with the control period (2.2/1000 versus 2.4/1000 births; aOR 1.18, 95% CI 0.93–1.50; P = 0.18). The decrease in stillbirth rate was greater across calendar time: 2.7/1000 in the first versus 2.0/1000 in the last 18 months. No increase in secondary outcomes, including obstetric intervention or adverse neonatal outcome, was evident. Conclusions: The MBM intervention did not reduce stillbirths beyond the downward trend over time. As a result of low uptake, the role of the intervention remains unclear, although the downward trend across time suggests some benefit in lowering the stillbirth rate. In this study setting, an awareness of the importance of fetal movements may have reached pregnant women and clinicians prior to the implementation of the intervention. The My Baby's Movements intervention to raise awareness of decreased fetal movement did not significantly reduce stillbirth rates. The My Baby's Movements intervention to raise awareness of decreased fetal movement did not significantly reduce stillbirth rates. Linked article This article is commented on by Alexander E. P. Heazell, p. 42 in this issue. To view this mini commentary visit https://doi.org/10.1111/1471-0528.16954. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rationale of this study was to gain meaningful insights into SME awareness, practices and the assumed impacts associated with environmental issues. Supported by the theoretic interpretation of stakeholder theory, the study employed a mailed survey to gain data from SMEs operating nationally across Australia. The findings flag a diversity of results across industry groups and also firm size, particularly in relation to their awareness of environmental and social issues. The results also identified the areas of business activity where firms focus their efforts to be environmentally responsible, together with the types of environmental costs they incorporate into their internal information system. The results also revealed their view on the impact flowing from adopting environmental responsibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper presents the results of an evaluation of the longer term impact of a series of workshops conducted in four Australian cities which sought to engage representatives of the Australian public in discussions about climate change and low emission energy options. These workshops were designed to explore the public’s awareness and acceptance of the various low emissions energy technologies, including carbon dioxide capture and storage (CCS), and to assess whether a large group workshop format was an effective means of affecting change in awareness and acceptance of the various energy technologies. Initial results of these workshops, presented at the International Conference on Greenhouse Gas Technologies (GHGT) in 2008, found that the workshop was indeed effective. Results from an online survey conducted in October 2009 with 95 participants of the original workshops indicate that over the longer term awareness remains at a higher level than prior to workshop attendance, while changes in participants’ attitudes were not sustained over time. However, the results of 22 follow-up in-depth interviews conducted in November and December 2009 found that many workshop participants reported a change in their awareness of and preference for the energy technologies, and that they pro-actively spoke with others and sought further information regarding the technologies and their place in a low carbon economy. While wind and solar energy were clearly favored, carbon mitigation was generally recognized as a complex issue requiring a portfolio of energy solutions. Building trust in the range of energy solutions, including carbon capture and storage, will require ongoing engagement and dialogue with members of the public. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Extensive investment into research and development of low emission coal technologies is occurring around the globe. However, surveys suggest that most members of the general public are unaware of advanced coal technologies like carbon dioxide capture and storage (CCS). Further, those people who are aware of the term tend to have little understanding of the concept. This lack of awareness has become an increasing focus of policy makers internationally, and a number of governments have developed communication strategies to raise awareness of CCS and other low emission coal technologies and to help promote social acceptance of these technologies. The present research synthesizes the range of communication activities that have been planned or implemented since 2002 in Australia and internationally, and examines the strengths and weaknesses of these activities. The resulting “roadmap” enables interested parties to draw from the best communication processes available, to help increase capability in this area for the ultimate successful deployment of CCS. The paper makes a number of recommendations for industry and policy makers to provide a guide for future communication strategies regarding CCS. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article aims to examine public awareness and perceptions on corruption in Australia, a country that has been viewed as having relatively low levels of corruption. A random telephone survey of 300 people aged 16 and above was administered across the three most populated Australian states. It suggests that corruption is an issue of concern for the Australian public, given the relatively low levels of reported corruption in the country. The findings presented illustrate that corruption seems to be increasing in Australia. These should be considered by state and federal anti-corruption bodies as they frame their policies and processes.

