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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 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 
Published online 05 June 2025

PY25020Investigating high-risk rural regions for potentially preventable hospitalisations: a method for place-based primary healthcare planning

Susan O’Neill 0000-0002-7978-4439, Steve Begg, Evelien Spelten and Nerida Hyett
 

Inaccessibility of primary healthcare services in rural and remote communities is argued to lead to higher rates of potentially preventable hospitalisations. This research aimed to develop an explanatory method that could be applied for investigating settings considered high risk for potentially preventable hospitalisations. This method provides a structured and detailed six-step plan for examining identified regions; providing an understanding of the access pathways to primary healthcare services, and identifying where interventions and prevention strategies would support equitable healthcare access.

PY25020 Abstract  |  PY25020 Full Text  | PY25020PDF (449 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 05 June 2025

PY24228Father and non-birth parent experience of child and family health services: a systematic review and meta-synthesis

Catina Adams 0000-0003-4899-4553, Shannon Bennetts, Lael Ridgway, Leesa Hooker, Christine East and Kristina Edvardsson
 

This systematic review synthesises research examining the experiences of fathers and non-birth parents using child and family health services. It identifies facilitators and barriers to father- and non-birth parent-inclusive practice and strategies used by child and family health nurses and other healthcare practitioners to improve engagement with them.

PY24228 Abstract  |  PY24228 Full Text  | PY24228PDF (549 KB)  | PY24228Supplementary Material (176 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 05 June 2025

PY25019Community health navigators in Australian general practice: an implementation study

Cathy O’Callaghan, Elizabeth Harris, Sabuj Kanti Mistry and Mark F. Harris 0000-0002-0705-8913
 

Patient health navigators have an emerging role in assisting people to connect with health and social care especially those experiencing language and communication barriers. A challenge is sustaining navigator programs’ implementation. This study demonstrates the potential role of bilingual community navigators in providing navigation assistance to culturally and linguistically diverse patients in general practice. More effort is needed to tailor attachments to the unique needs of the patient population and practice schedule. Sustainability requires ongoing funding and broad institutional support.

PY25019 Abstract  |  PY25019 Full Text  | PY25019PDF (475 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 03 June 2025

PY24224Barriers and enablers to referral of older adults to hearing care: a cross-sectional questionnaire study of Australian general practitioners

Ella C. Davine 0009-0002-4224-3062, Peter A. Busby, Sanne Peters, Jill J. Francis, David Harris, Barbra H. B. Timmer and Julia Z. Sarant
 

The impacts of acquired hearing loss on health are relatively unknown in the community and often in the medical profession, and referral rates from general practice to audiology are low. We designed a theory-informed questionnaire to explore the barriers and enablers affecting general practitioners’ referral behaviours and identified 10 important barriers and/or enablers, including eight barriers/enablers not previously documented in the literature. These findings will contribute to the design of behavioural interventions to increase general practitioner referral rates to audiology.

PY24224 Abstract  |  PY24224 Full Text  | PY24224PDF (278 KB)  | PY24224Supplementary Material (398 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 27 May 2025

PY24188Stopping syphilis on the streets: embedding point of care testing within a street outreach nursing service

Leanne Papas, Kim Rayner, Karyn Walsh, Elena McLeish, Joseph Debattista and Diane Rowling
 

Global and national increases in syphilis infection, particularly amongst women of reproductive age, constitute a public health emergency. Those populations experiencing adverse social determinants are at higher risk. To address this, a pilot was implemented for delivering syphilis rapid testing through street-based nursing outreach programs serving the homeless. The results of this pilot demonstrated the challenges and successes for a street-based syphilis testing service and how it might become integrated into routine care.

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

PY24188 Abstract  | PDF (190 KB) - $35.00 
Published online 27 May 2025

PY24210The HARMONY trial: assessing general practitioner knowledge, attitudes and confidence following culturally safe domestic violence and abuse training

Molly Allen-Leap, Angela Taft, Felicity Young, Leesa Hooker and Kelsey Hegarty
 

Domestic violence and abuse impacts one-third of women globally, and greatly affects women’s health and wellbeing. Migrant/refugee women are at greater risk of domestic violence and abuse, and experience additional barriers to accessing support compared with non-migrant/refugee women. The HARMONY study was a randomised controlled trial that included delivering culturally safe domestic violence training to general practices. The training aimed to enhance culturally safe practices when supporting women identified as experiencing domestic violence.

