What Matters To Women Diagnosed With Breast Cancer During Their Reproductive Years? A Qualitative Investigation Of Fertility, Reproductive Health, Heritability, And Related Psychosocial Needs Using A Population-based Sample
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$363,158.00
Summary
Breast cancer in women of reproductive age is especially challenging because fertility can be reduced, pregnancy discouraged, and family formation compromised by the illness and its treatment. This research addresses major gaps in knowledge about the needs of young women with breast cancer. Interviews with 100 breast cancer survivors about fertility, family formation, experiences of health care, and ideas about approaches that may assist them will be used to improve fertility-related care.
WALK 2.0: Investigating The Internal And External Validity Of Web 2.0 Applications In Promoting Physical Activity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$934,436.00
Summary
More then half of the Australian population do not meet the recommended levels of physical activity to achieve health benefits. Internet based physical activity interventions which include innovative technology have the potential to reach large groups of individuals and contribute to physical activity promotion. This study evaluates the efficacy and utility of Web 2.0 applications to promote physical activity.
Do People's Environments Influence Their Habitual Physical Activity?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$196,650.00
Summary
People seem to prefer to drive to the corner shop rather than walking. Or, they will drive the car to work instead of walking to the bus or train. Or, they send off e-mails instead of walking down the corridor at work. The result is that people are not using up the energy that they should and they get fatter. The average weight of many groups of Australians has gone up by several kilograms in the past 10 years. Active people not only have healthier weights. They are less likely to get heart dise ....People seem to prefer to drive to the corner shop rather than walking. Or, they will drive the car to work instead of walking to the bus or train. Or, they send off e-mails instead of walking down the corridor at work. The result is that people are not using up the energy that they should and they get fatter. The average weight of many groups of Australians has gone up by several kilograms in the past 10 years. Active people not only have healthier weights. They are less likely to get heart disease, diabetes and some cancers. But too many people do no exercise at all. Only about 10% of Australians adults do fitness and sporting activities three or more times a week. More than half do not walk, cycle or do anything moderately active on any regular basis. To get people to be regularly active and to stay active, promoting deliberate 'exercise' is not the answer. Making it easier for people to choose to be more active as they go about their daily lives will be more effective. Road transport researchers and geographers have a lot to offer to health researchers. They have found that where there are footpaths and cycle ways, where shops and businesses are close by or where the roads make it easy and safe to get from place to place, people are much more likely to walk or ride bikes. We can now use large, complex computerised databases (called Geographic Information Systems) to put together this type of information on peoples' local environments. We will combine these 'geographic' data with other information from surveys on people's physical activity, exercise and transport habits. Starting our research in this way, we will be able to work out whether there are factors in people's local environments that really do make them less active. Governments, health planners and local councils will use this information to find ways to create communities that are more activity-friendly. This will have real health benefits.Read moreRead less
Effectiveness Of A Resilience Intervention In Reducing Smoking And Alcohol Consumption Among Secondary School Students
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,491,446.00
Summary
A key factor in adult smoking and excessive alcohol consumption is commencement of these behaviours during childhood. Smoking and alcohol use by adolescents also has a direct harmful effect on their health at that time. The project aims to decrease adolescent use of tobacco and alcohol by improving adolescent's resilience and mental wellbeing. The project will involve the evaluation of a school-based resilience intervention delivered to grade 7 to 10 students in disadvantaged secondary schools.
Physical Activity And Nutrition For Seniors (PANS)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$477,956.00
Summary
Research has shown that participation in physical activity and the consumption of a healthy diet for older people can produce significant health benefits. The aim of this study is to develop and evaluate a low cost, accessible, sustainable and replicable, home based physical activity and nutrition program for older people aged 55 to 70 that will ultimately reduce chronic disease (obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease), and improve mental health.