Sabrina Gupta | La Trobe University (original) (raw)

Papers by Sabrina Gupta

Pedagogy in health promotion, Dec 8, 2020

Health Education Development (HED) is a second-year core subject within the health promotion majo... more Health Education Development (HED) is a second-year core subject within the health promotion major of the bachelor of health sciences degree offered at La Trobe University, Australia. Since 2017, HED has been a 12-week blended subject delivered in Semester 1 (March to June). In 2020, this coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic (from March 16, 2020 academics were locked off campus) and after the first 3 weeks of delivery all teaching was paused for 1 week in preparation for teaching the rest of the semester online. On any given year, the cohort for this subject is approximately 165 students across different professional disciplines, including public health, health promotion, rehabilitation counselling, sports counseling and athlete welfare, and occupational therapy. Principles of cooperative learning theories (Macpherson, 2015) are at the core of the subject. Students are required to learn and apply cooperative learning in their peer interactions to acquire and practice the elements of health education ethically and responsibly. Students must identify the learning needs of particular populations with a focus on more marginalized groups including people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities, sexually and gender diverse populations, refugees, those living with a disability, and people living with mental health issues/conditions. This is paramount to their understanding of the principles of public health and social justice (United Nations General Assembly, 1948; Whitehead, 1991). On completion of the subject, it is expected that students will have basic health education knowledge and facilitation skills for one-to-one or small group formats across institutional or community health settings.

Australian Journal of Primary Health, 2003

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, Jun 1, 2019

Oral health is a burden among all populations and is linked with major chronic diseases such as c... more Oral health is a burden among all populations and is linked with major chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases. Migrants, in particular South Asians, have poor oral health which requires further understanding to better inform oral health interventions by targeting specific aspects of this heterogenous South Asian population. This review is undertaken to systematically synthesize the evidence of oral health understandings, knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, practices, and behaviors of South Asian migrants residing in high-income countries. A comprehensive systematic search of seven electronic databases and hand-searching for peer-reviewed studies was conducted. All study designs were included, and quality assessment conducted. Of the 1614 records identified, 17 were included for synthesis and 12 were quantitative in design. These studies were primarily conducted in the UK, USA, Canada, and Europe. South Asian migrants had inadequate oral health knowledge, attitudes, and practices-influenced by culture, social norms, and religiosity. In the absence of symptoms, preventive oral hygiene practices were limited. Barriers to access varied with country of origin; from lack of trust in dentists and treatment cost in studies with India as the country of origin, to religiosity, among poorer nations such as Bangladesh. Fewer studies focused on recent arrivals from Bhutan or the Maldives. Culturally and socially appropriate strategies must be developed to target oral health issues and a "one-size" fits all approach will be ineffective in addressing the needs of South Asian migrants.

The Cochrane library, Jul 16, 2008

Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Apr 20, 2005

This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative... more This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY

Health Promotion Journal of Australia, Aug 30, 2021

ISSUE ADDRESSED People from Sudanese background are more likely to be diagnosed with type 2 diabe... more ISSUE ADDRESSED People from Sudanese background are more likely to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes (T2D) as compared to the general population. In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of migrants from Sudan to Australia. However, there is a dearth of research exploring the perceptions and experiences of self-management strategies for diabetes among this migrant Sudanese population residing in Australia. This study aims to explore these experiences and perceptions as well as to identify cultural aspects related to T2D self-management strategies for people from this migrant group. METHODS A qualitative study using semi-structured in-depth interviews with Sudanese participants (n=12) living with T2D was conducted in Melbourne, Australia. RESULTS The thematic analysis found barriers to self-management of diabetes to include language differences, the burden of self-management, difficulties in accommodating traditional dietary practices in self-management, as well as the expectations of familial and social obligations. Enablers included positive relationships with health professionals, support networks, involvement in religion and adopting traditional remedies. CONCLUSIONS This study found cultural considerations, such as incorporating traditional dietary practices and familial obligations into self-management, to be the most significant influence for this group of Sudanese participants in the way they managed their diabetes. SO WHAT This study highlights the need for culturally appropriate provision of health services and resources for Sudanese people with T2D whilst recognising the value placed on traditional food choices. Importantly, the collectivist Sudanese culture must be considered for any future development and implementation of health promotion strategies.

Diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome: Clinical Research and Reviews, Jul 1, 2020

Elsevier has created a COVID-19 resource centre with free information in English and Mandarin on ... more Elsevier has created a COVID-19 resource centre with free information in English and Mandarin on the novel coronavirus COVID-19. The COVID-19 resource centre is hosted on Elsevier Connect, the company's public news and information website. Elsevier hereby grants permission to make all its COVID-19-related research that is available on the COVID-19 resource centre-including this research content-immediately available in PubMed Central and other publicly funded repositories, such as the WHO COVID database with rights for unrestricted research re-use and analyses in any form or by any means with acknowledgement of the original source. These permissions are granted for free by Elsevier for as long as the COVID-19 resource centre remains active.

