The Impact Of Musculoskeletal Disorders On An Australian Population
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$321,275.00
Summary
A significant proportion of the Australian population experiences pain and disability as a result of musculoskeletal disorders. This research examines a wide range factors related to these conditions and focuses on the knowledge of musculoskeletal disorders and the impact of musculoskeletal conditions on the population. The answers obtained from this research have the potential to positively and significantly impact on the lives of those with musculoskeletal conditions.
The consequences of osteoarthritis in Australia: Work productivity loss and health service utilisation. This project will determine the burden of osteoarthritis in Australia. Although osteoarthritis is one of the most common and costly conditions affecting the developed world, little is known about the number of Australians living with hip or knee osteoarthritis, the population need for health services or the impact of the condition on the workforce. Directly addressing Australia's National Ac ....The consequences of osteoarthritis in Australia: Work productivity loss and health service utilisation. This project will determine the burden of osteoarthritis in Australia. Although osteoarthritis is one of the most common and costly conditions affecting the developed world, little is known about the number of Australians living with hip or knee osteoarthritis, the population need for health services or the impact of the condition on the workforce. Directly addressing Australia's National Action Plan for Arthritis, this research will be used by health policy makers in planning future resources to appropriately meet the needs of people with osteoarthritis. This work is of national importance because osteoarthritis is the single largest cause of workplace disability and a major contributor to lost productivity. Read moreRead less
The Role Of Vitamin D In Determining Risk Of Developing Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$586,485.00
Summary
Juvenile Idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is an autoimmune disease that occurs in up to 1/250 Australian children. Growing evidence suggests that low vitamin D increases risk of autoimmune disease, yet no-one has looked at its effect on JIA. We will compare vitamin D in blood, and also exposure to sun through life, between children with and without JIA. We will also look to see if vitamin D interacts with autoimmune disease risk genes. The outcomes of this study will help to inform policy on the impor ....Juvenile Idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is an autoimmune disease that occurs in up to 1/250 Australian children. Growing evidence suggests that low vitamin D increases risk of autoimmune disease, yet no-one has looked at its effect on JIA. We will compare vitamin D in blood, and also exposure to sun through life, between children with and without JIA. We will also look to see if vitamin D interacts with autoimmune disease risk genes. The outcomes of this study will help to inform policy on the importance of sun exposure to health.Read moreRead less
Novel Genetic And Environmental Modifiers Of The Risk Of Iron Overload-related Disease In HFE-associated Hereditary Haemochromatosis In Cohort Of Middle-aged Australians
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$451,716.00
Summary
People who carry mutations in the HFE gene are pre-disposed to body iron overload but not all of them developed subsequent disease. According to the investigators of the “HealthIron” study in Melbourne, only 28% of men and 1% of women with faulty HFE genes go on to develop disease. This study has recruited more than 1,000 people from the community, and will determine which environmental and genetic risk factors stop people with iron overload from getting symptoms of disease.
Chronic pain and functional impairment following traumatic injury: an investigation into the impact of compensation status and experience. This project will enhance understanding of the impact of the psychosocial factors and the compensation process on recovery from traumatic injury. The project will generate new resources (screening and referral guidelines; educational materials) to improve decision making consistency, client experience, and recovery from road trauma.
Solving the puzzle of complex disease - genes and their interactions with the environment. Many human diseases are caused by the interplay of genetic predisposition (nature) and the environment (nurture); but their causes remain a mystery, since much past research has focused on these aspects in isolation. This project will aim to better understand these complex diseases using a multi-factorial approach that brings both nature and nurture together.