To systematically review studies of health promotion intervention in the police force. Four databases were searched for articles reporting on prepost single and multigroup studies in police officers and trainees. Data were extracted and bias assessed to evaluate study characteristics, intervention design and the impact of interventions on health. Database searching identified 25 articles reporting on 21 studies relevant to the aims of this review. Few studies (n=3) were of long duration (≥6 months). Nine of 21 studies evaluated structured physical activity and/or diet programmes only, 5 studies used education and behaviour change support-only interventions, 5 combined structured programmes with education and behaviour change support, and 2 studies used computer prompts to minimise sedentary behaviour. A wide array of lifestyle behaviour and health outcomes was measured, with 11/13 multigroup and 8/8 single-group studies reporting beneficial impacts on outcomes. High risk of bias was evident across most studies. In those with the lowest risk of bias (n=2), a large effect on blood pressure and small effects on diet, sleep quality, stress and tobacco use, were reported. Health promotion interventions can impact beneficially on health of the police force, particularly blood pressure, diet, sleep, stress and tobacco use. Limited reporting made comparison of findings challenging. Combined structured programmes with education and behaviour change support and programmes including peer support resulted in the most impact on health-related outcomes.

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Issues addressed The objective of this study was to explore the perceptions, barriers and enablers to physical activity (PA) and minimising sedentary behaviour among Arab‐Australians, a group who have lower levels of PA and higher rates of certain chronic diseases when compared with the general Australian population. Methods A total of 28 Arab‐Australians aged 35‐64 years participated in one of five focus groups conducted in Western Sydney during 2017‐2018, a culturally diverse region in New South Wales, Australia. Focus group duration ranged from 35‐90 minutes with 4‐7 participants in each group. Focus group data were recorded and transcribed verbatim and analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Results Participants had a general understanding of PA and the associated health benefits. Fewer participants were aware of the independent health effects associated with prolonged sitting. A lack of time and motivation due to work, familial duties, domestic roles and lack of effort reportedly influenced PA participation. Health was perceived to be both a barrier and an enabler to PA. Barriers related to health included pain and existing conditions and enablers included preventive and reactive measures. Social support and accessibility, such as a lack of support networks, the availability of services and costs were also discussed. Cultural and religious influences, such as traditional gender roles and the importance of gender‐exclusive settings, were also important factors influencing the PA behaviours of participants. Conclusions This study highlighted the factors that influence the PA levels and sedentary behaviour of Arab‐Australian adults aged 35‐64 years. So what? The findings of this study could help inform the design and development of culturally tailored PA interventions for Arab‐Australian adults.

Little is known regarding the health and lifestyle behaviours of Australians of Lebanese ethnicity. The available evidence suggests that Australians of Lebanese ethnicity who were born in Lebanon reportedly have higher rates of cardiovascular disease-related and type 2 diabetes-related complications when compared with the wider Australian population. The aim of this study is to compare lifestyle behaviours of middle-aged to older adults of Lebanese ethnicity born in Lebanon, Australia, and elsewhere to those of Australian ethnicity. Participants were 37,419 Australians aged ≥45 years, from the baseline dataset of The 45 and Up Study which included 4 groups of interest: those of Australian ethnicity (n = 36,707) [Reference]; those of Lebanese ethnicity born in Lebanon (n = 346); 302 those of Lebanese ethnicity born in Australia (n = 302); and those of Lebanese ethnicity born elsewhere (n = 64). Multilevel logistic regression was used to examine the odds of those of Lebanese ethnicity reporting suboptimal lifestyle behaviours (insufficient physical activity, prolonged sitting, smoking, sleep duration, and various diet-related behaviours) relative to those of Australian ethnicity. Multilevel linear regression was used to examine the clustering of suboptimal lifestyle behaviours through a ‘lifestyle index’ score ranging from 0–9 (sum of all lifestyle behaviours for each subject). The lifestyle index score was lower among Lebanese-born (-0.36, 95% CI -0.51, -0.22, p<0.001) and Australian-born (-0.17, 95% CI -0.32, -0.02, p = 0.031) people of Lebanese ethnicity in comparison to those of Australian ethnicity. Those of Lebanese ethnicity born in Lebanon had higher odds of reporting suboptimal lifestyle behaviours for physical activity, smoking, and sleep duration, and lower odds of reporting optimal lifestyle behaviours for sitting time, fruit, processed meat, and alcohol consumption, when compared with those of Australian ethnicity. Differences in the individual lifestyle behaviours for those of Lebanese ethnicity born in Australia and elsewhere compared with those of Australian ethnicity were fewer. Lifestyle behaviours of those of Lebanese ethnicity vary by country of birth and a lower level of suboptimal lifestyle behaviour clustering was apparent among Lebanese-born and Australian-born middle-aged to older adults of Lebanese ethnicity.

Objective: To examine country of birth differences in the odds of reporting chronic diseases among those of Lebanese ethnicity in comparison to those of Australian ethnicity. Methods: Participants were 41,940 Australians aged 45 years and older, sampled from the 45 and Up Study baseline dataset. Participants included those of Lebanese ethnicity born in Lebanon (n=401), Australia (n=331) and other countries (n=73); and those of Australian ethnicity (n=41,135). Logistic regression models were conducted to examine differences in the odds of reporting chronic disease between those of Lebanese ethnicity and those of Australian ethnicity. Results: Those of Lebanese ethnicity had higher odds of reporting diabetes (OR 1.62; 95%CI 1.32–2.00) and lower odds of reporting hypertension (OR 0.82; 95%CI 0.70–0.96) when compared with those of Australian ethnicity. After country of birth stratification, only those born in Lebanon had higher odds of reporting diabetes (OR 2.21; 95%CI 1.71–2.85) and also had lower odds of reporting cancer (OR 0.66; 95%CI 0.46–0.97), when compared with those of Australian ethnicity. Conclusions: Country of birth differences in health exist among those of Lebanese ethnicity. Implications for public health: Country of birth is an important factor that could assist in explaining differences in health among ethnic groups of the same origin.