CSIRO Online Health Study

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The CSIRO is seeking Australian families willing to participate in a study which will help in the development of a range of computer-based, healthy lifestyle tools.

“Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and managing weight can be hard for all of us, so wouldn’t it be great if you had access to tools and resources that helped you and your family to achieve your goals?” says Project Leader, Dipak Bhandari from CSIRO’s Preventative Health National Research Flagship.

The project team is developing web and mobile environments to promote sustained interaction with technology-based support systems.

“For the duration of the study you’ll be able to access recipes, personalised menus and exercises from CSIRO’s popular Total Wellbeing Diet books, discuss the content with other families, share information and have your own questions answered,” Mr Bhandari says.

Starting in mid-July, the study requires the participation of families of at least four – two adults and two children aged 10 to 17. The study is conducted by CSIRO ICT researchers and supported by nutrition and psychology experts from CSIRO’s Human Nutrition team.

“The study is quite simple,” Mr Bhandari says.

“All you need is a home computer with an internet connection, an email account and a basic knowledge of the Internet and how to participate in online community discussions.

“Participants will be encouraged to read online information on healthy lifestyles and discuss it with other participants using online forums, blogs and social networks. More details will be provided if they decide to participate.

“The main aim of the study is to look at how to increase the level of engagement of families through their use of healthy-living website and to see if this leads to a more positive attitude towards healthier living.”

Interested parties can find out more information and access the eligibility questionnaire at: www.fhl.csiro.au/study

CSIRO initiated the National Research Flagships to provide science-based solutions in response to Australia’s major research challenges and opportunities. The nine Flagships form multidisciplinary teams with industry and the research community to deliver impact and benefits for Australia. www.csiro.au/flagships