Evaluating Neonatal And Child Health Interventions For Evidence Based Planning And Practice In Low Resourced Countries
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$410,512.00
Summary
The overall aim is to develop a neonatal and child health research programme responding to the various needs of resource poor country governments and provide an evidence base for public and clinical interventions and health programming. One neonatal study is outlined evaluating alternative phototherapy treatment for neonatal jaundice.
Impact Of An Infant Sleep Intervention On Infant Sleep And Maternal Wellbeing: A Cluster Controlled Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$205,500.00
Summary
Infant sleep problems and postnatal depression are common in the Australian community. Over a third of Australians report a problem with their infant's sleep in the second six months of life whilst 10-15% of Australian women will experience an episode of depression in the first year after their child is born. Both infant sleep problems and postnatal depression have been associated with serious outcomes including child abuse, child behaviour problems, maternal physical and emotional problems, fam ....Infant sleep problems and postnatal depression are common in the Australian community. Over a third of Australians report a problem with their infant's sleep in the second six months of life whilst 10-15% of Australian women will experience an episode of depression in the first year after their child is born. Both infant sleep problems and postnatal depression have been associated with serious outcomes including child abuse, child behaviour problems, maternal physical and emotional problems, family stress and family breakdown. This study builds on previous work conducted by researchers at the Centre for Community Child Health, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne. In this work, a brief behavioural intervention significantly decreased infant sleep problems and symptoms of maternal depression, particularly for depressed mothers. The intervention consisted of controlled crying and removal of sleep associations such as a dummy which the infant had become dependent upon to fall asleep. Mothers who received the intervention reported 20% fewer sleep problems and a 45% reduction in depression symptoms compared with mothers who did not receive the intervention. The interention also improved maternal sleep quality and quantity and reduced the need for professional sleep services. It was acceptable to mothers, of low cost and was minimally disruptive to families - in contrast to many current strategies directed primarily at postnatal depression. This trial aims to determine whther a similar intervention delivered by Victorian Maternal and Child health nurses within their usual practice settings can replicate these important benefits.Read moreRead less
Patterns, Pathways And Price Of Developing Disparities In Cardiovascular And Respiratory Health By Age 11-12 Years: The Longitudinal Study Of Australian Children
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$3,290,912.00
Summary
Cardiovascular and lower respiratory diseases are leading causes of death, show marked social gradients, and have origins in early life. We will measure cardiorespiratory health at age 11-12 years in the national Longitudinal Study of Australian Children. Combined with rich existing psychosocial and health data spanning the entire first decade, we will explore early-life mechanisms underlying emerging patterns of social disparity and their potentially-avoidable cost – evidence that is essential ....Cardiovascular and lower respiratory diseases are leading causes of death, show marked social gradients, and have origins in early life. We will measure cardiorespiratory health at age 11-12 years in the national Longitudinal Study of Australian Children. Combined with rich existing psychosocial and health data spanning the entire first decade, we will explore early-life mechanisms underlying emerging patterns of social disparity and their potentially-avoidable cost – evidence that is essential to develop new intervention strategies.Read moreRead less