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.
Implementing, Evaluating And Translating Pragmatic Strategies To Prevent Prenatal Alcohol Exposure (PAE), And Treat Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$340,038.00
Summary
Drinking alcohol when pregnant places the unborn child at risk of lifelong brain damage, that we call Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). We can prevent FASD by raising awareness of the harms of drinking in pregnancy, and supporting women not to drink. For those with FASD, treatment programs can help reduce learning and behavioural problems. Our research team work with communities and service providers to implement FASD Prevention and Treatment strategies, and raise awareness of FASD.
Determining The Role Of Oxytocin And Associated Analogues In Treatments For Social Dysfunction
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$466,492.00
Summary
This proposal develops a research hub to study, understand and develop innovative treatments for social difficulties observed across mental health conditions. It identifies treatment targets to improve social difficulties, determines who is likely to respond to these targets, and shows how these benefits can be tracked in patients. To achieve these goals, this proposal places this laboratory at the centre of broad international and collaborative research, facilitating innovative training and pra ....This proposal develops a research hub to study, understand and develop innovative treatments for social difficulties observed across mental health conditions. It identifies treatment targets to improve social difficulties, determines who is likely to respond to these targets, and shows how these benefits can be tracked in patients. To achieve these goals, this proposal places this laboratory at the centre of broad international and collaborative research, facilitating innovative training and practice within Australian society.Read moreRead less
Advancing Population-based Approaches To Physical Activity Participation In Rural Communities
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$443,964.00
Summary
Nationally the public health burden of inactive lifestyle is increasing; yet no research is being conducted in rural areas. My research will contribute new knowledge on best-practice physical activity programs designed to reach and meet the needs of people in rural areas. This is an innovative extension of my previous research that has produced programs that reduce the burden of chronic disease risk factors, by helping people to achieve optimal health and well-being through physical activity.
Associations Between Periodontal Disease And Cardiovascular Surrogate Endpoints In An Adult Indigenous Population
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$413,242.00
Summary
The relationship between periodontal disease and cardiovascular risk markers, both of which are high among the Indigenous Australian population, is established. This study seeks to explore the prevalence of periodontal disease and cardiovascular risk markers among this population, and to determine if implementation of a periodontal intervention leads to improved cardiovascular risk outcomes. There may be benefit in applying this model to other areas of Indigenous health promotion and research.
Innovative Interventions To Improve Quality Of Life In Dementia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$426,556.00
Summary
This fellowship aims to develop innovative interventions to improve quality of life for people living with dementia. Projects include a dance program for people with moderate dementia living in residential care, an intergenerational program involving pre-schoolers and people with dementia, a culture change program in residential care, and an online program to support carers of people with dementia.
What Can Parents Do To Prevent Mental Health Problems In Their Teenage Children?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$424,905.00
Summary
Research shows that there are things parents can do to prevent depression, anxiety and alcohol misuse problems in their teenage child, but many parents do not know what specific actions they can take. Through the work of this fellowship, I propose to increase our understanding of how specific parenting behaviours can influence young people's risk of developing depression and anxiety problems. I will also translate research evidence into specific parenting strategies parents can use to protect th ....Research shows that there are things parents can do to prevent depression, anxiety and alcohol misuse problems in their teenage child, but many parents do not know what specific actions they can take. Through the work of this fellowship, I propose to increase our understanding of how specific parenting behaviours can influence young people's risk of developing depression and anxiety problems. I will also translate research evidence into specific parenting strategies parents can use to protect their child from these problems.Read moreRead less
Improving Mental Health And Quality Of Life In Families Affected By Paediatric Cancer.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$421,747.00
Summary
My program aims to improve mental health and quality of life in families affected by paediatric cancer. The program covers three themes: 1) Trial of novel behavioural medicine interventions to prevent poor mental and physical health outcomes; 2) Discovery of the psychosocial impact of genetic technologies for young people affected by cancer; and 3) Evaluation of the impact of paediatric cancer on under-researched, but critical, facets of family life. My work spans the full cancer trajectory, fro ....My program aims to improve mental health and quality of life in families affected by paediatric cancer. The program covers three themes: 1) Trial of novel behavioural medicine interventions to prevent poor mental and physical health outcomes; 2) Discovery of the psychosocial impact of genetic technologies for young people affected by cancer; and 3) Evaluation of the impact of paediatric cancer on under-researched, but critical, facets of family life. My work spans the full cancer trajectory, from diagnosis to survivorship or bereavement.Read moreRead less
Reducing The Burden Of Disease And Inequity Related To Preventable Health Risk Behaviours
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$466,492.00
Summary
Smoking is Australia’s top ranked cause of disease. It is also one of the main causes of inequalities in health outcomes. My research aims to test strategies to reducing smoking and improve other lifestyle behaviours, like diet and exercise, alcohol, and sun protection, in the most disadvantaged groups. To achieve this goal, I have partnered with health and non-health care services. I expect my research to reduce the gap in health behaviours and health outcomes between more and less advantaged s ....Smoking is Australia’s top ranked cause of disease. It is also one of the main causes of inequalities in health outcomes. My research aims to test strategies to reducing smoking and improve other lifestyle behaviours, like diet and exercise, alcohol, and sun protection, in the most disadvantaged groups. To achieve this goal, I have partnered with health and non-health care services. I expect my research to reduce the gap in health behaviours and health outcomes between more and less advantaged sectors of society.Read moreRead less
Central Blood Pressure: Physiology And Clinical Application
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$459,270.00
Summary
Current methods used by doctors to measure blood pressure (BP) have many limitations that could result in incorrect diagnosis and inappropriate treatment of high BP (hypertension). This research program will determine the clinical usefulness of new methods to diagnose and treat people with high BP. The underlying mechanisms contributing to high BP will also be examined. The findings will lead to improved ways to identify and more effectively manage people with high BP.