Associate Professor John Hall
Honorary Professor
School of Medicine and Public Health (Public Health)
- Email:john.hall@newcastle.edu.au
- Phone:(02) 4042 0561
Career Summary
Biography
John Hall is Director of the Centre for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics and Associate Professor of Public Health at the University of Newcastle. A Public Health Physician he has extensive experience in Public Health in Australia as well as globally. He convenes the Masters of Public Health Program. He has experience in teaching in Global Health, Health Systems and Policy, Primary Health Care, Environmental Health, and Maternal and Child Health.
His research interests are in Health Systems and Policy in resource poor settings. He has a particular interest in Tuberculosis and TB DOTS and how Health Policy is transferred to and adapted in resource limited countries. He continues to serve as a member of the WHO Regional Advisory Panel (RAP) for the Department of Reproductive Health and Research (RHR) for the SEARO and WPRO Regions of WHO.
Before taking up his current position John Hall was the Director of the Human Resources for Health Knowledge Hub at UNSW. Established with a $6mill. grant from the Australian Government the HRH Hub@UNSW is a knowledge Hub for gathering, synthesizing and disseminating knowledge to inform policy with regard to the world crisis in human resources for health to achieve the Millennium Development Goals.
John Hall has extensive international experience in Public Health at the National, District and Community levels. As Principal Medical Officer, Community Health Services in Vanuatu 1990-1992 he was responsible for the day to day technical, financial, human resource and infrastructure needs of the Public Health Programs for the whole country. This involved responsibility for Communicable Diseases (Malaria/Dengue, HIV/AIDS, TB/Leprosy), Non-Communicable Diseases, Maternal and Child Health (EPI, ARI/CDD, MCH/Family Planning), Health Promotion, and Health Information/Surveillance Systems. He has worked in Pakistan (1986-1988), South Korea (1981) and the Solomon Islands (1990).
He has undertaken Consultancy work for AusAID, WHO, USAID, ADB and ODA in Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Kenya, Congo, and Zimbabwe.
In Australia John Hall has been the Director of the Western New South Wales Public Health Unit from 1992 - 1994. This involved the delivery of Public Health Programs to the population of Western NSW. It included management responsibility for Environmental Health, Immunisation Services, HIV/AIDS, Health Information and Surveillance. He did a lot of work with Lead Poisoning in children in Broken Hill and the Aboriginal communities in Walgett, Bourke and Wilcannia.
Research ExpertiseJohn Halls research interests are: Global Health Health Policy and Health Systems in Resource Poor Settings Health Policy and Health systems with regard to Disease Control Programs (Communicable & Non communicable Diseases), Maternal and Child Health and Ageing.
Teaching Expertise
John Hall convenes the Masters of Public Health Program at the University of Newcastle. He brings a wealth of experience working in Public Health in Australia and in the Asia Pacific Region to his teaching. He coordinates the MPH Courses PUBH6304 Global health (Semester 1) and PUBH6305 Global Health Systems & Policy (Semester 2).
Administrative Expertise
John Hall is the Director of the Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics in the School of Medicine and Public Health and the Hunter Medical Research Institute at the University of Newcastle. He is on the School of Medicine and Public Health Executive Committee and the Post Graduate Education Committee.
Collaborations
His research interests are in Health Systems and Policy in resource poor settings. He has a particular interest in Tuberculosis and TB DOTS and how Health Policy is transferred to and adapted in resource limited countries.
Qualifications
- PhD, University of Sydney
- Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery, University of New South Wales
- Master of Tropical Health, University of Queensland
Keywords
- Global Health
- Health Policy
- International Health
- Public Health
Professional Experience
Academic appointment
Dates | Title | Organisation / Department |
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1/12/2008 - 1/6/2010 | Director AusAID Human Resources for Health Knowledge Hub | The University of New South Wales School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Australia |
1/4/2002 - 1/12/2008 | Senior Lecturer in International Public Health & MIPH Coordinator | University of Sydney School of Public Health |
1/8/1994 - 1/4/2002 | Honorary Visiting Fellow & Consultant in International Public Health | The University of New South Wales School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Australia |
1/11/1992 - 1/8/1994 | Director | New South Wales Department of Health Western New South Wales Public Health Unit Australia |
1/7/1990 - 1/7/1993 | Principal Medical Officer, Community (Public) Health Services | Department of Health, Vanuatu Vanuatu |
Publications
For publications that are currently unpublished or in-press, details are shown in italics.
Journal article (83 outputs)
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2023 |
Peng Z, He WQ, Hayen A, Hall J, Liu B, 'After-hours consultations and antibiotic prescribing for self-limiting upper respiratory tract infections in primary-care practices', Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology, 44 755-761 (2023) [C1] Objectives: To determine the association between after-hours consultations and the likelihood of antibiotic prescribing for self-limiting upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs... [more] Objectives: To determine the association between after-hours consultations and the likelihood of antibiotic prescribing for self-limiting upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) in primary care practices. Design: A cross-sectional analysis using Australian national primary-care practice data (MedicineInsight) between February 1, 2016 and January 31, 2019. Setting: Nationwide primary-care practices across Australia. Participants: Adult and pediatric patients who visited primary care practices for first-time URTIs. Methods: We estimated the proportion of first-time URTI episodes for which antibiotic prescribing occurred on the same day (immediate prescribing) using diagnoses and prescription records in the electronic primary-care database. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the likelihood of antibiotic prescribing by the time of primary care visits were calculated using generalized estimating equations. Results: Among 357,287 URTI episodes, antibiotics were prescribed in 172,605 episodes (48.3%). After adjusting for patients' demographics, practice characteristics, and seasons, we detected a higher likelihood of antibiotic prescribing on weekends compared to weekdays (OR, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.39-1.45) and on national public holidays compared to nonholidays (OR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.17-1.29). When we controlled for patient presentation and diagnosis, the association between antibiotic prescribing and after-hours consultations remained significant: weekend versus weekdays (OR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.33-1.41) and holidays versus nonholidays (OR, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.03-1.18). Conclusions: Primary-care consultations on weekends and public holidays were associated with a higher likelihood of immediate antibiotic prescribing for self-limiting URTIs in primary care. This finding might be attributed to lower resourcing in after-hours health care.
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2023 |
Li C, Hall TG, Hall JJ, He WQ, 'Effectiveness of quadrivalent HPV vaccination in reducing vaccine-type and nonvaccine-type high risk HPV infection', Epidemiology and Infection, 151 (2023) [C1] This study aimed to assess human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine effectiveness (VE) against both vaccine-type and nonvaccine-type high-risk HPV (hrHPV) infection, and duration of pro... [more] This study aimed to assess human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine effectiveness (VE) against both vaccine-type and nonvaccine-type high-risk HPV (hrHPV) infection, and duration of protection in United States. The study population was female participants aged 18-35 years with an HPV vaccination history and genital testing for HPV from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2007-2016. Participants vaccinated before sexual debut were assessed against 13 nonvaccine-type hrHPV infection including 31/33/35/39/45/51/52/56/58/59/68/73/82. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate VE overall, by age at diagnosis, time since vaccination and lifetime sexual partners. A total of 3866 women were included in the analysis, with 23.3% (95% CI 21.3%-25.4%) having been vaccinated (=1 dose). VE against vaccine-type HPV18/16/11/6 infection was 58% overall, which was mainly driven by those aged 18-22 years (VE = 64%) and 23-27 years (65%). Among participants aged 18-22 years vaccinated before sexual debut, the VE was 47% (23%-64%) against 13 nonvaccine-type hrHPV and 61% (95% CI 36%-77%) against 5 selected nonvaccine-type hrHPV35/39/52/58/59. Both direct effectiveness and cross-protection maintained effective for 5-10 years post vaccination. We also found the prevalence of ever diagnosed cervical cancer among vaccinated was significantly lower (0.46%, 4/874) than that among unvaccinated participants (1.27%, 38/2992). These findings highlight the potential of significant reduction of cervical cancer following the universal HPV vaccination programme.
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2023 |
Thapa P, Jayasuriya R, Hall JJ, Mukherjee PS, Beek K, Briggs N, et al., 'Are informal healthcare providers knowledgeable in tuberculosis care? A cross-sectional survey using vignettes in West Bengal, India', International Health, 15 389-396 (2023) [C1] Background: India accounts for one-quarter of the world's TB cases. Despite efforts to engage the private sector in India's National TB Elimination Program, informal hea... [more] Background: India accounts for one-quarter of the world's TB cases. Despite efforts to engage the private sector in India's National TB Elimination Program, informal healthcare providers (IPs), who serve as the first contact for a significant TB patients, remain grossly underutilised. However, considering the substantial evidence establishing IPs' role in patients' care pathway, it is essential to expand the evidence base regarding their knowledge in TB care. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study in the Birbhum district of West Bengal, India. The data were collected using the TB vignette among 331 IPs (165 trained and 166 untrained). The correct case management was defined following India's Technical and Operational Guidelines for TB Control. Results: Overall, IPs demonstrated a suboptimal level of knowledge in TB care. IPs exhibited the lowest knowledge in asking essential history questions (all four: 5.4% and at least two: 21.7%) compared with ordering sputum test (76.1%), making a correct diagnosis (83.3%) and appropriate referrals (100%). Nonetheless, a statistically significant difference in knowledge (in most domains of TB care) was observed between trained and untrained IPs. Conclusions: This study identifies gaps in IPs' knowledge in TB care. However, the observed significant difference between the trained and untrained groups indicates a positive impact of training in improving IPs' knowledge in TB care.
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2023 |
Bhandari B, Liu Z, Lin S, Macniven R, Akombi-Inyang B, Hall J, et al., 'Long-Term Consumption of 10 Food Groups and Cardiovascular Mortality: A Systematic Review and Dose Response Meta-Analysis of Prospective Cohort Studies', Advances in Nutrition, 14 55-63 (2023) [C1] A large body of evidence exists on diet and cardiovascular mortality, but limited studies have investigated the long-term intake of food groups, which may have cumulative effects ... [more] A large body of evidence exists on diet and cardiovascular mortality, but limited studies have investigated the long-term intake of food groups, which may have cumulative effects on cardiovascular health in the long term. This review therefore evaluated the relationship between the long-term consumption of 10 food groups and cardiovascular mortality. We conducted a systematic search in Medline, Embase, Scopus, CINAHL, and Web of Science till January 2022. Of the 5318 studies initially identified, 22 studies with a total of 70,273 participants with cardiovascular mortality were included. Summary HRs and 95% CIs were estimated using a random effects model. We found that a long-term high intake of whole grains (HR: 0.87; 95% CI: 0.80, 0.95; P = 0.001), fruits and vegetables (HR: 0.72; 95% CI: 0.61, 0.85; P < 0.0001), and nuts (HR: 0.73; 95% CI: 0.66, 0.81; P < 0.00001) significantly reduced cardiovascular mortality. Each 10-gram increase in whole grain consumption per day was associated with a 4% reduction in the risk of cardiovascular mortality, whereas each 10-gram increase in red/processed meat consumption per day was associated with a 1.8% increase in the risk of cardiovascular mortality. Compared with the lowest intake category, red/processed meat consumption in the highest category was associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular mortality (HR: 1.23; 95% CI: 1.09, 1.39; P = 0.006). High intake of dairy products (HR: 1.11; 95% CI: 0.92, 1.34; P = 0.28), and legumes (HR: 0.86; 95% CI: 0.53, 1.38; P = 0.53) were not associated with cardiovascular mortality. However, in the dose-response analysis, each 10-gram increase in legume intake per week was associated with a 0.5% reduction in cardiovascular mortality. We conclude that the long-term high intake of whole grains, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and a low intake of red/processed meat are associated with reduced cardiovascular mortality. More data on the long-term effects of legumes on cardiovascular mortality are encouraged. This study was registered at PROSPERO as CRD42020214679.
