Dr Natalie Johnson
Senior Lecturer
School of Medicine and Public Health (Health Behaviour Sciences)
- Email:natalie.johnson@newcastle.edu.au
- Phone:(02) 40420552
Career Summary
Biography
Dr Johnson qualified from the University of Newcastle with a Bachelor of Education in 1989, postgraduate qualifications in Health Promotion in 1991, and a PhD in 1996. She held a NHMRC Postdoctoral Fellowship from 1996-2000 and was employed as a part-time Lecturer in Quality Improvement in Health Care from 2001-2005 before returning to full-time employment as a lecturer in Health Behaviour Sciences in 2006. She was awarded an Equity Research Fellowship in 2007, promoted to Senior Lecturer in 2012, and was awarded a Gladys M Brawn Career Development Fellowship in 2016.
Teaching Expertise
Between 1998 and 2005, Dr Johnson coordinated and taught postgraduate distance education courses in Quality Improvement in Health Care. These days, she coordinates and teaches large undergraduate public health courses (examples include, PUBH1030 - Foundations of K-6 PDHPE and PUBH1080 - Studies in Population Health and Health Promotion).
Administrative Expertise
Dr Johnson is HDR Convenor (Candidature & Examinations) in the School of Medicine and Public Health.
Research Expertise
Dr Johnson's research experience includes the conduct of two NHMRC funded randomised trials: one tested the efficacy of counselling by an exercise physiologist on the physical activity levels of referred insufficiently active primary care patients while the other tested the efficacy of an electronic screening and brief intervention program on alcohol consumption among hospital outpatients with hazardous or harmful drinking. Her current focus is on the health and wellbeing of University students, HDR students in particular.
Research Collaborations
Dr Johnson has collaborated with a number of national and international experts on a range of innovative projects. This includes: (a) Prof Kyp Kypri (UoN), Prof John B. Saunders (Sydney University), Prof Richard Saitz (Boston University), Prof John Attia (UoN & JHH), A/Prof Adrian Dunlop (Director Drug & Alcohol Services, HNE LHD), Prof Christopher Doran (UoN), Prof Jim McCambridge (York University), Prof Patrick McElduff (previously UoN) and A/Prof Luke Wolfenden (HNE HLD) on a randomised trial testing the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of e-SBI for outpatients who screen positive for hazardous drinking and (b) A/Prof Erica James (UoN), Prof Ron Plotnikoff (UoN), Dr Ben Ewald (UoN) and Prof Wendy Brown (UQ) on a trial testing the efficacy of two physical activity counselling strategies on physical activity behaviour over a 12-month period among insufficiently active adults attending general practices in the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie areas of NSW.
Professional Memberships
Dr Johnson is a member of the International Association for University Health & Wellbeing, the International Positive Psychology Association and the Positive Education Schools Association.
Qualifications
- PhD, University of Newcastle
- Bachelor of Education, University of Newcastle
- Graduate Diploma in Health Social Science, University of Newcastle
Keywords
- Public health
- University Student Wellbeing
Fields of Research
Code | Description | Percentage |
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420603 | Health promotion | 40 |
420201 | Behavioural epidemiology | 60 |
Professional Experience
UON Appointment
Title | Organisation / Department |
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Senior Lecturer | University of Newcastle School of Medicine and Public Health Australia |
Academic appointment
Dates | Title | Organisation / Department |
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1/3/2006 - 31/12/2012 |
Lecturer Health Behaviour Sciences |
The University of Newcastle - Faculty of Health and Medicine School of Medicine and Public Health Australia |
1/1/2001 - 1/2/2006 |
Lecturer Quality Improvement |
University of Newcastle School of Medicine and Public Health Australia |
Awards
Research Award
Year | Award |
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2016 |
Gladys M Brawn Career Development Fellowship (Teaching Assist Scheme) Gladys M Brawn Memorial Fellowship Scheme |
2007 |
Equity Research Fellowship The University of Newcastle |
1996 |
Postdoctoral Fellowship NHMRC (National Health & Medical Research Council) |
Publications
For publications that are currently unpublished or in-press, details are shown in italics.
Journal article (39 outputs)
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2024 |
Luu X, Keilar C, Paras L, Tavener M, James EL, Johnson NA, 'How do setting-level changes in universities affect mental health and wellbeing? A systematic mixed studies review', Mental Health & Prevention, 200338-200338 (2024)
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2022 |
Liew S, Gwynn J, Smith J, Johnson NA, Plotnikoff R, James EL, Turner N, 'The Barriers and Facilitators of Sport and Physical Activity Participation for Aboriginal Children in Rural New South Wales, Australia: A Photovoice Project', International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19 (2022) [C1] Participating in physical activity is beneficial for health. Whilst Aboriginal children possess high levels of physical activity, this declines rapidly by early adolescence. Low p... [more] Participating in physical activity is beneficial for health. Whilst Aboriginal children possess high levels of physical activity, this declines rapidly by early adolescence. Low physical activity participation is a behavioral risk factor for chronic disease, which is present at much higher rates in Australian Aboriginal communities compared to non-Aboriginal communities. Through photos and ¿yarning¿, the Australian Aboriginal cultural form of conversation, this photovoice study explored the barriers and facilitators of sport and physical activity participation perceived by Aboriginal children (n = 17) in New South Wales rural communities in Australia for the first time and extended the limited research undertaken nationally. Seven key themes emerged from thematic analysis. Four themes described physical activity barriers, which largely exist at the community and interpersonal level of children¿s social and cultural context: The physical environment, high costs related to sport and transport, and reliance on parents, along with individual risk factors such as unhealthy eating. Three themes identified physical activity facilitators that exist at the personal, interpersonal, and institutional level: Enjoyment from being active, supportive social and family connections, and schools. Findings highlight the need for ongoing maintenance of community facilities to enable physical activity opportunities and ensure safety. Children held strong aspirations for improved and accessible facilities. The strength of friendships and the family unit should be utilized in co-designed and Aboriginal community-led campaigns.
