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Electoral Roll (electoral + roll)

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Medical Sciences	100%

Selected Abstracts

Follow-up of serious offender patients in the community: multiple methods of tracing

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF METHODS IN PSYCHIATRIC RESEARCH, Issue 3 2002
Elizabeth Jamieson Lecturer
Abstract Longitudinal studies of people with mental disorder are important in understanding outcome and intervention effects but attrition rates can be high. This study aimed to evaluate use of multiple record sources to trace, over 12 years, a one-year discharge cohort of high-security hospital patients. Everyone leaving such a hospital in 1984 was traced until a census date of 31 December 1995. Data were collected from several national databases (Office for National Statistics (ONS), Home Office (HO) Offenders' Index, Police National Computer Records, the Electoral Roll) and by hand-searching responsible agency records (HO, National Health Service). Using all methods, only three of the 204 patients had no follow-up information. Home Office Mental Health Unit data were an excellent source, but only for people still under discharge restrictions (<50% after eight years). Sequential tracing of hospital placements for people never or no longer under such restrictions was laborious and also produced only group-specific yield. The best indicator of community residence was ONS information on general practitioner (GP/primary care) registration. The electoral roll was useful when other sources were exhausted. Follow-up of offenders/offender-patients has generally focused on event data, such as re-offending. People untraced by that method alone, however, are unlikely to be lost to follow-up on casting a wider records net. Using multiple records, attrition at the census was 38%, but, after certain assumptions, reduced further to 5%. Copyright © 2002 Whurr Publishers Ltd. [source]

ORIGINAL RESEARCH,EPIDEMIOLOGY: Male Erectile Dysfunction: Its Prevalence in Western Australia and Associated Sociodemographic Factors

THE JOURNAL OF SEXUAL MEDICINE, Issue 1 2008
FRCPEdin, FRCPGlasg, Kew-Kim Chew MBBS
ABSTRACT Introduction., This is a report of a population-based cross-sectional observational study in Western Australia (WA) on male erectile dysfunction (ED). Aim., To assess the prevalence of ED in WA and to examine its associated sociodemographic factors. Method., Postal questionnaires were sent to randomly selected age-stratified male population samples obtained from the WA Electoral Roll. Main Outcome Measures., In addition to items covering sociodemographic and clinical information, the Australian Standard Classification of Occupations (ASCO), the Socioeconomic Index for Area (SEIFA), and the 5-item International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) were used. Results., One thousand seven hundred seventy (41.9%) of 4,228 questionnaires were returned. One thousand five hundred eighty (89.3%) were completed questionnaires from men aged 20.1 to 99.6 years (mean 57.9, median 59.1, standard deviation 18.5). The prevalences of any ED and of severe ED among adult males in WA, adjusted for age distribution, were 25.1 and 8.5%, respectively. Standardized to World Health Organization (WHO) World Standard Population, the corresponding prevalences were 23.4 and 7.4%. Prevalence, as well as severity, of ED increased with age. Thirty-eight percent of the participants who were married or had partners experienced ED (severe ED 19.1%). The prevalence of ED was not significantly different between "white-collar" and "blue-collar" workers. Despite the great majority of the affected participants having experienced ED for >1 year, only 14.1% reported having ever received any treatment for ED. Conclusions., The study has provided population-based epidemiological data on ED in Western Australian men covering a wide range of ages. The finding that ED is age related, highly prevalent, and grossly underdiagnosed and undertreated is pertinent to global population aging and a rapidly aging Australian population. To facilitate comparisons across populations with different age distributions, all future population-based studies on ED should be standardized to WHO World Standard Population. Chew K-K, Stuckey B, Bremner A, Earle C, and Jamrozik K. Male Erectile Dysfunction: Its Prevalence in Western Australia and Associated Sociodemographic Factors. J Sex Med 2008;5:60,69. [source]

Tracing 8,600 participants 36 years after recruitment at age seven for the Tasmanian Asthma Study

AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH, Issue 2 2006
Cathryn Wharton
Objective: To trace all participants 36 years after the original Tasmanian Asthma Study (TAS). Methods: In 1968, the TAS investigated asthma in 8,583 children who were born in 1961. We attempted to trace these participants in 2002,04 using names, dates of birth and gender. Current addresses were sought by computer linkage to the Commonwealth Electoral Roll, the Medicare database and the Tasmanian marriage records. Computer linkage was conducted with the National Death Index (NDI). Siblings of participants were also linked to the Commonwealth Electoral Roll and those identified were sent a letter requesting the participant's address. The Australian Twin Registry (ATR) and the 1991,93 TAS substudy were used to locate participant addresses. Results: After three rounds of electoral roll linkage, 56% of all cohort members were traced. Name changes were identified for 49% of the 3,477 females not initially matched to the electoral roll using linkage to marriage records. NDI linkage yielded a 0.7% match. Medicare linkage identified addresses for 27% of the 1,982 remaining participants. Writing to siblings located 60% of 1,661 participants. One hundred and eighty-three participants were matched to the 1991,93 TAS and 23 twins matched to the ATR. Overall, 81.5% of the cohort members were identified. Conclusions: With these methods, we have been able to trace a possible address for a large portion of the original participants, with the electoral roll linkage being the most useful. Implications: It is possible to trace Australians for follow-up studies using electronic linkage, although without unique identifiers it is labour and resource intensive and requires matching to several databases. [source]

Edentulism and associated factors in people 60 years and over from urban, rural and remote Western Australia

AUSTRALIAN DENTAL JOURNAL, Issue 1 2003
C. Adams
Abstract Background: Edentulism is declining in the aged, in turn increasing demand on dental services. The aim of this study was to describe the pattern of edentulism and associated factors for people 60 years or over in urban, rural and remote Western Australia. Methods: A cross-sectional telephone interview survey was conducted of 2100 people aged 60 years or over (urban n=800, rural n=800, remote n=500), identified through the State Electoral Roll, who were living in non-institutionalized accommodation in Western Australia and who were able to speak English sufficiently well to be interviewed in English. Results: The main outcome measure was edentulism. The prevalence of edentulism was 25 per cent for people in urban areas, 34 per cent for people in rural areas and 32 per cent for people in remote areas. Respondents aged 60,69 years had less than half the edentulism than respondents aged 80 years or over. Multivariable logistic regression models showed geographic location, age, gender, education and occupation were significantly associated with edentulism. Conclusions: The percentage of edentulism was highest in rural areas with some clear demographic trends. These future aged cohorts are likely to follow the same patterns of social and geographic disadvantage as found for the current edentate cohort. The results were consistent with other studies while providing state level multivariate results to assist service planning. [source]

Mental health and well-being within rural communities: The Australian Rural Mental Health Study

AUSTRALIAN JOURNAL OF RURAL HEALTH, Issue 1 2010
Brian J. Kelly
Abstract Objective:,This paper outlines the methods and baseline data from a multisite cohort study of the determinants and outcomes of mental health and well-being within rural and remote communities. Methods:,A stratified random sample of adults was drawn in non-metropolitan New South Wales using the Australian Electoral Roll, with the aim of recruiting all adult members of each household. Surveys assessed psychological symptoms, physical health and mental disorders, along with individual-, family/household- and community-level characteristics. A stratified subsample completed a telephone-administered World Mental Health-Composite International Diagnostic Interview (World Mental Health-3.0). Proxy measures of child health and well-being were obtained. Follow up of this sample will be undertaken at one, three and five years. Results:,A total of 2639 individuals were recruited (1879 households), with 28% from remote/very remote regions. A significant relationship was found between recent distress (Kessler-10 scores), age and remoteness, with a linear reduction of Kessler-10 scores with age and the lowest mean scores in remote regions. Conclusions:,Existing rurality categories cannot address the diverse socio-cultural, economic and environmental characteristics of non-metropolitan regions. While it has limitations, the dataset will enable a fine-grained examination of geographic, household and community factors and provide a unique longitudinal dataset over a five-year period. [source]

Evaluation of a mobile screening service for abdominal aortic aneurysm in Broken Hill, a remote regional centre in far western NSW

