Introduction and Aims. This study aimed to examine the perceived risks and benefits of quitting i... more Introduction and Aims. This study aimed to examine the perceived risks and benefits of quitting in smokers diagnosed with psychosis, including potential gender differences and comparisons to smokers in the general population. Design and Methods. Data was collected from 200 people diagnosed with psychosis participating in a randomised controlled trial testing the effectiveness of a multi-component intervention for smoking cessation and cardiovascular disease risk reduction in people with severe mental illness. Results were compared to both treatment and non-treatment seeking smokers in the general population. Results. Male and female smokers with psychosis generally had similar perceived risks and benefits of quitting. Females rated it significantly more likely that they would experience weight gain and negative affect upon quitting than males diagnosed with psychosis. Compared to smokers in the general population also seeking smoking cessation treatment, this sample of smokers with psychosis demonstrated fewer gender differences and lower ratings of perceived risks and benefits of quitting. The pattern of risk and benefit ratings in smokers diagnosed with psychosis were similar to those of non-treatment seeking smokers in the general population. Discussion and Conclusions. These results increase our understanding of smoking in people with severe mental illness, and can directly inform smoking interventions to maximise successful abstinence for this group of smokers. For female smokers with psychosis, smoking cessation interventions need to address concerns regarding weight gain and negative affect. Intervention strategies aimed at enhancing beliefs about the benefits of quitting smoking for both male and female smokers with psychosis are necessary.
Background: Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media (CSOM) is the commonest cause of preventable deafnes... more Background: Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media (CSOM) is the commonest cause of preventable deafness, affecting 164 million people worldwide, 90 % of whom live in low resource countries, such as Nepal. Simple, inexpensive treatment of acute otitis media can prevent the development of CSOM and its sequelae: deafness, abscess, encephalitis, and, rarely, death. CSOM is a disease of poverty and its social determinants: low parental education, overcrowding, poor hygiene and malnutrition. Previous studies have established economic, socio-cultural and geographic barriers to care seeking for childhood illness in the developing world and, in particular, in Nepal. The ultimate aim of this research is to improve the ear health of the children in Jumla, Nepal. The primary outcome is an increase in mother's knowledge, attitude and practice regarding ear disease in their children. The secondary outcome is a reduction in the prevalence of CSOM in their children. Methods/design: Using 56 existing women's self-help groups, sample size, adjusting for clustering and data analysis, is set at 15 groups per arm. A baseline survey of 30 randomly selected groups will be performed, consisting of a knowledge, attitude and practice questionnaire aimed at women who participate in self-help groups, as well as examination of their children's ears. This will be followed by random allocation, stratified by geography, into 15 intervention and 15 control groups. The intervention groups will participate in three interactive educational sessions at their regular monthly meetings based on World Health Organisation Primary Ear and Hearing Resource, Basic Level. The control groups will continue their usual monthly group meetings. At 12 months, a follow-up assessment of both control and intervention groups will be performed, with a repeat women's survey and repeat ear examination of the children. Data analysis will be by intention to treat and clustering will be considered at every stage. Cluster level data will be analysed using t-test and individual level data using mixed effects linear regression and logistic regression random effects model as appropriate. Discussion: Despite its remote location, Jumla has a vibrant network of health posts and community workers. This project uses existing, local resources and will be undertaken in a way that is consistent with the cultural understanding of the local community in Jumla and acceptable to local care-givers. Trial registration: Australia and New Zealand Clinical Trials Register, ACTRN12614000231640.
Gender differences in characteristics and outcomes of smokers diagnosed with psychosis participat... more Gender differences in characteristics and outcomes of smokers diagnosed with psychosis participating in a smoking cessation intervention.