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2020 |
Mogre V, Johnson NA, Tzelepis F, Hall A, Paul C, 'Barriers to self-care and their association with poor adherence to self-care behaviours in people with type 2 diabetes in Ghana: A cross sectional study', Obesity Medicine, 18 (2020) [C1]
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2020 |
Plotnikoff RC, Stacey FG, Jansson AK, Ewald B, Johnson NA, Brown WJ, et al., 'Does Patient Preference for Mode of Intervention Delivery Impact Intervention Efficacy and Attrition?', American Journal of Health Promotion, 34 63-66 (2020) [C1] Purpose: To explore whether there was a difference in objectively measured physical activity and study participation between people who received their preferred study group alloca... [more] Purpose: To explore whether there was a difference in objectively measured physical activity and study participation between people who received their preferred study group allocation (matched) and those who did not receive their preferred study group (mismatched). Design: Secondary data from the NewCOACH randomized controlled trial. Setting: Insufficiently active patients in the primary care settings in Sydney and Newcastle, Australia. Participants: One hundred seventy-two adults aged 20 to 81 years. Intervention: Participants indicated their intervention preference at baseline for (1) five face-to-face visits with an exercise specialist, (2) one face-to-face visit and 4 telephone follow-ups with an exercise specialist, (3) written material, or (4) slight-to-no preference. Participants were then allocated to an intervention group and categorized as either ¿matched¿ or ¿mismatched¿ based on their indications. Participants who reported a slight-to-no preference was categorized as ¿matched.¿ Measures: Daily step count as measured by pedometers and study participation. Analysis: Mean differences between groups in daily step count at 3 and 12 months (multiple linear regression models) and study participation at baseline, 3 months, and 12 months (¿2 tests). Results: Preference for an intervention group prior to randomization did not significantly (all P¿s >.05 using 95% confidence interval) impact step counts (differences of <600 steps/day between groups) or study participation. Conclusion: Future research should continue to address whether the strength of preferences influence study outcome and participation and whether the study preferences change over time.
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2019 |
Mogre V, Johnson NA, Tzelepis F, Paul C, 'Barriers to diabetic self-care: A qualitative study of patients and healthcare providers perspectives', Journal of Clinical Nursing, 28 2296-2308 (2019) [C1] Aims and objectives: To explore patient and healthcare provider (HCP) perspectives about patients¿ barriers to the performance of diabetic self-care behaviours in Ghana. Backgroun... [more] Aims and objectives: To explore patient and healthcare provider (HCP) perspectives about patients¿ barriers to the performance of diabetic self-care behaviours in Ghana. Background: Sub-Saharan African urban populations are increasingly affected by type 2 diabetes due to nutrition transition, sedentary lifestyles and ageing. Diabetic self-care is critical to improving clinical outcomes. However, little is known about barriers to diabetic self-care (diet, exercise, medication taking, self-monitoring of blood glucose and foot care) in sub-Saharan Africa. Design: Qualitative study that followed the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) guidelines. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted among 23 people living with type 2 diabetes and 14 HCPs recruited from the diabetes clinics of three hospitals in Tamale, Ghana. Interviews were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim. The constant comparative method of data analysis was used and identified themes classified according to constructs of the theory of planned behaviour (TPB): attitudes/behavioural beliefs, subjective norms and perceived behavioural control. Results: Barriers relating to attitudes included misconceptions that diabetes was caused by spiritual forces or curses, use of herbal medicines, intentional nonadherence, difficulty changing old habits, and feeling or lacking motivation to exercise. Barriers relating to subjective norms were inadequate family support, social stigma (usually by spouses and other members of the community) and cultural beliefs. Perceived behavioural control barriers were poor income levels, lack of glucometers, busy work schedules, long distance to the hospital and inadequate access to variety of foods due to erratic supply of foods or seasonality. Conclusions: Both patients and HCPs discussed similar barriers and those relating to attitude and behavioural control were commonly discussed. Relevance to Clinical Practice: Interventions to improve adherence to diabetic self-care should focus on helping persons with diabetes develop favourable attitudes and how to overcome behavioural control barriers. Such interventions should have both individualised and community-wide approaches.
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2019 |
Mogre V, Johnson NA, Tzelepis F, Shaw JE, Paul C, 'A systematic review of adherence to diabetes self-care behaviours: Evidence from low- and middle-income countries', Journal of Advanced Nursing, 75 3374-3389 (2019) [C1] Aims: To determine diabetes patient's adherence to five self-care behaviours (diet, exercise; medication, self-monitoring of blood glucose [SMBG] and foot care) in low- and m... [more] Aims: To determine diabetes patient's adherence to five self-care behaviours (diet, exercise; medication, self-monitoring of blood glucose [SMBG] and foot care) in low- and middle-income countries. Design: Systematic review. Data sources: We searched MEDLINE, CINAHL, PUBMED, SCOPUS, PsycINFO, EMBASE, Cochrane library and EMCARE for the period January 1990 ¿ June 2017. Review Methods: Title, abstract and full text screening were done according to eligibility criteria. A narrative synthesis of the literature was conducted. Results: A total of 7,109 studies were identified of which 27 met the review eligibility criteria and were included. All the studies used self-report of adherence to diabetes self-care. Studies reported adherence rates in two major forms: (a) mean number of days participants performed a recommended dietary behaviour/activity during the past week; and (b) proportions of participants adhering to a recommended self-care behaviour. Mean number of days per week participants adhered to a self-care behaviour ranged from 2.34.6¿days per week for diet, 5.5¿6.8¿days per week for medication, 1.8¿5.7¿days per week for exercise, 0.2¿2.2¿days per week for SMBG and 2.2¿4.3¿days per week for foot care. Adherence rates ranged from 29.9%¿91.7% for diet, 26.0%¿97.0% for medication taking, 26.7%¿69.0% for exercise, 13.0%¿79.9% for self-monitoring of blood glucose and 17.0%¿77.4% for foot care. Conclusion: Although most diabetes patients do not adhere to recommended self-care behaviours, adherence rates vary widely and were found to be high in some instances. Impact: Health services in low- and middle-income countries should monitor adherence to diabetes self-care behaviours rather than assume adherence and resources should be invested in improving adherence to the self-care behaviours. Large-scale accurate monitoring of adherence to diabetes self-care behaviour is needed and consideration should be given to choice of measurement tool for such exercise.
