A Comprehensive Approach To Solutions For Child Oral Health, Wellbeing And Development
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$100,946.00
Summary
Tooth decay in young children is one of the most common chronic diseases of early childhood. The VicGen birth cohort study has been following more than 400 children, since birth, to look at a range of factors that influence the development of tooth decay. This PhD will use data from the cohort and be one of the first studies to look at the health of children’s teeth between birth and five years of age. Findings from this work will inform strategies to help prevent children developing tooth decay
A Glint Or A Squint Should Make You Think! A Randomised, Controlled Study To Determine The Impact Of An Eye-health Awareness Program For New Parents
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$95,348.00
Summary
Retinoblastoma (RB) is a rare, blinding and sometimes fatal, childhood eye cancer. The earliest diagnosis affords the child the best prognosis for retaining their sight, eye or their life. This project will examine parents’ current understanding of the symptoms and signs for RB, identify barriers to early diagnosis of RB, and to develop, implement and evaluate a sustainable public health awareness program to potentially improve the timing of diagnosis and subsequent outcomes for this disease.
Dental caries (decay) is a significant early childhood chronic disease in Australia, mainly affecting disadvantaged communities and adversely impacting physical, social and emotional wellbeing. This PhD is nested within the VicGen birth cohort, following influences on tooth decay of 450 infants to age 7. This mixed-methods study will examine the relationship between early childhood caries and obesity, exploring caregivers’ views on these factors and translation to policy and practice.
Sleep, Telomere Length And Cardiorespiratory Phenotype In 11-12 Year Old Children: Cross-sectional Australian National Population Based Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$84,800.00
Summary
Telomeres are special areas at the ends of our chromosomes that ‘protect’ our DNA as our body cells divide. With ageing, our telomeres slowly become shorter, but the rate at which this happens varies. My project will investigate the associations between poor sleep duration and quality, increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, poor respiratory health and increased vulnerability to viral infections to shorter telomere length.
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.
The Australian Study Of Child Health In Same-Sex Families
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$107,227.00
Summary
As a trainee public health physician concerned with the complete physical, mental and social wellbeing of children I will be investigating health outcomes for Australian children who live in families with same-sex attracted parents. This research will paint a picture of the current health status of these children and help to determine factors involved in determining their health outcomes. In particular the role of stigma and discrimination will be examined.