Profiles
Kira Patterson
UTAS Home Dr Kira Patterson
Kira Patterson
Lecturer in Health Pedagogy
Room G216, Building G, Newnham Campus
Kira Patterson is a lecturer in Health Pedagogy within the Faculty of Education and is currently completing her PhD at the Menzies Institute for Medical Research. Kira's work aims to understand how individual, social and environmental factors influence behavioural risk factors for chronic disease (physical activity, nutrition, smoking, alcohol consumption and obesity) in urban-rural populations and in populations experiencing socioeconomic disadvantage.
Biography
Kira Patterson is a Lecturer and Researcher in Physical Activity and Health within the Faculty of Education at the University of Tasmania. Kira completed a Bachelor of Human Movement with Honours in 2011 at the University of Tasmania and is currently in her final year of a PhD with the Menzies Institute for Medical Research.
Kira's PhD which is supervised by Dr Verity Cleland, Dr Seana Gall, Associate Professor Leigh Blizzard and Professor Alison Venn focuses on understanding urban-rural differences in chronic disease risk factors across the early life course. Her studies use data from the Childhood Determinants of Adult Health (CDAH) study, an ongoing longitudinal study of participants from the 1985 Australian School Health and Fitness Survey (ASHFS).
Kira has also worked as a research assistant on a number of other projects including;
- A fundamental motor skill program with the University of Wollongong called 'Jumpstart' within an early childhood setting.
- 'Young People and Physical Activity' Project within a high school setting for the University of Tasmania, Department of Rural Health.
- Family Planning Tasmania Teen Pregnancy Program Evaluation for the University of Tasmania, Department of Rural Health.
Career summary
Qualifications
- BHM (Hons) (2011) 'Domain-specific physical activities and area of residence among children and adults' University of Tasmania, Australia
Memberships
Professional practice
- International Society of Behavioural Nutrition and Physical Activity
- Australasian Epidemiological Association
- Public Health Association Australia
- HealthyU: Your health and wellbeing at the University of Tasmania Committee
Teaching
Health; Health Pedagogy; Public Health
Teaching responsibility
View more on Dr Kira Patterson in WARP
Awards
- Heart Foundation Tasmania/Menzies Research Institute Tasmania Honours Scholarship
- Awarded $10,000 for research into cardiovascular disease
Fields of Research
- Epidemiology (111706)
- Health Promotion (111712)
- Community Child Health (111704)
- Primary Health Care (111717)
- Physical Education and Development Curriculum and Pedagogy (130210)
- Exercise Physiology (110602)
- Teacher Education and Professional Development of Educators (130313)
- Health and Community Services (111708)
- Public Health and Health Services (111799)
Research Objectives
- Behaviour and Health (920401)
- Health Education and Promotion (920205)
- Child Health (920501)
- Teacher and Instructor Development (930202)
- Preventive Medicine (920412)
- Health Inequalities (920206)
- Specific Population Health (excl. Indigenous Health) (920599)
- Rural Health (920506)
- Public Health (excl. Specific Population Health) (920499)
Publications
Total publications
10
Journal Article
(5 outputs)| Year | Citation | Altmetrics |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Tian J, Gall S, Patterson K, Otahal P, Blizzard L, et al., 'Socioeconomic position over the life course from childhood and smoking status in mid-adulthood: results from a 25-year follow-up study', BMC Public Health, 19, (1) Article 169. ISSN 1471-2458 (2019) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1186/s12889-019-6483-0 [eCite] [Details] Co-authors: Tian J; Gall S; Otahal P; Blizzard L; Dwyer T; Venn A | |
| 2018 | Cleland VJ, Patterson K, Breslin M, Schmidt MD, Dwyer T, et al., 'Longitudinal associations between TV viewing and BMI not explained by the 'mindless eating' or 'physical activity displacement' hypotheses among adults', BMC Public Health, 18, (1) Article 797. ISSN 1471-2458 (2018) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1186/s12889-018-5674-4 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 1 Co-authors: Cleland VJ; Breslin M; Venn AJ | |
| 2018 | Nash RE, Elmer SL, Patterson K, Mainsbridge C, Gall SL, et al., 'HealthLit4Kids: Responding to a gap in health literacy education', The Health Advocate, April 2018 pp. 34-35. ISSN 2200-8659 (2018) [Professional, Refereed Article] Co-authors: Nash RE; Elmer SL; Mainsbridge C; Gall SL; Abbott-Chapman J | |
| 2017 | Patterson KAE, Gall SL, Venn AJ, Otahal P, Blizzard L, et al., 'Accumulated exposure to rural areas of residence over the life course is associated with overweight and obesity in adulthood: a 25-year prospective cohort study', Annals of Epidemiology, 27, (3) pp. 169-175. ISSN 1047-2797 (2017) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1016/j.annepidem.2017.01.007 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 6Web of Science - 5 Co-authors: Gall SL; Venn AJ; Otahal P; Blizzard L; Dwyer T; Cleland V | |