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2022 |
Kaewbut P, Kosachunhanun N, Phrommintikul A, Chinwong D, Hall JJ, Chinwong S, 'Effect of Clinical Inertia on Diabetes Complications among Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes: A Retrospective Cohort Study', Medicina (Lithuania), 58 (2022) [C1] Background and Objectives: Clinical inertia is a key obstacle that leads to suboptimal care in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). It can occur at any stage of T2DM tre... [more] Background and Objectives: Clinical inertia is a key obstacle that leads to suboptimal care in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). It can occur at any stage of T2DM treatment. However, the effect of clinical inertia on diabetes complications has not been studied sufficiently. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of clinical inertia on the risk of diabetes complications among patients with T2DM. Materials and Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted at a tertiary teaching hospital in Thailand between 2011 and 2017. Outpatients with T2DM, aged 40¿65 years, presenting an HbA1c greater than 7% were included in this study. Clinical inertia was identified when patients did not get treatment intensification at the index date and a subsequent prescription. The association between clinical inertia and diabetes complications, including a composite of macrovascular complications and a composite of microvascular complications, was determined using a Cox proportional hazard model. Propensity score methods were applied, to control confounding by indication. Results: Of 686 patients with T2DM, 165 (24.0%) experienced clinical inertia. Baseline low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, blood pressure, body mass index, the estimated glomerular filtration rate, and medication between the two groups did not differ significantly. Our study found that clinical inertia was associated with a significantly increased risk of diabetic nephropathy (adjusted HR 1.51, 95% CI 1.01¿2.27). The results remained the same as when using propensity score methods. According to the post hoc analysis, lowering the HbA1c levels by 1% results in a significant decrease in the rate of diabetic complications (adjusted HR 0.92, 95% CI 0.86¿0.99), the composite of microvascular complications (adjusted HR 0.91, 95% CI 0.84¿0.98) and diabetic nephropathy (adjusted HR 0.89, 95% CI 0.80¿0.98). Conclusions: Our results demonstrated a significant effect of clinical inertia on diabetic nephropathy. Patients with an HbA1c level over the target range should have their medication intensified to reduce the risk of diabetic nephropathy.
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2022 |
Lin J, Dobbins T, Wood JG, Hall JJ, Liu B, 'Impact of a structured older persons health assessment on herpes zoster vaccine uptake in Australian primary care', Preventive Medicine, 155 (2022) [C1] Vaccine uptake in adult immunisation programs is often suboptimal. We aimed to assess the impact of the structured older persons health assessment (health assessment) on herpes zo... [more] Vaccine uptake in adult immunisation programs is often suboptimal. We aimed to assess the impact of the structured older persons health assessment (health assessment) on herpes zoster (zoster) vaccine uptake in Australia. We used national general practice electronic medical records (MedicineInsight) of encounters with patients aged 75¿79 years because these patients were age-eligible for both free zoster vaccines and health assessments in the two years following the addition of zoster vaccine to the national immunisation program (Nov 2016¿Dec 2018). Due to repeated encounters, we used generalized estimating equations with each patient treated as a clustering variable to analyse the comparison of rates of zoster vaccine administration during encounters where a health assessment was provided versus encounters where the health assessment was not provided. In analyses there were 31,876 patients with a total of 266,204 eligible general practice encounters. Of the 5018 encounters where a health assessment was provided, 592 zoster vaccinations also occurred on the same day (118.0/1000 encounters); for the 261,186 encounters where no health assessment was provided, 9226 zoster vaccinations occurred (35.3/1000 encounters). Zoster vaccine was more likely to be administered during a general practice encounter with a health assessment compared to encounters without one (adjusted odds ratio 2.99; 95% CI: 2.76¿3.23). In conclusion, the structured older persons health assessment, which acts as both an incentive and a reminder for healthcare providers to recommend vaccinations in adults improves uptake of zoster vaccine in eligible adults. Such interventions may have a role in improving vaccine uptake among older adults.
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2022 |
Wilson H, Schulz M, Rodgers C, Lintzeris N, Hall JJ, Harris-Roxas B, 'What do general practitioners want from specialist alcohol and other drug services? A qualitative study of New South Wales metropolitan general practitioners', Drug and Alcohol Review, 41 1152-1160 (2022) [C1] Introduction: Alcohol and other drug (AOD) use is common in Australia with significant health and community impacts. General practitioners (GP) often see people with AOD use; howe... [more] Introduction: Alcohol and other drug (AOD) use is common in Australia with significant health and community impacts. General practitioners (GP) often see people with AOD use; however, there is little research to understand how specialist AOD services could assist GPs in the management of patients with AOD issues. Methods: Thirty-five GPs working in general practice in a metropolitan area in Sydney in New South Wales, Australia, participated in one of three focus groups. The groups were recorded, transcribed and thematically analysed. Results: The five themes raised by participants were: GP personal agency and interest in AOD issues; GP education and training gaps; improving pathways between GP and specialist AOD services; easier access to AOD specialist advice; and improving access to collaborative care for patients with complex AOD presentations. Participants requested education on screening, assessing, managing AOD issues, focused on alcohol, stimulants and high-risk prescription medicines. They suggested better referral processes, discharge summaries and care planning for complex presentations. Participants wanted easy access to specialist advice and suggested collaborative care assisted by experienced AOD liaison nurses. Discussion and Conclusions: Australia has several existing programs; online referral pathways and specialist phone advice, that address some of the issues raised. Unfortunately, many participants were not aware of these. GP education must be supported by multiple processes, including durable referral pathways, ready access to local specialist advice, clear communication (including patient attendance and a treatment plan), care planning and written summaries.
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2022 |
Chulasai P, Chinwong S, Vientong P, Hall JJ, Chinwong D, 'Electronic Cigarette Use and Other Factors Associated with Cigarette Smoking among Thai Undergraduate Students', Healthcare (Switzerland), 10 (2022) [C1] The prevalence of smoking among young adults in Thailand has gradually increased. Therefore, this study aimed to identify factors associated with cigarette smoking among undergrad... [more] The prevalence of smoking among young adults in Thailand has gradually increased. Therefore, this study aimed to identify factors associated with cigarette smoking among undergraduate students. This cross-sectional study used a self-administered, anonymous online questionnaire to gather data from undergraduate students across four universities in Chiang Mai Province, Thailand. All 1126 participants were an average age of 21.30 years old (SD 1.48). The findings revealed seven factors significantly associated with cigarette smoking (p < 0.05), including male sex, having no medical conditions, consuming alcohol daily and consuming alcohol in the past, having brothers or sisters who smoked cigarettes, having a father or mother who smoked cigarettes, having parents who considered smoking acceptable and having parents who had uncertain concerns about smoking, and had or have used electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes). These associated factors could be useful in implementing appropriate tobacco-control programs to prevent cigarette smoking among undergraduate students. Relevant organizations, universities and healthcare professionals should communicate correct and appropriate information about the illness and diseases caused by using tobacco products to strengthen the correct perceptions of the harms of cigarette smoking and e-cigarette use among undergraduate students. Furthermore, smoke-free policies should be monitored and strictly enforced, particularly in university areas.
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2022 |
Chulasai P, Chinwong D, Vientong P, Lertsinudom S, Kanjanarat P, Hall JJ, Chinwong S, 'Smartphone Application for Smoking Cessation (Quit with US): A Randomized Controlled Trial among Young Adult Light Smokers in Thailand', International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19 (2022) [C1] This study aimed to determine the efficacy of a smartphone application named Quit with US among young adult smokers. An open-label, parallel, 2-group, randomized controlled trial ... [more] This study aimed to determine the efficacy of a smartphone application named Quit with US among young adult smokers. An open-label, parallel, 2-group, randomized controlled trial with a 12-week follow-up was conducted between March and November 2020 among undergraduate students (18 to 24 years) in Chiang Mai Province, Thailand. A total of 273 participants were assigned by simple randomization procedure to the Quit with US intervention group (n = 137) or the control group (n = 136). All participants received pharmacists¿ smoking cessation counseling at baseline and follow-ups. In addition, the intervention group¿s participants were advised to use Quit with US. The baseline and 12-week follow-up assessments were conducted at a study unit, whereas other follow-ups were completed over the telephone. The primary abstinence outcome was the exhaled CO concentration level (=6 ppm) verified 7-day point prevalence abstinence. At baseline, the participants¿ mean (standard deviation) age was 21.06 (1.62) years. Most identified as daily smokers (57.9%, n = 158), consumed =10 cigarettes daily (89.4%, n = 244), and expressed low level of nicotine dependence as measured by Heaviness of Smoking Index score (86.1%, n = 235). Regarding intention-to-treat analyses, participants in the Quit with US intervention group achieved significantly greater smoking abstinence rate than those in the control group (58.4% (80/137) vs. 30.9% (42/136), risk ratio = 1.89, 95% confidence intervals = 1.42 to 2.52, p < 0.001). In conclusion, Quit with US integrated with pharmacists¿ smoking cessation counseling significantly enhanced smoking abstinence rates among young adult light smokers consuming = 10 cigarettes daily.
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2022 |
Anandasivam B, Tam CWM, McGeechan K, Price K, McLean K, Tracy M, et al., 'Melanoma risk assessment and management: a qualitative study among Australian GPs', British Journal of General Practice, 72 E737-E746 (2022) [C1] Background Preventive guidelines for melanoma recommend that patients at high risk of melanoma receive targeted screening; however, this requires careful selection of those at hig... [more] Background Preventive guidelines for melanoma recommend that patients at high risk of melanoma receive targeted screening; however, this requires careful selection of those at high risk. To the authors' knowledge, there has been no previous research into how all physicians approach the selection and management of high-risk individuals. Melanoma risk- prediction models are available to assist in the identification of high-risk patients but are not routinely used clinically. Aim To examine how GPs assessed and managed melanoma risk, and the opportunities for using melanoma risk-prediction models in primary care. Design and setting Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with 20 Australian GPs. Method GPs who had completed a cross-sectional online questionnaire study on melanoma risk were purposively sampled and recruited. Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with Australian GPs between 9 July and 10 September 2019. Interviews were audiorecorded, professionally transcribed, and analysed using grounded theory. Results Melanoma risk assessment and its management can be understood as a linear workflow consisting of five clinical process domains with patient selection as the entry point. There was variation between GPs on the identification of melanoma risk factors, melanoma risk estimation, management, and patient education because of intuitive and analytical processes guiding risk assessment, and the influence of patient factors. GPs were largely receptive towards melanoma risk- prediction models, sharing facilitators for and barriers to their potential implementation. Conclusion Further primary care interventions sensitive to existing workflow arrangements may be required to standardise melanoma risk- assessment and management processes.
