Professor Francis Mitrou

The Early Years Partnership

The Early Years Partnership is a 10-year (2018-2028) partnership between the WA State Government (Departments of Communities, Health, and Education), Minderoo Foundation and The Kids Research Institute Australia as the evidence and evaluation partner.

WA Aboriginal Child Health Survey (WAACHS) Data Linkage Study

This study is a partnership between researchers, the Aboriginal community and government to provide evidence for policy and practice addressing high priority health and wellbeing issues for Aboriginal children and families.

Amped Out: An Energy Drink Study

The Kids Research Institute Australia is conducting a research study to evaluate a 4-month trial ban on the  sale of energy drinks to children in all retail stores in Bridgetown.

The Youth Safe Haven Café Project

The Youth Safe Haven Project will co-design a youth-specific Safe Haven Café within the Peel Health Hub to serve as an alternative to the emergency department for young people at risk of suicide.

DETECT Schools

The DETECT-Schools Study was launched in May 2020 as a partnership between the WA Government Departments of Education and Health with The Kids Research Institute Australia. 

WA Department of Health Merit Awards - Project - Improving Aboriginal health disparities: the influence of education, child protection and justice systems over time and across generations

Developing a protocol for a national study of bullying prevalance in school-aged children

Understanding the reasons behind student absences

A student’s learning potential is limited if they do not attend school regularly.

Time investment and child development

This project aims to explore how Australian children spend their time over an extended and important period of their lives (from birth to 16/17 years old) and how such time allocation contributes to their development outcomes.

The effectiveness of a Consumer Centred Tobacco Management (CCTM) approach in enabling mental health consumers to reduce or quit smoking

The aim of this pilot study is to test if the CCTM approach is more effective than business as usual methods at supporting mental health consumers to reduce their tobacco dependence or quit smoking altogether.

NEET in Australia: Characteristics of Social Security Payment Recipients who are Not in Employment, Education or Training (NEET)

Australian adults who are Not in Employment, Education or Training (NEET) represent a significant proportion of income support recipients, yet little is known about them.

Multigenerational disadvantage in Australia

This study aims to examine the experience of multiple disadvantages in two generations of Australian families, and how these experiences relate to the trajectories of children, the third generation.

LCC Flagship in Educational Equity. Using integrated administrative data to improve educational equity over the life course. UWA component - Evaluation of the Adult Migrant English Program

This project seeks to better understand the broader impacts of the AMEP on migrant outcomes.

Data for policy

The ultimate goal of this project is to enable policy-makers and researchers to work together to influence positive changes in the life trajectories of disadvantaged Australians via research driven policy initiatives.

Bilingualism, Parental English Skills and Child and Adolescent Development

This project will provide important policy directions for design of language educational programs in Australian schools, developing a multi-cultural society, multi-lingual workforce, sourcing of immigrants from different language backgrounds and English abilities in order to obtain the best developmental outcomes

A data infrastructure for improving Aboriginal life pathways: the influence of health, education, child protection and justice systems over time and across generations

Incarceration represents a source of ongoing socioeconomic and health inequity between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal populations, limiting life changes and opportunities.

The ARC Centre of Excellence for Children and Families over the Life Course

Cohort profile: The WAACHS Linked Data Study

Despite the volume of accumulating knowledge from prospective Aboriginal cohort studies, longitudinal data describing developmental trajectories in health and well-being is limited.

Pathways of Socioeconomic Disadvantage and Peer Bullying in Children and Youth: A Scoping Review

Growing up in socioeconomic disadvantage increases risk of peer bullying at school. Both socioeconomic status and involvement in bullying are predictive of a range of adverse developmental outcomes. However, neither (a) the mechanisms whereby disadvantage increases bullying risk nor (b) the developmental outcomes for which bullying may mediate disadvantage are clear. 

Prevalence, distribution, and inequitable co-occurrence of mental ill-health and substance use among gender and sexuality diverse young people in Australia: epidemiological findings from a population-based cohort study

To estimate the prevalence, distribution, and co-occurrence of mental ill-health and substance use among gender and sexuality diverse young people relative to their cisgender and heterosexual peers in Australia using population-level, nationally representative data.

The effects of sleep duration on child health and development

Children and adolescents spend more than one-third of their time sleeping. Yet, we know little about the causal impact of sleeping on their development. This paper is the first to exploit variation in local daily daylight duration measured on pre-determined diary dates across the same individuals through time as an instrument in an individual fixed effects regression model to draw causal estimates of sleep duration on a comprehensive set of child development indicators. 

Retirement, housing mobility, downsizing and neighbourhood quality - A causal investigation

This paper provides the first causal evidence on the impact of retirement on housing choices. Our empirical strategy exploits the discontinuity in the eligibility ages for state pension as an instrument for the endogenous retirement decision and controls for time-invariant individual characteristics. The results show that retirement leads to a statistically significant and sizable increase in the probability of making a residential move or the likelihood of becoming outright homeowners.

Feasibility of a Consumer Centred Tobacco Management intervention in Community Mental Health Services in Australia

This study tested a new program for helping smokers with severe mental illness to reduce their tobacco use, together with determining the feasibility of such research in community mental health settings in Australia.

