Adaptations Of Methods For Estimation Of Familial Correlation In Age At Onset Of Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$146,250.00
Summary
Chronic diseases such as coronary heart disease, breast cancer, prostate cancer and non-insulin dependent diabetes are responsible for a significant burden of ill-health in society. Studies of familial aggregation are important in determining the relative magnitude of genetic and lifestyle-environment factors associated with chronic diseases, and in identifying individuals and families at high risk, even in the absence of conventional risk factors. The findings have implications for health promo ....Chronic diseases such as coronary heart disease, breast cancer, prostate cancer and non-insulin dependent diabetes are responsible for a significant burden of ill-health in society. Studies of familial aggregation are important in determining the relative magnitude of genetic and lifestyle-environment factors associated with chronic diseases, and in identifying individuals and families at high risk, even in the absence of conventional risk factors. The findings have implications for health promotion in the general population and disease prevention in those identified to be at high risk. An outstanding characteristics of these studies is that many participants had an event at some unknown time before the entry. This project aims at adapting current methods to properly account for events before entry and to provide estimates of familial aggregation between parents, between children and between parents and children in the same model. Furthermore, it provides freely available software for proper familial analyses which have not had any feasible numerical methods (or software). In addition, it provides estimates of familial aggregation of coronary heart disease in Busselton families which has longer follow-up than most other studies. This project is very cost effective as the Busselton Health Study consists of a series of cross-sectional surveys since 1968 and currently has hospital morbidity and death follow-up from medical record linkage until the end of 1997.Read moreRead less
I am a clinical researcher determining: a) the role of altered airway structure, particularly airway smooth muscle and extracellular matrix, in asthma and COPD; and b) the prevalence of, and risk factors for, respiratory disease in general populations.
Harnessing The Power Of Elite Sport Sponsorship To Promote Healthy Eating By Young Adults
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$304,220.00
Summary
Concerns have been raised about the role of unhealthy food sponsorship of elite sport in promoting unhealthy diets to vast numbers of the public, including young adults who are avid spectators of sport. This innovative project consists of two studies which systematically investigate the utility of alternative, health-oriented sport sponsorship models and counter-advertising strategies in promoting healthier diets among young adults.
Early Life And Contemporary Influences On Body Composition, Mental Health, And Chronic Disease Risk Markers In The Aboriginal Birth Cohort
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$3,117,044.00
Summary
The Aboriginal Birth Cohort study has been following the health of Aboriginal babies in the Northern Territory for the last 30 years. The participants were healthy till adolescence, but overweight and risk factors of diseases such as diabetes, kidney and heart disease are emerging. This follow-up will show when and whether these risk factors develop into disease, which factors are protective and which identify early those most at risk of developing diseases that cause the gap in life expectancy.
Using Lessons From The United Kingdom To Improve The Reproductive Health Of Aboriginal Adolescent Women
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$419,768.00
Summary
I will examine if parity and pre and post natal exercise can prevent urinary incontinence among older women in a large cohort study in the United Kingdom and use these skills to examine the contraceptive use of Aboriginal adolescent females and influence pre and post natal programs in four Aboriginal communities. The more knowledge and support Aboriginal adolescent females have the higher chances of them making informed decisions about their reproductive health.
Epidemiological Approaches To Understanding The Causes And Prevention Of Chronic Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$546,451.00
Summary
This research program aims to improve understanding of the causes of chronic disease in Australians from childhood to old age. It will also help determine the effectiveness of workplace health and wellbeing programs in preventing disease and the feasibility of reducing mortality in older Australians through vitamin D supplementation.