AUSTRALIAN JOURNAL OF RURAL HEALTH, Issue 2 2010
Margaret S. Lesjak
Abstract Objectives:,To evaluate the feasibility of a mobile screening service model for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) in a remote population centre in Australia. Design:,Screening test evaluation. Setting:,A remote regional centre (population: 20 000) in far western NSW. Participants:,Men aged 65,74 years, identified from the Australian Electoral roll. Interventions:,A mobile screening service using directed ultrasonography, a basic health check and post-screening consultation. Main outcome measures:,Attendance at the screening program, occurrence of AAA in the target population and effectiveness of screening processes. Results:,A total of 516 men without a previous diagnosis of AAA were screened, an estimated response rate of 60%. Of these, 463 (89.7%) had a normal aortic diameter, 28 (5.4%) ectatic and 25 (4.9%) a small, moderate or significant aneurysm. Two men with AAA were recommended for surgery. Feedback from participants indicated that the use of a personalised letter of invitation helped with recruitment, that the screening process was acceptable and the service valued. Conclusions:,It is feasible to organise and operate a mobile AAA screening service from moderate sized rural and remote population centres. This model could be scaled up to provide national coverage for rural and remote residents. [source]

Life-time history of suicide attempts and coronary artery disease in a community-dwelling elderly population

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY, Issue 2 2006
S. Artero
Abstract Background Numerous studies have observed a strong relationship between coronary artery disease (CAD) and psychiatric disorder; notably depression, anxiety and panic attacks. No study has, however, explored the question of whether persons suffering from CAD might also be at high risk of suicide attempts. Objective The aim of the present study is to examine the relationship between CAD within a general population cohort and life-time history of psychiatric disorder and suicidal behaviour. Method A representative sample of 1843 non-institutionalized persons over 65, drawn at random from the electoral roll, was given a standardized neurological and psychiatric examination based on DSM-IV criteria. The clinical examination also included an electrocardiogram (ECG) and a questionnaire relating to life-time medical history. Cardiac events were validated by the general practitioner. Results Within this general population sample the prevalence of suicide attempts was 3.9%. A significant positive association was observed between life-time prevalence of CAD and suicide attempts (p,<,0.04). Suicide attempts were associated with major depression (p,<,0.001) co-morbid anxiety and depression (p,<,0.001) but not anxiety alone (p,=,0.16). A logistic regression analysis showed that the relationship between suicide attempts and CAD persists after adjustment for depression and anxiety. Conclusion CAD is associated with suicidal behaviour independently of depression, however, longitudinal studies are required to clarify the direction of causality and to integrate genetic, biological, environmental and psychological factors into an aetiological model. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]

The On-Road Difficulties of Older Drivers and Their Relationship with Self-Reported Motor Vehicle Crashes

JOURNAL OF AMERICAN GERIATRICS SOCIETY, Issue 11 2009
Joanne M. Wood PhD
OBJECTIVES: To quantify the driving difficulties of older adults using a detailed assessment of driving performance and to link this with self-reported retrospective and prospective crashes. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: On-road driving assessment. PARTICIPANTS: Two hundred sixty-seven community-living adults aged 70 to 88 randomly recruited through the electoral roll. MEASUREMENTS: Performance on a standardized measure of driving performance. RESULTS: Lane positioning, approach, and blind spot monitoring were the most common error types, and errors occurred most frequently in situations involving merging and maneuvering. Drivers reporting more retrospective or prospective crashes made significantly more driving errors. Driver instructor interventions during self-navigation (where the instructor had to brake or take control of the steering to avoid an accident) were significantly associated with higher retrospective and prospective crashes; every instructor intervention almost doubled prospective crash risk. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that on-road driving assessment provides useful information on older driver difficulties, with the self-directed component providing the most valuable information. [source]

An 8-Year Prospective Study of the Relationship Between Cognitive Performance and Falling in Very Old Adults

JOURNAL OF AMERICAN GERIATRICS SOCIETY, Issue 8 2006
Kaarin J. Anstey PhD
OBJECTIVES: To determine whether cognitive performance, as distinct from cognitive impairment, predicts falling during an 8-year follow-up in a community-based sample of very old adults and to evaluate how cognitive change is associated with falling. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study including three waves of data collected in 1992, 1994, and 2000. SETTING: Population based, with the baseline sample drawn from the electoral roll. PARTICIPANTS: Inclusion criteria were completion of at least three cognitive tests at baseline and completion of the falls questionnaire at Wave 6 (N=539). MEASUREMENTS: Assessments of health and medical conditions, visual acuity, cognitive function, functional reach, semitandem stand, and grip strength were conducted in 1992 (baseline), 1994, and 2000. Self-report information on falls in the previous 12 months was obtained on each of these occasions. Marginal models using generalized estimating equations were used to assess the association between baseline cognitive performance and falling over 8 years, adjusting for sociodemographic, health, and sensorimotor variables. Random effects models were used to assess the relationship between change in cognitive performance and change in fall rate and fall risk over 8 years. RESULTS: Mini-Mental State Examination and verbal reasoning at baseline predicted rate of falling over an 8-year period. Within individuals, declines in verbal ability, processing speed, and immediate memory were associated with increases in rates of falling and fall risk. CONCLUSION: Cognitive performance is associated with falling over 8 years in very old adults and should be assessed in clinical practice when evaluating short- and long-term fall risk. [source]