| 2014 | Patterson KAE, Cleland V, Venn A, Blizzard L, Gall S, 'A cross-sectional study of geographic differences in health risk factors among young Australian adults: The role of socioeconomic position', Bmc Public Health, 14 Article 1278. ISSN 1471-2458 (2014) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-14-1278 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 10Web of Science - 8 Co-authors: Cleland V; Venn A; Blizzard L; Gall S |
Conference Publication
(3 outputs)| Year | Citation | Altmetrics |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Mainsbridge C, Nash R, Elmer S, Patterson K, Cruickshank V, et al., 'HealthLit4Kids Animation: inclusive and informed participants', Engagement Transforms 2019 (ET19), 6 September, Hobart, Tasmania (2019) [Conference Extract] Co-authors: Mainsbridge C; Nash R; Elmer S; Cruickshank V; McDonald A; Burke E; Dick R | |
| 2018 | Cruickshank V, Mainsbridge C, Patterson K, Grasten A, Pedersen S, 'Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) in the Bachelor of Health and Physical Education program', Teaching Matters 2018, 21 November 2018, Launceston, Tasmania (2018) [Conference Extract] Co-authors: Cruickshank V; Mainsbridge C; Grasten A; Pedersen S | |
| 2018 | Nash R, Elmer S, Osborne R, Patterson K, 'HealthLit4Kids: A primary school program, crossing boundaries for positive health literacy outcomes', CAPHIA Public Health Teaching & Learning Forum in Cairns, 24-25 September 2018, Cairns, Australia (2018) [Plenary Presentation] Co-authors: Nash R; Elmer S |
Other Public Output
(2 outputs)| Year | Citation | Altmetrics |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Cruickshank V, Mainsbridge CP, Patterson K, 'How much physical activity should teenagers do, and how can they get enough?', The Conversation, Victoria, Australia, December (2018) [Magazine Article] Co-authors: Cruickshank V; Mainsbridge CP | |
| 2018 | Pedersen SJ, Mainsbridge C, Patterson KAE, 'UTAS forum puts preventative health back on the agenda', The Examiner, Fairfax Regional Media, Australia, 20 June 2018 (2018) [Newspaper Article] Co-authors: Pedersen SJ; Mainsbridge C |
Grants & Funding
Funding Summary
Number of grants
7
Total funding
$2,601,694
Projects
Preventative Health Research in Rural and Regional Communities (Tasmania) (2019 - 2021)$2,400,000
- Description
- An ageing Australia will increasingly impact social, health and economic activity, as exemplified in complex disorders such as dementia. Obesity is also increasing at a rapid rate and is a major antecedent risk factor for a range of chronic illnesses. Both conditions will be a particular challenge for rural and regional communities as they have the highest rates of related risk factors and chronic illness, and also relatively reduced access to specialist medical services and preventative health programs. This proposal focusses on dementia and obesity in north-west Tasmania, developing innovative initiatives to manage and reduce risk of these conditions, which will reduce medical procedures overall including presentations to hospital. The program involves two major projects: the Island Study Linking Ageing and Neurodegenerative Disease (ISLAND) and the Critical Age Periods for Impacting Obesogenic Lifestyles (CAPITOL) study. The ISLAND study will involve a pragmatic clustered randomised controlled on interventions for major potentially modifiable risk factors for dementia, including obesity, physical activity, diabetes, smoking, hypertension, depression and cognitive stimulation/education, most of which are antecedents to chronic illness. The CAPITOL study will facilitate a transdisciplinary professional network to build a community-specific, sustainable approach to supporting children and families in relation to physical health and wellbeing. This project will identify enabling contextual factors which influence engagement in healthy physical play practices; foster buy-in from families (at multiple entry points); improve school readiness (through enhancing outcomes for children (0-8 years) in the AEDC domain of physical health and wellbeing), and generate sustainable communities of practice. North-west Tasmania is an ideal test-bed to develop preventative health strategies that are relevant and scalable to other Australian rural and regional communities.
- Funding
- Medical Research Future Fund ($2,400,000)
- Scheme
- Grant - Keeping Australians Out of Hospital
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Vickers JC; Hills AP; Goldberg LR; Byrne N; Farrow M; Hughes RM; Klekociuk SZ; Ahuja KDK; Courtney-Pratt HM; Patterson KAE
- Period
- 2019 - 2021
Managing training load in talented high school age athletes (2018 - 2021)$67,500
- Description
- Load management in developing secondary school athletes. With many talented young athletes participating in multiple sports under the direction of multiple coaches, overall load management can be problematic, contributing to under-performance and increased risk of injury. This project will utilise evidence-based sports science techniques and equipment to monitor and manage load in secondary school athletes in an attempt to optimise outcomes and sporting development.
