Understanding And Preventing Hepatitis C Transmission Within Sexual Partnerships
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$383,286.00
Summary
Transmission of hepatitis C among people who inject drugs occurs primarily as a result of sharing of equipment used to inject drugs, the majority of which occurs between intimate couples. However, there is little research in this area. This study will produce sophisticated and nuanced data able to capture the complexities of equipment sharing in couples and use these insights to suggest recommendations for hepatitis C prevention strategies.
Socio-economic determinants and health inequalities over the life course: Australian and English comparisons. Our multidisciplinary investigation will yield Australia's first major body of knowledge on the socio-economic determinants of health and health inequalities over the life course. It will point the way towards policies that can promote health and reduce the health inequalities experienced by disadvantaged individuals and families. It will indicate how improving the health of ageing Aus ....Socio-economic determinants and health inequalities over the life course: Australian and English comparisons. Our multidisciplinary investigation will yield Australia's first major body of knowledge on the socio-economic determinants of health and health inequalities over the life course. It will point the way towards policies that can promote health and reduce the health inequalities experienced by disadvantaged individuals and families. It will indicate how improving the health of ageing Australian men and women can increase productivity and reduce needs for health services during the rapid population ageing that lies ahead. Comparisons with England will inform policy choices. We will train researchers who will play a future role in building Australia's evidence base to guide constructive policies to 2020 and beyond.Read moreRead less
Crystal Methamphetamine Use, Sex And Risk Practice Among Gay And Bisexual Men
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$597,476.00
Summary
The use of the drug “crystal” (also known as “ice”) during sex has become far more common among gay and bisexual men (GBM) in Australia in recent years. Diseases such as HIV and hepatitis C are easily transmitted between GBM who inject crystal during sex. This innovative study will interview GBM who combine crystal use with sex, and health promotion professionals, in order to develop effective ways of reducing harms and preventing the transmission of diseases in sexual contexts.
Living Alone in Australia Project (LAAP). This study investigates one aspect of the changing nature of Australia's social fabric. It asks whether the sharp rise in living alone reflects a breakdown in Australia's social fabric or simply marks a change in the way in which the fabric is woven. Living alone has important implications for social policy, service provision and housing. But before these implications are identified we need a much better understanding of who lives alone and what living ....Living Alone in Australia Project (LAAP). This study investigates one aspect of the changing nature of Australia's social fabric. It asks whether the sharp rise in living alone reflects a breakdown in Australia's social fabric or simply marks a change in the way in which the fabric is woven. Living alone has important implications for social policy, service provision and housing. But before these implications are identified we need a much better understanding of who lives alone and what living alone means for people in terms of their social ties. By understanding the causes and consequences of the increasing popularity of living alone the study will help identify those who are at ?risk? and thus assist with effective targeting of supports and interventions.Read moreRead less
A community-based approach to the problem of underage drinking. This project will aim to reduce the frequency and amount of alcohol consumption, and alcohol-related harms, among young people aged 12-17 years by addressing social norms regarding underage alcohol consumption. Using a multi-component intervention it will engage the Illawarra community in strategies to encourage and empower young people not to drink.
Parks for active living and social connectedness. This project aims to identify which characteristics attract visitors to parks and enhance park-based physical activity and social interactions among children, adolescents, adults and older adults. Parks are public places where people can be physically active and connect socially, but little is known about the best park design. This research will use interviews and photographs to identify the most important and appealing features of parks. These r ....Parks for active living and social connectedness. This project aims to identify which characteristics attract visitors to parks and enhance park-based physical activity and social interactions among children, adolescents, adults and older adults. Parks are public places where people can be physically active and connect socially, but little is known about the best park design. This research will use interviews and photographs to identify the most important and appealing features of parks. These results can be prioritised in the design of parks to enable and encourage use of these spaces by people of all ages, leading to improved physical and mental health and reduced health care costs.Read moreRead less
The role of the internet in building social capital amongst homosexually active men: virtual communities in HIV prevention. Social capital comprises features of social organisation such as civic participation, norms of reciprocity and trust in others that facilitate cooperation for mutual benefit, including health and wellbeing. The proposed research focuses on the role of the internet in producing the networks that engender social inclusion and community connectedness. There is scepticism about ....The role of the internet in building social capital amongst homosexually active men: virtual communities in HIV prevention. Social capital comprises features of social organisation such as civic participation, norms of reciprocity and trust in others that facilitate cooperation for mutual benefit, including health and wellbeing. The proposed research focuses on the role of the internet in producing the networks that engender social inclusion and community connectedness. There is scepticism about whether the 'virtual community' of the Internet can build social capital. The study will explore the potential benefits as well as harms to those homosexually active men who use the internet to access health information, meet sexual partners and build friendships that affirm gay identity and community inclusion.Read moreRead less
Community capacity building for healthy lifestyles (CBHL) initiative: engaging communities in childhood obesity prevention in disadvantaged areas. This project will develop and focus-test a new community engagement model for engaging disadvantaged communities in childhood obesity prevention programs. The community engagement model will overcome disadvantaged communities' non-participation in prevention programs, and inform culturally tailored childhood obesity prevention strategies.
Trust makers, breakers and brokers: building trust in the Australian food system. This research will compare and contrast the way that food trust is managed in Australia and the United Kingdom, with a particular focus on how trust is damaged and repaired. Using consensus-testing processes, best practice models will be developed to assist government, industry, media and consumer groups to build and maintain trust in the food supply.