Sarah Appleton | The University of Adelaide (original) (raw)
Papers by Sarah Appleton
Journal of clinical sleep medicine : JCSM : official publication of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, Jan 22, 2014
Studies examining the longitudinal association of untreated obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) with di... more Studies examining the longitudinal association of untreated obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) with diabetes in population samples are limited. This study therefore examined the relationship between previously undiagnosed OSA with incident type 2 diabetes in community-dwelling men aged ≥ 40 y. The Men Androgen Inflammation Lifestyle Environment and Stress (MAILES) Study is a longitudinal population-based cohort in Adelaide, South Australia. Clinic assessments at baseline and follow-up identified diabetes (self-reported doctor diagnosed, fasting plasma glucose ≥ 7.0 mmol/L, glycated hemoglobin ≥ 6.5% or diabetes medication use) and included anthropometry. At cohort follow-up (2010-2012), n = 837 underwent full in-home unattended polysomnography (PSG, Embletta X100, Broomfield, CO). Of 736 men free of diabetes at baseline, incident diabetes occurred in 66 (9.0%) over a mean follow-up time of 56 mo (standard deviation = 5, range: 48-74 mo). Incident diabetes was associated with current oxyg...
Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice, 2016
To examine the relationship between indices of undiagnosed OSA and the development of abnormal gl... more To examine the relationship between indices of undiagnosed OSA and the development of abnormal glycaemic control in community-dwelling men free of diabetes. The Men, Androgens, Inflammation, Lifestyle, Environment, and Stress (MAILES) Study is a population-based cohort study in Adelaide, South Australia. Clinic visits at baseline (2002-06) and follow-up (2007-10) identified abnormal glycaemic metabolism [HbA1c 6.0 to <6.5% (42 to <48mmol/mol)] in men without diabetes. At follow-up (2010-11), n=837 underwent assessment of OSA by full in-home unattended polysomnography (Embletta X100). Development of abnormal glycaemic metabolism over 4-6 years (n=103 "incident" cases, 17.0%) showed adjusted associations [odds ratio (95% CI)] with the 1st [1.7 (0.8-3.8)], 2nd [2.4 (1.1-4.9)], and 3rd [2.3 (1.1-4.8)] quartiles of mean oxygen saturation (SaO2) compared to the highest quartile. Prevalent abnormal glycaemic metabolism (n=140, 20.8%) was independently associated with the third and fourth quartiles of percentage of sleep time with oxygen saturation <90% and lowest quartile of mean SaO2. Linear regression analysis showed a significant reduction in HbA1c [unstandardized B, 95% CI: -0.02 (-0.04, -0.002), p=0.034] per percentage point increase in mean SaO2. OSA as measured by the apnea-hypopnea index showed no adjusted relationship with abnormal glycaemic metabolism. Development of abnormal glycaemic metabolism was associated with nocturnal hypoxemia. Improved management of OSA and glycaemic control may occur if patients presenting with one abnormality are assessed for the other.
Sleep & breathing = Schlaf & Atmung, Jan 21, 2015
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is now highly prevalent but largely undiagnosed. Quality of life is... more Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is now highly prevalent but largely undiagnosed. Quality of life is an indicator of both the impact of undiagnosed OSA and the need for strategies to increase OSA diagnosis. We determined age-related impacts of undiagnosed OSA on health-related quality of life (HRQL) and whether this was independent of sleepiness and comorbidities. In 2010-2012, 837 participants from the Men Androgen Inflammation Lifestyle Environment and Stress Study (population cohort n = 1869, ≥40 years, Adelaide, Australia), without a prior OSA diagnosis underwent full in-home polysomnography (Embletta X100) and completed the Epworth Sleepiness Scale and SF-36 questionnaire. The effects of the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) on SF-36 physical (PCS) and mental (MCS) component summary scores and standardized SF-36 scale z-scores were estimated using multiple linear regression adjusted for major comorbidities and sleepiness, stratified by age. Men ≤69 years demonstrated significant (p < ...