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2019 |
Mogre V, Abanga ZO, Tzelepis F, Johnson NA, Paul C, 'Psychometric evaluation of the summary of diabetes self-care activities measure in Ghanaian adults living with type 2 diabetes', Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice, 149 98-106 (2019) [C1] Aims: We evaluated the content validity, factorial structure, internal consistency, construct validity, and floor and ceiling effects of the SDSCA among Ghanaian persons with type... [more] Aims: We evaluated the content validity, factorial structure, internal consistency, construct validity, and floor and ceiling effects of the SDSCA among Ghanaian persons with type 2 diabetes. Methods: The summary of diabetes self-care activities measure (SDSCA) was administered to 187 adults living with type 2 diabetes from three diabetes clinics. Results: A confirmatory factor analysis maintained the four factor structure of the SDSCA. However, two items, 3 (fruit and vegetable servings) and 4 (red meat or full-fat dairy products) had factor loadings of 0.26 and 0.16 respectively. The model also had a statistical power of 0.72 (below acceptable criteria). Modification of the model by removing item 4 resulted in an improved revised model with a power of 0.82. Construct validity was found for the exercise and diet subscales of the SDSCA but not for the self-monitoring of blood glucose and foot care subscales. The internal consistency of the SDSCA measure was 0.68, below acceptable criteria for internal consistency. No floor effects were present but the exercise subscale had ceiling effects. Conclusion: The SDSCA measure had content validity, maintained its multidimensionality and met the criteria for floor effects but not for construct validity, internal consistency and ceiling effects. The SDSCA measure may require improvements to evaluate self-care behaviours of adult type 2 diabetes patients in Ghana and probably in other sub-Saharan countries.
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2019 |
Dundas K, Johnson NA, Paras L, Hancock S, Barker D, Chiu S, James EL, 'Does Increasing the Experiential Component Improve Efficacy of the This Is Public Health Photo Essay Task? A Nonrandomized Trial', Pedagogy in Health Promotion, 5 178-189 (2019) [C1] Opportunities for evaluating experiential learning activities in tertiary public health education are growing. It has previously been shown that utilizing the ¿This is Public Heal... [more] Opportunities for evaluating experiential learning activities in tertiary public health education are growing. It has previously been shown that utilizing the ¿This is Public Health¿ (TIPH) sticker campaign as an experiential photo essay task led to increased understanding of public health. Emerging mobile technologies such as geocaching, which provide an opportunity to increase the experiential component of the TIPH photo essay task, have not been evaluated. This study aimed to determine whether adding geocaching to the TIPH photo essay task increased the efficacy of learning about public health, when compared with the TIPH photo essay task alone. A two-arm nonrandomized trial was conducted with 785 allied health and preprofessional teaching students studying first-year public health courses. Students were allocated to either the TIPH photo essay task (n = 210) or the TIPH photo task plus geocaching (n = 92) according to the course they were enrolled into. The primary outcome was the quality of the definition of public health provided by students, which was assessed using the Definition of Public Health Rating Scale. Data were analyzed using a linear mixed model. Of 302 (39%) students who consented to participate, 212 (70%) provided baseline and follow-up data. After adjusting for baseline demographic differences, the geocaching group had improved knowledge of public health at follow-up according to the Definition of Public Health Rating Scale (increasing 0.29 units more than the traditional group; p =.03). As this increase in knowledge score is unlikely to be of practical significance, the additional burden of implementing geocaching may not be justified.
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2019 |
Mogre V, Johnson NA, Tzelepis F, Paul C, 'Attitudes towards, facilitators and barriers to the provision of diabetes self-care support: A qualitative study among healthcare providers in Ghana', Diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome: Clinical Research and Reviews, 13 1745-1751 (2019) [C1] Statement of the problem: Self-care support provided by healthcare providers (HCPs) is critical to diabetes self-care. However, a number of barriers prevent HCPs from providing se... [more] Statement of the problem: Self-care support provided by healthcare providers (HCPs) is critical to diabetes self-care. However, a number of barriers prevent HCPs from providing self-care support to people with diabetes. We explored attitudes towards, barriers and facilitators of the provision of diabetes self-care support among Ghanaian HCPs. Methods: Fourteen semi-structured interviews were conducted among HCPs recruited from three diabetes clinics in Tamale, Ghana. All interviews were digitally recorded and transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were coded and analysed thematically. Results: HCPs reported a sense of responsibility and urgency to provide self-care education to diabetes patients; while believing it was the patients¿ responsibility to self-care for their diabetes condition. Accordingly, HCPs perceived their role to be limited to information sharing rather than behaviour change interventions. Facilitators to the provision of self-care support included patients¿ motivation, and team work among healthcare professionals. Barriers that hindered self-care support included language barriers and poor inter-professional collaboration. Furthermore, HCPs discussed that they felt inadequately trained to provide self-care support. Healthcare-system-related barriers were inadequate office space, lack of professional development programmes, high patient numbers, inadequate staff numbers, inadequate health insurance and a lack of sufficient supplies and equipment in the hospital. Conclusion: HCPs attitudes were generally favourable towards supporting self-care, albeit with a focus on information provision rather than behaviour change. Training in effective strategies for providing self-care support are needed, and better use of the resources that are available.
