Biology-Women's Health
Understanding parental support for daughters with significant menstrual health problems - also offered as MBiomedSc
Supervisors: Dr Jane Girling, Dr Yasmin Jaysinghe
Project Site: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Royal Women’s Hospital
Contact: Jane Girling E:jgirling@unimelb.edu.au, Yasmin Jaysinghe Yasmin.Jayasinghe@thewomens.org.au
Project description: Menstrual pain not only impacts on the individual girl/woman, but also on her family. Conversely, the attitudes of the family towards menstrual pain may have a significant impact on how the girl/women views, understands and manages her symptoms. Currently, there is no literature available that considers the father’s perspective of menstrual problems. Information on the father’s perspective may help identify specific areas where education may help a father support and advocate for his daughter.
We have recently conducted a study examining the understanding, involvement and attitudes of fathers towards their daughter’s menstrual health concerns in a cohort of parents with daughters attending a tertiary hospital for menstrual complaints. These preliminary studies have highlighted the limited knowledge of fathers about potential problematic symptoms associated with menstruation and a concerning lack of understanding of both mothers and fathers about possible long-term consequences of menstrual problems and the medications associated with their treatment. These observations were concerning as they suggest parents lack sufficient information to provide informed consent for daughters dealing with significant menstrual health issues. Studies are being developed that will further explore the role and understanding of parents in regards to menstrual health issues with the aim of developing appropriate education tools suitable for mothers, fathers and their daughters.
Investigation of genes associated with increased risk of endometriosis - also offered as MBiomedSc
Supervisors: Prof Peter Rogers, Dr Jane Girling, Dr Sarah Holdsworth-Carson, Dr Premila Paiva
Project Site: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Royal Women’s Hospital
Contact: Prof Peter Rogers E: parogers@unimelb.edu.au; Dr Jane Girling E: jgirling@unimelb.edu.au
Project description: Endometriosis is a disease where endometrial tissue grows outside of the uterus, most commonly on the organs and tissues of the peritoneal cavity. It is a horrible disease that significantly reduces quality of life in up to 10% of women through chronic pelvic pain and infertility. There is no permanent cure and current treatment options are inadequate. There is a desperate need to understand the mechanisms responsible for this disease and for the development of diagnostic tools, prevention strategies and improved treatment options (precision medicine).
Endometriosis is a complex disease with a genetic basis. Recent genome wide association studies have identified several candidate genes linked to the risk of endometriosis. We are now working on a 4-year NHMRC-funded project that aims to examine the function of these genes in uterine tissues with the aim of determining how candidate genes and gene pathways may contribute to endometriosis pathophysiology. Potential projects will be based on information derived from our database and associated tissues from over 600 women that includes comprehensive clinical, quality of life, symptom, molecular and genetic information; our database is currently of the largest of its type in the world. Projects will largely be laboratory based with the potential to interact with expert clinicians and undertake questionnaire based studies.
A critical analysis of Sunsmart behaviiour in young Australian women - also offered as MBiomedSc
Supervisors: Prof John Wark, Dr George Varigos, Dr Asvini K Subasinghe, Prof Suzanne Garland.
Project Site: Department of Medicine, (RMH) Parkville Campus
Contact: E: jdwark@unimelb.edu.au
Project description: Recommendations re sun-smart behaviour can be complex and confusing. What do young women understand about sun-smart behaviour and how do they perceive their own sun-smart behaviour? Young women’s understanding of recommended sun-smart behaviours and their perception of their own sun-smart behaviours will be the focus of this research project. Self-reported data will be compared to objectively measured sun exposure using personal UV dosimeters.
Air pollution may impair Vitamin D status in young Victorian women - also offered as MBiomedSc
Supervisors: Prof John Wark, Ms Alexandra Gorelik, Dr Asvini K Subasinghe,
Project Site: Department of Medicine, (RMH) Parkville Campus
Contact: E: jdwark@unimelb.edu.au
Project description: Recent European research has identified a potentially worrying relationship between vitamin D status and local measures of air quality. Is there an association between air quality and vitamin D levels in young women living in Victoria? This project will explore a possible association between air quality in postcode of residence and serum vitamin D levels in young women. Validated models of air quality based on monitored levels of air pollution will be applied to study these relationships.
Fear of needles: evaluation of BrightHearts: A biofeedback mediated relaxation/distraction app
Supervisors: Professor John D Wark, Professor Suzanne M Garland, A/Professor Rachel Skinner, Dr Asvini K Subasinghe
Project Site: Department of Medicine, RMH, Parkville Campus
Contact: suzanne.garland@thewomens.org.au; 8345 3670; jdwark@unimelb.edu.au; 9342 7109; rachel.skinner@health.nsw.gov.au; asvini.subasinghe@mcri.edu.au
Project description: Some young people experience considerable anxiety associated with receiving injections and needles1, such as in blood collection and immunisation. BrightHearts (BHs) is a novel biofeedback2 mediated interactive digital artwork app, developed to reduce anxiety and perception of pain during painful medical procedures. BHs uses an iPad to display a colourful geometric artwork and musical sounds, which respond to changes in heart rate transmitted by a wireless wristband heart rate monitor. Users learn to reduce their heart rate through slower breathing and are rewarded with more interesting and intense visual display and sounds.
