If house dust mite allergen (Der p I) is an important cause of asthma, there should be a direct relationship between level exposure to this and asthma severity. To examine this, we studied six large random samples children in different regions New South Wales, Australia. We measured recent wheeze by questionnaire, airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) histamine inhalation test sensitization mites skin prick tests. Current was defined as the presence AHR. Der I levels beds approximately 80 each...

Objective To investigate the association between diet and airway disease in children light of epidemiological studies suggesting that consumption fish more than once a week reduces risk developing hyperresponsiveness (AHR). Design Diet was assessed by detailed food frequency questionnaire respiratory symptoms or responsiveness to exercise. Methods A questionnaire, containing questions about eating 200 foods, sent parents 574 whom we had measured recent wheeze (by questionnaire), AHR...

<h3>Background</h3> Major depression is the largest single cause of nonfatal disease burden in Australia. Effective drug and psychological treatments exist, yet are underused. <h3>Objective</h3> To quantify currently averted people seeking care for major amount that could be these under optimal episodic maintenance treatment strategies. <h3>Design</h3> Modeling impact current strategies based on secondary analysis mental health survey data, studies natural history depression, meta-analyses...

Background-The prevalence of asthma in children has increased many countries over recent years.To plan eVective interventions to reverse this trend we need a better understanding the risk factors for early life.This study was undertaken measure of, and for, preschool children.Methods-Parents aged 3-5 years living two cities (Lismore, n=383; Wagga Wagga, n=591) New South Wales, Australia were surveyed by questionnaire ascertain presence various proposed their children.Recent defined as ever...

To estimate whether the prevalence of asthma in adults increased over a nine year interval.Serial cross sectional studies population with protocol that included both subjective and objective measurements.Busselton, Western Australia.A random sample 553 subjects aged 18-55 years 1981, 1028 1990.Respiratory symptoms measured by self administered questionnaire, bronchial responsiveness challenge histamine, allergy skin prick tests.Symptoms were those significant association this population....

This article reports on the 'Assessing Cost-Effectiveness' (ACE) initiative in priority setting from Australia. It commences with why is topical and notes that a wide variety of approaches are available. In assessing these various approaches, it argued useful first step to consider what constitutes an 'ideal' approach setting. A checklist guide presented based guidance economic theory, ethics social justice, lessons empirical experience needs decision-makers. The seen as important...

We investigated whether an exercise challenge protocol is suitable for measuring bronchial responsiveness in epidemiological studies of asthma children, and determined its comparability with histamine challenge. The was 6 minutes outdoor, free-range running at 85-90% maximum heart rate, measured by rate monitor. Nose clips were worn. Distance run to estimate oxygen consumption. Water content the inspired air < 10 mg H2O.l-1. Histamine rapid method. used questionnaires measure respiratory...

We assessed the validity, repeatability and practicality of a standardized exercise challenge protocol for measuring airway responsiveness in epidemiological studies asthma children aged 8-11 yrs. The construct validity was by comparing response to with other measures asthma, i.e. wheeze frequency, diagnosed medication use, atopy urgent doctor visits (n = 802), comparison histamine 201). Repeatability two challenges within 3 days 113), measurement consent, compliance throughput rates 802)....

Objective To compare the prevalence and severity of asthma allergic sensitisation in children different regions. We hypothesised that regions with standardised hospital admission rates would have prevalences childhood diverse climates result a range sensitisations to allergens. Design setting studied large random population samples seven ew South Wales (SW) 1991-1993. Hospitalisation were obtained from NSW Department Health data. Participants 6394 aged 8-11 years. Outcome measures History...

The aim of the ACE-Obesity study was to determine economic credentials interventions which prevent unhealthy weight gain in children and adolescents. We have reported elsewhere on modelled effectiveness 13 obesity prevention children. In this paper, we report cost results associated methods together with innovative approach priority setting that underpins study. Assessing Cost Effectiveness (ACE) combines technical rigour 'due process' facilitate evidence-based policy analysis. Technical...

To predict current and future body mass index (BMI) prevalence of overweight obesity in Australian children adults based on sex, age year birth (cohort). These predictions are needed for population health planning evaluation. Data were drawn from 11 cross-sectional national or state surveys conducted Australia between 1969 2004. included representative samples (n= 27,635) 43,447) aged 5 years older with measured height weight data. Multiple linear regression analyses log-transformed BMI data...

Objective: Antidepressant drugs and cognitive–behavioural therapy (CBT) are effective treatment options for depression recommended by clinical practice guidelines. As part of the Assessing Cost-effectiveness – Mental Health project we evaluate available evidence on costs benefits CBT in episodic maintenance major depression. Method: The cost-effectiveness is modelled from a health-care perspective as cost per disability-adjusted life year. Interventions targeted at people with who currently...

To analyse changes in the distribution of BMI Australia between 1980 and 2000.Data were from 1980, 1983 1989 National Heart Foundation Risk Factor Prevalence Study, 1995 Nutrition Survey 1999/2000 Australian Diabetes, Obesity Lifestyle Study. participants aged 25-64 years resident capital cities. was calculated as weight divided by height squared (kg/m2), where measured using standard procedures.Mean higher 2000 than all sex age groups. The age-adjusted increase 1.4 kg/m2 men 2.1 women....