South Australia
Australia
Oceanic Ancestry Group
Phyllachorales
Legionella longbeachae
Rural Health Services
South Africa
The epidemiology of hearing impairment in an Australian adult population. (1/331)
BACKGROUND: This study measured the prevalence of hearing impairment, and major demographic factors that influence the prevalence, in a representative South Australian adult population sample aged > or = 15 years. METHODS: The study group was recruited from representative population surveys of South Australians. Participants in these surveys who reported a hearing disability were then recruited to an audiological study which measured air and bone conduction thresholds. In addition a sample of those people who reported no hearing disability were recruited to the audiological study. RESULTS: The data reported in this study are the first in Australia to assess the prevalence of hearing impairment from a representative population survey using audiological methods. The data show that 16.6% of the South Australian population have a hearing impairment in the better ear at > or = 25 dBHTL and 22.2% in the worse ear at the same level. The results obtained in this representative sample compare well with those obtained in the British Study of Hearing, although some differences were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, there are only a few studies worldwide that have audiologically assessed the impairment of hearing from a representative population sample. The overall prevalence of hearing impairment in Australia is similar to that found in Great Britain, although there are some differences between the estimates of severity of impairment and some sex differences. The corroboration of the two studies reinforces the status of hearing impairment as the most common disability of adulthood. The present study also showed that there are a large number of Australians who may benefit from a more systematic community-based rehabilitation programme including the fitting of hearing aids. Secondly, the study identified the need for health goals and targets for hearing to be based on an epidemiological approach to the problem. (+info)Differences in stakeholder expectations in the outcome of physiotherapy management of acute low back pain. (2/331)
OBJECTIVE: To compare stakeholder expectations of outcome of physiotherapy management of acute low back pain. DESIGN: Observational design using interviews and questionnaires. SETTING: Practice/workplace. STUDY PARTICIPANTS: The study sample was from South Australia. It comprised 74 physiotherapists randomly selected from professional association listings (49.3% response rate), 121 physiotherapy patients (recruited by participating physiotherapists when attending their first physiotherapy treatment for acute low back pain), 21 general practitioners randomly selected from medical practitioner listings in the metropolitan telephone book (36.2% response rate) and 13 third party payers of a total of 16 available insurers in the metropolitan area (82% response rate). MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Stakeholders reported expectations of outcome at the end of the first treatment session and at the completion of the episode of care. RESULTS: There were differences in expectations between stakeholders, as well as between naive and experienced patients. Overall, patients expected symptom relief at the end of the first treatment. Naive patients decided to return for further treatment based on the relationship established with the therapist, whereas experienced patients also expected some advice on their condition during the first contact. Physiotherapists and referrers expected symptom relief and then long-term management strategies to be provided, and third party payers expected cost-efficient management of the condition and patient satisfaction. CONCLUSION: Physiotherapists need to address potential imbalance of consumer knowledge and foster a quality partnership with their patients on the first visit to physiotherapy. Patients who are in pain may not derive full value from information provided in an untimely manner. (+info)Attitudes and experiences of restaurateurs regarding smoking bans in Adelaide, South Australia. (3/331)
OBJECTIVES: To determine compliance with a voluntary code of practice (VCP) for restricting smoking in restaurants and to canvass the attitudes of restaurateurs towards tougher smoking restrictions. DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey conducted in 1996 using a telephone questionnaire. SETTING: Metropolitan restaurants and cafes in Adelaide, South Australia. PARTICIPANTS: 276 (86.8%) of a sample of randomly selected owners and managers. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Restaurant non-smoking policies, reported and anticipated change in business, and restaurateurs' attitudes towards smoking restrictions. RESULTS: 26.8% of restaurants had a total smoking ban; 40.6% restricted smoking some other way; and 32.6% permitted unrestricted smoking. Only 15.1% of restaurants with a ban or restrictions had used the VCP to guide the development of their policy, and only half of these were complying with it. Although 78.4% of those with bans and 84.4% of those with restrictions reported that their non-smoking policy had been associated with either no change or a gain in business, only 33.3% of those allowing unrestricted smoking expected that this would be the case, if they were to limit smoking. A total of 50.4% of restaurateurs, including 45.3% of those with no restrictions, agreed that the government should ban smoking in all restaurants. CONCLUSIONS: The VCP made an insignificant contribution to adoption of non-smoking policies, and compliance with the code was poor. Despite concerns about loss of business, there was considerable support for legislation which would ban smoking in all dining establishments. (+info)Beneficence in general practice: an empirical investigation. (4/331)
