Showing papers by "Stephen Sutton published in 2013"

The Model of Pathways to Treatment: Conceptualization and integration with existing theory

Abstract: Background. Studying and understanding pathways to diagnosis and treatment is vital for the development of successful interventions to encourage early detection, presentation, and diagnosis. An existing framework posited to describe the decisional and behavioural processes that occur prior to treatment (Andersen et al.’s General Model of Total Patient Delay) does not appear to match the complex and dynamic nature ofthepathwaysintoandthroughthehealthcaresystemorprovideaclearframeworkfor research. Therefore a revised descriptive framework, the Model of Pathways to Treatment, has been proposed. Purpose. This paper presents the concepts and definitions of the Model of Pathways to Treatment and specifies how the model can encompass existing psychological theory, with particular focus on the Appraisal and Help-seeking intervals. The potential and direction for future work is also discussed.

Illustrating the critical role of human dimensions research for understanding and managing recreational fisheries within a social-ecological system framework.

Abstract: Effective management of recreational fishing requires understanding fishers and their actions. These actions constitute critical links between social and ecological systems that result in outcomes that feedback and influence recreational fishers' actions and the management of these actions. Although much research exists on recreational fishers and their actions, this research is often disconnected from management issues. One way to help to overcome this disconnect is to illustrate how past research on the social component of recreational fishing fits within an emerging coupled social-ecological system (SES) framework. Herein, a conceptual SES is first developed with specific attention to recreational fisheries. This SES is then used to illustrate the importance of considering human dimensions research for articulating, studying and ultimately managing key outcomes of recreational fisheries (e.g. fish population conservation, fisher well-being) using the example of harvest regulations and a brief review of past interdisciplinary research on recreational fishing. The article ends by identifying key research needs including understanding: how factors such as management rules affect the diversity of actions by recreational fishers; how governance and management approaches adapt to changing social and resource conditions; and how recreational fishers learn and share information.

Attitudes towards SMS text message smoking cessation support: a qualitative study of pregnant smokers

Abstract: SMS text messaging shows promise for delivering smoking cessation support. However, little is known about smokers' feelings towards receiving behavioural advice and support on their mobile phones. This article explores the attitudes of women with experience of prenatal smoking towards receiving pregnancy-related smoking cessation support by text message. Data collected by semi-structured interviews and focus group from women who received either tailored smoking cessation texts or no text support (N = 33) were analysed using thematic analysis. Three themes emerged: convenience, high expectations and perceived source. Texting was regarded as a highly convenient mode of support delivery leading to high levels of attention to messages, although high convenience sometimes resulted in the value of a text being short-lived. Many who did not receive texts had high expectations for text support to intervene with routine smoking behaviour in real time. Those who received texts (with no real-time intervention element), however, felt they were helpful and supportive. Participants discussed how factors relating to perceived source, including personalization, personal relevance and salience of text automatization, could affect message attention and impact. Our findings provide insight into how maximizing personalization and personal relevance can increase the value of text message support and reduce the risk of disengagement.

Understanding recreational fishers' compliance with no-take zones in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park

Abstract: Understanding fishers' compliance is essential for the successful management of marine protected areas. We used the random response technique (RRT) to assess recreational fishers' compliance with no-take zones in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park (GBRMP). The RRT allowed the asking of a sensitive question, i.e., "Did you, knowingly, fish within in a Green Zone during the last 12 months?" while protecting respondents' confidentiality. Application of the RRT through a survey of recreational fishers indicated that the majority of recreational fishers, 90%, comply with no-take zones. Likewise, most fishers, 92%, reported not personally knowing anyone who had intentionally fished in a no-take zone, indicating that fishers' perceive high levels of compliance among their peers. Fishers were motivated to comply with no-take zones primarily by their beliefs about penalties for noncompliance, followed by beliefs about the fishery benefits of no-take zones. Results suggest that compliance-related communication efforts by the managing authority have partially succeeded in maintaining appropriate compliance levels and that future efforts should accentuate normative compliance drivers that will encourage voluntary compliance. We conclude that compliance monitoring should be integrated into the adaptive management of the GBRMP and other protected areas; in this case social surveys using the RRT are effective tools.

