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Women's
Health Australia is a longitudinal study that has
been examining the health and wellbeing of Australian women
since 1996. Also known as the Australian Longitudinal
Study on Women’s Health, the project conducts
surveys with over 40,000 Australian women who were aged 18-23,
45-50, and 70-75 when the study began. Women’s Health
Australia has assessed physical health among Australian women,
including cardio-vascular disease, incontinence, reproductive
health (menopause, hormone replacement therapy, hysterectomy),
respiratory health (asthma), medication use, cancer, visual
and hearing impairments, osteoporosis, obesity, dental and
bone health, and chronic illness (diabetes, arthritis). Mental
health issues have also been examined, including depression,
anxiety, sleeping problems, and cognitive functioning. Women’s
Health Australia aims to assess women’s wellbeing from
a psychosocial perspective, and so investigations into the
health impact of life events and health behaviours have also
been conducted, including the impacts of sociodemographic
factors (employment status, economic status, relationship
status, urban/rural/remote area of residence), violence, motherhood,
smoking, alcohol use, illicit substance use, diet, physical
activity and time use. In addition, Women’s Health Australia
has assessed use of health services, including general practitioner,
specialist and complementary and alternative medicine services,
as well as medication use. The study has provided invaluable
data about the health of women as they age. Women’s
Health Australia is funded by the Australian Government Department
of Health and Ageing and is scheduled to continue until at
least 2016.
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