OBJECTIVES: To study and report the attitudes of patients and general practitioners (GPs) concerning the obligation of doctors to act for the good of their patients, and to provide a practical account of beneficence in general practice. DESIGN: Semi-structured interviews administered to GPs and patients. SETTING AND SAMPLE: Participants randomly recruited from an age and gender stratified list of GPs in a geographically defined region of South Australia. The sample comprised twenty-one general practitioners and seventeen patients recruited by participating GPs. RESULTS: In practice, acting for the good of the patient not only accommodates the views of patients and GPs on expertise and knowing best, but also responds to the particular details of the clinical situation. Patients had a complex understanding of the expertise necessary for medical practice, describing a contextual domain in which they were expert, and which complemented the scientific expertise of their GPs. General practitioners identified multiple sources for their expertise, of which experience was the most significant. The role of the GP included responding to individual patients and particular clinical problems and ranged from the assumption of responsibility through to the proffering of medical advice. CONCLUSION: This study found that GPs acting for the good of their patients covered a variety of GP actions and patient preferences. Beneficence was not justified by presumed patient vulnerability or the inability of patients to understand medical problems, but furthered through a recognition of the different areas of expertise contributed by both parties to the consultation. (+info)An association between length of stay and co-morbidity in chronic airflow limitation. (5/331)
OBJECTIVE: To examine factors which impact on the length of stay and readmission for patients with chronic airflow limitation at a South Australian hospital from December 1996 until March 1998. DESIGN: Discharges from Flinders Medical Centre for patients aged > or = 18 years, where chronic airflow limitation was an active problem, and including a subset with a primary diagnosis of chronic airflow limitation, were identified, retrospectively, by the center's Clinical Coding Service from the hospital's in-patient separation database. SETTING: Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, South Australia. OUTCOME MEASURES: Length of stay; number of co-morbidities; readmission within 28 days. RESULTS: Five-hundred and twenty discharges (male:female, 258:262) with a primary diagnosis of chronic airflow limitation (ANDRG-3 177, chronic obstructive airways disease) were identified. Readmission within 28 days was related to the number of co-morbidities and to age. A relationship between length of stay and the number of co-morbidities was identified. A mean length of stay of 6.39 days was found for patients with less than five co-morbidities, 5.36 at their first admission to Flinders Medical Centre and 3.25 at their first admission to Flinders Medical Centre with no co-morbidities. These mean lengths of stay fall below overseas data previously published and are consistent with Kong's estimate of an ideal mean length of stay of 3.2 days when a clinical management guideline is used in low-risk chronic airflow limitation patients. CONCLUSIONS: Length of stay and readmission to hospital within 28 days of patients with a primary diagnosis of chronic airflow limitation is at least partly related to the number of co-morbidities and to age. The study has highlighted the difficulty of relying on changes to aggregate data as outcome measures for these patients. (+info)Genetic diversity and biological control activity of novel species of closely related pseudomonads isolated from wheat field soils in South Australia. (6/331)
