Biomedical subjects

Peter Butterworth

Publications and source records attributed to Peter Butterworth.

17 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2007

Mental health problems among single and partnered mothers. The role of financial hardship and social support.

BACKGROUND: Research has shown elevated levels of common mental disorders among single mothers compared with partnered mothers. The objectives of this analysis were to examine the prevalence of mental health problems among single and partnered mothers and the extent to which this relationship is mediated by socio-demographic, financial and social support variables. METHODS: Using cross-sectional data from a large, nationally representative longitudinal Australian household survey--the Household Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) Survey--the prevalence of moderate to severe mental disability (as measured by the SF-36) was assessed among 354 single mothers and 1,689 partnered mothers. A series of univariate and simultaneous logistic regression analyses assessed the association between parenting status, the other explanatory variables and mental disability. Mediational analyses were conducted using the 'explained fraction' approach. RESULTS: The prevalence of moderate to severe mental disability was significantly more pronounced among single mothers (28.7%) compared with partnered mothers (15.7%). Including all explanatory factors--socio-demographic, household income, financial hardship and social support--accounted for 94% of the association between single mother status and poor mental health. Financial hardship and social support were the strongest predictors, accounting for most of the predictive power of the other variables. CONCLUSIONS: Single mothers are more likely to experience poor mental health than partnered mothers, and the primary factors associated with this are the presence of financial hardship in particular, as well as perceived lack of social support. Future research should examine the extent to which changes in financial hardship among different family types relate to changes in mental health over time, as well as continue to examine variables that may moderate the relationship between social disadvantage and poor mental health.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2007

APOE genotype and cognitive functioning in a large age-stratified population sample.

There is evidence that the cognitive effects of Alzheimer's disease can be seen decades before disease diagnosis. If this is the case, then the apolipoprotein E (APOE) *E4 allele might be expected to have effects on cognitive functioning earlier in the life span. To assess such effects, the authors examined data on the *E4 allele and cognitive functioning from a population sample of 6,560 Caucasians covering the age groups of 20-24, 40-44, and 60-64 years. Participants were assessed on tests of episodic memory, working memory, mental speed, reaction time, and reading vocabulary. Although performance on all tests except reading vocabulary declined across age groups, there was no effect of the APOE *E4 allele at any age. These results indicate that APOE *E4 does not have preclinical effects early in the life span on these cognitive functions. Cognitive aging effects between the ages of 20 and 64 years must not be due to preclinical Alzheimer's disease.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Mental health and the timing of men's retirement.

BACKGROUND: Analysis of the Psychiatric Morbidity Survey of Great Britain showed that the prevalence of common mental disorders was lower amongst men at or above Britain's state pension age of 65, relative to younger men. Retirees below this age had consistently higher rates of mental disorders than working men. In contrast, the low prevalence of mental disorders amongst retirees aged 65 and older was similar to that of their working peers. The aim of this analysis was to investigate this pattern of results in a national sample of Australian men, and the mediating role of socio-demographic factors. METHOD: Data were from the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics (HILDA) in Australia survey (2003). The analyses included men aged 45-74 years who were active in the labour force (n = 1309), or retired (n = 635). Mental health was assessed using the mental health scale from the Short-Form 36 Health Questionnaire. RESULTS: Retirees were more likely to have mental health problems than their working peers, however this difference was progressively smaller across age groups. For retirees above, though not below, the age of 55 this difference was explained by poorer physical functioning. When age at retirement was considered it was found that early retirees who were now at or approaching the conventional retirement age did not display the substantially elevated rates of mental health problems seen in their younger counterparts. Further, men who had retired at age 60 or older did not display an initially elevated rate of mental health problems. CONCLUSIONS: The association between retirement and mental health varies across older adulthood. Retired British and Australian men below the conventional retirement age of 65 are more likely to have mental health problems relative to their working peers, and retirees above this age. However, poor mental health appears to be linked to being retired below this age rather than an enduring characteristic of those who retire early.

Age Factors↗

PubMed2006

The lesser evil: bad jobs or unemployment? A survey of mid-aged Australians.

