Professor Hoy has conducted precedent-setting research into chronic disease, especially in high risk populations, with a focus in Australia on Indigenous health. She is a role model for work amongst Indigenous people, specifically among Aboriginal people, and her work has been very influential, particularly in the training of staff. Professor Hoy’s Australia Fellowship will be used for an expanded multidisciplinary research program targeting the prevention and management of chronic diseases in t ....Professor Hoy has conducted precedent-setting research into chronic disease, especially in high risk populations, with a focus in Australia on Indigenous health. She is a role model for work amongst Indigenous people, specifically among Aboriginal people, and her work has been very influential, particularly in the training of staff. Professor Hoy’s Australia Fellowship will be used for an expanded multidisciplinary research program targeting the prevention and management of chronic diseases in the Aboriginal population, and focusing on hypertension, kidney disease, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.Read moreRead less
The Relationship Of Body Composition, Renal Impairment And Inflammatory Cytokines In Indigenous Persons With Diabetes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$119,644.00
Summary
Indigenous Australians bare a disproportionate burden of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and kidney failure. The metabolic syndrome (the combination of obesity, insulin-resistance, abnormal lipids, and hypertension) is a common occurrence and important risk factor for the above chronic conditions in this population. Further study of the relationship of fat distribution, metabolic syndrome, heart disease, diabetes and CKD is of benefit to understand and prevent mortality in this population.
IMPAKT: Improving Indigenous Patients' Access To Kidney Transplantation.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$444,725.00
Summary
Indigenous Australians develop end-stage renal disease (ESRD) at up to thirty times the rate for non-Indigenous Australians. Almost a half of Indigenous ESRD patients come from remote regions without ESRD treatment services. People with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) need dialysis or a transplant to stay alive. Most patients from remote communities need to relocate to regional centres to receive haemodialysis. This causes profound isolation, significant community disruption and worsens survival. ....Indigenous Australians develop end-stage renal disease (ESRD) at up to thirty times the rate for non-Indigenous Australians. Almost a half of Indigenous ESRD patients come from remote regions without ESRD treatment services. People with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) need dialysis or a transplant to stay alive. Most patients from remote communities need to relocate to regional centres to receive haemodialysis. This causes profound isolation, significant community disruption and worsens survival. Transplantation is the best treatment for most people with ESRD. Compared with long-term dialysis, it is associated with a better quality of life, a longer life expectancy, and lower costs to the health-care system. Indigenous Australians are over-represented in the ESRD population, but have a significantly lower chance of receiving a transplant than non-indigenous Australians. In this research, the IMPAKT study, we aim to identify Indigenous Australians' barriers to access to renal transplantation for treatment of their ESRD, and to propose strategies to reduce disparities in Indigenous Australians' access to renal transplantation. The nephrologists who regulate access to renal transplantation in Australia are members of the research team. This should facilitate the translation of research findings into improved access to renal transplantation for Indigenous patients.Read moreRead less
Stress During Pregnancy And The Developmental Origins Of Renal Disease In Aboriginal Australians
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$866,044.00
Summary
There is an epidemic of renal failure in Aboriginal people who also have high rates of premature birth of small babies. This project aims to understand the causes of kidney failure in Aboriginal people through testing if stress during pregnancy leads to the birth of preterm, small babies with small poorly formed kidneys that lead to kidney failure in later life. The effect of stressors impacting on pregnant women including infections, exposure to smoking and social stressors will be examined.
A Randomised Trial Of Fish And Fruit To Improve Survival Of Aboriginal People With End Stage Renal Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$184,500.00
Summary
End stage renal disease (ESRD) is a devastating disease which affects Aboriginal Australians disproportionately: The average survival time for Aboriginal people in the Northern Territory is 3.6 years from the onset of kidney failure, compared to 12.3 years for non-Aboriginal people. There has been a dramatic rise in incidence of kidney failure over the past 20 years, with the prevalence doubling every 4-5 years in many NT communities and other remote parts of Australia. Mortality for patients wi ....End stage renal disease (ESRD) is a devastating disease which affects Aboriginal Australians disproportionately: The average survival time for Aboriginal people in the Northern Territory is 3.6 years from the onset of kidney failure, compared to 12.3 years for non-Aboriginal people. There has been a dramatic rise in incidence of kidney failure over the past 20 years, with the prevalence doubling every 4-5 years in many NT communities and other remote parts of Australia. Mortality for patients with ESRD is approximately 5 to 10 fold that of the general population, with heart disease accounting for approximately half of deaths. The aims of this study are to determine whether a dietary intervention of fish and fruit three times a week will decrease cardiovascular and all-cause mortality in patients on haemodialysis in Darwin and Alice Springs. There is a strong scientific rationale for this simple dietary intervention. Fish are a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, believed to reduce the risk of heart attack . Fruit is a good source of anti oxidants and other chemicals that may amplify the beneficial effects of fish. This simple combination is also practical to include in usual clinical care. Dialysis is done three days each week, with people allocated to intervention or control groups according to the day of dialysis. Nutritional and cardiovascular status will be measured at commencement of the study and then at intervals of 3, 6 and 12 months. Strategies have been incorporated into the project design to ensure understanding, informed consent and participation of Aboriginal people in a number of domains: the participant, their family, urban and remote communities, and service providers. If successful this intervention will result in changes to the clinical management of renal patients worldwide.Read moreRead less