Current research projects in population health
Project 1: Determining the health effects of lead in children from Broken Hill and Port Pirie
This research project aims to determine whether current levels of lead pollution in Broken Hill and Port Pirie are impacting on the cognitive and behavioural development of children living in these towns. Lead has been mined and smelted in these cities since the 1880s, and since there is no known "safe" threshold for lead exposure, the outcomes of our research may have significant implications for lead abatement programs in Australia.
Our study involves testing the lead content of blood and baby teeth taken from seven and eight year-olds from approximately 150 families from these two communities. By applying new concepts of intelligence, and taking into account inheritable and socio-cultural determinants of IQ, we hope to determine if there is an association between lead exposure and cognitive development.
Started in 2007, this research project is being carried out in partnership with SA Health, Broken Hill City Council, Port Pirie Regional Council, and the Port Pirie smelter. It is funded by a $400,000 grant from the National Health and Medical Research Council, and involves seven researchers led by Associate Professor Peter Baghurst, leader of the Population Health Stream at the Children's Research Centre and Head of the Public Health Research Unit at the Women's and Children's Hospital in Adelaide.
Project 2: Comparing the health outcomes of preterm babies in hospitals across Australia and New Zealand
Extreme premature birth is a major cause of neonatal morbidity. The aim of this project is to establish a monitoring process that improves quality of care for these infants and identifies opportunities for improved treatment and mentoring.
To achieve this, we are comparing the health outcomes of premature babies from five different Neonatology Intensive Care Units across Australia and New Zealand over several years. By looking at outcomes such as mortality, brain haemorrhage, disorders of the retina, and chronic lung disease - and making appropriate statistical adjustments for case-complexity - we can apply new developments in quality control monitoring that will ‘signal' changes in outcomes worthy of closer scrutiny at the earliest possible opportunity.
Started in 2006 this research project is being carried out in partnership with participating health-care units at the Children's Hospital at Westmead, the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney, the Women's and Children's Hospital in Adelaide and the Christchurch Hospital for Women in New Zealand. It is supported by the Australia and New Zealand Neonatal Network, and is led by Associate Professor Peter Baghurst, leader of the Population Health Stream at the Children's Research Centre and Head of the Public Health Research Unit at the Women's and Children's Hospital.
Project 3: Investigating the high number of adeno-tonsillectomies in South Australian children
For many years South Australian hospitals have removed more tonsils and adenoids from its child patients than any other state. Within Adelaide itself, tonsillectomy rates are 40% higher in the northern suburbs than across Adelaide as a whole.
This project seeks to identify factors that are driving this high number of procedures. Hospital activity data for South Australia is being compared to national activity data in order to determine whether there are interstate differences in the ages at which adeno-tonsillectomies are performed, the prevalence of these surgeries between boys and girls, and the involvement of the private and public health sectors.
Since there is little documentation about the social factors that may lead to adeno-tonsillectomies being performed, or current perceptions surrounding the benefits and outcomes of this procedure, we are conducting interviews with families whose children are currently on waiting lists for these procedures, and documenting their experiences.
Started in 2007, this research project is being carried out in partnership with the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare and the Women's and Children's Hospital in Adelaide. It is funded by a $48,000 grant from the Northern Communities Health Foundation, and involves three researchers led by Jacqueline Stephens, a PhD student at the Children's Research Centre at the University of Adelaide.
