Biostatistician
BA (Hons) MSc
Specific areas of research expertise: Vaccine effectiveness study design, Infectious disease transmission dynamics, Analysis of longitudinal observational data
Associate Professor Peter Jacoby is a Biostatistician employed as a Principal Research Fellow. He graduated with a Master of Science in Operational Mathematics from Liverpool University, UK.
He was previously employed as a lecturer in mathematics at Edith Cowan University and as a Technical Specialist at Orbital Engine Co. where he was involved in Research and Development in an industrial context.
Since joining the Telethon Institute in 2002, he has been involved in research leading to over 120 co-authored publications that cover a diverse range of research subjects. He has been the primary statistician working on infectious diseases studies and has increasingly contributed to the work of other research groups within the Institute and the wider Australian medical research community.
He is a member of the Princess Margaret Hospital Scientific Advisory Committee in which capacity he provides statistical advice on research proposals prior to their submission to the ethics committee. He conducts peer reviews of articles for a number of international journals and is also actively involved in aspects of study design and analysis for randomised controlled trials conducted by the Papua New Guinea Institute for Medical Research (PNGIMR) investigating the safety and immunogenicity of infant pneumococcal vaccination. He currently holds a Chief Investigator position on five NHMRC project grants.
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Projects
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Publications
September 2006
Predictors of scoliosis in Rett syndrome
Scoliosis is a common clinical manifestation of Rett syndrome, a neurodevelopmental disorder that almost exclusively affects girls.
Published research Academic Biostatistics Rett Syndrome Child DisabilityMarch 2006The association between behaviour and genotype in Rett Syndrome using the Australian Rett Syndrome Database
This study compared the behavior profile of cases in the Australian Rett Syndrome Database (ARSD) with those in a British study using the Rett Syndrome...
Published research Academic Biostatistics Rett Syndrome Child DisabilityFebruary 2022Modifiable child and caregiver factors that influence community participation among children with Down syndrome
To investigate modifiable child and caregiver factors influencing community participation among children with Down syndrome.
Published research Child Disability Subsite: CliniKids Child disabilityMarch 2022Daytime sleepiness and emotional and behavioral disturbances in Prader-Willi syndrome
Individuals with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) often have excessive daytime sleepiness and emotional/behavioral disturbances. The objective of this study was to examine whether daytime sleepiness was associated with these emotional/behavioral problems, independent of nighttime sleep-disordered breathing, or the duration of sleep.
Published research Child Disability Children's Lung Health Child disabilityApril 2022Negative impact of insomnia and daytime sleepiness on quality of life in individuals with the cyclin-dependent kinase-like 5 deficiency disorder
Cyclin-dependent kinase-like 5 (CDKL5) gene pathogenic variants result in CDKL5 deficiency disorder (CDD). Early onset intractable epilepsy and severe developmental delays are prominent symptoms of CDD. Comorbid sleep disturbances are a major concerning symptom for families.
Published research Child Disability Child disabilityMay 2022Initial Validation and Reliability of the CDKL5 Deficiency Disorder Hand Function Scale (CDD-Hand)
Pathogenic variants in the CDKL5 gene result in CDKL5 deficiency disorder (CDD), which is characterized by early-onset epilepsy, severe developmental delay, and often, cortical visual impairment. Validated clinical outcome measures are needed for future clinical trials to be successful. This study aimed to adapt the Rett Syndrome Hand Function Scale for CDKL5 deficiency disorder and evaluate its feasibility, acceptability, content validity, and reliability.
Published research Child Disability Child disabilityAugust 2022Devising a Missing Data Rule for a Quality of Life Questionnaire - A Simulation Study
The aim of this study was to devise an evidence-based missing data rule for the Quality of Life Inventory-Disability (QI-Disability) questionnaire specifying how many missing items are permissible for domain and total scores to be calculated using simple imputation.
Published research Child Disability Subsite: CliniKids Child disabilityOctober 2022Quality of life beyond diagnosis in intellectual disability – Latent profiling
To compare quality of life (QOL) across diagnoses associated with intellectual disability, construct QOL profiles and evaluate membership by diagnostic group, function and comorbidities.
Published research Child Disability Subsite: CliniKids Child disabilityJanuary 2021Functioning, participation, and quality of life in children with intellectual disability: an observational study
To investigate associations between functioning, community participation, and quality of life (QoL) and identify whether participation mediates the effects of functioning on QoL.
Autism Spectrum Disorders Published research Academic Biostatistics Child Disability Autism ResearchApril 2021Comorbidities and quality of life in children with intellectual disability
Many children with intellectual disability live with medical comorbidities. This study examined the impacts of comorbidities on quality of life (QOL) of children with intellectual disabilities and whether impacts varied with caregiver perceptions that medical needs had been met.
Published research Academic Biostatistics Child Disability Subsite: Autism & Related Disorders Subsite: CliniKidsApril 2021Energy drink intake is associated with insomnia and decreased daytime functioning in young adult females
To investigate the association between energy drink (ED) use and sleep-related disturbances in a population-based sample of young adults from the Raine Study.
Published research Nutrition Child Disability Child Physical Activity, Health and Development Food and Nutrition Raine studyMay 2021Determinants of sleep problems in children with intellectual disability
Children with intellectual disabilities are more likely to experience sleep disorders of insomnia, excessive daytime sleepiness and sleep breathing disorders than typically developing children. The present study examined risk factors for these sleep disorders in 447 children (aged 5-18 years), diagnosed with an intellectual disability and comorbid autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome or Rett syndrome. Primary caregivers reported on their child's sleep using the Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children (SDSC), as well as medical comorbidities and functional abilities.
