Key lessons from the COVID-19 public health response in Australia

The Lancet Regional Health - Western Pacific, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 30, P. 100616 - 100616

Published: Oct. 10, 2022

Language: Английский

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Beyond “Brain Breaks”: A New Model for Integrating Classroom-Based Active Breaks

Journal of Physical Education Recreation & Dance, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 95(4), P. 22 - 30

Published: April 25, 2024

Language: Английский

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The Impact of Time Spent in Natural Outdoor Spaces on Children’s Language, Communication and Social Skills: A Systematic Review Protocol

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 19(19), P. 12038 - 12038

Published: Sept. 23, 2022

There has been increasing interest over the past decade with regard to health and wellbeing implications of time spent outdoors in nature for children. Universal systematic reviews evidence report benefits physical health, social-emotional mental wellbeing, cognition academic learning. Internationally, there is indicative suggest outdoor engagement may also impact children’s language communication skills, skills that are critical development, education, social relationships life opportunities. Yet, at present such not synthesised. Despite outdoors, amount children spending rapid decline, further exacerbated by COVID-19 pandemic. Alongside this numbers starting primary education significant speech, needs (SLCN) which remain persistent time. With established wide-reaching psychological a need explore more specific impacts natural environment on language, could provide unique opportunity consider as universal public intervention SLCN. The current review will aim synthesise existing qualitative quantitative spaces 2–11-year-old Literature be searched across seven databases considered inclusion against exclusion criteria. Potential include informing practice policy child development priorities interventions, providing directions future international research.

Language: Английский

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Lack of correlation between school reopening and trends in adult COVID-19 hospitalisations and death rates during the Delta and early Omicron periods: an ecological analysis of five countries

Journal of Infection, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown, P. 106390 - 106390

Published: Jan. 1, 2025

Highlights•School closures were used during the COVID-19 pandemic to limit transmission of infection.•We found that reopening schools in Australia, Canada, Denmark, Finland or United Kingdom and jurisdictions did not alter existing trajectory hospitalisation death rates Delta early Omicron periods.•There no consistent patterns SARS-CoV-2 case, rates, irrespective whether open changes public health social measures.•Understanding role is critical for planning response pre-approved research protocols are needed along with documentation harms school closures.AbstractObjectivesIn this ecological study, we describe case incidence age adult populations, periods, before after reopened five countries.MethodsData extracted from government websites. Cases calculated periods Kingdom, two weeks preceding six reopened. We summarised stringency measures (GRI), vaccination by testing rates.ResultsDuring Delta, cases increased 2/7 sites reopened, hospitalisations 1/5 sites, while deaths decreased one then another. During Omicron, 2/8 1/6 1/4 sites. The rate trends commenced continued on same Vaccination ≥70-year-olds 75-100% 95-100% Omicron. Wide variations may explain differences incidence. GRI higher more variation than Omicron.ConclusionsReopening change rates.

Language: Английский

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Lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic on the global health needs of young children: A cross-sectional study

Anales del Sistema Sanitario de Navarra, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 48(1)

Published: Jan. 31, 2025

This cross-sectional study assessed the global health needs of children aged 2 to 6 years and examined how socio-demographic characteristics influenced children's observed following COVID-19 pandemic. Cross-sectional conducted between January March 2021 in three regions northern Spain with similar household incomes. Participants were selected through one-stage cluster sampling. A self-reported questionnaire, Necesidades de salud la Población Infantil, was used assess across seven dimensions 125 items. total 301 parents or caregivers completed questionnaire. The parental self-efficacy, professional advice, child socio-emotional aspects, situational influence most frequently reported as significant, while parent lifestyle, promotion healthy lifestyles, significant people least emphasized. Life-style-related particularly affected by limited access healthcare professionals more pronounced when had a disability. findings this provide valuable insights for development strategies, programs, interventions aimed at promoting addressing identified needs.

