Help shape the future of women's health in Australia

Researchers behind an Australian longitudinal study which has examined the health of more than 40,000 women are calling on young women in rural and regional areas to help them improve access to vital health services.

The Women’s Health of Australia (WHoA!) study has embarked on a campaign to recruit 10,000 women aged 18 to 23 years and is strongly encouraging those in rural and regional areas to take part.

WHoA! spokesperson Associate Professor Deb Loxton said it was important rural and regional women were well represented in the study to address an identified divide between their health needs and those of women in metropolitan areas.

“There are stark differences in access to health services and the health issues facing women in rural and regional areas when compared with their counterparts in the cities,” Associate Professor Loxton said.

“Rural and regional women are facing unique challenges and these need to be captured in order to ensure their health needs are appropriately met into the future.”

The Women’s Health of Australia study has been running for 17 years. It is funded by the Federal Government Department of Health and includes participants aged up to 92 years of age.

Associate Professor Loxton said the current recruitment drive specifically targets women aged 18 to 23 as the youngest of the original participants – recruited in 1996 – are now in their thirties.

“We are proud to say that many of our original participants continue to provide valuable information that has assisted government and other agencies to tailor health services to better meet the needs of Australian women.

“Continuing that legacy, particularly in the face of new and emerging conditions, is important for the future health of our nation.

“Things have changed since 1996, young women today face challenges which are different to those of the teens of the nineties and we need to take account of that so that their future needs may be met.”

Women of all backgrounds aged 18 to 23 years who are interested in participating, are invited to register at whoalegs.com.au.

Those who take part will be eligible to win one of 2000 pairs of leggings designed exclusively for WHoA! participants by Black Milk Clothing. South Australian residents who register will instead go into the draw to win one of 99 Visa gift cards valued at $50.