Published research Child Disability P4 Respiratory Health for KidsMay 2021The effect of functioning on Quality of Life Inventory-Disability measured quality of life is not mediated or moderated by parental psychological distress
The measurement of quality of life (QOL) in children with intellectual disability often relies upon proxy report via caregivers. The current study investigated whether caregiver psychological distress mediates or moderates the effects of impairment on their ratings of QOL in children with intellectual disability.
Autism Spectrum Disorders Published research Academic Biostatistics Child Disability Autism Research Subsite: CliniKidsJune 2021PCV10 elicits Protein D IgG responses in Papua New Guinean children but has no impact on NTHi carriage in the first two years of life
Nasopharyngeal colonisation with nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) is associated with development of infections including pneumonia and otitis media. The 10-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV10) uses NTHi Protein D (PD) as a carrier. Papua New Guinean children have exceptionally early and dense NTHi carriage, and high rates of NTHi-associated disease.
Published research Immunisation Influenza Child Disability Ear Health Vaccine Trials Group Subsite: Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines and Infectious Diseases Bacterial Respiratory Infectious Disease GroupAugust 2021Sleep-disordered breathing in Australian children with Prader-Willi syndrome following initiation of growth hormone therapy
In children with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS), growth hormone (GH) improves height and body composition; however, may be associated with worsening sleep-disordered breathing (SDB). Some studies have reported less SDB after GH initiation, but follow-up with polysomnography is still advised in most clinical guidelines.
Published research Academic Biostatistics Child Disability P4 Respiratory Health for KidsAugust 2021Content Validation of Clinician-Reported Items for a Severity Measure for CDKL5 Deficiency Disorder
CDKL5 deficiency disorder (CDD) results in early-onset seizures and severe developmental impairments. A CDD clinical severity assessment (CCSA) was previously developed with clinician and parent-report items to capture information on a range of domains.
Published research Child DisabilitySeptember 2021Associations Between Hyperphagia, Symptoms of Sleep Breathing Disorder, Behaviour Difficulties and Caregiver Well-Being in Prader-Willi Syndrome: A Preliminary Study
Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a rare genetic disorder characterised by neurodevelopmental delays, hyperphagia, difficulties with social communication and challenging behaviours. Individuals require intensive supervision from caregivers which may negatively affect caregiver quality of life. This study used data collected in the Australasian PWS Registry to evaluate associations between child behaviours and caregiver mental well-being.
Published research Academic Biostatistics Child Disability Airway Epithelial Research P4 Respiratory Health for KidsSeptember 2020Systematic Review and Meta-analysis: Mental Health in Children
The behavioral phenotype of neurogenetic disorders associated with intellectual disability often includes psychiatric comorbidity. The objectives of this systematic review and meta-analysis were to systematically review the prevalence of psychiatric disorders and symptoms in children and adolescents
Published research Intellectual Disability Child Disability Youth HealthJuly 2020Survival of children and adolescents with intellectual disability following gastrostomy insertion
Whilst gastrostomy insertion was associated with lower survival rates than children without gastrostomy, survival improved with time
Published research Academic Biostatistics Intellectual Disability Child DisabilityApril 2020Immunogenicity of the inactivated influenza vaccine in children who have undergone allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplant
This study provides evidence to support annual inactivated influenza vaccine administration to children following allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplant
Children's Cancers Published research Academic Biostatistics Infectious Diseases Epidemiology Vaccine Trials Group Brain Tumour Research Leukaemia Translational ResearchMarch 2020Timeliness of signal detection for adverse events following influenza vaccination in young children: a simulation case study
Active vaccine safety surveillance leading to rapid detection of a safety signal would likely have resulted in earlier suspension of Fluvax from the vaccination programme
Published research Academic Biostatistics Immunisation Influenza Infectious Diseases Infectious Disease Implementation Research Infectious Diseases EpidemiologyFebruary 2020Bacterial Reservoirs in the Middle Ear of Otitis-prone Children Are Associated With Repeat Ventilation Tube Insertion
Presence of bacterial otopathogen in the middle ear during ventilation tube insertion was a predictor of children at-risk of repeat ventilation tube insertion
Published research Ear Infections Vaccine Trials Group Bacterial Respiratory Infectious Disease GroupFebruary 2020Risk of Hospitalizations Following Gastrostomy in Children with Intellectual Disability
Gastrostomy was associated with health benefits including reduced all-cause and epilepsy hospitalizations, but was not protective against acute LRTI
Published research Intellectual Disability Child DisabilityJanuary 2019Haptic Exploratory Procedures of Children and Youth with and without Cerebral Palsy
Children with cerebral palsy performed similar haptic exploratory procedures as their typical development peers
Cerebral Palsy Published research Academic BiostatisticsJanuary 2019The impact of influenza infection on young children, their family and the health care system
Influenza infection in young children has a significant impact on medication use, absenteeism and the use of health care service
Published research Academic Biostatistics Immunisation Influenza Infectious Diseases Epidemiology Vaccine Trials GroupFebruary 2019Immunogenicity and Immune Memory after a Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine Booster in a High-Risk Population Primed with Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine
PPV is immunogenic in 9-month-old children at high risk of pneumococcal infections and does not affect the capacity to produce protective immune responses
Published research Academic Biostatistics Immunisation Infectious Diseases Ear Health Vaccine Trials Group Bacterial Respiratory Infectious Disease GroupMarch 2019Psychometric properties of the Quality of Life Inventory-Disability (QI-Disability) measure
Initial evaluation suggests that QI-Disability is a reliable and valid measure of quality of life across the spectrum of intellectual disability
Published research Child Disability Autism ResearchMarch 2019Powered standing wheelchairs promote independence, health and community involvement in adolescents with Duchenne muscular dystrophy
This study used qualitative methods to explore how adolescents with Duchenne muscular dystrophy used a powered wheelchair standing device in their daily lives
Published research Academic Biostatistics Child Disability School and Community WellbeingMarch 2019Epidemiology of gastrostomy insertion for children and adolescents with intellectual disability
Gastrostomy is increasingly used in multiple neurological conditions associated with intellectual disability, with no apparent accessibility barriers
Published research Intellectual Disability Child DisabilityApril 2019Safety and immunogenicity of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines in a high-risk population: a randomised controlled trial of PCV in Papua New Guinean infants
Infant vaccination with 3 doses of PCV10 or PCV13 is safe and immunogenic in a highly endemic setting
Published research Immunisation Infectious Diseases Ear Health Vaccine Trials Group Bacterial Respiratory Infectious Disease GroupOctober 2019Content validation of the Quality of Life Inventory—Disability
