Validating the Unmind Index as a measure of mental health and wellbeing among adults in USA, Australia, and New Zealand
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ABSTRACT:
SUBMITTER: Travers E
PROVIDER: S-EPMC10621920 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jan
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
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Project description:Education and literacy have long been associated with a range of economic and social outcomes in industrialized societies. Recent research based on large-scale national and international surveys has examined effects of education and literacy on individuals' social and economic outcomes. This paper takes a further step in understanding the importance of literacy for individuals' economic and social outcomes by disentangling the effects of two different aspects of literacy, literacy proficiency as measured by standardized tests and reading engagement as measured by self-reports of everyday reading activities. Using recent nationally representative survey data from New Zealand, multivariate regression models estimate the effects of reading engagement on earnings, health, social trust, political efficacy and civic engagement. Reading engagement has statistical and substantial positive effects on each of these outcomes with the effects of literacy proficiency, education and other important variables held constant. Although these results do not imply a causal relationship between reading engagement and the outcomes, they have important implications for policy and practice in adult education as well as for future research about the role of reading engagement in wellbeing more generally.
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Project description:Indigenous peoples in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the United States of America (USA) have a higher burden of chronic lung disease than non-Indigenous people. Exercised-based interventions, such as pulmonary rehabilitation, are highly effective to manage chronic lung disease. The outcomes of these interventions for Indigenous people require evaluation. The aim of this review was to critically appraise the literature on the impact of exercise-based interventions on quality of life, exercise capacity and health care utilisation in Indigenous adults with chronic lung disease in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and USA. The Cochrane Library, Medline, Embase, CINAHL, Scopus, Psychinfo, APAIS-Aboriginal Health and PEDro databases were searched for peer-reviewed and grey literature that evaluated exercise-based interventions, such as pulmonary rehabilitation for Indigenous adults with chronic lung disease in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and USA. Two authors independently screened and reviewed titles and abstract and full texts of potentially eligible studies for inclusion. An Indigenous decolonisation methodological framework was also applied to evaluate Indigenous governance, involvement, and engagement in the studies. A total of 3,598 records were screened, nine full papers were reviewed, and one was study included, which was a cardiopulmonary rehabilitation program for Indigenous people in Australia. Participants with chronic respiratory or heart disease significantly improved functional exercise capacity and quality of life [six-minute walk distance mean change (95% CI) 79 metres (47 to 111); Chronic Respiratory Questionnaire Dyspnoea 0.9 points (0.2 to 1.5)]. Several items of the decolonisation framework were addressed. Only one study was able to be included in the review, highlighting the paucity of research about culturally safe exercise-based interventions for Indigenous adults with chronic lung disease. There is a need for further research with strong Indigenous governance, involvement, and engagement.
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Project description:In positive psychology optimal wellbeing is considered a broad, multi-dimensional construct encompassing both feelings and functioning. Yet, this notion of wellbeing has not been translated into public health. The purpose of this study is to integrate public health and positive psychology to determine associations between lifestyle behaviours and optimal wellbeing in a diverse sample of New Zealand adults.A web-based survey design was employed to collect data. Participants reported on their wellbeing and lifestyle behaviours including nutrition, exercise, sedentary behaviour, and sleep. Optimal wellbeing was calculated using a multi-dimensional scale designed to mirror the internationally recognised diagnostic criteria for mental disorders. Binary logistic regression was used to calculate associations between 10 lifestyle behaviours and optimal wellbeing.Of the total sample (n = 9514), 24 % met the criteria for optimal wellbeing. Compared to reference groups, the association with optimal wellbeing was greater for those who reported exercising ≥ 7 times/week (odds ratio: 1.61, 95 % confidence interval: 1.22-2.13, p < 0.01) and sitting "almost none of the time" (1.87, 1.01-3.29, p < 0.01). Optimal wellbeing was lower for those reporting restless sleep "almost all of the time" (0.24, 95 % CI: 0.17-0.32 p < 0.01) and consuming sugary drinks 5-6 times/week (0.73, 95 % CI: 0.53-0.95, p < 0.05).Public health and positive psychology were integrated to provide support for a relationship between lifestyle behaviours and a multi-dimensional measure of optimal wellbeing. It is likely this relationship between lifestyle behaviours and optimal wellbeing is bidirectional giving rise to the debate that holistic approaches are needed to promote positive health.
