The Pacific OPIC Study - A Four Country Study Of Obesity Prevention In Communities
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,600,580.00
Summary
Obesity is a rapidly escalating, worldwide epidemic. Many countries recognise the need to prevent obesity but there is insufficient evidence about what interventions work. The Pacific Obesity Prevention in Communities (OPIC) Project will provide data on the effectiveness of a range of interventions to prevent obesity among young people in Fiji, Tonga, New Zealand and Australia. Prevention research is particularly required in countries such as Fiji and Tonga because their prevalence of obesity is ....Obesity is a rapidly escalating, worldwide epidemic. Many countries recognise the need to prevent obesity but there is insufficient evidence about what interventions work. The Pacific Obesity Prevention in Communities (OPIC) Project will provide data on the effectiveness of a range of interventions to prevent obesity among young people in Fiji, Tonga, New Zealand and Australia. Prevention research is particularly required in countries such as Fiji and Tonga because their prevalence of obesity is extremely high. The interventions used in this project will be culturally appropriate and include at least 1000 young people in each intervention group. The outcomes of this project will be applicable to both low- and high-income countries. This project will lead to a greater understanding of the socio-cultural, policy, and economic contexts and provide crucial evidence for public health action to prevent obesity.Read moreRead less
EuropeaN Energy Balance Research To Prevent Excessive Weight Gain Among Youth: The ENERGY Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$102,209.00
Summary
The objective of the ENERGY project is to examine the influence of existing programs on health behaviours in different populations and settings in order to develop an evidence and theory-based approach for promoting physical activity and healthy eating among youth in transition from childhood to adolescence. The results of this project will be translated into practical strategies and knowledge that can be used by schools, policymakers, health professionals and the general public. The ENERGY proj ....The objective of the ENERGY project is to examine the influence of existing programs on health behaviours in different populations and settings in order to develop an evidence and theory-based approach for promoting physical activity and healthy eating among youth in transition from childhood to adolescence. The results of this project will be translated into practical strategies and knowledge that can be used by schools, policymakers, health professionals and the general public. The ENERGY project involves a multidisciplinary team of investigators from 10 European countries and Australia (Deakin University; DU). DU will participate in two of the 10 work packages (WP) in the proposal. The aim of WP3 is to identify the personal, social and physical environmental determinants in family and school of children’s physical activity and healthy eating. The aim of WP5 is to identify moderators and mediators of successful interventions to prevent obesity among children aged 10-12 years.Read moreRead less
Study Of HPV 6 L1 Virus Like Paticles As Therapeutic Vaccine For Genital Warts And Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$615,608.00
Summary
This project will examine the effectiveness of a vaccine designed to prevent tumours and cancers associated with papillomarvirus infection as treatment for existing infections, and will look for predictors of a favourable outcome from treatment.
Enterovirus 71 In The Asia-Pacific Region: Reverse Genetic Approaches To Virus Surveillance And Vaccine Development.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$690,833.00
Summary
In this research the team will use advanced biotechnological techniques to study the distribution and virulence markers of an important emerging infectious disease, enterovirus 71 encephalitis, in the Asia-Pacific region. The knowledge and technical advances derived from this study will be shared with neighbouring countries in order to conduct sensitive surveillance for this infection throughout the region. The study's other major aim is to use cutting-edge biotechnological techniques to develop ....In this research the team will use advanced biotechnological techniques to study the distribution and virulence markers of an important emerging infectious disease, enterovirus 71 encephalitis, in the Asia-Pacific region. The knowledge and technical advances derived from this study will be shared with neighbouring countries in order to conduct sensitive surveillance for this infection throughout the region. The study's other major aim is to use cutting-edge biotechnological techniques to develop a genetically defined, live attenuated vaccine strain. Candidate vaccine strains will be tested for their effectiveness in both cell culture-based and animal models.Read moreRead less
A Study To Pilot A Clinical Trial To Test Dignity Psychotherapy For The Frail Aged
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$25,000.00
Summary
One of the greatest challenges today is to preserve the dignity of the frail elderly. Our study will test and perfect a strategy to trial a new approach for this population, Dignity Psychotherapy. The approach will document aspects of the senior's life that they regard as meaningful, want remembered, or of which they are proud. Among the terminally ill, the approach has had positive outcomes. Benefits for elders may include that the approach forms a foundation for holistic care.