Background and methods: The prevention and control of breast cancer in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) i... more Background and methods: The prevention and control of breast cancer in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is an increasingly critical public health issue. Breast cancer is the most frequent female cancer in SSA and mortality rates from this disease are the highest globally. Breast cancer has traditionally been considered a disease of high-income countries, and programs for early detection have been developed and implemented in these settings. However, screening programs for breast cancer in SSA have been less effective than in high-income countries. This article reviews the literature on breast cancer in SSA, focusing on early detection practices. It then examines the case for and against mammography and other early detection approaches for breast cancer in SSA. Results: Women with breast cancer in SSA are younger compared with high-income countries. Most women present with advanced disease and because treatment options are limited, have poor prognoses. Delay between symptom onset and healthcare seeking is common. Engagement with early detection practices such as mammography and breast examination is low and contributes to late stage at diagnosis. Discussion: While early detection of breast cancer through screening has contributed to important reductions in mortality in many high-income countries, most countries in SSA have not been able to implement and sustain screening programs due to financial, logistical and sociocultural constraints. Mammography is widely used in high-income countries but has several limitations in SSA and is likely to have a higher harm-to-benefit ratio. Breast self-examination and clinical breast examination are alternative early detection methods which are more widely used by women in SSA compared with mammography, and are less resource intensive. An alternative approach to breast cancer screening programs for SSA is clinical downstaging, where the focus is on detecting breast cancer earlier in symptomatic women. Evidence demonstrates effectiveness of clinical downstaging among women presenting with late stage disease. Conclusions: Approaches for early detection of breast cancer in SSA need to be context-specific. While screening programs with mammography have been effective in high-income countries, evidence suggests that other strategies might be equally important in reducing mortality from breast cancer, particularly in low-resource settings. There is a strong argument for further research into the feasability and acceptability of clinical downstaging for the control of breast cancer in SSA.
Background: Cervical cancer is the leading cancer among Ugandan women, contributing to 40 % of al... more Background: Cervical cancer is the leading cancer among Ugandan women, contributing to 40 % of all cancer cases recorded in the cancer registry. Having identified the substantial impact of cervical cancer among Ugandan women, the Ministry of Health in 2010 launched a Strategic Plan for Cervical Cancer prevention and control. This study was conducted to determine if health workers working in rural health centres (HCs) III and IV in Northern Uganda provide cervical cancer screening services as recommended in the Strategic Plan. Methods: A cross-sectional survey using a structured questionnaire was conducted among nurses, midwives and clinical officers working in rural HC III and IV in Northern Uganda. Data were entered in Epidata 3.1 and analysed using Stata 16 statistical software. Univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analyses were performed. Any factor with pvalue ≤ 0.05 was considered a significant predictor of outcome. Results: We surveyed 286 health workers. Fifty-one (18 %) health workers were screening women for cervical cancer. Fifty-eight (21 %) health workers have guideline for cervical cancer screening in their HCs, 93 (33 %) participants were trained to screen women for cervical cancer. Two hundred sixty-two (92 %) participants provided HPV vaccination. Two hundred forty-six (87 %) participants were conducting health education about cervical cancer in their HCs. Factors associated with screening women for cervical cancer include: being a staff member from HCs III (AOR = 0.30, 95 % CI 0.13-0.68, p = 0.00), being staff of HCs that have organization to support cervical cancer screening services (AOR = 4.38, 95 % CI 1.99-9.63, p-=0.00), being a health worker who had been trained to screen for cervical cancer (AOR = 2.21, 95 % CI 1.00-4.90, p = 0.05) and staff from HCs that has guideline for cervical cancer screening (AOR = 2.89, 95 % CI 1.22-6.86, p = 0.02). Conclusions: This study shows an overall structural problem related to the delivery of cervical cancer screening services in HC III and IV in Northern Uganda which the Strategic Plan has not addressed. These structural problems need urgent attention if the Uganda government and other sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries are to achieve the World Health Organization (WHO) 90-70-90 targets by 2030 to be on track for cervical cancer elimination.
Background Cardiovascular disease is a major cause of death and a reason for hospital admissions.... more Background Cardiovascular disease is a major cause of death and a reason for hospital admissions. The hospital stay is a window of opportunity to assist smokers to quit. Methods Patients from selected wards in four teaching hospitals in Sydney, Australia were screened using a self-completed general health questionnaire. The questionnaire included questions on demographic variables, tobacco and alcohol consumption, attitudes towards tobacco and alcohol use, and a measure of readiness to change high-risk lifestyle behaviors, based on that proposed by Prochaska and DiClemente [l 1. Results The total number of screening questionnaires completed was 2,815: 78% men and 22% women. The average age of the sample was 44 years, 48% were married or living in a de fact0 relationship whilst 35% never married, with the rest widowed, separated or divorced. A total of 877 (31 %) patients reported smoking: 33% of men and 24% of women screened. Predictors of smoking were sex, age, marital status, education level and socioeconomic status. A significant association was found between excessive drinking and smoking. Among the smoking patients, 157 (1 8%) planned no change in smoking (precontemplation), 379 (43%) were ambivalent about smoking (contemplation), and 334 (38%) were serious about quitting. Conclusion As about one third of patients in hospital are smokers, the hospital is an ideal setting for the delivety of brief interventions by a range of health personnel at the patients bedside. The use of a detection instrument measuring levels of intake and readiness to change tobacco use is described, as a practical method for targeting patients in hospital who are at risk or have already developed cigarette-related diseases, such as cardiovascular disease.
