Search
Research
Performance characteristics and potential public health impact of improved pre-erythrocytic malaria vaccines targeting childhood burdenNew malaria vaccine development builds on groundbreaking recommendations and roll-out of two approved pre-erythrocytic vaccines (PEVs); RTS,S/AS01 and R21/Matrix-M. Whilst these vaccines are effective in reducing childhood malaria within yearly routine immunization programs or seasonal vaccination, there is little evidence on how different PEV efficacies, durations of protection, and spacing between doses influence the potential to avert uncomplicated and severe childhood malaria.
Research
Acceptability, feasibility, and program outcomes of an equity-focused, adapted community-based healthy lifestyle program for children, young people, and their familiesInternational guidelines recommend multidisciplinary intervention programs for addressing childhood obesity. In Western Australia, community-based healthy lifestyle programs for children and young people are insufficient for demand, especially for those over-represented in obesity statistics relating to prevalence. This protocol outlines the implementation and evaluation of an adapted, evidenced, community-based program in Perth, Western Australia.
Research
Plasma testosterone concentration is correlated with circulating immune cell abundance in transgender young people on gender-affirming hormone treatmentSex hormones, such as oestrogen and testosterone, display significant immune modulatory properties. This is highly relevant for transgender (trans) people who undergo gender-affirming hormone (GAH) treatment. However, only a limited number of studies have evaluated the immunological impact of GAH treatments, and almost none have assessed the impact in trans young people.
Research
Children arriving hungry in the first year of school: population trends in Australia from 2009 to 2021Access to adequate nutrition is a human right. In 2023, 23% of Australian households were severely food insecure, reducing food intake, skipping meals or days of eating. Food insecurity in early childhood is linked to poor health and development. Specifically, breakfast provides children with the necessary nutrients required for sustained attention, memory, and cognitive growth. Australian research has reported that one in three children aged 8–18 years regularly skip breakfast. However, there is little understanding of the prevalence of food insecurity among young children in Australia.
Research
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Strain Evolution and Mutations in Western Australia in the Context of Nirsevimab ProphylaxisNirsevimab is a long-acting monoclonal antibody used to prevent respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection in infants and high-risk children. During the 2024 RSV season in Western Australia, 21 922 doses were administered to infants entering their first season and 1221 doses to at-risk children. In this context, the selection and spread of escape variants are a potential concern. This study aimed to investigate nirsevimab binding site mutations using clinical and wastewater data.
Research
Palliative care for people with substance use disorders: a qualitative study of the experiences of rural primary care providersIn Australia, substance use disorders disproportionately affect people living in rural and remote areas. Patients with substance use disorders who receive palliative care have complex, often unmet, end-of-life needs. There is scarce evidence on the management of patients with substance use disorders in palliative care, and there is no consensus on the model of care to assist general practitioners manage their patients. This is particularly salient for general practitioners in rural areas, who provide most of the palliative care to their patients.
Research
Facilitators, barriers, and strategies for supporting shared decision-making with people with intellectual disability: A West Australian primary healthcare professional perspectiveShared decision-making between patients and primary healthcare professionals positively impacts health outcomes. However, people with intellectual disability face additional barriers and require supported shared decision-making (SSDM) to participate. Little is known about how healthcare professionals use SSDM with this population. This paper explores the facilitators and barriers experienced, and strategies/resources employed by healthcare professionals working with people with intellectual disability.
Research
COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake, Sources of Information and Side Effects Reported by Pregnant Women in Western Australia: Cross-Sectional Cohort SurveyPregnant women are a priority group for COVID-19 vaccination due to their vulnerability as a high-risk cohort. However, the currentCOVID-19 vaccine uptake rate for COVID-19 vaccination among pregnant women in Western Australia remains largely unknown.
Research
A randomised trial of a trauma-informed well-being program to promote mental health in adolescents with type 1 diabetes: Study protocolChildren and young people with type 1 diabetes (T1D) experience high rates of mental ill health and stress due to the emotional and cognitive energy required to manage their condition. Our team has codesigned Wellbeing T1D, a brief trauma-informed online intervention for adolescents living with T1D. This 5-week intervention will teach skills to promote problem solving, improve emotional regulation and promote helpful thinking and coping.
Research
Septo-optic dysplasia and gastroschisis: trends in birth prevalence and association with maternal ageThis study aims to describe the risk factors and trends in birth prevalence of septo-optic dysplasia (SOD) and gastroschisis between 1980 and 2023. This descriptive, population-based study of SOD and gastroschisis used Western Australian Register of Developmental Anomalies data from 1980 to 2023. Birth prevalence was calculated using Midwives Notification System data for all births after 20 weeks gestation.