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The issues influencing community health services and primary health care
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Australian Journal of Primary Health

Australian Journal of Primary Health

Australian Journal of Primary Health publishes contributions on the theory and evidence-based practise of community health services and primary health care. Read more about the journalMore

Editors-in-Chief: Virginia Lewis and Liz Sturgiss

Publishing Model: Hybrid. Open Access options available.

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Latest

These articles are the latest published in the journal. Australian Journal of Primary Health is published under a continuous publication model. More information is available on our Continuous Publication page.

Published online 02 September 2025

PY25119‘Back to square one’ – experiences influencing topical corticosteroid use in paediatric atopic dermatitis

Christabel Hoe 0009-0000-3203-6794, Yasin Shahab and Phyllis Lau 0000-0002-0665-6348
 

Atopic dermatitis is a frustrating, often lifelong, inflammatory skin condition that requires rigorous treatment with topical steroids. Deviation from traditional routes of management has been explored in this paper. Steroid fear remains a key player in influencing management of atopic dermatitis, with many questioning the efficacy and safety profile of current topical steroid treatment. A holistic and individualised approach in a primary care setting may help positively impact on future atopic dermatitis management.

PY25119 Abstract  |  PY25119 Full Text  | PY25119PDF (379 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 28 August 2025

PY25101Considerations in the development of an mHealth approach to increase cervical screening participation in primary care in Victoria, Australia

Claire Zammit 0000-0002-3199-6715, Maleeha Ashfaq, Lucy Boyd, Caitlin Paton, Joyce Jiang, Julia Brotherton and Claire Nightingale
 

Text messages are now common for health communication between general practices and patients. Text message reminders could promote cervical screening self-collection through general practice. However, some participants representing under-screened populations expressed concerns about accuracy, accessibility and privacy, highlighting the need for clear, tailored communication. GP endorsement in text message reminders may boost cervical screening participation for eligible patients, particularly for those unaware of the self-collection option in the Australian National Cervical Screening Program.

PY25101 Abstract  |  PY25101 Full Text  | PY25101PDF (804 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 26 August 2025

PY25133‘I’m sick of being called insane’: experiences of Australian healthcare support for premenstrual distress

Megan E. Buys 0009-0007-5025-0613
 

Premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder are significant health concerns, yet individuals often report inadequate healthcare experiences. This study explored Australian experiences of health care for premenstrual distress, revealing both validating care and widespread instances of reductionist, uninformed, and dismissive responses. These findings emphasise the need for improved clinician education, trauma-informed and person-centred approaches, and a broader range of care options that are responsive to the complexity of premenstrual experiences.

PY25133 Abstract  |  PY25133 Full Text  | PY25133PDF (468 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 25 August 2025

PY25033Impacts of long COVID on disability, function and quality of life for adults living in Australia

Danielle Hitch, Tanita Botha, Fisaha Tesfay, Sara Holton, Catherine M. Said 0000-0002-8773-9750, Martin Hensher, Kieva Richards 0000-0003-0904-2031, Mary Rose Angeles, Catherine M. Bennett, Genevieve Pepin, Bodil Rasmussen and Kelli Nicola-Richmond
 

This study fills a gap in understanding long COVID’s impact on disability, function and quality of life in Australia, where research is scarce despite global studies. Most participants faced significant challenges in participating in daily life and reported lower quality of life than the general population, especially regarding energy and social participation. The findings underscore the urgent need for tailored rehabilitation, and further research to inform health policy and care delivery.

PY25033 Abstract  |  PY25033 Full Text  | PY25033PDF (529 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 21 August 2025

PY25107Assessing the digital health maturity of general practice in Australia: results from a cross-sectional national survey

Tim Blake, Debbie Passey, Joanne Lee and Farwa Rizvi
 

The digital health maturity among general practice clinics in Australia is not well understood. This study reports on a large cross-sectional digital health maturity assessment of 1164 general practice clinics across Australia, representing about one-third of clinics in the country. These findings highlight the importance of enhancing digital health and data literacy, leadership, and tailored change management to strengthen digital adoption in practices, potentially improving care quality and digital transformation nationally.

