VITATOPS - A Randomised Controlled Trial Of Vitamins To Prevent Stroke
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$391,364.00
Summary
A high level of a normal protein component in the blood (homocysteine) is fast becoming recognised as a new risk factor for premature stroke and heart disease, although it remains uncertain whether treatment with vitamins can prevent these diseases from occurring. VITATOPS is a multi-centre, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial designed to examine the efficacy and safety of multi-vitamin therapy (folate, B6 and B12) in the prevention of stroke and other types of vascular disease. The VITATOPS ....A high level of a normal protein component in the blood (homocysteine) is fast becoming recognised as a new risk factor for premature stroke and heart disease, although it remains uncertain whether treatment with vitamins can prevent these diseases from occurring. VITATOPS is a multi-centre, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial designed to examine the efficacy and safety of multi-vitamin therapy (folate, B6 and B12) in the prevention of stroke and other types of vascular disease. The VITATOPS study arises from a large body of consistent, biologically plausible evidence linking homocysteine in a dose-dependent fashion to stroke and other types of vascular disease. A simple, non-toxic, and inexpensive intervention in the form of multivitamins (folate, B6 and B12) has been shown to be highly effective at reducing homocysteine levels, irrespective of the underlying cause. All patients who are referred to a neurologist or general physician in one of the collaborating centres within six months of a stroke or transient ischaemic attack are eligible for the trial. In total, treatment will continue for a period of between 1 and 5 years. During this time, patients will be closely monitored in order to record the occurrence of any vascular events (particularly strokes and heart attacks). Neither the study investigator nor the patient will know which treatment they are receiving (i.e. it is 'double blind'). The number of vascular events in the treatment groups will be compared at the end of the study in order to determine whether vitamin treatment is beneficial. This application is for five years of support to allow the investigators to move from the pilot phase of VITATOPS in Perth to begin recruitment to the definitive trial in other centres across Australia and New Zealand. This study may have a major impact on patient management. If vitamins prove to be effective, we may recommend vitamin supplementation to all of our stroke patients in the future.Read moreRead less
Chronic Disease Prevention In Priority Populations Via Scalable Health Behaviour Interventions
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$431,000.00
Summary
Globally the burden of chronic disease is enormous. Smoking, risky alcohol use, inadequate fruit and vegetable intake and physical inactivity are modifiable risk factors of chronic conditions. This fellowship aims to prevent chronic diseases in priority populations who have poorer health outcomes including disadvantaged groups, those living in regional and remote areas and people born overseas by implementing and evaluating scalable health behaviour interventions to improve health outcomes.
Towards Global Control Of Scabies: Advances In Diagnosis, Treatment And Community Control
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$340,891.00
Summary
The scabies mite causes severe itch and rash and leads to infections, kidney and heart disease. Scabies affects up to 50% of children in Indigenous communities. We now know most scabies can be prevented, so we urgently need to find the most effective strategies. My research will develop new tests to help doctors to accurately diagnose scabies. I will test new medicines to treat scabies and strategies to prevent scabies and its complications in children, families and entire populations.
Preventing Postnatal Depression In New Mothers Using Telephone Peer Support: A Randomised Controlled Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$850,069.00
Summary
Depression in recent mothers are very common; more than 53,000 new mothers in Australia are affected by this each year. The condition can lead to serious adverse consequences for a mother’s health and the health of her infant and family. Effective strategies to prevent and reduce maternal depression are therefore needed. We will test whether support by telephone from other mothers (peer volunteers) helps in women at increased risk at 4 weeks postpartum.
Treatment Of Asymptomatic Candidiasis In Pregnant Women For The Prevention Of Preterm Birth: A Randomised Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,714,148.00
Summary
Prevention of early birth is a global priority. This study will establish if a simple process of screening and treating asymptomatic thrush in pregnancy prevents early birth. If positive the results of this study will change pregnancy management across the world to ensure a healthier start to life.
Evaluating The Efficacy Of An Integrated Smoking Cessation Intervention For Mental Health Patients: A Randomised Controlled Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,442,270.00
Summary
Smoking rates are 2 to 4 times higher among people with a mental illness than among the general population. There is an imperative to identify effective cessation interventions that can be systematically provided to smokers with a mental illness. The aim of this project is to undertake a rigorous test of the efficacy of a smoking cessation intervention for smokers with mental illness; where intervention commences in the hospital inpatient setting and extended support continues post-discharge.
The Effectiveness Of Social Dancing As A Strategy To Prevent Falls In Older People: A Cluster Randomised Controlled Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$594,024.00
Summary
Exercise is an effective intervention to prevent falls by the elderly, particularly programs that included balance enhancement. Dance is a series of multi- directional coordinated rhythmic movements with additional mental and social components. This study will determine if participating in 12 months of social dancing is an effective option to prevent falls among the elderly, and whether dancing can improve the motor-cognitive risk factors for falling.
Optimising The Management Of Patients With Atrial Fibrillation - The Standard Vs Atrial Fibrillation SpEcific ManagemenT StudY (SAFETY)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$65,040.00
Summary
To optimise the management of patients with AF, we will conduct an intervention clinical trial, the goal of which is to develop and implement a care program that aims to improve the health of patients with AF. This will be done by comparing the usual care that patients would normally receive in hospital and in the community with a specialised and individualised health care program - the Standard vs Atrial Fibrillation spEcific managemenT studY (SAFETY).
Improving Vision To Prevent Falls: A Randomized Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$403,892.00
Summary
More than 30% of older Australians fall over at least once a year. Poor eyesight, another very common problem among older Australians, increases the risk of falling. In fact, recent evidence from the Blue Mountains Eye Study suggests that poor vision is one of the strongest risk factors for falls and fractures yet identied. Our project is designed to assess whether improving vision will decrease the chance of falls and fractures. We will recruit 1200 people aged 75 years and over from among thos ....More than 30% of older Australians fall over at least once a year. Poor eyesight, another very common problem among older Australians, increases the risk of falling. In fact, recent evidence from the Blue Mountains Eye Study suggests that poor vision is one of the strongest risk factors for falls and fractures yet identied. Our project is designed to assess whether improving vision will decrease the chance of falls and fractures. We will recruit 1200 people aged 75 years and over from among those attending community-based aged care services in the inner western suburbs of Sydney. If they consent to participate, people will be randomly allocated to either an intervention or control group. Those in the intervention group will receive a simple, yet comprehensive, series of vision and eye tests. These tests will be done by an optometrist, either in subjects' homes or at the study centre. Our previous research suggests that nearly 50% of subjects will benefit from having new glasses and 10% might require cataract surgery. If necessary, treatment will be paid for from study funds. Some vision problems cannot be fixed. In these cases, an occupational therapist will arrange appropriate home modifications to improve vision-related function. Subjects will be followed-up for 12 months to assess the frequency of falls in the intervention and control groups. We hope to find a 33% reduction in falls in the intervention group. We will follow subjects for a further year to identify fractures.Read moreRead less
Treatment Of Asymptomatic Candidiasis In Pregnant Women For The Prevention Of Preterm Birth: A Randomised Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,120,373.00
Summary
Being born too early is a leading cause of perinatal death and morbidity. This trial seeks to determine whether screening for and treating candidiasis in pregnancy reduces the risk of this serious health problem. The trial will discover whether a simple treatment in pregnancy can reduce preterm birth. If positive, the results will be relevant to the management of every pregnancy.