"Self-reported reasons for smoking: predicting abstinence and implications for smoking cessation ... more "Self-reported reasons for smoking: predicting abstinence and implications for smoking cessation treatments among those with a psychotic disorder".
Background: Cervical cancer is a leading cancer and cause of premature death among women in Ugand... more Background: Cervical cancer is a leading cancer and cause of premature death among women in Uganda aged 15 to 44 years. To address the increasing burden of cervical cancer in Uganda, the Ministry of Health has adopted several strategies which include public education and advocacy. This study aims to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practice of cervical cancer prevention among health workers employed in rural health centres (HCs) III and IV in the Acholi sub-region of Northern Uganda. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey of nurses, midwives, and clinical officers between February and April 2019 using self-administered questionnaire. We sampled fifty-four HCs III and eight HCs IV. In Uganda, HCs are structured from HC I to HC IV and the health care package provided increases with increasing level of the HC. We used Epidata version 3.1 to create database and analysis was performed using Stata 16. Descriptive and logistic regression analyses were performed. Factors with p-values ≤ 0.05 were considered as predictors of outcome. Results: There were 286 participants who completed the questionnaire: Majority (188, 66%) were females. Nurses were 153 (54%). 141 (75%) female participants self-reported to have been screened for cervical cancer. 171 (60%) participants had adequate knowledge of cervical cancer. 187 (66%) participants had positive attitudes. Participants who indicated not to have ever received training on cervical cancer screening were less likely to have adequate knowledge (AOR = 0.39, 95% CI 0.21-0.71). Participants who indicated not to have ever been trained on cervical cancer screening were less likely to have positive attitudes (AOR = 0.52, 95% CI 0.28-0.97). Conclusion: Health workers from rural HCs in Uganda play crucial role in cervical cancer prevention as they can reach a wider community. Their significance in the prevention of cervical cancer points to the need for Uganda and other sub-Sahara Africa (SSA) countries to establish training to improve their knowledge, attitudes, and practical skills on cervical cancer screening. Furthermore, Uganda government should develop and disseminate guidelines for cervical cancer prevention to rural health workers to promote standardised cervical cancer prevention activities.
The effectiveness, safety and cost-effectiveness of cytisine versus varenicline for smoking cessa... more The effectiveness, safety and cost-effectiveness of cytisine versus varenicline for smoking cessation in an Australian population: a study protocol for a randomized controlled non-inferiority trial. Addiction, 114(5), 923-933.
A total of 305 subjects from Sydney were randomly allocated to receive either an active (24 hour ... more A total of 305 subjects from Sydney were randomly allocated to receive either an active (24 hour transdermal nicotine patch over a 10 week course) or placebo nicotine patch. All subjects participated in a multicomponent cognitive-behavioural smoking cessation programme over five weeks in two-hour group sessions. The continuous abstinence rates at three years (validated by expired carbon monoxide) were 13.8% for the active group and 5.2% for placebo group (p = 0.011). The active nicotine patch with behavioural therapy achieved more than double the abstinence rates early in treatment compared with placebo and this diVerence was maintained throughout the three year follow up.
Cervical cancer is a critical public health issue in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), where it is the se... more Cervical cancer is a critical public health issue in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), where it is the second leading cause of cancer among women and the leading cause of female cancer deaths. Incidence and mortality rates are substantially higher than in high-income countries with population-based screening programs, yet implementing screening programs in SSA has so far proven to be challenging due to financial, logistical, and sociocultural factors. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination is an effective approach for primary prevention of cervical cancer and presents an opportunity to reduce the burden from cervical cancer in SSA. With a number of SSA countries now eligible for Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI) support for vaccine introduction, it is timely to consider the factors that impede and facilitate implementation of vaccine programs in SSA. This article describes epidemiological features of cervical cancer in SSA and the current status of HPV vaccine implementation in SSA countries. Rwanda's experience of achieving high vaccination coverage in their national HPV immunization program is used as a case study to explore effective approaches to the design and implementation of HPV vaccination programs in SSA. Key factors in Rwanda's successful implementation included government ownership and support for the program, school-based delivery, social mobilization, and strategies for reaching out-of-school girls. These findings might usefully be applied to other SSA countries planning for HPV vaccination.
