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Research

Plasma testosterone concentration is correlated with circulating immune cell abundance in transgender young people on gender-affirming hormone treatment

Sex 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

Collecting behavioural data across countries during pandemics: Development of the COVID-19 Risk Assessment Tool

Tools that can be used to collect behavioural data during pandemics are needed to inform policy and practice. The objective of this project was to develop the Your COVID-19 Risk tool in response to the global spread of COVID-19, aiming to promote health behaviour change. We developed an online resource based on key behavioural evidence-based risk factors related to contracting and spreading COVID-19. This tool allows for assessing risk and provides instant support to protect individuals from infection.

Research

Acceptability, feasibility, and program outcomes of an equity-focused, adapted community-based healthy lifestyle program for children, young people, and their families

International 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

Beneficial health effects of ultraviolet radiation: expert review and conference report

Carcinogenic effects of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) with reference to skin cancer are the basis of widely implemented recommendations to avoid sun exposure. Whether the benefits of "restrictive sun policies" outweigh their potential harms due to diminished beneficial effects of sunlight exposure remain a matter of controversy.  

Research

Lifting the wellbeing of adolescents and young adults with type 1 diabetes: A feasibility study of the LIFT app

Adolescents and young adults with type 1 diabetes have an increased risk of psychological distress. To address this, psychological support provided asynchronously via an app may be feasible. Our study aimed to explore feasibility and safety of the LIFT wellbeing app.

Research

Septo-optic dysplasia and gastroschisis: trends in birth prevalence and association with maternal age

This 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.

Research

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) intervention in adolescents with type 1 diabetes: A pilot and feasibility study

A considerable proportion of patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) experience emotional problems due to the continual demands of the disease, which may persist throughout life without appropriate support. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility and acceptability of an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) intervention and provide early indications of its capacity to impact psychosocial outcomes for adolescents with T1D. 

News & Events

Directing immune development to curb sky-rocketing disease

Once upon a time it was infectious diseases like polio, measles or tuberculosis that most worried parents. With these threats now largely under control, parents face a new challenge – sky-rocketing rates of non-infectious diseases such as asthma, allergies and autism.

News & Events

What life is like living with type 1 diabetes

Every decision a child with type 1 diabetes makes can impact on their blood glucose levels.

Research

Spatiotemporal patterns of influenza in Western Australia

Understanding the geospatial distribution of influenza infection and the risk factors associated with infection clustering can inform targeted preventive interventions. We conducted a geospatial analysis to investigate the spatial patterns and identify drivers of medically attended influenza infection across all age groups in Western Australia.