Family study of ear health and metabolic diseases in a WA Aboriginal community

• Reach:

  WA

• Focus area:

  Indigenous

• Status:

  Current

• Evaluated:

  No

Overview

This research project aims to use genetics as a tool to understand more about disease in Aboriginal Australians. Funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), the study is examining genetic susceptibility to otitis media (OM) in children, and genetic risk factors for metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes (T2D), heart disease, renal failure, and obesity in adults.

Built on a partnership between the Ngangganawili Aboriginal Health Service (NAHS) and the Telethon Institute for Child Health Research (TICHR), the study is underpinned by memoranda of understanding (MoU) between both parties, as well as with Karalundi Aboriginal Educational Community Inc. (KAEC), which is serviced clinically by NAHS.

The study could play an important role in reducing the disparity between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal populations in Australia. The results should be broadly applicable to other Western Australian Aboriginal communities, and could inform treatment and translational research strategies across Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Abstract adapted from the Telethon Institute for Child Health Research

Contacts

Jenefer Blackwell
Project Leader
Telethon Institute for Child Health Research
100 Roberts Road
Subiaco WA 6008
PO Box 855
West Perth WA 6872
Ph: (08) 9489 7777
Fax: (08) 9489 7700
Email: enquire@ichr.uwa.edu.au

Links

• View information: Family study of ear health and metabolic diseases in a WA Aboriginal community
• View information: Telethon Institute for Child Health Research
• View website: Telethon Institute for Child Health Research