Language: Английский

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Parents’ Perspectives of Family Engagement with Early Childhood Education and Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Early Childhood Education Journal, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 51(7), P. 1279 - 1289

Published: Aug. 5, 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has created significant challenges for Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) services families, impacting family access to their communication engagement with educators. This study aimed examine parents' perspectives of ECEC during the pandemic. Primary caregivers in Victoria at time recruitment (September-November 2020) were invited participate. Of 66 participants who completed an online survey, 25 also took part semi-structured video call or phone interviews; qualitative findings from these interviews are reported this paper. Four key themes conceptualised using a reflexive thematic approach: (1) disruptions attendance on routines relationships, child development; (2) barriers engagement; (3) educators' support families children pandemic; (4) increased parental appreciation profession. Findings revealed that adversely impacted engagement, learning social-emotional wellbeing some families. These aggravated by other stressors, including responsibilities home, financial health concerns, changed work conditions. demonstrated successful methods used educators maintain connections Importantly, parents expressed increasing profession awareness value involvement children's learning. Learnings regarding strategies effective alternative ways engaging discussed.

Language: Английский

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‘It’s not a priority’: Australian generalist classroom teacher experiences of teaching the Health Education component of Health and Physical Education

Curriculum Perspectives, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 43(2), P. 115 - 125

Published: June 20, 2023

Abstract The study purpose was to address a gap in the literature and gain better understanding of Australian, specifically Tasmanian, primary school classroom teachers’ experiences teaching health education (HE). By teachers we mean generalist teachers, who Australia typically teach all eight key learning areas (KLAs). In most Australian states territories, HE exists within physical (HPE) mandated KLA, but often delivery is responsibility assumed by as opposed HPE specialists. Our involved 53 teacher participants Tasmania examined state play HE. We used mixed methods research design that included an online survey through which were subsequently invited take part semi-structured interviews. While tended value HPE, found even more disenfranchised than education, already marginalised area, compared “more academic” KLAs. This “double marginalisation” contributed reports inconsistent Consistent with promoting schools agenda, suggest whole approach addition increased collaboration between professional opportunities for required facilitate change prioritisation schools.

Language: Английский

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A framework for the Future Healthy Countdown 2030: tracking the health and wellbeing of children and young people to hold Australia to account

The Medical Journal of Australia, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 219(S10)