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2018 |
Johnson NA, Kypri K, Latter J, Dunlop A, Brown A, Saitz R, et al., 'Effect of electronic brief intervention on uptake of specialty treatment in hospital outpatients with likely alcohol dependence: Pilot randomized trial and qualitative interviews.', Drug and alcohol dependence, 183 253-260 (2018) [C1]
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2018 |
Ewald B, Stacey F, Johnson N, Plotnikoff RC, Holliday E, Brown W, James EL, 'Physical activity coaching by Australian Exercise Physiologists is cost effective for patients referred from general practice', Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, 42 12-15 (2018) [C1] Objective: Interventions to promote physical activity for sedentary patients seen in general practice may be a way to reduce the burden of chronic disease. Coaching by an exercise... [more] Objective: Interventions to promote physical activity for sedentary patients seen in general practice may be a way to reduce the burden of chronic disease. Coaching by an exercise physiologist is publicly funded in Australia, but cost effectiveness has not been documented. Methods: In a three-arm randomised controlled trial, face-to-face coaching and telephone coaching over 12 weeks were compared with a control group using the outcome of step count for one week at baseline, three months and twelve months. Program costs and time-based costs were considered. Quality of life was measured as a secondary outcome. Results: At 12 months, the intervention groups were more active than controls by 1,002 steps per day (95%CI 244, 1,759). This was achieved at a cost of AUD$245 per person. There was no change in reported quality of life or utility values. Conclusion: Coaching achieved a modest increase in activity equivalent to 10 minutes walking per day, at a cost of AUD$245 per person. Face-to-face and telephone counselling were both effective. Implication for public health: Persistence of increases nine months after the end of coaching suggests it creates long-term change and is a good value health intervention.
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2018 |
Johnson NA, Kypri K, Saunders JB, Saitz R, Attia J, Latter J, et al., 'Effect of electronic screening and brief intervention on hazardous or harmful drinking among adults in the hospital outpatient setting: A randomized, double-blind, controlled trial', Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 191 78-85 (2018) [C1] Background: Most trials of electronic alcohol screening and brief intervention (e-SBI) have been conducted in young people. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of e-S... [more] Background: Most trials of electronic alcohol screening and brief intervention (e-SBI) have been conducted in young people. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of e-SBI in adults with hazardous or harmful drinking. Methods: This individually randomized, parallel, two-group, double-blind controlled trial was conducted in the outpatient department of a large public hospital in Australia. Consenting adults who scored 5¿9 on the AUDIT-C (837/3225; 26%) were randomized in a 1:1 ratio by computer to screening alone (442/837; 53%) or to 10 min of assessment and personalized feedback on their alcohol consumption (comparisons with medical guidelines and age and sex-specific norms), peak blood alcohol concentration, expenditure on alcohol, and risk of alcohol dependence (395/837; 47%). The two primary outcomes, assessed six months after randomization, were the number of standard drinks (10 g ethanol) consumed by participants in the last seven days and their AUDIT score. Results: 693/837 (83%) and 635/837 (76%) participants were followed-up at 6 and 12 months, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in the median number of standard drinks consumed in the last seven days (intervention: 12; control: 10.5; rate ratio, 1.12 [95% confidence interval, 0.96¿1.31]; P =.17) or in their median AUDIT score (intervention: 7; control: 7; mean difference, 0.28 [-0.42 to 0.98]; P =.44). Conclusion: These results do not support the implementation of an e-SBI program comprising personalized feedback and normative feedback for adults with hazardous or harmful drinking in the hospital outpatient setting.
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2018 |
Penrose L, Roe Y, Johnson NA, James EL, 'Process redesign of a surgical pathway improves access to cataract surgery for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in South East Queensland', Australian Journal of Primary Health, 24 135-140 (2018) [C1] The Institute for Urban Indigenous Health (IUIH) aimed to improve access to cataract surgery in urban South East Queensland (SEQ) for Indigenous Australians, without compromising ... [more] The Institute for Urban Indigenous Health (IUIH) aimed to improve access to cataract surgery in urban South East Queensland (SEQ) for Indigenous Australians, without compromising clinical visual outcomes. The Penchansky and Levesque concept of access as the 'fit' between the patient's needs and the ability of the system to meet those needs was used to inform the redesign of the mainstream cataract surgical pathway. The IUIH staff and community stakeholders mapped the traditional external cataract surgical pathway and then innovatively redesigned it to reduce the number of patients being removed by the system at key transition points. The integration of eye health within the primary health care (PHC) clinic has improved the continuity and coordination of care along the surgical pathway, and ensured the sustainability of collaborative partnerships with key external organisations. Audit data demonstrated a significant increase in utilisation of cataract surgical services after the process redesign. Previous studies have found that PHC models involving integration, coordination and continuity of care enhance patient health outcomes however, the IUIH surgical model extends this to tertiary care. There is scope to apply this model to other surgical pathways and communities who experience access inequity.
