Reducing Over Consumption Of Sugar-sweetened Beverages In Australia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$437,034.00
Summary
Sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption is associated with excess energy intake, weight gain and obesity. High consumption also causes Type II diabetes, cardio vascular risk factors and tooth decay. Australians, especially young Australians, are high consumers of SSBs, and soft drinks in particular. Bringing experience from tobacco control, this research investigates public health policy mechanisms to reduce over consumption, with a focus on the potential of warning labels.
Behavioural And Health Services Research In Ophthalmology: Gaining And Implementing Evidence To Improve Patient Outcomes.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$253,465.00
Summary
This research program is focused on improving the outcomes for people with eye disease. Through a number of projects in different health care settings including ophthalmic services, low vision rehabilitation services and residential care, this research program will implement and evaluate new treatments or models of care that can improve people’s well-being, quality of life and clinical outcomes in a cost-effective manner.
Trauma And Recovery: Understanding And Treating Posttraumatic Stress Disorder In Refugees
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$431,000.00
Summary
Refugees report high rates of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), however, a lack of understanding of the processes underlying refugee mental health has limited the effective treatment of this disabling disorder. My research program will overcome these barriers by uncovering core mechanisms and developing a targeted intervention to reduce PTSD symptoms in refugees. My research will advance knowledge about refugee mental health, and inform best-practice clinical care of refugees.
Driving Under The Influence Of Psychoactive Prescription Benzodiazepines And Alcohol
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$425,048.00
Summary
Driving enables people to travel to work and social events, and is thus an important determinant of quality of life. Driving is also a potentially dangerous activity, as there is a risk of becoming involved in accidents. In fact, car accidents are one of the leading causes of injury and death. Whilst alcohol remains the most prevalent drug causing impairment of driving performance, other drugs, especially in combination with alcohol, are thought to increase collision risk.
Preventive messages and guidelines to reduce sitting — especially prolonged periods of sitting — have emerged. However, what prolonged sitting should be replaced with, and the feasibility of making real world changes to this behaviour, is unknown. This program of research will provide high quality evidence on the benefits of reducing prolonged sitting time, and the effectiveness and acceptability of achieving sitting reductions in real-world contexts.
Using Online Social Technologies To Improve Health Behaviour
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$425,048.00
Summary
Physical inactivity and poor eating habits are leading causes of death and disease in Australia. Our health behaviours are influenced by our social networks. What’s more, Australians love social technologies, such as Facebook and smartphones. My research aims to harness these two factors to create socially-influential health programs. I will work with video game developers to develop fun and engaging interventions, and a viral marketer and leading organisations to spread the interventions.