Person-centred Environment And Care For Residents With Dementia: A Cost-effective Way Of Improving Quality Of Life And Q
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,548,805.00
Summary
Improving the quality of life (QOL) and quality of care for persons with dementia are important areas of Australian health research. A growing body of evidence shows that QOL in dementia can be improved by relatively simple and inexpensive modifications to nursing care practices and the physical environment. Most studies in these areas are observational, few have utilized a randomized control group design, and none has included economic evaluation. This study will address these deficiencies. Thi ....Improving the quality of life (QOL) and quality of care for persons with dementia are important areas of Australian health research. A growing body of evidence shows that QOL in dementia can be improved by relatively simple and inexpensive modifications to nursing care practices and the physical environment. Most studies in these areas are observational, few have utilized a randomized control group design, and none has included economic evaluation. This study will address these deficiencies. This is the first time that a randomized controlled trial of Person-Centred Care (PCC) and Person-Centred Environment Design (PCD) will be undertaken. The study will be conducted in 40 residential aged care services in New South Wales, to determine the efficacy and cost effectiveness of implementing PCC and PCD separately, and in combination, in improving resident quality of life and quality of care.Read moreRead less
Measuring Changes In Fluids, Fat, Muscle Mass, Proteins & Other Body Components Non-invasively Through Course Of Illness
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$120,000.00
Summary
The course of non-cancer related disease is difficult to assess clinically making it hard for clinicians to accurately predict the end of life course of illness for patients. No matter what the end of life disease is, death will involve multi-system organ failure and changes in body composition. These changes, including fluid distribution, muscle mass and type and fat mass as well as measures of body mass index, basal metabolic rate and arm muscle circumference can be accurately followed with no ....The course of non-cancer related disease is difficult to assess clinically making it hard for clinicians to accurately predict the end of life course of illness for patients. No matter what the end of life disease is, death will involve multi-system organ failure and changes in body composition. These changes, including fluid distribution, muscle mass and type and fat mass as well as measures of body mass index, basal metabolic rate and arm muscle circumference can be accurately followed with non-invasive multi-frequency bio-impedance. This information will provide a basis to either confirm the clinical diagnosis or lead to recommendations for change.Read moreRead less
Improving Quality Of Life Of People With Dementia Living In Residential Care Facilities A Randomised Trail Of Educat Int
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$777,409.00
Summary
The DIRECT study aims to determine if education of General Practitioners (GPs) and Residential Care Staff can improve the quality of life (QOL) of people with dementia living in Residential Care Facilities (RCF). Our hypothesis is that a systematic educational intervention delivered to GPs and RCF staff will improve care delivery, leading to measurable improvements in the quality of life of residential care recipients. We hypothesise that education delivered to GPs will have additive effects to ....The DIRECT study aims to determine if education of General Practitioners (GPs) and Residential Care Staff can improve the quality of life (QOL) of people with dementia living in Residential Care Facilities (RCF). Our hypothesis is that a systematic educational intervention delivered to GPs and RCF staff will improve care delivery, leading to measurable improvements in the quality of life of residential care recipients. We hypothesise that education delivered to GPs will have additive effects to education delivered to RCF staff. Dementia is the leading cause of non-fatal disease burden among older Australians. Of people with dementia, nearly half live in RCF. There appears to be much scope to improve care, and thus QOL, for people with dementia living in residential facilities. However, the most effective way to translate knowledge regarding the components of high quality care into practice is uncertain and there is a paucity of Australian data to guide practice. Education of RCF staff is likely to be the cornerstone of improved care for recipients of residential care who have dementia. GPs also play a key-role in the care of older people living in RCF, including collaboration in the development of management plans, prescription of medications and initiation of health referrals. A detailed action research process with data collected from surveys, focus groups and pilots will be used to develop educational programmes for delivery to GPs and RCF staff. The primary outcome of the study will be quality of life of the people with dementia, assessed by themselves, their family carers and the staff looking after them. Several tools incorporating different sources of information will be used to assess QOL in a comprehensive fashion. Secondary outcomes will include knowledge among GPs and RCF staff regarding dementia, markers of quality care, participants’ sleep quality, and carer satisfaction. It is anticipated that the results will fill this current gap in evidence and will be of value to policy makers and stakeholders from the Residential Care Industry and Peak Community and General Practice bodies. The study results will have tangible implications for proprietors, managers and staff from the residential care sector and policy makers. The results have potential to directly benefit the quality of life of both patients and carers.Read moreRead less