Preconception Determinants Of Child Health And Development: A 4-year Follow Up Of Offspring Born To The Australian Temperament Project
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,065,799.00
Summary
This project will follow offspring born to a large population cohort study that has tracked the mental health and wellbeing of around 2000 participants across 30 years prior to parenthood. The aim is to understand how the lives parents lived before conception, as well as events during pregnancy, shape social and emotional outcomes for their children. Results will inform radically new approaches to promoting child health and development across generations.
A Solution Based Approach Developing Child Health Research With A Focus On Preventive Interventions For Common Childhood
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,599,538.00
Summary
There is an increasing recognition that research into child health should focus not only on disease but also on common childhood disorders such as obesity, depression and poor literacy. In addition, such research should include solution-based activity. That is, child health research should have an active program of testing new interventions to prevent the onset of disorders, or to allow optimal early management. The Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, the largest Australian child health resear ....There is an increasing recognition that research into child health should focus not only on disease but also on common childhood disorders such as obesity, depression and poor literacy. In addition, such research should include solution-based activity. That is, child health research should have an active program of testing new interventions to prevent the onset of disorders, or to allow optimal early management. The Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, the largest Australian child health research institute, is in a very good position to develop Australia's capacity further with regard to a coordinated research program into preventative interventions in child health. This is because of: - the Institute's location at the Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, the largest paediatric health service provider in Australia - the many individual relevant research projects that are already occurring in MCRI - the strong existing teams of researchers with skills in many different fields of child health such as psychology, speech pathology, clinical-medical care, epidemiology and biostatistics, and laboratory science including genetics. This capacity building program will coordinate population health work to develop the knowledge and skills of eight population health researchers. This development will occur within the context of an internationally competitive research program with structured continuing education and training to promote public health leadership. The capacity building program will develop skills not only in study design, conduct and analysis, but also in collaboration and the translation of research findings into better health services, government policy and parental knowledge to prevent problems and improve the health and well being of children and their families. To care for children in the best way, parents, families, schools, health care providers, and government need the best evidence base possible on the prevention of common child disorders.Read moreRead less
The Australian Centre of Excellence in Twin Research will build on the Australian Twin Registry, which for 30 years has played an integral part in health & medical research. The new Centre aims to expand a state-of-the-art resource for conducting research, bring together leading national and international researchers from across disciplines, and build capacity in people, techniques, and expertise to continue to enable twin research to address major health and medical issues.
Reducing The Impact Of Early Life Disadvantage Via The Home Learning Environment
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$658,283.00
Summary
Australian children from disadvantaged families are 2-3 times more likely to be behind their peers at school entry. This project investigates the long-term effects of smalltalk, a parenting program to help parents support their children’s early development by enriching the home learning environment. We will examine the effects of smalltalk on the home environment, children’s school readiness and socio-emotional development, and assess its long-term health, education and economic benefits.
My research focuses on allergies and chronic respiratory disease in children, teenagers and adults. My goal is to identify the factors, which cause these conditions and also the factors, which can stop these conditions from getting worse. I will work with health professionals and the community to make sure the results of my research are used by doctors to improve the care of people with allergies and chronic respiratory diseases.
A Population-based Longitudinal Assessment Of Early Life Vitamin D And Risk Of Food Allergy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$466,086.00
Summary
There has been a dramatic and unexplained increase in food allergy over recent decades. The increase in food allergy may relate to a concordant increase in early vitamin D insufficiency, however this hypothesis has never been directly tested. This project will use existing/funded samples from two NHMRC funded studies to conduct a detailed investigation of (i) the determinant and predictors of early life vitamin D insufficiency; and (ii) the association of vitamin D insufficiency and food allergy ....There has been a dramatic and unexplained increase in food allergy over recent decades. The increase in food allergy may relate to a concordant increase in early vitamin D insufficiency, however this hypothesis has never been directly tested. This project will use existing/funded samples from two NHMRC funded studies to conduct a detailed investigation of (i) the determinant and predictors of early life vitamin D insufficiency; and (ii) the association of vitamin D insufficiency and food allergy.Read moreRead less
Impact Of Extreme Prematurity Or Extreme Low Birthweight On Young Adult Health And Well-Being: The Victorian Infant Collaborative Study (VICS) 1991-92 Longitudinal Cohort
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$725,496.00
Summary
Significant advances in medical care have increased survival of the tiniest and most premature babies. Those who have benefited from modern medicine are now in their mid-20s. We know they have more problems in childhood and adolescence compared with those born full term. However, we know little about their health problems in adulthood. This study will inform us of adult health problems in this vulnerable group and provide vital information about the best care for this increasing group of adults.
Clinical Review Of A Cohort Aged 22-33 Years Conceived Using Assisted Reproductive Technologies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$946,454.00
Summary
In a recent study, using telephone-interviews, we compared the health and wellbeing of 547 singleton young adults born following assisted reproductive technologies (ART), with 549 matched controls. Reviewing their health when they are 22-33 years is possible because of their ongoing interest. We have a protocol in place to measure their cardiac and respiratory function and other aspects of growth and development. Our findings will fill a major knowledge gap about the longer term safety of ART.
What Are The Lifetime Clinical Predictors And Risk Factors For Multiple Phenotypes Of Adult Asthma, COPD And Sleep Disordered Breathing? Following Up The TAHS Cohort From 1st To 6th Decade
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,950,689.00
Summary
Breathing gets impaired and impact on the productivity and quality of life when chronic respiratory diseases rise with ageing. Adult chronic respiratory diseases are major causes of illness and death but there are still many gaps in knowledge on how best to prevent and manage these diseases. The proposed program will provide evidence to guide health policy and clinical management of these diseases. These original findings will be of great importance both nationally and internationally.