Successful fluoride plebiscite in the township of Deniliquin, New South Wales, Australia

JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH DENTISTRY, Issue 2 2010
DPH (Dent), Shanti Sivaneswaran BDS
Abstract Objectives: This article describes the strategies adopted to influence the outcome of a plebiscite held in March 2004 in favor of water fluoridation in Deniliquin, a rural town in New South Wales, Australia. Methods: The health promotion strategies undertaken included the following: a) the skillful use of media to educate the community on the benefits of water fluoridation; b) disseminating contemporary local data to demonstrate oral health disparities with neighboring fluoridated townships; and c) a well-established lobbying machine to mobilize the community. Results: Out of a total population of 5,280 on the electoral roll, 4,539 residents voted, giving a response rate of 86 percent. The wording of the plebiscite was "Do you support the addition of fluoride to Deniliquin town water supply?" There were 2,533 "yes" votes (55.8 percent), 1,879 "no" votes (41.4 percent), and 127 spoiled votes (2.8 percent). Conclusions: The council resolved to implement water fluoridation and the residents received fluoridated water in January 2005. [source]

Haplotype analysis of the PARK 11 gene, GIGYF2, in sporadic Parkinson's disease,

MOVEMENT DISORDERS, Issue 3 2009
Greg T. Sutherland PhD
Abstract Familial Parkinsonism (PARK) genes are strong candidates for conferring susceptibility to common forms of PD. However, most studies to date have provided little evidence that their common variants substantially influence disease risk. Recently, mutations were described in the gene, GIGYF2 (TNRC15), located at the PARK11 locus (2q37.1). Here, we use a haplotype tagging approach to examine common variation in the GIGYF2 gene and PD risk. PD cases (n = 568) and age and gender-matched control subjects (n = 568) were recruited from three specialist movement disorder clinics in Brisbane (Australia) and the Australian electoral roll. Twelve tagging SNPs were assessed in all subjects and haplotype and genotype associations were explored. Overall our findings suggest that common genetic variants of GIGYF2 do not significantly affect sporadic PD risk in Australian Caucasians. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society [source]

Prevalence of risk and protective factors for falls in the home environment in a population-based survey of young and middle-aged adult New Zealanders

AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH, Issue 1 2010
Bridget Kool
Abstract Objective: To estimate the prevalence of hazards in the home environment that may contribute to unintentional falls among young and middle-aged New Zealanders. Methods: A random sample of 352 young and middle-aged people (25-60 years) residing in Auckland was drawn from the electoral roll. The prevalence of environmental factors that may have an impact on risk of falls was investigated using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. Results: Potential risk factors for falls were common in the study population (ladder use in the past year , 64%; inability to reach a light from bed , 21%; lack of handrails for stairs , 54%). Only 9% and 11% of baths and showers, respectively, had grab or hand rails; 42% and 56% had anti-skid mats/surfaces. Compared to those reporting no socio-economic deprivation characteristics, respondents reporting one or more such characteristics were less likely to use a ladder and have indoor stairs, but more likely to have outdoors stairs. There was no significant relationship between socio-economic status and presence of a grab/handrail or antiskid mats/surfaces in or near showers/baths. Conclusion and implications: Structural hazards that are likely to result in falls at home are common in New Zealand. The greater prevalence of some environmental risk factors for falls among the least socially deprived population may account for the inconsistent association between socio-economic deprivation and fall-related injuries reported in previous research. Information regarding the contribution of these and associated factors to the occurrence of falls can help target and reduce the risks involved. [source]

