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Research
Low intake of B-vitamins is associated with poor adolescent mental health and behaviourThe current prevalence of mental health problems in Western populations is approximately 20% and half of all adult mental health disorders are estimated to...
Research
Can joined-up data lead to joined-up thinking? The Western Australian Developmental Pathways ProjectModern societies are challenged by "wicked problems" - by definition, those that are difficult to define, multi-casual and hard to treat.
Research
Dietary patterns and markers for the metabolic syndrome in Australian adolescentsOverweight and other risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) as well as their clustering, are increasingly prevalent among adolescents.
News & Events
Parent of a year 7 student? NOW is the best time to talk to your child about drinking alcoholSenior Research Officer from The Kids Research Institute Australia’s Human Development and Community Wellbeing team, Robyn Johnston, says now is actually a good time to start talking to them about alcohol - before they transition to the teenage years.
News & Events
The Kids welcomes new WA youth health policyThe Kids welcomes the launch of WA’s first policy on youth health which will give young people a voice in the planning of health services that affect them.
Research
Impact of health-oriented marketing claims on young adults’ alcohol product perceptions, hypothetical consumption, and beliefs: a randomized experimentHealth-oriented marketing claims commonly and increasingly feature on alcohol products and target younger consumers. This study aimed to test effects of such claims on young adults' alcohol product perceptions and intended consumption.
Research
The Luminos Project: Co-Designing a Short-Stay Suicide Support Model for Young PeopleSuicide was the leading cause of death among young Australians aged 15-24 years old in 2023, with 392 lives lost. The continued high numbers of youth suicide demand urgent exploration of alternative approaches to suicide intervention in this population. The United Kingdom-based suicide service Maytree offers an innovative short-term stay for people experiencing suicidal thoughts. Grounded by the Maytree model-of-care, the aim of the current study was to co-design a short-stay service responsive to the specific needs of suicidal young people.
Research
Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand (TSANZ) Guidance for the Management of Electronic Cigarette Use (Vaping) in Adolescents and AdultsElectronic cigarette use, especially among younger members of society, has grown to concerning levels in many countries, including Australia and New Zealand. Uptake in the general population, driven by technological and pharmacological innovations, and accelerated by aggressive tobacco/vaping industry marketing, has outpaced medical research.
Research
The psychosocial impact of rare diseases among children and adolescents attending mainstream schools in Western AustraliaLiving with a long-term medical condition is associated with heightened risk for mental health and psychosocial difficulties, but further research is required on this risk for children and adolescents with a rare disease in the educational setting. The aim of this study is to describe parents’ perceptions of the psychosocial impact of rare diseases on their school-aged children in Western Australia.
Research
Western Australian adolescent emotional wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have been vast and are not limited to physical health. Many adolescents have experienced disruptions to daily life, including changes in their school routine and family’s financial or emotional security, potentially impacting their emotional wellbeing.