Celebration of child health study

A world-first children’s health and development study in the Peel region has reached a milestone with over 100 families involved.

Murdoch’s Study Manager, Martinique Sandy organised a ‘Teddy Bear’s Picnic’ in celebration and invited participating families and their young children to attend.

“We are now three years into the Peel Child Health Study and have been recruiting for over a year, with 114 families already involved in the study,” Ms Sandy said.

“We’ve also had 47 babies born into the study and will continue to monitor their development as they grow.”

“By this time next year we aim to have 300 families involved and we should be releasing some preliminary results.”

Mother Jessica Clarke said she found out about the study through her mother’s group.

“I wanted to get involved because the study is special and Peel was chosen as the best location from around the world,” Ms Clarke said.

“The extra ultrasounds you receive (as a study participant) are also reassuring.”

The new website promoting the study was also launched at the celebration.

“People who would like to know more about the study can visit our website,” Ms Sandy said.

“Eventually we will upload our questionnaires on the site which will make it easier for our study participants to provide information.”

Mandurah Mayor Paddi Creevey and Murdoch’s Chief Investigator and research leader Professor Anne McMurray were also in attendance at the celebration.