Faculty of Education - Research Publications
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ItemEvaluating the health impacts of participation in Australian community arts groups(OXFORD UNIV PRESS, 2014-09)This study evaluates the impacts of three well-established community arts programmes in Victoria, Australia, on the mental health and well-being outcomes of participants typically from disadvantaged backgrounds during 2006-07. It employs a theoretical framework that reconciles evidence-based practice in health and the phenomenological nature of community arts practice. Self-determination theory (SDT) was used to do this with SDT-derived psychometric instruments [arts climate and Basic Psychological Needs Scales (BPNS)]. Self-administered surveys using these instruments as well as a measure of social support were undertaken on two occasions. Two overlapping but distinct samples were defined and analysed cross-sectionally. These were a (pre-)survey at the commencement of rehearsals for the annual performance (n = 103) and a (post-)survey following the performance (n = 70). The most significant change (MSC) technique was used to study the arts-making process and how it contributes to outcomes. Using these mixed-methods approach, impacts on the climate of the arts organizations, participant access to supportive relationships and participant's mental health and well-being were studied. There were positive changes in the BPNS (p = 0.00), as well as its autonomy (p = 0.04) and relatedness (p = 0.00) subscales. Social support increased from 65.3% in the pre-survey to 82.4% in the post-survey (p = 0.03). MSC data indicated that the supportive, collaborative environment provided by the arts organizations was highly valued by participants and was perceived to have mental health benefits.Overall, the study demonstrated the potential health promoting effects of community arts programmes in disadvantaged populations. Its multi-method approach should be further studied in evaluating other community arts programmes.
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ItemHow Significant is Partnership Formation in Area-Based Projects to Increase Parental Attendance at Maternal and Child Health Services?(LIFESCIENCE GLOBAL, 2013)Objectives: In this study, we assess the importance of area-based partnerships in an initiative to improve access to Maternal and Child Health (MCH) services (known as Best Start) in socially disadvantaged communities in Victoria, Australia. Methods: The study assessed changes in MCH attendance rates, parental attitudes and local partnership formation before and after the introduction of Best Start projects. Partners involved in Best Start projects were surveyed regarding the extent of local partnership formation (before 54; after 84). Data was collected for MCH attendance using routine records for Best Start with MCH projects (before 1,739; after 1437) and the rest of the State (before 45,497; after 45,953). Two cross-sectional surveys of parents of 3-year old children were used to assess changes in parent’s knowledge about, and confidence in using relevant services as well as parental confidence more generally (before 1666; after 1838). Results: Best Start was significantly associated with improving: levels of partnership formation (5 of 7 relevant factors) attendance at the 3.5 year MCH visit in Best Start Sites with MCH projects between 2001/02-2004/05. parent’s access to information (partnership effect); confidence about attending the 3.5 year MCH visits (partnership effect); and overall parental confidence (project effect only). Conclusion: Best Start improves participation in the MCH attendance. This is related most directly to improving parent’s access to information and overall parental confidence either through local partnership or direct project effects.