This article belongs to the collection: Quality Improvement and Evaluation in Primary Health Care.

PY25107 Abstract  |  PY25107 Full Text  | PY25107PDF (822 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 07 August 2025

PY24214A critical realist exploration of health professionals’ perspectives on prediabetes diagnosis, management and type 2 diabetes prevention programs in a rural setting

Britney McMullen 0000-0003-0406-6771, Kerith Duncanson, David Schmidt, Clare Collins and Lesley MacDonald-Wicks
 

This study explored rural health professionals’ perspectives on prediabetes diagnosis, management and type 2 diabetes prevention programs, informing diagnostic and management practices and recommendations to strengthen diabetes prevention programs in rural areas.

PY24214 Abstract  |  PY24214 Full Text  | PY24214PDF (562 KB)  | PY24214Supplementary Material (379 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 05 August 2025

PY25015Partnership factors enabling co-planning of sustainable rural health models

Belinda O’Sullivan, Pam Harvey, Catherine Lees, Mandy Hutchinson, Trevor Adem, Dallas Coghill, Donna Doyle and Nerida Hyett 0000-0003-0554-1773
 

Strong partnerships are critical for effective co-planning of primary healthcare models that meet rural community needs. The study aim was to explore the factors enabling a 4-year-old health service partnership to plan and design sustainable health models in a rural region where four health services of mixed funding models were facing limited resources, longstanding workforce shortages, and increasing community health issues. The factors for enabling partnerships in this rural thin market context inform partnership development for other regions.

This article belongs to the collection: Quality Improvement and Evaluation in Primary Health Care.

PY25015 Abstract  |  PY25015 Full Text  | PY25015PDF (345 KB)  | PY25015Supplementary Material (344 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 25 July 2025

PY24226Building health equity through community health: insights from Victoria, Australia

Jennifer Tobin, Rosamaria Tascone, Bec Morgan, Keira Leike, Ju-Lin Lee, Linda Crisci and Youstina Tawadros
 

Community health services play an essential role in addressing health inequities through the provision of place-based, affordable and accessible care. Case studies demonstrate the successful application of common community health approaches, including multi-disciplinary care, peer-led models, setting-based approaches, early intervention and capacity building. Enhanced investment in community health and preventative care is vital to alleviate the pressure on acute healthcare settings, and improving long-term health and wellbeing outcomes for individuals and communities.

This article belongs to the collection: Models of Community Health in Action.

PY24226 Abstract  | PDF (210 KB) - $35.00 
Published online 21 July 2025

PY24197Effect of a combined exercise and nutrition program on sarcopenia in older adults: a randomised controlled trial in primary care

Sunghwan Ji 0000-0002-8150-933X, Ji Yeon Baek, Jin Go, Chang Ki Lee, Sang Soo Yu, Hee-Won Jung, Eunju Lee and Il-Young Jang 0000-0003-3617-3301
 

Sarcopenia, the age-related loss of muscle mass and strength, is an emerging concern in aging societies, particularly in primary care. This study demonstrates that a 12-week, primary care-based intervention combining exercise and nutrition significantly improved physical performance and reduced frailty in older adults in rural Korea. These findings highlight the feasibility and potential impact of implementing integrated care models to manage sarcopenia in real-world primary care settings.

PY24197 Abstract  |  PY24197 Full Text  | PY24197PDF (380 KB)  | PY24197Supplementary Material (539 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 17 July 2025

PY25048Carer and staff preferences for characteristics of health services delivery for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children: a best–worst scaling study

Shingisai Chando 0000-0003-4521-3491, Martin Howell, Janice Nixon, Simone Sherriff, Kym Slater, Natalie Smith, Laura Stevenson, Michelle Dickson, Allison Jaure, Jonathan C. Craig, Sandra J. Eades and Kirsten Howard
 

Patient-centred health services incorporate user preferences into all stages of service delivery from design to evaluation. This study specifies the characteristics of health services delivery that are important for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander child health services, and prioritises carer and staff preferences for child health services. Identifying the specific aspects of health services delivery that benefit Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and their carers helps to focus resources towards quality improvement initiatives that directly benefit health service users.

