 
2017
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2017
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2016
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2014
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2013
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2006
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I wanted to know what the health impact of domestic violence was and what factors mitigated that impact. My idea was, and remains, that if mitigating factors can be identified then targeted services can be developed to help in the recovery from domestic violence. I was fortunate in that I was able to access data collected by the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health (ALSWH), one of the few national health studies that has asked about experiences of domestic violence over the long term.
These days my research is more broadly focused and, along with investigating the impact of abuse across the lifespan, I am also examining factors that predict adverse and healthy pregnancy and maternal outcomes.
I believe that continuing to unpack the multifaceted impacts and predictors of interpersonal violence will assist in the development of effective prevention and treatment strategies. The ultimate goal is to end violence, however even if that did happen, we would still need to identify and address the long-term health deficits that are caused by experiences of abuse among those who had lived in these situations.
Professor Deborah Loxton is co-director of the Research Centre for Generational Health and Ageing, a priority research centre of the University of Newcastle, and Deputy Director of the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health (ALSWH). Professor Loxton is a prolific researcher, expert in the impacts of violent relationships on women, as well as different aspects of reproductive health.
Professor Loxton’s research is largely undertaken using data from the ALSWH, a longitudinal survey that collects data from four age cohorts of over 57,000 Australian women. She has extensive experience in developing and conducting survey based research, including participant recruitment and retention in large cohort studies. In 2012-13, Professor Loxton led the ALSWH research team in recruiting the newest cohort of participants, which includes over 17,000 women born 1989-95.
In her role as Deputy Director of ALSWH, Professor Loxton oversees data collection and cohort maintenance, in addition to leading and contributing to publications and reports to government that arise from the study. She has authored over 80 peer reviewed publications and has produced a further 15 government reports (six as lead author). Professor Loxton’s program of work has informed health policy in Australia, New Zealand and USA in the areas of domestic violence, superannuation, reproductive health and sole motherhood. In addition, her work has been used by the World Health Organisation to develop a screening tool for elder abuse.
Professor Loxton is also leading a program of research that investigates the health impact of abuse across the lifecourse. She is also currently facilitating a consortium which includes researchers from University of Newcastle, La Trobe University, Planning NSW, Victorian Assisted Reproductive Technology Association, the Jean Hailes Foundation, and the Walgett Aboriginal Medical Service to examine Aboriginal reproductive health. Recently, Professor Loxton has started working in the area of improving maternal mortality in developing nations.
She has been awarded over $24 million funding and has been involved in over 120 collaborations in Australia and internationally. Her international collaborations include the USA Academy of Violence and Abuse and the Korean Women’s Development Institute. Professor Loxton has initiated formal relationships between the Research Centre for Gender, Health and Ageing and these organisations.
A relatively new area of work that I am leading concerns the wellbeing of women having children in low income countries. My dream for women having children is that worldwide we see the elimination of maternal and infant mortality.
Survey development including:
Mr Tesfay Feyissa, Dr Melissa Harris, Professor Deborah Loxton
In the last decade, there has been improvement in life expectancy of people living with HIV due to improved drug therapy and care and support programs. However, along with better prospects for a healthy life, comes the desire to have children. Women living with HIV who intend to have children need information and services focused on safe conception strategies while those who do not desire a child need access to effective family planning methods.
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A/Prof Kym Rae, Dr Beth Mah, Prof Deb Loxton
The Problem: In a recent study by CI Rae and Mah, the mental health of a cohort of Indigenous women during pregnancy showed extremely high rates of depression and anxiety in participants, with 31% of the cohort reporting evidence of these symptoms at least one visit during their pregnancy. Factors that enhance susceptibility to stress include personality traits, early life experiences and resilience.
moreBinod Bindu Sharma, Laureate Professor Roger Smith, Professor Deborah Loxton
Background: Pregnancy is a precious event offering a human value to the biosphere. It is special to every woman and societal unit. Women suffer in comparison with men over a wide spectrum of human activity. The health situation of women in Nepal is poor. Maternal mortality in Nepal is among the highest in Asia (over 190/100,000 live births) and one of the worst ten in the world (WHO 2015).
moreDr Alexis Hure, Dr Amina Khambalia, Dr Amanda Patterson, Dr Elizabeth Holliday, Associate Professor Deb Loxton
Iron deficiency is particularly common in women during pregnancy because of the increased iron needed to grow a healthy baby.
moreDr Alexis Hure, Associate Professor Deborah Loxton, Catherine Chojenta, Amy Anderson, Melissa Harris
This project will identify maternal health factors (demographic, health bejaviour, physical and mental health, perceived stress and life events) that are risk factors for low birth weight.
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