Assessing the Role of Recreation Specialization in Fishing Site Substitution

Abstract: Recreation specialization and site substitution are two distinct lines of research for understanding recreationists' choices and behaviors. Although theoretically linked by a number of concepts, few studies have explored the predictive relationships from a developmental perspective. Using cross-sectional data from a statewide survey of Texas anglers, this article examined a model in which an angler's site substitution decision is a function of experience preferences, consumptive orientation, and place attachment. It was hypothesized that recreation specialization was indirectly related to site substitution via these concepts. Results supported the notion that as specialization increases, recreationists become place specialists, and agree with the proposition that dependency on a specific resource or site increases as specialization increases. Understanding theoretical and empirical linkages between specialization and site substitution will provide a basis for incorporating information about recreationists and their substitution decisions to provide more meaningful management implications across different situations.

Adherence to and Consumption of Nicotine Replacement Therapy and the Relationship With Abstinence Within a Smoking Cessation Trial in Primary Care

Abstract: Introduction: Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) medications have been shown to be effective in increasing smoking cessation rates. There is, however, a lack of good evidence describing how individuals in primary care use these medications and which factors are likely to affect this. The study objectives are to describe adherence and consumption, examine key factors that may determine use, and examine the relationship between consumption of NRT and abstinence from smoking. Methods: Secondary analysis of data from a randomized controlled trial conducted in smoking cessation services in primary care. Adult smokers (n = 633) starting a quit attempt within smoking cessation clinics were followed for 6 months, with NRT use closely monitored for an initial treatment period of 4 weeks. The main outcomes were 4-week adherence to prescribed NRT, mean daily consumption of NRT over the 4-week period, and abstinence from smoking at 4 weeks. Results: Levels of adherence to prescribed NRT were high: more than 94% in participants who completed the treatment period. After controlling for possible confounders, prescribing higher doses of patch and oral NRT was associated with higher mean daily consumption of NRT. Using an inhalator to deliver oral NRT was associated with both higher adherence and higher consumption. The amount of NRT consumed predicted future abstinence when reverse causation was accounted for. Conclusions: Most individuals within a clinical trial in primary care who persisted with a quit attempt adhered closely to their prescription. Prescribing higher doses of NRT led to higher consumption and higher consumption to higher abstinence. © The Author 2013. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco. All rights reserved.

Australian residents' attitudes toward pro-environmental behaviour and climate change impacts on the Great Barrier Reef

Abstract: Climate change and associated environmental impacts are increasingly important issues. Effective communication with residents of coastal communities is critical to mitigate and adapt to changing conditions; however, this can be a challenging feat without an understanding of attitudes toward pro-environmental behaviour. Drawing on three dimensions of the Theory of Planned Behaviour, this paper: (1) explores the Australian public's perceptions of climate change impacts on the Great Barrier Reef; (2) segments respondents into homogenous groups based on their environmental attitudes; and (3) profiles the emergent segments using managerially-relevant indicators. Study findings illustrate that respondents can be organised into five distinct segments according to their attitudes toward pro-environmental behaviour that could potentially stem climate change-related impacts. These segments perceive a variety of threats to the health of the Great Barrier Reef ecosystem, underestimate the performance of behaviours that help to mitigate impacts and face a variety of internal and external constraints on behavioural engagement.

Development and evaluation of a brief self-completed family history screening tool for common chronic disease prevention in primary care

Abstract: In the US in 2007, an expert panel concluded that tools for systematic collection of family history are likely to improve on usual practice in primary care. 3 In the UK, despite the emphasis on the need for integration of genetics into primary care, in the Department of Health’s 2003 white paper on genetics, the collection and use of family history information continues to present real challenges for GPs. 4,5 This is partly due

Why can’t we improve the timeliness of cancer diagnosis in children, teenagers, and young adults?

Abstract: Lorna A Fern research manager , Rebecca Birch research associate , Jeremy Whelan professor of cancer medicine and clinical oncologist , Mathew Cooke lay representative , Stephen Sutton lay representative , Richard D Neal professor of primary care medicine , Craig Gerrand consultant orthopaedic surgeon, Gill Hubbard reader and co-director, Sam Smith head of nursing and quality, Chris Lethaby specialist registrar, Rachel Dommett academic clinical lecturer in paediatric oncology , Faith Gibson clinical professor of children and young people’s cancer care 11

Study protocol for iQuit in Practice: a randomised controlled trial to assess the feasibility, acceptability and effectiveness of tailored web- and text-based facilitation of smoking cessation in primary care

Abstract: Background Primary care is an important setting for smoking cessation interventions. There is evidence for the effectiveness of tailored interventions for smoking cessation, and text messaging interventions for smoking cessation show promise. The intervention to be evaluated in this trial consists of two components: (1) a web-based program designed to be used by a practice nurse or other smoking cessation advisor (SCA); the program generates a cessation advice report that is highly tailored to relevant characteristics of the smoker; and (2) a three-month programme of automated tailored text messages sent to the smoker’s mobile phone. The objectives of the trial are to assess the acceptability and feasibility of the intervention and to estimate the short-term effectiveness of the intervention in increasing the quit rate compared with usual care alone.