Paid work is related to health in complex ways, posing both risks and benefits. Unemployment is associated with poor health, but some jobs may still be worse than no job at all. This research investigates that possibility. We used cross-sectional survey data from Australians aged 40-44 (N = 2497). Health measures were depression, physical health, self-rated health, and general practitioner visits. Employees were classified according to their job quality (strain, perceived job insecurity and marketability). Employee health was compared to people who were unemployed, and to people who were not in the labour force. We found that unemployed people reported worse health when compared to all employees. However, distinguishing in terms of employee's job quality revealed a more complex pattern. Poor quality jobs (characterized by insecurity, low marketability and job strain) were associated with worse health when compared to jobs with fewer or no stressors. Furthermore, people in jobs with three or more of the psychosocial stressors report health that is no better than the unemployed. In conclusion, paid work confers health benefits, but poor quality jobs which combine several psychosocial stressors could be as bad for health as being unemployed. Thus, workplace and industrial relations policies that diminish worker autonomy and security may generate short-term economic gains, but place longer-term burdens on the health of employees and the health-care system.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Concordance in the mental health of spouses: analysis of a large national household panel survey.

BACKGROUND: Spousal concordance for common mental disorders provides evidence of the relevance of social contextual factors. There are, however, limitations within the existing literature examining spousal similarity in mental health and little consensus as to the causes of spousal similarity. This study considers a large representative sample and examines an extensive range of risk factors using multilevel statistical methods to explore spousal similarity in common mental disorders. METHOD: Data were from the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) Survey, a large nationally representative survey of Australian households. Analysis focused on 3808 mixed-sex couples in marriage and de facto relationships. Multilevel models assessed the mental health scale of the SF-36. Analyses considered risk factors at the individual, couple and area levels, examined the effects of relationship duration on concordance, and considered longitudinal data to assess the consistency with cross-sectional analysis. RESULTS: Significant spousal concordance on the mental health scale was demonstrated (r=0.25) and was independent of, and unexplained by mental health risk factors, including experience of multiple shared life events. Spousal similarity for mental health increased across the first 5 years of relationships. CONCLUSIONS: Evidence of spousal concordance for common mental disorders highlights the importance of the social context of marriage in the aetiology of mental illness and identifies an important direction for further research.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2006

Changes in psychological distress in Australia over an 8-year period: evidence for worsening in young men.

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether psychological distress has changed in the Australian population. METHOD: Data were obtained from national household surveys of 1964 Australian adults in 1995 and 3507 in 2003-2004. Psychological distress was measured using the 4-NS, which asks about symptoms of depression, anxiety, irritability and nervousness in the past month. The data were analysed by gender and by age group, from 20-24 years to 70-74 years. RESULTS: Psychological distress was found to have increased in men aged 20-29 years. This change was observed even when the same cohorts were compared. No change was found in women or in other male age groups. CONCLUSIONS: These data show the need for routine population monitoring of mental health to determine subgroups requiring priority action.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Examining geographical and household variation in mental health in Australia.

OBJECTIVE: International research has failed to demonstrate area effects in the distribution of common mental disorders. In contrast, strong and robust household effects are evident, though relatively rarely examined. This study investigated household and area effects in the distribution of mental health scores using Australian data. METHOD: Analysis of data from the first wave of the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia Survey: a large representative survey of 13 969 Australian adults. Multilevel regression methods were used to model variance in the mental health scale and mental component summary scale of the Short-Form 36 at the individual, household and area (Census Collection District) levels. A number of risk factors at various levels of the model were also examined. RESULTS: Very little variance in mental health scores occurred at the area level (1.5%), whereas significant and substantial variance occurred at the household level (23.0%). The variance at the household level remained highly significant following the inclusion of a range of risk factors at the individual, household and area levels. CONCLUSIONS: The results confirm the absence of substantial area-level variation in mental health using Australian data. The findings highlight the importance of focusing on household-level characteristics in future research.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2006

Hopelessness, demoralization and suicidal behaviour: the backdrop to welfare reform in Australia.