PY25048 Abstract  |  PY25048 Full Text  | PY25048PDF (777 KB)  | PY25048Supplementary Material (993 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 14 July 2025

PY25034Adolescent health presentations to Victorian general practice: a descriptive study using electronic medical records

Ronnen Leizerovitz, Ian Williams, Adrian Laughlin 0000-0003-3545-4785 and Lena Sanci
 

Although a majority of young people visit their general practitioner at least once a year, there are significant gaps in our understanding of the role of primary care for youth. In this study, we examined de-identified electronic medical records of >22,000 adolescents. Findings highlight relatively low attendance rates, as well as key changes in adolescents’ reasons for visit to general practice, particularly for mental health concerns. This study brings important understanding to contemporary trends in adolescent health.

PY25034 Abstract  |  PY25034 Full Text  | PY25034PDF (438 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 10 July 2025

PY24148Searching for Utopia: emerging models for primary care in 21st century Australia

Lester Mascarenhas 0009-0008-9336-7464
 

Australian primary healthcare is at a crossroads due to ageing populations and increasing chronic disease. To address the needs ofr marginalised groups, Gough Whitlam introduced the Community Health Program in 1973. Today, care for vulnerable populations occurs in private general practice.Victoria isthe only state with generalist, non-government community health centres. This paper examines innovations in a private clinic that has replicated elements from Community Health. These innovations are of importance for governments re-thinking policy for primary care today.

This article belongs to the collection: Models of Community Health in Action.

PY24148 Abstract  | PDF (213 KB) - $35.00 
Published online 10 July 2025

PY25091Prevalence of diabetes and characteristics associated with poor diabetes outcomes among different migrant groups in Australia

Davoud Pourmarzi 0000-0002-1970-3609
 

Migrants experience higher diabetes prevalence and poorer outcomes. Among people aged ≥30, those born in South-East Asia, North Africa and the Middle East, Southern and Central Asia and Oceania had higher prevalence compared with the Australian-born population. Individuals from Southern and Eastern Europe, North Africa and the Middle East, South-East Asia, Southern and Central Asia, and North-East Asia are at greater risk of poor diabetes outcomes. Different strategies for diabetes prevention and control should be implemented for diverse migrant groups.

PY25091 Abstract  |  PY25091 Full Text  | PY25091PDF (258 KB)  | PY25091Supplementary Material (261 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 23 June 2025

PY24181Exploring patients’ intentions to switch from hospitals to primary care institutions for primary care: a push-pull-mooring framework

Jingrong Zhu 0000-0002-5607-0329, Maoxing Liu, Muyang Zhang and Yi Cui
 

Multiple factors influence GP acceptance, with research lacking on exploring the mechanism behind patients’ switching behavior from large hospitals to GPs. By examining the push–pull–mooring effects on patients’ decision-making, this study elucidates how factors from both high-level hospitals and the GP system interact to shape patient’s switching intentions, thus, a deeper understanding can be gained of the nuanced dynamics underlying switching behaviors. These findings offer valuable insights on developing targeted strategies to optimize the effectiveness of the healthcare system.

PY24181 Abstract  | PDF (724 KB) - $35.00 

Just Accepted

These articles have been peer reviewed and accepted for publication. They are still in production and have not been edited, so may differ from the final published form.

Most Read

The Most Read ranking is based on the number of downloads in the last 60 days from papers published on the CSIRO PUBLISHING website within the last 12 months. Usage statistics are updated daily.

Collections

Collections are a curation of articles relevant to a topical research area

Quality Improvement and Evaluation in Primary Health Care

This collection of Australian Journal of Primary Health papers contributes to our understanding of innovation in primary health care. The primary health care community is consistently working towards more effective ways of working to make a meaningful difference to patients and our communities. This collection highlights the latest innovations, pilots and measure of success and we welcome the submissions that have come from a diverse range of contributors to high quality primary health care.