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

PY24210 Abstract  |  PY24210 Full Text  | PY24210PDF (251 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 19 May 2025

PY24051Healthcare workers’ perspectives on the implementation of tuberculosis infection prevention and control policy in rural Papua New Guinea

Gigil Marme 0000-0002-4836-5610, Jerzy Kuzma, Peta-Anne Zimmerman, Shannon Rutherford and Neil Harris
 

Implementing tuberculosis (TB) infection prevention and control guidelines can be ineffective in resource-constrained primary healthcare facilities. Yet, there is little agreement on what strategies are most important for effective TB infection prevention and control practices. It is, therefore, crucial to learn from healthcare workers employed in TB control programs about the important strategies to improve the implementation of TB- infection prevention and control guidelines.

PY24051 Abstract  |  PY24051 Full Text  | PY24051PDF (422 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 14 April 2025

PY24223Leading the way: the contribution of Aboriginal community controlled health organisations to community health in Australia

Tamara Mackean, Toby Freeman 0000-0002-2787-8580, Connie Musolino, Denise Fry, Colin MacDougall, Virginia Lewis 0000-0001-7802-625X and Fran Baum
 

The Aboriginal community controlled health organisation sector in Australia emerged from social movements for Aboriginal self-determination before the Declaration of the Alma Ata, developing a model of community health that was community led, provided holistic care and took action on social determinants of health. Our findings from interviews with community health actors since the 1970s documented these strengths, and how they influenced generalist community health. The sector remains a strong example of community health relevant to all Australians.

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

PY24223 Abstract  |  PY24223 Full Text  | PY24223PDF (269 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 14 April 2025

PY24098The role of general practice to address the supportive care needs of Australian cancer survivors: a qualitative study

Olivia Bellas 0000-0002-7067-6925, Emma Kemp 0000-0001-5664-8031, Jackie Roseleur 0000-0003-4990-1312, Laura C. Edney 0000-0002-2447-4118, Candice Oster 0000-0002-8214-3704 and Jonathan Karnon 0000-0003-3220-2099
 

Cancer survivors in Australia often face ongoing physical, emotional, and practical challenges, yet their supportive care needs are not consistently met in general practice. This study highlights key barriers for general practitioners and nurses, including limited time, lack of clear processes, and poor communication between healthcare providers, while identifying solutions such as better training, improved information sharing, and greater support for nurses. Strengthening these areas could enhance care, improving quality of life and long-term health outcomes for cancer survivors.

PY24098 Abstract  |  PY24098 Full Text  | PY24098PDF (455 KB)  | PY24098Supplementary Material (612 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 31 March 2025

PY24169Contraceptive counselling in regions of Victoria with high incidence of teenage pregnancy: general practitioners’ insights

Jessica R. Botfield, Greasha Rathnasekara, Danielle Mazza, Elodie Bernard and Cathy J. Watson
 

We interviewed 18 GPs from regions in Victoria, Australia, with teenage pregnancy rates higher than the state average regarding their experiences of contraceptive counselling. GP participants recognised an unmet need for contraception information and care among teenagers in their region. Facilitating access to all methods of effective contraception for teenagers will require addressing misunderstandings among GPs regarding the suitability of intrauterine devices (IUDs) and increasing the number of IUD-inserting GPs. Normalising contraception discussions as part of routine care for teenagers will further support decision making and uptake.

PY24169 Abstract  |  PY24169 Full Text  | PY24169PDF (214 KB)   Open Access Article

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

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.

Collection in progress

Collection Editors
Virginia Lewis (La Trobe University)
Fran Baum (University of Adelaide)
Connie Musolino (University of Adelaide)

Last Updated: 10 Jul 2025

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: 05 Jun 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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