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Biomedical subjects

N Owen

Publications and source records attributed to N Owen.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1996

Relationship between a 14-day recall measure of leisure-time physical activity and a submaximal test of physical work capacity in a population sample of Australian adults.

This paper reports on the validity of a 14-day recall measure of leisure time physical activity (LTPA) in a sample of Australian adults (N = 986). Submaximal cycle ergometry was used to assess physical work capacity per kilogram of body mass (pwc75/kg). The self-report energy expenditure estimates were used to categorize respondents as vigorously active, moderately active, and low active/sedentary. Multiple regression analyses showed that pwc75/kg increased significantly across energy expenditure categories for adults aged less than 40 years; that the vigorous and moderate activity categories had greater mean pwc75/kg values than the low/sedentary category for 40 to 59-year-olds; and, that there were no differences in pwc75/kg between activity categories for those aged 60 years or older.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

A member of the MAP kinase phosphatase gene family in mouse containing a complex trinucleotide repeat in the coding region.

We have identified a novel mouse gene encoding a protein that shows high homology to the dual-specificity tyrosine/threonine phosphatase family of proteins. The gene encodes a 5 kb transcript which is expressed predominantly in brain and lung and contains a translated complex trinucleotide repeat within the coding region. Using interspecific mouse backcross analysis, the gene has been localised to distal mouse chromosome 7. In human, homologous sequences are located in the syntenic region on distal chromosome 11p as well as to chromosome 10q11.2 and 10q22. The presence of a CG-rich trinucleotide repeat in the coding region provides a target for mutation which might result in loss of function or altered properties of this phosphatase.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1996

Retest reliability of recall measures of leisure-time physical activity in Australian adults.

BACKGROUND: Several studies have reported that short-term recall measures of physical activity participation have acceptable repeatability, but in most cases employed convenience samples and did not use optimal statistics. In this Australian study repeatability was assessed on participants recall of activity over two different time periods and over the same time period. METHODS: Two 14-day recall measures of physical activity participation were administered in two studies to randomly selected population samples of adults in Adelaide, South Australia. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), 80% and 95% limits of agreement and the kappa statistic were calculated. RESULTS: For a continuous measure of energy expenditure the ICC was 0.86 using recall of the same 2-week period (N = 115), and was 0.58 for activity recalled over different 2-week period (N = 116). For categorized energy expenditure (inactive, low, Moderate and Vigorous categories), kappa was 0.76 for recall of the same period and was 0.36 for different recall periods. Similar results were observed for continuous and categorical forms of a measure of physical activity that recorded frequency of participation in vigorous and moderate activities and walking. The 80% limits of agreement were markedly smaller than 95% limits of agreement, but were still large. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that the variation in repeatability coefficients between recall of the same 2-week time period and activity recalled over different 2-week periods was due to actual variation in physical activity participation over different time periods, and not to poor recall or to poor measurement characteristics. The recall measures appear to have good repeatability for most respondents, but repeatability is poor for a substantial minority of the population.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Educational and environmental interventions for cardiovascular health promotion in socially disadvantaged primary schools.

School-based cardiovascular risk-reduction programs have the potential to influence lifelong habits intrinsic to good health. Following earlier Australian Body owner's Manual (BOM) intervention trials, we examined the effects of two interventions on physiological indicators of risk of cardiovascular disease and on health knowledge: the BOM; and the BOM plus healthy life style programs for teachers and school-canteen interventions (BOM+) over two school years in socially disadvantaged primary schools. Each school was allocated to either a control condition or to one of two intervention conditions. In contrast to the findings of the earlier South Australian trials, there were no statistically-significant changes in aerobic fitness, body fatness or HDL cholesterol; there were significant reductions in diastolic blood pressure, total cholesterol and triglyceride concentration for those in the BOM+ schools. There were significant increases in health and nutrition knowledge for the BOM+ schools, and in health knowledge for the BOM schools.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed1996

Gene deletions in spinal muscular atrophy.

Two candidate genes (NAIP and SMN) have recently been reported for childhood onset spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Although affected subjects show deletions of these genes, these deletions can lead to either a very mild or a severe phenotype. We have analysed a large number of clinically well defined patients, carriers, and normal controls to assess the frequency and extent of deletions encompassing both of these genes. A genotype analysis indicates that more extensive deletions are seen in the severe form of SMA than in the milder forms. In addition, 1 center dot 9% of phenotypically normal carriers are deleted for the NAIP gene; no carriers were deleted for the SMN gene. Our data suggest that deletions in both of these genes, using the currently available assays, are associated with both a severe and very mild phenotype.