OBJECTIVES: To estimate rates of suicidal ideation and attempts, and psychological characteristics of demoralization among Australian income support recipients. To provide information for policy-makers to inform the current welfare reform discussion. METHOD: Data from the 1997 National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing were analysed using sequential logistic regression models, comparing working age people dependent on government income support payments with those having other main sources of income. RESULTS: Three groups of income support recipients, unemployed, lone mothers and disability payment recipients, reported significantly higher levels on all psychological measures related to demoralization (hopelessness, worthlessness and dissatisfaction with life) than non-recipients. A similar pattern was demonstrated for measures of suicidal ideation and reported suicide attempts, with increased odds of between 3 and 9 for these high-risk groups of welfare recipients. The elevated rates of suicidal ideation, attempts and demoralization among income support recipients were in part explained by sociodemographic characteristics (socioeconomic status, age, educational qualification, experience of serious violence, loneliness, experience of psychiatric disorders), though the unemployed and disability payment recipients remained elevated on the psychological measures. CONCLUSIONS: Demoralization, poor mental health and suicidal behaviour are common among income support recipients targeted by recently announced welfare reforms. This needs to be considered in the design and implementation of Australian Government policies. Psychiatric epidemiology has a key role in policy development and evaluation.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2006

Measuring physical and mental health using the SF-12: implications for community surveys of mental health.

OBJECTIVE: The effects of using different approaches to scoring the SF-12 summary scales of physical and mental health were examined with a view to informing the design and interpretation of community-based survey research. METHOD: Data from a population-based study of 7485 participants in three cohorts aged 20-24, 40-44 and 60-64 years were used to examine relationships among measures of physical and mental health calculated from the same items using the SF-12 and RAND-12 approaches to scoring, and other measures of chronic physical conditions and psychological distress. RESULTS: A measure of physical health constructed using the RAND-12 scoring showed a monotonic negative association with psychological distress as measured by the Goldberg depression and anxiety scales. However, a non-monotonic association was evident in the relationship between SF-12 physical health scores and distress, with very high SF-12 physical health scores corresponding with high levels of distress. These relationships highlight difficulties in interpretation that can arise when using the SF-12 summary scales in some analytical contexts. CONCLUSIONS: It is recommended that community surveys that measure physical and mental functioning using the SF-12 items generate summary scores using the RAND-12 protocol in addition to the SF-12 approach. In general, researchers should be wary of using factor scores based on orthogonal rotation, which assumes that measures are uncorrelated, to represent constructs that have an actual association.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Between- and within-individual effects of visual contrast sensitivity on perceptual matching, processing speed, and associative memory in older adults.

BACKGROUND: Although cross-sectional studies have demonstrated associations between visual contrast sensitivity and cognitive test performance, it remains unclear whether peripheral visual or perceptual factors explain the association. OBJECTIVE: We aimed at determining whether reducing static contrast of the study stimuli would simulate the performance deficits on measures of processing speed and associative memory that are associated with aging. METHODS: We investigated the mechanism by which vision and memory are associated in a sample of 91 volunteers aged 60-87 years. In tests of perceptual matching, digit-symbol matching, and associative memory, the level of static contrast of the stimuli was manipulated, with three contrast levels. The duration of stimuli presentation was also manipulated in the associative memory task in a full-factorial experimental design. Accuracy and response latencies (for correct trials) were measured. RESULTS: Experimental results showed that within subjects, lower contrast was associated with longer latencies, indicating an effect on information processing speed. Regression analyses replicated previous findings of a moderate to strong association between visual contrast sensitivity and cognitive performance in cross-sectional studies. CONCLUSION: These results provide support for a theory in which visual aging is associated with slower encoding of information as well as being involved at a more central level.

Age Factors↗

PubMed2005

Retirement and mental health: analysis of the Australian national survey of mental health and well-being.

