Suicide Ideation, Attempts, Help-seeking Behaviour And Compliance Within The Gold Coast District
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$111,320.00
Summary
In response to increasing suicide rates in Australia, and abroad, the Australian Government has embraced a nationally coordinated approach to suicide prevention. The National Suicide Prevention Strategy identifies the need for suicide prevention efforts that are based on research evidence. The Australia Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention, in cooperation with the World Health Organisation, is planning to undertake a study to examine suicidal behaviour in the community. Specifically the ....In response to increasing suicide rates in Australia, and abroad, the Australian Government has embraced a nationally coordinated approach to suicide prevention. The National Suicide Prevention Strategy identifies the need for suicide prevention efforts that are based on research evidence. The Australia Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention, in cooperation with the World Health Organisation, is planning to undertake a study to examine suicidal behaviour in the community. Specifically the study will focus on two areas: (a) the willingness of people who displaying suicidal behaviour to seek help and reasons why some people do not seek help, and (b) The compliance with medical treatment among people who seek help following an attempted suicide and the reasons why some of these people do not comply with medical advice. 15,000 people who permanently reside in the Gold Coast Health District will be telephoned at random and asked to participate in the study. Eligible people who agree to participate will be mailed a paper questionnaire. The data gathered in the duty will be examined to gain greater insight into what happens to people following the development or suicidal behaviour. Pilot studies have already revealed that 15% of people in the Gold Coast District have thought about suicide at some time in their lives and as many as 5% have attempted suicide. It is hoped that this study will provide valuable information that can help design more effective suicide prevention programs.Read moreRead less
Prevention Of Anxiety And Depression In Children - Development And Evaluation Of A Universal Lifeskills Program
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$274,094.00
Summary
The purpose of this study is to develop and evaluate a universal school-based mental health promotion program aimed at preventing anxiety and depression in upper primary school students. The program will build on validated methods of increasing resilience and optimism in young people (Jaycox et al., 1994; Clarke et al., 1995; Dadds et al., 1997; Roberts et al., 1998, Shochet et al., 1998). No other prevention programs have addressed both anxiety and depression, nor have they integrated their pro ....The purpose of this study is to develop and evaluate a universal school-based mental health promotion program aimed at preventing anxiety and depression in upper primary school students. The program will build on validated methods of increasing resilience and optimism in young people (Jaycox et al., 1994; Clarke et al., 1995; Dadds et al., 1997; Roberts et al., 1998, Shochet et al., 1998). No other prevention programs have addressed both anxiety and depression, nor have they integrated their programs into the school curriculum. The universal Aussie Optimism Program will teach optimistic thinking styles and positive self-talk, self-efficacy, coping strategies and social problem solving to children preparing for their transition to high school. It will be designed in modular format to fit with Australian primary school terms and the K-10 Health and Physical Education curriculum. It is designed to be implemented by teachers, plus a family module will be developed to be used as an adjunct to the classroom program. The program is targeted at a developmental stage just prior to the increase in depression symptomatology in early adolescence. The program has the potential to promote the mental health of children on a larger scale than previous programs, to reduce the incidence of anxiety and depression in young people and to increase their resilience to life's stresses.Read moreRead less
Enhancing Behaviour Change Via Incentives: Improving Childhood Obesity Outcomes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$62,335.00
Summary
This research will systematically review studies evaluating child-focused incentive-based strategies, and qualitatively evaluate a current goal-setting and rewards scheme. The research will determine the effectiveness of incentives on diet and exercise-related behaviour change in children and adolescents, and provide qualitative data to translate real world research into policy - building the evidence base and inform policy and practice for reducing childhood obesity.
Investigating Sedentary Behaviour And Screen Time In Early Childhood
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$64,373.00
Summary
A range of individual, social and environmental factors potentially associated with young children's sedentary behaviour will be investigated. Based on these findings, strategies to support parents to reduce the amount of time their young children spend being sedentary will be developed and piloted.
Prevention Of Adverse Child Behavioural Development Following Maternal Depression In Pregnancy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$761,937.00
Summary
There is good evidence that if a woman is depressed while pregnant, her child is substantially more likely to have later emotional or behavioural problems. We will evaluate whether child outcomes following maternal depression in pregnancy can be improved by antenatal depression treatment. Our objective is to protect fetal and child development from the adverse developmental outcomes associated with untreated depression.
Scalability Of The Transform-Us! Program To Promote Children's Physical Activity And Reduce Prolonged Sitting In Victorian Primary Schools
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$549,823.00
Summary
Transform-Us! is an innovative primary school program that has been found to substantially increase children’s physical activity levels, reduce sitting time and benefit health. With simple changes to the school and classroom environments and teaching practices (eg, standing lessons) we will work with partners in the education and health systems to translate this program across Victorian primary schools to determine the real-world implementation and impact of this program over 5 years.
Promoting Responsible Drinking Practices To Drinkers To Reduce The Risk Of Alcohol-related Harm
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$271,476.00
Summary
Australians are heavy drinkers by world standards, which places them at risk of a wide range of alcohol-related harms. Broad-based interventions are needed to address a heavy drinking culture that involves regular engagement in heavy episodic drinking. This study will use a multi-method approach to develop and test messages that can be used to encourage enactment of responsible drinking practices that can reduce total alcohol intake and discourage binge drinking consumption patterns.