Using Mathematical Models To Assess The Impact Of Interventions To Reduce Sexually Transmitted Infections In Australia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$562,276.00
Summary
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are an increasing public health problem in Australia. Australia's recent National Transmissible Infections Strategy identified chlamydia control, STI prevention in gay men and STIs in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities as priority areas. We propose to develop mathematical models of STI transmission and use these to help understand and identify the most cost-effective interventions to reduce the impact of STIs on Australian populations.
INVESTIGATING MORTALITY AMONG EX-PRISONERS IN QUEENSLAND: A DATA LINKAGE STUDY
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$716,801.00
Summary
NOTE: At the time of submitting the NOI for this project we had not yet received feedback from a submission to a parallel NHMRC funding round concerned with social disadvantage. We have since received very positive reviews for the trial foreshadowed in our NOI, and consistent with the recommendations of one reviewer, we have modified our application to complement the proposed trial by conducting a record linkage study. The content area and ethical issues associated with the proposed project rema ....NOTE: At the time of submitting the NOI for this project we had not yet received feedback from a submission to a parallel NHMRC funding round concerned with social disadvantage. We have since received very positive reviews for the trial foreshadowed in our NOI, and consistent with the recommendations of one reviewer, we have modified our application to complement the proposed trial by conducting a record linkage study. The content area and ethical issues associated with the proposed project remain largely unchanged. Studies in Australia and elsewhere have identified a heightened risk of death among ex-prisoners, with drug overdose, suicide and 'accidents' three major causes. Many deaths occur soon after release. Although the high incidence of 'overdose' among ex-prisoners is often attributed to reduced tolerance,most fatal drug overdoses are due to the combined effects of multiple drugs. A detailed understanding of deaths among ex-prisoners is a prerequisite for evidence-based preventive strategies. The proposed study will: (a) Link the identities of prisoners released from custody in QLD between 1994 and 2006, with the National Death Index (NDI). The linked database will permit exploration of the incidence, timing, causes and risk factors for death among ex-prisoners. (b) Compare correctional records of deceased ex-prisoners and a random sample of ex-prisoners known to be alive, focussing on suspected risk factors including criminal history, behaviour in custody, health status, psychosocial adjustment, socio-economic status, and history and treatment for drug use. This will allow more detailed analysis of risk factors for death post-release. (c) Conduct in-depth analysis of causes of death among ex-prisoners, using the National Coroners Information System (NCIS). Information regarding cause and context of death will be coded by a research assistant and analysed to identify group differences (e.g., between ATSI and non-ATSI ex-prisoners).Read moreRead less
A Longitudinal Multilevel Study Of Change In Physical Activity In Mid-age And Factors Associated With Change
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$742,678.00
Summary
This project will examine patterns of change in physical activity for men and women aged 40-64 years between 2007-2011; determines the relative contribution of sociodemographic, psychological, social, environmental factors to any observed changes. Knowledge produced by this study will be crucial for the development of strategies to increase physical activity in mid-aged adults, and to prevent high levels of inactivity-related chronic health problems among this group as they move into old age.
A Population-based Longitudinal Study Of Cancer Survivors' Psychosocial And Physical Well Being
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$454,600.00
Summary
Cancer control is a National Health Priority Area. About 345,000 new cases of cancer are diagnosed in Australia each year. It is the second highest cause of death accounting for 27% of all deaths in Australia each year. Improvements in diagnosis and treatment have resulted in a growing number of people living with a history of cancer and for longer periods. Many cancer survivors report experiencing negative effects of cancer such as fatigue, anxiety, depression, and disrupted family and social r ....Cancer control is a National Health Priority Area. About 345,000 new cases of cancer are diagnosed in Australia each year. It is the second highest cause of death accounting for 27% of all deaths in Australia each year. Improvements in diagnosis and treatment have resulted in a growing number of people living with a history of cancer and for longer periods. Many cancer survivors report experiencing negative effects of cancer such as fatigue, anxiety, depression, and disrupted family and social relationships well after treatment has finished. Despite the large burden of this disease, little is known about the later effects that cancer and its treatment has on cancer survivors, their ongoing concerns, how the issues they face change over time and the type of support they need. This will be the first population-based longitudinal survey of the physical and psychosocial effects that cancer has on adult cancer survivors to be undertaken in Australia. It will follow cancer survivors for the first five years from diagnosis to provide data on important outcomes including anxiety, depression, quality of life and unmet needs. It will also provide the first population-based data on the predictors of these outcomes, including social support, coping style and patient demographic, treatment and disease characteristics. Given the large-scale cancer survivorship initiatives underway internationally, it is timely for high quality and comprehensive Australian data to be obtained. These data will provide new information on how the physical, social and emotional impact of cancer changes with time since diagnosis and a better understanding of the support desired by cancer survivors at various stages of recovery or disease progression. This information will help guide the development of policies and services that are tailored to the needs of Australian cancer survivors.Read moreRead less
Design And Analysis Of Interrupted Time Series Studies In Health Care Research: Resolution Of Methodological Issues
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$307,125.00
Summary
An interrupted time series (ITS) study involves a population observed on multiple occasions before and after the implementation of an intervention program. However, methods for statistical analysis and designing such studies have not been well developed and many statistical analyses of such studies are flawed. This proposal will investigate appropriate methods for design and analysis, and develop guidelines and software for its implementation by health researchers.
