The Centre for Military and Veterans’ Health (CMVH), through its University of Queensland Node, is helping to deliver a $12 million health study, which is the most extensive health study to be undertaken by Defence.
The Military Health Outcomes Program (MilHOP) health study is a partnership between Defence and the Centre for Military and Veterans’ Health (CMVH).
CMVH is a consortium of The University of Queensland, the University of Adelaide and Charles Darwin University.
The University of Queensland Node of CMVH will be undertaking the MilHOP Census Study which is gathering general health information from all Defence personnel who have already deployed to the Middle East, and a Mortality and Cancer Incidence Study.
“The information gathered in these studies is vital for obtaining accurate data on the impact of deployments and other health issues, and CMVH’s involvement is a major success for the Centre,” Professor Susan Treloar from the University of Queensland said.
The University of Adelaide Node of CMVH will conduct the Prospective Study which will investigate the links between illness and by collecting data from Defence personnel before and after they deploy to the Middle East.
The University of Adelaide, together with Defence, is also conducting a Health and Well-being study which aims to measure mental health problems and psychological distress in the entire ADF population.
“Protecting the health and welfare of serving and ex-serving members of the ADF is one of the most challenging tasks faced by the Department of Defence and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs," Professor Alexander McFarlane, first Chief Investigator of MilHOP at the University of Adelaide, said.
"MilHOP is designed to help address this challenge by better understanding the physical and mental health of all ADF members.”
The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Minister for Defence Personnel, Alan Griffin, has said about MilHOP: “For the first time, the government and Defence will have the information needed to support the development of evidence-based policy and targeted health programs designed to assist Australian Defence Force members and their families to cope with the impact of operational deployments.”
A study participant at the recent Ministerial launch of MilHOP, Capt. Mat Carroll said:
“I completed the study survey as soon as I was able to.
"It was easy to complete and understand. I know that the information I provided will give the Government, the Departments and Defence leadership the information they need to plan and deliver the health services I need now and in the future.”
Participation in the studies will in no way affect an individual’s entitlements or benefits now or at any point in the future. The MilHOP study is scheduled to be completed by June 30, 2012.
General information about MilHOP is available from the CMVH website www.cmvh.org.au, from the Research Team on 1800 886 567, or email milhop@cmvh.org.au.
Media Contacts:CMVH UQ: Professor Susan Treloar Ph: 0423 849 101
CMVH UA Professor Alexander McFarlane Ph: 08 8303 5364