Impact of personalised feedback about physical activity on change in objectively measured physical activity (the FAB study): a randomised controlled trial.

Abstract: Background Low levels of physical activity are a major public health concern, and interventions to promote physical activity have had limited success. Whether or not personalised feedback about physical activity following objective measurement motivates behaviour change has yet to be rigorously examined. Methods And Findings: In a parallel group, open randomised controlled trial, 466 healthy adults aged 32 to 54 years were recruited from the ongoing population-based Fenland Study (Cambridgeshire, UK). Participants were randomised to receive either no feedback until the end of the trial (control group, n=120) or one of three different types of feedback: simple, visual, or contextualised (intervention groups, n=346). The primary outcome was physical activity (physical activity energy expenditure (PAEE) in kJ/kg/day and average body acceleration (ACC) in m/s(2)) measured objectively using a combined heart rate monitor and accelerometer (Actiheart(®)). The main secondary outcomes included self-reported physical activity, intention to increase physical activity, and awareness of physical activity (the agreement between self-rated and objectively measured physical activity). At 8 weeks, 391 (83.9%) participants had complete physical activity data. The intervention had no effect on objectively measured physical activity (PAEE: β=-0.92, 95% CI=-3.50 to 1.66, p=0.48 and ACC: β=0.01, 95% CI=-0.00 to 0.02, p=0.21), self-reported physical activity (β=-0.39, 95% CI=-1.59 to 0.81), or intention to increase physical activity (β=-0.05, 95% CI=-0.22 to 0.11). However, it was associated with an increase in awareness of physical activity (OR=1.74, 95% CI=1.05 to 2.89). Results did not differ according to the type of feedback. Conclusions Personalised feedback about physical activity following objective measurement increased awareness but did not result in changes in physical activity in the short term. Measurement and feedback may have a role in promoting behaviour change but are ineffective on their own. Trial registration Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN92551397 http://www.controlled-trials.com/ISRCTN92551397.

Dissonance and disengagement in pregnant smokers: A qualitative study

Abstract: Introduction: While numerous barriers to smoking cessation in pregnancy have been identified, less is known about the role of pregnant smokers' beliefs in promoting and inhibiting abstinence. This study explored these beliefs and how they might interact with psychosocial factors related to pregnancy and antenatal care. Methods: In-depth face-to-face semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 women with experience of prenatal smoking. Grounded theory and the constant comparative approach guided the analysis towards a theoretical explanation of the women's experiences. Results: Cognitive dissonance generated by the discrepancy between smoking-related prenatal harm beliefs and continued smoking was a strong motivator to quit. However, difficulty in quitting led many to resolve this dissonance by endorsing disengagement beliefs which downplayed the threat of smoking. Four main types of disengagement belief were identified. The tendency to endorse disengagement beliefs appeared to be influenced by two factors: uncertainty about how smoking caused foetal harm and reassurance from health professionals and others that reduced smoking was sufficient for harm minimisation. Conclusions: Disengagement belief endorsement is common among pregnant smokers and enables the justification of continued smoking, potentially hindering efforts to quit. Increased promotion of complete abstinence by antenatal care professionals and health education interventions targeting risk comprehension and disengagement belief endorsement should be considered to promote greater efforts to quit among pregnant smokers.

Testing the Effects of Constraints on Climate Change–Friendly Behavior among Groups of Australian Residents

Abstract: This study explores the relationship between Australian’s attitudes toward climate change impacts on the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) and environmentally responsible behavior (ERB). We hypothesize that general attitudes toward climate change, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control predict intended and reported behavior, and that attitude negatively influences constraints on adopting ERB. The moderating effect of residential condition (urban vs. rural contexts) was tested across these hypothesized relationships. We randomly selected 200 individuals from eight regions: Five within 50 km of the GBR Coastline and three from the Statistical Metropolitan Areas in Australia. We yielded 1,623 surveys by telephone interviews. Findings confirm our hypotheses and suggest the most important predictor of intentions is perceived behavioral control. The two groups of respondents (urban vs. rural) illustrate different relationships. This study offers insight on how managers of the GBR can effectively shape residents’ behavioral tendencies that minimize human impacts on the natural environment.

