National Survey Of Indigenous Eye Health To Plan Provision Of Eye-care
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$24,564.00
Summary
A survey will be conducted in urban, rural and remote areas of Australia to determine the prevalence and causes of vision impairment in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The sampling from all states will enable planning for eye care across Australia and use the findings to recommend an effective system of eye care. As many causes of vision loss are preventable or avoidable, the results will be used to plan interventions to reduce the numbers of people with vision loss or blindness.
Management Of Coronary Heart Disease In The Indigenous Population In Western Australia: From Information To Action
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,110,455.00
Summary
This study will provide up to date and definitive data on the burden of acute coronary heart disease among Indigenous and non-Indigenous people in WA and patterns of care. It will document the use of lifesaving coronary interventions, participation in cardiac rehabilitation programs and use of appropriate medicines. Indigenous people will have opportunities to describe any barriers they face to access to receiving standard treatment for a heart attack and secondary prevention afterwards.
Otitis Media In Indigenous And Non-Indigenous Children: Microbiological And Immunological Risk Factors
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$534,400.00
Summary
Otitis media (middle ear infections) is a major health problem in children. Many children suffer repeated attacks requiring frequent courses of antibiotics, some need surgery and some suffer serious consequences, particularly hearing loss. This can affect performance at school, hence employment and social circumstances in adulthood. Indigenous children suffer much higher rates of disease with more complications than non-Indigenous children. Many factors predispose to the heavy burden of disease. ....Otitis media (middle ear infections) is a major health problem in children. Many children suffer repeated attacks requiring frequent courses of antibiotics, some need surgery and some suffer serious consequences, particularly hearing loss. This can affect performance at school, hence employment and social circumstances in adulthood. Indigenous children suffer much higher rates of disease with more complications than non-Indigenous children. Many factors predispose to the heavy burden of disease. In the Kalgoorlie-Boulder area we are following Indigenous and non-Indigenous children from birth to 24 months to look at a broad range of factors in order to proceed as soon as possible to appropriate intervention programs. Samples from the back of the nose are collected to find out the relationship between carriage of a range of bacteria or viruses and risk of getting otitis media. Information on antibiotic resistance of the bacteria we isolate will assist in ensuring appropriate treatment of otitis media. We also collect a sample of breast milk from mothers and several samples of saliva to find out about the immune system of babies and how this relates to disease to assist in an ongoing program of vaccine development for prevention of otitis media. We will find out how environmental factors such as crowding or passive smoking relate to carriage of bacteria and whether a combination of different factors increase risk of disease. A new vaccine called pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, recently licensed in Australia, is highly effective in preventing severe diseases such as pneumonia and meningitis and affords some protection against ear infections. It is likely to be offered first to Indigenous children because they suffer very high rates of pneumococcal disease. The vaccine may alter the types of bacteria in the nose. This needs to be monitored carefully which will be possible during this study.Read moreRead less
Risk Indicators For Periodontal Disease In An Urban Aboriginal And Torres Strait Islander Population
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$339,191.00
Summary
There is some evidence that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults have more severe gum disease than non-Indigenous Australians. Gum diseases are important chronic diseases as they can cause tooth loss. They are also related to general health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. The ability to resist infection may be important in why people get gum disease. This study seeks to discover the factors which damage and which improve gum health in Aboriginal people.
Unequal futures: A critical investigation of regional and sociocultural variations in teenage pregnancy. The overarching aim of this project is to investigate geographical and sociocultural variations in teenage pregnancy in Australia, encompassing the over-representation of young Indigenous teenage mothers. It considers the implications of these differences for government policy.
The project aims to:
- define the parameters of teenage pregnancy
- map the complex social context in whic ....Unequal futures: A critical investigation of regional and sociocultural variations in teenage pregnancy. The overarching aim of this project is to investigate geographical and sociocultural variations in teenage pregnancy in Australia, encompassing the over-representation of young Indigenous teenage mothers. It considers the implications of these differences for government policy.
