Jennifer L. David

During infection outbreaks people with intellectual disability face numerous challenges in accessing appropriate health information and guidance. This research sought to understand how information about infectious diseases was shared in Australian group homes, and what helps or hinders information access. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six residents and eight support workers during the COVID-19 pandemic (2021-2022), and observational tours of two residential group homes were also completed. Interviews and observations underwent thematic and content analysis. Findings centred around five key themes: (i) the COVID-19 context; (ii) living in an information soup; (iii) seeking information from trusted sources; (iv) sharing information with others; and (v) the value of tailored communication support. Our study found that information sharing about infectious diseases in disability group homes was multidirectional and drew on both formal and informal sources. Inclusive information sharing in these settings demands a coordinated and tailored approach.

Infectious disease outbreaks pose significant health risks and can exacerbate social inequalities for people with intellectual disabilities who live in group homes. Providing accessible information to these communities is crucial for managing these risks. This study, conducted during the COVID‐19 pandemic in Australia (2021–2022) aimed to: (1) identify communication priorities for group home residents with intellectual disabilities during an infectious disease outbreak, and (2) develop a comprehensive, scalable strategy for effective communication during future outbreaks. The study employed a mixed‐methods approach, including a scoping review of policies and academic literature; interviews with 6 group home residents, 10 support workers, and 2 disability accommodation managers; and observations in 2 group homes. Data were analysed collaboratively with project advisors, including disability sector representatives and community advocates. Additionally, a small e‐Delphi study (n = 8) produced consensus recommendations for future practice. The research resulted in 19 best‐practice guidelines to ensure inclusive and effective communication about infectious diseases in group home settings. Key drivers of success included capacity for accessible communication and supported decision‐making, relevant policies, workload and workforce considerations, effective collaboration, accountability, and quality assurance. People with intellectual disability who live in a group home have the right to be informed during infectious disease outbreaks and to exercise autonomy based on that information. Systemic changes and meaningful engagement with all stakeholders will be essential for more effective and inclusive health communication during future outbreak events.

Friendships are an important aspect of social inclusion and can have a positive influence on a child's social and emotional wellbeing beyond childhood. A Microboard is a formal approach to building supportive relationships for people with intellectual disability. Establishing a Microboard during childhood may facilitate a peer support network that endures into adulthood. However, there is limited empirical research exploring the role and design of Microboards in the lives of children with intellectual disability and therefore further research is needed.

Gambling is recognized as a significant public health problem. However, there is little research exploring community attitudes towards gambling and the development of advocacy initiatives. Engaging adults and young people in advocacy efforts is recognized as being beneficial to the successful implementation of harm prevention and reduction strategies. This study explored the attitudes of young people and their parents towards the alignment of gambling with sport, and the strategies they perceive could be used to prevent and reduce gambling related harm. Using a Constructivist Grounded Theory approach, 30 family groups from Melbourne, Australia participated in semi-structured interviews. Parents and young people were asked about gambling and its promotion, alignment with sporting codes, the potential impact on young people and strategies that may prevent or reduce gambling harm. Thematic analysis was undertaken to interpret the data. The sample comprised 29 parents, one grandparent and 48 young people. Themes emerging from the data related to the use of imagery and appeal strategies in advertisements, the normalization of betting in advertisements and the alignment of betting with sport. Parents and young people also identified a number of potential gambling harm prevention and reduction initiatives. Parents and young people were able to describe a range of strategies used by gambling companies to promote their products, understand the potential impact of these strategies, and recommend strategies to reduce harm. Given this level of understanding there is clearly an opportunity to engage young people and stakeholders in advocacy initiatives aimed at reducing and preventing gambling harm.

Background: Public health advocacy is important in preventing harm and promoting health in communities. There has been little research into public health advocacy strategies which address gambling related harms. This study aimed to identify the role of advocacy in gambling reform, challenges to gambling advocacy implementation, and strategies that could facilitate change. Methods: Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with a sample of 50 stakeholders with backgrounds in gambling policy, research, health promotion, and advocacy. Participants were asked about how advocacy could be used to address gambling harm, and the range of barriers and facilitators for effective advocacy responses. A constant comparative method of analysis was used on the data. Results: While participants perceived that there was a role for advocacy in preventing and reducing gambling related harm, they discussed a range of challenges. These included restrictions associated with funding of research and services, the power of the gambling industry, and the role of stigma in preventing people with lived experience of gambling from speaking about their experiences. Participants also described a range of facilitators of public health advocacy approaches, including independent funding sources, reframing the ‘responsibility’ debate, developing opportunities and capacity for people with lived experience of harm, and developing broadly based coalitions to enable cohesive and consistent advocacy responses to gambling harm. Conclusion: There is a clear role for public health advocacy approaches aimed at preventing and reducing gambling harm. Future research could identify how advocacy strategies may be implemented as a part of a comprehensive public health approach to gambling reform.

Harmful gambling is a significant public health issue. There has been widespread discussion in the Australian media about the extent and impact of sports betting on the Australian community, particularly relating to young men and children. Given the role that the media plays in influencing policy change and political agendas, and the acknowledgement that media based advocacy is a fundamental component of successful advocacy campaigns, this research aimed to investigate how different stakeholder groups discuss sports betting within the Australian print media. The study uses this information to provide recommendations to guide public health media advocacy approaches. A quantitative content analysis of print media articles was conducted during two significant Parliamentary Inquiries about sports betting - (1) The Joint Select Committee Inquiry into the Advertising and Promotion of Gambling Services in Sport (2012/2013), and (2) 'The Review of Illegal Offshore Wagering (2015/2016). A total of 241 articles from 12 daily Australian newspapers were analysed. Statistical analysis was used to compare frequency of, and changes in, themes, voices and perspectives over time. Discussions about the marketing and communication of sports betting was a main theme in media reporting (n = 165, 68.5%), while discussions about gambling reform decreased significantly across the two time periods (p < 0.0001). The presence of sports betting industry (p < 0.0001), sporting code (p < 0.0001) and public health expert (p = 0.001) voices all increased significantly across the two time periods. There were very few (n = 11, 4.6%) voices from those who had experienced gambling harm. Finally, while there were significantly fewer articles taking the perspective that regulation changes were needed to protect vulnerable sub-populations (p < 0.0001), articles that had a neutral perspective about the need for regulation change increased significantly across the two time periods (p < 0.0001). Mapping the media reporting of sports betting is important in developing effective public health advocacy approaches. This study indicates that discussions about the marketing strategies utilised by the sports betting industry was still a main theme in media articles. However, discussions relating to sports betting reforms, in particular to protect individuals who may be vulnerable to the harm associated with these products and their promotional strategies (for example children and young men) decreased during the time periods. Public health advocates may seek to address the decrease in media reports about reform by developing clear evidence-based messages about why regulatory reform is needed, as well as the potential consequences of not implementing reforms. Working with organisations to build capacity for people who have experienced gambling harm may help ensure that individuals with a lived experience of harm have an increased voice in the media.