ESCAPE: a randomised controlled trial of computer-tailored smoking cessation advice in primary care.

Abstract: Aims: To evaluate the effectiveness of tailored cessation advice reports, including levels of reading ability, compared with a generic self-help booklet. Design: Participants were randomised to receive standard non-tailored information or to receive standard information plus a cessation advice report and a progress report, both tailored to individual characteristics. Setting: One hundred and twenty-three general practices located throughout the UK. Participants: Questionnaires were mailed to 58 660 current cigarette smokers aged 18–65 years, identified from general practitioner records. Of the 6911 (11.8%) who completed the questionnaire, provided consent and were enrolled into the study, 6697 (11.4%) were included in the analysis. Measurements: Follow-up was by postal questionnaire sent six months after randomisation, or by telephone interview for participants failing to return the questionnaire. The primary outcome was self-reported prolonged abstinence for at least three months at the six-month follow-up. Findings: Quit rates on the primary outcome were not significantly different (3.2% versus 2.7%) (OR = 1.20, 95% CI [0.94, 1.54], P = 0.15). A significantly higher proportion of intervention group participants made a quit attempt during the follow-up period (32.3% versus 29.6%; OR = 1.13, 95% CI [1.01, 1.26], P = 0.026). Conclusion: ESCAPE, a brief tailored smoking cessation intervention delivered by post and designed to reach a wide population of smokers, appears to increase the rate at which smokers try to stop, but if there is an effect on prolonged abstinence it is small.

Delivering Smoking Cessation Support by Mobile Phone Text Message: What Information do Smokers Want? A Focus Group Study

Abstract: Recent advances in technology have given rise to novel methods of delivering support to smokers wanting to quit. Mobile phone text messaging permits the delivery of quitting advice at any time, with little effort and at minimal cost. We examined smokers' attitudes toward text messaging as a tool to facilitate smoking cessation as well as preferences for message content and text delivery. Six focus groups were conducted from a total of 24 participants, with additional information obtained via paper questionnaire. Interaction with the text messaging system, tailoring message content and delivery, highlighting the positive effects of quitting, and offering encouragement by text were considered important features of a text support program. Future text messaging interventions may benefit from these findings.

Socio-demographic and behavioural correlates of physical activity perception in individuals with recently diagnosed diabetes: results from a cross-sectional study

Abstract: Physical activity (PA) levels in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients are generally low. Poor PA perception may impede healthy behaviour change in this high risk group. We describe (i) objective PA levels, (ii) the difference between objective and self-reported PA (‘PA disparity’) and the correlates of (iii) PA disparity and (iv) overestimation in recently diagnosed T2DM patients. Cross-sectional analysis of 425 recently diagnosed T2DM patients aged 42 to 71, participating in the ADDITION-Plus study in Eastern England, UK. We define ‘PA disparity’ as the non-negative value of the difference (in mathematical terms the absolute difference) between objective and self-reported physical activity energy expenditure (PAEE in kJ · kg-1 · day-1). ‘Overestimators’ comprised those whose self-reported- exceeded objective-PAEE by 4.91 kJ · kg-1 · day-1(the equivalent of 30 minutes moderate activity per day). Multivariable linear regression examined the association between PA disparity (continuous) and socio-demographic, clinical, health behaviour, quality of life and psychological characteristics. Logistic regression examined the association between PA overestimation and individual characteristics. Mean objective and self-reported PAEE levels ± SD were 34.4 ± 17.0 and 22.6 ± 19.4 kJ · kg-1 · day-1, respectively (difference in means =11.8; 95% CI = 9.7 to 13.9 kJ · kg-1 · day-1). Higher PA disparity was associated with male sex, younger age, lower socio-economic status and lower BMI. PA overestimators comprised 19% (n = 80), with those in routine/manual occupations more likely to be overestimators than those in managerial/professional occupations. T2DM patients with poor physical activity perception are more likely to be male, younger, from a lower socio-economic class and to have a lower BMI. PA overestimators were more likely to be in lower socio-economic categories. Self-monitoring and targeted feedback, particularly to those in lower socio-economic categories, may improve PA perceptions and optimise interventions in T2DM patients. Our findings suggest that strategies for enabling realistic assessment of physical activity levels, through self-monitoring or feedback, warrant further investigation and may help refine and improve physical activity interventions.