Satisfactory content validity is reported, where ongoing consumer feedback shaped the dataset from which the final items were selected
Published research Academic Biostatistics Child Disability Autism ResearchDecember 2019High concentrations of middle ear antimicrobial peptides and proteins are associated with detection of middle ear pathogens in children with recurrent acute otitis media
Elevated antimicrobial proteins and peptides and cytokines in middle ear effusion are a marker of inflammation and bacterial persistence
Published research Ear Infections Vaccine Trials Group Bacterial Respiratory Infectious Disease GroupNovember 2018Evolving Trends of Gastrostomy Insertion Within a Pediatric Population
New gastrostomy insertion among children who require long-term enteral feeding support increased over the study period
Published research Child DisabilityOctober 2018Active surveillance of 2017 seasonal influenza vaccine safety: An observational cohort study of individuals aged 6 months and older in Australia
AusVaxSafety surveillance demonstrated comparable and expected safety outcomes for the 2017 quadrivalent inactivated influenza vaccine brands used in Australia
Published research Immunisation Influenza Infectious Disease Implementation Research Infectious Diseases EpidemiologySeptember 2018Impact of Gastrostomy Placement on Nutritional Status, Physical Health, and Parental Well-Being of Females with Rett Syndrome
Gastrostomy placement was associated with improvement in BMI in females with Rett syndrome, but its long-term impact on individuals and their families is unclear
Published research Rett Syndrome Nutrition Child DisabilityFebruary 2018Sustained participation in annual continuous quality improvement activities improves quality of care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children
To determine whether participation in the CQI Audit and Best Practice for Chronic Disease programme improved care and outcomes for Indigenous children.
Published researchJanuary 2018The prevalence of mental health disorders and symptoms in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Mental health conditions and problems are often reported in children and adolescents with CP. A systematic review was undertaken to describe their prevalence.
Published research Child Disability Autism ResearchJanuary 2017Characterizing the risk of respiratory syncytial virus in infants with older siblings: a population-based birth cohort study
Our results lend support to a vaccination strategy which includes family members in order to provide maximum protection for newborn babies.
Published research Academic Biostatistics Infectious Diseases Infectious Diseases EpidemiologyFebruary 2017Qualitative Analysis of Parental Observations on Quality of Life in Australian Children with Down Syndrome
We investigated parental observations to identify QOL domains in children with Down Syndrome and determined whether domains differed between children and teens.
Published research Child DisabilityAugust 2017Sustained participation in annual continuous quality improvement activities improves quality of care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children
To determine whether participation in the continuous quality improvement (CQI) Audit and Best Practice for Chronic Disease programme improved care and outcomes for Indigenous children
Published research Academic BiostatisticsDecember 2016Limited impact of neonatal or early infant schedules of 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccination
Early 7vPCV schedules have limited impact on pneumococcal vaccine type carriage in PNG
Published research Academic Biostatistics Immunisation Ear Health Vaccine Trials GroupSeptember 2016Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal children in Western Australia carry different serotypes of pneumococci with different antimicrobial susceptibility profiles
Differences in pneumococcal serotypes, genotypes, and antimicrobial susceptibility between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal children living in the same area
Published research Academic Biostatistics Aboriginal Health Infectious Diseases Ear HealthAugust 2016A longitudinal study of natural antibody development to pneumococcal surface protein A families 1 and 2 in Papua New Guinean Highland children: a cohort study
Pneumococcal surface protein A is immunogenic and natural anti-PspA immune responses are acquired through exposure and develop with age
Published research Academic Biostatistics Allergy & Infectious Diseases Ear Health Vaccine Trials GroupJune 2016Predictors of vitamin D-containing supplement use in the Australian population and associations between dose and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations
The prevalence of vitamin D-containing supplement use was generally low in the Australian population, particularly for single vitamin D supplements
Published research Academic Biostatistics Vitamin D and SunlightMarch 2016Influenza vaccine effectiveness and uptake in children at risk of severe disease
Participation in the preschool influenza vaccination program remains low with parents unconvinced of the benefits and safety of influenza vaccine
Published research Influenza Vaccine Trials GroupMarch 2016A prospective investigation of dietary patterns and internalizing and externalizing mental health problems in adolescents
Our findings only lend partial support to a link between diet and mental health, specific to females consuming a Western diet and to externalizing behaviours
Published research Nutrition Food and NutritionFebruary 2016Immunogenicity and clinical effectiveness of the trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine in immunocompromised children undergoing treatment for cancer
The trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine is safe, immunogenic, provides clinical protection and should be administered annually to immunosuppressed children receiving treatment for cancer
Children's Cancers Published research Academic Biostatistics Vaccine Trials Group Brain Tumour Research Leukaemia Translational ResearchFebruary 2016A Prospective Ultrasound Study of Prenatal Growth in Infant Siblings of Children With Autism
Identified no significant differences between the high- and low-risk fetuses in the rate of prenatal head and body growth throughout the 2nd and 3rd-trimester
Autism Spectrum Disorders Published research Autism ResearchFebruary 2016Improving access to primary care for Aboriginal babies in Western Australia: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
A population-based, stepped wedge, cluster randomized controlled trial of an enhanced model of early infant primary care
Published research Aboriginal Health & Wellbeing Academic Biostatistics Aboriginal HealthJanuary 2016Validating the rett syndrome gross motor scale
The Rett Syndrome Gross Motor Scale could be an appropriate measure of gross motor skills in clinical practice and clinical trials
Published research Academic Biostatistics Rett Syndrome Child DisabilityJanuary 2016Older maternal age is associated with depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms in young adult female offspring
Older maternal age is associated with depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms in young adult females
Published research Academic Biostatistics Depression and Anxiety Human CapabilityJanuary 2016Family satisfaction following spinal fusion in Rett syndrome
We evaluated family satisfaction following spinal fusion in girls with Rett syndrome
Published research Rett Syndrome Child DisabilityJanuary 2016Predictors of Outcome in Pediatric Osteomyelitis: Five Years Experience in a Single Tertiary Center
A risk prediction model allows early identification of children at greatest risk of developing complicated osteomyelitis
Published researchNovember 2015The effectiveness of influenza vaccination in preventing hospitalisation in children in Western Australia
This study aimed to determine the vaccine effectiveness of the southern hemisphere trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine (TIV) in preventing...