The article presents an overview of the Earth Charter Initiative (ECI) which is the role of the Earth Charter in dealing with challenges to formulate more effective processes of awareness raising, sensitization and education in Australia. This paper also provides an outline of three groups which have been inspired by the Earth Charter and presents the organizational priorities of the ECI specialized centers. These groups which are described included the Earth Charter through Arts and Child Education in Michoacán, Mexico, Paulo Freire Institute in Brazil and Fundación Valores in Spain. It is concluded that common integrated vision offered by the Earth Charter is strongly needed to create more effective education and awareness raising processes.

Australia's media organisations have long had an obsession with the exploits of our sporting 'champions', both on and off the field. This coverage is often said to be a response to the demands of a sports-mad nation. In a society in which sport is often considered a symbol of unity and integration, this paper investigates whether the media (1) contributes to the spirit of diversity by covering sport involving people with intellectual disabilities, and (2) encourages greater awareness of disability issues by writing with authority and understanding, or instead promotes elitism by focusing on so-called 'real sports' that feature able-bodied elite athletes and exclude those categorised as 'non sports' because they feature people with disabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study offers a cross-national comparison of stakeholders' awareness of the implementation of reintegration policies and practices for incarcerated youths by juvenile justice agencies. Similarities and differences in perceptions of 14 stakeholders from the US and 20 from Australia were collected and analyzed using a self-report measure. Stakeholders from both countries showed considerable awareness of the implementation of effective policies and practices in the domains of interagency collaboration, team planning, and supporting life skills, but were less aware of the implementation of policies and practices of education and supports during and after transition. A key finding was that communication across agencies is critical to increasing stakeholders' awareness of the implementation of effective policies and practices to enhance the youths' reentry success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increased interest in conservation has led to an emerging interest in understanding children's environmental awareness. Consequently, an increase in environmental education as part of the curriculum in Australian primary schools has resulted. The awareness of students in Australian primary schools has not been extensively studied. Consequently, the aim of this study was to investigate the environmental awareness of primary school aged children, and if gender or age influences awareness. We surveyed 105 primary school students (66 girls, 39 boys; 9 to 12 years of age) from Brisbane, Australia. The survey consisted of 10 closed questions and two open questions about human impacts on the environment and food waste. There was no gender difference in the number of correct responses, and older students had more correct responses. Further, females were more likely than males to correctly answer questions focused on behaviour and its impact on the environment. Open questions identified broad global themes of human impacts on the environment, with students focusing on repurposing food waste rather than reducing the amount of food purchased as a way of managing food waste. Therefore, specific types of environmental awareness are observed in primary school aged children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective:Throughout the Asia Pacific region, there is an urgent need to reduce the burden of depression by increasing depression awareness, reducing stigma and dismantling those social barriers that prevent full participation by people with depression. This paper describes the development and early achievements of the Australian depression initiative,beyondblue.Methods:A review of the key priorities ofbeyondblue andtheir impacts during the first three years of operation (2001−03).Results:Key achievements include: the degree of national recognition ofbeyondblue; size and scope of media impact; growth in website utilisation; increased reporting of the community's recognition of people with depression; genuine reforms in life insurance and income protection; development of a new national consumer and carer organisation; establishment of major population-based preventative and early intervention programs; system-wide reform of primary care-based mental health services; national educational program uptake by general practitioners; and, development of key awareness and intervention programs for use in schools and the workplace.Conclusions:In its first three years of operation,beyondbluehas had a major impact on depression awareness in Australia and demonstrable gains have been made in reducing stigma and major social barriers. A pre-existing national mental health policy and implementation plan, a substantial funding base and participation by key political, media and community leaders have been essential elements of its short-term success. Its longer-term impact will now depend on more sustainable community