Results of the first recorded evaluation of a national gestational diabetes mellitus register: Challenges in screening, registration, and follow-up for diabetes risk.

Objective: Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) increases the risk of type 2 diabetes. A register can be used to follow-up high risk women for early intervention to prevent progression to type 2 diabetes. We evaluate the performance of the world's first national gestational diabetes register.

Vitamin D deficiency is common in HIV-infected southern Australian adults.

Background: Vitamin D deficiency can have serious health consequences and may be particularly important for those living with HIV. It is unknown whether HIV infection is a risk factor for vitamin D deficiency. The aim of the study was to determine whether vitamin D deficiency is more common in HIV-infected than in HIV-uninfected individuals.

Heat-health behaviours of older people in two Australian states.

Aim: A major heatwave occurred in Australia in early 2009 with considerable and varied health impacts in South Australia (SA) and Victoria. The aim of this study was to investigate the heat-adaptive behaviours of older people in these states.

Methods: A computer-assisted telephone survey of 1000 residents of SA and Victoria aged 65 years or older was conducted at the end of summer 2010-2011.

Blood lead levels in the adult Victorian population: results from the Victorian Health Monitor.

Objective: To estimate blood lead levels (BLLs) in the adult Victorian population and compare the distribution of BLLs with the current national reference level to better inform public health prevention and management of lead toxicity.

Methods: Population-based cross-sectional health measurement survey of 50 randomly selected Census Collection Districts (CDs) throughout Victoria. The Victorian Health Monitor (VHM) was conducted over 12 months from May 2009 to April 2010.

Seasonal variation in acute hospital admissions and emergency room presentations among children in the Australian Capital Territory.

Aim: To examine seasonal variation in hospital use for five paediatric conditions of the Australian Capital Territory residents.

Methods: Hospital admissions (1993-2004) and emergency room (ER) presentations (1999-2004) for asthma, croup, bronchiolitis, other respiratory conditions and diarrhoea of children aged <5 years were compared by month and season.

Results: The five conditions comprised 14% of admissions and 24% of ER presentations of children aged <5 years.