BackgroundPerinatal mental disorders have been classified as significant complications of women’s pregnancy and postpartum periods. 1 in 5 women experience common mental health problems during the perinatal phase (CPMDs), and the rates are even higher for women in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Yet, most women with CPMDs do not receive care, with little research existing on how to best address CPMDs in low resource, rural settings. The ‘treatment gap’ (difference between actual and treated CPMDs) is linked to a lack of promotion, prevention and early intervention of perinatal mental health (PMH).The Perinatal Mental Health project (PRAMH) is a mixed-methods, single-arm feasibility study developing a complex intervention to support women with CPMDs in rural India, by integrating mental health into maternity care within the communities.AimTo understand the local context of perinatal mental health and collaboratively develop a complex, community-based intervention with community members, includi

BackgroundImmunoglobulin A Nephropathy (IgAN) is the most common type of kidney inflammation worldwide and a leading cause of kidney failure, often requiring dialysis or transplant. • The TESTING trial showed that significant kidney problems like kidney failure or a major decline in kidney function often start appearing two-to-three years after starting treatment. A post-trial observation study is a crucial and efficient way to answer key questions about whether the benefits of steroids continue over time and if lower steroid doses provide similar long-term benefits safely for kidney health.AimsTo follow TESTING study participants for a longer period to see if taking methylprednisolone for six to nine months leads to lasting benefits in preventing end-stage kidney failure. To resolve persisting uncertainties regarding the use and long-term benefits of corticosteroids as a therapy for IgA nephropathy.MethodsTESTING-ON is a post-trial observational study of participants randomised into the TEST

BackgroundThe World Health Organization (WHO) has identified climate change as the greatest threat to human health in the twenty-first century, with an estimated 250,000 additional deaths per year between 2030 and 2050 due to malnutrition, malaria, diarrhoea, and heat stress alone. Climate change is contributing to increase adverse impact not restricted to human health, but also extending to social, economic, and political domains.It is widely recognised that identifying practical solutions to handle the health aspects of climate change needs trans- and multi-disciplinary research. As the window for effective responses is rapidly closing, identifying priority research questions on climate change is key from the point of both resourcing and action for funders and academics.AimsTo identify priority research questions on climate change and health in India in the following domains:Impact of climate change on health and diseaseInterventions to protect health from climate changeClimate change adaptation and mitigat

BackgroundAnemia is a serious public health issue in India with one of the highest prevalence among women of reproductive age (18-49 years) globally. Despite the targeted and concerted efforts, anemia has shown an increasing trend over the past decade. Tripura, one among the Northeastern states of India, has the highest prevalence of WRA in the region at 67.2%. To address this crisis, our research aims to identify the contextual factors affecting anemia in different population groups in Tripura and implement multi-sectoral intervention to address anemia in women of reproductive age group.AimAssess the contextual factors affecting anemia in women of reproductive age (18-49 years) of different population groups (tribal/non-tribal) in Tripura.Co-develop and implement a multisectoral intervention to reduce anemia among women of reproductive age.Research MethodologyA quasi-experimental study design with a mixed method approach is employed. The study will be conducted in four phases -- Formative; Intervention desig

BackgroundIn 2016, Health Promoting Schools (HPS) under the Fiji School Health Policy was launched as a joint program by the Ministry of Health and Medical Services and the Ministry of Education of Fiji. This is a ‘whole of school’ approach to improving health and wellbeing of Fiji’s children and youth by incorporating into the school curriculum resources to improve awareness and competency in promoting healthy behaviours. It has three key areas of focus: 1) diet and physical activity; 2) water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH); and 3) mental health and wellbeing. In this initial phase of implementation, with support from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), HPS was delivered in 285 primary (ages 6-14 years, grades 1-8) and secondary schools (ages 14-18 years, grades 9-12).There has been limited evaluation of the HPS program with important issues as yet answered: how the HPS program is being used across the participating schools, whether the program

BackgroundLeading international scientific organisations and national governments worldwide recognise that reducing population sodium intake is a key priority to prevent and control noncommunicable diseases.Reducing sodium consumption is particularly important for low- and middle-income countries as the burden of excess sodium intake is disproportionately severe due to limited access to health resources and effective treatments. Marginalised and underserved communities also face heightened risks because of dietary, economic, and systemic challenges, exacerbating their health disparities.Despite global efforts to reduce salt intakes, progress has been slow due to a lack of practical interventions.Switching regular salt to potassium-enriched salt is likely to be the most effective solution based on a growing body of evidence:Salt Substitute in India Study (SSiIS) – A randomised controlled trialChina Salt Substitute and Stroke Study (SSaSS)AimTo generate evidence for and scale up the switch to potassium-enrich

BackgroundMany older people experience difficulties achieving good seatbelt fitment and comfort in vehicles. The use of comfort accessories like cushions and pads is relatively common among older people travelling in vehicles. Research has shown that some of these accessories can have a detrimental effect on safety in a crash. Medical practitioners, allied health and road safety professionals are ideally placed to provide advice to older people about how to redress these issues and how to safely achieve comfort in vehicles. The ‘Vehicle Safety for Older Drivers’ project was initiated to develop evidence-based guidelines for tailoring advice about safe and comfortable travel in vehicles as a tool for use by these practitioners. Older people also need to be able to access guidance about comfort and safety in vehicles although may not need the same level of detail. For this reason, simple informative material targeting older people to raise awareness of safety issues in vehicles, and to allow for inform

BackgroundSpontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) accounts for approximately 10-15% of all strokes but stands for 50% of stroke-related morbidity and mortality. Approximately half of all patients with ICH have a decreased level of consciousness at hospital admission. For many years, randomized clinical trial (RCTs) have failed to establish a specific beneficial treatment after ICH. A study conducted in low- and middle-income countries has demonstrated a beneficial effect of a treatment package consisting of early intensive blood pressure lowering, as well as the treatment of pyrexia and elevated blood glucose levels. The I-CATCHER team is now planning to extend the study in Sweden and Australia, as well as to other high-income countries. AimThis study aims to investigate whether a structured treatment package (Care Bundle) improves 6-month prognosis in patients with spontaneous ICH compared to standard care. Research MethodologyI-CATCHER is an international, multicentre, batc

GlutenSwitchGlutenSwitch helps people living with coeliac disease or a gluten intolerance to identify alternatives that are both gluten-free and similar in healthiness to the scanned item.We have recently launched a new standalone app called GlutenSwitch with added features to help people find foods that are both declared gluten-free by the manufacturer and also foods that we have estimated as gluten-free based on their ingredients. We have also introduced a new feature that allows the user to select the store they are in to show choices that are likely available in their location.The GlutenSwitch app is available in Australia:GlutenSwitch Australia - [Android] [iOS]  FAQsWhat is GlutenSwitch?GlutenSwitch will give you the gluten status of a product, based on if the product is declared gluten-free by the manufacturer or that we have estimated as gluten-free based on their ingredients. GlutenSwitch will also list similar foods that are declared gluten-free and estimated gluten free. You can access th