BioMed research international, 2014
Sarcopenia is the presence of low muscle mass and low muscle function. The aim of this study was ... more Sarcopenia is the presence of low muscle mass and low muscle function. The aim of this study was to establish cutoffs for low muscle mass using three published methods and to compare the prevalence of sarcopenia in older Australians. Gender specific cutoffs levels were identified for low muscle mass using three different methods. Low grip strength was determined using established cutoffs of <30 kg for men and <20 kg for women to estimate the prevalence of sarcopenia. Gender specific cutoffs levels for low muscle mass identified were (a) <6.89 kg/m(2) for men and <4.32 kg/m(2) for women, <2 standard deviation (SD) of a young reference population; (b) <7.36 kg/m(2) for men and <5.81 kg/m(2) for women from the lowest 20% percentile of the older group; and (c) <-2.15 for men and <-1.42 for women from the lowest 20% of the residuals of linear regressions of appendicular skeletal mass, adjusted for fat mass and height. Prevalence of sarcopenia in older (65 years...
The open rheumatology journal, 2012
To determine associations between sicca symptoms, chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) symptoms and asthm... more To determine associations between sicca symptoms, chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) symptoms and asthma in a community survey. Data was obtained from the Spring 2009 South Australian Health Omnibus Survey which sampled, via interviewer administered questionnaire, 3007 individuals aged 15 years and over whose socio-demographic distribution corresponded to South Australian population estimates. Respondents were asked a range of questions relating to the presence of persistent dry eyes or dry mouth, CRS and medically diagnosed nasal polyps and asthma. Relationships between symptoms were explored using maximum likelihood dependency tree analysis. THE RESPECTIVE POPULATION PREVALENCES WERE: dry mouth (5.9%), dry eyes (8.6%), nasal polyps (3.8%), CRS (13.2%) and asthma (12.0%). The overall prevalence of sicca symptoms (dry eyes or dry mouth) was 12.4%. Dependency tree analysis revealed the expected symptom clustering between (1) sicca symptoms and their association with female gender and incre...
BMC Family Practice, 2011
Background: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medications are a common cause of reported ad... more Background: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medications are a common cause of reported adverse drug side-effects. This study describes the prevalence of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) use (other than lowdose aspirin) and the presence of co-existing relative contraindications to NSAID use and chronic conditions in a representative population sample.
The Medical journal of Australia, Jan 16, 2009
To measure the level of functional health literacy (FHL) in an Australian population, and to expl... more To measure the level of functional health literacy (FHL) in an Australian population, and to explore the level of risk associated with level of FHL. Cross-sectional, random population survey administered to 2824 South Australians aged>or=15 years, September-October 2008. Newest Vital Sign as a measure of FHL, self-reported general health status, and use of health services. 24% of respondents were at risk of limited FHL, and 21% had a high likelihood of inadequate FHL; this increased with age (>or=65 years, 50% v 25-44 years, 11%). In multiple logistic regression models, a high likelihood of inadequate FHL was significantly more common among those with lower education (left school<or=15 years of age, odds ratio [OR], 8.1; 95% CI,…
Arthritis, 2015
Self-report of musculoskeletal conditions is often used to estimate population prevalence and to ... more Self-report of musculoskeletal conditions is often used to estimate population prevalence and to determine disease burden and influence policy. However, self-report of certain musculoskeletal conditions is frequently inaccurate, suggesting inadequate communication to the patient of their diagnosis. The aim of this study is to determine the association between functional health literacy (FHL) and self-reported musculoskeletal conditions in a representative population survey. FHL was measured using Newest Vital Sign in 2824 randomly selected adults. Participants also self-reported medically diagnosed arthritis, gout, and osteoporosis. Multiple logistic regression was adjusted for age and sex. The prevalence of self-reported arthritis, gout, and osteoporosis was 25.2%, 4.9%, and 5.6%, respectively. The prevalence of those at risk for inadequate FHL was 24.0% and high likelihood of inadequate FHL was 21.0%. However, over 50% of respondents with arthritis or gout had at risk/inadequate FHL, increasing to 70% of those self-reporting osteoporosis. After adjustment for age and sex, respondents in the arthritis subgroup of &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;quot;don&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;t know&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;quot; and self-reported osteoporosis were significantly more likely to have inadequate FHL than the general population. This study indicates a substantial burden of low health literacy amongst people with musculoskeletal disease. This has implications for provider-patient communication, individual healthcare, population estimates of musculoskeletal disease, and impact of public health messages.