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, Nov 28, 2022

Drug and Alcohol Review, Oct 10, 2022

Research Square (Research Square), Feb 28, 2022

Background: Self-medication practices are common among people living with type 2 diabetes. No stu... more Background: Self-medication practices are common among people living with type 2 diabetes. No studies conducted to understand doctors' perception towards self-medication practices. Aim: To explore doctors' perceptions and understanding of the self-medication practices of people living with type 2 diabetes in southwestern India. Methods: Semi-structured face-to-face interviews were conducted with doctors experienced in treating patients with type 2 diabetes in Mysuru, India, between July 2019 and January 2020. The interviews explored factors affecting self-medication practices among people living with type 2 diabetes and doctors' perception on western and traditional medications in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. All the interviews were audio-recorded and thematic analysis was performed inductively. Results: Twenty doctors were interviewed. Doctors reported greater belief in western medications over traditional medications and expressed concern that their patients favoured traditional medications over western. Factors such as social media, accessibility of healthcare facilities and pill burden in uenced adherence to western medications. Lack of knowledge about traditional medications and trust in western medications available under government schemes were observed among doctors. Common medication prescription strategies implemented by doctors to overcome challenges of self-medication practices included educating patients on the detrimental effects of self-medication and insisting patients only take western medications when desired blood glucose levels were not observed. Conclusion: The results suggest that multi-prong approach involving all levels of healthcare is needed to overcome the challenges of self-medication practices. Given the contrasting beliefs between doctors and patients, future studies should explore the impact of integrative medicine on health outcomes diabetes people. Impact Of Findings On Practice Statements 1. Findings from this study showed the complexity involved in treating type 2 diabetes. Therefore, it is suggested that doctors implement strategies that focus on patient-centred approaches that address individual and systemic barriers. 2. To embrace patient beliefs, doctors should explore ways to implement integrative medicine in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. 3. To increase trust among patients on medications, doctors should act as a bridge between the government and patients for effectively utilizing medications available under government pharmaceutical schemes.

Background: As Australia becomes an increasingly culturally diverse society through migration, th... more Background: As Australia becomes an increasingly culturally diverse society through migration, there is a need to better understand the health of migrant groups. While literature on migrant health in Australia exists, there are gaps in coverage. Research indicates that South Asians (SA) have higher rates of both cardiovascular disease (CVD) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) in comparison to host populations in other western countries. This also occurs at younger ages and with greater severity of CVD. However, there is a paucity of studies that compare and examine the presentation of T2D and/or CVD in SA Australian dwelling migrants with members of the host population and there are equally few studies that explore their experiences and perceptions of living with these diseases. Aim: The body of work presented in this dissertation aimed to address the patterns of CVD presentation amongst Anglo-Australians (AA) and Australian dwelling SAs and to examine and explore the perceptions and experiences of SAs and AAs living with T2D and/or CVD. Methods: This study was divided into two phases. Phase 1 was a retrospective hospital clinical case audit to determine patterns of CVD presentation. The study population included SA and AA patients hospitalised for ischaemic heart disease. Baseline characteristics, evidence of diabetes and other CVD risk factors were compared. Angiographic data were also compared to determine severity and these were assessed using a modified Gensini score. In phase 2, semi-structured indepth interviews were conducted with 57 participants (41 SAs and 16 AAs) with either T2D and/or CVD. Results: Phase 1 confirmed the SA pattern of CVD presentation in other western nations, i.e. high rates of cardiovascular disease at younger ages, with greater severity, higher rates of T2D and low BMI measurements (a conventional risk factor). Findings from phase 2 indicated key similarities and differences between the perceptions and experiences of the participants drawn from the two ethnic groups. The [...]

European journal of public health, Apr 17, 2018

British Journal of Educational Studies, Apr 20, 2023

Appetite, 2018

South Asians are a growing migrant population, both globally and in Australia. This group are at ... more South Asians are a growing migrant population, both globally and in Australia. This group are at higher risk for both cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. The aim of this qualitative study was to examine dietary practices of South Asians, n=41 (Indian, n=25; Sri Lankan, n=16) and Anglo-Australians, n=16, with these conditions, using semi-structured indepth interviews. Findings suggest that both groups had a high level of awareness of dietary practices necessary for optimum disease management, both prior to and post diagnosis. Bidirectional effects of migration were noted in the dietary practices of both groups suggesting hybrid diets are evident in Australia. A key barrier to implementing dietary changes highlighted by both groups of participants, was a lack of specific, timely and detailed dietary advice from clinicians. In addition South Asian participants wanted more culturally relevant advice and both groups expressed that such advice should be repeated and reinforced throughout the course of their disease. Clinicians providing dietary advice need to recognise that preferences for staple food items are resistant to change and may affect adherence. Acculturation was evident in the dietary practices of the South Asian participants. Nevertheless, many maintained traditional food practices which were tied to their cultural identity. It is recommended that clinicians consider these factors when offering advice.