Chromosomes, Human, Pair 5↗
PubMed1995

Need to smoke in the context of workplace smoking bans.

BACKGROUND: Workplace smoking bans are now widespread in a number of countries and are generally well accepted by smokers. Little is known about smokers who do not cope well with smoking bans. METHOD: A survey of 669 smokers was conducted 2 years after the introduction of a workplace smoking ban. Variables associated with four different levels of need to smoke were examined. RESULTS: Nine percent reported experiencing a strong need to smoke at work, 26% a mild need, 45% occasional need, and 19% reported no need. Stronger need was related to (P < 0.01): an index of addiction (higher daily smoking rates and fewer minutes to first cigarette of the day), violating smoking bans, going outside to smoke more, reducing consumption less since the bans, being less approving of the ban, and seeing it as inconvenient, seeing smoking as having less disadvantages (cons) and more advantages (pros), being less ready to quit, lower in confidence of quitting, and having less intention to quit. All of the above effects persisted after controlling for addiction, and the index of addiction only had independent relationships with going outside to smoke, reducing consumption less since the bans, higher pros of smoking and lower self-efficacy (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: There is a small subgroup of smokers who have not adapted well to workplace smoking bans, as well as the much larger subset who report less difficulty. While nicotine addiction plays a role in perceived need to smoke, a number of potentially changeable cognitive characteristics were independently related to need. Workplace smoking policies and programs could take such characteristics into account in addressing the problems these smokers face.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Low-rate smokers.

BACKGROUND: Some smokers maintain a low daily smoking rate and do not appear to be addicted to nicotine (tobacco "chippers"). In a context of increasing social and environmental constraints on cigarette smoking, it is of interest to determine the population prevalence and the characteristics of low-rate smoking behavior. METHODS: A representative population survey was used to determine the prevalence and the correlates of low-rate smoking (five or less cigarettes a day). A range of sociodemographic, contextual, cognitive, and smoking-behavior variables was examined. RESULTS: Of 697 smokers age 20 years and over who had smoked for more than 2 years, 8.2% smoked five or less cigarettes a day; their average age was 39 years, and half were under 35 years of age; 88% had been smoking for 6 or more years; 86% were in the contemplation or preparation stages of readiness to quit. The significant independent predictors of being a low-rate smoker, compared to smoking at a higher daily rate, were perceiving quitting as not very difficult, smoking the first cigarette of the day more than 30 min after walking, buying packets of 30 or less cigarettes, and having not been advised by a doctor to quit. CONCLUSIONS: There were few differences between low-rate and other smokers on the range of variables that we were able to assess in a population survey. Since there is no safe level of cigarette smoking, medical advice to quit and public-education campaigns could target low-rate smokers specifically. Such initiatives could make significant contributions to reducing overall smoking prevalence.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Preventive care in general practice in Australia: a public health perspective.

There is considerable potential in Australia for implementing effective preventive care strategies in the general practice setting, especially in the context of Australia's new health goals and targets towards the year 2000. There is a clear need for the clinical paradigm, which focuses on developing efficacious, intensive, practitioner-delivered lifestyle change interventions, to be integrated within a broader public health approach. However, while there has been considerable growth in the breath and variety of health promotion research and activity being carried out in general practice in Australia, the evidence supportive of the efficacy and effectiveness of physician-based interventions (except in the case of smoking cessation) has been less than compelling, and a number of problems still remain. These include: health promotion still remains a minor component of the great majority of consultations; there are many potential interventions which are possible, but little evidence that they will be used appropriately; there is little evidence that patients who are most in need are receiving appropriate services; there is generally a poor linkage between research and practice; and there are real doubts about the ability of the system to sustain preventive care in general practice.

Australia↗
PubMed1995

Deletions in the survival motor neuron gene on 5q13 in autosomal recessive spinal muscular atrophy.

Autosomal recessive spinal muscular atrophy is a motor neuron disease which affects about 1 in 10,000 births. Recent evidence shows that the candidate region contains multiple copies of genes and pseudogenes and is characterised by genome instability. We have analysed the frequency of deletions in a recently characterised candidate survival motor neuron (SMN) gene. Our data confirm previous analyses and show that this gene is disrupted by deletion in SMA patients. The same deletion frequency is observed in the milder variants of the disease as in patients with the severe form. In addition, we observed one case of a new mutation in a family previously thought not to be segregating for a chromosome 5 linked form of SMA. This assay is a very good diagnostic for SMA although no direct correlation between phenotype and genotype is apparent and carrier status cannot be determined. The implications for the identification of the gene or genes causing the disease are discussed.

