CHEERS
Investigators are interviewing about 1800 Rotorua residents aged between 18 and 65 who have lived in Rotorua for at least three years as part of a five-year Community Hydrogen Sulphide Exposure study (CHEERS).
The research is part of a major study funded by the US National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. A team of researchers from the University of Otago and Stanford University, California are investigating the effects of long-term, low-level hydrogen sulphide exposure. The study’s results are expected to be released in 2011.
Rotorua was chosen as a study area because its population is the largest in the world exposed to hydrogen sulphide at low levels, and the high-calibre of RAPHS’ information technology and secure patient information made it attractive to the US-led team to recruit volunteer participants and honour their ethical commitments.
Participants undergo three hours of testing, including nerve and lung function, allergies, vision and blood tests. Individual test results are made available to RAPHS patients and their GPs, enabling them to follow up quickly on any significant health risks identified.
Investigators: Adjunct Professor Michael Bates (Epidemiology), UC Berkeley School of Public Health and formerly of the Environmental Science and Research in Wellington, Professor Julian Crane (Clinical Epidemiogology) Wellington School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Otago, Prof Ian Bailey, Prof John Balmes, A/Prof Robert DiMartino, and Prof Bruce Reed.
Living to an Advanced Aged Feasibility Study
Associate Professor Ngaire Kerse, of the University of Auckland’s Faculty of Medical and Health Science, is the lead investigator for a study finding out the best ways to grow old. The research involves interviewing and testing the physical performance of 100 diverse older people (Maori over 75 years and non-Maori over 85 years), including 40 from the Rotorua area. This age group represents about 1 per cent of the population at present, but is growing – with impacts on individuals’ quality of life, as well as health and welfare spending.
The questionnaire probes many aspects of the participants’ health, including social, medical, functional, economic and psychological.
RAPHS representatives involved in this study are:
- RAPHS Clinical Leaders Group member, Dr Simon Firth, of Ngongotaha Medical Centre, who has a special interest in Eldercare.
- RAPHS Research and Development Manager Jennifer
- RAPHS Clinical Co-ordinator Miranda, who is interviewing 40 RAPHS patients as part of the study.
Recent research
Diabetes Annual Review
In 2007-08 RAPHS participated in research led by Professor Ross Lawrenson, of the Waikato Clinical School. This study identified some of the barriers for attending a Diabetes Annual Review (DAR); confirmed the diagnosis of diabetes; calculated prevalence; looked at the characteristics of people with diabetes; compared outcomes for patients who have had a DAR with those who have not.