Preventing Postnatal Depression In New Mothers Using Telephone Peer Support: A Randomised Controlled Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$850,069.00
Summary
Depression in recent mothers are very common; more than 53,000 new mothers in Australia are affected by this each year. The condition can lead to serious adverse consequences for a mother’s health and the health of her infant and family. Effective strategies to prevent and reduce maternal depression are therefore needed. We will test whether support by telephone from other mothers (peer volunteers) helps in women at increased risk at 4 weeks postpartum.
Targeting Depression For The Primary Prevention Of Cardiovascular Disease (CVD): The Role Of Diet In Risk Reduction
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$311,860.00
Summary
Traditionally, efforts to prevent people from developing cardiovascular diseases (CVD) like heart disease have focused on reducing smoking and alcohol intake and improving physical activity and diet. There is now evidence that having depression might also lead to CVD and that unhealthy eating might contribute to this relationship. This research will determine whether targeting people with depression and improving their mood through healthy eating ultimately reduces their CVD risk.
Impact Of Sleep In Pregnancy On Maternal And Child Weight-related Outcomes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$318,768.00
Summary
The project aims to reduce obesity in future generations by understanding the link between sleep in pregnancy and weight-related health outcomes (diet, weight gain, body composition, glucose tolerance). Results will enable the development of sleep guidelines for pregnancy and an intervention to optimise health. This will inform pregnant women, health professionals and future obesity prevention policies on the effects of poor sleep on diet, metabolism and adiposity during pregnancy and beyond.
Development And Evaluation Of Health And Residential Care Service Delivery Models For Older Adults And People With Chronic Disease.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$466,492.00
Summary
This fellowship will focus on developing and evaluating new models of health and residential care service provision to meet the impending demands of our ageing population. This research will encompass multi-state health services research in residential aged care, comparison of models of service provision in the hospital setting, and exploration of the intersection of physical and mental health amongst older adults.
Improving Pregnancy Care For Populations At Risk In Australia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$314,644.00
Summary
Pregnancy provides an opportunity to improve short and long-term health of both women and babies. Provision of high-quality, appropriate pregnancy care is a vital step in reducing health disparities in Australia. I will conduct public health research that improves pregnancy care for three populations of women at risk of poor health before and during pregnancy: women of refugee background, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and women with polycystic ovary syndrome.
Treatment Of Asymptomatic Candidiasis In Pregnant Women For The Prevention Of Preterm Birth: A Randomised Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,714,148.00
Summary
Prevention of early birth is a global priority. This study will establish if a simple process of screening and treating asymptomatic thrush in pregnancy prevents early birth. If positive the results of this study will change pregnancy management across the world to ensure a healthier start to life.
Prevention Of Pertussis From Birth Through Maternal Immunisation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$197,657.00
Summary
Whooping cough or pertussis is a significant cause of death in infants worldwide. Newborns remain at risk until they have received 1 to 2 doses of pertussis vaccine (around 4 months of age). My project involves investigating whether giving pertussis vaccine in the third trimester of pregnancy provides passive protection (via transplacental transfer of antibody) to the infant in sufficient levels for protection against whooping cough in early infancy.
Improving The Quality Of Maternity Care For Women With Female Genital Mutilation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$181,065.00
Summary
Although we know how to manage the complications and care for pregnant women affected by Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) health outcomes for these women remain poorer than other women in Australia. Women with FGM are dissatisfied with their maternity care and health professionals lack skills. This project aims to improve maternity care for FGM affected women by implementing women centred guidelines to assist communication between women and health professionals and ensure shared decision making.
Bridging The Gap For Women With Gestational Diabetes: Supporting Prevention Of Type 2 Diabetes Through Improved Care Of A High Risk Group.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$174,107.00
Summary
The strongest risk factor for women developing diabetes is having diabetes in pregnancy or Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM). Roughly half of women with GDM develop diabetes so regular GDM screening is critical alongside healthy lifestyle support, which can prevent diabetes developing. General Practice (GP) is where these activities should occur but the extent of GP delivery varies. This project will support GP delivery of these activities to improve the health of these high-risk women.