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2018 |
Johnson NA, Ewald B, Plotnikoff RC, Stacey FG, Brown WJ, Jones M, et al., 'Predictors of adherence to a physical activity counseling intervention delivered by exercise physiologists: secondary analysis of the NewCOACH trial data.', Patient Prefer Adherence, 12 2537-2543 (2018) [C1]
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2017 |
Mogre V, Abanga ZO, Tzelepis F, Johnson NA, Paul C, 'Adherence to and factors associated with self-care behaviours in type 2 diabetes patients in Ghana', BMC ENDOCRINE DISORDERS, 17 (2017) [C1]
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2017 |
James EL, Ewald BD, Johnson NA, Stacey FG, Brown WJ, Holliday EG, et al., 'Referral for Expert Physical Activity Counseling: A Pragmatic RCT', American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 53 490-499 (2017) [C1] Introduction Primary care physicians are well placed to offer physical activity counseling, but insufficient time is a barrier. Referral to an exercise specialist is an alternativ... [more] Introduction Primary care physicians are well placed to offer physical activity counseling, but insufficient time is a barrier. Referral to an exercise specialist is an alternative. In Australia, exercise specialists are publicly funded to provide face-to-face counseling to patients who have an existing chronic illness. This trial aimed to (1) determine the efficacy of primary care physicians¿ referral of insufficiently active patients for counseling to increase physical activity, compared with usual care, and (2) compare the efficacy of face-to-face counseling with counseling predominantly via telephone. Study design Three-arm pragmatic RCT. Setting/participants Two hundred three insufficiently active (<7,000 steps/day) primary care practice patients (mean age 57 years; 70% female) recruited in New South Wales, Australia, in 2011¿2014. Intervention (1) Five face-to-face counseling sessions by an exercise specialist, (2) one face-to-face counseling session followed by four telephone calls by an exercise specialist, or (3) a generic mailed physical activity brochure (usual care). The counseling sessions operationalized social cognitive theory via a behavior change counseling framework. Main outcome measures Change in average daily step counts between baseline and 12 months. Data were analyzed in 2016. Results Forty (20%) participants formally withdrew; completion rates at 3 and 6 months were 64% and 58%, respectively. Intervention attendance was high (75% received five sessions). The estimated mean difference between usual care and the combined intervention groups at 12 months was 1,002 steps/day (95% CI=244, 1,759, p=0.01). When comparing face-to-face with predominantly telephone counseling, the telephone group had a non-significant higher mean daily step count (by 619 steps) at 12 months. Conclusions Provision of expert physical activity counseling to insufficiently active primary care patients resulted in a significant increase in physical activity (approximately 70 minutes of walking per week) at 12 months. Face-to-face only and counseling conducted predominantly via telephone were both effective. This trial provides evidence to expand public funding for expert physical activity counseling and for delivery via telephone in addition to face-to-face consultations. Trial registration This trial is registered at www.anzctr.org.au/ ACTRN12611000884909.
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2016 |
Johnson NA, Kypri K, Latter J, Attia J, McEvoy M, Dunlop A, Scott R, 'Genetic feedback to reduce alcohol consumption in hospital outpatients with risky drinking: Feasibility and acceptability', Public Health Research and Practice, 26 (2016) [C1] Objective: There have been no trials in healthcare settings of genetic susceptibility feedback in relation to alcohol consumption. The purpose of this study was to determine the f... [more] Objective: There have been no trials in healthcare settings of genetic susceptibility feedback in relation to alcohol consumption. The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility and acceptability of conducting a full-scale randomised trial estimating the effect of personalised genetic susceptibility feedback on alcohol consumption in hospital outpatients with risky drinking. Methods: Outpatients =18 years of age who reported drinking more than 14 standard drinks in the past week or in a typical week were asked to provide a saliva sample for genetic testing. Genetic susceptibility feedback was posted to participants 6 months after recruitment. The co-primary outcomes were the proportion of participants who (i) provided a saliva sample that could be genotyped, and (ii) spoke with a genetic counsellor. Secondary outcomes included changes in patients' weekly alcohol consumption; scores on scales measuring readiness to change, importance of changing and confidence in ability to change drinking habits; knowledge about which cancers are alcohol-attributable; and acceptability of the saliva collection procedure and the genetic-feedback intervention. McNemar's test and paired t-tests were used to test for differences between baseline and follow-up in proportions and means, respectively. Results: Of 100 participants who provided a saliva sample, 93 had adequate DNA for at least one genotyping assay. Three participants spoke to a genetic counsellor. Patients' readiness to change their drinking, their views on the importance of changing and their stated confidence in their ability to change increased between baseline and follow-up. There was no increase in patients' knowledge about alcohol-attributable cancers nor any reduction in how much alcohol they drank 4 months after receiving the feedback. Most participants (80%) were somewhat comfortable or very comfortable with the process used to collect saliva, 84% understood the genetic feedback, 54% found it useful, 10% had sought support to reduce their drinking after receiving the feedback, and 37% reported that the feedback would affect how much they drink in the future. Conclusion: Results of this study suggest it would be feasible to conduct a methodologically robust trial estimating the effect of genetic susceptibility feedback on alcohol consumption in hospital outpatients with risky drinking.
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2016 |
James E, Freund M, Booth A, Duncan MJ, Johnson N, Short CE, et al., 'Comparative efficacy of simultaneous versus sequential multiple health behavior change interventions among adults: A systematic review of randomised trials', Preventive Medicine, 89 211-223 (2016) [C1] Background: Growing evidence points to the benefits of addressing multiple health behaviors rather than single behaviors. Purpose: This review evaluates the relative effectiveness... [more] Background: Growing evidence points to the benefits of addressing multiple health behaviors rather than single behaviors. Purpose: This review evaluates the relative effectiveness of simultaneous and sequentially delivered multiple health behavior change (MHBC) interventions. Secondary aims were to identify: a) the most effective spacing of sequentially delivered components; b) differences in efficacy of MHBC interventions for adoption/cessation behaviors and lifestyle/addictive behaviors, and c) differences in trial retention between simultaneously and sequentially delivered interventions. Methods: MHBC intervention trials published up to October 2015 were identified through a systematic search. Eligible trials were randomised controlled trials that directly compared simultaneous and sequential delivery of a MHBC intervention. A narrative synthesis was undertaken. Results: Six trials met the inclusion criteria and across these trials the behaviors targeted were smoking, diet, physical activity, and alcohol consumption. Three trials reported a difference in intervention effect between a sequential and simultaneous approach in at least one behavioral outcome. Of these, two trials favoured a sequential approach on smoking. One trial favoured a simultaneous approach on fat intake. There was no difference in retention between sequential and simultaneous approaches. Conclusions: There is limited evidence regarding the relative effectiveness of sequential and simultaneous approaches. Given only three of the six trials observed a difference in intervention effectiveness for one health behavior outcome, and the relatively consistent finding that the sequential and simultaneous approaches were more effective than a usual/minimal care control condition, it appears that both approaches should be considered equally efficacious. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42015027876.
