ObjectivesPsychosocial interventions that mitigate psychosocial distress in cancer patients are i... more ObjectivesPsychosocial interventions that mitigate psychosocial distress in cancer patients are important. The primary aim of this study was to examine the feasibility and acceptability of an adaptation of the Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) program among adult cancer patients. A secondary aim was to examine pre–post-program changes in psychosocial wellbeing.MethodThe research design was a feasibility and acceptability study, with an examination of pre- to post-intervention changes in psychosocial measures. A study information pack was posted to 173 adult cancer patients 6 months–5 years post-diagnosis, with an invitation to attend an eight-week group-based adaptation of the MSC program.ResultsThirty-two (19%) consented to the program, with 30 commencing. Twenty-seven completed the program (mean age: 62.93 years, SD 14.04; 17 [63%] female), attending a mean 6.93 (SD 1.11) group sessions. There were no significant differences in medico-demographic factors between program-completers and...
ObjectiveMeaning and Purpose (MaP) therapy aims to enhance meaning-based coping through a life re... more ObjectiveMeaning and Purpose (MaP) therapy aims to enhance meaning-based coping through a life review that focuses on the value and worth of the person, key relationships, sources of fulfillment, roles, and future priorities in living life out fully. We sought to test the feasibility and acceptability of a six-session model of MaP therapy against a wait-list control cohort in a pilot study seeking effect sizes on measures of adaptation.MethodWe randomized patients with advanced cancer to MaP therapy or wait-list control, with measures administered at baseline and after 6–8 weeks. Wait-list patients could then crossover to receive therapy, with further measures collected postintervention. Adherence to the manualized model was sustained through weekly supervision and fidelity coding of recorded sessions. We used generalized estimating equations to control for baseline and any correlation of data.ResultFrom 134 eligible participants, 57 (43%) consented, and 40 of 45 (89%) offered thera...
Many women with gynecological cancer report psychosocial distress, and clarification of the risks... more Many women with gynecological cancer report psychosocial distress, and clarification of the risks, vulnerabilities, and protective factors is required. The aim of this study was to investigate the lived experience of gynecological cancer patients and to understand the factors that underlie psychosocial distress. Semi-structured interviews with seven women diagnosed with gynecological cancer revealed the role of social support, or its absence, selective withholding of information, and existential loneliness in women's experience of distress. Social support provided a buffer against distress, while feelings of alienation and being alone exacerbated distress. Interventions to address these concerns may lead to improved quality of life for this patient group.
The Demoralization Scale (DS) was initially validated in 2004 to enable the measurement of demora... more The Demoralization Scale (DS) was initially validated in 2004 to enable the measurement of demoralization in patients with advanced cancer. Subsequent shortcomings indicated the need for psychometric strengthening. Here, the authors report on the refinement and revalidation of the DS to form the DS-II, specifically reporting the scale's internal validity. Patients with cancer or other progressive diseases who were receiving palliative care (n = 211) completed a revised version of the 24-item DS and a measure of symptom burden (the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale). Exploratory factor analysis and Rasch modeling were used to evaluate, modify, and revalidate the scale, providing information about dimensionality, suitability of response format, item fit, item bias, and item difficulty. Test-retest reliability was examined for 58 symptomatically stable patients at a 5-day follow-up. Exploratory factor analysis supported a 22-item, 2-component model. Separate Rasch modeling of each ...
Caregivers play an important role in self-management support for people aged 18 years and older w... more Caregivers play an important role in self-management support for people aged 18 years and older with a chronic disease, or physical or cognitive impairment. Low health literacy in caregivers has the potential to influence adequate care, and consequently, care recipient health outcomes. The aim of the study was to systematically review literature related to health literacy of caregivers of adult care recipients, and its relationship with care recipient, and caregiver health outcomes. Electronic databases were searched for relevant English-language publications that assessed health literacy in caregivers, and reported original data. One reviewer assessed each abstracted study for inclusion; a second reviewer independently assessed a random 10% sample. Included studies were abstracted into evidence tables. We reviewed 2713 new titles and abstracts, with 63 shortlisted for full review. Eleven papers from 2003 to 2014 met the inclusion criteria. Five caregiver cohorts were represented, w...