Qualitative Health Research, Jul 28, 2016

Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD) are leading causes of the chronic disease burden... more Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD) are leading causes of the chronic disease burden in Western nations, including Australia (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare [AIHW], 2014; Vos et al., 2015). Lack of physical activity is a known modifiable risk factor for chronic disease (AIHW, 2014), and there is much evidence that it is a major contributor to morbidity and mortality from non-communicable diseases globally (Das & Horton, 2012). The World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines suggest at least 150 minutes of low to moderate physical activity for adults per week (WHO, 2010). They also suggest that there are benefits in targeting physical activity interventions to specific population groups (WHO, 2007). The Australian Physical Activity Guidelines (Australian Government Department of Health, 2014) suggest that adults should participate in at least 30 minutes of moderate activity daily or accumulate 150 to 300 minutes each week. However, 57% of adults in Australia do not meet the "sufficiently active" threshold (Australian Government Department of Health, 2014), similar to international observations (Hallal et al., 2012). Research examining physical activity levels among migrant groups in developed nations such as the United States

Australian Health Review, 2015

Objectives. The aim of the present study was to determine cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk facto... more Objectives. The aim of the present study was to determine cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors and compare presentation and severity of ischaemic heart disease (IHD) among South Asians (SAs) and Anglo Australians (AAs). Methods. A retrospective clinical case audit was conducted at a public tertiary hospital. The study population included SA and AA patients hospitalised for IHD. Baseline characteristics, evidence of diabetes and other CVD risk factors were recorded. Angiography data were also included to determine severity, and these were assessed using a modified Gensini score. Results. SAs had lower mean (AE s.d.) age of IHD presentation that AAs (52 AE 9 vs 55 AE 9 years, respectively; P = 0.02), as well as a lower average body mass index (BMI; 26 AE 4 vs 29 AE 6 kg/m 2 , respectively; P = 0.005), but a higher prevalence of type 2 diabetes (57% vs 31%, respectively; P = 0.001). No significant differences were found in coronary angiography parameters. There were no significant differences in the median (interquartile range) Gensini score between SAs and AAs (43.5 (27-75) vs 44 (26.5-68.5), respectively), median vessel score (1 (1-2) vs 2 (1-3), respectively) or multivessel score (37% (33/89) vs 54% (22/41), respectively). Conclusions. The findings show that in those with established IHD, cardiovascular risk factors, such as age at onset and BMI, differ between SAs and AAs and these differences should be considered in the prevention and management of IHD. What is known about the topic? There is much evidence on CVD and SAs, it being a leading cause of mortality and morbidity for this population both in their home countries and in countries they have migrated to. Studies conducted in Western nations other than Australia have suggested a difference in the risk profiles and presentations of CVD among SA migrants compared with the host populations in developed countries. Although this pattern of cardiovascular risk factors among SAs has been well documented, there is insufficient knowledge about this population, currently the largest population of incoming migrants, and CVD in the Australian setting. What does this paper add? This paper confirms that a similar pattern of CVD exists in Australia among SAs as does in other Western nations they have migrated to. The CVD pattern found in this population is that of an earlier age of onset at lower BMI compared with the host AA population, as well as a differing cardiovascular risk profile, with higher rates of type 2 diabetes and lower smoking rates. In addition, this study finds similar angiographic results for both the SAs and AAs; however, the SAs exhibit these similar angiographic patterns at younger ages. What are the implications for practitioners? SAs in Australia represent a high cardiovascular risk group and should be targeted for more aggressive screening at younger ages. Appropriate preventative strategies should also be considered bearing in mind the differing risk factors for this population, namely low BMI and high rates of type 2 diabetes. More intensive treatment strategies should also be regarded by practitioners. Importantly, both policy makers and health professionals must consider that all these strategies should be culturally targeted and tailored to this population and not assume a 'one-size fits all' approach.

British Journal of Educational Studies

Reviews, 2008

The objectives are as follows: Primary objective • To determine the effectiveness of intervention... more The objectives are as follows: Primary objective • To determine the effectiveness of interventions implemented through sporting organisations to promote physical activity, healthy diet, reductions in alcohol consumption or tobacco use. The primary objective focuses on four health behaviours among the most relevant for morbidity and mortality worldwide (WHO 2009). Secondary objectives • To determine the effectiveness of interventions in the setting of sporting organisations, or using a sporting organisation as a means of access to promote other healthy behaviours, health knowledge, or health outcomes.