LIFEPATH: Life-course Biological Pathways Underlying Social Differences In Healthy Ageing
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$470,466.00
Summary
Healthy ageing varies across society due to environmental, behavioural and social circumstances that affect peoples’ lives. To improve our ability to change this we will investigate suspected biological mechanisms over the life course. Using repeated blood samples collected during a large prospective study, we will measure a very large number of biological markers and analyse these combined with lifestyle and behavioural information to identify the modifiable predictors of healthy ageing.
Weight And Risk Factor Management And Assessment Of Socioeconomic Status To Assess Impact On AF Progression
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$86,117.00
Summary
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common heart rhythm disorder affecting millions of people worldwide. This disease can begin with short episodes but over time become more long-standing. Risk factors such as obesity have been linked to the burden and progression of the disease. Dedicated clinics focusing on education and management of these risk factors have been shown to reduce patients symptoms and burden of AF. We aim to evaluate these clinics results in halting the progression of AF.
Assessing The Impact Of Geographical Location And Socioeconomics On Clinical Outcomes From Breast Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$317,485.00
Summary
Inequalities in survival from and treatment for breast cancer continue to exist in Australia, particularly for women from rural and remote areas, and for disadvantaged populations. Currently, we do not know to what extent these inequalities are due to individual characteristics or to the area in which a women lives. By understanding how these factors impact on clinical outcomes, we enable us to better target health programs, policy and practice to reduce the burden of cancer.
Identifying Levels And Types Of Emotion That Maximise Effectiveness Of Anti-smoking Ads, Especially In Low SES Smokers
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$371,552.00
Summary
Seizing the rare opportunity presented by well funded anti-tobacco media campaigns in Victoria over 2011-13, this research aims to investigate the optimum strength and type of emotion evoked by anti-smoking ads by examining smokers responses to a variety of ads. To decide whether campaign messages need to be tailored for disadvantaged groups, this research focuses on whether the impact of emotion in anti-smoking ads is different in disadvantaged smokers as compared to the broader population.
Identifying And Prioritising Points For Intervention To Reduce Cardiovascular Disease Inequalities In Australia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$550,669.00
Summary
This project investigates inequalities in cardiovascular disease risk, incidence, healthcare and outcomes, focussing on socio-economic status, rurality, mental health and Aboriginality. It will work with partner organisations and use a range of data sources - including representative population data, clinical datasets, large scale linked data and qualitative data - to better understand variation in cardiovascular disease, to reduce inequalities and improve outcomes.
Mortality, Morbidity And Income Inequality In Australia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$232,175.00
Summary
Evidence has been accumulating for some time indicates that an individual's life expectancy is affected by their socioeconomic circumstances. In general, it appears that people with higher incomes tend to live longer. More recently, some evidence has suggested that life expectancy is affected not only by a person's income level but also by their relative position in the income distribution. Some studies have found that, when income is more unequally distributed, mortality rates tend to be higher ....Evidence has been accumulating for some time indicates that an individual's life expectancy is affected by their socioeconomic circumstances. In general, it appears that people with higher incomes tend to live longer. More recently, some evidence has suggested that life expectancy is affected not only by a person's income level but also by their relative position in the income distribution. Some studies have found that, when income is more unequally distributed, mortality rates tend to be higher and life expectancy lower. Several explanations for this association have been advanced. One is that the association is a statistical artifact. Another is social-psychological, arguing that a sense of relative deprivation and social exclusion increases susceptibility to a variety of conditions. A third explanation is couched in terms of social capital, a term that refers to various forms of participation in voluntary organisations which strengthen community life. A fourth argues that it is material deprivation that is the underlying cause - income inequality is found in communities characterised by lower levels of provision of social infrastructure such as schools, libraries, and health services. The main purpose of this research project is to investigate the association between morbidity, mortality, income, and income inequality in Australia. The project will attempt to find which of the several explanations just discussed are supported by Australian evidence. The results of the project will enhance our understanding of the relationship between socioeconomic status and health, and will have implications for the design of different policies aimed at ameliorating the effects of income inequality on health.Read moreRead less
A Multi-level Study Of Socioeconomic Status And Healthy Food Purchasing Behaviour
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$173,492.00
Summary
Socioeconomically disadvantaged groups have the highest rates of death and ill-health for diet-related diseases (eg. coronary heart disease, some cancers). Our understanding of the dietary practices which may contribute to these outcomes, however, is limited. This project focuses on this issue by examining the relationship between socioeconomic status and food purchasing behaviour. Studies investigating this relationship have found that disadvantaged social groups are least likely to purchase fo ....Socioeconomically disadvantaged groups have the highest rates of death and ill-health for diet-related diseases (eg. coronary heart disease, some cancers). Our understanding of the dietary practices which may contribute to these outcomes, however, is limited. This project focuses on this issue by examining the relationship between socioeconomic status and food purchasing behaviour. Studies investigating this relationship have found that disadvantaged social groups are least likely to purchase foods which are important for long-term health. The reasons for this association, however, remain unclear. Research into the general determinants of food purchasing behaviour shows that food choices are influenced by the intra-personal characteristics of individuals (eg. knowledge and beliefs), interactions between individuals sharing the same context (eg. relations between parents and children), economic and material factors (eg. income, access to a car) and features of the wider physical environment (eg. availability of healthy food and public transport). What is clear from this evidence, is that food choice is influenced by factors which operate at multiple levels. This project aims to collect data simultaneously from each level, and determine whether (and to what extent) factors operating at each level differentially influence the food purchasing behaviours of socioeconomic groups. This study (i) will contribute to our understanding of why socioeconomic groups differ in their health status, (ii) is consistent with the goals and recommendations of numerous government reports, each of which calls for a a reduction in health inequalities, (iii) represents a methodological advance on previous research, and (iv) will generate the information necessary to develop innovative and appropriately targeted health promotion and health education campaigns.Read moreRead less
A Non-inferiority Trial Of Cytisine Versus Varenicline For Smoking Cessation.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,885,813.00
Summary
Long-term quit rates via existing behavioural and pharmacological approaches to smoking cessation remain low and there is a need for further evidence-based treatments to complement standard treatment. We will conduct a large-scale trial to demonstrate the cost-effectiveness of cytisine compared to existing varenicline treatment. The findings will have direct health care system implications and cytisine, if effective, has the potential to save millions of lives globally.