- Funding
- Launceston Church Grammar School ($67,500)
- Scheme
- Contract Research
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Fell JW; Mainsbridge C; Patterson KAE
- Period
- 2018 - 2021
Proof of concept: HealthLit4Kids at four diverse Tasmanian schools (2018 - 2019)$89,794
- Description
- Preventative health project, empowering teachers and students to explore, discuss, design and share resources capable of improving Health/Literacy of Tasmanian school children and their families.The project will be conducted at four schools (to evaluate the Context, Mechanisms, Outcomes (COMS) necessary for program impact on the health literacy of the local community. Proof of concept will inform necessary resources and dissemination Tasmania wide (pending ARC partnership funds- DoE and DHHS). HealthLit4Kids program unfolds over three stages:Stage 1: Mobilise Resources & baseline MeasuresStage 2: Health literacy workshops & Classroom activitiesStage 3: Evaluation, Reporting & Dissemination
- Funding
- Tasmanian Community Fund ($89,794)
- Scheme
- Grant
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Nash RE; Elmer SL; Patterson KAE; Mainsbridge C; Abbott-Chapman J; Gall SL
- Period
- 2018 - 2019
Promoting Health Literacy in Tasmanian Primary Schools - Capturing, Curating and Evaluating Health Literacy Artefacts (2018)$19,468
- Funding
- University of Tasmania ($19,468)
- Scheme
- Grant - CALE Hothouse Alignment Scheme
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Patterson KAE; Mainsbridge C; Hookway NS; Abbott-Chapman J; Nash RE; Elmer SL; Gall SL; Shelley RE; Gibson AC
- Year
- 2018
Measuring the impact of Work-Integrated Learning in the Bachelor of Education Health and Physical Education programme (2017)$8,500
- Description
- This project aimed to measure the impact of Work-Integrated Learning in the Bachelor of Education Health and Physical Education programme.
- Funding
- University of Tasmania ($8,500)
- Scheme
- Grant-Research Enhancement Program
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Mainsbridge C; Cruickshank V; Patterson KAE; Grasten A; Pedersen SJ
- Year
- 2017
Promoting Health Literacy in Tasmanian Primary Schools - Evaluating the HealthLit4Kids pilot study. (2017)$9,912
- Description
- Preventative health project, empowering teachers and students to explore, discuss, design and share resources capable of improving Health/Literacy of Tasmanian school children and their families.The HealthLit4Kids pilot study has been designed and run by the Lead researchers during 2017 in Blackmans Bay Primary School, Tasmania, as part of a planned mixed method, multi-stage project. Health literacy is the ability to access, understand and apply information about healthy lifestyle choices that influence health behaviours and outcomes throughout the life course. Tasmania has low rates of literacy and health literacy; morbidity and mortality statistics are some of the worst in Australia. Therefore promoting and developing Health Literacy at the primary school level is of the utmost importance. This is best done through research partnerships with schools, teachers, parents and community organisations. This project has so far been resourced and supported by the lead researchers, school principal and teachers and a number of local community organisations. Following preparatory teacher workshops a comprehensive School Action Plan was developed. Innovative classroom teaching took place during July, August and September in all year grades, on a variety of Health Literacy topics related the Australian National Curriculum, Health and Physical Education. These classroom activities aimed to introduce to children culturally, socially and age group relevant Health Literacy concepts and their practical applications. Qualitative evidence of students engagement and learning outcomes will be evaluated by teachers and researchers during a Health Literacy competition to be held 24 September to 4 October. Now CCS funding is sought for a paid Research Assistant who is needed in order to help the expanded research team analyse data already gathered and planned, including a parents survey, focus group and final teacher workshop. Lessons learned about effective Health Literacy teaching strategies and resources modelled in the pilot need to be critically examined, analysed and documented in preparation for a broader project to be conducted in other primary schools in 2018, pending external grant funding.
- Funding
- University of Tasmania ($9,912)
- Scheme
- Creativity, Culture & Society Research Development
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Nash RE; Elmer SL; Abbott-Chapman J; Gall SL; Mainsbridge C; Patterson KAE
- Year
- 2017
Understanding urban-rural influences on chronic disease risk factors and mental health in young adults: A five-year prospective study (2012)$6,520
- Funding
- The Select Foundation ($6,520)
- Scheme
- Grant-Small Grants Scheme
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Patterson KAE; Cleland V; Gall SL; Venn A
- Year
- 2012
Research Supervision
Current
2
Current
| Degree | Title | Commenced |
|---|---|---|
| PhD | How Important are Children's Significant and Influential Adults in Achieving Sexuality Education Outcomes? | 2019 |
| PhD | Load Management using Wearable Devices in Adolescent Athlete Populations | 2019 |