ObjectiveTo assess the effect of digital health (DH), biomarker feedback (BF) and nurse or midwif... more ObjectiveTo assess the effect of digital health (DH), biomarker feedback (BF) and nurse or midwife-led counselling (NoMC) interventions on abstinence in pregnant smokers during pregnancy and postpartum.SettingsAny healthcare setting servicing pregnant women, including any country globally.ParticipantsPregnant women of any social, ethnic or geographical background who smoke.MethodsWe searched Embase, Medline, Web Of Science, Google Scholar, PsychINFO, CINAHL and PubMed between 2007 and November 2021. We included published original intervention studies in English with comparators (usual care or placebo). Two independent assessors screened and abstracted data. We performed a random-effects meta-analysis, assessed risk of bias with the Cochrane Tool and used Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation to assess the quality of evidence.ResultsWe identified 57 studies and included 54 in the meta-analysis. Sixteen studies assessed DH (n=3961), 6 BF (n=1643), 32 NoMC (...
Background: Prisoners have extremely high rates of smoking with rates 3–4 times higher than the g... more Background: Prisoners have extremely high rates of smoking with rates 3–4 times higher than the general community. Many prisoners have used heroin. The aims of this study were to investigate the impact of heroin use on smoking cessation and the social determinants of health among prisoners. Methods: Secondary analysis of data from a randomised controlled trial of a multi-component smoking cessation intervention involving 425 Australian male prisoners. Inmates who, prior to imprisonment, used heroin regularly were compared to those who did not use heroin regularly. Self-reported smoking status was validated at baseline and each follow-up by measuring carbon monoxide levels. Readings exceeding 10 ppm were defined as indicating current smoking. Results: Over half (56.5%) of the participants had ever used heroin while 37.7% regularly (daily or almost daily) used heroin in the year prior to entering prison. Prisoners who regularly used heroin had significantly worse social determinants o...
British journal of medicine and medical research, Jan 10, 2013
Background: Prisoners endure some of the worst health outcomes of any population group in the com... more Background: Prisoners endure some of the worst health outcomes of any population group in the community. Smoking rates among prisoners remain high despite a significant reduction in smoking rates among the general public. This protocol describes a study in which we will assess the effectiveness of a smoking cessation intervention conducted among male prisoners. Methods/Design: 425 male smoking prisoners will be recruited. After completion of a baseline assessment, participants will receive a multi-component smoking cessation intervention comprising two half hour individual sessions of cognitive behavioural therapy and nicotine replacement therapy with either active Nortriptyline or placebo. Blinded follow up assessments will be conducted at 3, 6 and 12 months. Discussion: This study will provide data on the efficacy of Nortriptyline as a smoking cessation aid for male prisoners in combination with a multi-component smoking cessation intervention. No other smoking cessation randomised controlled trials on male Study Protocol
This study sought to explored the impact of smoking reduction on suicidality (suicide ideation an... more This study sought to explored the impact of smoking reduction on suicidality (suicide ideation and behavior) among people with a psychotic disorder (n=235) who participated in a randomized trial of a healthy lifestyle intervention trial. Suicidality, measured by item-4 of the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) was the main variable of interest. Measures were collected by research assistants blind to treatment allocation at baseline, at 15 weeks (midintervention) and 12 months after baseline. Mediation analysis, adjusted for confounders, was used to determine the relationship between smoking reduction and suicidality and to explore whether this was mediated through depression. At 12 months, smoking reduction was found to be significantly associated with suicidality change; an association was also seen between smoking reduction and depression and depression and suicidality. After adjusting for depression, the association between smoking reduction and suicidality was reduced attenuated but remained statistically significant; the proportion of the total effect that was mediated through depression was 30%. There was no significant association between suicidality and treatment group (vs. controls) over time. Our study suggests that smoking interventions may have benefits over and above those for improved physical health, by reducing suicidal ideation in people with psychosis.
