Mathematical Modelling to Assess the Potential Impact of Maternal Pneumococcal Vaccination on Infant Pneumococcal Disease in LowIncome Settings, by Gizem Mayis Bilgin

Pneumococcal disease is the largest cause of mortality in children under five. The largest burden of pneumococcal disease is in the first six months of life before protection by direct immunisation is possible. Maternal pneumococcal vaccination has been proposed as a strategy for protection in this period of early childhood, however only small-scale studies with inconclusive results have been conducted. In this study, we developed a mathematical model which connects available findings to estimate the impact of maternal pneumococcal vaccination. Our model indicates that maternal pneumococcal vaccination can prevent 47% (range 38-86%) of cases in those aged 0-2 months and 28% (range 22-50%) in those 2-4 months old. Overall, our study demonstrates the potential for maternal pneumococcal vaccination to meaningfully reduce the burden of infant pneumococcal disease and will inform further larger-scale trials.

Cryptosporidiosis in relation to demographic, environmental and climate factors: a review and model for evaluating water-related health risks in Australia, by Rose Hosking

Cryptosporidiosis is a notifiable diarrheal disease with environmental reservoirs and water transmission routes. Recognition that climate change alters the transmission patterns of infectious diseases creates the need to understand the determinants of disease distribution and apply this information to limit future disease challenges. We conducted a study of 12,075 notified cases of cryptosporidiosis in New South Wales (NSW) between 2001 and 2018. We reviewed Australian peer-reviewed literature on cryptosporidiosis and developed a spatial model based on the results to quantify notification trends in relation to population density, socioeconomic status and biodiversity.  
 
Peer reviewed papers in Australia indicate climate, water quality, agricultural practices, population density and socio-economic status are area-level determinants of cryptosporidiosis patterns. We found reported cryptosporidiosis patterns in NSW were spatially dependent and positively associated with population density and socioeconomic status. Biodiversity was not associated, however, this was the first study to examine it in relation to spatial patterns of waterborne disease in Australia. The spatial model we developed is an example of methodology that allows for linkage of data from disparate fields. In the context of ongoing environmental changes and an ever-increasing population, exploration of robust tools to predict transmission patterns and high-risk areas is vital for ensuring the Australian public has access to safe water in the future.    

The Experiences of and Perceived Barriers to Primary Healthcare Accessibility for Australian LGBTQ+ People, by Sarah Passmore

Previous research suggests that LGBTQ+ people have difficulty accessing and navigating healthcare systems. To further explore this issue in Australia 7 LGBTQ+ people participated in recorded interviews about their experiences with healthcare. Five major themes were developed from transcriptions of these interviews using a thematic analysis. These themes were provider knowledge levels, community resources, nature of experience, context surrounding disclosure and mental and sexual healthcare. The present research is preliminary and exploratory in nature, but still able to find unique insights. Future research is needed to build on the insights found here to develop more understanding of the issues surrounding LGBTQ+ healthcare in Australia. 

How does co-design influence the effectiveness and adherence to online interventions for depression? By Lachlan Viali

Whilst commonly practiced, it is unclear how exactly co-design methods influence online interventions and related outcomes. The aim of this study was to develop a framework that quantified co-design development approaches, and subsequently examine how this influenced the effectiveness and adherence to online interventions for depression. A systematic narrative review was used to identify and distinguish interventions based on the degree of co-design employed during development. Subsequent results were then used to examine these findings in relation to intervention effectiveness and adherence. No correlative or clear relationships between the included outcomes were observed, contrary to common consensus. These findings suggest that other factors not identified within this review are more likely to have an effect on adherence and effectiveness of typical online interventions for depression. Whilst more work is needed, this review provides a preliminary, yet adaptable basis for future research. 

Implementing the Patient Enablement and Satisfaction in a Renal Clinic, by Yabo Yan

Patients with stage 4-5 chronic kidney disease has been identified as the most fragile population throughout the trajectory of chronic kidney disease. The effectiveness of a health intervention incorporating the implementation of the Patient Enablement and Satisfaction Model has been examined in this study, using patient reported experience and outcome measures – patient assessment of chronic illness care, patient enablement, health-related quality of life and self-rated health. Participants at follow-up reported significant improvements in patient assessment of chronic illness care, and non-significant improvements in patient enablement. Meanwhile, participants reported slight decrease in health-related quality of life and self-rated health.