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Background and aims: Evidence on the associations between child maltreatment (CM), alcohol use disorders (AUDs) and other substance use disorders (SUDs) comes largely from retrospective studies. These rely on self‐reported data, which may be impacted by recall bias. Using prospective CM reports to statutory agencies, we measured associations between CM notifications and inpatient admissions for AUDs and SUDs up to 40 years of age. Design, setting and participants: Observational study linking administrative health data from Queensland, Australia to prospective birth cohort data comprising both agency‐reported and substantiated notifications of CM. Measurements: Outcomes were inpatient admissions for AUDs and SUDs based on ICD‐10‐Australian modification (AM)‐coded primary diagnoses. Unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression analyses were undertaken. Findings Ten per cent (n = 609) of the cohort had a history of agency‐reported or substantiated CM notifications before age 15. These individuals had higher adjusted odds of being admitted for AUDs and SUDs. For AUDs, the adjusted odds of inpatient admission were 2.86 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.73–4.74] greater where there was any previous agency‐reported CM and 3.38 (95% CI = 1.94–5.89) greater where there was any previous substantiated CM. For SUDs, the adjusted odds of inpatient admission were 3.34 (95% CI = 2.42–4.61) greater where there was any previous agency‐reported CM and 2.98 (95% CI = 2.04–4.36) greater where there was any previous substantiated CM. Conclusions: People with a history of child maltreatment appear to have significantly higher odds of inpatient admissions for alcohol use disorders and other substance use disorders up to 40 years of age compared to people with no history of child maltreatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and method Recently, the Health of the Nation Outcome Scales 65+ (HoNOS65+) were revised. Twenty-five experts from Australia and New Zealand completed an anonymous web-based survey about the content validity of the revised measure, the HoNOS Older Adults (HoNOS OA). Results All 12 HoNOS OA scales were rated by most (=75%) experts as 'important' or 'very important' for determining overall clinical severity among older adults. Ratings of sensitivity to change, comprehensibility and comprehensiveness were more variable, but mostly positive. Experts' comments provided possible explanations. For example, some experts suggested modifying or expanding the glossary examples for some scales (e.g. those measuring problems with relationships and problems with activities of daily living) to be more older adult-specific. Clinical implications Experts agreed that the HoNOS OA measures important constructs. Training may need to orient experienced raters to the rationale for some revisions. Further psychometric testing of the HoNOS OA is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The most common form of violence experienced by women is that perpetrated by intimate partners, and the gendered nature of intimate partner femicide (IPF) has received particular attention. Few studies to date have delved into the limitations associated with methods used in IPF research, and particularly the methods used to study homicide victims (rather than homicide perpetrators). This article outlines dominant methodologies used to study IPF, and considers a novel method of investigation—the "psychological autopsy"—that may help to improve existing knowledge about IPF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We explored older adults' experiences of physical activity (PA) and related decision-making processes underlying PA. Twenty Australians (Mage = 73.8 years) participated in semistructured interviews. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis, and identified themes were matched deductively within motivational, volitional, and implicit processes of the integrated behavior change model for PA. Motivational influences such as participants' time orientation toward health and perceptions of what PA should be like were frequently featured in participants' narratives. Volitional processes were also identified, with participants reporting different ways of coping with competing priorities. Physical surroundings and habitual PA were the identified themes within implicit processes. Together, these findings contribute to a better understanding of subjective experiences of older adults regarding PA. They also add to a more contextual understanding of multiple decision-making processes underpinning older adults' PA engagement. Identified concepts may be used in future research and PA interventions targeting older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little is known about what predicts disengagement from rehabilitation treatment for people affected by severe and persistent mental illness (SPMI). To identify predictors of unplanned discharge among consumers admitted to community-based residential rehabilitation units in Australia. Secondary analysis of data from a prospective cohort study of consumers admitted to three Community Care Units (CCUs) between 2014 and 2017 (n = 139). CCUs provide transitional residential rehabilitation support to people affected by SPMI. Demographic, treatment-related and clinical predictors of unplanned discharge were identified using binomial regression models controlling for site-level variability. Factors associated with self- vs staff-initiated unplanned discharge were also examined. 38.8% of consumers experienced unplanned discharge. Significant predictors of unplanned discharge were younger age, higher alcohol consumption and disability associated with mental illness, as well as recovery stage indicating a sense of growth and higher competence in daily task performance. 63.0% of unplanned discharges were initiated by staff, mostly for substance-related reasons (55.9%). History of trauma was more likely among consumers with self-initiated discharge than those with staff-initiated unplanned and planned discharge. Assertive intervention to address alcohol-use, and ensuring care is trauma-informed, may assist in reducing rates of unplanned discharge from rehabilitation care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physical inactivity in older adults presents a significant problem within modern societies globally. Using a mixed-method approach, this study explored strategies for the development and delivery of physical activity (PA) interventions by investigating what behaviour change techniques (BCTs) are useful, and how these techniques should be implemented to be feasible for older adults. Sixty-six older adults completed a survey indicating the most useful BCTs, mapping on to motivational, volitional and automatic factors. Of these, 48 older adults participated in an interview exploring strategies for a PA intervention targeted at older adults. The most useful BCT identified in the survey was autonomy support (61.3%), followed by instruction to perform the behaviour (43.5%) and having a credible source of information about PA (42.6%). The key themes discussed in the interviews included providing support in making an informed choice, instruction on how to perform PA, information about health consequences, social support, goal setting, action and coping plans, behavioural demonstration and practice, and monitoring PA. The interviews also revealed key aspects of programme implementation including face-to-face delivery, followed up with additional materials; low cost; age-appropriate PA level; and individualised approach. Interventions assisting older adults in increasing their PA participation across a range of settings should incorporate BCTs targeting multiple processes, while tailoring their delivery to older adults' preferences to ensure their feasibility in supporting regular PA engagement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective:To assess the effects of conscious and non-conscious processes for prediction of older adults’ physical activity (PA), we tested a dual-process model that integrated motivational (behavioural intention) and volitional (action planning and coping planning) processes with non-conscious, automatic processes (habit). Method:Participants (N = 215) comprised community-dwelling older adults (M = 73.8 years). A longitudinal design was adopted to investigate direct and indirect effects of intentions, habit strength (Time 1), and action planning and coping planning (Time 2) on PA behaviour (Time 3). Structural equation modelling was used to evaluate the model. Results:The model provided a good fit to the data, accounting for 44% of the variance in PA behaviour at Time 3. PA was predicted by intentions, action planning, and habit strength, with action planning mediating the intention-behaviour relationship. An effect of sex was also found where males used fewer planning strategies and engaged in more PA than females. Conclusions:By investigating an integration of conscious and non-conscious processes, this study provides a novel understanding of older adults’ PA. Interventions aiming to promote PA behaviour of older adults should target the combination of psychological processes. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]