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2015 |
Johnson NA, Kypri K, Latter J, McElduff P, Attia J, Saitz R, et al., 'Effect of telephone follow-up on retention and balance in an alcohol intervention trial', Preventive Medicine Reports, 2 746-749 (2015) [C1] Objectives: Telephone follow-up is not currently recommended as a strategy to improve retention in randomized trials. The aims of this study were to estimate the effect of telepho... [more] Objectives: Telephone follow-up is not currently recommended as a strategy to improve retention in randomized trials. The aims of this study were to estimate the effect of telephone follow-up on retention, identify participant characteristics predictive of questionnaire completion during or after telephone follow-up, and estimate the effect of including participants who provided follow-up data during or after telephone follow-up on balance between randomly allocated groups in a trial estimating the effect of electronic alcohol screening and brief intervention on alcohol consumption in hospital outpatients with hazardous or harmful drinking. Method: Trial participants were followed up 6. months after randomization (June-December 2013) using e-mails containing a hyperlink to a web-based questionnaire when possible and by post otherwise. Telephone follow-up was attempted after two written reminders and participants were invited to complete the questionnaire by telephone when contact was made. Results: Retention before telephone follow-up was 62.1% (520/837) and 82.8% (693/837) afterward: an increase of 20.7% (173/837). Therefore, 55% (95% CI 49%-60%) of the 317 participants who had not responded after two written reminders responded during or after the follow-up telephone call. Age. <. 55. years, a higher AUDIT-C score and provision of a mobile/cell phone number were predictive of questionnaire completion during or after telephone follow-up. Balance between randomly allocated groups was present before and after inclusion of participants who completed the questionnaire during or after telephone follow-up. Conclusion: Telephone follow-up improved retention in this randomized trial without affecting balance between the randomly allocated groups.
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2015 |
Plotnikoff RC, Costigan SA, Short C, Grunseit A, James E, Johnson N, et al., 'Factors associated with higher sitting time in general, chronic disease, and psychologically-distressed, adult populations: Findings from the 45 & up Study', PLoS ONE, 10 (2015) [C1] This study examined factors associated with higher sitting time in general, chronic disease, and psychologically-distressed, adult populations (aged =45 years). A series of logist... [more] This study examined factors associated with higher sitting time in general, chronic disease, and psychologically-distressed, adult populations (aged =45 years). A series of logistic regression models examined potential socio-demographic and health factors associated with higher sitting (=6hrs/day) in adults from the 45 and Up Study (n = 227,187), including four separate subsamples for analysis comprising those who had ever had heart disease (n = 26,599), cancer (n = 36,381), diabetes (n = 19,550) or psychological distress (n = 48,334). Odds of higher sitting were significantly (p<.01) associated with a number of factors across these groups, with an effect size of ORs=1.5 observed for the high-income =$70,000AUD, employed full-time and severe physical limitations demographics. Identification of key factors associated with higher sitting time in this population-based sample will assist development of broad-based, public health and targeted strategies to reduce sitting-time. In particular, those categorized as being high-income earners, full-time workers, as well as those with severe physical limitations need to be of priority, as higher sitting appears to be substantial across these groups.
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2014 |
Outram S, Dundas K, Johnson NA, 'The educated citizen: A case study and guide for teaching public health to undergraduates in Australian universities.', Focus on Health Professional Education: A Multi-disciplinary Journal, 15 32-40 (2014) [C1]
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2014 |
Johnson NA, Kypri K, Latter J, McElduff P, Saunders JB, Saitz R, et al., 'Prevalence of unhealthy alcohol use in hospital outpatients', Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 144 270-273 (2014) [C1] Background: Few studies have examined the prevalence of unhealthy alcohol use in the hospital outpatient setting. Our aim was to estimate the prevalence of unhealthy alcohol use a... [more] Background: Few studies have examined the prevalence of unhealthy alcohol use in the hospital outpatient setting. Our aim was to estimate the prevalence of unhealthy alcohol use among patients attending a broad range of outpatient clinics at a large public hospital in Australia. Methods: Adult hospital outpatients were invited to complete the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test Consumption questions (AUDIT-C) using an iPad as part of a randomised trial testing the efficacy of alcohol electronic screening and brief intervention. Unhealthy alcohol use was defined as an AUDIT-C score =5 among men and =4 among women. Results: Sixty percent (3616/6070) of invited hospital outpatients consented, of whom 89% (3206/3616) provided information on their alcohol consumption (either reported they had not consumed any alcohol in the last 12 months or completed the AUDIT-C). The prevalence of unhealthy alcohol use was 34.7% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 33.0-36.3%). The prevalence among men aged 18-24 years, 25-39 years, 40-59 years and 60 years and older, was 74.4% (95% CI: 68.4-80.4%), 54.3% (95% CI: 48.7-59.8%), 44.1% (95% CI: 39.9-48.3%), and 27.0% (95% CI: 23.6-30.4%), respectively (43.1% overall; 95% CI: 40.8-45.5%). The prevalence among women aged 18-24 years, 25-39 years, 40-59 years, and 60 years and older, was 48.6% (95% CI: 39.2-58.1%), 36.9% (95% CI: 31.2-42.6%), 25.2% (95% CI: 21.5-29.0%) and 14.5% (95% CI: 11.7-17.3%), respectively (24.9% overall; 95% CI: 22.7-27.1%). Conclusion: A large number of hospital outpatients who are not currently seeking treatment for their drinking could benefit from effective intervention in this setting.
