Journals
2026 EN
Van Eerd Dwayne · Robson Lynda · Yanar Basak
+3 more
ABSTRACT Background Small businesses (SB) constitute a significant proportion of businesses in all major industrial sectors and pose challenges to occupational health and safety (OHS) authorities. They contribute disproportionately to the total burden of work‐related injuries, illnesses, and fatalities. Reaching SB early in their life cycle to support OHS could decrease injuries and related burden. Our objective was to describe the nature of early OHS interventions for SB. Methods We conducted an environmental scan (ES) of OHS interventions that could be implemented early in SB. We searched for documents from peer‐reviewed literature, non‐peer‐reviewed literature, and websites. Findings from the documents were synthesized using a framework of intervention types from Michie et al. We also conducted interviews with 11 key informants who had experience with OHS in SB and, using a qualitative thematic analysis, produced a narrative summary. We synthesized the document review and interview findings. Results We found 20 relevant documents from all sources describing 24 OHS interventions for SB that could be applied early. The most prevalent SB interventions were education (increasing knowledge), enablement (through consulting and tools), training (imparting skills), and persuasion (through assessment, feedback, and planning). The interview data revealed similar types of interventions, but informants often noted an explicit focus on reaching businesses early. Conclusions Our findings reveal that there are few published OHS interventions explicitly focused on application early in the life cycle of SB. However, there were 24 interventions identified that could be applied early, most often focusing on education, enablement, training, and persuasion.
Journals
2026 EN
Alag Anya · Nishimori Nicole A. · Kazerooni Lilia
+7 more
ABSTRACT Down Syndrome Regression Disorder (DSRD) is a rare neuropsychiatric condition affecting individuals with Trisomy 21. Barriers to care for DSRD patients have not been studied. This research aimed to explore how demographic, socioeconomic, and geographic factors influence access to diagnosis, testing, and treatment for individuals with DSRD. A cross‐sectional, online, REDCap survey was utilized to query caregivers of individuals with DSRD. Eligible caregivers answered questions regarding demographics, clinical features, and barriers to diagnosis and treatment. Statistical analysis was performed using R software, employing χ 2 , Mann–Whitney U, and Kruskal‐Wallis H tests. A total of 397 participants were enrolled, most from the US (74%). Barriers to diagnosis (58.1%), treatment (52.6%), referral (52.0%), and testing (39.4%) were prevalent. Key barriers included physician unfamiliarity with DSRD and a lack of local specialists. Travel distances for diagnosis, testing, and treatment were significant, with 14.7% traveling over 500 miles for diagnosis and some requiring international travel. Factors influencing delays in diagnosis and treatment included household income, region, and demographic variables. Higher income was associated with shorter time to diagnosis ( p = 0.004) and treatment ( p < 0.001). Race, income, maternal education, and setting influenced delays in diagnosis. Delays in treatment were influenced by ethnicity, income, and location. This large international survey of caregivers of individuals with DSRD elucidates perceived barriers to accessing diagnosis, testing, and treatment, with demographic factors such as socioeconomic status and geography influencing these challenges. The directionality of these effects and their impact on clinical care and outcomes will be a logical basis for additional studies. Further studies are needed to explore these barriers in greater depth and assess their impact on healthcare outcomes.
Journals
2026 EN
Stewart Rebecca · FitzGibbon Kate · Roberts Steven
ABSTRACT Australian policy and practice increasingly acknowledges the need to respond to children as victim‐survivors of domestic and family violence (DFV) in their own right. As part of this, and in recognition that schools often have the most consistent contact with young people experiencing DFV, there is mounting recognition of the role education settings can play in terms of early intervention and support provision for young victim‐survivors. However, there is little research on intervention and support provision in Australian education settings that draws directly on the experiences of young people who have experienced DFV. This article addresses that gap. Drawing on findings from a national survey of 1651 young people who reported experiences of DFV, this article enhances current understandings of how DFV impacts education and the effectiveness of school‐based help‐seeking for young Australians experiencing DFV. Centring the voices of young victim‐survivors, our findings question the degree to which schools are presently equipped to recognise, respond to and support students who experience DFV.
Journals
2026 EN
Moore Tim · McDougall Stewart
ABSTRACT This qualitative study examines the aspirations, motivations and support needs of 15 young parents in South Australia with experiences of out‐of‐home care (OOHC) or homelessness. Most participants aimed to delay parenting to achieve financial stability, education and personal development, but faced unplanned pregnancies due to inadequate access to sexual health education and contraception. The study emphasises the importance of trauma‐informed, strengths‐based approaches, highlighting the need for stable housing, mental health services, and flexible education and employment opportunities. Participants valued peer‐led programmes and inclusive policies that recognise their lived experiences. The findings underscore the resilience of these younger parents and the need for targeted interventions to break cycles of adversity. This research contributes to the evidence base for policies that empower young people in care and homelessness systems, fostering better long‐term outcomes for them and their children. This study underscores the critical need for trauma‐informed, strengths‐based interventions that address the unique challenges faced by young parents transitioning from OOHC or homelessness. By informing policies focused on housing stability, tailored education and inclusive support systems, these findings aim to empower young people to break cycles of adversity and achieve long‐term positive outcomes.