Introduction and Aims. This study aimed to examine the perceived risks and benefits of quitting i... more Introduction and Aims. This study aimed to examine the perceived risks and benefits of quitting in smokers diagnosed with psychosis, including potential gender differences and comparisons to smokers in the general population. Design and Methods. Data was collected from 200 people diagnosed with psychosis participating in a randomised controlled trial testing the effectiveness of a multi-component intervention for smoking cessation and cardiovascular disease risk reduction in people with severe mental illness. Results were compared to both treatment and non-treatment seeking smokers in the general population. Results. Male and female smokers with psychosis generally had similar perceived risks and benefits of quitting. Females rated it significantly more likely that they would experience weight gain and negative affect upon quitting than males diagnosed with psychosis. Compared to smokers in the general population also seeking smoking cessation treatment, this sample of smokers with psychosis demonstrated fewer gender differences and lower ratings of perceived risks and benefits of quitting. The pattern of risk and benefit ratings in smokers diagnosed with psychosis were similar to those of non-treatment seeking smokers in the general population. Discussion and Conclusions. These results increase our understanding of smoking in people with severe mental illness, and can directly inform smoking interventions to maximise successful abstinence for this group of smokers. For female smokers with psychosis, smoking cessation interventions need to address concerns regarding weight gain and negative affect. Intervention strategies aimed at enhancing beliefs about the benefits of quitting smoking for both male and female smokers with psychosis are necessary.
Background: Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media (CSOM) is the commonest cause of preventable deafnes... more Background: Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media (CSOM) is the commonest cause of preventable deafness, affecting 164 million people worldwide, 90 % of whom live in low resource countries, such as Nepal. Simple, inexpensive treatment of acute otitis media can prevent the development of CSOM and its sequelae: deafness, abscess, encephalitis, and, rarely, death. CSOM is a disease of poverty and its social determinants: low parental education, overcrowding, poor hygiene and malnutrition. Previous studies have established economic, socio-cultural and geographic barriers to care seeking for childhood illness in the developing world and, in particular, in Nepal. The ultimate aim of this research is to improve the ear health of the children in Jumla, Nepal. The primary outcome is an increase in mother's knowledge, attitude and practice regarding ear disease in their children. The secondary outcome is a reduction in the prevalence of CSOM in their children. Methods/design: Using 56 existing women's self-help groups, sample size, adjusting for clustering and data analysis, is set at 15 groups per arm. A baseline survey of 30 randomly selected groups will be performed, consisting of a knowledge, attitude and practice questionnaire aimed at women who participate in self-help groups, as well as examination of their children's ears. This will be followed by random allocation, stratified by geography, into 15 intervention and 15 control groups. The intervention groups will participate in three interactive educational sessions at their regular monthly meetings based on World Health Organisation Primary Ear and Hearing Resource, Basic Level. The control groups will continue their usual monthly group meetings. At 12 months, a follow-up assessment of both control and intervention groups will be performed, with a repeat women's survey and repeat ear examination of the children. Data analysis will be by intention to treat and clustering will be considered at every stage. Cluster level data will be analysed using t-test and individual level data using mixed effects linear regression and logistic regression random effects model as appropriate. Discussion: Despite its remote location, Jumla has a vibrant network of health posts and community workers. This project uses existing, local resources and will be undertaken in a way that is consistent with the cultural understanding of the local community in Jumla and acceptable to local care-givers. Trial registration: Australia and New Zealand Clinical Trials Register, ACTRN12614000231640.
Gender differences in characteristics and outcomes of smokers diagnosed with psychosis participat... more Gender differences in characteristics and outcomes of smokers diagnosed with psychosis participating in a smoking cessation intervention.