Published research Academic Biostatistics Immunisation Influenza Vaccine Trials GroupJuly 2015Changes in caesarean delivery rates in Western Australia from 1995 to 2010 by gestational age at birth
The objective of this paper was to measure changes in caesarean delivery rates for primiparous women in Western Australia during 1995–2010 stratified by...
Published research Academic Biostatistics Child DisabilityJuly 2015Rett syndrome: Establishing a novel outcome measure for walking activity in an era of clinical trials for rare disorders
Rett syndrome is a pervasive neurological disorder with impaired gait as one criterion.
Published research Academic Biostatistics Rett Syndrome Child DisabilityJuly 2015Low dietary intake of magnesium is associated with increased externalising behaviours in adolescents
Adequate Zn and Mg intakes may be beneficial for the prevention and treatment of mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety and attention-deficit...
Published research ADHD Depression and Anxiety Nutrition Food and NutritionJune 2015A validation study of a modified Bouchard activity record that extends the concept of 'uptime' to Rett syndrome
The aim of this study was to investigate the validity of using a Bouchard activity record (BAR) in individuals with Rett syndrome to measure physical...
Published research Academic Biostatistics Rett Syndrome Child DisabilityJanuary 2015Does late childbearing increase the risk for behavioural problems in children? A longitudinal cohort study
This study aimed to examine the relationship between advanced parental age and behavioural outcomes in offspring in a longitudinal cohort of children in...
Published research Academic BiostatisticsJanuary 2015Description of total population hospital admissions for cleft lip and/or palate in Australia
Orofacial clefts are a group of frequently observed congenital malformations often requiring multiple hospital admissions over the lifespan of affected...
Published research Academic BiostatisticsJanuary 2015Longitudinal bone mineral content and density in Rett syndrome and their contributing factors
Bone mass and density are low in females with Rett syndrome.
Published research Academic Biostatistics Rett Syndrome Child DisabilityMay 2015Patterns of depressive symptoms and social relating behaviors differ over time from other behavioral domains for young people with Down syndrome
People with intellectual disabilities are at a higher risk for experiencing behavioral, emotional, and psychiatric problems in comparison with the general...
Published research Academic Biostatistics Depression and Anxiety Intellectual Disability Child DisabilityFebruary 2015Onset of maternal psychiatric disorders after the birth of a child with intellectual disability: A retrospective cohort study
Mothers of a child with intellectual disability (ID) have more psychiatric disorders after the birth of their child than other mothers.
Published research Academic Biostatistics Intellectual Disability Child DisabilityFebruary 2015Onset of maternal psychiatric disorders after the birth of a child with autism spectrum disorder: A retrospective cohort study
Mothers of a child with autism spectrum disorder have more psychiatric disorders after the birth of their child.
Autism Spectrum Disorders Published research Academic Biostatistics Intellectual Disability Child DisabilityDecember 2014Early mortality and primary causes of death in mothers of children with intellectual disability or Autism spectrum disorder
Mothers of children with intellectual disability or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have poorer health than other mothers.
Autism Spectrum Disorders Published research Academic Biostatistics Intellectual Disability Child DisabilityDecember 2014Rett syndrome: establishing a novel outcome measure for walking activity in an era of clinical trials for rare disorders
This study investigated the capacity of three accelerometer-type devices to measure walking activity in Rett syndrome
Published research Academic Biostatistics Rett Syndrome Child DisabilityDecember 2014Intussusception is associated with the detection of adenovirus C, enterovirus B and rotavirus in a rotavirus vaccinated population
Intussusception is associated with non-enteric adenovirus infections, and Enterovirus B infections
Published research Academic BiostatisticsDecember 2014Experience of gastrostomy using a quality care framework: The example of rett syndrome
Gastrostomy assisted the management of feeding difficulties and poor weight gain, and was acceptable to families
Published research Academic Biostatistics Rett Syndrome Child DisabilityNovember 2014Developing a Model to Account for Attrition Bias in a Longitudinal Cohort
Our objective was to develop a method that could be applied in a longitudinal cohort study to account for attrition bias in an investigation of exclusive...
