Translational Public Health Research Addressing Complex Questions In Maternal, Perinatal And Indigenous Health
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$420,872.00
Summary
The health of women during pregnancy and the first year after giving birth is critical to the health and well-being of children. This research aims to improve understanding of the causes and consequences of poor maternal health and contribute to better informed policy and practice in maternity, early postnatal and primary care services. It focuses on 3 major themes: improving women’s health after childbirth; maternity and early postnatal care; and Indigenous women’s and children’s health.
Concord Hormones And Ageing In Men Project (CHAMP)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,780,887.00
Summary
Throughout life men have poorer health than women, a health difference that extends into old age. In Australia in 2001, life expectancy for a 65 year old man was 20% less than for a 65 year old woman (81.6 years for men and 85.2 years for women). The study proposed here will fill major gaps in knowledge about key health problems in older men. The study will be called CHAMP: Concord Hormones and Ageing in Men Project. As people grow older, health problems that cause loss of independence and reduc ....Throughout life men have poorer health than women, a health difference that extends into old age. In Australia in 2001, life expectancy for a 65 year old man was 20% less than for a 65 year old woman (81.6 years for men and 85.2 years for women). The study proposed here will fill major gaps in knowledge about key health problems in older men. The study will be called CHAMP: Concord Hormones and Ageing in Men Project. As people grow older, health problems that cause loss of independence and reduced quality of life become increasingly important. The term 'geriatric giants' is sometimes used to describe these disabling syndromes: falls and fractures, cognitive impairment and dementia, urinary incontinence, and poor mobility and functional dependence. CHAMP has been designed to investigate the causes of, and inter-relationships between, these geriatric syndromes in men. Reproductive hormones are responsible for the fundamental biological differences between men and women. Underpinning CHAMP is the idea that age-related changes in reproductive hormones play an important role in the development of the geriatric syndromes in older men. There have been numerous studies of oestrogen and health in older women but only limited research on testosterone and other reproductive hormones in older men. CHAMP will be the largest study of the geriatric syndromes in older men ever conducted. The study will inlvolve 2800 men aged 65 years and over recruited from the community around Concord Hospital in Sydney. These men will each spend 3 hours at the study centre, where they will have a comprehensive physical examination and tests for osteoporosis, muscle weakness, dementia and urinary problems, as well as blood tests. This will all be repeated 2 years later.Read moreRead less
Maternal Health After Childbirth: A Prospective Cohort Study Of 1900 Nulliparous Women Recruited In Early Pregnancy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$697,150.00
Summary
Recent research highlights a concerning burden of ill health in recent mothers. Common health problems in the year after birth are chronic exhaustion, persisting pain, urinary incontinence, bowel problems, sexual problems and depression. This study will investigate the incidence, onset, severity and duration of health problems in the first 18 months after childbirth. A major focus of the study will be on the extent to which common health problems affecting women after childbirth occur as new pro ....Recent research highlights a concerning burden of ill health in recent mothers. Common health problems in the year after birth are chronic exhaustion, persisting pain, urinary incontinence, bowel problems, sexual problems and depression. This study will investigate the incidence, onset, severity and duration of health problems in the first 18 months after childbirth. A major focus of the study will be on the extent to which common health problems affecting women after childbirth occur as new problems in pregnancy, or after childbirth. This involves following women having a first child and measuring their health in pregnancy and the first year after birth. 1900 women having a first birth will be recruited to the study in early pregnancy, and followed up until 18 months after the birth. A major aim of the study is to provide stronger evidence about the role of pregnancy and birth factors in physical health problems after birth. In particular, the study will examine the contribution of method of delivery to pelvic floor disorders (urinary and anal incontinence, perineal pain and sexual problems). The study will also examine reasons why many women choose not to discuss physical and emotional health problems with health professionals in the postnatal period. The influence of cultural, social and economic factors on health service use and disclosure of maternal health problems will be explored. The study will provide the first Australian data on new health problems experienced for the first time after childbirth, and the extent to which pregnancy, labour and birth contribute to subsequent ill-health. The findings will provide stronger evidence on which to base the care of women during childbirth,development and evaluation of primary and secondary prevention strategies, and information to women and their families regarding the risks of obstetric procedures, such as caesarean section and vaginal birth assisted with forceps.Read moreRead less