ABSTRACT Aims Caregivers provide extensive and multifaceted support for people with cancer. While... more ABSTRACT Aims Caregivers provide extensive and multifaceted support for people with cancer. While it is important they have sufficient knowledge and skills to provide optimal care, few measures are currently available to assess a caregiver’s capacity to find, understand and use health information for optimal care provision. The aim of this study is to describe the development and pre-testing of an instrument designed to measure cancer caregiver health literacy. Methods Domains for the measure were identified using a conceptual framework of caregiver health literacy. Items for the measure were developed from statements provided by participants of concept mapping workshops (people with cancer [n = 13], caregivers [n = 13], healthcare providers or policymakers [n = 11]). Content validity of items was assessed through expert ratings (n = 8) cognitive interviews with caregivers recruited through Carers Victoria (n = 16). Results Eighty-two items were initially generated across 10 domains, each corresponding to one of two response options: ‘agree/disagree’; or ‘difficulty in undertaking tasks’. An item writing criterion was used to ensure items were comprehensible to caregivers with a range of literacy capacities and were relevant to them across the disease continuum. Expert review suggested that the majority of items were relevant and clear (Content Validity Index [CVI] > 0.75). Cognitive interviews with caregivers revealed that most items were well understood. Minor revisions were made to improve item clarity and ensure domains were adequately covered: three items were deleted, 19 items were modified, and 9 items were added. Conclusions The final measure of caregiver health literacy contains 88 items. The new measure could be used to identify the health literacy needs and strengths of caregivers, and support the evaluation of interventions, information resources and healthcare services.
Journal of pain and symptom management, Jan 15, 2014
Demoralization can be understood as a condition that results from existential conflict. It presen... more Demoralization can be understood as a condition that results from existential conflict. It presents with symptoms of hopelessness and helplessness caused by a loss of purpose and meaning in life. It is a significant mental health concern given there can be an associated desire for hastened death. The aim of this systematic review was to synthesize the recent empirical evidence on demoralization in patients with progressive disease or cancer, including prevalence rates; the relationships between demoralization and sociodemographic, disease- and treatment-related, and psychological factors; and the psychometric properties of demoralization measures. A comprehensive literature search using key words and subject headings was performed following PRISMA guidelines with nine electronic bibliographic databases, resulting in 25 studies (33 articles) with a total of 4545 participants reviewed. Full articles underwent methodological quality assessment, and correlational information was synthes...
Objective: In the past decade localized prostate cancer (LPC) management has been shifting from t... more Objective: In the past decade localized prostate cancer (LPC) management has been shifting from three radical treatment options (radical prostatectomy, external beam radiotherapy, or brachytherapy) to also include active surveillance (AS). This study examines men with LPC and partners' experiences of choosing between AS and radical treatments, and their experiences of AS when selected. Methods: Qualitative descriptive research design. Interviewed participants were men, and partners of men, who had either chosen radical treatment immediately following diagnosis, or who had been on AS for at least three months. AS was the recommended treatment. Transcribed interviews were thematically analysed and inter-rater reliability integrated. Results: Twenty-one men and 14 partners participated. Treatment decisions reflected varied reactions to prostate cancer information, regularly described as contradictory, confusing, and stressful. Men and partners commonly misunderstood AS but could describe monitoring procedures. Partners often held the perception that they were also on AS. Men and partners usually coped with AS but were sometimes encumbered by treatment decision-making memories, painful biopsies, ongoing conflicting information, and unanswered medical questions. Radical treatment was selected when cancer progression was feared or medically indicated. Some preferred doctors to select treatments. Conclusions: To reduce distress frequently experienced by men diagnosed with LPC and their partners during treatment decision-making and ongoing AS monitoring, the following are needed: improved community and medical awareness of AS; consistent information about when radical treatment is required; and consistent, unbiased information on treatment options, prognostic indicators, and side effects. Regularly up-dated decisional support information/aids incorporating men's values are imperative.