Nation-wide research on mental health problems amongst men and women during the transition from employment to retirement is limited. This study sought to explore the relationship between retirement and mental health across older adulthood, whilst considering age and known risk factors for mental disorders. Data were from the 1997 National Survey of Mental Health and Well-being, a cross-sectional survey of 10,641 Australian adults. The prevalence of depression and anxiety disorders was analysed in the sub-sample of men (n = 1928) and women (n = 2261) aged 45-74 years. Mental health was assessed using the Composite International Diagnostic Instrument. Additional measures were used to assess respondents' physical health, demographic and personal characteristics. The prevalence of common mental disorders diminished across increasing age groups of men and women. Women aged 55-59, 65-69, and 70-74 had significantly lower rates of mental disorders than those aged 45-49. In contrast, only men aged 65-69 and 70-74 demonstrated significantly lower prevalence compared with men aged 45-49. Amongst younger men, retirees were significantly more likely to have a common mental disorder relative to men still in the labour force; however, this was not the case for retired men of, or nearing, the traditional retirement age of 65. Men and women with poor physical health were also more likely to have a diagnosable mental disorder. The findings of this study indicate that, for men, the relationship between retirement and mental health varies with age. The poorer mental health of men who retire early is not explained by usual risk factors. Given current policy changes in many countries to curtail early retirement, these findings highlight the need to consider mental health, and its influencing factors, when encouraging continued employment amongst older adults.

Age Factors↗

PubMed2004

The validity of the SF-36 in an Australian National Household Survey: demonstrating the applicability of the Household Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) Survey to examination of health inequalities.

BACKGROUND: The SF-36 is one of the most widely used self-completion measures of health status. The inclusion of the SF-36 in the first Australian national household panel survey, the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) Survey, provides an opportunity to investigate health inequalities. In this analysis we establish the psychometric properties and criterion validity of the SF-36 HILDA Survey data and examine scale profiles across a range of measures of socio-economic circumstance. METHODS: Data from 13,055 respondents who completed the first wave of the HILDA Survey were analysed to determine the psychometric properties of the SF-36 and the relationship of the SF-36 scales to other measures of health, disability, social functioning and demographic characteristics. RESULTS: Results of principle components analysis were similar to previous Australian and international reports. Survey scales demonstrated convergent and divergent validity, and different markers of social status demonstrated unique patterns of outcomes across the scales. CONCLUSION: Results demonstrated the validity of the SF-36 data collected during the first wave of the HILDA Survey and support its use in research examining health inequalities and population health characteristics in Australia.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

A community survey demonstrated cohort differences in the lifetime prevalence of self-reported head injury.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to assess the lifetime prevalence and validity of self-reported head injury. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: Analysis of a cross-sectional community survey, stratified by birth cohort. Seven thousand four hundred eighty-eight residents of Canberra and Queanbeyan, 3,678 males and 3,810 females, representing three cohorts aged in their 20s, 40s and 60s at the time of the survey, were randomly selected from the Australian Electoral Roll. RESULTS: The lifetime prevalence of head injury with at least 15 min loss of consciousness ranged from 5.6 to 6.0% across the three cohorts. Self-reported head injury was associated with symptoms of traumatic brain injury or postconcussion syndrome. Reported head injury did not differ across the birth cohorts, contrary to expectations that prevalence rates would increase with age. Analysis of age at first head injury showed significant differences between cohorts in the reported prevalence at age 20, with estimates considerably higher for the youngest cohort. CONCLUSION: Although the data may reflect real increases in the risk of head injury, it may be that self-reported measures of lifetime prevalence of head injury underestimate prevalence in older cohorts.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

A population survey found an association between self-reports of traumatic brain injury and increased psychiatric symptoms.