and business partnerships as well as the growth of a more influential consumer and carer voice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between road users' attitudes and their travel behaviors, to explore the acceptability of traffic measures for sustainable transport promotion, and to investigate predictors of intention to reduce car use.Method: Using a cross-sectional survey, 381 residents in Adelaide were interviewed via a computer-assisted telephone interviewing system. Descriptive analysis was used to describe demographic, travel behavior, and effectiveness of potential traffic measures. Attitude statements relating to transport use were factor-analyzed into four factors: “sustainable transport benefits awareness,” “traffic problems awareness,” “cycling safety concerns and car use comfort” and “public transport negative emotion.” Scores on these factors were analyzed with Spearman's correlation and logistic regression.Results: In general, “push” measures (e.g. more expensive petrol) were considered less effective than “pull” measures (e.g. cheaper public transport). “Cycling safety concerns and car use comfort” and “public transport negative emotion” factors were positively related to the annual driving distance of the participants. Both “sustainable transport benefits awareness” and “traffic problems awareness factors” were positively associated with the acceptance of measures for sustainable transport promotion. Furthermore, participants who used cars more frequently, had high sores on “cycling safety concerns and car use comfort,” and had a bachelor degree or higher would be less likely to reduce car use.Conclusion: These findings indicate the importance of increasing public awareness of traffic problems and perceived benefits of sustainable transport as a potential strategy to reduce car use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to analyse the incidents related to awareness during general anaesthesia in the first 4,000 cases reported to webAIRS-an anaesthetic incident reporting system established in Australia and New Zealand in 2009. Included incidents were those in which the reporter selected "neurological" as the main category and "awareness/dreaming/nightmares" as a subcategory, those where the narrative report included the word "awareness" and those identified by the authors as possibly relevant to awareness. Sixty-one awareness-related incidents were analysed: 16 were classified as "awareness", 31 were classified as "no awareness but increased risk of awareness" and 14 were classified as "no awareness and no increased risk of awareness". Among 47 incidents in the former two categories, 42 (89%) were associated with low anaesthetic delivery and 24 (51%) were associated with signs of intraoperative wakefulness. Memory of intraoperative events caused significant ongoing distress for five of the 16 awareness patients. Patients continue to be put at risk of awareness by a range of well-described errors (such as syringe swaps) but also by some new errors related to recently introduced anaesthetic equipment, such as electronic anaesthesia workstations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Genetic testing for risk of hereditary cancer can help patients to make important decisions about prevention or early detection. US and UK studies show that people from ethnic minority groups are less likely to receive genetic testing. It is important to understand various groups' awareness of genetic testing and its acceptability to avoid further disparities in health care. This review aims to identify and detail awareness, knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes towards genetic counselling/testing for cancer risk prediction in ethnic minority groups.Methods: A search was carried out in PsycInfo, CINAHL, Embase and MEDLINE. Search terms referred to ethnicity, genetic testing/counselling, cancer, awareness, knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions. Quantitative and qualitative studies, written in English, and published between 2000 and 2015, were included.Results: Forty-one studies were selected for review: 39 from the US, and two from Australia. Results revealed low awareness and knowledge of genetic counselling/testing for cancer susceptibility amongst ethnic minority groups including African Americans, Asian Americans, and Hispanics. Attitudes towards genetic testing were generally positive; perceived benefits included positive implications for personal health and being able to inform family. However, negative attitudes were also evident, particularly the anticipated emotional impact of test results, and concerns about confidentiality, stigma, and discrimination. Chinese Australian groups were less studied, but of interest was a finding from qualitative research indicating that different views of who close family members are could impact on reported family history of cancer, which could in turn impact a risk assessment.Conclusion: Interventions are needed to increase awareness and knowledge of genetic testing for cancer risk and to reduce the perceived stigma and taboo surrounding the topic of cancer in ethnic minority groups. More detailed research is needed in countries other than the US and across a broader spectrum of ethnic minority groups to develop effective culturally sensitive approaches for cancer prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]