I conduct epidemiological research on illicit drug use and harm, with a particular focus upon surveillance of drug use disorders and morbidity in sentinel populations. My epidemiological research has focused particularly on the comorbidity between drug de
Exploring Innovative Epidemiological Research To Understand Sexually Transmissible Infections In Large Cohorts
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$396,249.00
Summary
The aim of my postdoctoral research is to develop skills in epidemiological and sexual health research dealing with large cohorts, and to produce data that will aid in the improvement of sexual health outcomes in the population. One study I will work on is The National Survey of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles, a population-based survey of 15,000 men and women covering a range of sexual and reproductive health outcomes, and measuring the prevalence of sexually transmissible infections.
On The Scene: The Epidemiology Of HIV Among Men Who Have Sex With Men (MSM) In Victoria
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$73,397.00
Summary
This PhD will focus specifically on HIV among men who have sex with men in Victoria in effort to identify factors that may explain recent increases in rates of new HIV diagnoses and explore characteristics associated with HIV risk. It will incorporate surveillance and epidemiological data, examinations of local health promotion and HIV prevention initiatives and incorporate modelling methods for HIV to support HIV prevention programs and inform health and service planning in Australia.
I am an epidemiologist with expertise in infectious diseases. My research focuses on the risk behaviours associated with the transmission and prevention of blood borne viruses and sexually transmitted infections, in particular drug and alcohol-related ris
Methods For Evaluating The Therapeutic Impact Of Diagnostic Tests - Development Of Guidelines
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$132,325.00
Summary
New diagnostic tests are frequently adopted in clinical practice without any evidence that they improve patient outcomes. This project will produce the first guidelines about the role and optimal design of studies assessing the impact of a new test on therapeutic decisions for conclusions about its clinical value. This work will inform researchers and clinicians to improve evidence-based diagnostic practice and promote the more efficient use of limited health care resources.
Epidemiology Of Middle-age BHR: A Prospective Study From Childhood To Middle Age
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$593,840.00
Summary
Increased airway reactivity (BHR) in middle-age increases the risk of chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs) in old age, which are recognised as a major public health problem. Knowledge on the causes of these conditions is currently limited. This project will improve our understanding of the childhood and adult causes of increased reactivity of the airways in middle-age. Such knowledge will help in identifying preventive strategies for middle age BHR and thereby CRDs in old age.
Assessing Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) Risk In Aboriginal People
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$73,550.00
Summary
Aboriginal Australians have higher death rates from cardiovascular disease (CVD) than other Australians, with rates in young and middle aged people increased 15-fold or more. A multi-factor approach, which considers all the risk factors, is the best strategy to identify and reduce CVD risk. The first step for selection of risk-reduction therapy in an individual is to assess his-her risk status and the benefit of intervention. Several risk assessment tools, incorporating traditional risk factors, ....Aboriginal Australians have higher death rates from cardiovascular disease (CVD) than other Australians, with rates in young and middle aged people increased 15-fold or more. A multi-factor approach, which considers all the risk factors, is the best strategy to identify and reduce CVD risk. The first step for selection of risk-reduction therapy in an individual is to assess his-her risk status and the benefit of intervention. Several risk assessment tools, incorporating traditional risk factors, have been developed from Western populations. They would be most appropriately applied to individuals who resemble the study sample; their validity in Aboriginal Australians has not been evaluated and no risk prediction formulae have been developed specifically for Aboriginal people. Recent reports suggest that a variety of other non-traditional risk factors also influence CVD risk, including markers of central fat deposition, inflammation, nutrition, alcohol use and early growth. Given the disadvantaged circumstances of many Aboriginal people, it is likely that some of the factors are influencing their CVD risk. The applicants have collected baseline risk factor data on volunteers in one Aboriginal community and followed their course, including CVD deaths and CVD hospitalisations, for more than a decade. From this baseline information, which goes beyond traditional risk markers, and from additional measures like birthweight, and markers of inflammation and nutrition assayed in retrieved serum, we will develop a variety of models for predicting a CVD risk in this group. We will also lay plans to evaluate these tools in other Aboriginal groups. A better understanding of the causes of CVD in this population is important to influence public health policy for CVD prevention. The models will be helpful health education tools at the community level and will allow therapeutic or lifestyle intervention in individuals to be targeted at their individual risk profile.Read moreRead less
Methodology For Population Health Research: Training And Innovation In Longitudinal Studies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,963,750.00
Summary
This proposal builds on the applicants' experience with existing cohort studies to identify, evaluate and address areas of methodological concern, particularly with longitudinal studies. The group's ability to develop robust longitudinal methods in relation to these concerns will have the potential for both increasing knowledge of the determinants of population health and increasing their ability to attract trainee biostatisticians, an identified area of need in the country as a whole. The grant ....This proposal builds on the applicants' experience with existing cohort studies to identify, evaluate and address areas of methodological concern, particularly with longitudinal studies. The group's ability to develop robust longitudinal methods in relation to these concerns will have the potential for both increasing knowledge of the determinants of population health and increasing their ability to attract trainee biostatisticians, an identified area of need in the country as a whole. The grant will help position Australia at the cutting edge of research skills and methodology involved with longitudinal studies. Longitudinal studies provide a powerful means of collecting information about the health of populations. This grant will use multi-disciplinary approaches to develop innovative methods for designing longitudinal studies, collecting and analysing data and communicating results to improve people's health.Read moreRead less
Improving Research Evidence Quality Using Individual Patient Data, Prospective Meta-analysis And Trial Registration
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$387,489.00
Summary
The quality of evidence we use to make health care decisions can be improved if we use systematic reviews that are planned ahead, that use raw data from each participant and include all the trials that have looked at the clinical problem. This research program will utilise these three ways of obtaining better quality data and will thus make research results more reliable. In particular, we will use these techniques to address health problems in mothers and babies.