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2022 |
Thapa P, Hall JJ, Jayasuriya R, Mukherjee PS, Beek K, Das DK, et al., 'What are the tuberculosis care practices of informal healthcare providers? A cross-sectional study from Eastern India', Health Policy and Planning, 37 1158-1166 (2022) [C1] India is the highest TB burden country, accounting for an estimated 26% of the global TB cases. Systematic engagement of the private sector is a cornerstone of India's Nation... [more] India is the highest TB burden country, accounting for an estimated 26% of the global TB cases. Systematic engagement of the private sector is a cornerstone of India's National Strategic Plan for TB Elimination (2017-25). However, informal healthcare providers (IPs), who are the first point of contact for a large number of TB patients, remain significantly underutilized in the National TB Elimination Program of India. Non-prioritization of IPs has also resulted in a limited understanding of their TB care practices in the community. We, therefore, undertook a descriptive study to document IPs' TB care practices, primarily focusing on their approach to screening, diagnosis, treatment and referral. This cross-sectional study was carried out from February to March 2020 in the Birbhum District of West Bengal, India. Interviews were conducted utilizing the retrospective case study method. A total of 203 IPs participated who reported seeing at least one confirmed TB patient in 6 months prior to the study. In that duration, IPs reported interacting with an average of five suspected TB cases, two of which were later confirmed as having TB. Antibiotic use was found to be common among IPs (highest 69% during the first visit); however, they were prescribed before the patient was suspected or confirmed as having TB. We noted the practice of prolonged treatment among IPs as patients were prescribed medicines until the second follow-up visit. Referral was the preferred TB case management approach among IPs, but delayed referral was observed, with only one-third (34%) of patients being referred to higher health facilities during their first visit. This study presents important findings on IPs' TB care practices, which have consequences for achieving India's national goal of TB elimination.
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2022 |
Kaewbut P, Kosachunhanun N, Phrommintikul A, Chinwong D, Hall JJ, Chinwong S, 'Time to Treatment Intensification to Reduce Diabetes-Related Complications: A Post Hoc Study', Healthcare (Switzerland), 10 (2022) [C1] Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) can be affected by clinical inertia, leading to abysmal results. Studies on a suitable timeframe for treatment intensification remain... [more] Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) can be affected by clinical inertia, leading to abysmal results. Studies on a suitable timeframe for treatment intensification remain scarce¿especially outside of developed countries. This study aimed to explore the association between time to treatment intensification and diabetes-related complications. A database from a tertiary care hospital in Thailand was retrieved in order to conduct a retrospective cohort study for the years 2011¿2017. This study comprised outpatients with T2DM presenting an HbA1c of =7.0%. Eligible patients were divided into three groups based on the time of treatment intensification: no delayed treatment intensification, treatment intensification within 6 months, and treatment intensification after 6 months. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to investigate the association between time to treatment intensification and diabetes-related complications. A total of 686 patients were included in the final analysis. During 6.5 years of median follow-up, the group with treatment intensification within 6 months was more strongly associated with diabetic nephropathy compared to the group with no delayed treatment intensification (adjusted HR 2.35; 95%CI 1.35¿4.09). Our findings reveal that delaying treatment intensification by even 6 months can increase the likelihood of diabetic nephropathy compared to no delayed treatment intensification. We suggest that patients with T2DM whose blood glucose levels are outside the target range promptly receive treatment intensification.
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2022 |
Craig AT, Beek K, Gilbert K, Soakai TS, Liaw ST, Hall JJ, 'Universal Health Coverage and the Pacific Islands: An Overview of Senior Leaders Discussions, Challenges, Priorities and Solutions, 2015 2020', International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19 (2022) [C1] In 1995, Pacific Health Ministers articulated their vision of a healthy Pacific as ¿a place where children are nurtured in body and mind; environments invite learning and leisure;... [more] In 1995, Pacific Health Ministers articulated their vision of a healthy Pacific as ¿a place where children are nurtured in body and mind; environments invite learning and leisure; people work and age with dignity; where ecological balance is a source of pride; and where the ocean is protected.¿ Central to this vision is the achievement of universal health coverage (UHC). To provide an indication of the UHC-related priorities of Pacific health authorities and promote alignment of domestic and international investments in health sector development, we thematically analyzed the discussion, resolutions, and recommendations from 5 years (2015¿2020) of senior-level Pacific health meetings. Five main themes emerged: (i) the Healthy Islands vision has (and continues to have) a unifying influence on action for UHC; (ii) adoption of appropriate service delivery models that support integrated primary health care at the community level are needed; (iii) human resources for health are critical if efforts to achieve UHC are to be successful; (iv) access to reliable health information is core to health sector improvement; and (v) while not a panacea for all challenges, digital health offers many opportunities. Small and isolated populations, chronic workforce limitations, weak governance arrangements, ageing and inadequate health facilities, and supply chain and logistics difficulties (among other issues) interact to challenge primary health care delivery across the Pacific Islands. We found evidence that the Healthy Islands vision is a tool that garners support for UHC; however, to realize the vision, a realistic understanding of needed political, human resource, and economic investments is required. The significant disruptive effect of COVID-19 and the uncertainty it brings for implementation of the medium-to long-term health development agenda raises concern that progress may stagnate or retreat.
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2022 |
P Iqbal M, Walpola R, Harris-Roxas B, Li J, Mears S, Hall J, Harrison R, 'Improving primary health care quality for refugees and asylum seekers: A systematic review of interventional approaches', Health Expectations, 25 2065-2094 (2022) [C1] Background: It has been widely acknowledged that refugees are at risk of poorer health outcomes, spanning mental health and general well-being. A common point of access to health ... [more] Background: It has been widely acknowledged that refugees are at risk of poorer health outcomes, spanning mental health and general well-being. A common point of access to health care for the migrant population is via the primary health care network in the country of resettlement. This review aims to synthesize the evidence of primary health care interventions to improve the quality of health care provided to refugees and asylum seekers. Methods: A systematic review was undertaken, and 55 articles were included in the final review. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews was used to guide the reporting of the review, and articles were managed using a reference-management software (Covidence). The findings were analysed using a narrative empirical synthesis. A quality assessment was conducted for all the studies included. Results: The interventions within the broad primary care setting could be organized into four categories, that is, those that focused on developing the skills of individual refugees/asylum seekers and their families; skills of primary health care workers; system and/or service integration models and structures; and lastly, interventions enhancing communication services. Promoting effective health care delivery for refugees, asylum seekers and their families is a complex challenge faced by primary care professionals, the patients themselves and the communication between them. Conclusion: This review highlights the innovative interventions in primary care promoting refugee health. Primary care interventions mostly focused on upskilling doctors, with a paucity of research exploring the involvement of other health care members. Further research can explore the involvement of interprofessional team members in providing effective refugee/migrant health. Patient or Public Contribution: Patient and public involvement was explored in terms of interventions designed to improve health care delivery for the humanitarian migrant population, that is, specifically refugees and asylum seekers.
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2021 |
Iqbal MP, Uebel K, Islam MS, Jabbour V, Hall J, Chughtai AA, Khan NUS, 'EXPLORING THE KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICES OF AUSTRALIAN MEDICAL STUDENTS REGARDING INFECTION PREVENTION AND CONTROL IN HOSPITALS: A PILOT STUDY', Pakistan Armed Forces Medical Journal, 71 2236-2241 (2021) [C1] Objective: To assess the knowledge and practice of medical students regarding standard precautions in an Australian undergraduate medical programme. Study Design: Cross sectional ... [more] Objective: To assess the knowledge and practice of medical students regarding standard precautions in an Australian undergraduate medical programme. Study Design: Cross sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: University of New South Wales, Australia, duration of study was six-years. Methodology: Fifty medical students who were involved in clinical practice, were invited to complete a comprehensive questionnaire on standard precautions. Results: The majority of participants agreed that hand hygiene was the most important factor in infection control. Only 32 (16%) knew to use a full personal protective equipment for Ebola. Regarding sharps disposal, 46 (92%) students always disposed used needles in the recommended bin, 27 (54%) indicated they sometimes recapped used needle while 25 (20%) sometimes bent used needles. Conclusion: This study showed that there is a gap between knowledge and practice of medical students regarding hand hygiene and other infection control measures. There is a need for standardized and regular student training in the use of standard precautions in infection prevention and control.
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2021 |
Chulasai P, Chinwong D, Chinwong S, Hall JJ, Vientong P, 'Feasibility of a smoking cessation smartphone app (Quit with us) for young adult smokers: A single arm, pre-post study', International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18 (2021) [C1] While smartphone applications (apps) have been shown to enhance success with smoking cessation, no study has been conducted among young adult smokers aged 18¿24 years in Thailand.... [more] While smartphone applications (apps) have been shown to enhance success with smoking cessation, no study has been conducted among young adult smokers aged 18¿24 years in Thailand. Quit with US was developed based on the 5 A¿s model and self-efficacy theory. This single arm, prepost study was conducted aiming to assess results after using Quit with US for 4 weeks. The primary outcome was a biochemically verified 7-day point prevalence of smoking abstinence. The secondary outcomes included smoking behaviors, knowledge and attitudes toward smoking and smoking cessation, and satisfaction and confidence in the smartphone app. A total number of 19 young adult smokers were included; most participants were males (68.4%) with the mean (SD) age of 20.42 (1.46) years. After 4 weeks of study, the primary outcome demonstrated a smoking cessation rate of 31.6%. All 19 participants expressed better smoking behaviors and better knowledge and attitudes toward smoking and smoking cessation. Further, they were satisfied with the smartphone app design and content and expressed confidence in using it. These findings provided preliminary evidence that Quit with US was found to be a potentially effective smoking cessation smartphone app for young adult smokers.
