Improving The Health Of Aboriginal Mothers And Babies Through Continuity Of Midwife Care
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,496,532.00
Summary
Indigenous Australians have significantly poorer health than non-Indigenous Australians. This study will evaluate the effect of continuity of midwifery care in pregnancy, labour, birth and the postnatal period (called caseload midwifery) on outcomes for Aboriginal women and their infants. Recent studies (which have often excluded Aboriginal women) demonstrated substantial benefits of continuity of midwifery care for both mothers and babies, e.g. improved rates of low birthweight, preterm birth
An Examination Of The Quality And Acceptability Of Maternal Health Services For Remote Dwelling Aboriginal Women And Infants From The Top End Of Australia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$56,838.00
Summary
Aboriginal women have long demanded changes in maternity healthcare services. It was anticipated that the implementation of a Midwifery Group Practice (MGP) would decrease fragmentation of care and improve maternal infant health outcomes. The research aims to determine if a changed model of care for remote dwelling Aboriginal women who transfer to Darwin for birth has increased the acceptability of services to women and improved outcomes for mothers and infants.
Aboriginal Birth Cohort Study: From Childhood To Adulthood.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$505,212.00
Summary
Aboriginal peoples have poor health at both ends of their life span. There are more low birth weight babies at the beginning and more kidney, heart disease and diabetes at the end of the life spectrum. The Aboriginal Birth Cohort study aims to examine the effect of early life events (such as low birth weight) on the risk of developing chronic disease in later life with a view to early intervention. The babies of the study were last seen at 11 years and are now being seen again near their 18th bi ....Aboriginal peoples have poor health at both ends of their life span. There are more low birth weight babies at the beginning and more kidney, heart disease and diabetes at the end of the life spectrum. The Aboriginal Birth Cohort study aims to examine the effect of early life events (such as low birth weight) on the risk of developing chronic disease in later life with a view to early intervention. The babies of the study were last seen at 11 years and are now being seen again near their 18th birthday. Data available are weight, length and gestational age of these babies at birth, the health and lifestyle of their mothers during pregnancy and the children's growth and health. By 11 years of age, the low birth babies still remained shorter and thinner than their peers who were normal size at birth, but importantly, markers of chronic disease were not higher in these children. The current round of investigation, in addition to the tests done before, now includes non-invasive markers of heart disease, such as heart rate variability, measures of arterial stiffness and the thickness of carotid intima media (lining) and a dental examination looking at both teeth and gums. For the first time, the study will look beyond the physical to examine the psychological wellbeing of these young adults using a specially designed questionnaire (Strong souls). Little is known about this age group because they are relatively healthy and do not present to clinics for treatment. The continuing life course study of this cohort, forming the oldest and largest birth cohort of any indigenous population in the world, will help us understand the relationships between early life and the sequential events that lead to chronic adult disease. This will help determine the most effective time for intervention programmes, and will influence public health planning and policy directed towards the improvement of the health of Aboriginal peoples.Read moreRead less