Published research Academic BiostatisticsNovember 2014Ultraviolet radiation suppresses obesity and symptoms of metabolic syndrome independently of vitamin D
UVR or sunlight exposure may be an effective means of suppressing the development of obesity and MetS, through mechanisms that are independent of vitamin D
Published research Vitamin D and Sunlight Inflammation Brain Tumour Research Cardiometabolic SunhealthOctober 2014Early infant feeding and adiposity risk: from infancy to adulthood
In our study, we aimed to examine early infant feeding and adiposity risk in a longitudinal cohort from birth to young adulthood using new as well as...
Published research Academic Biostatistics BreastfeedingOctober 2014Day occupation is associated with psychopathology for adolescents and young adults with Down syndrome
In comparison to those young adults attending open employment from 2009 to 2011, those attending day recreation programs were reported to experience...
Published research Intellectual Disability Child DisabilitySeptember 2014Influence of the environment on participation in social roles for young adults with down syndrome
The purpose of this study is to describe the social participation of young adults with Down syndrome and examine its relationship with the physical and...
Published research Intellectual Disability Child DisabilitySeptember 2014The trajectories of sleep disturbances in Rett syndrome
This paper demonstrated that the evolution of sleep problems differed between subgroups of girls and women with Rett syndrome, in part explained by age and...
Published research Academic Biostatistics Rett Syndrome Child DisabilityAugust 2014Child Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder Co morbidities on Family Stress: Effect of Medication
We examined the degree of parental and child mental health in a community sample of children diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder and the...
Published research ADHD Alcohol and Pregnancy and FASD ResearchAugust 2014Vitamin D status and predictors of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations in Western Australian adolescents
Using prospective data from the Western Australian Pregnancy Cohort (Raine) Study, we investigated vitamin D status and predictors of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin...
Published research Academic Biostatistics Vitamin D and Sunlight Inflammation Human Immunology Youth HealthJuly 2014Re-evaluation of link between interpregnancy interval and adverse birth outcomes: Retrospective cohort study matching two intervals per mother
This study questions the causal effect of short interpregnancy intervals on adverse birth outcomes and points to the possibility of unmeasured or...
Published research Academic BiostatisticsJune 2014Modelling the seasonal epidemics of respiratory syncytial virus in young children
This paper describes a mathematical model used to predict when an epidemic of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) will occur so that preventive measures, such...
Published research Academic Biostatistics Infectious Diseases Infectious Diseases Epidemiology Vaccine Trials GroupJune 2014Twenty years of surveillance in Rett syndrome: what does this tell us?
This study aimed to describe overall survival and adult health in those with Rett syndrome.
Published research Rett Syndrome Child DisabilityJune 2014Spatial and temporal variation in type 1 diabetes incidence in Western Australia from 1991 to 2010: Increased risk at higher latitudes and over time
This study analysed spatial and historical variation in childhood incidence of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) among Western Australia's 36 Health Districts...
Diabetes (Type 1) Published research Academic Biostatistics Alcohol and Pregnancy and FASD Research Diabetes and ObesityMay 2014Low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations associate with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in adolescents independent of adiposity
This paper examined the link between low serum Vitamin D levels and development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in adolescents between 14 and 17...
Published research Vitamin D and Sunlight Inflammation Human ImmunologyMay 2014The impact of pandemic A(H1N1)pdm09 influenza and vaccine-associated adverse events on parental attitudes and influenza vaccine uptake in young children
This paper reports on the shift in parental attitude to vaccination after 2010, due to an unprecedented increase in febrile reactions in children receiving...
Published research Academic Biostatistics Influenza Vaccine Trials GroupMay 2014Effect of sitting posture on development of scoliosis in duchenne muscular dystrophy cases
This study assessed the contribution of physical factors including lumbar posture to scoliosis in non-ambulatory youth with DMD in Nepal.
Published research Academic Biostatistics Child DisabilityApril 2014Effectiveness of clindamycin and intravenous immunoglobulin, and risk of disease in contacts, in invasive group a streptococcal infections
This paper reports on treatment, and preventing infection in close contact, of invasive group A streptococcal (iGAS) using the antibiotic clindamycin and...
Published research Academic Biostatistics Infectious Diseases Group A Streptococcal & Rheumatic Heart DiseaseApril 2014Effectiveness of trivalent flu vaccine in healthy young children
This paper reports some of the findings from the Western Australian Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness Study, commenced in 2008, to evaluate a program providing...
Published research Academic Biostatistics Influenza Vaccine Trials GroupApril 2014Family satisfaction following spinal fusion in Rett syndrome
Families participating in the population-based and longitudinal Australian Rett Syndrome Database whose daughter had undergone spinal fusion provided data on...
Published research Academic Biostatistics Rett Syndrome Child DisabilityMarch 2014Morbidity due to acute lower respiratory infection in children with birth defects: A total population-based linked data study
Children with birth defects experience higher rates of hospitalisation for ALRIs before age 2 years than children with no birth defects.
Published research Academic Biostatistics Aboriginal Health Alcohol and Pregnancy and FASD Research Ear Health Infectious Diseases EpidemiologyMarch 2014Low maternal serum vitamin D during pregnancy and the risk for postpartum depression symptoms
Pregnancy is a time of vulnerability for vitamin D insufficiency, and there is an emerging literature associating low levels of 25(OH)-vitamin D with...
Published research Autism Research Inflammation Human Immunology Cardiometabolic SunhealthJanuary 2014Does late childbearing increase the risk for behavioural problems in children? a longitudinal cohort study
This study aimed to examine the relationship between advanced parental age and behavioural outcomes in offspring in a longitudinal cohort of children in WA.