Testicular cancer affects approximately 550 men in Australia each year. Early intervention has th... more Testicular cancer affects approximately 550 men in Australia each year. Early intervention has the potential to reduce the burden of disease of this serious disease. Achieving this outcome requires a strong understanding of the factors that influence help-seeking. In the current qualitative retrospective study the symptom-recognition and help-seeking experiences of 11 men aged between 28-44 years who had undergone treatment for testicular cancer were examined. Analysis of the semi-structured telephone interview data indicated that most men sought help early, and were treated promptly. A few men, however, described prolonged help-seeking delays. The factors implicated in help-seeking delays included lack of knowledge about testicular cancer; initial misattribution of symptoms; slowly progressing or low severity symptoms; a busy lifestyle; embarrassment about having a genital examination; and a fear of orchidectomy and its potential threat to masculinity. There was only limited evidence to support the notion that men delayed helpseeking out of concern about appearing weak or unmasculine. Further research using quantitative methodology is required to determine the relative importance of these various factors on helpseeking delays.
This study aimed to estimate the proportion of patients with prostate cancer (PCa) meeting the Na... more This study aimed to estimate the proportion of patients with prostate cancer (PCa) meeting the National Physical Activity Guidelines of Australia (NPAGA) and determine sociodemographic and medical factors associated with meeting these guidelines. Secondary aims included examining physical activity (PA) levels by treatment type and domain (leisure, work, transport and domestic) and establishing a predictive model of the likelihood that men with PCa would meet NPAGA. A questionnaire was mailed to 638 men with PCa attending for treatment at the Alfred, Cabrini or Latrobe Regional Hospitals during 2010 and 2011, with a response rate of 59%. Measures included International Physical Activity Questionnaire, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy - Prostate and sociodemographic items. Inclusion criteria were English speaking men aged 40 to 80 years, who had undergone radiotherapy (RT) between 9 and 30 months prior to the survey. Of 356 men with PCa, less than half were meeting NPAGA (41.9%). Lower education and quality of life (QoL), a higher number of comorbid conditions and symptoms of depression and anxiety were associated with decreased leisure-time PA. Patients treated with androgen deprivation therapy were significantly less active than patients treated with RT only. Logistic regression analyses indicated that the likelihood of meeting NPAGA was significantly lower with higher levels of depressive symptoms and lower levels of education. Meeting NPAGA is associated with higher QoL and psychosocial well-being in men with PCa. These findings contribute important information for targeting PA interventions to PCa survivors.
The theory of planned behaviour is one of the most widely used models of decision-making in the h... more The theory of planned behaviour is one of the most widely used models of decision-making in the health literature. Unfortunately, the primary method for assessing the theory's belief-based expectancy-value models results in statistically uninterpretable findings, giving rise to what has become known as the 'expectancy-value muddle'. Moreover, existing methods for resolving this muddle are associated with various conceptual or practical limitations. This study addresses these issues by identifying and evaluating a parsimonious method for resolving the expectancy-value muddle. Three hundred and nine Australian residents aged 18-24 years rated the expectancy and value of 18 beliefs about posthumous organ donation. Participants also nominated their five most salient beliefs using a dimensional salience approach. Salient beliefs were perceived as being more likely to eventuate than non-salient beliefs, indicating that salient beliefs could be used to signify the expectancy component. The expectancy-value term was therefore represented by summing the value ratings of salient beliefs, an approach that predicted attitude (adjusted R2 = 0.21) and intention (adjusted R2 = 0.21). These findings suggest that the dimensional salience approach is a useful method for overcoming the expectancy-value muddle in applied research settings.
Background: There have been many studies on the unmet needs of palliative care patients and carer... more Background: There have been many studies on the unmet needs of palliative care patients and carers from the perspective of bereaved caregivers. However, the unmet needs of palliative care patients and carers from the perspective of current patients and their carers have received little research attention. Aim: As home-based services have become one of the main delivery models of palliative care, the aim of this review was to describe, evaluate and summarise the literature on the unmet needs of palliative home care patients and carers. Design: The systematic review of qualitative and quantitative studies was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Data sources: PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, AMED and CareSearch were searched to find empirical studies on the self-reported unmet needs of palliative home care patients and carers. Results: Nine qualitative studies, three quantitative studies and ...
