A Prospective Study Of The Effects Of Early Life Growth On Adult Mammographic Density
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$460,517.00
Summary
It is now well-known that a woman's breast density, as measured by a breast scan, is a predictor of her future risk of breast cancer. It is also known that women who are heavier as babies and grow rapidly before age 7 are more likely to develop breast cancer in adult life. The effects were strongest in women who had early puberty. It has been suggested that there are critical points in early life growth that contribute to higher breast density in middle-age. Population-based surveys with early l ....It is now well-known that a woman's breast density, as measured by a breast scan, is a predictor of her future risk of breast cancer. It is also known that women who are heavier as babies and grow rapidly before age 7 are more likely to develop breast cancer in adult life. The effects were strongest in women who had early puberty. It has been suggested that there are critical points in early life growth that contribute to higher breast density in middle-age. Population-based surveys with early life growth data on large numbers of women that span birth to adulthood are necessary to estimate accurately the association between early life growth and breast density in middle age. Few such studies exist; Tasmanian Asthma Study is one of them. In 1968, all 4,194 female Tasmanian school children born in 1961 were surveyed and height and weight measured. Subsequently, weight and height measurements were carried out on samples of this cohort. We are currently conducting the 37-year follow-up of the TAS and to date have traced 87% and achieved a response rate of 77% (2,850) for a postal survey. This included self-reported weight and height measurements and detailed information reproductive history and the use of hormones. Weight, height and waist to hip ratio are currently measured on 600 of these respondents. We have access to school medical records of the full cohort, which have weight and height data measured at school medical inspections throughout school years, and maternal records so far for half of the total cohort, which have information on birth weight and length, and period of gestation. Hence, TAS now provides an ideal opportunity, unique within Australia, to investigate prospectively the association between early life growth and mammographic density in middle-age women. We will measure breast density in these women now they are in their late 40s, using the Australian Mammographic Density Research Facility at The University of Melbourne.Read moreRead less
Changing Heat: Direct Impacts Of Temperature On Health And Productivity - Current Risks And Climate Change Projections
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$277,915.00
Summary
We know that heatwaves kill people - some 50,000 died in the 2003 European heatwave - but little is known of the details. This project will discover those details, in three important dimensions: WHO is at risk, and where do they live; HOW are people at risk, e.g. from kidney failure; and just WHAT is it about heat that is most dangerous? We will then build mathematical models of the future risks, and explore what public health measures will best protect Australians in a warming climate.
Home, Family And Socioeconomic Influences On Obesity-related Behaviours
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$304,874.00
Summary
Preventing obesity in children is a national health priority. Obesity promoting behaviours are established early in life, develop from childhood into adulthood, and are difficult to change. Parents play an important role in shaping the environments that either prevent or encourage obesity in children. This project aims to inform obesity prevention initiatives in Australian children and their families, and particularly among those at high risk due to their low socioeconomic position.
Reducing Unintended Pregnancies Among Female Sex Workers In Kenya Using MHealth: A Randomised Controlled Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$92,161.00
Summary
This research aims to reduce the high rates of unintended pregnancy experienced by female sex workers (FSW) in Kenya. It involves the development of a health promotion program delivered by mobile phone (mHealth intervention) to improve FSWs’ knowledge of SRH and reduce their risk of unintended pregnancy. The intervention will be trialled with 860 FSWs from 86 sex work venues in Mombasa. If effective, it can be implemented to improve women’s health in many and diverse settings.
Reducing The Burden Of Disease Due To Hazardous Alcohol Consumption
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$652,765.00
Summary
I am a behavioural scientist interested in the causes and prevention of hazardous alcohol consumption. I propose a program of research examining methods in behavioural science, risk factors for hazardous drinking, the development and evaluation of interventions to reduce hazardous drinking, and the evaluation of policies affecting the supply and promotion of alcohol. I lead a research team with strong collaborations with leading scientists in Australia and other countries.
The structure and dynamics of social contact for human disease transmission models. The methodological advances of this project will enable new insights in important social research. They will not only add significantly to national capacity in the modelling of complex social systems but they will also yield practical scientific outcomes in a significant policy domain in Australia and overseas. In Australia, response to diseases such as HIV, HCV and TB need new approaches, and the threat of pan ....The structure and dynamics of social contact for human disease transmission models. The methodological advances of this project will enable new insights in important social research. They will not only add significantly to national capacity in the modelling of complex social systems but they will also yield practical scientific outcomes in a significant policy domain in Australia and overseas. In Australia, response to diseases such as HIV, HCV and TB need new approaches, and the threat of pandemic influenza is significant. Read moreRead less
The Interaction Between Sexually Transmissible Infections And Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection In Homosexual Men
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$635,931.00
Summary
This project examines the inter-relationship between HIV infection and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in homosexual men. The overall goal of the projet is to inform the development of STI prevention and treatment strategies which may be important in reducing HIV incidence in this population. Homosexual men comprise over 80% of people diagnosed with HIV infecton in Australia, and in many developed nations are one of the largest groups affected by HIV. Rates of other STIs are also increase ....This project examines the inter-relationship between HIV infection and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in homosexual men. The overall goal of the projet is to inform the development of STI prevention and treatment strategies which may be important in reducing HIV incidence in this population. Homosexual men comprise over 80% of people diagnosed with HIV infecton in Australia, and in many developed nations are one of the largest groups affected by HIV. Rates of other STIs are also increased in homosexual men. Currently, HIV rates are increasing in Australia and in many developed countries. We are in need of new and effective methods of HIV prevention. Data in heterosexuals suggest that where STIs are common, the early detection and treatment of these infections may help reduce HIV incidence. There are few data on this relationship in homosexual men. We propose to utilise an existing Sydney cohort of homosexual men to collect data on biologic tests for STIs, history of recent diagnosis of STIs, and symptoms, to allow a comprehensive description of the epidemiology of STIs and their overlap with HIV. The quality of data on the interaction between HIV and STIs in this cohort will be superior to any previously collected in homosexual men, as it will include data on self-reported doctor diagnosed illness, state of the art biologic testing, and symptom data, for the full spectrum of important STIs. The results of this study will be helpful in determining strategies for HIV and STI screening, education and control in the population which comprises the great majority of cases of HIV infection in Australia, and one of the largest risk groups for HIV infection in the developed world. Screening coupled with treatment of asymptomatic STIs may be an effective new approach to HIV prevention in this population.Read moreRead less
Antisocial behaviour in young Australian adults: Social and economic influences. Antisocial behaviour is prevalent in Australia and imposes large social and economic costs. Currently, much of the crime prevention research has been conducted overseas. The findings of this study will provide important insights into the development of antisocial behaviour from childhood and adolescence through into young adulthood in the Australian context. By better understanding how factors such as unemployment, ....Antisocial behaviour in young Australian adults: Social and economic influences. Antisocial behaviour is prevalent in Australia and imposes large social and economic costs. Currently, much of the crime prevention research has been conducted overseas. The findings of this study will provide important insights into the development of antisocial behaviour from childhood and adolescence through into young adulthood in the Australian context. By better understanding how factors such as unemployment, alcohol-related entertainment, and sporting participation influence antisocial behaviour in young adulthood, prevention and early intervention programs can be developed to target specific subgroups. In this way spending on criminal justice systems can be reduced and a safer, more harmonious community can be fostered.Read moreRead less