Visualising and modelling changes in categorical variables in longitudinal studies

Background: Graphical techniques can provide visually compelling insights into complex data patterns. In this paper we present a type of lasagne plot showing changes in categorical variables for participants measured at regular intervals over time and propose statistical models to estimate distributions of marginal and transitional probabilities. Methods. The plot uses stacked bars to show the distribution of categorical variables at each time interval, with different colours to depict different categories and changes in colours showing trajectories of participants over time. The models are based on nominal logistic regression which is appropriate for both ordinal and nominal categorical variables. To illustrate the plots and models we analyse data on smoking status, body mass index (BMI) and physical activity level from a longitudinal study on women's health. To estimate marginal distributions we fit survey wave as an explanatory variable whereas for transitional distributions we fit status of participants (e.g. smoking status) at previous surveys. Results: For the illustrative data the marginal models showed BMI increasing, physical activity decreasing and smoking decreasing linearly over time at the population level. The plots and transition models showed smoking status to be highly predictable for individuals whereas BMI was only moderately predictable and physical activity was virtually unpredictable. Most of the predictive power was obtained from participant status at the previous survey. Predicted probabilities from the models mostly agreed with observed probabilities indicating adequate goodness-of-fit. Conclusions: The proposed form of lasagne plot provides a simple visual aid to show transitions in categorical variables over time in longitudinal studies. The suggested models complement the plot and allow formal testing and estimation of marginal and transitional distributions. These simple tools can provide valuable insights into categorical data on individuals measured at regular intervals over time

Gravel cycling craft and the senses: scenes, sounds, vibrations, fatigue and typifications on off-road tracks

Although cycling has been researched at the interactional level, there is scant literature regarding embodiment, and the somatic experiences from rider-bike-ground interactions. Via an ethnographic approach using video obtained from participant observation as a “graveller” sensory practices are examined. Firstly, the research is positioned with the literature on craft studies. Secondly the domains of action namely space, place and the body are theorized and conceptualized. Thirdly, the sensory perceptions generated by gravel riders are depicted. Fourthly, these combined perceptions in turn foster the establishment of subcultural typifications of gravel tracks which are portrayed and form part of the craft knowledge of the above group. The paper concludes by pointing out the link between the sensory and the development of a particular consciousness, and also sport as a fertile ground for investigating craft practices

Policy briefs from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health: report prepared for the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing

This major report, a key deliverable of the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health (ALSWH) to the Australian Government Department of Health, contains 10 policy briefs which overview evidence on mental health, violence and abuse, sexual health, reproductive health, pregnancy and maternal health, weight and weight gain, nutrition, physical activity and sedentary behaviour, chronic conditions and housing and care for older women

Use, access to, and impact of Medicare services for Australian women: findings from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health

This major report from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health (also known as Women’s Health Australia) adopts a life course approach to investigate changes in women’s health and health service use change across life stages. Women’s survey data were linked to Medicare Benefits Scheme (MBS) data, enabling analysis of women’s health, health behaviours and social circumstances over time, and how these relate to health care use at different life stages. Using these data, the report provides detailed information on how and when women use health services, and their costs, throughout the women’s life course

Intimate Partner Violence and Abuse Against Men: Voices of Victimization Among Ex-Servicemen of the British Armed Forces

This study presents the personal testimonies of male British ex-Armed Forces personnel who have experienced violence and abuse victimization that was perpetrated by civilian female partners. In this research, we argue that to embark upon any understanding of the domestic lives of military personnel, an appreciation of the linkages to the cultural context of the military institution is necessary. Understanding the influence of the military institution beyond the military domain is crucial. We unveil the nature and character of the violence and abuse and how the servicemen negotiated their relationships. In doing so, we highlight the embodiment of military discipline, skills, and tactics in the home—not ones of violence which may be routinely linked to military masculinities; rather ones of restraint, tolerance, stoicism, and the reduction of a threat to inconsequential individual significance

'Once I had money in my pocket, I was every colour under the sun': Using 'appearance biographies' to explore the meanings of appearance for people with dementia

Appearance and the work invested in it by and for people with dementia are a neglected issue within dementia studies. In policy and practice there exists an assumption that the role of supporting a person to manage their appearance is easily assumed by another within caring encounters, only to be subsumed within the daily task-oriented provision of care. This paper reports on interviews conducted as part of the Hair and Care project, which explored questions of appearance and the meanings it holds with people with dementia. The research used ‘appearance biographies', a method which allows for a range of topics to be considered about appearance throughout the life course, acting as a conduit for reminiscence and life story work. The paper reports on the key themes and findings from these interviews, discussing them in the context of a wider debate on dementia, self-expression and agency. A key question posed by the authors is whether appearance and the work invested in it are legitimate considerations for dementia care policy and practice. And if so, how should we make sense of this work and what significance should we attach to it? In seeking to answer these questions the authors position the perspectives and experiences of people with dementia as central to their analysis. A narrative framework is suggested as a useful basis on which to understand the work of managing appearance over the life course. The implications for policy and practice are outlined