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2021 |
Thapa P, Jayasuriya R, Hall JJ, Beek K, Mukherjee P, Gudi N, Narasimhan P, 'Role of informal healthcare providers in tuberculosis care in low- And middle-income countries: A systematic scoping review', PLoS ONE, 16 (2021) [C1] Achieving targets set in the End TB Strategy is still a distant goal for many Low- and Middle- Income Countries (LMICs). The importance of strengthening public-private partnership... [more] Achieving targets set in the End TB Strategy is still a distant goal for many Low- and Middle- Income Countries (LMICs). The importance of strengthening public-private partnership by engaging all identified providers in Tuberculosis (TB) care has long been advocated in global TB policies and strategies. However, Informal Healthcare Providers (IPs) are not yet prioritised and engaged in National Tuberculosis Programs (NTPs) globally. There exists a substantial body of evidence that confirms an important contribution of IPs in TB care. A systematic understanding of their role is necessary to ascertain their potential in improving TB care in LMICs. The purpose of this review is to scope the role of IPs in TB care. The scoping review was guided by a framework developed by the Joanna Briggs Institute. An electronic search of literature was conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, SCOPUS, Global Health, CINAHL, and Web of Science. Of a total 5234 records identified and retrieved, 92 full-text articles were screened, of which 13 were included in the final review. An increasing trend was observed in publication over time, with most published between 2010-2019. In 60% of the articles, NTPs were mentioned as a collaborator in the study. For detection and diagnosis, IPs were primarily involved in identifying and referring patients. Administering DOT (Directly Observed Treatment) to the patient was the major task assigned to IPs for treatment and support. There is a paucity of evidence on prevention, as only one study involved IPs to perform this role. Traditional health providers were the most commonly featured, but there was not much variation in the role by provider type. All studies reported a positive role of IPs in improving TB care outcomes. This review demonstrates that IPs can be successfully engaged in various roles in TB care with appropriate support and training. Their contribution can support countries to achieve their national and global targets if prioritized in National TB Programs.
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2021 |
Peng Z, Hayen A, Hall J, Liu B, 'Microbiology testing and antibiotic treatment for urinary tract infections in general practice: a nationwide observational study', Infection, 49 249-255 (2021) [C1] Purpose: Routine urine testing is recommended prior to antibiotic treatment for urinary tract infections (UTIs) among high-risk groups for complicated UTIs. This study aims to exa... [more] Purpose: Routine urine testing is recommended prior to antibiotic treatment for urinary tract infections (UTIs) among high-risk groups for complicated UTIs. This study aims to examine whether the proportion of UTI encounters where antibiotics are prescribed that have accompanying urine testing differs by patient groups. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted using records of general practice encounters for UTIs occurring between January 2013 and July 2018 in an Australian national database. We calculated the proportion of UTI encounters with antibiotics prescribed that had accompanying urine microbiology testing and the odds ratios for the likelihood of testing by patient groups using generalised estimating equations. Results: Of 132,688 UTI encounters with antibiotics prescribed, 95,800 (72.2%) were accompanied by urine testing. Among high-risk groups for complicated UTIs and expected to have a high likelihood of testing, we found pregnant women [82.6% vs. non-pregnant 72.3%, adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.82, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.55¿2.12] and children aged 5¿9¿years (77.6% vs. 20¿44¿years 72.0%, aOR 1.33, 95% CI 1.22¿1.45) had relatively high odds of testing. However, children aged < 5¿years (68.7% vs. 20¿44¿years 72.0%, aOR 0.83, 95% CI 0.76¿0.90), patients with recurrent UTIs (69.0% compared to first-onset UTIs 73.6%, aOR 0.81, 95% CI 0.79¿0.83), and patients in residential aged care facilities (67.3% vs. not 72.3%, aOR 0.80, 95% CI 0.72¿0.90) had relatively low odds of testing. Conclusion: Our results suggest inconsistencies and potential underuse of urine testing when antibiotics were prescribed for high-risk groups in UTI management. Further antibiotic stewardship is needed to improve guideline-based antibiotic prescribing for UTIs.
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2021 |
Chulasai P, Vientong P, Chinwong S, Hall JJ, Chinwong D, 'Factors associated with the dual use of electronic cigarettes and cigarettes among thai undergraduate students who smoked cigarettes', Children, 8 (2021) [C1] This study proposed to identify factors associated with the dual use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) and cigarettes among undergraduate students who smoked cigarettes. Thi... [more] This study proposed to identify factors associated with the dual use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) and cigarettes among undergraduate students who smoked cigarettes. This cross-sectional study employed a self-administered, anonymous online questionnaires to collect information from undergraduate smokers in northern Thailand. Of the 494 participants, 82.8% were dual users of e-cigarettes and cigarettes. The two main reasons for using e-cigarettes were an absence of cigarette smoke odor (76.8%) and availability of flavors (70.7%). Undergraduate smokers who initiated smoking at =18 years old were more likely to be dual users than those who initiated smoking at younger age (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 2.79, 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 1.32¿5.89, p = 0.007). Undergraduate smokers who smoked =11 cigarettes daily were more likely to be dual users than those who smoked less (aOR: 2.64, 95% CI: 1.52¿4.61, p = 0.001). Conversely, undergraduate smokers who had attempted to quit during the past year were less likely to be dual users (aOR: 0.26, 95% CI: 0.12¿0.56, p = 0.001). In conclusion, dual use of e-cigarettes and cigarettes among undergraduate smokers was associated with older age at cigarette smoking initiation, a higher number of cigarettes smoked daily, and having no past year¿s cigarette quit attempts.
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2021 |
Welberry HJ, Jorm LR, Schaffer AL, Barbieri S, Hsu B, Harris MF, et al., 'Psychotropic medicine prescribing and polypharmacy for people with dementia entering residential aged care: the influence of changing general practitioners', Medical Journal of Australia, 215 130-136 (2021) [C1] Objective: To examine relationships between changing general practitioner after entering residential aged care and overall medicines prescribing (including polypharmacy) and that ... [more] Objective: To examine relationships between changing general practitioner after entering residential aged care and overall medicines prescribing (including polypharmacy) and that of psychotropic medicines in particular. Design: Retrospective data linkage study. Setting, participants: 45 and Up Study participants in New South Wales with dementia who were PBS concession card holders and entered permanent residential aged care during January 2010 ¿ June 2014 and were alive six months after entry. Main outcome measures: Inverse probability of treatment-weighted numbers of medicines dispensed to residents and proportions of residents dispensed antipsychotics, benzodiazepines, and antidepressants in the six months after residential care entry, by most frequent residential care GP category: usual (same as during two years preceding entry), known (another GP, but known to the resident), or new GP. Results: Of 2250 new residents with dementia (mean age, 84.1 years; SD, 7.0 years; 1236 women [55%]), 625 most frequently saw their usual GPs (28%), 645 saw known GPs (29%), and 980 saw new GPs (44%). The increase in mean number of dispensed medicines after residential care entry was larger for residents with new GPs (+1.6 medicines; 95% CI, 1.4¿1.9 medicines) than for those attended by their usual GPs (+0.7 medicines; 95% CI, 0.4¿1.1 medicines; adjusted rate ratio, 2.42; 95% CI, 1.59¿3.70). The odds of being dispensed antipsychotics (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.59; 95% CI, 1.18¿2.12) or benzodiazepines (aOR, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.25¿2.30), but not antidepressants (aOR, 1.32; 95% CI, 0.98¿1.77), were also higher for the new GP group. Differences between the known and usual GP groups were not statistically significant. Conclusions: Increases in medicine use and rates of psychotropic dispensing were higher for people with dementia who changed GP when they entered residential care. Facilitating continuity of GP care for new residents and more structured transfer of GP care may prevent potentially inappropriate initiation of psychotropic medicines.
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2021 |
Barr ML, Welberry H, Hall J, Comino EJ, Harris E, Harris-Roxas BF, et al., 'General practitioner follow-up after hospitalisation in Central and Eastern Sydney, Australia: Access and impact on health services', Australian Health Review, 45 247-254 (2021) [C1] Objectives: General practitioner (GP) follow-up after a hospital admission is an important indicator of integrated care. We examined the characteristics of patients who saw a GP w... [more] Objectives: General practitioner (GP) follow-up after a hospital admission is an important indicator of integrated care. We examined the characteristics of patients who saw a GP within 2 weeks of hospital discharge in the Central and Eastern Sydney (CES) region, Australia, and the relationship between GP follow-up and subsequent hospitalisation. Methods: This data linkage study used a cohort of 10 240 people from the 45 and Up Study who resided in CES and experienced an overnight hospitalisation in the 5 years following recruitment (2007-14). Characteristics of participants who saw a GP within 2 weeks of discharge were compared with those who did not using generalised linear models. Time to subsequent hospitalisation was compared for the two groups using Cox proportional hazards regression models stratified by prior frequency of GP use. Results: Within 2 weeks of discharge, 64.3% participants saw a GP. Seeing a GP within 2 weeks of discharge was associated with lower rates of rehospitalisation for infrequent GP users (i.e. <8 visits in year before the index hospitalisation hazard ratio (HR) 0.83 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.70-0.97) but not frequent GP users (i.e. =8 plus visits HR 1.02 95% CI 0.90-1.17). Conclusion: The effect of seeing a GP on subsequent hospitalisation was protective but differed depending on patient care needs. What is known about the topic?: There is general consensus among healthcare providers that primary care is a significant source of ongoing health care provision. What does this paper add?: This study explored the relationship between GP follow-up after an uncomplicated hospitalisation and its effect on rehospitalisation. What are the implications for practitioners?: Discharge planning and the transfer of care from hospital to GP through discharge arrangements have substantial benefits for both patients and the health system.
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2021 |
Xu X, Shi Z, Liu G, Chang D, Inglis SC, Hall JJ, et al., 'The Joint Effects of Diet and Dietary Supplements in Relation to Obesity and Cardiovascular Disease over a 10-Year Follow-Up: A Longitudinal Study of 69,990 Participants in Australia', NUTRIENTS, 13 (2021) [C1]
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2020 |
Lewis ET, Mahimbo A, Linhart C, Williamson M, Morgan M, Hammill K, et al., 'General practitioners' perceptions on the feasibility and acceptability of implementing a risk prediction checklist to support their end-of-life discussions in routine care: A qualitative study', Family Practice, 37 703-710 (2020) Background: General practitioners' (GPs) play a central role in facilitating end-of-life discussions with older patients nearing the end-of-life. However, prognostic uncertai... [more] Background: General practitioners' (GPs) play a central role in facilitating end-of-life discussions with older patients nearing the end-of-life. However, prognostic uncertainty of time to death is one important barrier to initiation of these discussions. Objective: To explore GPs' perceptions of the feasibility and acceptability of a risk prediction checklist to identify older patients in their last 12 months of life and describe perceived barriers and facilitators for implementing end-of-life planning. Methods: Qualitative, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 GPs practising in metropolitan locations in New South Wales and Queensland between May and June 2019. Data were analysed thematically. Results: Eight themes emerged: accessibility and implementation of the checklist, uncertainty around checklist's accuracy and usefulness, time of the checklist, checklist as a potential prompt for end-of-life conversations, end-of-life conversations not an easy topic, end-of-life conversation requires time and effort, uncertainty in identifying end-of-life patients and limited community literacy on end-of-life. Most participants welcomed a risk prediction checklist in routine practice if assured of its accuracy in identifying which patients were nearing end-of-life. Conclusions: Most participating GPs saw the value in risk assessment and end-of-life planning. Many emphasized the need for appropriate support, tools and funding for prognostic screening and end-of-life planning for this to become routine in general practice.Well validated risk prediction tools are needed to increase clinician confidence in identifying risk of death to support end-of-life care planning.
