Healthway Research Fellow
BSc, MPH, PhD
Dr Jacinta Francis is a Healthway Research Fellow at the Telethon Kids Institute. Her research focuses on improving the social and emotional health of children and their families. Jacinta is currently leading a 3-year program of research that aims to generate policy-relevant evidence, system-level guidelines, and school-based interventions around the school built, social and policy environments to reduce bullying behaviour and enhance the mental health of primary and secondary school students in Western Australia.
Jacinta’s research interests include positive mental health and mental illness; children and their families; sense of community and social support; school environments and bullying; and public space and restorative environments
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Projects
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Publications
November 2020
Consumption of energy drinks is associated with depression, anxiety, and stress in young adult males: Evidence from a longitudinal cohort study
Energy drinks (EDs) claim to boost mental performance, however, few studies have examined the prospective effects of EDs on mental health. This study examined longitudinal associations between ED use and mental health symptoms in young adults aged 20 years over a 2-year period.
Published research Child Health, Development & Education Depression and Anxiety Youth Health Child Physical Activity, Health and DevelopmentMarch 2020Developing a smartphone application to support social connectedness and wellbeing in young people with cystic fibrosis
This study developed and tested a highly usable, and moderately acceptable, smartphone app to improve the psychosocial health of young people living with CF
Cystic Fibrosis Published research Parenting & FamiliesNovember 2019Disability "In-Justice": Benefits and Challenges of "Yarning" With Young People Undergoing Diagnostic Assessment for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder in Youth Detention
We report the findings from a qualitative study that took place alongside a fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) prevalence study among detainees in Australia
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Published research Aboriginal Health Alcohol and Pregnancy and FASD ResearchOctober 2017Informing Intervention Strategies to Reduce Energy Drink Consumption in Young People: Findings From Qualitative Research
Determining young people's knowledge of energy drink (EDs), factors influencing ED consumption and intervention strategies to lower ED consuption in youth.
Published research Food and NutritionJanuary 2022The Effects of Using the Sun Safe App on Sun Health Knowledge and Behaviors of Young Teenagers: Results of Pilot Intervention Studies
A balanced approach toward sun exposure and protection is needed by young people. Excessive sun exposure increases their risk for skin cancers such as melanoma, whereas some exposure is necessary for vitamin D and healthy bones. We have developed a new iOS smartphone app-Sun Safe-through a co-design process, which aims to support healthy and balanced decision-making by young teenagers (aged 12-13 years).
Published research Vitamin D and Sunlight Cardiometabolic Sunhealth Subsite: CliniKids Technology & Kids Schools & Communities -
Education and Qualifications