BackgroundThis project will provide a comprehensive investigation into the prevalence of alcohol-related harms and community attitudes in the context of community-based interventions being implemented to reduce harm in two regional centres of Australia. While considerable experimentation and innovation to address these harms has occurred in both Geelong and Newcastle, only limited ad-hoc documentation and analysis has been conducted on changes in the prevalence of harm as a consequence, leaving a considerable gap in terms of a systematic, evidence-based analysis of changes in harm over time and the need for further intervention. Similarly, little evidence has been reported regarding the views of key stakeholder groups, industry, government agencies, patrons or community regarding the need for, and the acceptability of, interventions to reduce harms. This project will aim to provide evidence regarding the impact and acceptability of local initiatives aimed at reducing alcohol-related harms.Methods/DesignThis study will gather existing police data (assault, property damage and drink driving offences), Emergency Department presentations and Ambulance attendance data. Further, the research team will conduct interviews with licensed venue patrons and collect observational data of licensed venues. Key informant interviews will assess expert knowledge from key industry and government stakeholders, and a community survey will assess community experiences and attitudes towards alcohol-related harm and harm-reduction strategies. Overall, the project will assess: the extent of alcohol-related harm in the context of harm-reduction interventions, and the need for and acceptability of further intervention.DiscussionThese findings will be used to improve evidence-based practice both nationally and internationally.Ethical ApprovalThis project has been approved by Deakin University HREC.

Introduction and AimsBars, pubs and taverns in cities are often concentrated in entertainment precincts that are associated with higher rates of alcohol‐related crime. This study assessed public perception and experiences of such crime in two city entertainment precincts, and support for alcohol‐related crime reduction strategies.Design and MethodsA cross‐sectional household telephone survey in two Australian regions assessed: perception and experiences of crime; support for crime reduction strategies; and differences in such perceptions and support.ResultsSix hundred ninety‐four people completed the survey (32%). Most agreed that alcohol was a problem in their entertainment precinct (90%) with violence the most common alcohol‐related problem reported (97%). Almost all crime reduction strategies were supported by more than 50% of participants, including visitors to the entertainment precincts, with the latter being slightly less likely to support earlier closing and restrictions on premises density. Participants in one region were more likely to support earlier closing and lock‐out times. Those at‐risk of acute alcohol harm were less likely to support more restrictive policies.Discussion and ConclusionsHigh levels of community concern and support for alcohol harm‐reduction strategies, including restrictive strategies, provide policy makers with a basis for implementing evidence‐based strategies to reduce such harms in city entertainment precincts. [Tindall J, Groombridge D, Wiggers J, Gillham K, Palmer D, Clinton‐McHarg T, Lecathelinais C, Miller P. Alcohol‐related crime in city entertainment precincts: Public perception and experience of alcohol‐related crime and support for strategies to reduce such crime. Drug Alcohol Rev 2016;35:263–272]

Background Licensed premises in entertainment precincts are associated with alcohol-related harm, especially violence and anti-social behaviour. Aims/Objectives/Purpose To determine experiences of alcohol-related crime and perceptions of safety in local entertainment precincts; and whether these varied based on city of residence, proximity of residence to the precinct, visiting the precincts at night, and risky drinking. Methods A randomised cross-sectional household survey was undertaken in two regional cities (NSW and Victoria, Australia) using telephone surveys in 2010. The data were analysed by frequencies, and differences were analysed with χ 2 and Fishers Exact tests. Results/Outcome 694 residents participated in the survey (53%). In relation to their local entertainment precinct, 90% thought alcohol was a major issue, 77% thought that alcohol consumed at licensed premises contributed largely to local crime and 84% perceived violence as being the most significant issue relating to intoxicated people. Sixty-eight per cent of respondents wouldn't walk alone after dark, and 76% wouldn't wait for public transport alone after dark. Respondents that had not visited the precinct after dark in the last year were significantly more likely to not walk or wait for transport alone (80% and 86% respectively). Respondents who consumed alcohol at risky levels were less likely to perceive alcohol as being a problem and were more likely to walk or wait for transport alone at night. Significance/Contribution to the Field The results from this survey provide valuable information on the experiences and perception of crime and safety in regional entertainment precincts. Inj Prev

IntroductionMulticomponent school-based physical activity (PA) interventions can improve students’ cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and PA. Due to the complex nature of such interventions when delivered at scale their effect sizes markedly reduce. Modifying student school uniforms, so that they are more PA enabling, may be a simple intervention that could enhance student health. The primary aim of this trial is to assess the effectiveness of an activity enabling uniform intervention (shorts, polo shirt and sports shoes) in improving children’s CRF.Methods and analysisA cluster randomised controlled trial will be conducted in 24 primary schools in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. Schools will be randomly allocated to either intervention or usual practice following baseline data collection. Active WeAR Everyday intervention schools will allow students in grades 4–6 (aged approx. 9–12 years) to wear their existing sports uniform (shorts, polo shirt and sports shoes) every day. To avoid any financial cost to students they will be provided with two additional sports shirts and one pair of shorts. Study outcomes will be assessed at baseline and 9 months postbaseline. The primary outcome is students’ CRF measured using the 20 m multistage fitness test. Secondary outcomes include students’: mean daily steps and steps/minute measured via accelerometer, quality of life, mental well-being and perceived PA self-efficacy. The acceptability, feasibility and cost of the intervention will be assessed. Analyses will be performed using an intention-to-treat framework. Linear mixed effects regression models will be used to assess intervention effects on the primary outcome at follow-up. Planned exploratory analyses will examine effects by subgroups (eg, gender).Ethics and disseminationThis study has received approval from Hunter New England Local Health District Human Ethics Committee (2020/ETHO2602) the University of Newcastle, Human Research Ethics Committee (H-2021-0013), NSW Department of Education (SERAP: 2020387) and Catholic School Offices.Trial registration numberACTRN12621000201875.