The aim of the present study was to determine whether it was possible to predict Human Papillomav... more The aim of the present study was to determine whether it was possible to predict Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination intentions an Australian male sample. One hundred and twenty one males aged 18 to 26 ( M = 22.3, SD = 2.06), completed an online survey assessing HPV-related knowledge, health beliefs and health self-efficacy. HPV knowledge and health self-efficacy were significant independent predictors of vaccine acceptance. A moderating effect was found between HPV knowledge and health self-efficacy. It was concluded that the results of previous research into the predictors of HPV vaccination intentions can largely be applied to an Australian male population.
Objective: Although increasing numbers of Australian men are undergoing treatment for localized ... more Objective: Although increasing numbers of Australian men are undergoing treatment for localized prostate cancer (PCa), the health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) of this patient cohort has received little research attention. We therefore compared the mood and general HRQOL of Australian localized PCa patients with a sample of untreated men.Methods: A retrospective cross‐sectional design was used to compare the longer‐term positive and negative affect and general HRQOL of 82 radical prostatectomy (RP) cases, 39 external‐beam radiation (EBRT), and 95 untreated comparison cases (CC). All PCa cases had undergone treatment more than 2 years prior to data collection.Results: Levels of positive and negative affect did not differ with treatment modality. After adjusting for the variance attributable to age and comorbidity, RP, EBRT and CC group participants displayed similar general HRQOL profiles. Treatment dissatisfaction was higher among EBRT compared to RP cases (P = 0.024, two‐taile...
Score below average score for the general population b Short Form 12 Mental Component Summary Sco... more Score below average score for the general population b Short Form 12 Mental Component Summary Score below average score for the general population c Negative change in overall QoL for the Glasgow Benefit Inventory following treatment d Depression score indicative of mild, moderate or severe depression e Anxiety score indicative of mild, moderate or severe anxiety
Brachytherapy, Volume 7, Issue 2, Pages 121, April 2008, Authors:Fiona Newton, Ph.D.; Jeremy L. M... more Brachytherapy, Volume 7, Issue 2, Pages 121, April 2008, Authors:Fiona Newton, Ph.D.; Jeremy L. Millar, MBChB; Sue Burney, Ph.D.; Mark Frydenberg, MBBS; Kim Ng, Ph.D.
ObjectivesPsychosocial interventions that mitigate psychosocial distress in cancer patients are i... more ObjectivesPsychosocial interventions that mitigate psychosocial distress in cancer patients are important. The primary aim of this study was to examine the feasibility and acceptability of an adaptation of the Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) program among adult cancer patients. A secondary aim was to examine pre–post-program changes in psychosocial wellbeing.MethodThe research design was a feasibility and acceptability study, with an examination of pre- to post-intervention changes in psychosocial measures. A study information pack was posted to 173 adult cancer patients 6 months–5 years post-diagnosis, with an invitation to attend an eight-week group-based adaptation of the MSC program.ResultsThirty-two (19%) consented to the program, with 30 commencing. Twenty-seven completed the program (mean age: 62.93 years, SD 14.04; 17 [63%] female), attending a mean 6.93 (SD 1.11) group sessions. There were no significant differences in medico-demographic factors between program-completers and...
ObjectiveMeaning and Purpose (MaP) therapy aims to enhance meaning-based coping through a life re... more ObjectiveMeaning and Purpose (MaP) therapy aims to enhance meaning-based coping through a life review that focuses on the value and worth of the person, key relationships, sources of fulfillment, roles, and future priorities in living life out fully. We sought to test the feasibility and acceptability of a six-session model of MaP therapy against a wait-list control cohort in a pilot study seeking effect sizes on measures of adaptation.MethodWe randomized patients with advanced cancer to MaP therapy or wait-list control, with measures administered at baseline and after 6–8 weeks. Wait-list patients could then crossover to receive therapy, with further measures collected postintervention. Adherence to the manualized model was sustained through weekly supervision and fidelity coding of recorded sessions. We used generalized estimating equations to control for baseline and any correlation of data.ResultFrom 134 eligible participants, 57 (43%) consented, and 40 of 45 (89%) offered thera...