The causal impact of mental health on tobacco and alcohol consumption: An instrumental variables approach

The reciprocal relationship between psychiatric and substance use disorders is well-known, yet it remains largely unknown whether mental health morbidity causally leads to addictive behaviours. This paper utilises a fixed effects instrumental variables model, which is identified by time-varying sources of plausibly exogenous variations in mental health, and a nationally representative panel dataset from Australia to present robust evidence on the causal impact of mental distress on cigarette smoking and alcohol drinking behaviours.

Accuracy of self-reported private health insurance coverage

Studies on health insurance coverage often rely on measures self-reported by respondents, but the accuracy of such measures has not been thoroughly validated. This paper is the first to use linked Australian National Health Survey and administrative population tax data to explore the accuracy of self-reported private health insurance (PHI) coverage in survey data.

The impact of weather on time allocation to physical activity and sleep of child-parent dyads

Previous studies showed that unfavourable weather conditions discourage physical activity. However, it remains unclear whether unfavourable weather conditions have a differential impact on physical activity in children compared with adults.

Causal Impact of Physical Activity on Child Health and Development

The relationship between physical activity and child health and development is well-documented, yet the extant literature provides limited causal insight into the amount of physical activity considered optimal for improving any given health or developmental outcome.

Investigating the Validity of the Australian Early Development Census

This article continues evaluation of the construct validity of the Australian Early Development Census through comparison with linked data from a sample of 2216 4-5 year old children collected as part of the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children.

Transfers of disadvantage across three generations using latent class associations within families

There is a large volume of research on the persistence of advantage and disadvantage across generations. Intergenerational studies typically address family resources as independent factors, which ignores how risks cluster together and accumulate over time.

Gender differences in time allocation contribute to differences in developmental outcomes in children and adolescents

Using over 50 thousand time-use diaries from two cohorts of children, we document significant gender differences in time allocation in the first 16 years in life. Relative to males, females spend more time on personal care, chores and educational activities and less time on physical and media related activities. These gender gaps in time allocation appear at very young ages and widen overtime.

The impact of weather on time allocation to physical activity and sleep of child-parent dyads - Life Course Centre Working Paper Series 2021

This study explores the differential impact of weather on time allocation to physical activity and sleep by children and their parents. We use nationally representative data with time use indicators objectively measured on multiple occasions for more than 1,100 child-parent pairs, coupled with daily meteorological data.

Western Australian adolescent emotional wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020

The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have been vast and are not limited to physical health. Many adolescents have experienced disruptions to daily life, including changes in their school routine and family’s financial or emotional security, potentially impacting their emotional wellbeing.

Not in employment, education or training (NEET); more than a youth policy issue

Australians who are Not in Employment, Education or Training (NEET) and receive income support span a wide spectrum of working ages. Australian research has concentrated on NEETs aged 15-29 years, in line with international standards. This paper investigates extending the NEET concept to include all working age persons 15-64 years and the value added to welfare policy through analysis of a new linked dataset.

Associations Between Developmental Risk Profiles, Mental Disorders, and Student Absences Among Primary and Secondary Students in Australia

This study assessed if the association between mental disorders and higher student absences varies across different profiles of risk factors, and estimated the proportion of student absences associated with mental disorders. Data included responses from a nationally representative Australian survey of child and adolescent mental health.

Tobacco smoking and mental disorders in Australian adolescents

This study aimed to (1) examine the strength of the association between mental disorders/mental health problems, risk behaviours and tobacco smoking among Australian adolescents, (2) compare rates of tobacco smoking among Australian adolescents with major depressive disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and/or conduct disorder in 2013/14 vs 1998, and (3) identify the extent to which an association between tobacco smoking and mental health problems among adolescents can be attributed to non-mental health risk factors.

DETECT Schools Study Protocol: A Prospective Observational Cohort Surveillance Study Investigating the Impact of COVID-19 in Western Australian Schools

Amidst the evolving COVID-19 pandemic, understanding the transmission dynamics of the SARS-CoV-2 virus is key to providing peace of mind for the community and informing policy-making decisions. While available data suggest that school-aged children are not significant spreaders of SARS-CoV-2, the possibility of transmission in schools remains an ongoing concern, especially among an aging teaching workforce. Even in low-prevalence settings, communities must balance the potential risk of transmission with the need for students' ongoing education.

Pets Are Associated with Fewer Peer Problems and Emotional Symptoms, and Better Prosocial Behavior: Findings from the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children

Pets may protect children from developing social-emotional problems and should be taken into account when assessing child development and school readiness

The Contribution of Geogenic Particulate Matter to Lung Disease in Indigenous Children

The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between dust levels and health in Indigenous children in Western Australia

Educational inequality across three generations in Australia

Using a dataset of Australian children, we have the opportunity to not only investigate the transfer of educational resources across 3 generations in Australia.

The Diverse Risk Profiles of Persistently Absent Primary Students: Implications for Attendance Policies in Australia

Understanding variations in risk profiles among persistently non-attending children will inform the development of absence interventions.

