Modern Chemical Exposures In Utero And In Infancy, And Their Impact Upon Early Neurodevelopmental Outcomes In The Barwon Infant Study, An Unselected Birth Cohort Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$138,353.00
Summary
I am a paediatric doctor interested in the effects of modern industrial chemicals on children’s development. Even in the womb babies are exposed to industrial chemicals and we know some, like lead, are harmful to developing brains. I am interested in other chemicals that are now suspected to affect development, including the polybrominated diphenyl esters (PBDEs), and I intend to investigate this as part of the Barwon Infant Study, which follows 1250 children from before birth to 3 years.
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
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.
So Like Your Mum! Is The Health Of Mothers In Far North Queensland Reflected In The Nutrition And Growth Of Their Children In Early Life?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$96,631.00
Summary
The health, nutrition and growth of a baby reflect the health and nutrition status of its mother. We will link routine health service information for Indigenous mothers with information on the growth, haemoglobin and health of their young children to identify key factors in a mother’s pregnancy and before, influencing the future health and development of their babies. This study will shape interventions to improve the health of mothers, and thus improve the health of their children through life.
The Built Environment's Influence On Child Mental Health
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$92,982.00
Summary
A neighbourhood's physical environment plays an important role in shaping the health of its community. It provides paths for walking, parks for playing, and opportunities for social interaction and cohesion. The aim of this research is to identify what elements of the physical environment children have relationships with, and understand how these elements influence their mental health.
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.
The Prevalence And Trajectory Of Kidney Disease In Urban Aboriginal Children
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$94,515.00
Summary
The Study of Environment and Aboriginal Resilience on Child Health is a major NHMRC funded project looking at the health and illness of urban Aboriginal children in Australia. By working together with Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services across urban and large regional centres in NSW the study team hope to better understand the causes of common diseases such as kidney and heart disease, and whether these first begin in childhood.
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.
Caregiving Practices And Child Development: A Cross-cultural Perspective.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$109,487.00
Summary
This program of research will investigate the cross-cultural differences in the types and prevalence of cognitive and socio-emotional caregiving practices in a community sample of parents in a low income country. The influence of cultural beliefs, caregiver distress and the common challenges experienced by caregivers will be explored and it will also test the effectiveness of an innovative psychological intervention to facilitate optimal child development.