Improving Vision And Quality Of Life: An Innovative And Comprehensive Eye Care Model For Individuals In Residential Care Facilities
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$896,953.00
Summary
Elderly people living in residential care facilities have high levels of vision loss which can impact on emotional health, falls, daily functioning, and quality of life. Appropriate correction and cataract surgery can improve vision and, with low vision rehabilitation, can enhance quality of life. This project will assess the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of a new model of eye care targeting vision impairment to improve residents’ daily functioning, enhance their emotional well-being and quali ....Elderly people living in residential care facilities have high levels of vision loss which can impact on emotional health, falls, daily functioning, and quality of life. Appropriate correction and cataract surgery can improve vision and, with low vision rehabilitation, can enhance quality of life. This project will assess the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of a new model of eye care targeting vision impairment to improve residents’ daily functioning, enhance their emotional well-being and quality of life; and reduce falls.Read moreRead less
Gene-environment Interactions In The Aetiology Of Myopia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$671,285.00
Summary
The rapid rise in the prevalence of shortsightedness poses a major public health challenge. The Sydney Myopia Study has collected a large database on environmental risk factors, and has documented a major protective effect of children spending more time outdoors. Other studies suggest that myopia has a major genetic component. This study will collect DNA samples from over 4000 participants in the Sydney Myopia Study, and through genome-wide scanning, will look for gene-environment interactions.
Young Adult Myopia: Genetic And Environmental Associations
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$809,271.00
Summary
Myopia affects 80% of school leavers in the cities of East Asia, 45% of Asian Australian school leavers and is probably on the rise in European Australian adolescents. Increased levels of education and lack of time outdoors are known to increase the risk of myopia. We will examine 2,000 young adults to find the genes that interact with these risk factors. In addition to confirming when these risk factors are most important, identifying molecular pathways opens the avenue of new treatments.
Worldwide Molecular Analysis Of Streptococcus Pyogenes Scarlet Fever Outbreaks
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$544,041.00
Summary
The microorganism group A Streptococcus (also called GAS or Streptococcus pyogenes) ranks among the top 10 infectious disease killers of humans. Recently, outbreaks of scarlet fever have occurred in both Asia and the United Kingdom, placing a serious strain on health systems. The reasons underlying these outbreaks remain unknown. Our team will lead the global effort to characterise this rise in scarlet fever, and provide recommendations and solutions to health professionals.
Interrogation Of Streptococcal Genomic Epidemiology Within Disease Endemic Regions
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$325,896.00
Summary
Group A streptococcal (GAS) bacterial infections within the Indigenous populations of Northern Australia are amongst the highest in the world. This project uses comparative bacterial genomics to examine current and historical outbreaks of GAS disease in Northern Australia relative to globally sourced GAS. This will be used to examine the spread of disease causing GAS between remote communities as well as investigating genetic markers of disease and informing therapeutic interventions.
The Out-and-About Trial: Improving Quality Of Life By Increasing Outdoor Journeys After Stroke
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$586,009.00
Summary
Many stroke patients cannot walk well when they leave hospital nor use public transport. Escorted outdoor journeys with a rehabilitation therapist can improve outcomes and quality of life after stroke. Yet not many stroke patients do not receive this type of community rehabilitation. This project aims to evaluate an implementation program to change therapists' practice and increase outdoor journeys after stroke. Benefits include improved quality of life and well being for peope with stroke.
Characterising The Molecular Pathogenesis Of Newly Emergent Invasive Group A Streptococcus M4 Serotypes In Australia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$523,756.00
Summary
Group A Streptococcus (GAS) is a human pathogen of global significance, responsible for life-threatening invasive infections such as flesh-eating disease (>650,000 cases per year), with a mortality rate of 25%. A recent outbreak of serotype M4 GAS caused severe invasive infections in Queensland Australia. The aim of this work is to determine how M4 GAS causes invasive disease. Understanding this mechanism will allow the development of new generation therapeutics, treatments and improved healt ....Group A Streptococcus (GAS) is a human pathogen of global significance, responsible for life-threatening invasive infections such as flesh-eating disease (>650,000 cases per year), with a mortality rate of 25%. A recent outbreak of serotype M4 GAS caused severe invasive infections in Queensland Australia. The aim of this work is to determine how M4 GAS causes invasive disease. Understanding this mechanism will allow the development of new generation therapeutics, treatments and improved health outcomes.Read moreRead less
Social And Cultural Resilience And Emotional Wellbeing Of Aboriginal Mothers In Prison (SCREAM)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$925,847.00
Summary
The increasing imprisonment of Aboriginal women is a major public health issue affecting Aboriginal communities. One way in which the burden of disease and cycle of incarceration within families can be addressed is by improving health outcomes for incarcerated Aboriginal mothers and female carers. This mixed-methods study uses appropriate health measures, narrative data and action research to identify culturally safe models of health care for delivery in prisons and on re-integration to the comm ....The increasing imprisonment of Aboriginal women is a major public health issue affecting Aboriginal communities. One way in which the burden of disease and cycle of incarceration within families can be addressed is by improving health outcomes for incarcerated Aboriginal mothers and female carers. This mixed-methods study uses appropriate health measures, narrative data and action research to identify culturally safe models of health care for delivery in prisons and on re-integration to the community.Read moreRead less
Implementation And Sustainability Of Non-surgical Intervention For Dental Caries In General Dental Practice
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$390,388.00
Summary
Dentists in NSW and the ACT used new protocols to stop the spread of tooth decay. Many decayed teeth were then remineralised without the use of injections or drilling and filling. The process by which the dentists reorganised their practices to implement the protocols and how they explained them to their patients and practice staff will now be investigated to discover how best to promote their use Australia-wide. The sustainability and cost-effectiveness of this type of care will be measured.
Peer Counseling To Improve Feeding Practices And Reduce Malnutrition In Children 0-2 Years In Bangladesh
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$951,929.00
Summary
Bangladesh faces high levels of inappropriate infant feeding leading to young child malnutrition. Effective programs are urgently needed to help reduce this burden of malnutrition. The study in poor urban communities in Dhaka City, Bangladesh will examine the impact of local women educating mothers about appropriate infant feeding. We will assess the impact of these programs on feeding practices and the growth of the infants.