Health promotion journal of Australia : official journal of Australian Association of Health Promotion Professionals
-
Health Promot J Austr · Aug 2021
'That house was a home': Qualitative evidence from New Zealand on the connections between rental housing eviction and poor health outcomes.
Eviction, or a forced move from rental housing, is a common experience for New Zealand renters, yet we know very little about its effects. This research investigated how eviction affects people's lives and health. ⋯ Eviction harms health through causing stress, grief and a move to a risky living situation. Increasing the supply of housing and funding wide-ranging support services can help minimise the harm caused by eviction. SO WHAT?: Reducing the incidence and impact of eviction should be a priority for health promotion.
-
Health Promot J Austr · Apr 2021
Knowledge of social distancing measures and adherence to restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
With no efficacious treatments or vaccines available, social distancing measures remain the most effective approach for reducing the transmission of the COVID-19 virus. However, adherence to social distance measures presumably requires knowledge and understanding of the current social distancing restrictions. ⋯ The findings suggest that attitudes towards restrictions may influence whether individuals attempt to adhere to restrictions, but knowledge of the restrictions influences whether the intended behaviour actually adheres to current restrictions. SO WHAT?: These outcomes indicate that members of the public should be educated regarding the negative consequences associated with the COVID-19 virus and the capacity of social distancing to reduce transmission of the virus, and a need for social distancing restrictions to be uncomplicated and clearly communicated.
-
Health Promot J Austr · Apr 2019
The lived experience of rescuing people who have driven into floodwater: Understanding challenges and identifying areas for providing support.
Drowning is a major public health issue, with risk increasing during times of flood. Driving into floodwater is a major risk factor for flood-related drowning and injury, and despite widespread public health campaigns, many people continue to undertake this risky behaviour and require rescue. ⋯ We propose five strategies for translating these results into practice, including: training and protocol development for (i) emergency personnel and (ii) telephone operators; (iii) training for rescuers regarding non-compliant rescuees; (iv) educating the public and (v) increasing compliance with closed roads. Current findings provide valuable insights into how rescuers can be supported in performing their roles, and implementation of these strategies has the potential to reduce fatalities occurring due to attempting to drive through floodwater. SO WHAT?: The strategies presented have the potential to reduce the frequency and improve the outcomes of floodwater rescues, aiding in the prevention of injury and death.