Pathways to better practice: developing human resources in child protection services for Indigenous communities in Western Australia and Queensland. This study addresses the serious and escalating problem of providing child protection services to Indigenous children and their families in rural and remote areas. Service delivery to rural and remote environments in Australia is a high cost exercise and, to date, little research has been conducted to understanding the complex nature of professiona ....Pathways to better practice: developing human resources in child protection services for Indigenous communities in Western Australia and Queensland. This study addresses the serious and escalating problem of providing child protection services to Indigenous children and their families in rural and remote areas. Service delivery to rural and remote environments in Australia is a high cost exercise and, to date, little research has been conducted to understanding the complex nature of professional (non-medical) interventions in communities with high proportions of Indigenous families and children. The study, conducted across two states, will contribute to national benefit in 3 key areas: the health and wellbeing of Indigenous children; skills shortage in rural areas and intergenerational change in professional disciplines.Read moreRead less
Improving Delivery Of Secondary Prophylaxis For Rheumatic Heart Disease: A Stepped-wedge, Community-randomised Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,913,074.00
Summary
Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is a major health problem in Indigenous communities. Continued progress in controlling RHD requires an understanding of how to improve delivery of regular injections of penicillin - secondary prophylaxis (SP). We will evaluate a systems-based approach to improving delivery of SP, using a stepped-wedge trial in 12 communities in NT and Qld. If successful, this model will provide a practical and transferable model.
A National Population-based Study Of Rheumatic Heart Disease In Pregnancy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$877,826.00
Summary
Whilst overall a rare disease, Indigenous peoples have disproportionately high rates of rheumatic heart disease (RHD). This study explores the prevalence and distribution of RHD in pregnancy in Australia and New Zealand. It details current management, diagnostic and referral process and risk factors. Key attributes of culturally safe models of care for RHD in pregnancy are explored, particularly as they relate to Indigenous women. Findings will inform policy, guidelines and education resources.
Impact Of DTP Schedules On The Immunogenicity Of 2 Doses Of 13v-PCV Followed By An Early Booster
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,651,687.00
Summary
This project aims to come up with a vaccination schedule to make pneumococcal vaccines more effective and affordable for Fiji and other developing countries. We will evaluate schedules involving a 2 dose primary series in early infancy with a booster at 9 months of age. We will compare the immune responses to 3 different primary series and 2 booster options. The results of this project will be used to provide advice, at global and country levels, regarding introduction of pneumococcal vaccines.
School drug education for junior high school students in Victoria - Assessing the impact of a state-wide, evidence-based intervention
. Young people are faced with numerous and powerful influences to use both legal and illicit drugs, and drug education can play an important counterbalancing role in shaping a normative culture of safety, moderation and informed decision making in this group. The research will develop, implement and evaluate one all encompassing, evidence-based, drug education pr ....School drug education for junior high school students in Victoria - Assessing the impact of a state-wide, evidence-based intervention
. Young people are faced with numerous and powerful influences to use both legal and illicit drugs, and drug education can play an important counterbalancing role in shaping a normative culture of safety, moderation and informed decision making in this group. The research will develop, implement and evaluate one all encompassing, evidence-based, drug education program for junior high school students across Victoria. The study is unique in its size and scope and will be of national benefit because its findings will influence the nature of future drug education in all secondary schools in Australia.Read moreRead less
A Multi-setting Intervention To Reduce Sedentary Behaviour, Promote Physical Activity And Improve Childrens Health
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$860,343.00
Summary
Sedentary behaviours and physical inactivity play a major role in the rising prevalence of obesity among children in Australia. This intervention study will take place in the school and family settings which play a critical role in shaping children's health behaviours. The objective is to determine whether a 2-year behavioural intervention reduces sedentary behaviour and promotes physical activity and results in improved health among 8-9 year old children.
Assessing the development, well-being, and community connectedness of children in the middle years: The Middle Development Instrument for Australia. This project develops the Middle Development Instrument (MDI) which gives children a voice, an opportunity to communicate to adults about what their experiences are inside and outside of school. The MDI has great potential to provide educators, parents, researchers, and policy makers with much needed information about the psychological and social wo ....Assessing the development, well-being, and community connectedness of children in the middle years: The Middle Development Instrument for Australia. This project develops the Middle Development Instrument (MDI) which gives children a voice, an opportunity to communicate to adults about what their experiences are inside and outside of school. The MDI has great potential to provide educators, parents, researchers, and policy makers with much needed information about the psychological and social worlds of children.Read moreRead less
Special Research Initiatives - Grant ID: SR120100005
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$3,198,392.00
Summary
National Indigenous Research and Knowledges Network. The National Indigenous Research and Knowledges Network will capacity build and increase Indigenous higher degree, early and mid career researchers to develop new approaches to undertaking research and producing outcomes. NIRAKN's members include a number of universities, AIATSIS, and partner organisations.
Assessing supportive care needs of Indigenous cancer survivors' caregivers. This project aims to gather data about the needs of partners and caregivers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cancer survivors. The project will undertake a comprehensive exploration of the experiences of caregivers and develop a psychometrically tested tool to assist in identifying unmet needs. The project expects to provide new knowledge about the needs of this population and a validated tool to better assess th ....Assessing supportive care needs of Indigenous cancer survivors' caregivers. This project aims to gather data about the needs of partners and caregivers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cancer survivors. The project will undertake a comprehensive exploration of the experiences of caregivers and develop a psychometrically tested tool to assist in identifying unmet needs. The project expects to provide new knowledge about the needs of this population and a validated tool to better assess these needs. The project will result in improvements in the assessment of unmet supportive care needs in caregivers of Indigenous cancer survivors, leading to more timely interventions, and a better quality of life for patients and caregivers.Read moreRead less
Excessive sitting and population health: strengthening the science and the relevance to policy and practice. The majority of Australian adults spend most of their waking hours sitting; this increases the likelihood of developing diseases of inactivity, including diabetes, heart disease and some cancers. New research will investigate what factors encourage excessive sitting and what the health benefits are for people who deliberately do less sitting.