Population Based Estimates Of MBS, PBS And Hospital Utilisation Rates Using Prevalent Chronic Disease Denominators
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$246,000.00
Summary
This project will use hospital morbidity and mortality data from the WA Data Linkage System, linked to the Medicare Benefits Scheme and Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme databases to produce measures of disease occurrence and health service utilisation within the Western Australian population according to indices of social and geographical disadvantage. The first objective will involve establishing teams of clinicians and researchers who will work together to develop and validate lists of MBS and P ....This project will use hospital morbidity and mortality data from the WA Data Linkage System, linked to the Medicare Benefits Scheme and Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme databases to produce measures of disease occurrence and health service utilisation within the Western Australian population according to indices of social and geographical disadvantage. The first objective will involve establishing teams of clinicians and researchers who will work together to develop and validate lists of MBS and PBS item numbers that are indicative of specified chronic diseases. This information will then be used to identify patients with these conditions from the MBS and PBS databases during the period 1990-2003 and this method of case ascertainment will be compared with the use of the Hospital morbidity data system alone. Once groups of patients have been identified, their utilisation rates of MBS, PBS and hospital services will be calculated. The effect of social and geographical indices on the occurrence of disease and the utilisation of services will also be studied. Trends over time in health status and health service utilisation are vital to the evidence-based planning and evaluation of health services and to the provision of an equitable and accessible health service which is based on the needs of the community. The work will represent the first time that the utilisation of Australian MBS and PBS itemised services is measured in diagnostically defined groups of patients with chronic diseases.Read moreRead less
Risk Indicators For Periodontal Disease In An Urban Aboriginal And Torres Strait Islander Population
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$339,191.00
Summary
There is some evidence that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults have more severe gum disease than non-Indigenous Australians. Gum diseases are important chronic diseases as they can cause tooth loss. They are also related to general health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. The ability to resist infection may be important in why people get gum disease. This study seeks to discover the factors which damage and which improve gum health in Aboriginal people.
The National Survey of Adult Oral Health will interview and dentally examine 7,500 people aged 15 or more across all States and Territories of Australia. It will provide a national snap-shot of the nation's oral health, including levels of tooth loss, dental decay and gum disease. The survey, to be conducted in 2004-04, will be directed by researchers at the Australian Research Center for Population Oral Health at The University of Adelaide. It will be conducted in collaboration with the Commonw ....The National Survey of Adult Oral Health will interview and dentally examine 7,500 people aged 15 or more across all States and Territories of Australia. It will provide a national snap-shot of the nation's oral health, including levels of tooth loss, dental decay and gum disease. The survey, to be conducted in 2004-04, will be directed by researchers at the Australian Research Center for Population Oral Health at The University of Adelaide. It will be conducted in collaboration with the Commonwealth and State-Territory health departments. Occurring 17 years after the first National Oral Health Survey of Australia, this new survey will monitor changes in oral health among all Australians. The survey will identify groups at particular disadvantage in terms of oral diseases, and it will search for lifestyle and community-level hazards that increase the risk of oral disorders. The study will have a compare patterns of dental health among people born before and after the fluoride generation of adults born in the 1960s when most of Australia's capital city water supplies became fluoridated. The study has been designed to automatically capture national statistics on general health among the 7,500 study participants over the next decade. The researchers will use that information to study links that have been observed in other countries between gum disease and heart disease. Results from the survey will provide the basis for monitoring progress towards national health targets and provide information to help direct dental health services into the 21st century.Read moreRead less