Journals
2026 EN
Del Pizzo S. · Watson S. J. · Lagdon S.
+4 more
ABSTRACT Coercive control (CC) involves an ongoing pattern of behaviour that can occur within intimate partner violence with the aim of controlling, containing, or compelling a person, with deleterious long‐term effects. This study addresses an evidence gap using Lagdon, Jordan, Devine, Tully, Armour and Shannon (2023: Journal of Family Violence 38, no. 1: 39–50) methodological approach to assess the Australian public awareness about CC. Participants reviewed two gendered CC scenarios, one more obvious and one less obvious, rated their agreement towards ten opinion statements, and answered if they had heard of the term ‘coercive control’. Binary logistic regression assessed predictors of CC awareness and split‐plot analysis of covariance models assessed agreement to opinion statements by CC obviousness and victim gender. Findings indicated that reporting low awareness of CC (42%; n = 152) was more likely among respondents aged 18–24 years ( p < 0.001) and among those who did not complete high school ( p < 0.001), and less likely among those living in non‐metropolitan locations ( p < 0.001) and among those earning a low income ( p = 0.009). There was stronger agreement ( p < 0.001) with statements for obvious CC, indicating respondents' difficulty identifying subtle behavioural patterns and male victim‐survivor experiences. Findings highlight the need for education campaigns that increase CC awareness, to facilitate early identification of less obvious CC and mitigate adverse long‐term effects.
Journals
2026 EN
Lavoie Patrick · Crétaz Maude · Quesnel Élisabeth
+5 more
ABSTRACT Background Lung ultrasound ( LUS ) is increasingly recognised as an essential diagnostic and monitoring tool in acute and critical care. As its use grows, understanding how LUS education is designed, delivered, and evaluated for practicing healthcare professionals has become essential. Objective To map the evidence on educational interventions for LUS training, focusing on study characteristics, instructional strategies, and learning outcomes. Methods This scoping review followed the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and PRISMA ‐ ScR reporting guidelines. It identified and charted studies on LUS training for practicing healthcare professionals. Data extraction covered study characteristics, learner profiles, instructional strategies, instructor credentials, training duration and setting, and learning outcomes, categorised using the New World Kirkpatrick Model. Results Thirty eight studies involving physicians, paramedics, respiratory therapists, physiotherapists, and nurses met inclusion criteria. Most interventions combined didactic teaching with hands‐on practice, including supervised scanning and simulation. Training was typically brief (median duration = 3.5 h). Outcomes focused mainly on learning (Level 2: 86.8%) and less often on behaviour (Level 3: 47.4%). Considerable variation in educational designs and outcome measures limited cross‐study comparisons, and few studies assessed long‐term retention or clinical impact. Conclusion Current LUS training uses multimodal approaches that integrate theory with supervised practice. However, programs and assessments remain heterogeneous and rarely theory‐informed. Future research should strengthen pedagogical foundations, align evaluation with competency frameworks, and examine learning sustainability, interprofessional training, and patient‐centred outcomes to support effective and scalable LUS education.
Journals
2026 EN
Latta Hannah E. · Swain Andrew H. · Garrett Nick
+1 more
ABSTRACT Background Patients presenting with pulseless electrical activity (PEA) in out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) may receive inappropriate care if a manual pulse check is relied upon to determine pulselessness. This study aimed to investigate whether ultrasound‐naïve paramedics could acquire an ultrasound image within a 10‐s pause during a pulse check in a simulated cardiac arrest environment and interpret ultrasound‐detectable pathology. Secondary aims focus on the quality of ultrasound image acquisition and the retention of learned knowledge. Method Thirty paramedics participated in three sequential phases. Phase I involved a self‐directed e‐learning program covering an overview of ultrasound applications, including cultural considerations for indigenous New Zealand Māori in cardiac arrest. Phase II included face‐to‐face education, simulation assessments, and a knowledge quiz. Phase III included simulation assessments and a knowledge quiz. Ultrasound images were scored against the cardiac ultrasound structural assessment score (CUSAS) for quality. Results During simulated cardiac arrest scenarios, the mean time to acquire an ultrasound scan was 9.6 s (SD = 2.9, 95% CI [9.3, 10.0]). Forty‐seven per cent of study scans were captured within the 10‐s pulse check pause. Of the acquired images, 73% (95% CI [67.8, 79.4]) of scans scored a CUSAS of ≥ 3, demonstrating adequate image quality. Participants correctly interpreted 91% (95% CI [88.5, 94.5]) of 243 pathological scans during the simulations. In Phase II, 83 of 87 interpretations were correct (95%, 95% CI [91.0, 99.7]), while in Phase III, 140 of 156 interpretations were correct (90%, 95% CI [84.9, 94.4]). Conclusions During cardiac arrest simulations, paramedics on average took 9.6 s to acquire an ultrasound scan, with 47% of scans completed within the 10‐s pulse‐check pause. Research Aims To determine if paramedics can acquire an ultrasound image within the 10‐s pulse check pause in simulated pulseless electrical activity (PEA) cardiac arrest. Secondary aims focus on the quality of ultrasound image acquisition, interpretation and retention of learned knowledge.