Background and methods: The prevention and control of breast cancer in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) i... more Background and methods: The prevention and control of breast cancer in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is an increasingly critical public health issue. Breast cancer is the most frequent female cancer in SSA and mortality rates from this disease are the highest globally. Breast cancer has traditionally been considered a disease of high-income countries, and programs for early detection have been developed and implemented in these settings. However, screening programs for breast cancer in SSA have been less effective than in high-income countries. This article reviews the literature on breast cancer in SSA, focusing on early detection practices. It then examines the case for and against mammography and other early detection approaches for breast cancer in SSA. Results: Women with breast cancer in SSA are younger compared with high-income countries. Most women present with advanced disease and because treatment options are limited, have poor prognoses. Delay between symptom onset and healthcare seeking is common. Engagement with early detection practices such as mammography and breast examination is low and contributes to late stage at diagnosis. Discussion: While early detection of breast cancer through screening has contributed to important reductions in mortality in many high-income countries, most countries in SSA have not been able to implement and sustain screening programs due to financial, logistical and sociocultural constraints. Mammography is widely used in high-income countries but has several limitations in SSA and is likely to have a higher harm-to-benefit ratio. Breast self-examination and clinical breast examination are alternative early detection methods which are more widely used by women in SSA compared with mammography, and are less resource intensive. An alternative approach to breast cancer screening programs for SSA is clinical downstaging, where the focus is on detecting breast cancer earlier in symptomatic women. Evidence demonstrates effectiveness of clinical downstaging among women presenting with late stage disease. Conclusions: Approaches for early detection of breast cancer in SSA need to be context-specific. While screening programs with mammography have been effective in high-income countries, evidence suggests that other strategies might be equally important in reducing mortality from breast cancer, particularly in low-resource settings. There is a strong argument for further research into the feasability and acceptability of clinical downstaging for the control of breast cancer in SSA.
Background: Cervical cancer is the leading cancer among Ugandan women, contributing to 40 % of al... more Background: Cervical cancer is the leading cancer among Ugandan women, contributing to 40 % of all cancer cases recorded in the cancer registry. Having identified the substantial impact of cervical cancer among Ugandan women, the Ministry of Health in 2010 launched a Strategic Plan for Cervical Cancer prevention and control. This study was conducted to determine if health workers working in rural health centres (HCs) III and IV in Northern Uganda provide cervical cancer screening services as recommended in the Strategic Plan. Methods: A cross-sectional survey using a structured questionnaire was conducted among nurses, midwives and clinical officers working in rural HC III and IV in Northern Uganda. Data were entered in Epidata 3.1 and analysed using Stata 16 statistical software. Univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analyses were performed. Any factor with pvalue ≤ 0.05 was considered a significant predictor of outcome. Results: We surveyed 286 health workers. Fifty-one (18 %) health workers were screening women for cervical cancer. Fifty-eight (21 %) health workers have guideline for cervical cancer screening in their HCs, 93 (33 %) participants were trained to screen women for cervical cancer. Two hundred sixty-two (92 %) participants provided HPV vaccination. Two hundred forty-six (87 %) participants were conducting health education about cervical cancer in their HCs. Factors associated with screening women for cervical cancer include: being a staff member from HCs III (AOR = 0.30, 95 % CI 0.13-0.68, p = 0.00), being staff of HCs that have organization to support cervical cancer screening services (AOR = 4.38, 95 % CI 1.99-9.63, p-=0.00), being a health worker who had been trained to screen for cervical cancer (AOR = 2.21, 95 % CI 1.00-4.90, p = 0.05) and staff from HCs that has guideline for cervical cancer screening (AOR = 2.89, 95 % CI 1.22-6.86, p = 0.02). Conclusions: This study shows an overall structural problem related to the delivery of cervical cancer screening services in HC III and IV in Northern Uganda which the Strategic Plan has not addressed. These structural problems need urgent attention if the Uganda government and other sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries are to achieve the World Health Organization (WHO) 90-70-90 targets by 2030 to be on track for cervical cancer elimination.
Background Cardiovascular disease is a major cause of death and a reason for hospital admissions.... more Background Cardiovascular disease is a major cause of death and a reason for hospital admissions. The hospital stay is a window of opportunity to assist smokers to quit. Methods Patients from selected wards in four teaching hospitals in Sydney, Australia were screened using a self-completed general health questionnaire. The questionnaire included questions on demographic variables, tobacco and alcohol consumption, attitudes towards tobacco and alcohol use, and a measure of readiness to change high-risk lifestyle behaviors, based on that proposed by Prochaska and DiClemente [l 1. Results The total number of screening questionnaires completed was 2,815: 78% men and 22% women. The average age of the sample was 44 years, 48% were married or living in a de fact0 relationship whilst 35% never married, with the rest widowed, separated or divorced. A total of 877 (31 %) patients reported smoking: 33% of men and 24% of women screened. Predictors of smoking were sex, age, marital status, education level and socioeconomic status. A significant association was found between excessive drinking and smoking. Among the smoking patients, 157 (1 8%) planned no change in smoking (precontemplation), 379 (43%) were ambivalent about smoking (contemplation), and 334 (38%) were serious about quitting. Conclusion As about one third of patients in hospital are smokers, the hospital is an ideal setting for the delivety of brief interventions by a range of health personnel at the patients bedside. The use of a detection instrument measuring levels of intake and readiness to change tobacco use is described, as a practical method for targeting patients in hospital who are at risk or have already developed cigarette-related diseases, such as cardiovascular disease.