Parents’ interest in their child's education and children's outcomes in adolescence and adulthood: Does gender matter?

We found no evidence of gender-specific effects for the outcomes of academic achievement, educational expectations or educational attainment in adulthood.

Associations between school absence and academic achievement: Do socioeconomics matter?

School attendance should therefore be a priority for all schools, and not just those with high rates of absence or low average achievement.

Ethnic differences in the quality of the interview process and implications for survey analysis

Comparable survey data on Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians are highly sought after by policymakers to inform policies aimed at closing ethnic...

Is headspace making a difference to young people’s lives?

This report presents the evaluation findings of headspace, a service to improve the mental health and social and emotional wellbeing of young people

Risk factors for low receptive vocabulary abilities in the preschool and early school years in the longitudinal study of Australian children

Receptive vocabulary development is a component of the human language system that emerges in the first year of life and is characterised by onward expansion...

Gaps in Indigenous disadvantage not closing: A census cohort study of social determinants of health in Australia, Canada, and New Zealand from 1981-2006

Australia, Canada, and New Zealand are all developed nations that are home to Indigenous populations which have historically faced poorer outcomes than their...

Evidence for the use of an algorithm in resolving inconsistent and missing Indigenous status in administrative data collections

We found that algorithms reduced the amount of missing data and improved within‑individual consistency.

A three generation study of the mental health relationships between grandparents, parents and children

It is well known that children of parents with mental illness are at greater risk of mental illness themselves.

Factors for Children's Receptive Vocabulary Development from Four to Eight Years in the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children

Variation in receptive vocabulary ability is associated with variation in children's school achievement, and low receptive vocabulary ability is a risk...

Food sources of saturated fat and the association with mortality: A meta-analysis

There is an ongoing need for improvement in assessment tools and methods that investigate food sources of saturated fat and mortality to inform dietary...

Trends in sugar supply and consumption in Australia: is there an Australian Paradox?

High consumption of refined carbohydrate, in particular sugar, has been identified as a possible contributory factor in greater risk of excess weight gain.

Smoking, mental illness and socioeconomic disadvantage: Analysis of the Australian National survey of mental health and Wellbeing

There are strong socioeconomic and psychosocial gradients in both current smoking and smoking cessation.

Tackling overweight and obesity: does the public health message match the science?

Public health weight-loss interventions seem to be based on an outdated understanding of the science.

The potential impact of smoke-free facilities on smoking cessation in people with mental illness

The aim of this paper was to estimate the degree to which smoke-free facilities may facilitate smoking cessation in smokers with mental illness by estimating...

Socioeconomic disparities in the mental health of Indigenous children in Western Australia

The burden of mental health problems among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children is a major public health problem in Australia.

Adjusting for under-identification of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander births in time series produced from birth records

Statistical time series derived from administrative data sets form key indicators in measuring progress.

Early mental health morbidity and later smoking at age 17 years

We examined the relationship between the onset and pattern of childhood mental health disorders and subsequent current smoking status at age 17 years.

Premature to conclude no genetic basis to the association between smoking and major depressive disorder

We analyzed two large-scale surveys, and found high rates of smoking in people with mood disorders and both with and without substance dependence disorders.

The association between playgroup participation, learning competence and social-emotional wellbeing for children aged four-five years in Australia

This study provides evidence that continued participation in playgroups is associated with better outcomes for children from disadvantaged families.

Sugar sweetened beverage consumption by Australian children: Implications for public health strategy

High consumption of sugar sweetened beverages (SSBs) has been linked to unhealthy weight gain and nutrition related chronic disease.

Early mental health morbidity and later smoking at 17 years of age

We examined the relationship between the onset and pattern of childhood mental health disorders and subsequent current smoking status at age 17 years.

Maternal death and the onward psychosocial circumstances of Australian Aboriginal children and young people

This study sought to determine the social and emotional impact of maternal loss on Aboriginal children and young people using data from the Western...

Non-specific psychological distress, smoking status and smoking cessation: United States National Health Interview Survey 2005

It is well established that smoking rates in people with common mental disorders such as anxiety or depressive disorders are much higher than in people...

Global research neglect of population-based approaches to smoking cessation

It has been argued that the preponderance of studies into individual smoking cessation therapies seems grossly out of proportion to the number of people...

Antecedents of hospital admission for deliberate self-harm from a 14-year follow-up study using data-linkage

A prior episode of deliberate self-harm (DSH) is one of the strongest predictors of future completed suicide. Identifying antecedents of DSH may inform strategi

Anxiety disorders and cigarette smoking: Results from the Australian Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing

The aim of this study was to describe current and daily smoking rates, and smoking cessation rates in adults with anxiety disorders

Antecedents of teenage pregnancy from a 14-year follow-up study using data linkage

This study identified possible antecedents of teenage pregnancy using linked data from administrative sources to create a 14-year follow-up from a cross-sect...

Common mental disorders: missed opportunity for smoking prevention and cessation

Common mental disorders: missed opportunity for smoking prevention and cessation

Indigenous well-being in four countries

Canada, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand consistently place near the top of the United Nations Development Programme's Human Development Index...