Many women with gynecological cancer report psychosocial distress, and clarification of the risks... more Many women with gynecological cancer report psychosocial distress, and clarification of the risks, vulnerabilities, and protective factors is required. The aim of this study was to investigate the lived experience of gynecological cancer patients and to understand the factors that underlie psychosocial distress. Semi-structured interviews with seven women diagnosed with gynecological cancer revealed the role of social support, or its absence, selective withholding of information, and existential loneliness in women's experience of distress. Social support provided a buffer against distress, while feelings of alienation and being alone exacerbated distress. Interventions to address these concerns may lead to improved quality of life for this patient group.
The Demoralization Scale (DS) was initially validated in 2004 to enable the measurement of demora... more The Demoralization Scale (DS) was initially validated in 2004 to enable the measurement of demoralization in patients with advanced cancer. Subsequent shortcomings indicated the need for psychometric strengthening. Here, the authors report on the refinement and revalidation of the DS to form the DS-II, specifically reporting the scale's internal validity. Patients with cancer or other progressive diseases who were receiving palliative care (n = 211) completed a revised version of the 24-item DS and a measure of symptom burden (the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale). Exploratory factor analysis and Rasch modeling were used to evaluate, modify, and revalidate the scale, providing information about dimensionality, suitability of response format, item fit, item bias, and item difficulty. Test-retest reliability was examined for 58 symptomatically stable patients at a 5-day follow-up. Exploratory factor analysis supported a 22-item, 2-component model. Separate Rasch modeling of each ...
Caregivers play an important role in self-management support for people aged 18 years and older w... more Caregivers play an important role in self-management support for people aged 18 years and older with a chronic disease, or physical or cognitive impairment. Low health literacy in caregivers has the potential to influence adequate care, and consequently, care recipient health outcomes. The aim of the study was to systematically review literature related to health literacy of caregivers of adult care recipients, and its relationship with care recipient, and caregiver health outcomes. Electronic databases were searched for relevant English-language publications that assessed health literacy in caregivers, and reported original data. One reviewer assessed each abstracted study for inclusion; a second reviewer independently assessed a random 10% sample. Included studies were abstracted into evidence tables. We reviewed 2713 new titles and abstracts, with 63 shortlisted for full review. Eleven papers from 2003 to 2014 met the inclusion criteria. Five caregiver cohorts were represented, w...
ABSTRACT Aims Caregivers provide extensive and multifaceted support for people with cancer. While... more ABSTRACT Aims Caregivers provide extensive and multifaceted support for people with cancer. While it is important they have sufficient knowledge and skills to provide optimal care, few measures are currently available to assess a caregiver’s capacity to find, understand and use health information for optimal care provision. The aim of this study is to describe the development and pre-testing of an instrument designed to measure cancer caregiver health literacy. Methods Domains for the measure were identified using a conceptual framework of caregiver health literacy. Items for the measure were developed from statements provided by participants of concept mapping workshops (people with cancer [n = 13], caregivers [n = 13], healthcare providers or policymakers [n = 11]). Content validity of items was assessed through expert ratings (n = 8) cognitive interviews with caregivers recruited through Carers Victoria (n = 16). Results Eighty-two items were initially generated across 10 domains, each corresponding to one of two response options: ‘agree/disagree’; or ‘difficulty in undertaking tasks’. An item writing criterion was used to ensure items were comprehensible to caregivers with a range of literacy capacities and were relevant to them across the disease continuum. Expert review suggested that the majority of items were relevant and clear (Content Validity Index [CVI] > 0.75). Cognitive interviews with caregivers revealed that most items were well understood. Minor revisions were made to improve item clarity and ensure domains were adequately covered: three items were deleted, 19 items were modified, and 9 items were added. Conclusions The final measure of caregiver health literacy contains 88 items. The new measure could be used to identify the health literacy needs and strengths of caregivers, and support the evaluation of interventions, information resources and healthcare services.
Journal of pain and symptom management, Jan 15, 2014
Demoralization can be understood as a condition that results from existential conflict. It presen... more Demoralization can be understood as a condition that results from existential conflict. It presents with symptoms of hopelessness and helplessness caused by a loss of purpose and meaning in life. It is a significant mental health concern given there can be an associated desire for hastened death. The aim of this systematic review was to synthesize the recent empirical evidence on demoralization in patients with progressive disease or cancer, including prevalence rates; the relationships between demoralization and sociodemographic, disease- and treatment-related, and psychological factors; and the psychometric properties of demoralization measures. A comprehensive literature search using key words and subject headings was performed following PRISMA guidelines with nine electronic bibliographic databases, resulting in 25 studies (33 articles) with a total of 4545 participants reviewed. Full articles underwent methodological quality assessment, and correlational information was synthes...