Published: Nov. 19, 2023

Perhaps the most basic measure of societal progress is that our children will be better off than their parents, building a thriving, more equitable and sustainable Australia for future generations. Today, it seems we are failing in this achievement. Despite many gains, such as increased immunisation rates1 educational attainment,2 inequities have steadily over past two decades3, 4 young people faring poorly across core metrics. For example, one six live poverty,5 four experience overweight or obesity,6 three five adults report experiencing some form child maltreatment,7 adolescents very extremely worried about climate change,8 seven mental disorder.9 priority populations (eg, Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander origin low income households), health wellbeing outcomes often far worse.10 As wealthy nation, tools to redirect current trajectory ensure create society. However, turning around require considerable focus, political policy effort. Measuring what matters needs placed at heart decision making, with government commitment regular reporting clear accountability mechanisms. This inaugural MJA supplement proposes path forward environments centre on requires systemic change. It means thinking upstream root causes, social determinants commercial, structural, economic determinants), prevention, pre-distribution spending (rather redistribution), should involve children's voices making.11, 12 necessitates an economy works planet13 — where people's considered real measurable profit economy. Like high countries, decades focused growth all costs, rather growth, has threatened generations.14, 15 also contributed culmination “wicked problems” those complex cultural problems interconnected difficult solve. Examples include emergency, obesity, gross crisis, which disproportionately affect people, particularly groups.3, 10 The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic shone light Australia's inequities,16 emerging strong interest.17 now critical maintain interest consider how best manage these issues sense urgency. strengths quality existing service prevention systems), making poised turn things around, through environments. Policies focus closest family, school community key ensuring can thrive. But effects policies within wider circle environmental influences workplaces, societal, economic, impact lives (Box 1).18, 19 outlined by Stanley colleagues19 almost ago, outside control families schools, yet they enable disable healthy futures creating civil uncivil society 1). A example been failure prioritise preventive spending, comprised mere 2% expenditure saw rank 30 out 40 Organisation Economic Co-operation Development (OECD) league table countries.20 Source: reproduced permission from et al.19 Countdown important Australians change could make difference 2030, laying down stepping stones future. We track towards way holding us all, makers governments levels, account plan do every year publication collective voice advocacy, pushing go beyond rhetoric. invested substantially measuring tracking people. 13 outstanding Australian frameworks already exist, Children's Wellbeing Index, UNICEF/Australian Research Alliance Children Youth (ARACY),10 Institute Health Welfare Headline Indicators.21 These wide range domains reflect health, social, aspects lives. They spotlighting wellbeing, gathering sporadic traction. challenging get buy-in makers, financial investment general public. major reason lack national coordination fact not priority. Policy developments recent years begun emphasise development federal made “leaving no-one behind” 2030 Agenda Sustainable Development,22 National Mental Strategy,23 Early Years Strategy,24 What Matters part First Framework,25 Framework26 Advisory Groups established Office Youth.27 Uluru Statement Heart28 provides agenda other would help deal ongoing intergenerational colonisation continue education wellbeing.29, When empowered decisions community's profound impact.31 constructive dialogue new must forged heard close gap. Similarly, Framework25 represents step right direction includes child- youth-centred measures, special early years. its does provide any mechanism accountability. complement framework contribute measures tailored improve funding achieve action plans strategies, frameworks, taskforces, seminal reports well intended ultimately fail unless implemented long term vision bring equity advancement.32 highly dependent short cycles respond significant challenges. expert knowledge public awareness harnessed along legislative initiative, bipartisan support monitoring, evaluation reporting. Only committed longer lens avoid collapse polices end each cycle. no isolated Australia. Other countries address them systematically learn examples. Nordic done decades, aimed fair societies.33 Subsequently, lowest rates living poverty compared OECD countries.34 More recently, Wales novel impacts budgeting decisions.35 Meanwhile, Economy Governments, New Zealand Scotland, using recognising effects.36-38 European recently agreed “child guarantee” prevent combat exclusion guaranteeing effective access need set services free childhood care, adequate housing).39 examples and, cases, generations (ie, Future Generations Commissioner Wales). In Australia, currently policy, being widely dispersed portfolios jurisdictions. aims build draw attention work. Within there tremendous understand From review peer reviewed grey literature, together networks, identified breadth state territory efforts articulating outcome areas and/or Specifically, were interested comprise multiple youth establish policy. sought international perspective comparison. led mapping 16 regarded comprising national10, 21, 23, 26, 40-42 state-based frameworks43-48 frameworks.49-51 then conducted literature examine developmental age span, number domains, indicator period, mechanisms, if developed input level summary presented Box 2. Each detailed Supporting Information, appendix A, full list included B. quality, expertise evidence base considered, providing elements relevant purpose. Particular central below. ACT = Capital Territory; AIHW Welfare; ARACY Youth; CCYP Young People; na applicable; Development; UNICEF United Nations Fund. * Six areas. colours indicate whether element: green yes; dark orange no; unclear. First, coverage was separated between adolescent just half covering span birth adulthood. Investments targeted (age 0–8 years) understood later life.52 10–24 yields triple dividend benefits.53 late Professor George Patton so perfectly articulated, investing group “you only present but adult trajectories welfare generation parent”.54 Many take approach up 18 only. adulthood transition period incorporating change, exploration risk taking55 disorders emerge compound.56 Thus, attempt spectrum ages 0 24 years.57 Second, involvement experts own lives;58 offer rich, contemporary perspectives experiences, worries, unique solutions.59 rights perspective, where, under Article Convention Rights Child, heard, views respected say concerning them, them.60 Tasmania's Child Strategy43 shape priorities investments, Victorian Department Education's Amplify toolkit illustrates student positive culture outcomes.61, 62 Third, revealed (valued, loved safe; material basics; healthy; learning; participating; identity culture) Nest,42 2012, commonly used frameworks. adopted Index,10 Tasmanian Government Strategy,43 Northern Territory Story People.48 constructs closely mirrored Government's Strategy.49 unsurprising Nest widely, given considering 4000 children, experts.63 comprehensive refresh Nest, voices, anticipated 2024. Fourth, volume indicators ranged 100, focusing deficits taking strengths-based approach. Ignoring puts understanding complete picture shapes population level.64 Recognising psychological facilitate shown comparable factors.64 both negative required nurture Finally, examined mechanisms frequency able outcomes. Framework varied greatly, few measured annually, biennially triennially, data collected 14 Census Adolescent Survey Wellbeing).65 makes promote progress. Framework42 aligned Countdown's framework. informing holistic nature, (0–24 participation cards twice Index (UNICEF/ARACY), latter's release March 2023.10 obvious starting point Healthy 2030. additional domain increasingly environment sustainability.66 Accordingly, comprises framework, seventh “Environments futures” 3). vehicle drive strengthen advocacy today's next designed tool front first supplement, asked canvass propose importantly, who vulnerable poor publish refined in-depth analysis brings disciplines traditional silos research Further annual enriched diversity leadership broader disciplines, sectors groups including themselves. concerns collaborative supplements framed aspirations qualitative powerful narrative articles critically wellbeing. During coming year, develop concise encompassing demonstrate intend 2024 against count simple, budgetary support. There vast prioritising protect at-risk benefit whole-of-government level, like Accountability lies but, particular, power circumstances commercial institutions). this. COVID-19 anything possible, now, when? acceptable simply observe facing capture interest, landscape opportunity thrive us. article funded Promotion Foundation (VicHealth) pioneer promotion Parliament Victoria Tobacco Act 1987, organisation primarily promoting good preventing chronic all. VicHealth played convening role scoping commissioning contained supplement. assisted authors provided practical supports organising meetings, liaising MJA, administrative assistance. discussions scope content. thank staff Zuleika Arashiro, Susan Maury Louisa Taafua assistance putting Open publishing facilitated Deakin University, Wiley – University agreement via Council Librarians. funds author collaboration. Commissioned; externally reviewed. Supplementary tables Please note: publisher responsible content functionality supporting information supplied authors. Any queries (other missing content) directed corresponding article.

