A world-leading asthma research program has expanded to Southern NSW Local Health District, with Queanbeyan chosen as the first rural site to host the study. The Treatable Traits in Pregnancy (TTAP) Study is investigating how better understanding and management of asthma during pregnancy can improve outcomes for both mothers and babies.
Local midwife and research clinician Alexandra Overton is leading the NHMRC-funded study in Queanbeyan. She said the program’s arrival in Southern NSW Local Health District marks an important opportunity for local families.
"It’s exciting that Queanbeyan is the first rural site, because women here can now contribute to research that will shape care for families well beyond our community," Alexandra said.
The study is open to women who are pregnant between 12 and 17 weeks, aged 18 years or older, and living with asthma. Participation involves surveys, simple health checks and discussions about asthma management, with no changes to usual maternity care. Participants will receive small reimbursements for their time and travel.
The treatable traits approach looks at asthma in a more personalised way. Instead of treating asthma as the same for everyone, researchers identify the specific factors - or “traits” - that may be making an individual’s asthma worse, such as allergies, reflux, poor inhaler technique, or anxiety.
Alexandra Overton Every pregnancy is different, and so is every woman’s asthma. The treatable traits approach allows us to look more closely at each woman’s individual needs.
Alexandra Overton
By recognising and targeting these traits, clinicians can tailor care to improve asthma control and reduce risks for both mothers and babies.
"Asthma is one of the most common chronic conditions affecting pregnant women, yet it is still under-recognised and under-treated," Alexandra said. "This study will give us valuable insights into how we can better support mothers and babies."
The TTAP study is coordinated nationally by Professor Vanessa Murphy from the University of Newcastle and the Hunter Medical Research Institute. Expanding into Queanbeyan allows researchers to include the experiences of women in Southern NSW Local Health District for the first time.
"Including sites such as Queanbeyan is vital to ensure our research reflects the diversity of women’s experiences," Professor Murphy said. "This expansion means women in Southern NSW Local Health District can contribute to knowledge that will directly inform future clinical guidelines."
"The study's strength lies in its precision medicine approach - instead of treating asthma as one condition, we are identifying the traits that can be targeted for better outcomes."
"We are building evidence that will help clinicians make better decisions about asthma management in pregnancy," she said.
Professor Vanessa Murphy We are excited to partner with experienced local clinicians like Alex to make participation as easy and supportive as possible for women in the region.
Professor Vanessa Murphy
"The TTAP study is about looking at asthma differently in pregnancy – recognising individual traits and finding ways to manage them more effectively," Ms Overton added.
Women interested in taking part can find out more on the Treatable Traits for Asthma Management in Pregnancy website. Women can also contact the research team on 0407 424 711 or email alexandramarie.reynolds@health.nsw.gov.au.
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