Rhizobacteria closely related to two recently described species of pseudomonads, Pseudomonas brassicacearum and Pseudomonas thivervalensis, were isolated from two geographically distinct wheat field soils in South Australia. Isolation was undertaken by either selective plating or immunotrapping utilizing a polyclonal antibody raised against P. brassicacearum. A subset of 42 isolates were characterized by amplified 16S ribosomal DNA restriction analysis (ARDRA), BIOLOG analysis, and gas chromatography-fatty acid methyl ester (GC-FAME) analysis and separated into closely related phenetic groups. More than 75% of isolates tested by ARDRA were found to have >95% similarity to either Pseudomonas corrugata or P. brassicacearum-P. thivervalensis type strains, and all isolates had >90% similarity to either type strain. BIOLOG and GC-FAME clustering showed a >70% match to ARDRA profiles. Strains representing different ARDRA groups were tested in two soil types for biological control activity against the soilborne plant pathogen Gaeumannomyces graminis var. tritici, the causative agent of take-all of wheat and barley. Three isolates out of 11 significantly reduced take-all-induced root lesions on wheat plants grown in a red-brown earth soil. Only one strain, K208, was consistent in reducing disease symptoms in both the acidic red-brown earth and a calcareous sandy loam. Results from this study indicate that P. brassicacearum and P. thivervalensis are present in Australian soils and that a level of genetic diversity exists within these two novel species but that this diversity does not appear to be related to geographic distribution. The result of the glasshouse pot trial suggests that some isolates of these species may have potential as biological control agents for plant disease. (+info)Measuring and modelling surgical bed usage. (7/331)
Surgical departments treat two groups of inpatients--the simple and the complex--consequently a single average fails to describe the use being made of the occupied beds. Using decision support techniques, we show why indicators such as the average length, the average occupancy and the average admissions mislead. Furthermore, by analysing the fluctuating pattern of weekly admissions we show how weekends and the Christmas holiday periods impact on bed usage. Next, we demonstrate that flow process models can be used to describe how the in-patient workload concerns two groups of patients. On an average day, 71.4% of the beds contained patients who will have an average (exponential) stay of 4.8 days, and the other beds, 28.6%, contain patients who will have an average (exponential) stay of 22.8 days. The article concludes by demonstrating the short and long-term impact on daily admissions of a 10% change in four different parameters of the model. The data used come from a surgical department in Adelaide, as UK data sets report finished consultant episodes rather than completed in-patient spells. (+info)Epidemiology of participation: an Australian community study. (8/331)
STUDY OBJECTIVE: To determine the levels of participation in social and civic community life in a metropolitan region, and to assess differential levels of participation according to demographic, socioeconomic and health status. To contribute to policy debates on community participation, social capital and health using these empirical data. DESIGN: Cross sectional, postal, self completed survey on health and participation. SETTING: Random sample of the population from the western suburbs of Adelaide, the capital city of South Australia, a population of approximately 210 000. PARTICIPANTS: 2542 respondents from a sample of 4000 people aged 18 years and over who were registered on the electoral roll. MAIN RESULTS: The response rate to the survey was 63.6% (n=2542). Six indices of participation, on range of social and civic activities, with a number of items in each, were created. Levels of participation were highest in the informal social activities index (46.7-83.7% for individual items), and lowest in the index of civic activities of a collective nature (2.4-5.9% for individual items). Low levels of involvement in social and civic activities were reported more frequently by people of low income and low education levels. CONCLUSIONS: Levels of participation in social and civic community life in an urban setting are significantly influenced by individual socioeconomic status, health and other demographic characteristics. An understanding of the pattern of participation is important to inform social and health policy making. Increasing levels of participation will reduce social exclusion and is likely to improve the overall quality of community life. (+info)I'm sorry for any confusion, but "South Australia" is not a medical term or concept. It's actually the name of a region, specifically the Australian state of South Australia. If you have any questions related to medical terminology or health-related topics, I'd be happy to try and help with those!
I apologize for any confusion, but "Australia" is not a medical term or concept. It is the world's largest island and smallest continent, located in the Southern Hemisphere, surrounded by the Pacific and Indian Oceans. It is composed of many diverse ecosystems, including deserts, rainforests, and coastal areas, and is home to a wide variety of unique plant and animal species.
If you have any questions related to medical terminology or health-related topics, I would be happy to try and help answer them for you!
I'm sorry for any confusion, but "Oceanic Ancestry Group" is not a standard medical term or classification. It seems to be a general term that refers to people who have ancestral origins in the Oceanic region, which includes countries like Australia, New Zealand, and various islands in the Pacific Ocean.