"Self-reported reasons for smoking: predicting abstinence and implications for smoking cessation ... more "Self-reported reasons for smoking: predicting abstinence and implications for smoking cessation treatments among those with a psychotic disorder".
Background: Cervical cancer is a leading cancer and cause of premature death among women in Ugand... more Background: Cervical cancer is a leading cancer and cause of premature death among women in Uganda aged 15 to 44 years. To address the increasing burden of cervical cancer in Uganda, the Ministry of Health has adopted several strategies which include public education and advocacy. This study aims to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practice of cervical cancer prevention among health workers employed in rural health centres (HCs) III and IV in the Acholi sub-region of Northern Uganda. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey of nurses, midwives, and clinical officers between February and April 2019 using self-administered questionnaire. We sampled fifty-four HCs III and eight HCs IV. In Uganda, HCs are structured from HC I to HC IV and the health care package provided increases with increasing level of the HC. We used Epidata version 3.1 to create database and analysis was performed using Stata 16. Descriptive and logistic regression analyses were performed. Factors with p-values ≤ 0.05 were considered as predictors of outcome. Results: There were 286 participants who completed the questionnaire: Majority (188, 66%) were females. Nurses were 153 (54%). 141 (75%) female participants self-reported to have been screened for cervical cancer. 171 (60%) participants had adequate knowledge of cervical cancer. 187 (66%) participants had positive attitudes. Participants who indicated not to have ever received training on cervical cancer screening were less likely to have adequate knowledge (AOR = 0.39, 95% CI 0.21-0.71). Participants who indicated not to have ever been trained on cervical cancer screening were less likely to have positive attitudes (AOR = 0.52, 95% CI 0.28-0.97). Conclusion: Health workers from rural HCs in Uganda play crucial role in cervical cancer prevention as they can reach a wider community. Their significance in the prevention of cervical cancer points to the need for Uganda and other sub-Sahara Africa (SSA) countries to establish training to improve their knowledge, attitudes, and practical skills on cervical cancer screening. Furthermore, Uganda government should develop and disseminate guidelines for cervical cancer prevention to rural health workers to promote standardised cervical cancer prevention activities.
The effectiveness, safety and cost-effectiveness of cytisine versus varenicline for smoking cessa... more The effectiveness, safety and cost-effectiveness of cytisine versus varenicline for smoking cessation in an Australian population: a study protocol for a randomized controlled non-inferiority trial. Addiction, 114(5), 923-933.
A total of 305 subjects from Sydney were randomly allocated to receive either an active (24 hour ... more A total of 305 subjects from Sydney were randomly allocated to receive either an active (24 hour transdermal nicotine patch over a 10 week course) or placebo nicotine patch. All subjects participated in a multicomponent cognitive-behavioural smoking cessation programme over five weeks in two-hour group sessions. The continuous abstinence rates at three years (validated by expired carbon monoxide) were 13.8% for the active group and 5.2% for placebo group (p = 0.011). The active nicotine patch with behavioural therapy achieved more than double the abstinence rates early in treatment compared with placebo and this diVerence was maintained throughout the three year follow up.
Cervical cancer is a critical public health issue in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), where it is the se... more Cervical cancer is a critical public health issue in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), where it is the second leading cause of cancer among women and the leading cause of female cancer deaths. Incidence and mortality rates are substantially higher than in high-income countries with population-based screening programs, yet implementing screening programs in SSA has so far proven to be challenging due to financial, logistical, and sociocultural factors. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination is an effective approach for primary prevention of cervical cancer and presents an opportunity to reduce the burden from cervical cancer in SSA. With a number of SSA countries now eligible for Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI) support for vaccine introduction, it is timely to consider the factors that impede and facilitate implementation of vaccine programs in SSA. This article describes epidemiological features of cervical cancer in SSA and the current status of HPV vaccine implementation in SSA countries. Rwanda's experience of achieving high vaccination coverage in their national HPV immunization program is used as a case study to explore effective approaches to the design and implementation of HPV vaccination programs in SSA. Key factors in Rwanda's successful implementation included government ownership and support for the program, school-based delivery, social mobilization, and strategies for reaching out-of-school girls. These findings might usefully be applied to other SSA countries planning for HPV vaccination.
