A study of contemporary family, social and cultural influences on first-time mothers' decisions about infant feeding and early parenting practices. Children who are never breastfed are more likely to experience respiratory infections, gastroenteritis, diabetes and as adults, high blood pressure, obesity and type-2 diabetes. This study of infant feeding decision-making in first-time mothers will inform strategies, grounded in the daily lives of women and families to assist mothers to breastfeed f ....A study of contemporary family, social and cultural influences on first-time mothers' decisions about infant feeding and early parenting practices. Children who are never breastfed are more likely to experience respiratory infections, gastroenteritis, diabetes and as adults, high blood pressure, obesity and type-2 diabetes. This study of infant feeding decision-making in first-time mothers will inform strategies, grounded in the daily lives of women and families to assist mothers to breastfeed for longer particularly in communities where breastfeeding is not the norm. Increased support for breastfeeding women from family, community and health professionals is likely to reduce the distress reported by many new mothers. Strategic application of findings will lead to health gains from increased breastfeeding and translate into significant cost savings for the Australian health system. Read moreRead less
Understanding women's experiences of unplanned pregnancy and abortion. The economic, health and social costs to the Australian community of unplanned pregnancies and abortions constitute a public health concern of undoubted significance. Debates in both policy and public arenas are hampered by a lack of comprehensive reliable evidence about incidence of abortion and the factors underlying decisions to terminate unwanted pregnancies. Further, there is considerable variation among Australian stat ....Understanding women's experiences of unplanned pregnancy and abortion. The economic, health and social costs to the Australian community of unplanned pregnancies and abortions constitute a public health concern of undoubted significance. Debates in both policy and public arenas are hampered by a lack of comprehensive reliable evidence about incidence of abortion and the factors underlying decisions to terminate unwanted pregnancies. Further, there is considerable variation among Australian states regarding abortion-related legislation. The data generated from this project will establish an evidence base, inform potential legislative change and monitor any effects, and improve delivery of appropriate health services and strategies to prevent unplanned pregnancies and their adverse consequences.
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The adoption and maintenance of physical activity in 25-45 year old sedentary females. This research project will investigate interventions based on proven elements of theories on the adoption and maintenance of increased physical activity and psychological well-being in sedentary women aged 25-45 years, who are at risk of remaining inactive. A longitudinal study will examine the efficacy of adoption and maintenance interventions that combine effective constructs identified in analysis of theori ....The adoption and maintenance of physical activity in 25-45 year old sedentary females. This research project will investigate interventions based on proven elements of theories on the adoption and maintenance of increased physical activity and psychological well-being in sedentary women aged 25-45 years, who are at risk of remaining inactive. A longitudinal study will examine the efficacy of adoption and maintenance interventions that combine effective constructs identified in analysis of theories. Effective intervention will promote current life-experience, healthy lifestyle in later life, and decrease risk of chronic ill health.Read moreRead less
Redefining body image for young women: Development of an Australian bibliotherapy program for adolescent girls. Body image dissatisfaction poses a serious health risk for adolescent girls and young women. Whilst this construct is highly prevalent amongst female populations, there are some who remain immune to the pervasiveness and subsequent development of these self-negating attitudes. However, little is known about the resilience processes utilised by those who are immune. This study aims to ....Redefining body image for young women: Development of an Australian bibliotherapy program for adolescent girls. Body image dissatisfaction poses a serious health risk for adolescent girls and young women. Whilst this construct is highly prevalent amongst female populations, there are some who remain immune to the pervasiveness and subsequent development of these self-negating attitudes. However, little is known about the resilience processes utilised by those who are immune. This study aims to develop an understanding of these resilience processes and utilise them in the construction and delivery of an innovative preventative program for adolescent girls. The outcomes of this research will provide young girls with an alternative voice, de-emphasising the objectification of self as a component of female identity formation and stem ongoing development of associated psychosocial risks.Read moreRead less
Developing a novel method for delivering a behavioral intervention for decreasing morbidity in women with a chronic disease: a randomized controlled trial. Currently there are 209.8 deaths from heart, stroke and vascular diseases per 100 000 of the Australian female population each year, with the rates being considerably high in the elderly female population. Despite the potential benefits of behavioural strategies to prevent morbidity in women with chronic disease, studies to date have not targ ....Developing a novel method for delivering a behavioral intervention for decreasing morbidity in women with a chronic disease: a randomized controlled trial. Currently there are 209.8 deaths from heart, stroke and vascular diseases per 100 000 of the Australian female population each year, with the rates being considerably high in the elderly female population. Despite the potential benefits of behavioural strategies to prevent morbidity in women with chronic disease, studies to date have not targeted women who already have a chronic disease in a clinical setting. This research study will address this, helping postmenopausal women who have chronic disease change negative health behaviours and increase physical activity and self efficacy, improve quality of life and decrease blood pressure, obesity and tobacco use.Read moreRead less