Health promotion journal of Australia : official journal of Australian Association of Health Promotion Professionals 

About: Health promotion journal of Australia : official journal of Australian Association of Health Promotion Professionals is an academic journal. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Health promotion & Public health. It has an ISSN identifier of 1036-1073. Over the lifetime, 533 publications have been published receiving 5959 citations.

Qualitative data analysis: conceptual and practical considerations.

Abstract: Qualitative inquiry requires that collected data is organised in a meaningful way, and this is referred to as data analysis. Through analytic processes, researchers turn what can be voluminous data into understandable and insightful analysis. This paper sets out the different approaches that qualitative researchers can use to make sense of their data including thematic analysis, narrative analysis, discourse analysis and semiotic analysis and discusses the ways that qualitative researchers can analyse their data. I first discuss salient issues in performing qualitative data analysis, and then proceed to provide some suggestions on different methods of data analysis in qualitative research. Finally, I provide some discussion on the use of computer-assisted data analysis.

Factors influencing the use of physical activity facilities: results from qualitative research

Abstract: Issue addressed: Creating supportive environments is one of the goals for action in the Ottawa Charter. This qualitative study examines awareness and use of free and pay recreational physical activity facilities and factors that influence their use. Methods: Four focus groups were conducted. The groups were stratified by socioeconomic status (low and high) and exercise behaviour ( sedentary and low-to- moderate exercisers). Results: Group participants were aware of a wide range of physical facilities in their area. Use of facilities, especially pay facilities, was fluid and changed according to preferences, necessity, perceived ability, perceived age barriers, changing social circumstances and competing commitments. While proximity and accessibility were important, they interacted with other factors. The use of parks was influenced by aesthetic features, the presence of amenities and park size. Many people reported enjoying walking in their local neighbourhood. This was influenced by urban design features including the availability of footpaths, traffic control measures, walking paths and local shops. Deterrents included a fear for personal safety, especially at night, and fear of dogs. Conclusion: This small qualitative study suggests that the use of recreational physical activity facilities results from a complex interplay of personal and environmental factors. While proximity and accessibility are important, they alone do not explain patterns of use. So what? Different factors appear to influence the use of free and pay facilities. Some may be open to intervention through urban design and, to some extent, others through the recruitment and training of staff working at pay facilities. Intersectoral action is required to change these factors, however more quantitative research is needed that examines which aspects of the physical environment are most likely to influence physical activity participation. (author abstract)

The Solid Facts: the social determinants of health

Abstract: The author describes the top ten messages arrived at from the results of research on the social determinants of health. He was approached to put them into a form so simple that even policy makers could use it. (non-author abstract)

Food insecurity in three socially disadvantaged localities in Sydney, Australia.

Abstract: Issue addressed: Food insecurity, now listed among the social determinants of health, compromises the health and wellbeing of affected Australians. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of food insecurity within an urban population of social disadvantage in readiness for a local health promotion response. Methods: This was a cross sectional survey conducted in three disadvantaged locations of southwestern Sydney. Prevalence of food insecurity was assessed using both the 16 item US Household Food Security Survey Module and the single item question previously used in national Australian health surveys. Bivariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to determine associations between food insecurity and sociodemographic characteristics of the households. Results: The 16 item US tool yielded a significantly higher food insecurity prevalence (21.9%, 95% CI 20.0-23.8) than the single item Australian tool (15.8%, 95% CI 14.1-17.5). Compared with the former, the single item Australian tool has high specificity (96%) yet low sensitivity (56.9%). In our three sites, food insecurity was strongly and independently associated with household capacity to save money (AOR=5.05). Local fruit and vegetable production (83.8%), nutrition education (83.9%), transport to food outlets (81.5%) and better public transport overall (76.3%) were most highly rated by 'food insecure' households as useful future strategies. Conclusion: The higher sensitivity of the US 16 item food security survey module relative to the single item Australian tool indicates its potential for use in future Australian surveys of food insecurity. (author abstract)

Protecting and promoting mental health in the workplace: developing a systems approach to job stress.

Abstract: Issue addressed: Job stress has been linked to a wide range of adverse effects on mental, physical, and organisational health. Despite the evidence that systems approaches are most effective in reducing the adverse impact of job stress, prevalent practice is dominated by worker- or individual-focused strategies in the absence of commensurate intervention on working conditions. Methods: A literature review and cross-disciplinary conceptual synthesis were combined in the articulation of a systems approach to job stress. Results: An outline of the job stress process is followed by explanation of how a systems approach addresses the various steps in the stress process. Systems approaches to job stress emphasise primary prevention or focusing on stressors as the upstream determinants of job stress. Additionally, systems approaches integrate primary with worker-directed secondary and illness-directed tertiary intervention, include the meaningful participation of groups targeted by intervention, and are context- sensitive. Systems approach intervention principles are illustrated by concrete examples of intervention strategies and activities. Conclusions: Further efforts are needed to promote, disseminate, implement, and evaluate systems approaches to job stress and to improve cross-disciplinary cooperation in this effort. (author abtract)