Two University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) projects have secured funding from the Queensland Rural Health Innovation and Research Collaborative to deliver vital new health programs across the Darling Downs.
UniSQ PhD student Amber Johnson will lead a team investigating a new group-based therapy program for LGBTQIA+ young people in the Darling Downs, with plans to pilot and evaluate it in a future research project.
"LGBTQIA+ young people in the Darling Downs are reporting concerningly high levels of mental health concerns," Ms Johnson said.
"This reflects national and international findings that highlight the urgent need to prioritise mental health and wellbeing within LGBTQIA+ communities.
"Through this mixed-method, multi-stage project, we will work with LGBTQIA+ young people and clinical partners to co-design a structured group-therapy intervention that is tailored to their unique experiences."
Ms Johnson's team includes Dr James Fowler, Professor Amy Mullens, Associate Professor Annette Brömdal and Dr Emerson Zerafa-Payne.
Meanwhile, Professor Venerina Johnston and Dr Melanie Fuller will trial a hybrid prehabilitation program designed to improve the health and wellbeing of rurally based, obese patients waiting for knee replacement surgery at Darling Downs Hospital and Health Service.
The 12-week program combines dietitian-led, very low-calorie meal plans with tailored physiotherapy-guided exercise sessions, delivered both in person and via telehealth.
"Our goal is to give patients the best possible chance of a successful knee replacement by improving their health before surgery," Professor Johnston said.
"The hybrid model means people in rural and regional areas can access expert care without the burden of frequent long-distance travel, while also helping to reduce hospital wait lists and costs to the Queensland public health system."
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