An Investigation Of Dietary Patterns And Transitions In Disadvantaged Australian Preschool Children: A Birth Cohort Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$86,117.00
Summary
The current proposal explores the time of introduction of sugary foods/drinks, their longitudinal trajectory pattern, and their relationship to dental decay and overweight and/or obesity in disadvantaged Australian preschool children (from birth to age 3 years). It uses advanced research methods such as systematic reviews, longitudinal trajectory statistical analysis and structural equation modelling analysis.
Although medical tests and procedures can save lives, sometimes too much medical intervention can be harmful. In low back pain, for example, high numbers of X-ray, CT and MRI scans are provided unnecessarily. There is good evidence that imaging scans for low back pain can cause more harm than good. At the same time, people can miss out on treatments that we know to be effective. This fellowship will enable me to discover ways to ensure people receive the right care for low back pain.
Primary Health Care And Self-management For Depression And Anxiety: A Vital Community-based Study For Future Service Delivery
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$330,779.00
Summary
Depression and anxiety are widespread. As treatment is typically managed by GPs, effective primary care for these disorders is a national priority. The Australia-wide coverage of these services means that the research behind their delivery must be based on community-wide studies of primary care outcomes and determinants. There is an acute lack of such research. Dr Olesen proposes a comprehensive and innovative set of epidemiological investigations to address this gap.
Integrating Lifestyle Risk Factor Management Into Community Health Service Provision: Multiple Case Studies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$56,676.00
Summary
This study aims to improve our understanding of how nurses and allied health professionals working in the community can address lifestyle issues with patients as part of routine practice. Lifestyle issues include smoking, poor nutrition, excessive alcohol intake and lack of exercise. This has the potential to improve the help available from community health services for individuals wishing to change their lifestyle to prevent future health problems or to better manage existing health conditions.
The Common Risk Factor Approach To Assess Relationships Between Dental Caries And Adiposity In Disadvantaged Preschool Children
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$346,449.00
Summary
Dental decay and obesity in early childhood continues to be a significant health concern in Australian children. Current evidence suggests that these diseases are highly prevalent among children living in disadvantaged areas but the evidence of the relationship is limited. This increases their risk to carry the burden in adulthood. The present proposal uses a "common risk factor approach" to explore relationships between dental decay and obesity in disadvantaged preschool children in Australia.
A study of the provision of the emergency contraceptive pill over-the-counter in Australia. Australian abortion rates, especially among young women, are a major concern. The emergency contraceptive pill (ECP) is an effective method for the prevention of unwanted and unplanned pregnancy, with the potential to reduce abortions. The study aims to provide evidence of whether the rescheduling of ECP in Australia so that pharmacists as well as doctors can dispense it, has improved its accessibility ....A study of the provision of the emergency contraceptive pill over-the-counter in Australia. Australian abortion rates, especially among young women, are a major concern. The emergency contraceptive pill (ECP) is an effective method for the prevention of unwanted and unplanned pregnancy, with the potential to reduce abortions. The study aims to provide evidence of whether the rescheduling of ECP in Australia so that pharmacists as well as doctors can dispense it, has improved its accessibility and use by women at risk of abortion. It will also assess whether pharmacists feel confident, well-trained and supported to provide it and whether abortion rates have reduced. The study will provide policymakers with the evidence to assess whether this important initiative is effective and what is needed to improve its effectiveness.Read moreRead less
Acute Bronchitis In General Practice: What Factors Predict A Poor Outcome And Can Antibiotics Help?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$393,750.00
Summary
In Australia acute bronchitis is one of the commonest reasons for patients to attend their general practitioner. It can have considerable impact on patients lives with patients coughing on average for two weeks, with a third spending some time in bed and a quarter not returning to their usual activities for many weeks. If they attend a general practitioner (GP) it is likely they will receive antibiotics. But researchers believe that antibiotics are over prescribed for this condition and the emer ....In Australia acute bronchitis is one of the commonest reasons for patients to attend their general practitioner. It can have considerable impact on patients lives with patients coughing on average for two weeks, with a third spending some time in bed and a quarter not returning to their usual activities for many weeks. If they attend a general practitioner (GP) it is likely they will receive antibiotics. But researchers believe that antibiotics are over prescribed for this condition and the emergence of bacterial resistance is a real concern to health authorities. GPs are therefore being urged to reduce the prescription of antibioics for this common condition. But surveys by the National Prescribing Service (NPS) indicate that this is one area where GPs find it difficult to meet national recommendations. In part this may be because GPs do not wish to undertreat or miss a serious respiratory illness. Also results from randomised controlled trials examining the effectiveness of antibiotics for acute bronchitis suggest some benefit from treatment, at least in some patients. However it is not clear who these patients are and how much benefit they would get from receiving antibiotics. This creates a great deal of uncertainity for GPs who then opt for a 'just in case prescription' for everyone presenting with acute bronchitis. Our study will re-examine the symptoms, and clinical findings of patients presenting to their GP with acute cough and explore the impact of this common illness on patients lives. We will determine who does and does not benefit from antibiotics, and give guidance to GPs about the symptoms, clinical findings and investigations that predict a poorer outcome. Evidence from this study will be incorporated into treatment guidelines for acute bronchitis leading to more rational and effective management of this common problem.Read moreRead less
Changing disease patterns amongst migrants: a focus on the National Health Priority Areas. The proposed project will make significant practical and scientific contributions to Australians, especially to the health of the migrant population. It is particularly important to the aged migrant population, the people from disadvantaged socioeconomic groups and those with language barriers. The study results will provide a more complete and updated picture of migrant health in Australia. Such important ....Changing disease patterns amongst migrants: a focus on the National Health Priority Areas. The proposed project will make significant practical and scientific contributions to Australians, especially to the health of the migrant population. It is particularly important to the aged migrant population, the people from disadvantaged socioeconomic groups and those with language barriers. The study results will provide a more complete and updated picture of migrant health in Australia. Such important information is necessary to Federal and State departments in their policy making and resource allocation. The study results will be disseminated to local migrant community and migrant service organisation for their health promotion and health education campaigns.Read moreRead less