Aim: to reduce self-reported anxiety and perception of pain, prior to and during venepuncture.
Setting:Participants will be young women aged 16-25 years attending a health assessment visit for the research project SAFE-D.
Design: A randomized controlled trial. 120 women will be recruited to the study and 60 randomly assigned to use BHs before and during venepuncture and 60 to standard practice during venepuncture. Post intervention, all participants will complete an 8-10 minute questionnaire via iPad, assessing pain, fear and anxiety. The primary outcome is self-reported anxiety. We compare anxiety scores between groups. If BHs is found to be successful, it has the potential to be used to reduce anxiety in young people having medical procedures such as venepuncture and immunisation. Given fear of needles has the potential to result in young people avoiding these important procedures, BHs could make a difference in uptake of procedures and improve the procedural experience for young people.
Risky behaviours in females aged 16-29 years - also offered as MBiomedSc
Supervisors: Prof John Wark, Prof Suzanne Garland, Ms Alexandra Gorelik, Dr Asvini Subasinghe.
Project Site: Department of Medicine, (RMH) Parkville Campus
Contact: Prof John Wark E: jdwark@unimelb.edu.au
There is strong evidence to show that young adults exhibit a number of poor health behaviours such as alcohol use, smoking, lack of physical activity, and risky sexual behaviours. Researchers who have examined risky behaviour patterns have speculated that poor health behaviours established during emerging adulthood may persist into later stages of adulthood.
The Young Female Health Initiative (YFHI) and Safe-D studies are comprehensive female health studies conducted with 16-25 year old females. Students will have the opportunity to investigate the prevalence and determinants of risky behaviours in a representative sample of young Australian females as well as determining variations in these behaviours longitudinally using data collected from two year follow up visits. Findings from this study will be able to consolidate whether established risky behaviours may persist throughout adulthood and may suggest factors that influence these behaviours. This project would suit a student interested in women’s health. Suitable for Honours, Masters, PhD or MPH studies.
Dietary habits and mental health in females aged 16-29 years - also offered as MBiomedSc
Supervisors: Dr Asvini Subasinghe, Prof John Wark, Prof Suzanne Garland, Ms Alexandra Gorelik.
Project Site: Bio21 Institute, Parkville
Contact: Dr Asvini Subasinghe E: asvini.subasinghe@mcri.edu.au
There is a large body of evidence linking a poor intake of nutrients and unhealthy dietary patterns with the development and management of mental health conditions such as depression. Using self-reported and clinical data on mental health and dietary intake data collected from a validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), in the Young Female Health Initiative (YFHI) and Safe-D studies, students will have the opportunity to investigate the association between diet and several indices of mental health and other behavioural and lifestyle factors. There is also an opportunity to determine whether there are any temporal changes in dietary and lifestyle behaviours using data collected from two year follow up visits. Findings from this study will be able to provide insights into the relationship between poor diet and mental health in an at-risk population. Additionally, findings may also provide the framework for targeted intervention strategies. This project would suit a student interested in women’s and mental health. Suitable for Honours, Masters, PhD or MPH studies.
Risky behaviours in females with Type 1 Diabetes aged 16-25 years - also offered as MBiomedSc
Supervisors: Prof John Wark, Prof Suzanne Garland, Ms Alexandra Gorelik, Dr Asvini Subasinghe.
Project Site: Department of Medicine, (RMH) Parkville Campus
Contact: Prof John Wark E: jdwark@unimelb.edu.au
There is strong evidence to show that the prevalence of risky behaviours in young adults with chronic diseases, such as diabetes, is greater than in those without diabetes. The Young Female Health Initiative (YFHI) Diabetes Study is a comprehensive female health study conducted on 16-25 year old females with Type 1 diabetes. Students will have the opportunity to investigate the prevalence of risky behaviours in this cohort and compare behaviour profiles to those of a young healthy female population. Findings from this study will be able to provide insights into the problem of risky behaviours in a young female cohort with diabetes and provide evidence for targeted intervention strategies. This project would suit a student interested in women’s health. Suitable for Honours, Masters, PhD or MPH studies.
Metabolic health of females with Type 1 Diabetes aged 16-25 years - also offered as MBiomedSc
Supervisors: Prof John Wark, Prof Suzanne Garland, Ms Alexandra Gorelik, Dr Asvini Subasinghe.