Issued addressed: To determine the burden of multiple biomedical and behavioural risk factors for... more Issued addressed: To determine the burden of multiple biomedical and behavioural risk factors for chronic disease and their impact upon health-related quality of life (HRQL). Methods: The North West Adelaide Health (Cohort) Study (NWAHS) is a biomedical population study using a representative sample (n= 2,523, age range: 18-90 years) in South Australia, in 2000. Participants were assessed for blood pressure, total cholesterol, and body mass index. Information on demographics, smoking, physical activity levels, alcohol ...
The Medical journal of Australia, Jan 4, 2005
WHAT WE NEED TO KNOW: Are older people with respiratory symptoms aware this could be asthma? Whic... more WHAT WE NEED TO KNOW: Are older people with respiratory symptoms aware this could be asthma? Which explanations for undiagnosed asthma apply most commonly in older Australians with asthma? Can we improve awareness of asthma in older people with undiagnosed asthma? Is the possibility of asthma in older people firmly established on the general practitioners' radar screen? What reasons most often determine whether GPs perform spirometry in their practice? WHAT WE NEED TO DO: Conduct a representative population study to assess whether older Australians recognise respiratory symptoms as being asthma and are reporting these symptoms. Conduct and evaluate a pilot asthma health promotion program for older people. Conduct a controlled therapeutic trial of people with undiagnosed asthma to assess treatment benefits and produce treatment recommendations. Identify whether the prominence of asthma in older people can be brought to the attention of GPs. Analyse more carefully the issues assoc...
The Medical journal of Australia
To examine the comparative prevalence and distribution of obesity and psychological disturbance i... more To examine the comparative prevalence and distribution of obesity and psychological disturbance in the asthma and non-asthma populations, and to determine how these comorbidities are associated with physical functioning. A South Australian population-representative study of 3175 adults who provided data on asthma, psychological morbidity, physical functioning, and body mass index. Bivariate and multivariate analyses identified how these comorbidities were distributed in asthma and non-asthma subpopulations, and the variance in physical functioning that they explained. Rates of obesity and psychological morbidity, and physical functioning scores in asthma and non-asthma populations. Men and women in the asthma population had similar prevalences of obesity (35.3% v 33.6%) and psychological morbidity (29.5% v 29.4%). When compared with non-asthma controls, both comorbidities were significantly higher only in men with asthma. The prevalence of psychological morbidity within different we...
International Journal of Stroke, 2015
BioMed research international, 2014
Sarcopenia is the presence of low muscle mass and low muscle function. The aim of this study was ... more Sarcopenia is the presence of low muscle mass and low muscle function. The aim of this study was to establish cutoffs for low muscle mass using three published methods and to compare the prevalence of sarcopenia in older Australians. Gender specific cutoffs levels were identified for low muscle mass using three different methods. Low grip strength was determined using established cutoffs of <30 kg for men and <20 kg for women to estimate the prevalence of sarcopenia. Gender specific cutoffs levels for low muscle mass identified were (a) <6.89 kg/m(2) for men and <4.32 kg/m(2) for women, <2 standard deviation (SD) of a young reference population; (b) <7.36 kg/m(2) for men and <5.81 kg/m(2) for women from the lowest 20% percentile of the older group; and (c) <-2.15 for men and <-1.42 for women from the lowest 20% of the residuals of linear regressions of appendicular skeletal mass, adjusted for fat mass and height. Prevalence of sarcopenia in older (65 years...
Journal of clinical sleep medicine : JCSM : official publication of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, Jan 22, 2014
Studies examining the longitudinal association of untreated obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) with di... more Studies examining the longitudinal association of untreated obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) with diabetes in population samples are limited. This study therefore examined the relationship between previously undiagnosed OSA with incident type 2 diabetes in community-dwelling men aged ≥ 40 y. The Men Androgen Inflammation Lifestyle Environment and Stress (MAILES) Study is a longitudinal population-based cohort in Adelaide, South Australia. Clinic assessments at baseline and follow-up identified diabetes (self-reported doctor diagnosed, fasting plasma glucose ≥ 7.0 mmol/L, glycated hemoglobin ≥ 6.5% or diabetes medication use) and included anthropometry. At cohort follow-up (2010-2012), n = 837 underwent full in-home unattended polysomnography (PSG, Embletta X100, Broomfield, CO). Of 736 men free of diabetes at baseline, incident diabetes occurred in 66 (9.0%) over a mean follow-up time of 56 mo (standard deviation = 5, range: 48-74 mo). Incident diabetes was associated with current oxyg...