Prevalence and impact of musculoskeletal disorders in New Zealand nurses, postal workers and office workers

AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH, Issue 5 2009
Helen Harcombe
Abstract Objectives: To describe the prevalence, characteristics and impact of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in New Zealand nurses, postal workers and office workers. Methods: A postal survey asked participants about MSDs, (low back, neck, shoulder, elbow, wrist/hand or knee pain lasting longer than one day), and demographic, physical and psychosocial factors. Nurses were randomly selected from the Nursing Council database, postal workers from their employer's database and office workers from the 2005 electoral roll. Results: The response rate of potentially eligible participants was 58% (n=443). Participants were aged 20,59 years; 86% were female. Over the 12 months prior to the survey 88% of respondents had at least one MSD lasting longer than a day and 72% reported an MSD present for at least seven days. Of the 1,003 MSDs reported, 18% required time off work and 24% required modified work duties. In the month prior to the survey 17% of MSDs made functional tasks difficult or impossible. Low back, neck and shoulder pain prevalence did not differ by occupation. Postal workers had the highest prevalence of elbow and wrist/hand pain; nurses of knee pain. Conclusions: The high prevalence of MSDs among these workers indicates that they are indeed in ,at risk' occupations. In each occupational group MSDs encompass a range of anatomical sites, however the overall pattern of MSDs differs by occupation. MSDs have a significant impact on activities at work and home. Implications: Primary and secondary prevention strategies should encompass a range of anatomical sites and specifically target different occupational groups. [source]

Tracing 8,600 participants 36 years after recruitment at age seven for the Tasmanian Asthma Study

Access to dental care by young South Australian adults

AUSTRALIAN DENTAL JOURNAL, Issue 3 2003
KF Roberts-Thomson
Abstract Background: Despite reported concern over the dental care of young adults little research has been done on their use of dental services in Australia. The aim of this study was to investigate the patterns of dental utilization of young South Australian adults aged 20,24 years. Methods: A random sample of 2300 young adults was selected from the electoral roll. Partial or complete addresses and possible phone numbers were obtained for 1921 persons. Telephone interviews were conducted for 1261 subjects to obtain information on socio-demographics, health behaviour and dental visiting (response rate 65.6 per cent). Results: One third of young adults (34 per cent) had not made a dental visit in the previous two years and 38 per cent usually visited for a problem rather than a check-up. Making a dental visit in the last two years was significantly associated with a number of socio-demographic variables including age and gender, with holders of private dental insurance and those who have not avoided care because of cost having higher odds of making a visit and males and government concession card holders having lower odds of visiting. Usual reason for visiting a dentist for a problem was significantly associated with no private dental insurance, holding a government concession card, no tertiary education and avoiding care because of cost. Conclusions: This study suggests that demographic and economic factors influenced use of dental services and reason for visiting of young South Australian adults. [source]

Adult coeliac disease: Prevalence and clinical significance

JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY, Issue 9 2000
H Bramwell Cook
Abstract Background and Aims: Although coeliac disease is a common condition, the role of population screening is not clear. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and clinical significance of coeliac disease in the adult population of Christchurch, New Zealand. Methods: A total of 1064 adults randomly selected from the 1996 Christchurch electoral rolls were enlisted. The subjects were screened for coeliac disease using the anti-endomysial antibody test (EMA), and all those with positive tests were reviewed and underwent a small bowel biopsy. Results: Twelve of the 1064 persons tested (1.1%) were EMA positive and all had small bowel biopsy histology consistent with coeliac disease. Two of the 12 subjects were previously known to be EMA positive although neither had a small bowel biopsy. One additional subject with known and treated coeliac disease was also enrolled but was EMA negative. Thus, the overall prevalence of coeliac disease was 13 of 1064 subjects (1.2%, or 1 : 82), 10 of whom were newly diagnosed (0.9%, or 1 : 106) and three were previously known or suspected to have coeliac disease (0.3%, or 1 : 355). The prevalence in both sexes was similar. Nine of the 12 EMA-positive coeliac disease subjects identified by the use of screening reported symptoms, of which tiredness and lethargy were the most common. The subjects were of normal stature, although females tended to be lean. None of the subjects were anaemic, but four were iron deficient and four folate deficient. Five of the 12 had sustained bone fractures. Bone mineral density was reduced in males but not in females. Conclusions: The prevalence of coeliac disease in the adult population of Christchurch, New Zealand, is 1.2%. Unrecognized coeliac disease which was detected by population screening was three-fold more common than proven or suspected coeliac disease. Population screening may identify subjects who could benefit from treatment. [source]