Chromosomes, Human, Pair 5↗
PubMed1995

Colorectal cancer and its prevention: prevalence of beliefs, attitudes, intentions and behaviour.

There is so far only limited evidence from randomised controlled trials that screening for colorectal cancer using the faecal occult blood test produces significant mortality reductions in screened groups, but there is considerable activity and interest in the use of such screening in Australia. Beliefs, attitudes, intentions and behaviour in relation to colorectal cancer and screening were examined among participants 40 years and older (n = 1776) who took part in a representative population survey. While there were high levels of awareness of faecal occult blood test screening, most respondents had not had a test, nor did they intend to take a test in the future. Important determinants of participation in screening were a family history of colorectal cancer, a belief that bowel cancer can be cured if detected at an early stage, a perception of personal susceptibility to bowel cancer and an acceptance of the technique. Factors such as these are likely to influence the success of any future screening program in Australia.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Dietary behaviours of volunteers for a nutrition education program, compared with a population sample.

The dietary behaviours of and recent dietary change by volunteers for a nutrition education program were compared with those of a more population-representative sample. The population sample was randomly selected from the electoral rolls of three Australian cities. Those selected received questionnaires which were to be completed and returned by mail. The sample of volunteers was recruited from the electoral rolls of suburbs of either high or low social status in one of these cities. Volunteers were posted a questionnaire, to be returned in person. A quantified food frequency questionnaire was used to estimate relative intake of 19 nutrients, plus energy intake. Occupation, age, sex, reported recent dietary change and diet-related beliefs were also assessed. The population sample was weighted to the age and occupational distribution of the education program sample. Compared to the 874 respondents in the population sample (70.4 per cent response rate), the 487 volunteers (24.2 per cent response rate) for the nutrition education program had healthier nutrient intakes and reported more dietary behaviour changes. Recruitment in the education program was greater in areas of higher social status (32 per cent) than in areas of lower social status (20 per cent). The potential effect of such a program on the whole population was demonstrated by the proportions that volunteered and the characteristics of these volunteers. The need to provide a range of opportunities for changing dietary behaviour, according to the health-related behaviours and beliefs of target groups and their socio-economic circumstances, was highlighted.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

Smoking-related beliefs and behaviour of South Australians with diabetes.

Data cumulated from three representative population surveys (n = 9402) in South Australia were used to determine smoking prevalence of those aged 15 years or over with and without self-reported medically confirmed diabetes. Overall, smoking prevalence in the two groups did not differ. However, among those aged under 40 years with self-reported diabetes, smoking prevalence approached 55 per cent, which was significantly higher than in young respondents without diabetes (32 per cent). Diabetic smokers were no more likely than were nondiabetic smokers to have tried to quit or to be ready to quit; one-quarter of diabetic smokers had no thought of quitting or of modifying their habit. Smokers with diabetes were significantly more likely to be heavy smokers (43.5 per cent) than were nondiabetic smokers (23.4 per cent). Fewer smokers with diabetes tended to believe that smoking causes or aggravates heart disease or circulatory problems than did other smokers, although these differences did not reach statistical significance. Additional effort is required to find methods to assist people with diabetes to refrain from smoking.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

An economic evaluation of four work site based cardiovascular risk factor interventions.

We used outcome data from a randomized work site intervention trial to examine the cost-effectiveness of four cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk reduction programs: health risk assessment (HRA), risk factor education (RFE), behavioral counseling (BC), and behavioral counseling plus incentives (BCI). Composite CVD risk scores were derived from measures of serum total cholesterol, blood pressure, number of cigarettes smoked, body mass index, and aerobic capacity. The economic evaluation of the programs focused on the subset of costs most sensitive to the differences between the interventions, and a sensitivity analysis examined some of the relevant cost variations. At the 6-month follow-up (i.e., the "action" or initiation stage of lifestyle change), the RFE, BC, and BCI interventions produced a significant reduction in cardiovascular risk. Incremental analyses demonstrated RFE to be more cost-effective, but not as clinically effective as BC; BC was more cost-effective than RFE when assessment costs were included, and BCI was judged to be the least cost-effective. At the 12-month follow-up (i.e., the "maintenance" stage of lifestyle of change), BC was the only program found to produce a significant reduction in CVD risk. Individualized behavioral counseling was found to be a cost-effective strategy for the initiation and maintenance of CVD risk factor reduction.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Serial mass-media campaigns to promote physical activity: reinforcing or redundant?