Objective: In the past decade localized prostate cancer (LPC) management has been shifting from t... more Objective: In the past decade localized prostate cancer (LPC) management has been shifting from three radical treatment options (radical prostatectomy, external beam radiotherapy, or brachytherapy) to also include active surveillance (AS). This study examines men with LPC and partners' experiences of choosing between AS and radical treatments, and their experiences of AS when selected. Methods: Qualitative descriptive research design. Interviewed participants were men, and partners of men, who had either chosen radical treatment immediately following diagnosis, or who had been on AS for at least three months. AS was the recommended treatment. Transcribed interviews were thematically analysed and inter-rater reliability integrated. Results: Twenty-one men and 14 partners participated. Treatment decisions reflected varied reactions to prostate cancer information, regularly described as contradictory, confusing, and stressful. Men and partners commonly misunderstood AS but could describe monitoring procedures. Partners often held the perception that they were also on AS. Men and partners usually coped with AS but were sometimes encumbered by treatment decision-making memories, painful biopsies, ongoing conflicting information, and unanswered medical questions. Radical treatment was selected when cancer progression was feared or medically indicated. Some preferred doctors to select treatments. Conclusions: To reduce distress frequently experienced by men diagnosed with LPC and their partners during treatment decision-making and ongoing AS monitoring, the following are needed: improved community and medical awareness of AS; consistent information about when radical treatment is required; and consistent, unbiased information on treatment options, prognostic indicators, and side effects. Regularly up-dated decisional support information/aids incorporating men's values are imperative.
Testicular cancer affects approximately 550 men in Australia each year. Early intervention has th... more Testicular cancer affects approximately 550 men in Australia each year. Early intervention has the potential to reduce the burden of disease of this serious disease. Achieving this outcome requires a strong understanding of the factors that influence help-seeking. In the current qualitative retrospective study the symptom-recognition and help-seeking experiences of 11 men aged between 28-44 years who had undergone treatment for testicular cancer were examined. Analysis of the semi-structured telephone interview data indicated that most men sought help early, and were treated promptly. A few men, however, described prolonged help-seeking delays. The factors implicated in help-seeking delays included lack of knowledge about testicular cancer; initial misattribution of symptoms; slowly progressing or low severity symptoms; a busy lifestyle; embarrassment about having a genital examination; and a fear of orchidectomy and its potential threat to masculinity. There was only limited evidence to support the notion that men delayed helpseeking out of concern about appearing weak or unmasculine. Further research using quantitative methodology is required to determine the relative importance of these various factors on helpseeking delays.
This study aimed to estimate the proportion of patients with prostate cancer (PCa) meeting the Na... more This study aimed to estimate the proportion of patients with prostate cancer (PCa) meeting the National Physical Activity Guidelines of Australia (NPAGA) and determine sociodemographic and medical factors associated with meeting these guidelines. Secondary aims included examining physical activity (PA) levels by treatment type and domain (leisure, work, transport and domestic) and establishing a predictive model of the likelihood that men with PCa would meet NPAGA. A questionnaire was mailed to 638 men with PCa attending for treatment at the Alfred, Cabrini or Latrobe Regional Hospitals during 2010 and 2011, with a response rate of 59%. Measures included International Physical Activity Questionnaire, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy - Prostate and sociodemographic items. Inclusion criteria were English speaking men aged 40 to 80 years, who had undergone radiotherapy (RT) between 9 and 30 months prior to the survey. Of 356 men with PCa, less than half were meeting NPAGA (41.9%). Lower education and quality of life (QoL), a higher number of comorbid conditions and symptoms of depression and anxiety were associated with decreased leisure-time PA. Patients treated with androgen deprivation therapy were significantly less active than patients treated with RT only. Logistic regression analyses indicated that the likelihood of meeting NPAGA was significantly lower with higher levels of depressive symptoms and lower levels of education. Meeting NPAGA is associated with higher QoL and psychosocial well-being in men with PCa. These findings contribute important information for targeting PA interventions to PCa survivors.
