http://localhost:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/10813 Wed, 08 Apr 2026 21:47:12 GMT 2026-04-08T21:47:12Z http://localhost:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/10831 Title: The prevalence of mandated and voluntary health information on alcohol products in Australia Authors: Pettigrew, Simone; Yusoff, Asad; StraulI, Bella; Booth, Leon; O’Brien, Paula; Bowden, Jacquie Abstract: Abstract Objective: Regulations to restrict alcohol promotion and requirements for mandatory display of information about health risks associated with alcohol use have been minimal and hard-won in Australia. This study (i) outlines an approach to monitoring alcohol industry use of health messages on alcohol products and (ii) reports prevalence and nature of government-mandated health-related information and voluntary health messages on alcohol products. Methods: Images of 5,923 alcohol products sold in four large alcohol stores in Sydney were captured. Data were collected in-store and via webscraping. Label content was extracted from the images. Results: There was high compliance (97%-99%) with government-mandated requirements other than the pregnancy warning label (63%). Presence of voluntary health-related messages was common (65%), but typically present in the form of DrinkWise (an industry-led social aspects/public relations organisation) statements that are unlikely to be effective. Conclusions: This study provides a unique and systematic approach to examining alcohol industry compliance with government-mandated on-product information requirements and voluntary inclusion of other health-related messages. Implications for Public Health: The results demonstrate the need for ongoing monitoring to enforce alcohol industry compliance with Australia’s existing and future labelling regulations and to assess the industry’s voluntary use of other forms of health messaging. Key words: alcohol, regulation, labeling, warnings, health information Thu, 28 Nov 2024 00:00:00 GMT http://localhost:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/10831 2024-11-28T00:00:00Z http://localhost:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/10830 Title: Public holidays, school holidays, and long weekends: Effects on drowning rates in New South Wales Authors: Mead, Edwina; Chun Shu, Chen-; Sarrami, Pooria; Macniven, Rona; Peden, Amy E. Abstract: Abstract Objective: To quantify drowning rates and fatal to non-fatal drowning ratios on public holidays, school holidays, weekdays and long weekends in New South Wales from January 2010 to June 2022. Methods: Using a linked administrative dataset comprising ambulance (paper-based and electronic records), emergency department presentations and death registry, rates of drowning and ratios of fatal to non-fatal drowning were calculated. Results: Across 4,161 total drowning incidents, public holidays (14.21 incidents/100,000 person-years) and weekends (6.77 incidents/100,000 person-years) had higher population-normalised incident rates than regular weekdays (3.18 incidents/100,000 person-years). School holidays (8.58 incidents/100,000 person-years) recorded higher rates than non-school holiday days (3.46 incidents/100,000 person-years). New Year’s Day and Australia Day accounted for 4.7% of all incidents (n=197 incidents). Drowning during school holidays was higher than non-school holiday days across all seasons, aside from winter school holidays. Conclusions: Drowning risk is higher on days typically associated with greater leisure time. This study adds to the growing literature identifying temporal variation in drowning risk and is the first to use linked data. Implications for Public Health: Those tasked with supervising aquatic locations and the provision of water safety messaging should consider the targeted strategies for holidays and weekends such as extended patrols and media-based risk communication. Keywords: drowning, exposure, risk, prevention, epidemiology, temporal Thu, 21 Nov 2024 00:00:00 GMT http://localhost:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/10830 2024-11-21T00:00:00Z http://localhost:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/10829 Title: “Basically, my answer is, there needs to be options!” Recommendations for the delivery of free menstrual products to the public: A qualitative exploration among marginalised groups in Victoria, Australia Authors: Head, Alexandra; C. Lim, Megan S.; Orozco, Ana; Dunstan, Laura; Kirwan, Amy; Hennegan, Julie Abstract: Abstract Objective: Governments have announced free menstrual product provision policies. Our research aimed to inform these initiatives by understanding menstrual product insecurity amongst marginalised groups and their recommendations for product provision. Methods: We undertook in-depth interviews with participants experiencing menstrual product insecurity, who identified as belonging to one or more marginalised groups, alongside key informants working for organisations serving these populations. Groups included those on low income, people experiencing housing insecurity, people living with disabilities, multicultural groups, gender-diverse people, and young people. Qualitative content analysis was undertaken using a framework approach. Results: Thirty participants and five key informants participated. Participant recommendations for service delivery emphasised convenience, product choice and prioritisation of those with the greatest need whilst preventing misuse. Participants also considered the balance between the privacy and visibility of delivery mechanisms and the opportunity to address other menstrual needs including education and stigma through product provision policies. Conclusions: No single delivery approach best suits the needs of all people. Delivery mechanisms must consider how to provide participants’ recommended features. Implications for Public Health: To best reduce menstrual product insecurity, governments should consider delivering products through multiple mechanisms. Co-development of policy implementation methods with intended beneficiaries, and thorough evaluation, will support uptake. Key words: menstrual health, menstrual hygiene, Australia, qualitative, social determinants of health, health policy Mon, 09 Dec 2024 00:00:00 GMT http://localhost:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/10829 2024-12-09T00:00:00Z http://localhost:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/10828 Title: A review of Returned and Services League venues operating electronic gambling machines in Victoria, Australia and the level of funding contributed to veterans Authors: Francis, Louise; Livingstone, Charles; Hallett, Jonathan Abstract: Abstract Objective: Globally, funding ‘good causes’ is a legitimation tactic for gambling operations. This research aimed to determine if an Australian system allowing tax concessions to not-for-profits (NFPs) meets its primary intention of funding community purpose. Methods: Not-for-profit (NFP) venues operating electronic gaming machines (EGMs) in the state of Victoria must submit records to the gambling regulator showing contribution to community purposes. The community benefit statements (CBS) of licensed Returned and Services League (RSL) venues were analysed, with an initial survey of the years 2010-19 and a more detailed analysis of the years 2017-19. Results: Veteran support constituted less than 10% of the total community contributions claimed, or 1.5% of electronic gaming machine (EGM) user losses. On average, business expenses exceeded the claims for veteran support by 12:1. Contributions for addressing gambling-related harm represented less than 0.002% of recorded claims. Conclusions & Implications for public health: This research demonstrates that the provision of charitable services derived from gambling revenue is very modest amongst Australia’s principal veteran’s organisation. Deficiencies in harm prevention and minimisation reinforce the need for changes to community benefit schemes. Regulatory reforms emphasising the vulnerability of veterans to gambling harm are required to ensure that this population is better protected. Key words: gambling regulation, electronic gambling machines, community benefit schemes, veterans, public health Thu, 21 Nov 2024 00:00:00 GMT http://localhost:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/10828 2024-11-21T00:00:00Z