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2020 |
Uebel K, Iqbal MP, Hall J, 'A retrospective review of primary care research projects completed by medical students at University of New South Wales Medicine', Australian Journal of General Practice, 49 848-852 (2020) Background and objective It is important for medical students to learn how to conduct sound medical research by implementing their own research projects. This study describes the ... [more] Background and objective It is important for medical students to learn how to conduct sound medical research by implementing their own research projects. This study describes the primary care research projects conducted by fourth-year medical students for their Independent Learning Project/Honours (ILP/Honours) at University of New South Wales (UNSW) Medicine
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2020 |
Craig AT, Heywood AE, Hall J, 'Risk of COVID-19 importation to the Pacific islands through global air travel', Epidemiology and Infection, (2020) On 30 January 2020, WHO declared coronavirus (COVID-19) a global public health emergency. As of 12 March 2020, 125,048 confirmed COVID-19 cases in 118 countries had been reported.... [more] On 30 January 2020, WHO declared coronavirus (COVID-19) a global public health emergency. As of 12 March 2020, 125,048 confirmed COVID-19 cases in 118 countries had been reported. On 12 March 2020, the first case in the Pacific islands was reported in French Polynesia; no other Pacific island country or territory has reported cases. The purpose of our analysis is to show how travellers may introduce COVID-19 into the Pacific islands and discuss the role robust health systems play in protecting health and reducing transmission risk. We analyse travel- A nd Global Health Security Index-data using a scoring tool to produce quantitative estimates of COVID-19 importation risk, by departing and arriving country. Our analysis indicates that, as of 12 March 2020, the highest risk air routes by which COVID-19 may be imported into the Pacific islands are from east Asian countries (specifically, China, Korea and Japan) to north Pacific airports (likely Guam, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands or, to a less extent, Palau); or from China, Japan, Singapore, the United States of America or France to south Pacific ports (likely, Fiji, Papua New Guinea French Polynesia, or New Caledonia). Other importation routes include from other east Asian countries to Guam, and from Australia, New Zealand and other European countries to the south Pacific. The tool provides a useful method for assessing COVID-19 importation risk and may be useful in other settings.
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2020 |
He WQ, Kirk MD, Sintchenko V, Hall JJ, Liu B, 'Antibiotic Use Associated with Confirmed Influenza, Pertussis, and Nontyphoidal Salmonella Infections', Microbial Drug Resistance, 26 1482-1490 (2020) Purpose: Antibiotics are not the recommended treatment for uncomplicated influenza or nontyphoidal salmonella infections, whereas they are for current pertussis infection. We inve... [more] Purpose: Antibiotics are not the recommended treatment for uncomplicated influenza or nontyphoidal salmonella infections, whereas they are for current pertussis infection. We investigated adherence to these recommendations in a population of older community-dwelling adults. Methods: Population-based prospective cohort study of Australian adults 45 years of age and older followed by record-linkage to laboratory-confirmed influenza, pertussis, and nontyphoidal salmonella notifications, hospitalization records, and antibiotic dispensing data from January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2015. Proportions of those with infections who were prescribed antibiotics were estimated, and characteristics associated with antibiotic prescribing were examined. Results: There were 1,056 influenza, 151 pertussis, and 334 nontyphoidal salmonella cases in the cohort eligible for analysis. Antibiotics were dispensed in 56.2% (594/1,056) of influenza, 78.8% (119/151) of pertussis, and 39.5% (132/334) of nontyphoidal salmonella cases within the ±10-day window around the infection onset date. The likelihood of antibiotic dispensing did not differ according to most participant characteristics examined, including whether cases had an associated hospitalization, their age, and recorded comorbidities. Macrolides were the predominant class of antibiotics dispensed for pertussis (79%), whereas both beta-lactams (36.3%) and macrolides (35.4%) were used for cases of influenza. There was no dominant antibiotic class dispensed among those with nontyphoidal salmonella. Conclusions: Given concerns regarding increasing antibiotic resistance, the high proportion of adults with influenza and nontyphoidal salmonella cases dispensed antibiotics indicate the need for further strengthening of antimicrobial stewardship by raising education and awareness of guidelines for managing these infections.
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2018 |
Nyongesa C, Xu X, Hall JJ, Macharia WM, Yego F, Hall B, 'Factors influencing choice of skilled birth attendance at ANC: evidence from the Kenya demographic health survey.', BMC pregnancy and childbirth, 18 1-6 (2018) [C1]
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2018 |
Xu X, Parker D, Shi Z, Byles J, Hall J, Hickman L, 'Dietary pattern, hypertension and cognitive function in an older population: 10-year longitudinal survey', Frontiers in Public Health, 6 (2018) [C1]
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2018 |
Liu H, Hall JJ, Xu X, Mishra GD, Byles JE, 'Differences in food and nutrient intakes between Australian- and Asian-born women living in Australia: Results from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health', Nutrition and Dietetics, 75 142-150 (2018) [C1] Aim: To determine differences in food and nutrient intakes between Australian- and Asian-born women living in Australia. Methods: Data were obtained from the Australian Longitudin... [more] Aim: To determine differences in food and nutrient intakes between Australian- and Asian-born women living in Australia. Methods: Data were obtained from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health, including 6461 women born in Australia or Asia who completed food frequency questionnaires in 2001 and 2013. Diet was assessed using the Dietary Questionnaire for Epidemiological Studies version 2. Longitudinal generalised estimating-equation modelling was performed to determine the effect of country of birth and survey year on fruit and vegetable intake. Results: Asian-born women ate more cereals, soybeans and fish but less vegetables, legumes, dairy, meat and meat products than Australian-born women both in 2001 and in 2013. Asian-born women ate less cereals, rice and noodles, meat and its products (P < 0.05) in 2013 than in 2001. The earlier people came to Australia, the less their rice and noodle intake per day. However, the reverse was demonstrated regarding vegetable intake. Asian-born women had a lower daily intake of fat, calcium, zinc, thiamin, riboflavin, folate and retinol compared with those born in Australia. Conclusions: Asian-born women living in Australia show different food and nutrient intakes from Australian-born women, although their diets tend to deviate from typical Asian characteristics and approach a Western diet.
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2018 |
Xu X, Byles JE, Shi Z, Hall JJ, 'Dietary patterns, dietary lead exposure and hypertension in the older Chinese population', Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 27 451-459 (2018) [C1] Background and Objectives: With rapid population ageing and an increasing rate of hypertension in China, this study aims to examine the association between dietary patterns, dieta... [more] Background and Objectives: With rapid population ageing and an increasing rate of hypertension in China, this study aims to examine the association between dietary patterns, dietary lead and hypertension among older Chinese population. Methods and Study Design: We analysed the 2009 China Health and Nutrition Survey data (2,634 individuals with dietary and hypertension measurement data, aged =60 years). Dietary data were obtained using 24 hour-recall over three consecutive days. Dietary lead intake is based on a published systematic review of food lead concentration and dietary lead exposure in China. Factor analysis was used to identify dietary patterns. Poisson regression and multinomial logistic regression models were used to explore the association between dietary patterns and hypertension. Results: The prevalence of hypertension was 47.0% in men and 48.9% in women. Traditional dietary pattern (high intake of rice, pork and vegetables) was significantly inversely associated with known hypertension. In the fully adjusted model, compared with the lowest quartile of traditional dietary pattern, the highest quartile had a lower risk of known hypertension, with Relative Risk Ratio=0.69 (95% CI: 0.50; 0.95). However, associations between modern dietary pattern and hypertension differed by urbanization; an inverse, positive and null association was seen in low, medium and high urbanization. Additionally, dietary lead showed a significant positive association with hypertension and known hypertension. Conclusions: Policies that facilitate and promote healthy diets, and the availability of healthy foods particularly at the regional and local levels, are important for the prevention of hypertension.
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2017 |
Akombi BJ, Agho KE, Merom D, Hall JJ, Renzaho AM, 'Multilevel Analysis of Factors Associated with Wasting and Underweight among Children Under-Five Years in Nigeria', NUTRIENTS, 9 (2017) [C1]
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2017 |
Liu H, Byles JE, Xu X, Zhang M, Wu X, Hall JJ, 'Evaluation of successful aging among older people in China: Results from China health and retirement longitudinal study', Geriatrics and Gerontology International, 17 1183-1190 (2017) [C1] Aim: China faces a ¿time-bomb¿ of the aging population. Successful aging has long been a goal in the field of gerontology. The present study aimed to evaluate successful aging amo... [more] Aim: China faces a ¿time-bomb¿ of the aging population. Successful aging has long been a goal in the field of gerontology. The present study aimed to evaluate successful aging among Chinese older adults. Methods: Data on a total of 7102 people in the China Health and Retirement Study aged =60 years were analyzed in the present study. Successful aging is defined by the model of Rowe and Kahn including the following five indicators: ¿no major diseases,¿ ¿no disability,¿ ¿high cognitive functioning,¿ ¿high physical functioning¿ and ¿active engagement with life.¿ Using logistic regression analysis, crude and adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated to evaluate the relationship between sociodemographic parameters and successful aging. Results: The prevalence of successful aging was 13.2% among Chinese older people. The percentage of older people with the five indicators, ¿no major diseases,¿ ¿no disability,¿ ¿high cognitive functioning,¿ ¿high physical functioning,¿ and ¿active engagement with life¿ was 41.7%, 92.1%, 54.2%, 70.2% and 46.0%, respectively. Multiple logistic regression showed people who had received education of high/vocational school or above had significantly greater odds of successful aging compared with those with less than primary school education (P < 0.05). The effect of education to college level or above on cognitive functioning was 2.51-fold higher in women than men (P = 0.006). Older people from a non-agricultural Hukou had 1.85-fold higher odds of successful aging than those from an agricultural Hukou. Older people living in the central, northeast or western regions had lower odds of successful aging relative to those living in the east coast region (0.72, 0.72 and 0.56, respectively). Conclusions: The prevalence of successful aging is low among Chinese older people, and is affected by sociodemographic factors, such as education, Hukou and regions. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 1183¿1190.
