Deakin researcher drives forward new children’s health app

A NEW app developed by a Deakin University researcher in Waurn Ponds will soon support child development and mental health

The “Bugs and Bumps” app is being tested by the Food and Mood Centre at Deakin University thanks to a $1 million donation from the Federal Government’s Medical Research Future Fund.

Led by researcher Dr Samantha Dawson, the app aims to support diet and gut health during pregnancy, and ultimately child mental health.

“We are testing whether the app improves diet during pregnancy, and if it changes the gut bugs in pregnancy and infancy,” Dr Dawson said.

The $1 million injection into the application is part of the Federal Government’s Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF), a $20 billion long-term investment supporting Australian health and medical research team and institutions.

“This grant allows us to go a step further and evaluate the impact of diet in pregnancy on child emotional behavioural health, language and cognitive functioning at 18 months and investigate the protective biological pathways supporting child mental health and quality of life,” she said.

“Our research has been enriched by our partnerships with Western Alliance and Barwon Health, through the Pregnancy Research and Translation Ecosystem, where out app and study design received input from pregnancy care clinicians.

“These partnerships offer important pathways for delivering the benefits of research back to the community.”

Federal Member for Corangamite Libby Coker said the project may reveal new evidence and provide new approaches to achieving better health outcomes for families.

“Research into child mental health is essential, as it holds the key to understanding, preventing, and addressing the challenges that young minds face, ensuring a brighter future for our children,” Ms Coker said.

“That’s why this funding is so important – it will generate research that benefits the health and well-being of our community.”

More information on Dr Dawson and her team’s work can be found at www.impact.deakin.edu.au