Republished research: Effectiveness of physical activity promotion based in primary care: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

Abstract: ▸ This article is an abridged version of a paper that was published on bmj.com. Cite this article as: BMJ 2011; 343 :e1389 Study question Do trials of physical activity promotion based in primary care show sustained effects on physical activity or fitness in sedentary adults, and are exercise referral interventions more effective than other interventions? Summary answer Trials of physical activity promotion based in primary care show positive effects on physical activity levels, but not on fitness, over at least 12 months; however, not enough evidence exists to indicate whether exercise referral is more effective than other primary care interventions. What is known and what this paper adds Physical activity promotion in primary care, …

Constructing multiplicative measures of beliefs in the theory of planned behaviour

Abstract: Objective Commonly used theories in health psychology involve multiplicative composites of measures, which have been used as predictors, mediators, and outcomes. The chosen scaling system can affect correlations with other variables. This study evaluated how best to construct composites in the context of the theory of planned behaviour (TPB), using hierarchical linear regression, a priori defined scaling systems, and optimal scaling. Design Longitudinal. Methods At baseline, 6 and 12 months, 365 trial participants (ProActive) completed questionnaires assessing salient beliefs, which were used to construct composites (indirect measures), and direct measures of instrumental and affective attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioural control towards becoming more physically active over the next 12 months. Results Linear regression supported a multiplicative model for indirect instrumental attitude and perceived control. Except for perceived control, associations between composites and direct measures were unaffected by different a priori scaling systems. Optimal scaling produced widely differing composites over time for subjective norm and affective attitude and a negative association between composite and direct measure for subjective norm. Conclusions We recommend that researchers who use multiplicative composites first establish clear support for a multiplicative model, before they examine a range of meaningful scaling systems on theoretical and empirical grounds. Caution is needed when using optimal scaling without checking that a multiplicative model is supported and the resulting scaling system meaningful. Statement of contribution What is already known on this subject? Multiplicative composites are included in commonly used theories in health psychology (e.g., theory of planned behaviour). Valid measures are needed as the choice of scaling system (e.g., unipolar or bipolar) can affect estimates of associations between composites and other variables. Ajzen has advocated the use of optimal scaling. What does this study add? The study shows that optimal scaling can result in meaningless measures. We recommend that health psychologists use optimal scaling with great caution and we provide alternative recommendations for constructing composites.

Attentional bias retraining in cigarette smokers attempting smoking cessation (ARTS): Study protocol for a double blind randomised controlled trial

Abstract: Smokers attend preferentially to cigarettes and other smoking-related cues in the environment, in what is known as an attentional bias. There is evidence that attentional bias may contribute to craving and failure to stop smoking. Attentional retraining procedures have been used in laboratory studies to train smokers to reduce attentional bias, although these procedures have not been applied in smoking cessation programmes. This trial will examine the efficacy of multiple sessions of attentional retraining on attentional bias, craving, and abstinence in smokers attempting cessation.

Predictors of change in objectively measured and self-reported health behaviours among individuals with recently diagnosed type 2 diabetes: longitudinal results from the ADDITION-Plus trial cohort

Abstract: Background There is limited evidence about predictors of health behaviour change in people with type 2 diabetes. The aim of this study was to assess change in health behaviours over one year and to identify predictors of behaviour change among adults with screen-detected and recently clinically diagnosed diabetes.

Understanding recreational fishers' compliance with no-take zones in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park

Abstract: Understanding fishers' compliance is essential for the successful management of marine protected areas. We used the random response technique (RRT) to assess recreational fishers' compliance with no-take zones in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park (GBRMP). The RRT allowed the asking of a sensitive question, i.e., "Did you, knowingly, fish within in a Green Zone during the last 12 months?" while protecting respondents' confidentiality. Application of the RRT through a survey of recreational fishers indicated that the majority of recreational fishers, 90%, comply with no-take zones. Likewise, most fishers, 92%, reported not personally knowing anyone who had intentionally fished in a no-take zone, indicating that fishers' perceive high levels of compliance among their peers. Fishers were motivated to comply with no-take zones primarily by their beliefs about penalties for noncompliance, followed by beliefs about the fishery benefits of no-take zones. Results suggest that compliance-related communication efforts by the managing authority have partially succeeded in maintaining appropriate compliance levels and that future efforts should accentuate normative compliance drivers that will encourage voluntary compliance. We conclude that compliance monitoring should be integrated into the adaptive management of the GBRMP and other protected areas; in this case social surveys using the RRT are effective tools.

