Direct-to-consumer tests advertised online in Australia and their implications for medical overuse: systematic online review and a typology of clinical utility.

Objectives: The objective of this study is to map the range and variety of direct-to-consumer (DTC) tests advertised online in Australia and analyse their potential clinical utility and implications for medical overuse.

Design: Systematic online search of DTC test products in Google and Google Shopping. DTC test advertisements data were collected and analysed to develop a typology of potential clinical utility of the tests at population level, assessing their potential benefits and harms using available evidence, informed by concepts of medical overuse.

Maternal-choice caesarean section versus planned vaginal birth in low-risk primigravid women.

Rising rates of caesarean section (CS) have been attributed, in part, to maternal-choice CS (MCCS). There are few published data regarding maternal and perinatal risks comparing MCCS with planned vaginal birth (VB) in uncomplicated first pregnancies to inform choice. We report the results of a pragmatic patient-preference cohort study of private patients in Australia: 64 women planning MCCS and 113 women planning VB.

Regional Variation in Rates of IVF Treatment across Australia: A Population-based Study.

There is variation in uptake of in vitro fertilisation (IVF) between countries, and Australia has high incidence rates of IVF due to universal public funding. However, it remains unclear whether there is regional variation and, if present, what might cause this. We sought to determine whether regional variations in treatment rates existed and what might influence these.

Infant Feeding Practices and Nut Allergy over Time in Australian School Entrant Children.

Aim. To measure the association between infant feeding practices and parent-reported nut allergy in school entrant children. Method.