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2017 |
Xu X, Hall J, Byles J, Shi Z, 'Dietary pattern, serum magnesium, ferritin, C-reactive protein and anaemia among older people', Clinical Nutrition, 36 444-451 (2017) [C1] Background & aims Epidemiological data of dietary patterns and anaemia among older Chinese remains extremely scarce. We examined the association between dietary patterns and a... [more] Background & aims Epidemiological data of dietary patterns and anaemia among older Chinese remains extremely scarce. We examined the association between dietary patterns and anaemia in older Chinese, and to assess whether biomarkers of serum magnesium, C-reactive protein (CRP) and serum ferritin can mediate these associations. Methods We analysed the 2009 China Health and Nutrition Survey data (2401 individuals aged =60 years for whom both dietary and biomarker data are available). Dietary data was obtained using 24¿h-recall over three consecutive days. Fasting blood samples and anthropometry measurement were also collected. Factor analysis was used to identify dietary patterns. Factor scores representing dietary patterns were used in Poisson regression models to explore the association between each dietary pattern and anaemia. Results Of the 2401 participants, 18.9% had anaemia, 1.9% had anaemia related to inflammation (AI), and 1.3% had iron-deficiency anaemia (IDA). A traditional dietary pattern (high intake of rice, pork and vegetables) was positively associated with anaemia; a modern dietary pattern (high intake of fruit and fast food) was inversely associated with anaemia. Progressively lower magnesium and BMI levels were associated with increasing traditional dietary quartiles; while a progressively higher magnesium and BMI levels were associated with increasing modern dietary quartiles (p¿<¿0.001). There were no significant differences (p¿>¿0.05) in CRP and serum ferritin across quartiles for either dietary pattern. In the fully adjusted model, the prevalence ratio (PR) of anaemia, comparing the fourth quartile to the first quartile, was 1.75 (95% CI: 1.33; 2.29) for a traditional dietary pattern, and 0.89 (95% CI: 0.68; 1.16) for a modern dietary pattern. The association between dietary patterns and anaemia is mediated by serum magnesium. Conclusion Traditional dietary pattern is associated with a higher prevalence of anaemia among older Chinese. Future studies need to examine whether correcting micronutrient deficiency (e.g. magnesium) by promoting overall healthy diet, rather than iron supplementation, is a suitable strategy for anaemia prevention in older Chinese people.
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2017 |
Akombi BJ, Agho KE, Hall JJ, Merom D, Astell-Burt T, Renzaho AMN, 'Stunting and severe stunting among children under-5 years in Nigeria: A multilevel analysis', BMC Pediatrics, 17 1-16 (2017) [C1]
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2017 |
Milton AH, Rahman M, Hussain S, Jindal C, Choudhury S, Akter S, et al., 'Trapped in Statelessness: Rohingya Refugees in Bangladesh.', Int J Environ Res Public Health, 14 (2017) [C1]
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2016 |
Varol N, Dawson A, Turkmani S, Hall JJ, Nanayakkara S, Jenkins G, et al., 'Obstetric outcomes for women with female genital mutilation at an Australian hospital, 2006-2012: a descriptive study', BMC PREGNANCY AND CHILDBIRTH, 16 (2016)
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2016 |
Liu H, Xu X, Hall JJ, Wu X, Zhang M, 'Differences in depression between unknown diabetes and known diabetes: Results from China health and retirement longitudinal study', International Psychogeriatrics, 28 1191-1199 (2016) [C1] Background: Both diabetes and depression have become serious public health problems and are major contributors to the global burden of disease. People with diabetes have been show... [more] Background: Both diabetes and depression have become serious public health problems and are major contributors to the global burden of disease. People with diabetes have been shown to have higher risk of depression. The purpose of this study was to observe the differences in depression between older Chinese adults with known or unknown diabetes. Methods: Data came from the national baseline survey of China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale was used to assess depression. Participants with a history of diabetes diagnosis were considered to have known diabetes, and those with newly-diagnosed diabetes were considered to have unknown diabetes. Multiple logistic regression analysis was applied to estimate odds ratio (OR) for depression in predictor variables. Results: Overall, 39.1% of the 2,399 participants with diabetes suffered from depression. The prevalence of depression was significantly higher (p < 0.001) in people with known diabetes (43.5%) than those with unknown diabetes (35.1%). The biggest differences between the two groups were found in the middle aged, in women, in the less educated and in married people. In known diabetes, people treated with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) coupled with oral western medicine (WM) and/or insulin had two-fold odds of depression compared to those without treatment. Conclusion: The knowledge of having diabetes, treatments and suffering from other chronic diseases were associated with the higher prevalence of depression in people with known diabetes compared to those with unknown diabetes. Prevention of depression in diabetics should receive more attention in the middle aged, women and the less education.
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2016 |
Xu X, Byles J, Shi Z, McElduff P, Hall J, 'Dietary pattern transitions, and the associations with BMI, waist circumference, weight and hypertension in a 7-year follow-up among the older Chinese population: a longitudinal study', BMC PUBLIC HEALTH, 16 (2016) [C1]
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2016 |
Chinwong S, Patumanond J, Chinwong D, Hall JJ, Phrommintikul A, 'Reduction in total recurrent cardiovascular events in acute coronary syndrome patients with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol goal < 70 mg/dL: a real-life cohort in a developing country', THERAPEUTICS AND CLINICAL RISK MANAGEMENT, 12 353-360 (2016) [C1]
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2016 |
Liu H, Byles JE, Xu X, Zhang M, Wu X, Hall JJ, 'Association between nighttime sleep and successful aging among older Chinese people', Sleep Medicine, 22 18-24 (2016) [C1] Objective This study aims to assess the association between sleep and successful aging among Chinese¿=60 years of age. Methods Data were collected from the baseline survey of the ... [more] Objective This study aims to assess the association between sleep and successful aging among Chinese¿=60 years of age. Methods Data were collected from the baseline survey of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. Two self-reported questions about sleep quality and duration were examined. Successful aging was defined following Rowe and Kahn's multidimensional model. To assess the adjusted association between sleep and successful aging, multivariable logistic regression was applied. Results The average number of self-reported hours of sleep was 6.2¿±¿2.0 among older Chinese people. Successful aging was related to sleep duration, with the proportion of those adults considered to be aging successfully falling into the following sleep duration categories (<6¿h ¿ 7.8%; 6¿h ¿ 16.3%; 7¿h ¿ 19.1%; 8¿h ¿ 14.7%; and¿=9¿h ¿ 12.8%). The plots between sleep duration and successful aging were an inverse U-shape. Participants who slept less than 6¿h per day had lower odds ratios of successful aging [odds ratio (OR)¿=¿0.52, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.40¿0.67] relative to those who slept for 7¿h per day. Compared with those who reported poor sleep less than once a week, older people who reported poor sleep five to seven days a week showed a lower ratio of successful aging (OR¿=¿0.29, 95% CI 0.21¿0.39). Conclusion Older age, shorter or longer sleep, and poor sleep were related to lower odds of, rates of successful aging. Most older Chinese adults experience insufficient sleep and poor sleep quality, which could be an important influential factor in successful aging.
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2015 |
Xu X, Hall J, Byles J, Shi Z, 'Dietary pattern is associated with obesity in older people in China: Data from China health and nutrition survey (CHNS)', Nutrients, 7 8170-8188 (2015) [C1] Background: No studies have been conducted to explore the associations between dietary patterns and obesity among older Chinese people, by considering gender and urbanization leve... [more] Background: No studies have been conducted to explore the associations between dietary patterns and obesity among older Chinese people, by considering gender and urbanization level differences. Methods: We analyzed data from the 2009 China Health and Nutrition Survey (2745 individuals, aged e 60 years). Dietary data were obtained using 24 h-recall over three consecutive days. Height, Body Weight, and Waist Circumference were measured. Exploratory factor analysis was used to identify dietary patterns. Multinomial and Poisson regression models were used to examine the association between dietary patterns and Body Mass Index (BMI) status/central obesity. Results: The prevalence of general and central obesity was 9.5% and 53.4%. Traditional dietary pattern (high intake of rice, pork and vegetables) was inversely associated with general/central obesity; modern dietary pattern (high intake of fruit, fast food, and processed meat) was positively associated with general/central obesity. The highest quartile of traditional dietary pattern had a lower risk of general/central obesity compared with the lowest quartile, while an inverse picture was found for the modern dietary pattern. These associations were consistent by gender and urbanization levels. Conclusions: Dietary patterns are associated with general/central obesity in older Chinese. This study reinforces the importance of a healthy diet in promoting healthy ageing in China.
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2015 |
Chinwong D, Patumanond J, Chinwong S, Siriwattana K, Gunaparn S, Hall JJ, Phrommintikul A, 'Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol of less than 70 mg/dL is associated with fewer cardiovascular events in acute coronary syndrome patients: A real-life cohort in Thailand', Therapeutics and Clinical Risk Management, 11 659-667 (2015) [C1] Background: Elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease or mortality; however, the LDL-C goal for therapy i... [more] Background: Elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease or mortality; however, the LDL-C goal for therapy in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients is controversial and varies among guidelines. This study aimed to assess the effect of reaching an LDL-C goal of <70 mg/dL (<1.8 mmol/L) on first composite cardiovascular outcomes in routine clinical practice in Thailand. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted using medical charts and the electronic hospital database of patients diagnosed with ACS and treated with statins at a tertiary care hospital in Thailand between 2009 and 2012. After admission, patients were followed from the date of LDL-C goal assessment until the first event of composite cardiovascular outcomes (nonfatal ACS, nonfatal stroke, or all-cause death). Cox proportional hazard models adjusted for potential confounders were used. Results: Of 405 patients, mean age was 65 years (60% males). Twenty-seven percent of the patients attained an LDL-C goal of<70 mg/dL, 38% had LDL-C between 70 and 99 mg/dL, and 35% had LDL-C =100 mg/dL. Forty-six patients experienced a composite cardiovascular outcome. Compared with patients with an LDL-C =100 mg/dL, patients achieving an LDL-C of <70 mg/dL were associated with a reduced composite cardiovascular outcome (adjusted hazard ratio [HR]=0.42; 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.18¿0.95; P-value=0.037), but patients with an LDL-C between 70 and 99 mg/dL had a lower composite cardiovascular outcome, which was not statistically significant (adjusted HR=0.73; 95% CI=0.37¿1.42; P-value=0.354). Conclusion: ACS patients who received statins and achieved an LDL-C of <70 mg/dL had significantly fewer composite cardiovascular outcomes, confirming ¿the lower the better¿ and the benefit of treating to LDL-C target in ACS patient management.
