STAREE-HEART: A randomized placebo-controlled trial of atorvastatin effects on a marker of cardiac aging in older individuals without prior cardiovascular disease events: Protocol and baseline description of participants.

Background: Statins may prevent myocardial dysfunction associated with aging, and consequent atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure (HF). STAREE-HEART is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial assessing atorvastatin on markers of cardiovascular aging in a healthy older population. This ancillary study is nested in the STAtins in Reducing Events in the Elderly (STAREE) primary prevention trial.

Building a professionally recognised clinical trial workforce: Is it time for an education and accreditation strategy?

Evidence-based medicine relies heavily on well-conducted clinical trials. Australia lacks a discipline-specific education pathway to provide the specialist skills necessary to conduct clinical trials to the highest standards. Unlike allied health professionals, clinical trialists who currently possess the specialist skills to conduct clinical trials do not receive professional recognition.

Baseline Characteristics of Participants in STAREE: A Randomized Trial for Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease Events and Prolongation of Disability-Free Survival in Older People.

Background: The risk-benefit balance of statin use in healthy older people is uncertain. We describe the baseline characteristics of the STAREE (Statins in Reducing Events in the Elderly) trial, which is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial among community-dwelling older people; the trial evaluated the effect of atorvastatin 40 mg for the prevention of major cardiovascular events (cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction or stroke), and on disability-free survival (survival free of both dementia and persistent physical disability).

Methods And Results: STAREE enrolled people aged ≥70 years from 1583 general practices across Australia with no history of clinical cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or dementia.

STAREE-Mind Imaging Study: a randomised placebo-controlled trial of atorvastatin for prevention of cerebrovascular decline and neurodegeneration in older individuals.

Introduction: Cerebrovascular disease and neurodegeneration are causes of cognitive decline and dementia, for which primary prevention options are currently lacking. Statins are well-tolerated and widely available medications that potentially have neuroprotective effects. The STAREE-Mind Imaging Study is a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial that will investigate the impact of atorvastatin on markers of neurovascular health and brain atrophy in a healthy, older population using MRI.

Statins for extension of disability-free survival and primary prevention of cardiovascular events among older people: protocol for a randomised controlled trial in primary care (STAREE trial).

Introduction: The world is undergoing a demographic transition to an older population. Preventive healthcare has reduced the burden of chronic illness at younger ages but there is limited evidence that these advances can improve health at older ages. Statins are one class of drug with the potential to prevent or delay the onset of several causes of incapacity in older age, particularly major cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Alcohol availability and prevalent Chlamydia trachomatis in young Australians: a multi-level analysis.

Background Prevalence of sexually transmissible infections (STIs) has been associated with availability of alcohol. This paper investigates potential associations between prevalent cases of chlamydia in young people in Australia and the availability of alcohol within their local area, defined as postcode of residence. Methods Alcohol availability was determined at the postcode level using liquor licensing data, classified as total number of licences, number of 'take-away' licences and number of licenses by population.

Intensified partner notification and repeat testing can improve the effectiveness of screening in reducing prevalence: a mathematical modelling study.

Background: The Australian Chlamydia Control Effectiveness Pilot (ACCEPt) was a cluster randomised controlled trial designed to assess the effectiveness of annual chlamydia testing through general practice in Australia. The trial showed that testing rates increased among sexually active men and women aged 16-29 years, but after 3 years the estimated chlamydia prevalence did not differ between intervention and control communities. We developed a mathematical model to estimate the potential longer-term impact of chlamydia testing on prevalence in the general population.

Incomplete recording of Indigenous identification status under-estimates the prevalence of Indigenous population attending Australian general practices: a cross sectional study.

Background: Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (Indigenous) peoples face major health disadvantage across many conditions. Recording of patients' Indigenous status in general practice records supports equitable delivery of effective clinical services. National policy and accreditation standards mandate recording of Indigenous status in patient records, however for a large proportion of general practice patient records it remains incomplete.

Comparing two methods for delivering clinical trial informed consent information to older adults: singular versus stepped approach.

Background: Adapting the informed consent process to the needs of older adults may enhance engagement and willingness to participate in a clinical trial. A key aspect of the process is being provided with written clinical trial information and consent documents and having an opportunity to discuss the information with the researcher. However, there are no guidelines on the most appropriate method for delivering this information to older adults and it is not known whether the delivery method is a facilitator or barrier towards clinical trial participation.

Impact of informed consent content and length on recruitment of older adults into a community based primary prevention trial.

Aims: To compare recruitment, refusal and randomisation rates of older adults into a general practice-based clinical trial with two versions (varied format, content and language) of the Participant Information and Consent Form (PICF).

Methods: This prospective PICF study was conducted within the STAREE (STAtins in Reducing Events in the Elderly) clinical trial. Participants phone screened between October 2015 to February 2016 formed Group 1 and were mailed the extended PICF version and participants phone screened between October 2016 to February 2017 formed Group 2 and were mailed the shortened PICF version.

Socio-demographic and structural barriers to being tested for chlamydia in general practice.

Objectives: To investigate socio-demographic and structural factors associated with not providing a specimen for chlamydia testing following a request by a general practitioner.

Design, Setting And Participants: Cross-sectional analysis of chlamydia testing data for men and women aged 16-29 years attending general practice clinics participating in a cluster randomised controlled trial evaluating the effectiveness of a chlamydia testing intervention. The study period was the 2013 calendar year.

Improving chlamydia knowledge should lead to increased chlamydia testing among Australian general practitioners: a cross-sectional study of chlamydia testing uptake in general practice.

Background: Female general practitioners (GPs) have higher chlamydia testing rates than male GPs, yet it is unclear whether this is due to lack of knowledge among male GPs or because female GPs consult and test more female patients.

Methods: GPs completed a survey about their demographic details and knowledge about genital chlamydia. Chlamydia testing and consultation data for patients aged 16-29 years were extracted from the medical records software for each GP and linked to their survey responses.

Using computer-assisted survey instruments instead of paper and pencil increased completeness of self-administered sexual behavior questionnaires.

Objectives: To compare the data quality, logistics, and cost of a self-administered sexual behavior questionnaire administered either using a computer-assisted survey instrument (CASI) or by paper and pencil in a primary care clinic.

Study Design And Setting: A self-administered sexual behavior questionnaire was administered to 16-29 year olds attending general practice. Questionnaires were administered by either paper and pencil (paper) or CASI.