The theory of planned behaviour is one of the most widely used models of decision-making in the h... more The theory of planned behaviour is one of the most widely used models of decision-making in the health literature. Unfortunately, the primary method for assessing the theory's belief-based expectancy-value models results in statistically uninterpretable findings, giving rise to what has become known as the 'expectancy-value muddle'. Moreover, existing methods for resolving this muddle are associated with various conceptual or practical limitations. This study addresses these issues by identifying and evaluating a parsimonious method for resolving the expectancy-value muddle. Three hundred and nine Australian residents aged 18-24 years rated the expectancy and value of 18 beliefs about posthumous organ donation. Participants also nominated their five most salient beliefs using a dimensional salience approach. Salient beliefs were perceived as being more likely to eventuate than non-salient beliefs, indicating that salient beliefs could be used to signify the expectancy component. The expectancy-value term was therefore represented by summing the value ratings of salient beliefs, an approach that predicted attitude (adjusted R2 = 0.21) and intention (adjusted R2 = 0.21). These findings suggest that the dimensional salience approach is a useful method for overcoming the expectancy-value muddle in applied research settings.
Background: There have been many studies on the unmet needs of palliative care patients and carer... more Background: There have been many studies on the unmet needs of palliative care patients and carers from the perspective of bereaved caregivers. However, the unmet needs of palliative care patients and carers from the perspective of current patients and their carers have received little research attention. Aim: As home-based services have become one of the main delivery models of palliative care, the aim of this review was to describe, evaluate and summarise the literature on the unmet needs of palliative home care patients and carers. Design: The systematic review of qualitative and quantitative studies was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Data sources: PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, AMED and CareSearch were searched to find empirical studies on the self-reported unmet needs of palliative home care patients and carers. Results: Nine qualitative studies, three quantitative studies and ...
The aim of the present study was to determine whether it was possible to predict Human Papillomav... more The aim of the present study was to determine whether it was possible to predict Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination intentions an Australian male sample. One hundred and twenty one males aged 18 to 26 ( M = 22.3, SD = 2.06), completed an online survey assessing HPV-related knowledge, health beliefs and health self-efficacy. HPV knowledge and health self-efficacy were significant independent predictors of vaccine acceptance. A moderating effect was found between HPV knowledge and health self-efficacy. It was concluded that the results of previous research into the predictors of HPV vaccination intentions can largely be applied to an Australian male population.
Objective: Although increasing numbers of Australian men are undergoing treatment for localized ... more Objective: Although increasing numbers of Australian men are undergoing treatment for localized prostate cancer (PCa), the health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) of this patient cohort has received little research attention. We therefore compared the mood and general HRQOL of Australian localized PCa patients with a sample of untreated men.Methods: A retrospective cross‐sectional design was used to compare the longer‐term positive and negative affect and general HRQOL of 82 radical prostatectomy (RP) cases, 39 external‐beam radiation (EBRT), and 95 untreated comparison cases (CC). All PCa cases had undergone treatment more than 2 years prior to data collection.Results: Levels of positive and negative affect did not differ with treatment modality. After adjusting for the variance attributable to age and comorbidity, RP, EBRT and CC group participants displayed similar general HRQOL profiles. Treatment dissatisfaction was higher among EBRT compared to RP cases (P = 0.024, two‐taile...
Score below average score for the general population b Short Form 12 Mental Component Summary Sco... more Score below average score for the general population b Short Form 12 Mental Component Summary Score below average score for the general population c Negative change in overall QoL for the Glasgow Benefit Inventory following treatment d Depression score indicative of mild, moderate or severe depression e Anxiety score indicative of mild, moderate or severe anxiety
Brachytherapy, Volume 7, Issue 2, Pages 121, April 2008, Authors:Fiona Newton, Ph.D.; Jeremy L. M... more Brachytherapy, Volume 7, Issue 2, Pages 121, April 2008, Authors:Fiona Newton, Ph.D.; Jeremy L. Millar, MBChB; Sue Burney, Ph.D.; Mark Frydenberg, MBBS; Kim Ng, Ph.D.
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Papers by Sue Burney