https://dora.health.qld.gov.au/qldresearchjspui/handle/1/5412 Queensland Health Publications 2026-07-08T17:16:06Z https://dora.health.qld.gov.au/qldresearchjspui/handle/1/11252 Title: Most Patients with Acute Rheumatic Fever in Remote Far North Queensland, Australia, Do Not Present to Healthcare Facilities with a Group A Streptococcus Infection Before Diagnosis Authors: Zsori, M.; Taunton, C.; Pritchett, J.; Payne, D.; Nona, D.; Lui-Gamia, N.; Smith, S.; Hanson, J.; Hempenstall, A. Abstract: Although acute rheumatic fever (ARF) is a preventable condition, it continues to be diagnosed in Far North Queensland, Australia. Enhanced primary prevention is necessary to reduce the local burden of ARF and rheumatic heart disease. In this retrospective clinical audit, all cases of definite ARF in the remote Torres Strait and Cape York region of Far North Queensland between January 2020 and December 2024 were examined. Clinical records were reviewed to identify and characterize any healthcare presentations of individuals during the 6 weeks preceding their ARF diagnosis. Of 67 individuals with definite ARF 65 (97%) identified as First Nations Australians; 43/67 (64%) did not present for any healthcare in the 6 weeks preceding their diagnosis; and a further 10/67 (15%) presented for healthcare that was unrelated to group A Streptococcus (Strep A) infection. Overall, a possible Strep A infection (skin infection or sore throat) was identified in 14/67 (21%) patients; 9/67 (13%) patients presented with skin infections, and 5/67 (7%) presented with sore throats. Of these, 5/14 (36%) received appropriate antibiotic treatment. Most individuals with definite ARF in this remote region of Australia do not present for healthcare before their diagnosis; however, there remain opportunities for the primary prevention of ARF among those who do. Culturally considered health promotion, opportunistic screening, and improved recognition and treatment of Strep A infection are critical for reducing ARF incidence in this region of Australia. It is also important to define the contribution of asymptomatic Strep A infections to the pathogenesis of ARF. 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://dora.health.qld.gov.au/qldresearchjspui/handle/1/11247 Title: How First Nations peoples living in the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area describe and discuss social and emotional well-being Authors: Webb, T.; Meldrum, K.; Wapau, C.; Sagigi, B.; Quigley, R.; Strivens, E.; Russell, S. Abstract: OBJECTIVE: This study was the first phase of a broader project designed to develop a new tool to screen social and emotional well-being (SEWB). Its objective was to identify words used by First Nations people living in the Torres Strait (Zenadth Kes) and Northern Peninsula Area (NPA) to describe and discuss SEWB. We pay our respects to Elders past and present. We acknowledge the First Nations peoples who took part in this project as holders of their cultural knowledge now and forevermore. SETTING: This study took place in community and primary health care settings located on islands of the Torres Strait and NPA of Australia. PARTICIPANTS: Twelve yarns with 35 community members and health professionals were led by Torres Strait Islander members of the project team between August and December 2022. DESIGN: This study employed a descriptive qualitative design. Yarning, an Australian First Nations relational method, was used to share stories about SEWB. All but one yarn was audio recorded and subsequently professionally transcribed. Inductive thematic analysis was used to analyse the yarns. RESULTS: Worry, sad and stress were the words most often used by participants to describe feelings of low SEWB. Signs of low SEWB included behaviour change, particularly significantly reduced community engagement. CONCLUSIONS: Worry is not a word that is used in Australian mainstream tools that screen for psychological distress. Findings of this study indicate that a question that asks about worries should be included when screening for low SEWB in Australian First Nations peoples living in the Torres Strait and NPA. 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z https://dora.health.qld.gov.au/qldresearchjspui/handle/1/11245 Title: Healthy Skin, Healthy Mepla: A skin health promotional event for children in the Torres Strait Authors: Wapau, C.; Pilot, P.; Kris, E.; McDonald, M.; Hempenstall, A. Abstract: ISSUE ADDRESSED: Skin infections such as impetigo and scabies are common in Aboriginal Australian and Torres Strait Islander children living in rural and remote settings. Effective health promotion is a key element when addressing health literacy aimed at reducing the burden of skin disease. Community-driven health promotion provides a potentially effective and sustainable model for improved health outcomes. METHODS: A one-day community-driven skin health promotional event was conducted on Waiben [Thursday Island] with the aim of improving local Torres Strait Islander children's appreciation of the importance of skin health through art, music and creation of a video. Participants completed written pre- and post-questionnaires to determine their response. RESULTS: Fifty-two children participated in the event; median (range) age was 11 (9-12) years and all identified as Torres Strait Islander. Overall, 34 of 50 children (68%) felt that participating in this workshop improved their skin health knowledge. CONCLUSIONS: Skin health promotion can be successful achieved through a locally conceived, locally driven and locally owned approach. SO WHAT?: This skin health promotional event could be a model for other health promotion activities in the Torres Strait. 2022-01-01T00:00:00Z https://dora.health.qld.gov.au/qldresearchjspui/handle/1/11251 Title: Assisted or Protected Mealtimes? Exploring the impact of hospital mealtime practices on meal intake Authors: Young, A.; Allia, A.; Jolliffe, L.; de Jersey, S.; Mudge, A.; McRae, P.; Banks, M. Abstract: AIMS: To evaluate the impact of mealtime practices (meal time preparation, assistance and interruptions) on meal intake of inpatients in acute hospital wards. BACKGROUND: It is common for patients to eat poorly while in hospital, related to patient and illness factors and possibly mealtime practices. Few studies have quantified the impact of mealtime practices on the meal intake of hospital patients. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: Structured observations were conducted at 601 meals across four wards (oncology, medical and orthopaedic and vascular surgical) during 2013. Each ward was observed by two dietitians and/or nurses for two breakfasts, lunches and dinners over 2 weeks. Data were collected on patient positioning, mealtime assistance, interruptions and meal intake (visual estimate of plate waste). Associations between mealtime practices and 'good' intake (prospectively defined as ≥75% of meal) were identified using chi-squared tests. RESULTS: Sitting up for the meal was associated with good intake, compared with lying in bed. Timely mealtime assistance (within 10 minutes) was associated with good intake, compared with delayed or no assistance. Mealtime interruptions had no impact on intake. Forty percent of patients (n = 241) ate half or less of their meal, with 10% (n = 61) eating none of the meal provided. CONCLUSION: Timely mealtime assistance and positioning for the meal may be important factors that facilitate intake among hospital patients, while mealtime interruptions appeared to have no impact on intake. To improve intake of older inpatients, mealtime programmes should focus on 'assisted mealtimes' rather than only Protected Mealtimes. 2016-01-01T00:00:00Z