OBJECTIVE: This study determined whether self-reported Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), identified in a community sample and occurring up to 60 years previously, is associated with current psychiatric symptoms, suicidality, and psychologic well-being. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: Three age cohorts (20-24, 40-44, 60-64) were randomly sampled from the cities of Canberra and Queanbeyan, Australia, yielding a total of 7,485 participants. The samples were administered scales measuring anxiety, depression, suicidality, positive and negative affect, personality traits, and physical health status. RESULTS: Of the total sample, 5.7% reported history of TBI involving loss of consciousness for at least 15 min, occurring an average of 22 years previously. History of TBI was associated with increased symptoms of depression, anxiety, negative affect, and suicidal ideation. CONCLUSION: History of TBI is a risk factor for psychiatric morbidity. The effect is greatest in young adults, and occurs up to several decades subsequent to the occurrence of TBI.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

An examination of seasonality experienced by Australians living in a continental temperate climate zone.

BACKGROUND: To date, there has been only limited information on factors associated with seasonal changes in mood and behaviour experienced by a random sample of Australians living in a continental temperate climate region. This paper identifies socio-demographic, psychological and personality factors associated with reporting higher levels of seasonality. METHOD: Information on seasonal change using the Seasonal Pattern Assessment Questionnaire (SPAQ) was obtained from 7485 persons in three age groups. Age and sex differences in seasonality scores were examined. Those meeting probable caseness for seasonal affective disorder were identified and compared with less-seasonal participants on a range of state and trait measures. RESULTS: Levels of seasonality reported by survey participants were comparable to those reported in northern hemisphere studies of randomly selected community samples. However, these levels were significantly lower than other key studies outside Australia and previous Australian findings. Compared with less-seasonal participants, those reporting seasonal change had more current depressive and anxiety symptoms and higher levels of negative affect, regardless of season of interview. LIMITATIONS: This study is likely to over-estimate the number of participants who meet requirements for caseness for seasonal affective disorder. CONCLUSION: Levels of seasonality experienced by a random sample of Australians living in a temperate climate are comparable to those reported by similar groups in the northern hemisphere. Importantly, this study found that those experiencing higher levels of seasonality had significantly more current depressive symptoms than less-seasonal participants across all seasons. These results raise questions about the usefulness of the SPAQ as a measure of seasonal variation in mood and behaviour.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Lone mothers' experience of physical and sexual violence: association with psychiatric disorders.

BACKGROUND: Violence against women is increasingly recognised as an important issue in both research and social policy. AIMS: To assess the lifetime experience of physical and sexual violence among lone and partnered mothers and the association with psychiatric disorders. METHOD: Analysis of the Australian National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing. The representative sample included 2232 women with children who completed the Composite International Diagnostic Interview, a scale of psychological distress and sociodemographic measures. RESULTS: Lone mothers were more likely to have psychiatric disorders (odds ratios between 2.4 and 3.4) and have experienced physical and sexual violence (odds ratios between 3.1 and 4.1) than partnered mothers. The measures of physical and sexual violence were better predictors of psychiatric disorders than either lone parent status or the sociodemographic measures. CONCLUSIONS: Experience of physical and sexual violence accounted for much of the greater prevalence of psychiatric disorders among lone compared with partnered mothers.

Adult↗

PubMed2003

The prevalence of mental disorders among income support recipients: an important issue for welfare reform.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of mental disorders and psychological distress among Australian income support recipients. METHODS: Data from the 1997 National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing were used to examine measures of mental health, disability and use of mental health services, comparing working-age people in receipt of government payments to those with other main sources of income. RESULTS: One-quarter of all income support recipients had experienced substantial levels of psychological distress during the previous four weeks and almost one in three had experienced a diagnosable mental disorder during the previous 12 months. Around 45% of unpartnered women with children in receipt of income support payments were identified with a mental disorder. In contrast, around 10% of people not receiving welfare reported substantial psychological distress and 19% had a diagnosable mental disorder. The prevalence of physical and mental disability was also greater among income support recipients. There was no difference in service use between recipients and non-recipients. CONCLUSIONS: Mental illness is a significant issue among income support recipients. The presence of a mental disorder is a substantial barrier to work and other forms of social participation. Mental health is an issue with relevance beyond the health portfolio, with implications for many domains of social policy and service delivery. Understanding and better assisting income support recipients with mental health problems will be important in welfare reform and in the introduction of a more active welfare system.

Adolescent↗