In genetic or genealogical contexts, it might refer to a group of populations sharing certain genetic characteristics due to their geographical and historical connections. However, it's important to note that such classifications can be oversimplified and may not accurately reflect the complex genetic histories and cultural identities of individuals.
If you're looking for a medical term related to ancestry or genetics, you might be thinking of "racial" or "ethnic" categories, which are sometimes used in medical research or clinical settings to describe patterns of disease risk or treatment response. However, these categories are also flawed and can oversimplify the genetic and cultural diversity within and between populations. It's generally more useful and accurate to consider each individual's unique genetic and environmental factors when considering their health and medical needs.
Phyllachorales is an order of fungi in the class Dothideomycetes. It includes mostly plant pathogenic species that form dark, raised, pustule-like structures on the surface of leaves and stems. These structures, called stromata, contain the reproductive structures (asci and ascospores) of the fungi. The ascospores are forcibly discharged from the ascus and can infect other parts of the host plant or be dispersed to new hosts. Some members of Phyllachorales also produce asexual spores called conidia.
Phyllachorales includes several families, such as Phyllachoraceae, Schizoparmaceae, and Melanconiellaceae, with over 100 genera and more than 1,000 species. Many of the species in this order are important plant pathogens that can cause significant crop losses. For example, species in the genus Phyllachora can cause leaf spots and anthracnose on a wide range of plants, including coffee, cocoa, and citrus.
Legionella longbeachae is a species of gram-negative, aerobic bacteria that can cause respiratory infections in humans. It is one of the several species within the genus Legionella, which includes the more well-known Legionella pneumophila, the primary cause of Legionnaires' disease.
Legionella longbeachae is commonly found in soil and compost, particularly in moist or wet environments. It can be transmitted to humans through inhalation of aerosolized water droplets or soil particles contaminated with the bacteria. This can occur during activities such as gardening, landscaping, or handling contaminated potting mixes or composts.
The infection caused by Legionella longbeachae is known as Pontiac fever or legionellosis, which typically presents as a milder respiratory illness compared to Legionnaires' disease. Symptoms may include fever, cough, headache, muscle aches, and shortness of breath. In some cases, particularly among individuals with weakened immune systems, the infection can progress to pneumonia, leading to severe illness or even death.
Preventive measures for Legionella longbeachae infections involve using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling contaminated soil or compost and ensuring adequate ventilation during such activities. Additionally, wet or moist environments where the bacteria may thrive should be properly maintained to minimize the risk of infection.
Rural health services refer to the healthcare delivery systems and facilities that are located in rural areas and are designed to meet the unique health needs of rural populations. These services can include hospitals, clinics, community health centers, mental health centers, and home health agencies, as well as various programs and initiatives aimed at improving access to care, addressing health disparities, and promoting health and wellness in rural communities.
Rural health services are often characterized by longer travel distances to healthcare facilities, a greater reliance on primary care and preventive services, and a higher prevalence of certain health conditions such as chronic diseases, injuries, and mental health disorders. As a result, rural health services must be tailored to address these challenges and provide high-quality, affordable, and accessible care to rural residents.
In many countries, rural health services are supported by government policies and programs aimed at improving healthcare infrastructure, workforce development, and telehealth technologies in rural areas. These efforts are critical for ensuring that all individuals, regardless of where they live, have access to the healthcare services they need to maintain their health and well-being.
I'm sorry for any confusion, but "South Africa" is not a medical term or concept. It is a country located at the southernmost tip of the African continent. If you have any questions related to medical topics, I would be happy to help answer them!
A rural population refers to people who live in areas that are outside of urban areas, typically defined as having fewer than 2,000 residents and lacking certain infrastructure and services such as running water, sewage systems, and paved roads. Rural populations often have less access to healthcare services, education, and economic opportunities compared to their urban counterparts. This population group can face unique health challenges, including higher rates of poverty, limited access to specialized medical care, and a greater exposure to environmental hazards such as agricultural chemicals and industrial pollutants.