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2014 |
James EL, Ewald B, Johnson N, Brown W, Stacey FG, Mcelduff P, et al., 'Efficacy of GP referral of insufficiently active patients for expert physical activity counseling: protocol for a pragmatic randomized trial (The NewCOACH trial)', BMC FAMILY PRACTICE, 15 (2014) [C3]
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2013 |
Johnson NA, Kypri K, Saunders JB, Saitz R, Attia J, Dunlop A, et al., 'The hospital outpatient alcohol project (HOAP): protocol for an individually randomized, parallel-group superiority trial of electronic alcohol screening and brief intervention versus screening alone for unhealthy alcohol use.', Addict Sci Clin Pract, 8 14 (2013) [C3]
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2013 |
Johnson NA, Kypri K, Attia J, 'Development of an electronic alcohol screening and brief intervention program for hospital outpatients with unhealthy alcohol use.', JMIR Res Protoc, 2 e36 (2013) [C1]
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2012 |
Gilligan C, Kypri K, Johnson NA, Lynagh MC, Love S, 'Parental supply of alcohol and adolescent risky drinking', Drug and Alcohol Review, 31 754-762 (2012) [C1]
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2010 |
Johnson NA, Inder KJ, Bowe SJ, 'Trends in referral to outpatient cardiac rehabilitation in the Hunter Region of Australia, 2002-2007', European Journal of Cardiovascular Prevention & Rehabilitation, 17 77-82 (2010) [C1]
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2010 |
Johnson NA, Inder KJ, Ewald BD, James EL, Bowe SJ, 'Association between participation in outpatient cardiac rehabilitation and self-reported receipt of lifestyle advice from a healthcare provider: Results of a population based cross-sectional survey', Rehabilitation Research and Practice, Article 541741 (2010) [C1]
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2010 |
Johnson NA, Inder KJ, Nagle AL, Wiggers JH, 'Attendance at outpatient cardiac rehabilitation: Is it enhanced by specialist nurse referral?', Australian Journal of Advanced Nursing, 27 31-37 (2010) [C1]
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2009 |
Johnson NA, Lim LLY, Bowe SJ, 'Multicenter randomized controlled trial of a home walking intervention after outpatient cardiac rehabilitation on health-related quality of life in women', European Journal of Cardiovascular Prevention & Rehabilitation, 16 633-637 (2009) [C1]
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2009 |
Johnson NA, Inder KJ, Nagle AL, Wiggers JH, 'Secondary prevention among cardiac patients not referred to cardiac rehabilitation', Medical Journal of Australia, 190 161 (2009) [C3]
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2004 |
Johnson NA, Fisher JD, Nagle AL, Inder KJ, Wiggers JH, 'Factors Associated With Referral to Outpatient Cardiac Rehabilitation Services', Journal of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation, 24 165-170 (2004) [C1]
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2000 | Walker RJ, Johnson NA, Heller RF, 'Postgraduate courses in quality improvement: Achievements and future directions', Journal of Quality in Clinical Practice, 20 33-35 (2000) [C3] | ||||||||||
1998 |
Lim L, Johnson NA, O'Connell RL, Heller RF, 'Quality of life and later health outcomes in patients with suspected heart attack', Australian New Zealand Journal of Public Health, 22(5) 540-546 (1998) [C1]
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1998 |
Johnson NA, Heller RF, 'Prediction of Patient Non-Adherence with Home-Based Exercise for Cardiac Rehabilitation: The role of Perceived Barriers and Perceived Benefits', Preventive Medicine, 27 56-64 (1998) [C1]
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Show 36 more journal articles |
Conference (8 outputs)
Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link | ||
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2020 |
James E, Luu X, Johnson N, Majeed T, Dundas K, 'An exploratory study of student-staff partnerships in undergraduate public health education', Newcastle, NSW (2020)
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2019 |
Dundas K, Johnson N, Paras L, Majeed T, Luu X, James E, 'Micro Credentials: Is It Feasible To Use Them In Public Health Education?', Micro Credentials: Is It Feasible To Use Them In Public Health Education?, Canberra (2019)
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2013 |
Johnson N, Latter J, Kypri K, 'PREVALENCE OF UNHEALTHY ALCOHOL USE AMONG HOSPITAL OUTPATIENTS', DRUG AND ALCOHOL REVIEW (2013) [E3]
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2012 | Johnson NA, Kypri K, 'The Hospital Outpatients Alcohol Project: Developmental research for a large randomised controlled trial', Drug and Alcohol Review: Abstracts of the Australasian Professional Society on Alcohol and other Drugs Conference 2012, Melbourne, Vic (2012) [E3] | ||||
2012 |
James EL, Ewald BD, Johnson NA, Brown W, Stacey FG, Plotnikoff RC, 'Efficacy of referral for physical activity counseling: Protocol for an RCT to compare face-to-face and telephone counselling', Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, Sydney, Australia (2012) [E3]
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2009 |
Ewald BD, James EL, Johnson NA, Paras LE, 'Efficacy of exercise physiologist counselling in primary care patients: A pilot study to determine feasibility and acceptability', Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, Brisbane, QLD (2009) [E3]
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Show 5 more conferences |
Grants and Funding
Summary
Number of grants | 11 |
---|---|
Total funding | $1,871,649 |
Click on a grant title below to expand the full details for that specific grant.