Journals
2026 EN
Trammell Antoine R. · Dorbin Cornelya D. · Davis Crystal P.
+11 more
Abstract INTRODUCTION The Emory Goizueta Alzheimer's Disease Research Center implemented targeted, community‐based programs emphasizing health education and collaboration with community partners. This paper reports on their impact on research enrollment and the lessons learned. METHODS We analyzed attendance data from in‐person events for new participants in the Uniform Data Set (UDS) cohort. Using regression modeling, we examined relationships among demographics and time to UDS enrollment. RESULTS From 2016 to 2024, 194 adults enrolled in the UDS. They were mostly women (59%), evenly divided between African American (AA; 54%) and non‐Hispanic White (NHW; 46%) individuals, and well‐educated (median 16 years). Before consent, more AA participants attended events (82.7% vs. 42.0%; p < 0.0001) and a greater number of events (median 2, interquartile range [IQR]: 1–4 vs. 0, IQR: 0–2; p < 0.0001) than their NHW peers. Among all race–gender groups, the time to enrollment was shortest for AA men. DISCUSSION Collaborative, community‐based, structured outreach initiatives with focused content can influence research engagement. Highlights Despite higher dementia risk, older adults from understudied populations have low enrollment in aging and cognition studies, limiting the generalizability of knowledge about biomarkers and related mechanisms. Besides socioeconomic factors, disproportionate exclusion from screening criteria, less access to expert care, and fewer professional referrals are linked to lower research participation rates. Intentional recruitment activities that incorporate educational content and target community input about health challenges can enhance engagement and promote more representative cohorts, including understudied populations.
Journals
2026 EN
Herd Pamela · Sicinski Kamil · Williams Victoria
+2 more
Abstract BACKGROUND Dementia prevention research has largely used educational attainment as a proxy for early‐life. Given the known influence of early‐life exposures on brain development, more attention to early‐life exposures is warranted. METHODS We employ the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study, a nearly full life course cohort study, to examine the influence of prospectively measured early‐life risk factors for dementia in later life. RESULTS We find that early‐life risk factors that precede high school completion, rather than early adulthood post‐secondary schooling, exert influence on later‐life dementia. Household parental resources influence non‐Alzheimer's disease (AD), but not AD, dementia risk. In contrast, markers for adolescent cognitive reserve (cognitive and academic performance measures) influence AD dementia risk, in part, by modifying genetic risk. DISCUSSION Using education as a proxy for early‐life exposures conceals specific mechanisms that influence distinct dementia etiologies and are separately intervenable. Education's influence may be confined to the early‐life and adolescent period, where brain development is especially malleable. Highlights Educational attainment is commonly used as a proxy for early‐life risk factors for dementia. Given known early‐life influences on brain development, more attention to the period is warranted. Early‐life parental income influences non‐AD dementia risk. Early‐life cognition and academic performance influence AD dementia risk. Using educational attainment as a proxy for early‐life exposures conceals separate intervenable risk factors.
Journals
2026 EN
Burns Jeffrey M. · Alford Susan · Coppinger Justine
+4 more
Abstract INTRODUCTION We aimed to explore primary care physicians’ (PCP) attitudes, perceptions, and barriers toward Alzheimer's disease (AD) diagnosis and incorporating blood biomarker (BBM) tests into the diagnostic workflow. METHODS Remote 60‐min interviews with 20 PCPs were conducted (May 2023). Participants included generalists and geriatricians representing urban, suburban, and rural U.S. practices. Interviews encompassed early AD diagnosis, PCP role, and BBM test implementation. RESULTS Most PCPs view investigating cognitive decline as an important part of their role and are somewhat confident in diagnosing AD. Barriers include the complexity and inefficiency of current diagnostic workflows, lack of effective treatments, and stigma. PCPs consider BBM tests accurate and cost‐effective but have concerns about reimbursement and diagnostic pathway placement. DISCUSSION PCPs are interested in AD diagnosis and receptive toward BBM testing. Education on BBM test use and AD diagnosis may benefit PCPs in the care of individuals with cognitive decline. Highlights Early Alzheimer's disease (AD) diagnosis is crucial for initiating treatment Primary care physicians (PCPs) find investigation of cognitive decline important PCPs consider blood biomarker (BBM) tests accurate and cost‐effective PCPs seek clarity on reimbursement of BBM tests and their context of use Education on BBM test interpretation and AD diagnosis may benefit primary care