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2015 |
Rifat M, Hall J, Oldmeadow C, Husain A, Milton AH, 'Health system delay in treatment of multidrug resistant tuberculosis patients in Bangladesh', BMC Infectious Diseases, (2015) [C1] © 2015 Rifat et al. Background: Bangladesh is one of the 27 high burden countries for multidrug resistant tuberculosis listed by the World Health Organization. Delay in multidrug ... [more] © 2015 Rifat et al. Background: Bangladesh is one of the 27 high burden countries for multidrug resistant tuberculosis listed by the World Health Organization. Delay in multidrug resistant tuberculosis treatment may allow progression of the disease and affect the attempts to curb transmission of drug resistant tuberculosis. The main objective of this study was to investigate the health system delay in multidrug resistant tuberculosis treatment in Bangladesh and to explore the factors related to the delay. Methods: Information related to the delay was collected as part of a previously conducted case-control study. The current study restricts analysis to patients with multidrug resistant tuberculosis who were diagnosed using rapid diagnostic methods (Xpert MTB/RIF or the line probe assay). Information was collected by face-to-face interviews and through record reviews from all three Government hospitals providing multidrug resistant tuberculosis services, from September 2012 to April 2013. Multivariable regression analysis was performed using Bootstrap variance estimators. Definitions were as follows: Provider delay: time between visiting a provider for first consultation on MDR-TB related symptom to visiting a designated diagnostic centre for testing; Diagnostic delay: time from date of diagnostic sample provided to date of result; Treatment initiation delay: time between the date of diagnosis and date of treatment initiation; Health system delay: time between visiting a provider to start of treatment. Health system delay was derived by adding provider delay, diagnostic delay and treatment initiation delay. Results: The 207 multidrug resistant tuberculosis patients experienced a health system delay of median 7.1 weeks. The health system delay consists of provider delay (median 4 weeks), diagnostic delay (median 5 days) and treatment initiation delay (median 10 days). Health system delay (Coefficient: 37.7; 95 %; CI 15.0-60.4; p 0.003) was associated with the visit to private practitioners for first consultation. Conclusions: Diagnosis time for multidrug resistant tuberculosis was fast using the rapid tests. However, some degree of delay was present in treatment initiation, after diagnosis. The most effective way to reduce health system delay would be through strategies such as engaging private practitioners in multidrug resistant tuberculosis control.
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2015 |
Chinwong D, Patumanond J, Chinwong S, Siriwattana K, Gunaparn S, Hall JJ, Phrommintikul A, 'Clinical indicators for recurrent cardiovascular events in acute coronary syndrome patients treated with statins under routine practice in Thailand: An observational study', BMC Cardiovascular Disorders, 15 (2015) [C1] Background: Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients are at very high cardiovascular risk and tend to have recurrent cardiovascular events. The clinical indicators for subsequent ca... [more] Background: Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients are at very high cardiovascular risk and tend to have recurrent cardiovascular events. The clinical indicators for subsequent cardiovascular events are limited and need further investigation. This study aimed to explore clinical indicators that were associated with recurrent cardiovascular events following index hospitalization. Methods: The data of patients hospitalized with ACS at a tertiary care hospital in northern Thailand between January 2009 and December 2012 were retrospectively reviewed from medical charts and the electronic hospital database. The patients were classified into three groups based on the frequency of recurrent cardiovascular events (nonfatal ACS, nonfatal stroke, or all-cause death) they suffered: no recurrent events (0), single recurrent event (1), and multiple recurrent events (=2). Ordinal logistic regression was performed to explore the clinical indicators for recurrent cardiovascular events. Results: A total of 405 patients were included; 60 % were male; the average age was 64.9 ± 11.5 years; 40 % underwent coronary revascularization during admission. Overall, 359 (88.6 %) had no recurrent events, 36 (8.9 %) had a single recurrent event, and 10 (2.5 %) had multiple recurrent events. The significant clinical indicators associated with recurrent cardiovascular events were achieving an LDL-C goal of < 70 mg/dL (Adjusted OR = 0.43; 95 % CI = 0.27-0.69, p-value < 0.001), undergoing revascularization during admission (Adjusted OR = 0.44; 95 % CI = 0.24-0.81, p-value = 0.009), being male (Adjusted OR = 1.85; 95 % CI = 1.29-2.66, p-value = 0.001), and decrease estimated glomerular filtration rate (Adjusted OR = 2.46; 95 % CI = 2.21-2.75, p-value < 0.001). Conclusion: The routine clinical practice indicators assessed in ACS patients that were associated with recurrent cardiovascular events were that achieving the LDL-C goal and revascularization are protective factors, while being male and having decreased estimated glomerular filtration rate are risk factors for recurrent cardiovascular events. These clinical indicators should be used for routinely monitoring patients to prevent recurrent cardiovascular events in ACS patients.
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2015 |
Xu X, Hall J, Byles J, Shi Z, 'Assessing dietary quality of older Chinese people using the Chinese Diet Balance Index (DBI)', PLoS ONE, 10 (2015) [C1] Background/Objectives: Few studies have applied the Chinese Diet Balance Index (DBI) in evaluating dietary quality for Chinese people. The present cross-sectional study assessed d... [more] Background/Objectives: Few studies have applied the Chinese Diet Balance Index (DBI) in evaluating dietary quality for Chinese people. The present cross-sectional study assessed dietary quality based on DBI for older people, and the associated factors, in four socioeconomically distinct regions in China. Methods: The China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS) involves 2745 older Chinese people, aged 60 or over, from four regions (Northeast, East Coast, Central and West) in 2009. Dietary data were obtained by interviews using 24 hour-recall over three consecutive days. Four indicators: Total Score (TS), Lower Bound Score (LBS), Higher Bound Score (HBS) and Diet Quality Distance (DQD) from DBI were calculated for assessing dietary quality in different aspects. Results: 68.9% of older people had different levels of excessive cereals intake. More than 50% of older people had moderate or severe surplus of oil (64.9%) and salt (58.6%). Intake of vegetables and fruit, milk and soybeans, water, and dietary variety were insufficient, especially for milk and soybeans. 80.8%of people had moderate or severe unbalanced diet consumption. The largest differences of DQD scores have been found for people with different education levels and urbanicity levels. People with higher education levels have lower DQD scores (p<0.001), and people living in medium and low urbanicity areas had 2.8 and 8.9 higher DQD scores than their high urbanicity counterparts (p<0.001). Also, significant differences of DQD scores have been found according to gender, marital status, work status and regions (p<0.001). Conclusion: DBI can reveal problems of dietary quality for older Chinese people. Rectifying unbalanced diet intake may lead to prevention of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Dieticians and health care professionals need to increase dissemination and uptake of nutrition education, with interventions targeted at regions of lower socioeconomic status.
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2015 |
Xu X, E Byles J, Shi Z, J Hall J, 'Evaluation of older Chinese people's macronutrient intake status: Results from the China Health and Nutrition Survey', British Journal of Nutrition, 113 159-171 (2015) [C1] Little is known about the macronutrient intake status of older Chinese people. The present study evaluated the macronutrient intake status of older Chinese people (aged =A 60 year... [more] Little is known about the macronutrient intake status of older Chinese people. The present study evaluated the macronutrient intake status of older Chinese people (aged =A 60 years), investigated whether they had intake levels that met the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI), and explored the associations between macronutrient intakes and age groups, sex, education levels, work status, BMI groups, urbanicity levels and four socio-economic regions of China (Northeast, East Coast, Central and Western). Dietary intake data of 2746 older Chinese with complete dietary intake data in the Longitudinal China Health and Nutrition Survey (2009 wave) carried out across four diverse regions were analysed. Dietary intake data were obtained by interviews using 24A h recalls over three consecutive days. The MUFA:SFA ratios were calculated based on the Chinese Food Composition Table. Less than one-third of the older Chinese people included in the present study had intake levels meeting the adequate intake for carbohydrate-energy and fat-energy; less than one-fifth had intake levels meeting the recommended nutrient intake for protein-energy; and more than half of the older people had fat-energy intakes higher than the DRI. There were strong associations between the proportions of energy from the three macronutrients and education levels, urbanicity levels and the four socio-economic regions of China, with older people living in the East Coast region having different patterns of macronutrient-energy intakes when compared with those living in the other three regions. Macronutrient intakes across different urbanicity levels in the four regions revealed considerable geographical variations in dietary patterns, which will affect the risk factors for non-communicable diseases. Clinical interventions and public health policies should recognise these regional differences in dietary patterns.
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2015 |
Rifat M, Hall J, Oldmeadow C, Husain A, Hinderaker SG, Milton AH, 'Factors related to previous tuberculosis treatment of patients with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in Bangladesh', BMJ OPEN, 5 (2015) [C1]
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2015 |
Ezeh OK, Agho KE, Dibley MJ, Hall JJ, Page AN, 'Risk factors for postneonatal, infant, child and under-5 mortality in Nigeria: A pooled cross-sectional analysis', BMJ Open, 5 (2015) [C1] Objectives: To identify common factors associated with post-neonatal, infant, child and under-5 mortality in Nigeria. Design, setting and participants: A cross-sectional data of t... [more] Objectives: To identify common factors associated with post-neonatal, infant, child and under-5 mortality in Nigeria. Design, setting and participants: A cross-sectional data of three Nigeria Demographic and Health Surveys (NDHS) for the years 2003, 2008 and 2013 were used. A multistage, stratified, cluster random sampling method was used to gather information on 63 844 singleton live-born infants of the most recent birth of a mother within a 5-year period before each survey was examined using cox regression models. Main outcome measures: Postneonatal mortality (death between 1 and 11 months), infant mortality (death between birth and 11 months), child mortality (death between 12 and 59 months) and under-5 mortality (death between birth and 59 months). Results: Multivariable analyses indicated that children born to mothers with no formal education was significantly associated with mortality across all four age ranges (adjusted HR=1.30, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.66 for postneonatal; HR=1.38, 95% CI 1.11 to 1.84 for infant; HR=2.13, 95% CI 1.56 to 2.89 for child; HR=1.19, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.41 for under-5). Other significant factors included living in rural areas (HR=1.48, 95% CI 1.16 to 1.89 for postneonatal; HR=1.23, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.47 for infant; HR=1.52, 95% CI 1.16 to 1.99 for child; HR=1.29, 95% CI 1.11 to 1.50 for under-5), and poor households (HR=2.47, 95% CI 1.76 to 3.47 for postneonatal; HR=1.40, 95% CI 1.10 to 1.78 for infant; HR=1.72, 95% CI 1.19 to 2.49 for child; HR=1.43, 95% CI 1.17 to 1.76 for under-5). Conclusions: This study found that no formal education, poor households and living in rural areas increased the risk of postneonatal, infant, child and under-5 mortality among Nigerian children. Community-based interventions for reducing under-5 deaths are needed and should target children born to mothers of low socioeconomic status.
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2015 |
Chinwong D, Patumanond J, Chinwong S, Siriwattana K, Gunaparn S, Hall JJ, Phrommintikul A, 'Statin therapy in patients with acute coronary syndrome: Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol goal attainment and effect of statin potency', Therapeutics and Clinical Risk Management, 11 127-136 (2015) [C1] Background: Elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is associated with an increased risk of coronary artery disease. Current guidelines recommend an LDL-C target of &... [more] Background: Elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is associated with an increased risk of coronary artery disease. Current guidelines recommend an LDL-C target of <70 mg/dL (< 1.8 mmol/L) for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients, and the first-line treatment to lower lipids is statin therapy. Despite current guidelines and the efficacious k'pid-lowering agents available, about half of patients at very high risk, including ACS patients, fail to achieve their LDL-C goal. This study assessed LDL-C goal attainment according to use of high and low potency statins in routine practice in Thailand. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed by retrieving data from medical records and the electronic hospital database for a tertiary care hospital in Thailand between 2009 and 2011. Included were ACS patients treated with statins at baseline and with follow-up of LDL-C levels. Patients were divided into high or low potency statin users, and the proportion reaching the LDL-C goal of <70 mg/dL was determined. A Cox proportional hazard model was applied to determine the relationship between statin potency and LDL-C goal attainment. Propensity score adjustment was used to control for confounding by indication. Results: Of 396 ACS patients (60% males, mean age 64.3+11.6 years), 229 (58%) were treated with high potency statins and 167 (42%) with low potency statins. A quarter reached their target LDL-C goal (25% for patients on high potency statins and 23% on low potency statins). High potency statins were not associated with increased LDL-C goal attainment (adjusted hazards ratio 1.22, 95% confidence interval 0.79-1.88; P=0.363). Conclusion: There was no significant effect of high potency statins on LDL-C goal attainment. Moreover, this study showed low LDL-C goal attainment for patients on either low or high potency statins. The reasons for the low LDL-C goal attainment rate warrants further investigation.