Journal of clinical sleep medicine : JCSM : official publication of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, Jan 22, 2014
Studies examining the longitudinal association of untreated obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) with di... more Studies examining the longitudinal association of untreated obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) with diabetes in population samples are limited. This study therefore examined the relationship between previously undiagnosed OSA with incident type 2 diabetes in community-dwelling men aged ≥ 40 y. The Men Androgen Inflammation Lifestyle Environment and Stress (MAILES) Study is a longitudinal population-based cohort in Adelaide, South Australia. Clinic assessments at baseline and follow-up identified diabetes (self-reported doctor diagnosed, fasting plasma glucose ≥ 7.0 mmol/L, glycated hemoglobin ≥ 6.5% or diabetes medication use) and included anthropometry. At cohort follow-up (2010-2012), n = 837 underwent full in-home unattended polysomnography (PSG, Embletta X100, Broomfield, CO). Of 736 men free of diabetes at baseline, incident diabetes occurred in 66 (9.0%) over a mean follow-up time of 56 mo (standard deviation = 5, range: 48-74 mo). Incident diabetes was associated with current oxyg...
Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice, 2016
To examine the relationship between indices of undiagnosed OSA and the development of abnormal gl... more To examine the relationship between indices of undiagnosed OSA and the development of abnormal glycaemic control in community-dwelling men free of diabetes. The Men, Androgens, Inflammation, Lifestyle, Environment, and Stress (MAILES) Study is a population-based cohort study in Adelaide, South Australia. Clinic visits at baseline (2002-06) and follow-up (2007-10) identified abnormal glycaemic metabolism [HbA1c 6.0 to &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;6.5% (42 to &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;48mmol/mol)] in men without diabetes. At follow-up (2010-11), n=837 underwent assessment of OSA by full in-home unattended polysomnography (Embletta X100). Development of abnormal glycaemic metabolism over 4-6 years (n=103 &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;quot;incident&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;quot; cases, 17.0%) showed adjusted associations [odds ratio (95% CI)] with the 1st [1.7 (0.8-3.8)], 2nd [2.4 (1.1-4.9)], and 3rd [2.3 (1.1-4.8)] quartiles of mean oxygen saturation (SaO2) compared to the highest quartile. Prevalent abnormal glycaemic metabolism (n=140, 20.8%) was independently associated with the third and fourth quartiles of percentage of sleep time with oxygen saturation &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;90% and lowest quartile of mean SaO2. Linear regression analysis showed a significant reduction in HbA1c [unstandardized B, 95% CI: -0.02 (-0.04, -0.002), p=0.034] per percentage point increase in mean SaO2. OSA as measured by the apnea-hypopnea index showed no adjusted relationship with abnormal glycaemic metabolism. Development of abnormal glycaemic metabolism was associated with nocturnal hypoxemia. Improved management of OSA and glycaemic control may occur if patients presenting with one abnormality are assessed for the other.
Sleep & breathing = Schlaf & Atmung, Jan 21, 2015
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is now highly prevalent but largely undiagnosed. Quality of life is... more Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is now highly prevalent but largely undiagnosed. Quality of life is an indicator of both the impact of undiagnosed OSA and the need for strategies to increase OSA diagnosis. We determined age-related impacts of undiagnosed OSA on health-related quality of life (HRQL) and whether this was independent of sleepiness and comorbidities. In 2010-2012, 837 participants from the Men Androgen Inflammation Lifestyle Environment and Stress Study (population cohort n = 1869, ≥40 years, Adelaide, Australia), without a prior OSA diagnosis underwent full in-home polysomnography (Embletta X100) and completed the Epworth Sleepiness Scale and SF-36 questionnaire. The effects of the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) on SF-36 physical (PCS) and mental (MCS) component summary scores and standardized SF-36 scale z-scores were estimated using multiple linear regression adjusted for major comorbidities and sleepiness, stratified by age. Men ≤69 years demonstrated significant (p < ...
