Mothers' History Of Mental Health Impairment And Its Impact During Mid-Life
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$421,580.00
Summary
There have been few specific studies of the health of women in mid-life. In mid-life, mental health impairment and health problems associated with biological and social transitions (e.g. menopause) are major concerns. National estimates indicate that between 15% and 20% of women in the mid-life age range have experienced a mental illness in the past year. The proportion of women experiencing a combination of emotional and physical symptoms, frequently associated with the menopause, is likely to ....There have been few specific studies of the health of women in mid-life. In mid-life, mental health impairment and health problems associated with biological and social transitions (e.g. menopause) are major concerns. National estimates indicate that between 15% and 20% of women in the mid-life age range have experienced a mental illness in the past year. The proportion of women experiencing a combination of emotional and physical symptoms, frequently associated with the menopause, is likely to be somewhat higher. This proposal involves merging information collected initially from 1981 onwards, with data on the mother's mental and physical health, to be collected in this follow-up. Women in this study (8556) were enrolled at their first obstetrical visit and they have been followed up shortly after the birth, when the child was 6 months, 5 years and 14 years. On each occasion extensive information has been obtained on the mother's mental and physical health, as well as on the child's health and development. This study will examine the chronicity of the mother's mental health symptoms over a 21-year period, and assess the association between her early mental health, the child's health and her current health status. This is the only large Australian cohort study to have followed a sample of women for 21 years. It will permit us to understand more of how women's health changes over time and the factors associated with these changes. It will provide the first large-scale study of factors influencing women's health transition through the menopause.Read moreRead less
Leveraging mobile phone technology to influence responsible drinking behaviours. Alcohol remains a key social and health issue for Australia, particularly for young women. The project will assess the impact of a mobile phone software application tool for supporting young adult women's responsible drinking behaviour. Expected outcomes are to reduce problem drinking behaviour in Australia.
The rise of complementary self-care: A national sociological study of women's strategies for coping and living with chronic illness. Conventional approaches to chronic illness in Australia have failed to meet the complex needs of sufferers, leading to an exponential rise in interest in and use of complementary self-care, particularly amongst women. In this study, drawing on a unique national sample of women suffering from chronic illnesses will provide critical insight into women’s complementary ....The rise of complementary self-care: A national sociological study of women's strategies for coping and living with chronic illness. Conventional approaches to chronic illness in Australia have failed to meet the complex needs of sufferers, leading to an exponential rise in interest in and use of complementary self-care, particularly amongst women. In this study, drawing on a unique national sample of women suffering from chronic illnesses will provide critical insight into women’s complementary self-care practices and structures of disadvantage. This study will be the first worldwide to document previously ‘hidden’ complementary self-care practices, providing a new framework for understanding and promoting women's health and wellbeing in the context of chronic illness. Read moreRead less
InterLACE: International Collaboration For A Life Course Approach To Reproductive Health And Chronic Disease Events
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$495,965.00
Summary
Cardiovascular disease and diabetes are major chronic diseases among women. This world-leading research combines data from 7 international and 3 Australian studies of womenÍs health. We will investigate the relationship of reproductive health, from menarche to menopause, with the risk of Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease in later life. Findings will support the development of policies and preventive health strategies to reduce the risk of these chronic diseases.
Transition to adulthood: the wellbeing of young women and men in Australia. How do young Australians make the transition from adolescence to adulthood in the 21st century, and is it different for women and men? This project seeks to understand the life transitions, plans, and emotional wellbeing of young Australians, providing evidence to underlie policy that supports the wellbeing of all emerging adults.
Elucidating the increasing demand for genital cosmetic surgery among girls and women in Australia. This project will identify the psychosocial context of and public communication about the dramatic rise in female genital cosmetic surgery in Australia. Results will contribute to programs for sexuality and body image education, public health campaigns about normal genital diversity, and professional development for doctors and beauty therapists.
The influence of parental alcohol expectancies on offsprings' alcohol expectancies and drinking: A longitudinal study. It has been shown that potentially modifiable alcohol related cognitions, such as alcohol expectancies (AE)and drinking refusal self-efficacy (DRSE) are formed in childhood are related to drinking in adolescents and adults. The question of how these beliefs are formed is still unanswered. This longitudinal study examines the influences of parental alcohol-related beliefs and ....The influence of parental alcohol expectancies on offsprings' alcohol expectancies and drinking: A longitudinal study. It has been shown that potentially modifiable alcohol related cognitions, such as alcohol expectancies (AE)and drinking refusal self-efficacy (DRSE) are formed in childhood are related to drinking in adolescents and adults. The question of how these beliefs are formed is still unanswered. This longitudinal study examines the influences of parental alcohol-related beliefs and drinking, on children's alcohol-related beliefs and drinking behaviour. Positive results of this study will improve primary prevention by identifying and changing modifiable variables for populations potentially at-risk of developing later alcohol-related. It will also help to reduce cost and suffering of a major problem in Ausstralia.
problems.
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Alcohol advertising to women in Australia. Young Australian women are drinking more and drinking in more harmful ways. At the same time, advertisers are using new media (such as social network sites) and messages (such as empowerment) to advertise alcohol to women. Using a combination of quantitative, qualitative and experimental methods, this project will explore how alcohol is advertised to Australian women (in both traditional and new media), and how this influences their alcohol-related atti ....Alcohol advertising to women in Australia. Young Australian women are drinking more and drinking in more harmful ways. At the same time, advertisers are using new media (such as social network sites) and messages (such as empowerment) to advertise alcohol to women. Using a combination of quantitative, qualitative and experimental methods, this project will explore how alcohol is advertised to Australian women (in both traditional and new media), and how this influences their alcohol-related attitudes and behaviours. Answering these questions is expected to enable development of recommendations for regulation of alcohol advertising messages, creation of counter-advertising/social marketing messages, and production of alcohol advertising literacy programs for secondary and tertiary students.Read moreRead less
A community-based approach to the problem of underage drinking. This project will aim to reduce the frequency and amount of alcohol consumption, and alcohol-related harms, among young people aged 12-17 years by addressing social norms regarding underage alcohol consumption. Using a multi-component intervention it will engage the Illawarra community in strategies to encourage and empower young people not to drink.
Centre Of Research Excellence In Women's Health In The 21st Century
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,297,161.00
Summary
The goals of the Centre of Research Excellence in Women’s Health in the 21st Century are to examine how changes in the health system impact on women’s health and how changes in women’s lives impact on their health and health care needs. This research program will focus on four priority health issues of particular relevance to women: reproductive health, mental health, cardiovascular conditions and musculoskeletal problems; and use data from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health.