Language: Английский

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Caregiver and Child Mental Health During 3 Years of the COVID-19 Pandemic

PEDIATRICS, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 153(6)

Published: May 2, 2024

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) lockdowns (stay-at-home orders) had significant mental health consequences in 2020 to 2021 for caregivers and children. Little is known about “postlockdown” periods 2022 2023. We investigated the experiences of Australian families throughout 3 years COVID-19 pandemic (2020–2023), by demographic characteristics lockdown length. METHODS A total N = 12 408 (N 20 339 children, aged 0–17 years) completed Australia’s only representative, repeated, cross-sectional, National Child Health Poll across 6 waves (June 2020–April 2023). Caregivers reported themselves (Kessler-6, poor versus not) each child (self-rated health, poor/fair good/very good/excellent), perceived impacts on own/child (negative none/positive). Binary logistic models were fitted predict marginal probabilities measure state/territory group (proxy length), over time, adjusted potential confounders. RESULTS Poor caregiver Kessler-6 was similar between genders but more common sole caregivers, those with a home language other than English lower education. Poor/fair self-rated increased age. Perceived negative females socially advantaged caregivers. Overall, length, peaking height July 2021, before declining. CONCLUSIONS Negative children decreased during postlockdown 2022–2023; however, social gradients persisted. These data can inform precise policies that enable better use limited infrastructure.

Language: Английский

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Effects of COVID-19 Financial and Social Hardships on Infants’ and Toddlers’ Development in the ECHO Program

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 20(2), P. 1013 - 1013

Published: Jan. 5, 2023

Background: The financial hardships and social isolation experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic have been found to adversely affect children’s developmental outcomes. While many studies thus far focused on school-aged children pandemic-related impacts their academic skills behavior problems, relatively less is known about associations with development early years. Using a racially economically diverse sample, we examined whether were associated particular focus communication socioemotional development. Methods: Participants from eight cohorts of Environmental influences Child Health Outcomes program provided data as well child Financial hardship was defined at least one parent experiencing job loss or change, families’ quarantining household members extended family friends. under 4 assessed longitudinally, before (N = 684), using Ages Stages Questionnaire (ASQ). Generalized Estimating Equations, which accounted for within-child correlation, used analysis. Results: Families minority backgrounds low socioeconomic status disproportionately hardships. Male had higher odds negative changes in personal pre- during-pandemic visits (ORs ranged between 2.24 3.03 analysis binary ASQ outcomes −0.34–0.36 analyses z-scores, ps 0.000). Pandemic-related areas did not explain within-individual Conclusion: Negative boys, yet find any increased experience E how larger sample size longer follow-up warranted.

Language: Английский

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