BioMed research international, 2014
Sarcopenia is the presence of low muscle mass and low muscle function. The aim of this study was ... more Sarcopenia is the presence of low muscle mass and low muscle function. The aim of this study was to establish cutoffs for low muscle mass using three published methods and to compare the prevalence of sarcopenia in older Australians. Gender specific cutoffs levels were identified for low muscle mass using three different methods. Low grip strength was determined using established cutoffs of <30 kg for men and <20 kg for women to estimate the prevalence of sarcopenia. Gender specific cutoffs levels for low muscle mass identified were (a) <6.89 kg/m(2) for men and <4.32 kg/m(2) for women, <2 standard deviation (SD) of a young reference population; (b) <7.36 kg/m(2) for men and <5.81 kg/m(2) for women from the lowest 20% percentile of the older group; and (c) <-2.15 for men and <-1.42 for women from the lowest 20% of the residuals of linear regressions of appendicular skeletal mass, adjusted for fat mass and height. Prevalence of sarcopenia in older (65 years...
The open rheumatology journal, 2012
To determine associations between sicca symptoms, chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) symptoms and asthm... more To determine associations between sicca symptoms, chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) symptoms and asthma in a community survey. Data was obtained from the Spring 2009 South Australian Health Omnibus Survey which sampled, via interviewer administered questionnaire, 3007 individuals aged 15 years and over whose socio-demographic distribution corresponded to South Australian population estimates. Respondents were asked a range of questions relating to the presence of persistent dry eyes or dry mouth, CRS and medically diagnosed nasal polyps and asthma. Relationships between symptoms were explored using maximum likelihood dependency tree analysis. THE RESPECTIVE POPULATION PREVALENCES WERE: dry mouth (5.9%), dry eyes (8.6%), nasal polyps (3.8%), CRS (13.2%) and asthma (12.0%). The overall prevalence of sicca symptoms (dry eyes or dry mouth) was 12.4%. Dependency tree analysis revealed the expected symptom clustering between (1) sicca symptoms and their association with female gender and incre...
BMC Family Practice, 2011
Background: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medications are a common cause of reported ad... more Background: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medications are a common cause of reported adverse drug side-effects. This study describes the prevalence of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) use (other than lowdose aspirin) and the presence of co-existing relative contraindications to NSAID use and chronic conditions in a representative population sample.
The Medical journal of Australia, Jan 16, 2009
To measure the level of functional health literacy (FHL) in an Australian population, and to expl... more To measure the level of functional health literacy (FHL) in an Australian population, and to explore the level of risk associated with level of FHL. Cross-sectional, random population survey administered to 2824 South Australians aged>or=15 years, September-October 2008. Newest Vital Sign as a measure of FHL, self-reported general health status, and use of health services. 24% of respondents were at risk of limited FHL, and 21% had a high likelihood of inadequate FHL; this increased with age (>or=65 years, 50% v 25-44 years, 11%). In multiple logistic regression models, a high likelihood of inadequate FHL was significantly more common among those with lower education (left school<or=15 years of age, odds ratio [OR], 8.1; 95% CI,…
Arthritis, 2015
Self-report of musculoskeletal conditions is often used to estimate population prevalence and to ... more Self-report of musculoskeletal conditions is often used to estimate population prevalence and to determine disease burden and influence policy. However, self-report of certain musculoskeletal conditions is frequently inaccurate, suggesting inadequate communication to the patient of their diagnosis. The aim of this study is to determine the association between functional health literacy (FHL) and self-reported musculoskeletal conditions in a representative population survey. FHL was measured using Newest Vital Sign in 2824 randomly selected adults. Participants also self-reported medically diagnosed arthritis, gout, and osteoporosis. Multiple logistic regression was adjusted for age and sex. The prevalence of self-reported arthritis, gout, and osteoporosis was 25.2%, 4.9%, and 5.6%, respectively. The prevalence of those at risk for inadequate FHL was 24.0% and high likelihood of inadequate FHL was 21.0%. However, over 50% of respondents with arthritis or gout had at risk/inadequate FHL, increasing to 70% of those self-reporting osteoporosis. After adjustment for age and sex, respondents in the arthritis subgroup of &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;quot;don&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;t know&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;quot; and self-reported osteoporosis were significantly more likely to have inadequate FHL than the general population. This study indicates a substantial burden of low health literacy amongst people with musculoskeletal disease. This has implications for provider-patient communication, individual healthcare, population estimates of musculoskeletal disease, and impact of public health messages.