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2015 |
Varol N, Turkmani S, Black K, Hall J, Dawson A, 'The role of men in abandonment of female genital mutilation: a systematic review', BMC PUBLIC HEALTH, 15 (2015)
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2015 |
Xu X, Hall J, Byles J, Shi Z, 'Do older Chinese people's diets meet the Chinese Food Pagoda guidelines? Results from the China Health and Nutrition Survey 2009', PUBLIC HEALTH NUTRITION, 18 3020-3030 (2015) [C1]
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2014 |
Varol N, Fraser IS, Ng CHM, Jaldesa G, Hall J, 'Female genital mutilation/cutting - towards abandonment of a harmful cultural practice', Australian and New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 54 400-405 (2014) [C2]
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2014 |
Ezeh OK, Agho KE, Dibley MJ, Hall JJ, Page AN, 'The effect of solid fuel use on childhood mortality in Nigeria: evidence from the 2013 cross-sectional household survey', ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH, 13 (2014) [C1]
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2014 |
Agho KE, Hall J, Ewald B, 'Determinants of the Knowledge of and Attitude towards Tuberculosis in Nigeria', JOURNAL OF HEALTH POPULATION AND NUTRITION, 32 520-538 (2014) [C1]
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2014 |
Ezeh OK, Agho KE, Dibley MJ, Hall J, Page AN, 'The Impact of Water and Sanitation on Childhood Mortality in Nigeria: Evidence from Demographic and Health Surveys, 2003-2013', INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH, 11 9256-9272 (2014) [C1]
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2014 |
Rifat M, Milton AH, Hall J, Oldmeadow C, Islam MA, Husain A, et al., 'Development of Multidrug Resistant Tuberculosis in Bangladesh: A Case-Control Study on Risk Factors', PLOS ONE, 9 (2014) [C1]
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2014 |
Ezeh OK, Agho KE, Dibley MJ, Hall J, Page AN, 'Determinants of neonatal mortality in Nigeria: Evidence from the 2008 demographic and health survey', BMC Public Health, 14 (2014) [C1] Background: Nigeria continues to have one of the highest rates of neonatal deaths in Africa. This study aimed to identify risk factors associated with neonatal death in Nigeria us... [more] Background: Nigeria continues to have one of the highest rates of neonatal deaths in Africa. This study aimed to identify risk factors associated with neonatal death in Nigeria using the 2008 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS). Methods. Neonatal deaths of all singleton live-born infants between 2003 and 2008 were extracted from the 2008 NDHS. The 2008 NDHS was a multi-stage cluster sample survey of 36,298 households. Of these households, survival information of 27,147 singleton live-borns was obtained, including 996 cases of neonatal mortality. The risk of death was adjusted for confounders relating to individual, household, and community level factors using Cox regression. Results: Multivariable analyses indicated that a higher birth order of newborns with a short birth interval = 2 years (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.19, confidence interval [CI]: 1.68-2.84) and newborns with a higher birth order with a longer birth interval > 2 years (HR = 1.36, CI: 1.05-1.78) were significantly associated with neonatal mortality. Other significant factors that affected neonatal deaths included neonates born to mothers younger than 20 years (HR = 4.07, CI: 2.83-5.86), neonates born to mothers residing in rural areas compared with urban residents (HR = 1.26, CI: 1.03-1.55), male neonates (HR = 1.30, CI: 1.12-1.53), mothers who perceived their neonate's body size to be smaller than the average size (HR = 2.10, CI: 1.77-2.50), and mothers who delivered their neonates by caesarean section (HR = 2.80, CI: 1.84-4.25). Conclusions: Our study suggests that the Nigerian government needs to invest more in the healthcare system to ensure quality care for women and newborns. Community-based intervention is also required and should focus on child spacing, childbearing at a younger age, and poverty eradication programs, particularly in rural areas, to reduce avoidable neonatal deaths in Nigeria. © 2014 Ezeh et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.
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2013 |
Hall JJ, Gillespie JA, Rosewell A, Mapira P, 'The Papua New Guinea cholera outbreak: implications for PNG, Australia and the Torres Strait', MEDICAL JOURNAL OF AUSTRALIA, 199 576-577 (2013) [C1]
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2012 |
Asante AD, Negin J, Hall JJ, Dewdney J, Zwi AB, 'Analysis of policy implications and challenges of the Cuban health assistance program related to human resources for health in the Pacific', Human Resources for Health, 10 1-9 (2012) [C3]
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2011 |
Ongugo K, Hall JJ, Attia JR, 'Implementing tuberculosis control in Papua New Guinea: A clash of culture and science?', Journal of Community Health, 36 423-430 (2011) [C1]
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Show 80 more journal articles |
Conference (3 outputs)
Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link | ||
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2016 |
Hasnat MA, Rifat M, Hall J, Oldmeadow C, 'Experience from Research projects on multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in Bangladesh.', Kathmundu, Nepal (2016)
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2015 |
Hasnat MA, Rifat M, Hall J, Oldmeadow C, Hasnat MA, 'Treatment delay among the tuberculosis patients of Bangladesh', Program Book, Brisbane, Queensland (2015) [E3]
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2010 | Kellie SJ, Li M, Hall J, 'GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES ON PEDIATRIC ONCOLOGY & NEURO-ONCOLOGY TRAINING: CAREER DEVELOPMENT OF INTERNATIONAL PEDIATRIC ONCOLOGY FELLOWS TRAINED IN SYDNEY', NEURO-ONCOLOGY, Vienna, AUSTRIA (2010) |
Report (3 outputs)
Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link | ||
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2016 |
Bonevski B, Bryant J, Carey M, Considine R, D'Este C, Doran C, et al., 'Chronic care service enhancements program evaluation. Final report.', NSW Ministry of Health (2016)
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2016 |
Bonevski B, Bryant J, Carey M, Considine R, D'Este C, Doran C, et al., 'Chronic care service enhancements program evaluation. Summary report.', NSW Ministry of Health (2016)
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2014 |
Byles JE, Curryer CA, Edwards N, Weaver N, D'Este C, Hall J, Kowal P, 'The health of older people in selected countries of the Western Pacific Region', World Health Organisation, 54 (2014) [R1]
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Grants and Funding
Summary
Number of grants | 6 |
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Total funding | $590,792 |
Click on a grant title below to expand the full details for that specific grant.
20151 grants / $19,684
Updating the Directory of Research on Ageing in Africa$19,684
Funding body: United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs
Funding body | United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs |
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Project Team | Emeritus Professor Julie Byles, Doctor Paul Kowal, Associate Professor John Hall, Doctor Masuma Khanam |
Scheme | Research Grant |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | 2015 |
Funding Finish | 2015 |
GNo | G1501160 |
Type Of Funding | International - Competitive |
Category | 3IFA |
UON | Y |
20131 grants / $258,129
Building Health Systems Research Capacity to evaluate and monitor the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals.$258,129
Funding body: AusAID (Australian Agency for International Development)
Funding body | AusAID (Australian Agency for International Development) |
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Project Team | Associate Professor John Hall |
Scheme | Australian Leadership Awards Fellowships |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2013 |
Funding Finish | 2013 |
GNo | G1200812 |
Type Of Funding | Other Public Sector - Commonwealth |
Category | 2OPC |
UON | Y |
20122 grants / $57,010
Comparative Study on Health of Older Persons in Selected Countries in the Western Pacific Region$47,010
Funding body: World Health Organization
Funding body | World Health Organization |
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Project Team | Emeritus Professor Julie Byles, Associate Professor John Hall, Conjoint Professor Cate d'Este, Doctor Paul Kowal, Professor Hal Kendig, Dr Joel Negin, Dr Nawi Ng |
Scheme | Research Grant |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | 2012 |
Funding Finish | 2012 |
GNo | G1201053 |
Type Of Funding | International - Non Competitive |
Category | 3IFB |
UON | Y |
Risk factors for MDR-TB in Bangladesh: a population based case-control study.$10,000
Funding body: Australian Respiratory Council (ARC)
Funding body | Australian Respiratory Council (ARC) |
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Project Team | Doctor Milton Hasnat, Dr Mahfuza Rifat, Associate Professor John Hall |
Scheme | Research Support Grant |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | 2012 |
Funding Finish | 2012 |
GNo | G1200030 |
Type Of Funding | Grant - Aust Non Government |
Category | 3AFG |
UON | Y |
20102 grants / $255,969
HMRI MRSP Infrastructure Grant (2010-11) Health Behaviour$252,219
Funding body: Hunter Medical Research Institute
Funding body | Hunter Medical Research Institute |
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Project Team | Laureate Professor Robert Sanson-Fisher, Associate Professor John Hall |
Scheme | NSW MRSP Infrastructure Grant |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | 2010 |
Funding Finish | 2011 |
GNo | G1100409 |
Type Of Funding | Other Public Sector - State |
Category | 2OPS |
UON | Y |
New Staff Grant - Pacific Island country (PIC) medical graduate career decisions and choices cohort study$3,750
Funding body: University of Newcastle
Funding body | University of Newcastle |
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Project Team | Associate Professor John Hall |
Scheme | New Staff Grant |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2010 |
Funding Finish | 2010 |
GNo | G1000916 |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | Y |
Research Supervision
Number of supervisions
Past Supervision
Year | Level of Study | Research Title | Program | Supervisor Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
2019 | Masters | Economic Evaluation of a Pre-Hospital Protocol for Patients with Suspected Acute Stroke in Australia | M Philosophy (ComMed&ClinEpid), College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle | Co-Supervisor |
2016 | PhD | Multidrug Resistance Tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in Community Setting of Bangladesh | PhD (CommunityMed & ClinEpid), College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle | Co-Supervisor |
2016 | PhD | Dietary Intake, Dietary Quality, Dietary Pattern and Non-Communicable Diseases Among Older Chinese Population | PhD (Gender & Health), College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle | Principal Supervisor |
Associate Professor John Hall
Position
Honorary Professor
Centre for Clinical Epidemiology & Biostatistics
School of Medicine and Public Health
College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing
Focus area
Public Health
Contact Details
john.hall@newcastle.edu.au | |
Phone | (02) 4042 0561 |
Fax | (02) 4042 0044 |
Office
Room | Room 4110, Level 4 West |
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Building | HMRI Building |