Changes associated with two serial, nationwide, mass-media-based campaigns to promote physical activity conducted by the National Heart Foundation of Australia in 1990 and 1991 were examined. Surveys conducted before and after each campaign found statistically significant differences in message awareness (46% vs 71% in 1990; 63% vs 74% in 1991). In 1990, there were significant increases in walking, particularly among older people, and in intentions to exercise. No such changes were apparent in 1991. In the case of these two campaigns, conducted 1 year apart, the second may have been redundant.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

Spirometric standards for healthy adult lifetime nonsmokers in Australia.

The aim of this study was to develop suitable spirometric prediction equations for asymptomatic Caucasian adults in the Australian population. These equations were compared with those of previous studies and constants were presented which, when associated with the prediction equations, permitted the calculation of 5% tolerance intervals for lung function. The 1,302 subjects (aged 18-78 yrs) who underwent pneumotachograph spirometry, using techniques recommended by the American Thoracic Society, were a sample from metropolitan Adelaide, South Australia. The variables recorded were sex, age, height, mass, forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), forced mid-expiratory flow (FEF25-75%) and FEV1/FVC ratio. Complete data were obtained for 614 females and 621 males, but the sample was reduced to 249 females and 165 males when only lifetime nonsmokers with no adverse bronchial symptoms were selected. Prediction equations of normal lung function were obtained from the reduced sample by multiple regression, with age, height and functions of both age and height as predictors. The derived equations did not differ significantly from the majority of previously reported equations and were generally superior in their ability to predict the lung function of the asymptomatic ex-smokers who were part of the original sample. Analysis of the sensitivity, specificity and predictive power of 5% tolerance limits for the presence of symptoms revealed the important roles of FEV1, FEV1/FVC and FEF25-75% in diagnostic testing. The present prediction equations are recommended for use on the Australian population and on populations with similar Caucasian characteristics.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

The behavioural epidemiology of weight control.

Excess body weight is associated with increased health risk, but there are also risks to health related to weight-control practices. While representative population data are available on the anthropometry of body weight and its sociodemographic correlates in Australia, less is known about the population prevalence and correlates of weight-control behaviours. We examine the prevalence of overweight and obesity, and low body weight, in the Australian population, using data from studies in which height and weight have been objectively measured; we describe the sociodemographic correlates of overweight and obesity; we outline relevant aspects of Australian health-system and private-sector approaches to body weight control; and we describe the findings of Australian studies of weight-control practices and related beliefs and attitudes. These findings relate mainly to women, particularly younger women, and little is known about the weight-control practices of Australian men. We suggest research which may promote a better understanding of weight-control practices in the Australian population.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Trial of an intervention to reduce chronic benzodiazepine use among residents of aged-care accommodation.

BACKGROUND: Many residents of aged-care accommodation are chronic users of benzodiazepines. This pattern of use contradicts current guidelines and may adversely affect residents. It was hypothesised that a lasting reduction in benzodiazepine use could be achieved through a programme which involved prescribers, residents and caregivers in the change process. AIM: To demonstrate that an intervention which involved education and relaxation training for patients, and education of prescribers and caregivers, could reduce levels of chronic benzodiazepine use among residents of an aged-care facility. METHODS: Two aged-care facilities from metropolitan Adelaide were chosen; one received the intervention, the other was a no-intervention comparison. Pre-test, post-test and follow-up interviews were conducted with 60 residents: 27 from the intervention setting and 33 from the comparison setting. Residents at the intervention setting were provided with relaxation skills training, and their medical practitioners and caregivers were provided with information about alternative strategies for managing sleep disturbance. Outcome measures were: the proportion of residents using benzodiazepines, total medication use, cognitive performance, emotional responsiveness, subjective health and sleep ratings and an index of well-being. RESULTS: The proportion of participants in the intervention condition who used benzodiazepines declined significantly (from 70% to 35%); the reduction was maintained over the subsequent three months. No adverse consequences were associated with cessation of benzodiazepine use; there was improvement in emotional responsiveness among those who ceased benzodiazepine use. This structured intervention strategy is a useful approach for reducing levels of chronic benzodiazepine use among residents of aged-care accommodation.

Affect↗