ObjectiveTo assess the effect of digital health (DH), biomarker feedback (BF) and nurse or midwif... more ObjectiveTo assess the effect of digital health (DH), biomarker feedback (BF) and nurse or midwife-led counselling (NoMC) interventions on abstinence in pregnant smokers during pregnancy and postpartum.SettingsAny healthcare setting servicing pregnant women, including any country globally.ParticipantsPregnant women of any social, ethnic or geographical background who smoke.MethodsWe searched Embase, Medline, Web Of Science, Google Scholar, PsychINFO, CINAHL and PubMed between 2007 and November 2021. We included published original intervention studies in English with comparators (usual care or placebo). Two independent assessors screened and abstracted data. We performed a random-effects meta-analysis, assessed risk of bias with the Cochrane Tool and used Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation to assess the quality of evidence.ResultsWe identified 57 studies and included 54 in the meta-analysis. Sixteen studies assessed DH (n=3961), 6 BF (n=1643), 32 NoMC (...
Background: Prisoners have extremely high rates of smoking with rates 3–4 times higher than the g... more Background: Prisoners have extremely high rates of smoking with rates 3–4 times higher than the general community. Many prisoners have used heroin. The aims of this study were to investigate the impact of heroin use on smoking cessation and the social determinants of health among prisoners. Methods: Secondary analysis of data from a randomised controlled trial of a multi-component smoking cessation intervention involving 425 Australian male prisoners. Inmates who, prior to imprisonment, used heroin regularly were compared to those who did not use heroin regularly. Self-reported smoking status was validated at baseline and each follow-up by measuring carbon monoxide levels. Readings exceeding 10 ppm were defined as indicating current smoking. Results: Over half (56.5%) of the participants had ever used heroin while 37.7% regularly (daily or almost daily) used heroin in the year prior to entering prison. Prisoners who regularly used heroin had significantly worse social determinants o...
British journal of medicine and medical research, Jan 10, 2013
Background: Prisoners endure some of the worst health outcomes of any population group in the com... more Background: Prisoners endure some of the worst health outcomes of any population group in the community. Smoking rates among prisoners remain high despite a significant reduction in smoking rates among the general public. This protocol describes a study in which we will assess the effectiveness of a smoking cessation intervention conducted among male prisoners. Methods/Design: 425 male smoking prisoners will be recruited. After completion of a baseline assessment, participants will receive a multi-component smoking cessation intervention comprising two half hour individual sessions of cognitive behavioural therapy and nicotine replacement therapy with either active Nortriptyline or placebo. Blinded follow up assessments will be conducted at 3, 6 and 12 months. Discussion: This study will provide data on the efficacy of Nortriptyline as a smoking cessation aid for male prisoners in combination with a multi-component smoking cessation intervention. No other smoking cessation randomised controlled trials on male Study Protocol
This study sought to explored the impact of smoking reduction on suicidality (suicide ideation an... more This study sought to explored the impact of smoking reduction on suicidality (suicide ideation and behavior) among people with a psychotic disorder (n=235) who participated in a randomized trial of a healthy lifestyle intervention trial. Suicidality, measured by item-4 of the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) was the main variable of interest. Measures were collected by research assistants blind to treatment allocation at baseline, at 15 weeks (midintervention) and 12 months after baseline. Mediation analysis, adjusted for confounders, was used to determine the relationship between smoking reduction and suicidality and to explore whether this was mediated through depression. At 12 months, smoking reduction was found to be significantly associated with suicidality change; an association was also seen between smoking reduction and depression and depression and suicidality. After adjusting for depression, the association between smoking reduction and suicidality was reduced attenuated but remained statistically significant; the proportion of the total effect that was mediated through depression was 30%. There was no significant association between suicidality and treatment group (vs. controls) over time. Our study suggests that smoking interventions may have benefits over and above those for improved physical health, by reducing suicidal ideation in people with psychosis.
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