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Project description:The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted new mothers' wellbeing and breastfeeding experience. Women have experienced changes in birth and postnatal care and restricted access to their support network. It is unclear how these impacts may have changed over time with shifting rates of infection and policies restricting movement and access to services in Australia and New Zealand. This study investigated the longitudinal effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on breastfeeding and maternal wellbeing in Australia and New Zealand. Mothers (n = 246) completed an online survey every 4 weeks for 6 months that examined feeding methods, maternal mental wellbeing, worries, challenges, and positive experiences during the pandemic. Mothers maintained high full breastfeeding rates at 4 months (81%) which decreased to 37% at 6 months. Perceived low milk supply contributed to the earlier cessation of full breastfeeding. Poor infant sleep was associated with stress, perinatal anxiety, mental wellbeing, and breastfeeding status. Although mothers initially reported that lockdowns helped with family bonding and less pressure, prolonged lockdowns appeared to have adverse effects on access to social networks and extended family support. Conclusion: The results highlight the changing dynamic of the pandemic and the need for adaptable perinatal services which allow mothers access to in-person services and their support network even in lockdowns. Similarly, access to continuous education and clinical care remains critical for women experiencing concerns about their milk supply, infant sleep, and their own wellbeing. What is Known: • The COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown restrictions have significantly affected perinatal mental health, disrupted maternal services, and subsequent breastfeeding. What is New: • In Australia and New Zealand, breastfeeding women experienced challenges to their mental wellbeing, sleep, and breastfeeding, which was likely exacerbated over time by the pandemic. Lockdowns, while initially beneficial for some families, became detrimental to maternal support and wellbeing.
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Project description:Healthful dietary habits are individually associated with better nutrient intake and positive health outcomes; however, this information is rarely examined together to validate an indicator of diet quality. This study developed a 15-item Healthy Dietary Habits Index (HDHI) based on self-reported dietary habits information collected in the 2008/09 New Zealand Adult Nutrition Survey. The validity of HDHI as a diet quality index was examined in relation to sociodemographic factors, 24-diet recall derived nutrient intakes, and nutritional biomarkers in a representative sample of adults aged 19 years and above. Linear regression models were employed to determine associations between HDHI quintiles and energy-adjusted nutrient data and nutritional biomarkers. Significantly higher HDHI scores were found among women, older age groups, Non-Māori or Pacific ethnic groups, and less socioeconomically-deprived groups (all p < 0.001). Increasing quintiles of HDHI were associated with higher intakes of dietary fibre and seven micronutrients including calcium, iron, and vitamin C, and lower intakes of energy, macronutrients, sodium, zinc, vitamins B6 and B12. Associations in the expected directions were also found for urinary sodium, whole blood folate, serum and red blood cell folate, and plasma selenium (all p < 0.001). The present findings suggest that the HDHI is a valid measure of diet quality as it is capable of discerning quality of diets of subgroups and ranking nutrient intakes among NZ adults.
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Project description:The ANZDATA Registry includes all patients treated with renal replacement therapy (RRT) throughout Australia and New Zealand. Funding is predominantly from government sources, together with the non-government organization Kidney Health Australia. Registry operations are overseen by an Executive committee, and a Steering Committee with wide representation. Data is collected from renal units throughout Australia and New Zealand on a regular basis, and forwarded to the Registry. Areas covered include demographic details, primary renal disease, type of renal replacement therapy, process measures, and a variety of outcomes. From this data collection a number of themes of work are produced. These include production of Registry reports with an extensive range of national and regional data, a suite of quality assurance reports, key process indicator (KPI) reports, and data sets for a variety of audit and research purposes. The various types of information from the ANZDATA Registry are used in a wide variety of areas, including health services planning, safety and quality programs, and clinical research projects.
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Project description:This position statement, updated from the 2015 guidelines for managing Australian and New Zealand children/adolescents and adults with chronic suppurative lung disease (CSLD) and bronchiectasis, resulted from systematic literature searches by a multi-disciplinary team that included consumers. The main statements are: Diagnose CSLD and bronchiectasis early; this requires awareness of bronchiectasis symptoms and its co-existence with other respiratory diseases (e.g., asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). Confirm bronchiectasis with a chest computed-tomography scan, using age-appropriate protocols and criteria in children. Undertake a baseline panel of investigations. Assess baseline severity, and health impact, and develop individualized management plans that include a multi-disciplinary approach and coordinated care between healthcare providers. Employ intensive treatment to improve symptom control, reduce exacerbation frequency, preserve lung function, optimize quality-of-life and enhance survival. In children, treatment also aims to optimize lung growth and, when possible, reverse bronchiectasis. Individualize airway clearance techniques (ACTs) taught by respiratory physiotherapists, encourage regular exercise, optimize nutrition, avoid air pollutants and administer vaccines following national schedules. Treat exacerbations with 14-day antibiotic courses based upon lower airway culture results, local antibiotic susceptibility patterns, clinical severity and patient tolerance. Patients with severe exacerbations and/or not responding to outpatient therapy are hospitalized for further treatments, including intravenous antibiotics and intensive ACTs. Eradicate Pseudomonas aeruginosa when newly detected in lower airway cultures. Individualize therapy for long-term antibiotics, inhaled corticosteroids, bronchodilators and mucoactive agents. Ensure ongoing care with 6-monthly monitoring for complications and co-morbidities. Undertake optimal care of under-served peoples, and despite its challenges, delivering best-practice treatment remains the overriding aim.
