Mothers' History Of Mental Health Impairment And Its Impact During Mid-Life
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$421,580.00
Summary
There have been few specific studies of the health of women in mid-life. In mid-life, mental health impairment and health problems associated with biological and social transitions (e.g. menopause) are major concerns. National estimates indicate that between 15% and 20% of women in the mid-life age range have experienced a mental illness in the past year. The proportion of women experiencing a combination of emotional and physical symptoms, frequently associated with the menopause, is likely to ....There have been few specific studies of the health of women in mid-life. In mid-life, mental health impairment and health problems associated with biological and social transitions (e.g. menopause) are major concerns. National estimates indicate that between 15% and 20% of women in the mid-life age range have experienced a mental illness in the past year. The proportion of women experiencing a combination of emotional and physical symptoms, frequently associated with the menopause, is likely to be somewhat higher. This proposal involves merging information collected initially from 1981 onwards, with data on the mother's mental and physical health, to be collected in this follow-up. Women in this study (8556) were enrolled at their first obstetrical visit and they have been followed up shortly after the birth, when the child was 6 months, 5 years and 14 years. On each occasion extensive information has been obtained on the mother's mental and physical health, as well as on the child's health and development. This study will examine the chronicity of the mother's mental health symptoms over a 21-year period, and assess the association between her early mental health, the child's health and her current health status. This is the only large Australian cohort study to have followed a sample of women for 21 years. It will permit us to understand more of how women's health changes over time and the factors associated with these changes. It will provide the first large-scale study of factors influencing women's health transition through the menopause.Read moreRead less
Leveraging mobile phone technology to influence responsible drinking behaviours. Alcohol remains a key social and health issue for Australia, particularly for young women. The project will assess the impact of a mobile phone software application tool for supporting young adult women's responsible drinking behaviour. Expected outcomes are to reduce problem drinking behaviour in Australia.
The rise of complementary self-care: A national sociological study of women's strategies for coping and living with chronic illness. Conventional approaches to chronic illness in Australia have failed to meet the complex needs of sufferers, leading to an exponential rise in interest in and use of complementary self-care, particularly amongst women. In this study, drawing on a unique national sample of women suffering from chronic illnesses will provide critical insight into women’s complementary ....The rise of complementary self-care: A national sociological study of women's strategies for coping and living with chronic illness. Conventional approaches to chronic illness in Australia have failed to meet the complex needs of sufferers, leading to an exponential rise in interest in and use of complementary self-care, particularly amongst women. In this study, drawing on a unique national sample of women suffering from chronic illnesses will provide critical insight into women’s complementary self-care practices and structures of disadvantage. This study will be the first worldwide to document previously ‘hidden’ complementary self-care practices, providing a new framework for understanding and promoting women's health and wellbeing in the context of chronic illness. Read moreRead less
InterLACE: International Collaboration For A Life Course Approach To Reproductive Health And Chronic Disease Events
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$495,965.00
Summary
Cardiovascular disease and diabetes are major chronic diseases among women. This world-leading research combines data from 7 international and 3 Australian studies of womenÍs health. We will investigate the relationship of reproductive health, from menarche to menopause, with the risk of Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease in later life. Findings will support the development of policies and preventive health strategies to reduce the risk of these chronic diseases.
Transition to adulthood: the wellbeing of young women and men in Australia. How do young Australians make the transition from adolescence to adulthood in the 21st century, and is it different for women and men? This project seeks to understand the life transitions, plans, and emotional wellbeing of young Australians, providing evidence to underlie policy that supports the wellbeing of all emerging adults.
Elucidating the increasing demand for genital cosmetic surgery among girls and women in Australia. This project will identify the psychosocial context of and public communication about the dramatic rise in female genital cosmetic surgery in Australia. Results will contribute to programs for sexuality and body image education, public health campaigns about normal genital diversity, and professional development for doctors and beauty therapists.
Centre Of Research Excellence In Women's Health In The 21st Century
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,297,161.00
Summary
The goals of the Centre of Research Excellence in Women’s Health in the 21st Century are to examine how changes in the health system impact on women’s health and how changes in women’s lives impact on their health and health care needs. This research program will focus on four priority health issues of particular relevance to women: reproductive health, mental health, cardiovascular conditions and musculoskeletal problems; and use data from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health.
Impact Of Co-morbidities On Screening, Diagnosis, Treatment And Survival Of Cervical Cancer Amongst Australian Indigenous And Non-Indigenous Women: 1997-2009
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$98,236.00
Summary
Indigenous women are more likely than non-Indigenous Australian women to be diagnosed with cervical cancer and are less likely to survive it. This study will investigate the impact of co-exisiting chronic diseases (co-morbidities) on cervical cancer screening, diagnosis, treatment and survival outcomes for Indigenous compared to non-Indigenous women. Results from this study will assist in directing future public health initiatives that aim to improve outcomes for women with cervical cancer.
A longitudinal study of patterns of contraception use and access to contraceptive information, advice and services for young Australian women. This study will inform the design of contraceptive education and service delivery, particularly to young women in rural areas, in collaboration with industry partners; Family Planning NSW and Bayer HealthCare. Improved education and access, leading to increased control of fertility, will contribute to the development of stronger families and stronger comm ....A longitudinal study of patterns of contraception use and access to contraceptive information, advice and services for young Australian women. This study will inform the design of contraceptive education and service delivery, particularly to young women in rural areas, in collaboration with industry partners; Family Planning NSW and Bayer HealthCare. Improved education and access, leading to increased control of fertility, will contribute to the development of stronger families and stronger communities, while reducing the personal, social and economic costs of unplanned pregnancies.Read moreRead less
Reducing the harms associated with conscientious objection to abortion. This project aims to critically evaluate the regulation of conscientious objection to abortion. A range of state-based laws regulate this practice in Australia, and there is evidence that all result in inequitable access, harms to women and lack clarity for providers. The project will critically evaluate the legal and regulatory options for managing conscientious objection and interview conscientious objectors to develop a c ....Reducing the harms associated with conscientious objection to abortion. This project aims to critically evaluate the regulation of conscientious objection to abortion. A range of state-based laws regulate this practice in Australia, and there is evidence that all result in inequitable access, harms to women and lack clarity for providers. The project will critically evaluate the legal and regulatory options for managing conscientious objection and interview conscientious objectors to develop a conceptual model to explain their practices. A participatory process with experts will identify the optimal model for regulation and how to translate the model to practice. Expected outcomes are world first evidence on practice, progress towards effective regulation, and benefits will be reduced conflict and harms.Read moreRead less