Collection Editors
Liz Sturgess (Bond University)
Michael Wright (International Centre for Future Health Systems, University of New South Wales)
Brendan Goodger (Primary and Community Care, Central and Eastern Sydney Primary Health Network)

Last Updated: 21 Aug 2025

Models of Community Health in Action

This collection explores the power and potential of community health care to strengthen health systems and improve population health and wellbeing. Papers in the collection will highlight a variety of models, programs, policies and approaches to community health and examine their past, current and possible future contributions.

Last Updated: 25 Jul 2025

Australian Journal of Primary Health Top Downloads 2024

The Australian Journal of Primary Health (AJPH) presents the 2024 most downloaded papers from across all issues and special issues. These highly accessed papers reflect the scope of the AJPH to be a leading voice highlighting the key innovations and new knowledge across primary health care (PHC). This list of 20 papers emphasises the PHC communities focus on comprehensive, whole-person care that is responsive to the needs of the community.

Virginia Lewis (La Trobe University)
Liz Sturgiss (Bond University)

Last Updated: 28 Apr 2025

Access to Primary Health Care

This collection of Australian Journal of Primary Health papers focuses on access to care. The papers showcase a variety of topics and illustrate new approaches to working with allied health clinicians, policy change to improve access to oral health and workforce capability, and a theory-informed approach to data analysis. This collection documents current experiences of access to care among different populations and highlights new approaches and models to improve access.

All papers in this collection are published Open Access and free to read.

Collection Editors
Annette Peart (Eastern Health Clinical School, Monash University)
Sabuj Kanti Mistry (School of Population Health, University of New South Wales)
Siân Slade (Nossal Institute for Global Health, The University of Melbourne)

Last Updated: 13 Aug 2024

Australian Journal of Primary Health Top Downloads 2022/23

This Collection demonstrates the depth and breadth of research in primary health care. The wide ranging topics and the many methods that are needed to rigorously investigate the questions that matter to our communities. These 10 most downloaded papers from 2022 and 2023 demonstrate the broad scope of the AJPH and cover a range of issues influencing community health services and primary health care, particularly focused on comprehensive primary health care research, evidence-based practice and primary health care policy issues.

Virginia Lewis (La Trobe University)
Liz Sturgiss (Monash University)

Last Updated: 22 Mar 2024

Interdisciplinary Approaches to Improving Oral Health

The aim of this Collection is to highlight papers that describe health promoting interdisciplinary and professional team efforts to address various aspects of oral healthcare, including access, vulnerable groups and new models of service delivery. We hope this issue will encourage initiatives and research on the integration of non-dental professionals into oral health and putting the mouth back into the body.

Collection Editors
Dr Bradley Christian and Dr Ron Knevel

Last Updated: 18 Jul 2019

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health

This Collection focusses on research papers involving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health which have been published in Australian Journal of Primary Health from around the country. We have included research papers which respond to community health priorities, and were authored by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Included papers used a variety of research methods including qualitative, quantitative, geospatial mapping, and systematic review methodology.

Collection Editors
Geoffrey Spurling, Catrina Felton-Busch and Sarah Larkins

Last Updated: 26 Oct 2018

Challenges in China’s Health System Reform: Lessons from Other Countries

Over the last three decades, there has been rapid development and modernisation of China’s tertiary hospitals, but the primary care system has been seriously weakened. We provided an overview of the major challenges in China’s health system reform in our recent Editorial (Liu and Legge 2017). This Collection of Australian Journal of Primary Health brings together 12 recent papers with relevance to these challenges.

Collection Editors
Chaojie Liu and David Legge

Last Updated: 11 Sep 2017

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Best Oral Paper Prize AAAPC 2024

Joanne Wong has been awarded the Best Oral Paper Prize for 2024.

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