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Project description:Physical activity (PA) participation was substantially reduced at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this study was to assess the association between PA, mental health, and wellbeing during and following the easing of COVID-19 restrictions in the United Kingdom (UK) and New Zealand (NZ). In this study, 3363 adults completed online surveys within 2-6 weeks of initial COVID-19 restrictions (April/May 2020) and once restrictions to human movement had been eased. Outcome measures included the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short-Form, Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale-9 (mental health) and World Health Organisation-5 Wellbeing Index. There were no differences in PA, mental health or wellbeing between timepoints (p > 0.05). Individuals engaging in moderate or high volume of PA had significantly better mental health (-1.1 and -1.7 units, respectively) and wellbeing (11.4 and 18.6 units, respectively) than individuals who engaged in low PA (p < 0.001). Mental health was better once COVID-19 restrictions were eased (p < 0.001). NZ had better mental health and wellbeing than the UK (p < 0.001). Participation in moderate-to-high volumes of PA was associated with better mental health and wellbeing, both during and following periods of COVID-19 containment, compared to participation in low volumes of PA. Where applicable, during the current or future pandemic(s), moderate-to-high volumes of PA should be encouraged.
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Project description:This systematic review assessed the current evidence base of substance use prevention programs for Indigenous adolescents in the USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. The authors investigated (a) the outcomes, type, setting and context of prevention programs; (b) the common components of beneficial prevention programs; and (c) the methodological quality of evaluations of included prevention programs. The authors searched eight peer-reviewed and 20 grey literature databases for studies published between 1 January 1990 and 31 August 2017. Data extracted included type of program (culturally adapted, culture-based or unadapted), the setting (school, community, family or multi-setting), delivery (computerised or traditional), context (Indigenous-specific or multi-cultural environment) and common components of the programs. Program evaluation methodologies were critically appraised against standardised criteria. This review identified 26 eligible studies. Substance use prevention programs for Indigenous youth led to reductions in substance use frequency and intention to use; improvements in substance-related knowledge, attitudes and resistance strategies; and delay in substance use initiation. Key elements of beneficial programs included substance use education, skills development, cultural knowledge enhancement and community involvement in program development. Five programs were rated as methodologically strong, seven were moderate and fourteen were weak. Prevention programs have the potential to reduce substance use among Indigenous adolescents, especially when they are developed in partnership with Indigenous people. However, more rigorously conducted evaluation trials are required to strengthen the evidence base.
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Project description:ObjectivesSubjective wellbeing has been defined as an individual's personal appraisal of their quality of life. Subjective wellbeing is associated with positive health behaviours and improved coping abilities. This study aimed to investigate the subjective wellbeing of people living with multiple sclerosis (MS), using the novel Personal Wellbeing Index, and make comparisons with the general population.MethodsCross-sectional data was obtained from the Australian Multiple Sclerosis Longitudinal Study and the How Is Your Life Australian general population study in August-October 2020. Subjective wellbeing was measured as life satisfaction using the Personal Wellbeing Index. This instrument measures life satisfaction globally and in seven life domains, allowing the importance of domain-specific life satisfaction to be explored. Descriptive and multivariable regression analyses were conducted.ResultsOne thousand six hundred eighty-three MS and 1,021 general population participants entered the study (mean age 52.4 and 58.6; female 79.9% and 52.4%, respectively). For people living with MS the most important life domains were standard of living and achieving in life. The domain of personal health was more influential for people living with MS (p < 0.01) than the general population. The life domains most susceptible to MS-related disability were personal health, achieving in life, and community connectedness (p < 0.01 for these domains).ConclusionPersonal health and achieving in life are key domains through which the subjective wellbeing of people living with MS is modified. This study recommends the development of interventions to support healthy perceptions of illness and continued employment as paramount in improving the subjective wellbeing of people living with MS.
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