Climate Change and Recreational Fishing: implications of climate change for recreational fishers and the recreational fishing industry

Abstract: This report is the first national perspective of the implications of climate change on recreational fisheries and the recreational fishing industry providing a platform for further discussion of the ecological impact on species and evaluation of adaptation and mitigation options. Highlighted that, with climate change will come increasing climate variability and stressors such as changing sea level, it is recognised that everything we can do to ensure resilience of fish populations is essential. Highlighted the need for monitoring to focus on data that can be used to better predict the future, especially in the areas of recruitment and recording species outside their normal range. These are areas where recreational fishers can play a role in data collection. Recognition of the need for greater flexibility and responsiveness in fisheries management and to move to a whole of stock management approach as climate change alters the dynamics and distribution of fish stocks. Recognition that understanding and mitigating the impacts of climate change on recreational fishing has some important human dimensions, such as understanding the choices fishers make in response to climate change and the flow‐on effects of these choices.

A double-blind randomized controlled trial evaluating the efficacy of attentional retraining on attentional bias and craving in smokers attempting cessation

Abstract: Background: Smokers show attentional bias, meaning they attend preferentially to cigarettes and related cues. Attentional bias may contribute to craving and failure to stop smoking. Modified visual probe tasks have been used in laboratory studies to manipulate attentional biases for smoking cues, although these procedures have not been applied in smoking cessation programmes. We conducted the first trial to examine the efficacy of multiple sessions of attentional retraining (AR) on attentional bias, craving, and abstinence in smokers attempting cessation. Methods: Adult cigarette smokers (N=118) were randomized to a modified visual probe task with AR or placebo training (PT). Training began 1 week prior to quit day and was delivered weekly for 5 sessions. Both groups received 21mg transdermal nicotine patches for 8-12 weeks and withdrawal-orientated behavioural support for 7 sessions. Primary outcomes included the difference in attentional bias reaction time measured at baseline and 4-weeks post-quit. Urge to smoke was measured weekly using the Mood and Physical Symptoms Scale (MPSS). The secondary outcome, prolonged abstinence, was measured and biochemically validated at each session. Results: The sample smoked a mean of 20.8 (SD=9.2) cigarettes/ day and mean FTND=5.5 (SD=2.3). Post-training bias scores were lower in the intervention than control group (mean difference=-7.9ms), though this did not reach statistical significance (p=0.19). After adjusting for baseline bias scores, no significant main effects or interactions were found by group/abstinence status (ps>0.17). Mixed-effects linear regression analyses indicated that from quit-day to 4-weeks, craving was lower in abstinent smokers who received AR than PT but this was not statistically significant (b=-0.25, 95% CI=-1.41, 0.91, p=0.67). There was no significant difference in the proportion of smokers achieving prolonged abstinence at 4-weeks (RR=0.97, 95% CI=0.67, 1.40). Conclusions: Multiple sessions of AR using a modified visual probe task had no effect on attentional bias, craving and abstinence outcomes. The findings call into question the clinical value of AR procedures for treatment-seeking smokers.

Taking a closer look at Boating, Fishing and Fish in the GBR: Implications for policies

Abstract: Declining fish stocks for some species in some parts of the world are at least partially attributable to commercial and recreational fishing activities. The commercial fishing sector is often thought to be the largest harvester of fish stocks, but the recreational fishing sector can also place significant strain on resources. Recreational fishing is very popular activity in Queensland and on the GBR but there are some specific deficiencies in current knowledge about the recreational fishing sector. We thus set out to improve our knowledge about boating and fishing, about catch-and-release (CR (b) the factors influencing the probability of keeping at least one fish were different from those influencing total annual keep; (c) estimates of the monetary value of fish generated from models which considered expected catch, were significantly lower than those which considered actual catch; and that (d) the value of total expected catch (mean expected catch*mean value of expected fish = approx. $27AUS) was generally much less than total outlays for a trip (approx. $63AUS). This research highlights the importance of disaggregating the fishing/boating experience if wishing to learn more about drivers of behaviour. It also highlights the fact that in this part of the GBR, the holistic recreational fishing trip/experience is worth far more than the fish itself. As such, it seems that anglers may view C&R policies or tighter bag limits (which would have a relatively small impact on the value of the fishing trip) more favourably than policies which ban or restrict fishing activities at different times or locations.