Australian Health and Social Science Panel Study

The Australian Health and Social Science (AHSS) project is a study of Australian adults initiated and funded by the Institute for Health and Social Science Research (IHSSR) at CQUniversity Australia. The project aims to examine the unique issues affecting Australians now and into the future through targeted and regular research using a specially selected national group (panel) of participants. This panel provides regular input (via the completion of web-based surveys) on key issues such as physiological and psychological wellbeing, activity levels, nutrition, behavioural risk factors and social and economic wellbeing. The group will also participate in research addressing range of contemporary issues relevant to understanding Australian people's quality of life. 

The AHSS project was designed to enable researchers to examine factors that influence health and wellbeing among Australian adults who are broadly representative of the wider population. The project explores key issues which are a focus of the Institute including:

• Physical health and nutrition
• Preventative health and health promotion outcomes
• Emotional and psychological health
• Behavioural and environmental risk factors
• Work and leisure activity
• Sociodemographic characteristics (education, employment, etc) 

Related contemporary issues including climate change, economic pressure, ethical food consumption and exposure to violence are also areas of interest.

The results gathered from the AHSS study will allow researchers to further their understanding of specific issues in Australia through the use of this highly targeted research. Data from AHSS studies will be analysed and reported in papers published in reputable academic journals and will also be used to inform future research directions. The longitudinal nature of the study will also enable researchers to identify long-term trends and opportunities for potential interventions and health promotion strategies.

The AHSS project is managed by staff and investigators at the CQUniversity Institute for Health and Social Science Research.