20131 grants / $888
APSAD (Australasian Professional Society on Alcohol and Other Drugs) Scientific Conference 2013, Brisbane Australia, 24-27 November 2013$888
Funding body: University of Newcastle - Faculty of Health and Medicine
Funding body | University of Newcastle - Faculty of Health and Medicine |
---|---|
Project Team | Doctor Natalie Johnson |
Scheme | Travel Grant |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2013 |
Funding Finish | 2013 |
GNo | G1301088 |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | Y |
20121 grants / $370,169
Double blind randomised controlled trial of electronic alcohol screening and brief intervention (e-SBI) for hospital outpatients$370,169
Funding body: NHMRC (National Health & Medical Research Council)
Funding body | NHMRC (National Health & Medical Research Council) |
---|---|
Project Team | Professor Kypros Kypri, Doctor Natalie Johnson, Professor John Saunders, Professor John Attia, Professor Richard Saitz |
Scheme | Project Grant |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | 2012 |
Funding Finish | 2015 |
GNo | G1100111 |
Type Of Funding | Aust Competitive - Commonwealth |
Category | 1CS |
UON | Y |
20111 grants / $896,589
Efficacy of exercise physiologist counselling in primary care patients: a RCT of two pragmatic approaches$896,589
Funding body: NHMRC (National Health & Medical Research Council)
Funding body | NHMRC (National Health & Medical Research Council) |
---|---|
Project Team | Prof ERICA James, Doctor Benjamin Ewald, Doctor Natalie Johnson, Professor Ronald Plotnikoff |
Scheme | Project Grant |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | 2011 |
Funding Finish | 2013 |
GNo | G0190295 |
Type Of Funding | Aust Competitive - Commonwealth |
Category | 1CS |
UON | Y |
20101 grants / $38,330
Sources of alcohol for teenage binge drinking$38,330
Funding body: Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education
Funding body | Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education |
---|---|
Project Team | Associate Professor Conor Gilligan, Professor Kypros Kypri, Doctor Natalie Johnson, Associate Professor Marita Lynagh |
Scheme | Research Grant |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | 2010 |
Funding Finish | 2010 |
GNo | G0190209 |
Type Of Funding | Grant - Aust Non Government |
Category | 3AFG |
UON | Y |
20092 grants / $279,752
Health Behaviour Research Centre (HBRC)$267,361
Funding body: University of Newcastle
Funding body | University of Newcastle |
---|---|
Project Team | Laureate Professor Robert Sanson-Fisher, Conjoint Professor Afaf Girgis, Professor John Wiggers, Conjoint Professor Alison Jones, Conjoint Professor David Durrheim, Professor Christine Paul, Prof ERICA James, Professor Billie Bonevski, Conjoint Associate Professor Andrew Bell, Doctor Allison Boyes, Professor Kypros Kypri, Conjoint Professor Cate d'Este, Professor John Attia, Professor Luke Wolfenden, Doctor Frank Tuyl, Doctor Lyn Francis, Doctor Megan Freund, Dr Claire Johnson, Doctor Josephine Gwynn, Professor Jennifer Bowman, Associate Professor Sue Outram, Associate Professor Marita Lynagh, Doctor Natalie Johnson, Associate Professor Conor Gilligan, Conjoint Professor David Sibbritt, Aprof EDOUARD Tursan D'Espaignet, Doctor Libby Campbell |
Scheme | Priority Research Centre |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | 2009 |
Funding Finish | 2012 |
GNo | G0189877 |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | Y |
Modification and piloting of a web-based electronic screening and brief intervention (e-SBI) to reduce unhealthy drinking among hospital outpatients$12,391
Funding body: Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education
Funding body | Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education |
---|---|
Project Team | Doctor Natalie Johnson, Professor Kypros Kypri |
Scheme | Innovative Project Grant |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2009 |
Funding Finish | 2009 |
GNo | G0190229 |
Type Of Funding | Grant - Aust Non Government |
Category | 3AFG |
UON | Y |
20072 grants / $28,115
Equity Research Fellowship - teaching relief$23,035
Funding body: University of Newcastle
Funding body | University of Newcastle |
---|---|
Project Team | Doctor Natalie Johnson |
Scheme | Equity Research Fellowship |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2007 |
Funding Finish | 2007 |
GNo | G0186940 |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | Y |
2007 Equity Research Fellowship - Research Grant$5,080
Funding body: University of Newcastle
Funding body | University of Newcastle |
---|---|
Project Team | Doctor Natalie Johnson |
Scheme | Equity Research Fellowship |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2007 |
Funding Finish | 2007 |
GNo | G0187294 |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | Y |
19981 grants / $2,300
The descriptive epidemiology of cardiac patient participation in post=hospital cardiac rehabilitation in New South Wales$2,300
Funding body: University of Newcastle
Funding body | University of Newcastle |
---|---|
Project Team | Doctor Natalie Johnson |
Scheme | New Staff Grant |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 1998 |
Funding Finish | 1998 |
GNo | G0177631 |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | Y |
19961 grants / $221,495
Benefit of home-based low-to-moderate intensity exercise on quality of life in women with ischaemic heart disease$221,495
Funding body: NHMRC (National Health & Medical Research Council)
Funding body | NHMRC (National Health & Medical Research Council) |
---|---|
Project Team | Doctor Natalie Johnson |
Scheme | PHRDC Post Training Fellowship (Defunct) |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 1996 |
Funding Finish | 2000 |
GNo | G0175561 |
Type Of Funding | Aust Competitive - Commonwealth |
Category | 1CS |
UON | Y |
1 grants / $34,011
Does electronic screening and brief intervention (e-SBI) increase uptake of referrals for further specialist care among non-treatment seeking hospital outpatients identified as possibly alcohol depend$34,011
Funding body: Health Administration Corporation
Funding body | Health Administration Corporation |
---|---|
Project Team | Professor Kypros Kypri, Doctor Natalie Johnson, Professor Adrian Dunlop, Ms Amanda Brown |
Scheme | Research Grant |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | |
Funding Finish | |
GNo | G1300040 |
Type Of Funding | Other Public Sector - State |
Category | 2OPS |
UON | Y |
Research Supervision
Number of supervisions
Current Supervision
Commenced | Level of Study | Research Title | Program | Supervisor Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
2020 | PhD | Settings-based Approaches to Promoting Mental Health in University Environments | PhD (Public Health & BehavSci), College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle | Co-Supervisor |
2018 | PhD | Mental Health and Bone Quality | PhD (Clinic Epid & MedStats), College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle | Co-Supervisor |
2014 | PhD | Teaching Public Health in Australia | PhD (Behavioural Science), College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle | Principal Supervisor |
Past Supervision
Year | Level of Study | Research Title | Program | Supervisor Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
2020 | PhD | Self-Care Behaviours in Ghanaian Adults with Type 2 Diabetes: Adherence and Barriers | PhD (Behavioural Science), College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle | Co-Supervisor |
Dr Natalie Johnson
Position
Senior Lecturer
School of Medicine and Public Health
College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing
Focus area
Health Behaviour Sciences
Contact Details
natalie.johnson@newcastle.edu.au | |
Phone | (02) 40420552 |
Fax | (02) 40420044 |
Link | Google+ |
Office
Room | Level 3, Education Block |
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Building | John Hunter Hospital |
Location | John Hunter Hospital , |