Published research Academic Biostatistics Early Childhood Development Human CapabilityJanuary 2014Relationship between family quality of life and day occupations of young people with Down syndrome
This study aimed to explore relationships between family quality of life, day occupations and activities of daily living of young persons with Down syndrome.
Published research Intellectual Disability Child DisabilityNovember 2013Low vitamin D levels are associated with symptoms of depression in young adult males
Results from studies examining associations between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations and depressive symptoms are equivocal.
Published research Academic Biostatistics Depression and Anxiety Vitamin D and Sunlight Inflammation School and Community WellbeingSeptember 2013Morbidity in survivors of child and adolescent meningioma
Given the paucity of data concerning long-term outcome, the authors undertook a meta-analysis to analyze morbidity in survivors of this disease.
Published research Academic Biostatistics Brain Tumour ResearchSeptember 2013Energy drink consumption among young Australian adults: Associations with alcohol and illicit drug use
Australian energy drink users tend to have heavier alcohol consumption patterns be a cigarette smoker and use illicit drugs relative to non-users.
Published research Academic Biostatistics Human Capability Youth Health Food and NutritionSeptember 2013Energy drink consumption is associated with anxiety in australian young adult males
Energy drinks are predominantly targeted to young adult consumers; however, there has been limited research into their effects on psychological functioning...
Published research Academic Biostatistics Depression and Anxiety Human Capability School and Community WellbeingAugust 2013Changes in risk factors for preterm birth in Western Australia 1984-2006
Marked increases in maternal age and primiparous births were observed. A four-fold increase in the rates of pre-existing medical complications over time...
Published research Academic Biostatistics Child DisabilityMay 2013The western dietary pattern is prospectively associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in adolescence
In centrally obese adolescents with NAFLD, a healthy dietary pattern may be protective, whereas a Western dietary pattern may increase the risk.
Published research Academic Biostatistics Nutrition Youth HealthApril 2013Hypertensive diseases of pregnancy predict parent-reported difficult temperament in infancy
These data suggest that the link between maternal hypertensive diseases of pregnancy and child behavioral development begins in the first year of life.
Published research Academic Biostatistics Human Capability Autism ResearchApril 2013Delivery at 37 weeks' gestation is associated with a higher risk for child behavioural problems
We suggest that 37 weeks' gestation may not be the optimal cutoff for defining perinatal risk as it applies to behavioural development.
Published research Academic Biostatistics Human Capability Autism ResearchMarch 2013Maternal Alcohol Use and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and Infant Mortality Excluding SIDS
The highest risk of SIDS occurred when a maternal alcohol diagnosis was recorded during pregnancy or within 1 year postpregnancy.
Published research Academic Biostatistics Alcohol and Pregnancy and FASD ResearchMarch 2013Maternal life stress events in pregnancy link to children's school achievement at age 10 years
Maternal antenatal exposure to life stress events has differing effects on the school performance of male and female offspring.
Published research Academic Biostatistics Human CapabilityFebruary 2013Low-dose oral interferon alpha as prophylaxis against viral respiratory illness: A double-blind, parallel controlled trial
A double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted investigating the use of low-dose oral interferon alpha for preventing acute viral...
Published research Academic Biostatistics InfluenzaFebruary 2013Mothers' and Fathers' Work Hours, Child Gender, and Behavior in Middle Childhood
This study examined the association between typical parental work hours (including nonemployed parents) and children's behavior in two-parent heterosexual...
Published research Academic Biostatistics Depression and Anxiety Human CapabilityJanuary 2013Functioning and post-school transition outcomes for young people with Down syndrome
Our analysis shows that functioning in activities of daily living was related to post-school day occupation. Current health status and behaviour were found...
Published research Academic Biostatistics Intellectual Disability Child DisabilityJanuary 2013Pre-pregnancy maternal overweight and obesity increase the risk for affective disorders in offspring
Maternal pre-pregnancy obesity has been linked with an increased risk for negative emotionality and inattentiveness in offspring in early childhood.
Published research Academic Biostatistics Depression and Anxiety Human CapabilityJanuary 2013Umbilical Cord Blood Testosterone and Childhood Internalizing and Externalizing Behavior: A Prospective Study
Antenatal testosterone exposure influences fetal neurodevelopment and gender-role behavior in postnatal life and may contribute to differences in...
Published research Academic Biostatistics Human Capability Autism ResearchJanuary 2013Maternal Conditions and Perinatal Characteristics Associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Intellectual Disability
Findings show that indicators of a poor intrauterine environment are associated with an elevated risk of ID, while for ASD, and particularly ASD without ID,...
Autism Spectrum Disorders Published research Intellectual Disability Child DisabilityJanuary 2013Safety and Immunogenicity of Neonatal Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccination in Papua New Guinean Children: A Randomised Controlled Trial
We conducted an open randomized controlled trial in Papua New Guinea to compare safety, immunogenicity and priming for memory of 7-valent PCV (PCV7) given in...
Published research Immunisation Infectious Diseases Human Immunology Ear Health Vaccine Trials GroupDecember 2012Association between early bacterial carriage and otitis media in Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal children
Streptococcus pneumoniae (Pnc), nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) and Moraxella catarrhalis (Mcat) are the most important bacterial pathogens...
Published research Academic Biostatistics Aboriginal Health Infectious Diseases Ear HealthAugust 2012Can linked emergency department data help assess the out-of-hospital burden of acute lower respiratory infections
There is a lack of data on the out-of-hospital burden of acute lower respiratory infections (ALRI) in developed countries.
