Grant success drives better health for young people in regions

National Drug Research Institute researcher Nyanda McBride has won a research grant for a project aimed at improving the health of young people living in regional areas.

The Alcohol and other drugs, mental health and sexual health in ‘partygoing’ youth in regional WA project will examine alcohol and other drug use, mental health and sexual health among ‘partygoing’ young people in regional WA. The project has been funded by Healthway's Open Research Round.

Professor McBride said rural Australians aged 18-24 were particularly vulnerable to alcohol and other drug-related harm, with the highest alcohol use, greatest single-occasion drinking risk and greatest likelihood of illicit drug use, compounded by socioeconomic and cultural health inequalities.

“I live in rural WA so have seen firsthand the harms associated with youth alcohol and other drug use in my community, and these have a whole-of-community impact that cannot be understated,” Professor McBride said.

“Our study will provide in-depth understanding about factors that contribute to young people in the regions being more likely to partake in riskier activities compared to their metropolitan counterparts, and why they might be more at risk of harm generally.”

As part of the project, direct research with young regional West Australians will increase our understanding of the ‘lived experience’ of partygoing rural youth aged 18-24 and inform prevention and health promotion initiatives. Avenues to share study findings will be co-designed with service providers and project consumer group members.

Healthway CEO Colin Smith said Healthway aimed to back collaborative research that drove real change. “These projects will translate research into real-world impact, strengthening communities and supporting active, healthy lifestyles, especially for young people,” Mr Smith said.

WA Medical Research Minister Stephen Dawson added: "Healthway's 2025 Open Research Round is investing more than $1 million in research programs to help Western Australians stay healthier, more active, and connected. Our Health Promotion Research program funds collaborative research, focused on knowledge translation, that has the potential and intent to impact policy, programs and/or practice in WA and ultimately lead to improved health outcomes.”

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