Using Novel Causal Inference Approaches To Improve Decision-making In Infectious Diseases Epidemiology
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$76,365.00
Summary
Health care professionals face challenges in infectious diseases(ID) treatment and control from rapid spread of drug-resistant pathogens. Most evidence has come from randomised clinical trials (RCT); however, these are expensive to run, and their generalisability has been questioned. Causal inference methods are available to address this issue, but the uptake of these methods in ID has been limited. This study aims to utilise these epidemiological modelling to enhance the quality of future RCTs.
The Association Between Disability Acquisition, Socio-economic Disadvantage And Health: A Longitudinal Analysis Of Trajectories Of Disability
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$92,539.00
Summary
People with disabilities are more likely to live in disadvantaged circumstances and experience poorer health and wellbeing than people without disabilities. The aim of my research is to contribute a nuanced, causally-robust longitudinal analysis of the relationships between disability, socio-economic disadvantage and health. I will model disability trajectories to characterise the diversity of disability experiences over time, and the determinants and consequences of different trajectories.
Networks Analysis - Modelling Transmission Of Disease And Propagation Of Adverse Health Outcomes Through Interconnected Populations
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$120,253.00
Summary
Networks analysis is a powerful suite of statistical techniques that will be used to develop simulations of disease and poor health outcomes through an Australian injecting drug user network, a Laos/Vietnam based cohort of men who have sex with men (MSM) and the 2009 H1N1 influenza cohort. Development of robust predictive models of disease and health outcomes provides novel opportunities for identifying and developing finely targeted intervention and harm-minimisation strategies.
Gender As A Determinant Of Health – Consolidating The Evidence Base. An Analysis Of Gender Equity And Health Outcomes In Lower Income Countries, With A Focus On Maternal And Neonatal Mortality
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$122,714.00
Summary
Gender has been cited as a powerful influence on the extent and distribution of adverse health outcomes, especially maternal and neonatal mortality. It has been suggested that global health and development targets cannot be reached without adequate attention to gender equity. A strong evidence base is vital if gender is to be meaningfully considered in the post-2015 agenda. This thesis aims to extend this evidence base.
The National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System, 1991-2011: Epidemiologic Analysis Of The First 20 Years Of National Infectious Diseases Notifications In Australia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$181,154.00
Summary
The National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System contains approximately 4 million records of infectious disease notifications made since 1991. We will use these data to describe trends in notifiable infectious diseases in Australia, determine the impact of interventions such as immunisation, and develop algorithms to identify infectious disease outbreaks as early as possible. This information will be used to help minimise the burden of infectious diseases in Australia in the future.
An Investigation Into The Relationship Between Physical Activity And Asthma In Children
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$36,174.00
Summary
It is important to understand whether physical activity can prevent asthma, or whether asthma prevents children from being physically active, as this will influence the decisions we make with regard to the management of both childhood asthma and childhood activity. This work uses data from two studies of Australian children to tease out which path is the most important path to target when trying to increase physical activity levels and improve the respiratory health of children and adolescents.
Individual Patient Data Meta-analysis Of Randomised Control Trials In Fluid Resuscitation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$85,027.00
Summary
I am a registered nurse focused in critical care research. I have an interest in the area of fluid resuscitation. My aim is to carry out an individual patient data meta-analysis (IPDMA) on randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in fluid resuscitation. The IPDMA will consist of two of the largest critical care trials; Saline Vs Albumin fluid Evaluation (SAFE) study and the Crystalloid Vs Starch (CHEST) study, to add further evidence to the currently limited fluid resuscitation literature.
A Geographic Approach To Measuring Social Deprivation And Health Care Need For Primary Health Care Policy And Planning
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$148,213.00
Summary
Understanding how and where people use and access health services, and how social disadvantage affects this is important for planning and providing primary health care services. Presenting information as maps is an effective way to explore and communicate these issues. This research program will use a geographic and map-based approach to understanding patterns of health service use and social disadvantage, to assist in developing primary health care policy.
Long Term Outcomes Following Early Infection And Inflammation In Cystic Fibrosis Lung Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$75,006.00
Summary
This study involves the long-term follow up of birth cohort of 98 infants with cystic fibrosis, with the objectives of assessing the impact of lower airway infection and inflammation in infancy and early childhood on the development of CF lung disease over 20-25 years, and of describing the development of the lower airway microbiota in early CF lung disease and its relationship to clinical outcomes.