Published research Academic Biostatistics Aboriginal Health Infectious Diseases Ear Health Infectious Diseases Epidemiology Vaccine Trials GroupAugust 2012Androgen concentrations in umbilical cord blood and their association with maternal, fetal and obstetric factors
The aim of this study was to measure umbilical blood androgen concentrations in a birth cohort using a highly specific liquid chromatography-tandem mass...
Published research Academic Biostatistics Autism ResearchJuly 2012Prevalence of and risk factors for human rhinovirus infection in healthy aboriginal and non-aboriginal western australian children
Human rhinovirus (HRV) species C (HRV-C) have been associated with frequent and severe acute lower respiratory infections and asthma in hospitalized children.
Published research Academic Biostatistics Aboriginal Health Infectious Diseases Ear Health Infectious Diseases EpidemiologyJuly 2012Sex-specific associations between umbilical cord blood testosterone levels and language delay in early childhood
Preliminary evidence suggests that prenatal testosterone exposure may be associated with language delay.
Published research Academic Biostatistics Language Development Autism ResearchJune 2012Reduction in disparity for pneumonia hospitalisations between Australian indigenous and non-Indigenous children
In the 1990s pneumonia hospitalisation rates in Western Australia (WA) were 13 times higher in Indigenous children than in non-Indigenous children...
Published research Academic Biostatistics Aboriginal Health Infectious Diseases Ear Health Infectious Diseases Epidemiology Vaccine Trials GroupMay 2012Heavy prenatal alcohol exposure and increased risk of stillbirth
The objective was to investigate the association between heavy prenatal alcohol exposure and stillbirth.
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Published research Academic Biostatistics Alcohol and Pregnancy and FASD ResearchApril 2012The impact of monetary incentives on general fertility rates in Western Australia
We examined general fertility rates from 1995 and 2006 by socioeconomic group, maternal age, Aboriginality and location in WA before and after the Baby Bonus.
Published research Academic BiostatisticsMarch 2012Maternal life stress events in pregnancy link to children's school achievement at age 10 years
To test the hypothesis that maternal antenatal exposure to life stress events is associated with lower achievement in literacy and numeracy at age 10 years,...
Published research Early Childhood Development Human CapabilityMarch 2012Effect of early carriage of streptococcus pneumoniae on the development of pneumococcal protein-specific cellular immune responses in infancy
The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between nasopharyngeal pneumococcal colonization in early life and the development of T cell responses.
Published research Academic Biostatistics Infectious Diseases Allergy & Infectious Diseases Human Immunology Vaccine Trials GroupJanuary 2012Sex-specific associations between umbilical cord blood testosterone levels and language delay in early childhood
Preliminary evidence suggests that prenatal testosterone exposure may be associated with language delay. However, no study has examined a large sample of...
Published research Academic Biostatistics Language Development Autism ResearchJanuary 2012Western Australian emergency department presentations related to child maltreatment and intentional injury
To determine the proportion of child maltreatment-related emergency department presentations in WA and describe the types of injuries associated with them.
Published research Academic BiostatisticsSeptember 2011ART, birth defects and subfertility-what should prospective patients be told?
Clinicians who counsel prospective ART patients about birth defect risk should provide information about the overall risk of having a child with a birth defect
Published research Academic Biostatistics Alcohol and Pregnancy and FASD Research Assisted Reproductive Technologies Cancer EpidemiologySeptember 2011Use of equipment and respite services and caregiver health among Australian families living with Rett syndrome
This study assessed factors that could influence equipment and respite services use among Australian families caring for a girl/woman with Rett syndrome and...
Published research Academic Biostatistics Rett Syndrome Child DisabilityAugust 2011Pandemic influenza H1N1 2009 infection in Victoria, Australia
Conflicting findings regarding the level of protection offered by seasonal influenza vaccination against pandemic influenza H1N1 have been reported.
Published research Academic Biostatistics Immunisation InfluenzaAugust 2011Reactogenicity of two 2010 trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine formulations in adults
The objective of this tudy was to assess the reactogenicity of two 2010 trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine (TIV) formulations among adults, including...
Published research Academic Biostatistics Immunisation Influenza Vaccine Trials GroupJuly 2011Predominance of nontypeable haemophilus influenzae in children with otitis media
In Australia the 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7) is administered at 2, 4 and 6 months of age, with no booster dose.
Published research Academic Biostatistics Ear Infections Immunisation Influenza Infectious Diseases Vaccine Trials GroupJune 2011Crowding and other strong predictors of upper respiratory tract carriage of otitis media-related
We investigated predictors of nasopharyngeal carriage in Australian Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal children.
Published research Academic Biostatistics Ear Infections Immunisation Aboriginal Health Ear Health Children's Lung HealthJune 2011Crowding and other strong predictors of upper respiratory tract carriage of otitis media-related bacteria
Streptococcus pneumoniae, Moraxella catarrhalis, and nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae is associated with otitis media
Published research Ear Infections Aboriginal Health Ear Health Children's Lung HealthMay 2011Western Australian children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia are taller at diagnosis than unaffected children of the same age and sex
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the commonest childhood malignancy in Australian children
Children's Cancers Published research Academic Biostatistics Leukaemia Translational ResearchApril 2011Bone mineral content and density in Rett syndrome and their contributing factors
This study used densitometry to investigate the areal bone mineral density (aBMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) in an Australian Rett syndrome cohort...
Published research Academic Biostatistics Rett Syndrome Child DisabilityMarch 2011Autism and intellectual disability are differentially related to sociodemographic background at birth
We used population data on Western Australian singletons born from 1984 to 1999 (n = 398,353) to examine the sociodemographic characteristics of children...
