Maternal Health Study (phase 2): Longitudinal 4-year Follow-up Of A Prospective Nulliparous Pregnancy Cohort
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$660,402.00
Summary
The burden of disease among women after childbirth is substantial, under-recognised by health professionals, and symptoms do not necessarily resolve within the first 12 months. Common health problems after childbirth include: chronic exhaustion, back pain, urinary and faecal incontinence, perineal pain, sexual health issues and intimate partner violence. This study will extend follow-up of over 1500 women taking part in a longitudinal study investigating the physical and psychological health of ....The burden of disease among women after childbirth is substantial, under-recognised by health professionals, and symptoms do not necessarily resolve within the first 12 months. Common health problems after childbirth include: chronic exhaustion, back pain, urinary and faecal incontinence, perineal pain, sexual health issues and intimate partner violence. This study will extend follow-up of over 1500 women taking part in a longitudinal study investigating the physical and psychological health of women during pregnancy and the first 18 months after the birth of their first child. In phase 2 of the study, women will be followed up 6 and 12 months after second and subsequent births, and 4 years after the birth of their first child. A major aim of phase 2 of the study is to assess the prevalence, incidence, onset, severity, duration, recurrence and chronicity of maternal health problems (including urinary and faecal incontinence, perineal pain, sexual health issues, depression and intimate partner violence) after second and subsequent births, and 4 years after giving birth to a first child. The study will also determine the extent to which the method of birth in the first birth influences longer-term maternal health outcomes including urinary and faecal incontinence, and investigate the implications of chronic and recurring physical health problems for women's psychological health and well-being. Information on the incidence and natural history of maternal health problems after caesarean and operative vaginal births will make a major international contribution to more informed debate among clinicians, and to informing women, about the risks and benefits of increasing caesarean births. The study findings will be used to inform clinical midwifery, obstetric and primary care practice, and assist in the design of new early intervention and primary care strategies for supporting women in the early years of parenting.Read moreRead less
Promoting Children’s Health In The Face Of Early Life Adversity: Pathways To Resilience Across The Life Course
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$419,180.00
Summary
This Fellowship will build upon my research to discover the risk and resilience pathways involved in the long-term health outcomes for Australian children experiencing stress in their early years. This research will inform the planning of better targeted policy, public health and primary health care solutions for children and families in the critical early years of children’s lives.
What Are The Clinical Predictors And Risk Factors For Impaired Child Growth And Development? Following Up The Ha Nam Cohort From Birth To 3 Years
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,189,570.00
Summary
Stunting affects about one third of children under five in developing countries and is a measure of chronic undernutrition. This project will identify pre and postnatal risk factors for impaired child growth and development by monitoring a cohort of infants in Vietnam to three years of age, and developing a predictive algorithm for early detection of those at risk of stunting. Effective preventative measures would improve child health, and prevent a huge burden of disease.
Leveraging Women’s Health Data Resources To Reduce Chronic Disease Risk And Extend Healthspan
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$763,845.00
Summary
Chronic diseases, such as osteoporosis and asthma, pose serious risks for Australian women. Reproductive health is central to women’s use of health services across life and is linked with the risk of chronic diseases. This research will build on two decades of linked data in Australia’s leading study of women’s health. It aims to guide development of women’s use of reproductive and maternal health services as an opportunity to prevent chronic diseases and improve long-term health.
Reducing The Global Burden Of Disease In Maternal And Child Health Through Public Health Intervention Research.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$428,065.00
Summary
The overall aim of this work is to develop and assess public health interventions that will improve the outcomes of women and children by addressing some of the leading contributors to the global burden of morbidity and mortality. The emphasis is on population prevention and interventions that broadly target behaviour, lifestyle and clinical care.
The Impact Of Infections, Anaemia, And Micronutrient Deficiencies On Infant Birth Weight And Growth
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$83,613.00
Summary
This research aims to determine the impact of infectious diseases, anemia and nutritional deficiencies on low birth weight and infant growth in rural Papua New Guinea. The health of pregnant women and their babies will be assessed during pregnancy and up to 12 months post birth. We will determine which health indicators cause low birth weight and poor infant growth to enable development of interventions to improve health and pregnancy outcomes.
Turning Points: Breaking Intergenerational Cycles Of Intimate Partner Abuse And Social Adversity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,328,354.00
Summary
Intimate partner abuse (IPA) is estimated to affect one in four women at some stage in their lives, and to impact on the lives of at least one million Australian children annually. This study will investigate the extent to which exposure to intimate partner abuse during pregnancy and in the first 12 months postpartum predicts child outcomes in middle childhood. The study will provide foundations for better targeting and tailoring of early intervention strategies to support children at risk of ad ....Intimate partner abuse (IPA) is estimated to affect one in four women at some stage in their lives, and to impact on the lives of at least one million Australian children annually. This study will investigate the extent to which exposure to intimate partner abuse during pregnancy and in the first 12 months postpartum predicts child outcomes in middle childhood. The study will provide foundations for better targeting and tailoring of early intervention strategies to support children at risk of adverse outcomes.Read moreRead less
A Record Linkage Study Of The Relationship Between Intra-uterine Growth, Birth Weight And Childhood Acute Leukaemia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$126,000.00
Summary
Little is known about the causes of childhood leukaemia and cancer, and this has been the subject of intense study over many years. Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL) and Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) are the most common types of childhood cancers. The early age of onset of diagnosis of cancer-leukaemia in childhood has focused attention on factors related to pregnancy. Many studies have investigated the relationship between birth weight and risk of leukaemia. Some studies have reported finding ....Little is known about the causes of childhood leukaemia and cancer, and this has been the subject of intense study over many years. Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL) and Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) are the most common types of childhood cancers. The early age of onset of diagnosis of cancer-leukaemia in childhood has focused attention on factors related to pregnancy. Many studies have investigated the relationship between birth weight and risk of leukaemia. Some studies have reported finding an increasing risk of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia with increasing birth weight, but not all studies have reported this relationship. The relationship between birth weight and Acute Myeloid Leukaemia has been even less well described. Many previous studies have not taken account of important factors when analysing the results. This study will use an existing pool of routinely recorded health information, thus ensuring accurate information on birth weight and factors such as maternal height and age and the length of the pregnancy. We will also have complete and accurate information on childhood cancer in Western Australia. Our results will contribute to knowledge about the causes of childhood leukaemia and the biological pathways involved in its development. If growth-related factors do prove to be integrally involved in the aetiology of childhood leukaemia, then the rapidly increasing prevalence of juvenile diabetes, overweight and obesity in Australia and other developed countries could have even more serious implications for the health of our children. It is important that we investigate this question as soon as possible.Read moreRead less