Issued addressed: To determine the burden of multiple biomedical and behavioural risk factors for... more Issued addressed: To determine the burden of multiple biomedical and behavioural risk factors for chronic disease and their impact upon health-related quality of life (HRQL). Methods: The North West Adelaide Health (Cohort) Study (NWAHS) is a biomedical population study using a representative sample (n= 2,523, age range: 18-90 years) in South Australia, in 2000. Participants were assessed for blood pressure, total cholesterol, and body mass index. Information on demographics, smoking, physical activity levels, alcohol ...
The Medical journal of Australia, Jan 4, 2005
WHAT WE NEED TO KNOW: Are older people with respiratory symptoms aware this could be asthma? Whic... more WHAT WE NEED TO KNOW: Are older people with respiratory symptoms aware this could be asthma? Which explanations for undiagnosed asthma apply most commonly in older Australians with asthma? Can we improve awareness of asthma in older people with undiagnosed asthma? Is the possibility of asthma in older people firmly established on the general practitioners' radar screen? What reasons most often determine whether GPs perform spirometry in their practice? WHAT WE NEED TO DO: Conduct a representative population study to assess whether older Australians recognise respiratory symptoms as being asthma and are reporting these symptoms. Conduct and evaluate a pilot asthma health promotion program for older people. Conduct a controlled therapeutic trial of people with undiagnosed asthma to assess treatment benefits and produce treatment recommendations. Identify whether the prominence of asthma in older people can be brought to the attention of GPs. Analyse more carefully the issues assoc...
The Medical journal of Australia
To examine the comparative prevalence and distribution of obesity and psychological disturbance i... more To examine the comparative prevalence and distribution of obesity and psychological disturbance in the asthma and non-asthma populations, and to determine how these comorbidities are associated with physical functioning. A South Australian population-representative study of 3175 adults who provided data on asthma, psychological morbidity, physical functioning, and body mass index. Bivariate and multivariate analyses identified how these comorbidities were distributed in asthma and non-asthma subpopulations, and the variance in physical functioning that they explained. Rates of obesity and psychological morbidity, and physical functioning scores in asthma and non-asthma populations. Men and women in the asthma population had similar prevalences of obesity (35.3% v 33.6%) and psychological morbidity (29.5% v 29.4%). When compared with non-asthma controls, both comorbidities were significantly higher only in men with asthma. The prevalence of psychological morbidity within different we...
International Journal of Stroke, 2015
BioMed research international, 2014
Sarcopenia is the presence of low muscle mass and low muscle function. The aim of this study was ... more Sarcopenia is the presence of low muscle mass and low muscle function. The aim of this study was to establish cutoffs for low muscle mass using three published methods and to compare the prevalence of sarcopenia in older Australians. Gender specific cutoffs levels were identified for low muscle mass using three different methods. Low grip strength was determined using established cutoffs of <30 kg for men and <20 kg for women to estimate the prevalence of sarcopenia. Gender specific cutoffs levels for low muscle mass identified were (a) <6.89 kg/m(2) for men and <4.32 kg/m(2) for women, <2 standard deviation (SD) of a young reference population; (b) <7.36 kg/m(2) for men and <5.81 kg/m(2) for women from the lowest 20% percentile of the older group; and (c) <-2.15 for men and <-1.42 for women from the lowest 20% of the residuals of linear regressions of appendicular skeletal mass, adjusted for fat mass and height. Prevalence of sarcopenia in older (65 years...
Journal of clinical sleep medicine : JCSM : official publication of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, Jan 22, 2014
Studies examining the longitudinal association of untreated obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) with di... more Studies examining the longitudinal association of untreated obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) with diabetes in population samples are limited. This study therefore examined the relationship between previously undiagnosed OSA with incident type 2 diabetes in community-dwelling men aged ≥ 40 y. The Men Androgen Inflammation Lifestyle Environment and Stress (MAILES) Study is a longitudinal population-based cohort in Adelaide, South Australia. Clinic assessments at baseline and follow-up identified diabetes (self-reported doctor diagnosed, fasting plasma glucose ≥ 7.0 mmol/L, glycated hemoglobin ≥ 6.5% or diabetes medication use) and included anthropometry. At cohort follow-up (2010-2012), n = 837 underwent full in-home unattended polysomnography (PSG, Embletta X100, Broomfield, CO). Of 736 men free of diabetes at baseline, incident diabetes occurred in 66 (9.0%) over a mean follow-up time of 56 mo (standard deviation = 5, range: 48-74 mo). Incident diabetes was associated with current oxyg...