http://localhost:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/4474 415-530 (Oktober, 2021) 2026-04-14T20:45:10Z http://localhost:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/4498 Title: Audit of the Sydney Local Health District Public Health Unit notification and contact tracing system during the first wave of COVID-19 Authors: Jain, Naveena; Moore, Corey B.; Quinn, Emma; dkk. Abstract: Objective: To conduct a real-time audit to assess a Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) activity to improve the quality of public health data in the Sydney Local Health District (SLHD) Public Health Unit during the first wave of COVID-19. Methods: A real-time audit of the Notifiable Conditions Information Management System was conducted for positive cases of COVID-19 and their close contacts from SLHD. After recording missing and inaccurate data, the audit team then corrected the data. Multivariable regression models were used to look for associations with workload and time. Results: A total of 293 cases were audited. Variables measuring completeness were associated with improvement over time (p<0.0001), whereas those measuring accuracy reduced with increased workload (p=0.0003). In addition, the audit team achieved 100% data quality by correcting data. Conclusion: Utilising a team, separate from operational staff, to conduct a real-time audit of data quality is an efficient and effective way of improving epidemiological data. Implications for public health: Implementation of CQI in a public health unit can improve data quality during times of stress. Auditing teams can also act as an intervention in their own right to achieve high-quality data at minimal cost. Together, this can result in timely and high-quality public health data. 2021-10-01T00:00:00Z http://localhost:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/4497 Title: How are COVID-19 knowledge and concern associated with practising preventive behaviours in Australian adults? Authors: Khalesi, Saman; Vandelanotte, Corneel; Thwaite, Tanya L.; dkk. Abstract: Objective: This study investigated the association between COVID-19 prevention knowledge and concern and practising preventive behaviour in Australian adults. Methods: Using an online survey, knowledge of Australian COVID-19 guidelines, concerns about pandemic impact, the practice of preventive behaviours, and sociodemographic variables (i.e. age, gender, information source) were measured. Bivariate analysis and linear regression models were used. Results: A total of 1,491 participants (age 50.5 ±14.9 years, 32.3% males) completed the survey. Higher knowledge and concern scores were associated with a higher practice of preventive behaviour scores (βs:0.47 & 0.08 respectively, p<0.001). Older adults (>65 years) and women had higher knowledge and practice scores compared to their counterparts. Being younger (<45 years) and male were associated with a lower practice score (βs:-0.88 & -2.52, respectively, p<0.001). Referring to public and government sources as primary sources of information was associated with a higher practice score (β:1.21, p<0.001). Conclusions: Government-run campaigns appear to be effective in promoting preventive practices and achieving a high knowledge of COVID-19 guidelines in Australian adults. Implications for public health: Public health strategies are required to promote the practice of preventive behaviour for COVID-19 (or future pandemics), especially among men and younger adults using social media, given their wide use of these sources. 2021-10-01T00:00:00Z http://localhost:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/4496 Title: COVID-19 as a context in suicide: early insights from Victoria, Australia Authors: Dwyer, Justin; Dwyer, Jeremy; Hiscock, Richard; dkk. Abstract: Objective: To examine how the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and its consequences may have influenced suicide in Victoria, Australia. Methods: A mixed methods study of consecutive Victorian suicide cases spanning 1 January 2015 to 31 January 2021. Interrupted time series analysis examined whether suicide frequency changed following the pandemic onset. Thematic analysis was undertaken of police reports in suicides linked with COVID-19 to try to understand how COVID-19 acted as a stressor. Results: The frequency of Victorian suicides did not change following the onset of COVID-19. Sixty COVID-linked suicides were identified, featuring three recurring themes: COVID-19 as a disturbance in the self, in relationships with others and institutions. Conclusions: While COVID-19 has not led to an increase in Victorian suicide frequency to date, it is an important background stressor that can erode one’s wellbeing, sense of agency and connectedness to others. Implications for public health: Clinical interventions that serve to reconnect people with a sense of agency and seek to re-establish contact with significant others are indicated. Clinicians should ensure they are familiar with pathways for their patients to access government social and economic supports. A better understanding of how government interventions may be lessening psychological distress is needed. 2021-10-01T00:00:00Z http://localhost:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/4495 Title: Risk factors leading to COVID-19 cases in a Sydney restaurant Authors: Capon, Adam; Houston, Jody; Rockett, Rebecca; dkk. Abstract: Objective: To explore the factors associated with the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 to patrons of a restaurant. Methods: A retrospective cohort design was undertaken, with spatial examination and genomic sequencing of cases. The cohort included all patrons who attended the restaurant on Saturday 25 July 2020. A case was identified as a person who tested positive to a validated specific Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) nucleic acid test. Associations were tested using chi-squared analysis of case versus non-case behaviours. Results: Twenty cases were epidemiologically linked to exposure at the restaurant on 25 July 2020. All cases dined indoors. All cases able to be genomic sequenced were found to have the same unique mutational profile. Factors tested for an association to the outcome included attentiveness by staff, drink consumption, bathroom use and payment by credit card. No significant results were found. Conclusion: Indoor dining was identified as a key factor in SARS-CoV-2 transmission, and outdoor dining as a way to limit transmission. Implications for public health: This investigation provides empirical evidence to support public health policies regarding indoor dining. 2021-10-01T00:00:00Z