Women’s health the winner 

The Jean Hailes Foundation, Australia’s pre-eminent not-for-profit, national women’s health organisation, today welcomed valuable findings 10 years into the The Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health.

For almost 10 years, a team of researchers from the University of Newcastle and the University of Queensland has been compiling first-class medical research from 40,000 women on topics as diverse as healthy ageing to the impact of paid work on health. Alcohol and drug-taking were analysed, as was the cost of intimate partner violence.

These same women continue to be surveyed periodically, with the study due to be completed in 2016. The final results will show how different generations of Australian women have coped with health and wellbeing issues over a 20 year period.

The report provides important insights into the behaviour, health and wellbeing of Australian women and is “vital, helpful and powerful information for those of us working to improve the lives of women,” according to the Jean Hailes Foundation’s director of research, endocrinologist Dr Helena Teede.

“This research shows the Australian Government’s commitment to funding women’s health research. This particular study will help shape health policy in this country, ensuring we provide relevant support to improve women’s health and wellbeing,” said Dr Teede.

Those involved in the study are now at the half way mark – a significant milestone. Women aged from 18 to elderly will benefit as those involved in providing health care and advice learn from ongoing research findings.

The study is funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing and is conducted by a team of researchers at the University of Newcastle and the University of Queensland.

Information, including surveys and details of scientific publications, may be found at the project website: http://www.newcastle.edu.au/centre/wha 

To interview Dr Teede please contact:
Aleeza Zohar (communications) 03 9562 6771
www.jeanhailes.org.au

Page created September 15, 2005
Content September 15, 2005