Building health promotion capacity in the workforce : participatory action research

This study used participatory action research to describe and analyse the elements of building health promotion capacity in a primary health care workforce in an urban community health setting, reinforcing the importance of provider informed evidence. It presents an integrated model for health promotion and capacity building in the workforce.

Beyond mental illness

The Introducing Me program was developed as a recovery-oriented intervention program for people with mental illness. Program trials revealed improvements in self-concept, self-esteem, reduced social anxiety, and overall positive feedback. This novel and innovative program has important implications for the treatment and wellbeing of persons with a severe mental illness. The Professional Portfolio discusses issues relating to the assessment and diagnosis of depression in adolescents and factors determining appropriate treatment recommendations. Four case studies are presented.

Societal constructions of the psycho-legal notion of mental impairment in Victoria

This thesis explored the factors relevant to decision-making when the defence of mental impairment is raised in Victoria. Findings indicate that disorder type, crime outcome, and the relationship between victim and offender were significantly associated with verdict decisions, while offender gender did not play a significant role in responsibility decisions. The portfolio discusses the role of co-morbid psychopathology in the assessment and treatment of veterans with chronic PTSD by presenting four case histories.

Improving health with nutritional interventions in residential aged care

In a group of Australian aged care residents, dietary energy and nutrient intakes were generally inadequate, despite sufficient energy being served. Six months of multivitamin supplementation improved nutritional status and bone quality; and six months of fortified milk consumption improved serum 25(OH)D and folate levels, and increased vitamin D and folate intakes.

Implementation strategies and effectiveness of nutritional messages for improving health

There are missed opportunities for General Practitioners to assist overweight patients with dietary and exercise weight management and additional assistance may be required. An online weight loss program has potential, although no difference in weight loss was observed whether the participants received exercise advice only or exercise plus dietary advice.

Exploring jockey and family life through a social health lens

Workplace practices form an overarching social determinant of health for Victorian jockeys and their families. This research highlights the importance of riding opportunity, coping with risk and danger, and the gratification associated with the lifestyle to be key characteristics that impact on jockey family health for the better or worse.

Health-related beliefs, explanations and actions of older Anglo-Celtic-Australians

This thesis was an exploration of the health-related understandings and experiences of older Anglo-Celtic-Australians from a disadvantaged metropolitan locality. New insights were gained about the relationship between disadvantage and poor health outcomes; particularly the impact of limited self-care practices in combination with difficulties relating to the health care professionals.

Exploring the application of Health Impact Assessment in neighbourhood renewal

This thesis explores the role that Health Impact Assessment can play in social exclusion policy contexts focusing specifically on Victoria's Neighbourhood Renewal Scheme. The findings demonstrate that it can play an important role if due attention is given to contextual and procedural factors both within community settings and within government.

Special interests and mental health in autism spectrum disorders

Special interests (SIs) in autism spectrum disorders are a prevalent though relatively under-researched phenomenon. There was partial support for the hypotheses and factors influencing the relationship between SIs and mental health were identified. Findings contribute to a better understanding of SIs including their importance for individuals with ASD.

Adolescent peer group orientation, parent/attachment styles and mental health

Jennette Robinson’s research examined peer group characteristics and their relationship to parent/peer attachment, parenting styles, and adolescent functioning. Secure parental attachments were not associated with easier group access or participation in a greater number of groups. Evidence supported a relationship between parenting style and both group establishment and membership hierarchy.

Improving the outcomes of the South Australian mental health court: an examination of the predictors of success

 This thesis investigated the role that mental health problem-solving courts play within the Australian criminal justice system. It demonstrated that these courts can be an effective solution in the delivery of effective justice responses to vulnerable offenders, if administered in a manner that focuses on risk rather than clinical variables.

The influence of maternal mental health, attachment and hormonal factors on a mother’s attachment to her fetus during pregnancy

 The thesis investigated the role of maternal mental health, maternal attachment and hormones in the development of maternal-fetal attachment during pregnancy. The study found that oxytocin and cortisol were associated with maternal-fetal attachment throughout pregnancy. The study also found that maternal mental health, particularly anxiety, stress and depression during the prenatal period impacted on the development of maternal-fetal attachment across pregnancy. The findings have clinical and research implications with regard to early intervention for attachment and maternal well-being.

LEISURE AND MENTAL HEALTH IN PEOPLE WITH HYPERTENSION: CONVERGENCE IN HEALTH EDUCATION

People with hypertension constantly deal with issues related to mental health due to the psychosocial determinants of this illness, and leisure is an important control strategy. The objective of this study was to promote health education to a group of hypertensive patients, through research-action, based on critical-social pedagogy, and taking into consideration the participants' perception of leisure. Educational activities were conducted and, following, an evaluation was performed regarding the subjects' opinion about the impact of leisure on their lives and mental health. The group perceived leisure as a coping strategy for loneliness and also as a late development of independence; it was also regarded as a means of socialization and as a promotion of mental health. These perceptions revealed two themes: aging, leisure, and chronic disease; and knowledge and leisure experiences. Educational actions, such as group dynamics and discussions, were planned considering these themes with the purpose of providing the necessary conditions for socializing and exchanging experiences.

Relationships between gender, age, family conditions, physical and mental health, and social isolation of elderly caregivers

Background: In an aging population an increasing number of elderly caregivers will be called upon to provide care over a long period, during which time they will be burdened both by caregiving and by the physiological effects of their own aging. Among them there will be more aged male caregivers, who will probably be less prepared than women to become caregivers. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between caregivers' gender, age, family income, living arrangements and social support as independent variables, and depressive symptoms, comorbidities, level of frailty, grip strength, walking speed and social isolation, as dependent variables. Methods: 176 elderly people (123 women) were selected from a sample of a population-based study on frailty (n = 900), who had cared for a spouse (79.3%) and/or parents (31.4%) in the past five years (mean age = 71.8 +/- 4.86 years; mean monthly family income in minimum wages = 4.64 +/- 5.14). The study used questionnaires and self-report scales, grip strength and walking speed tests. Results: 65% of participants evaluated caregiving as being very stressful. Univariate analyses of regression showed low family income as a risk factor for depression; being female and low perceived social support as a risk for comorbidities; being 80 years of age and above for low grip strength; and being male for social isolation indicated by discontinuity of activities and social roles. In multivariate analyses of regression, poverty arose as a risk factor for depression and being female for comorbidities. Conclusions: Gender roles, age, income and social support interacted with physical and emotional health, and with the continuity of social participation of elderly caregivers. Special attention must be given to male caregivers.