The project aims to:
- define the parameters of teenage pregnancy
- map the complex social context in which to understand teenage pregnancy
- identify the information, support, and services most likely to ensure that young women have options for pregnancy and motherhood which maximise their health and wellbeing
- identify factors which account for unintentional teenage pregnancy and strategies for prevention or amelioration.
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A mortality profile of Victoria's Aboriginal (and non-Aboriginal) children 1998-2008 using an innovative method and research process. The development of a population mortality profile of Victoria's children that includes accurate Indigenous identification will provide robust information to assess the effectiveness of programs interventions and policies aimed at reducing preventable deaths in children. This research will contribute to state, national and international imperative to improve the co ....A mortality profile of Victoria's Aboriginal (and non-Aboriginal) children 1998-2008 using an innovative method and research process. The development of a population mortality profile of Victoria's children that includes accurate Indigenous identification will provide robust information to assess the effectiveness of programs interventions and policies aimed at reducing preventable deaths in children. This research will contribute to state, national and international imperative to improve the collection of Aboriginal death information in order to allow meaningful comparisons between Australian jurisdictions and Aboriginal people globally. The consistent imput of the Aboriginal community and relevant experts in all phases of the project will enable and strengthen links with those who can influence government and policy makers to effect change.Read moreRead less
The prevalence and impact of intellectual disability among Indigenous Australians in Western Australia. There is limited information on the extent and impact of intellectual disability among Indigenous Australians. The proposed project will develop a credible baseline picture of intellectual disability among Indigenous Australians in Western Australia by investigating the true prevalence, clinical and sociodemographic correlates, and morbidity and mortality patterns. It builds on a successful co ....The prevalence and impact of intellectual disability among Indigenous Australians in Western Australia. There is limited information on the extent and impact of intellectual disability among Indigenous Australians. The proposed project will develop a credible baseline picture of intellectual disability among Indigenous Australians in Western Australia by investigating the true prevalence, clinical and sociodemographic correlates, and morbidity and mortality patterns. It builds on a successful collaborative relationship between Disability Services Commission of WA and academia; and is unique in integrating information from multiple data sources. The findings will have direct health and social benefits by providing information on which to base appropriate health strategies and care networks to service particular needs.Read moreRead less
Discovery Indigenous Researchers Development - Grant ID: DI0775808
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$165,240.00
Summary
Preventative health interventions for Indigenous children less than six years of age. It is well established that poor early childhood health has affects into adult life, for example, the relationship between child growth and development and likelihood of developing adult chronic disease. Some information is available about Victorian Indigenous children's health status; however little is known about effectiveness of preventative health interventions. This research proposes to work with Aborigina ....Preventative health interventions for Indigenous children less than six years of age. It is well established that poor early childhood health has affects into adult life, for example, the relationship between child growth and development and likelihood of developing adult chronic disease. Some information is available about Victorian Indigenous children's health status; however little is known about effectiveness of preventative health interventions. This research proposes to work with Aboriginal community controlled services to develop preventative interventions and measure consequent changes to child health outcomes. This will be achieved through building an initial evidence base from available data and service audits. This information will be used to develop interventions and identify measurable variables.Read moreRead less
Discovery Indigenous Researchers Development - Grant ID: DI0989086
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$185,000.00
Summary
Evaluation of an Instrument to Assess the Needs of Indigenous Patients with Cancer. There is an urgent need to address the differentials in health outcomes for Indigenous populations through a variety of programs addressing access to cancer care. An important part of any health program is measurement of health outcomes. This proposed research will develop and evaluate culturally sensitive needs assessment tools to ensure that the future of service provision is targeted to meet the priority needs ....Evaluation of an Instrument to Assess the Needs of Indigenous Patients with Cancer. There is an urgent need to address the differentials in health outcomes for Indigenous populations through a variety of programs addressing access to cancer care. An important part of any health program is measurement of health outcomes. This proposed research will develop and evaluate culturally sensitive needs assessment tools to ensure that the future of service provision is targeted to meet the priority needs of Indigenous cancer patients. Armed with an appropriate understanding of Indigenous peoples needs and how to assess these, care provision will be able to improve and maintain good health and also ensure that resource allocation is provided with considered economic, social and community benefits. Read moreRead less