Women's readiness to follow milk product consumption recommendations: design and evaluation of a ,stage of change' algorithm

JOURNAL OF HUMAN NUTRITION & DIETETICS, Issue 4 2001
P. Gulliver
Objective To investigate readiness to follow milk product consumption recommendations in two random samples of New Zealand women, using an algorithm designed and evaluated to assess the stage of change construct of the Transtheoretical Model. Protocol Women were classified according to stage of readiness to perform two goal behaviours: consumption of two or four servings of milk products per day. Stage classification, as determined by the algorithm, was evaluated by estimating mean calcium intake in each stage using a validated food frequency questionnaire. This was undertaken in two independent samples of women randomly selected from the electoral rolls of two cities in New Zealand's South Island. Results Over 60% of women were classified as maintaining an intake of two servings of milk products per day. Of those women not meeting the goal of two servings per day, 73% had no intention of increasing their consumption. Over 80% of women were in the precontemplation stage for consuming four servings of milk products per day. Mean calcium intakes were significantly higher in women classified in action and maintenance stages than in preaction stages of change for both goal behaviours. Conclusion Of those women not currently meeting the recommendation for two servings of milk products per day, most are in precontemplation, a stage characterized by resistance to change. Use of the staging algorithm developed in this study makes possible the classification of women according to their readiness to change, and thus the provision of appropriate stage-tailored advice. [source]

Preventing Fractures in Large Rural Centres: Sociodemographic Sub-Groups at Risk of Osteoporosis from their Lifestyle

AUSTRALIAN JOURNAL OF RURAL HEALTH, Issue 6 2000
Hedley G. Peach
ABSTRACT Middle-aged people living in non-metropolitan Victoria have higher hospitalisation rates from osteoporotic fractures than those in metropolitan areas. This may reflect a higher prevalence of lifestyle risk factors for osteoporosis. One-fifth of Victoria's non-metropolitan population live in ,large rural centres'. The aim of the present study was to identify the sociodemographic sub-groups in a ,large rural centre' at risk of osteoporosis because of their lifestyle. Adults on Ballarat's electoral rolls were invited to complete a questionnaire and have their height and weight measured. A total of 335 eligible people participated in the present study (67% response). The sub-groups at risk of osteoporosis were identified using logistic regression analyses. Among women, being single/separated/divorced/ widowed was associated with being underweight and having low dietary calcium. A lack of exercise was associated with not completing high school and smoking with being aged 25,44 years. Among men, low dietary calcium was associated with not completing high school and smoking was associated with being employed in a non-professional/ non-managerial occupation. These sub-groups must be considered when planning preventative strategies for people in ,large rural centres'. [source]

PREVENTING FRACTURES IN LARGE RURAL CENTRES: SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC SUB-GROUPS AT RISK OF OSTEOPOROSIS FROM THEIR LIFESTYLE

AUSTRALIAN JOURNAL OF RURAL HEALTH, Issue 6 2000
Hedley G. Peach
ABSTRACT: Middle-aged people living in non-metropolitan Victoria have higher hospitalisation rates from osteoporotic fractures than those in metropolitan areas. This may reflect a higher prevalence of lifestyle risk factors for osteoporosis. One-fifth of Victoria's non-metropolitan population live in ,large rural centres'. The aim of the present study was to identify the sociodemographic sub-groups in a ,large rural centre' at risk of osteoporosis because of their lifestyle. Adults on Ballarat's electoral rolls were invited to complete a questionnaire and have their height and weight measured. A total of 335 eligible people participated in the present study (67% response). The sub-groups at risk of osteoporosis were identified using logistic regression analyses. Among women, being single/separated/divorced/ widowed was associated with being underweight and having low dietary calcium. A lack of exercise was associated with not completing high school and smoking with being aged 25,44 years. Among men, low dietary calcium was associated with not completing high school and smoking was associated with being employed in a non-professional/ non-managerial occupation. These sub-groups must be considered when planning preventative strategies for people in ,large rural centres'. [source]