A Longitudinal Study Of Bacterial Vaginosis And Mycoplasma Genitalium In Young Australian Women.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$102,270.00
Summary
The aim of this research project is to measure how many Australian women are infected with either bacterial vaginosis or Mycoplasma genitalium. These infections can be associated with significant reproductive complications for women. Very little is know about how common these infections are or how often they can occur. This study will follow 1400 women over 12 months, asking them to provide vaginal swabs through the post for testing for these infections.
Genetic, Family And Social Determinants Of The Burden And Outcome In Rett Syndrome: A Population-based Investigation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$332,550.00
Summary
Rett syndrome is a severe disorder of the nervous system mainly affecting females. At birth children with Rett syndrome often seem normal but in their second year lose skills. With time it becomes clear that they are severely intellectually and physically handicapped. In 1999 the link between Rett syndrome and a mutation in the gene, known as MECP2, was found. In Australia since 1993, we have had a register of basic information on all girls and young women diagnosed with Rett syndrome. Over thre ....Rett syndrome is a severe disorder of the nervous system mainly affecting females. At birth children with Rett syndrome often seem normal but in their second year lose skills. With time it becomes clear that they are severely intellectually and physically handicapped. In 1999 the link between Rett syndrome and a mutation in the gene, known as MECP2, was found. In Australia since 1993, we have had a register of basic information on all girls and young women diagnosed with Rett syndrome. Over three quarters of the register s 248 cases have now been genetically tested. In 2000 and again in 2002, extra information on ability to do everyday tasks, behaviour, hand function, medical conditions, and use of health and education services was collected. In 2002 questions on family well being were also included. From 2004 to 2007, further information will be gathered on function, health and well being of the affected child and their family. This will be by telephone interview, questionnaire, video recording, existing medical records, clinical assessments and tests. This will include in 2004 completion of calendars which will provide information needed to estimate health and medical care costs for these children. Similar information by questionnaire and calendar will also be collected from the parents of children with Down syndrome in 2004. The information will be used to compare the social and financial burden of Rett syndrome with Down syndrome, a commoner cause of intellectual disability. The research will also show if it is possible to predict from early genetic test results how severely a child with Rett syndrome will later be affected. It will also determine whether some ways of management improve the long-term outlook for the girl and her family. Finally this study will investigate why some families cope better with this devastating disorder than others. This research is only possible in Australia because of the ongoing register we have set up here.Read moreRead less
Practical Tools For Robust Analysis Of Large Epidemiological Studies With Incomplete Data
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$358,492.00
Summary
Studies of the causes and consequences of health outcomes follow large cohorts of individuals for long time periods. A major challenge in analysing data from these studies is that information is often incomplete. Participants rarely complete all waves of data collection, or provide all requested information. Statistical research has led to increased use of a statistical method (multiple imputation) that recovers information from incomplete cases. This project will develop and improve this method
The Role Of Allostatic Load As A Mediator Between Chronic Stress And Poor Health For Dementia Caregivers
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$237,321.00
Summary
The potential risk to caregivers of dementia patients of poor health outcomes is well documented. The burden imposed by caregiving is most often described in terms of chronic stress. While it is apparent that some stress-relieving social interventions (e.g. respite) may have short-term benefits, it is also clear that many caregivers are unable or unwilling to avail themselves of such programs. The way in which chronic stress leads to poor health is not well understood. Our study of spouse caregi ....The potential risk to caregivers of dementia patients of poor health outcomes is well documented. The burden imposed by caregiving is most often described in terms of chronic stress. While it is apparent that some stress-relieving social interventions (e.g. respite) may have short-term benefits, it is also clear that many caregivers are unable or unwilling to avail themselves of such programs. The way in which chronic stress leads to poor health is not well understood. Our study of spouse caregivers seeks to identify the groups of physiological systems that suffer cumulative wear and tear as a result of chronic stress. This wear and tear is called allostatic load, and is thought to lead to poor health. It is expected that caregivers in our study will have greater allostatic load than people who are not caregivers. Should this be the case, our results will provide the basis for the design of tailored interventions to maintain caregivers in good health. The potential of such preventive health measures is to reduce caregivers' health care costs and reliance on community support, and to help caregivers to continue providing care for their spouses at home.Read moreRead less
A Controlled Longitudinal Study Of Knee Cartilage Volume If The Offspring Of Subjects With Osteoarthritis Of The Knee.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$144,392.00
Summary
Osteoarthritis is the most common cause of musculoskeletal disability and cost in Australia. Both genetic and environmental factors have been implicated as causes of this disease. As yet, however, there are no proven strategies for prevention of this very common condition and treatment of established disease is unsatisfactory. Part of the reason for this is the fact that there is no sensitive and accurate measure of early disease. In this study, we plan to evaluate knee cartilage volume assessed ....Osteoarthritis is the most common cause of musculoskeletal disability and cost in Australia. Both genetic and environmental factors have been implicated as causes of this disease. As yet, however, there are no proven strategies for prevention of this very common condition and treatment of established disease is unsatisfactory. Part of the reason for this is the fact that there is no sensitive and accurate measure of early disease. In this study, we plan to evaluate knee cartilage volume assessed by magnetic resonance imaging. This is a promising new candidate which is both accurate and sensitive. We will be measuring knee volume both cross-sectionally and longitudinally in the offspring of patients who have had knee replacement for osteoarthritis and comparing them to randomly selected controls to see if knee volume can be utilised as a marker of early or asymptomatic disease particularly in identifying which treatments may be effective at preventing osteoarthritis in later life.Read moreRead less