Autism Spectrum Disorders Published research Academic Biostatistics Intellectual Disability Alcohol and Pregnancy and FASD Research Child Disability Autism ResearchFebruary 2011Vaccine Effectiveness Against Laboratory-confirmed Influenza in Healthy Young Children A Case-Control Study
The Western Australian Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness study commenced in 2008 to evaluate a new program to provide free influenza vaccine to all children...
Published research Academic Biostatistics Immunisation Influenza Vaccine Trials GroupFebruary 2011Influenza vaccine effectiveness against laboratory-confirmed influenza in healthy children aged 6-59 months:
The Western Australian Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness study commenced in 2008 to evaluate a new program to provide free influenza vaccine to all children...
Published research Academic Biostatistics Immunisation Influenza Infectious Diseases Epidemiology Vaccine Trials GroupFebruary 2011Variation over time in medical conditions and health service utilization of children with Down syndrome
Variation over time in medical conditions and health service utilization of children with Down syndrome.
Published research Academic Biostatistics Intellectual Disability Child DisabilityJanuary 2011Lifestyle and demographic correlates of poor mental health in early adolescence
To determine the constellation of lifestyle and demographic factors that are associated with poor mental health in an adolescent population.
Published research Academic Biostatistics Depression and Anxiety Human Capability Youth HealthJanuary 2011Prenatal stress and risk of behavioral morbidity from age 2 to 14 years:
The maternal experience of stressful events during pregnancy has been associated with a number of adverse consequences for behavioral development offspring...
Published research Academic Biostatistics Depression and Anxiety Human CapabilityJuly 2010Assessing the protective effect of influenza vaccine against laboratory confirmed influenza in hospitalised children aged 6-59 months
Influenza vaccine was offered to all children aged 6-59 months resident in Western Australia in 2008, and we wished to evaluate the effectiveness of this immunisation programme.
Published research Academic Biostatistics Immunisation Influenza Infectious Diseases Epidemiology Vaccine Trials GroupJuly 2010Lessons from the first year of the WAIVE study investigating the protective effect of influenza vaccine
Influenza is major cause of paediatric hospitalisation. Influenza vaccine was offered to all children aged 6-59 months resident in Western Australia in 2008
Published research Academic Biostatistics Immunisation Influenza Infectious Diseases Epidemiology Vaccine Trials GroupJune 2010Valproate and risk of fracture in Rett syndrome
This study investigated the relationships between fracture risk and commonly used AEDs in Rett syndrome.
Published research Academic Biostatistics Rett Syndrome Child DisabilityJune 2010The interaction between respiratory viruses and pathogenic bacteria
Data on asymptomatic identification rates of respiratory viruses are limited, particularly in Indigenous populations, who suffer a high burden of OM.
Aboriginal Health Infectious Diseases Infectious Disease Implementation Research Aboriginal Maternal Health & Child DevelopmentMay 2010Linking MECP2 and pain sensitivity: the example of Rett syndrome
This study investigated the nature and prevalence of atypical pain responses in Rett syndrome and their relationships with specific MECP2 mutations.
Published research Academic Biostatistics Rett Syndrome Child DisabilityApril 2010The long-term effects of breastfeeding on child and adolescent mental health: A Pregnancy Cohort Study followed for 14 years
To determine whether there was an independent effect of breastfeeding on child and adolescent mental health
Published research Academic Biostatistics Breastfeeding Depression and Anxiety Human CapabilityApril 2010Updating the profile of C-terminal MECP2 deletions in Rett syndrome
This study aimed to compare the phenotype of Rett syndrome cases with C-terminal deletions to that of cases with different MECP2 mutations
Published research Academic Biostatistics Rett Syndrome Child DisabilityMarch 2010Association between socioeconomic status and the development of asthma: analyses of income trajectories
Using data on 2868 children born in the Western Australian Pregnancy Cohort (Raine) Study, we examined the association between changes in family...
Asthma Published research Academic Biostatistics Human CapabilityFebruary 2010Stereotypical hand movements in 144 subjects with Rett syndrome from the population-based Australian database
Stereotypic hand movements are a feature of Rett Syndrome but few studies have observed their nature systematically.
Published research Academic Biostatistics Rett Syndrome Child DisabilityJanuary 2010Child behaviour following low to moderate maternal drinking in pregnancy
Child behaviour following low to moderate maternal drinking in pregnancy
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Published research Academic Biostatistics Human CapabilitySeptember 2008Physical and mental health in mothers of children with Down syndrome.
Physical and mental health in mothers of children with Down syndrome.
Published research Academic Biostatistics Intellectual Disability Alcohol and Pregnancy and FASD Research Child DisabilityAugust 2008Gross Motor Profile in Rett Syndrome as Determined by Video Analysis
This study used video supplemented by parent report data to describe the gross motor profile in females with Rett syndrome (n=99) and to investigate...
Published research Academic Biostatistics Rett Syndrome Child DisabilityMarch 2008Early determinants of fractures in Rett syndrome
The goals were to compare the fracture incidence in Rett syndrome with that in the general population and to investigate the impact of genotype, epilepsy,...
Published research Academic Biostatistics Rett Syndrome Child DisabilityNovember 2007Sleep problems in Rett syndrome
Sleep problems are thought to occur commonly in Rett syndrome, but there has been little research on prevalence or natural history.
Published research Academic Biostatistics Rett Syndrome Child DisabilityJune 2007Diverging trends for lower respiratory infections in non-Aboriginal and Aboriginal children
To investigate temporal trends in admission rates for acute lower respiratory infections (ALRI) in a total population birth cohort of non-Aboriginal and...
Published research Aboriginal Health Infectious Diseases Ear Health Infectious Diseases Epidemiology Vaccine Trials Group -
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