Project Site: Department of Medicine, (RMH) Parkville Campus
Contact: Prof John Wark E: jdwark@unimelb.edu.au
Though there is strong evidence to show that individuals with Type 1 diabetes are at risk of various metabolic and cardiovascular diseases, there is limited evidence to show these associations in adolescent and young adult females. The Young Female Health Initiative (YFHI) Diabetes Study is a comprehensive female health study conducted on 16-25 year old females with Type 1 Diabetes. Students will have the opportunity to investigate the prevalence of metabolic and cardiovascular risk factors and associated behavioural and lifestyle factors in a young female cohort with type 1 diabetes. Findings from this study will be able to shed light on the health profiles of young females with diabetes and provide evidence for targeted intervention strategies for females in this age group. This project would suit a student interested in endocrinology and cardiovascular health. Suitable for Honours, Masters, PhD or MPH studies.
Vitamin D status and mental health outcomes in females aged 16-25 years participating in a randomized controlled trial - ONLY offered as MBiomedSc
Supervisors: Prof John Wark, Prof Suzanne Garland, Ms Alexandra Gorelik, Dr Asvini Subasinghe.
Project Site: Department of Medicine, (RMH) Parkville Campus
Contact: Prof John Wark E: jdwark@unimelb.edu.au
There is a large body of evidence supporting a relationship between Vitamin D and poor mental health. Students will have the unique opportunity to investigate the association between Vitamin D and several indices of mental health in females recruited into the intervention component of the Safe-D study (Part B). Participants with 25 OHD levels 25 to 75 nmol/L are randomized to one of three groups in 1:1:1 ratio: a mobile phone–based application designed to encourage safe sun exposure, vitamin D supplementation (1000 IU/day), and a control group. Data collection points are at baseline, 4 and 12 months post baseline with the major endpoints being at 4 months. A wide range of information is collected from participants throughout the course of this study including validated and self-reported information relating to mental health status and lifestyle behaviours. Students will have the fantastic opportunity to investigate a number of relationships between Vitamin D status and indices of mental health. There is also an opportunity to determine whether there are any temporal changes in these associations at 4 months and 12 months after baseline. Findings from this study will help provide an insight into the effects of improving vitamin D levels on several health outcomes, particularly mental health. This project would suit a student interested in mental health. Suitable for Masters, PhD or MPH studies.
Vitamin D status and musculoskeletal outcomes in females aged 16-25 years participating in a randomized controlled trial - ONLY offered as MBiomedSc
Supervisors: Prof John Wark, Prof Suzanne Garland, Ms Alexandra Gorelik, Dr Asvini Subasinghe.
Project Site: Department of Medicine, (RMH) Parkville Campus
Contact: Prof John Wark E: jdwark@unimelb.edu.au
Low vitamin D levels are associated with an increased risk of numerous chronic health conditions, including poor musculoskeletal health and osteoporosis. However, few researchers have investigated these relationships in young females. We present a novel opportunity for students to investigate these associations in 16-25 year old females participating in a randomized clinical trial as part of the Safe-D study. Participants with 25 OHD levels 25 to 75 nmol/L are randomized to one of three groups in 1:1:1 ratio: a mobile phone–based application designed to encourage safe sun exposure, vitamin D supplementation (1000 IU/day), and a control group. Data from comprehensive surveys, blood tests, bone densitometry, body composition scans, and Leonardo mechanography tests are available on participants at baseline and at 12 months post baseline. Therefore, students will also have the opportunity to investigate these associations longitudinally. Findings from this study will help provide an insight into the effects of improving vitamin D levels on several health outcomes, particularly musculoskeletal health. Findings from this study will help provide an insight into the effects of improving vitamin D levels on musculoskeletal disorders. This project would suit a student interested in musculoskeletal health. Suitable for Masters, or PhD.
Longitudinal analysis of health outcomes in 16-29 year old females - also offered as MBiomedSc
Supervisors: Prof John Wark, Prof Suzanne Garland, Ms Alexandra Gorelik, Dr Asvini Subasinghe.
Project Site: Department of Medicine, (RMH) Parkville Campus
Contact: Prof John Wark E: jdwark@unimelb.edu.au
The Young Female Health Initiative (YFHI) and Safe-D studies are comprehensive female health studies conducted with 16-29 year old females. Data are collected via online surveys and clinical site visits for the YFHI study at baseline and at 2 years post baseline. Survey data are available on the following health domains: general health and lifestyle behaviours, mental health, sexual and reproductive health, bone and joint health, cardiovascular and metabolic health, and dietary behaviours. Clinical data include fasting blood tests, anthropometric measurements, sexual health samples, bone mineral density, and body composition scans obtained through site visits. Students will have the novel opportunity to investigate a research question of interest in a representative sample of young Australian females as well as determining variations in health outcomes longitudinally using data collected from two year follow up visits. This project would suit a student interested in women’s health. Suitable for Honours, Masters, or PhD.