Dr Jodie Avery
Senior Research Fellow
Adelaide Medical School
Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences
Eligible to supervise Masters and PhD - email supervisor to discuss availability.
Dr Jodie Avery is a social researcher and consultant with advanced skills in both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies. Jodie is a Senior Research Fellow in the Endometriosis Research Group at the Robinson Research Institute , the University of Adelaide, with previous roles as Senior Research Associate / Epidemiologist with Population Research and Outcome Studies, Discipline of Medicine, University of Adelaide. Additionally, she tutors in the Schools of Medicine, Public Health and Psychology and at Monash University.
After completing degrees in Arts (Politics and Psychology) and Medical Radiations, Jodie moved to Public Health. She has worked in public health since 1997 and completed her Master of Public Health in 2003.
Jodie undertook her PhD exploring “Depression and its Association with the Psychosocial Factors of Urinary Incontinence” with the Discipline of General Practice.
Jodie has previously worked in research with the Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Adelaide; CSIRO Health Sciences and Nutrition; and the SA Department of Health, before PROS moved to the University of Adelaide.
Passionate about public health, Jodie has been Vice President of the SA Branch of the Public Health Association, mentoring students and early career professionals.
Jodie’s current research interests include restorative health, women’s health, psychosocial outcomes, chronic conditions, incontinence, mental health, quality of life, health information, health literacy, carers’ health, aboriginal health and complementary medicine regulation.
- My Research
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- Grants and Funding
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IMAGENDO: Diagnosing endometriosis with imaging and AI
This project will provide a cost-effective, accessible, and accurate method to non-invasively diagnose endometriosis. Specialist endometriosis ultrasound and MRI images will be used to develop a diagnostic machine learning algorithm that determines the likelihood that an individual has endometriosis. Images uploaded by endometriosis patients, doctors, and in-built software in imaging machines, will be analysed by this algorithm on a cloud-based digital platform. By delivering National Action Plan for Endometriosis Priorities and Research Goals and integrating with the Australian Endometriosis Registry, this tool will improve access to simpler and less invasive diagnostic tests and treatments for people negatively impacted by endometriosis.
HERA-QoL-P: Scoping appropriate quality of life dimensions for the development of a meaningful quality of life tool for PCOS
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine condition in women, with a diverse range of symptoms related to problems with fertility, weight gain, mental health and sleep. Although common, it is thought to be under-diagnosed, and it is not a stable condition over the life course. Women with PCOS have different experiences of QoL depending on their age, ethnicity, socio economic status, severity and phenotype.
A high-quality QoL questionnaire could help to highlight women’s specific priorities, and then could help to measure whether their healthcare addresses such priorities. We aim to survey 200 women and interview 20-30 women diagnosed with PCOS about aspects of life important for their quality of life, including the impact of this condition on physical, mental and emotional health, and understand whether PCOS affects women differently according to their profile of symptoms and background, so we can develop a new tool
Endocrine profiles of women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) in midlife: New investigations of the Lucina cohort
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), is the most common endocrine disorder of reproductive age. The true prevalence, and reproductive and metabolic outcomes of older women with PCOS is unknown. PCOS is not a stable condition over the life course, but a dynamic and follows different clinical and metabolic features. Women from the South Australian Lucina cohort (11.9% PCOS) were assessed 15 years ago when they were 30 years of age. These women will be aged 42-48 years in 2018. Endocrine and metabolic parameters worsen in women with PCOS as they age, increasing their risk for life-long health issues beyond menopause.
We intend to re-examine women with one or more symptom of PCOS who previously had clinical investigations. The 108 women who were previously referred for examination (Rotterdam) will be retraced and invited to undertake examination. Information repeating what was obtained previously, will be gathered through a structured interview. We will reengage the cohort and measure anthropometric indices, psycho-social and reproductive history, hirsutism classification, as well as fasting lipid, testosterone, SHBG, FAI, Free T, 2 hour glucose tolerance test, weight and record of illness and medications and potentially also ovarian morphology, including PCO.
Women who were born in 1973-1975 will be in their 40s now. Most will have completed childbearing but will still be menstruating. This is an ideal time to follow up and reengage this cohort preparing for future research. PCOS places a costly burden on the health care system and impacts on health and quality of life. However, perimenopause and menopause, have not often been considered in the management of PCOS, particularly in a longitudinal cohort. Reproductive and ovarian features of PCOS decrease at menopause and retrospective diagnosis is difficult. Later life PCOS has not been well researched: with no quality longitudinal natural history studies, we lack data on incidence and prevalence of heart disease and stroke in PCOS, however identifying any deterioration of cardio-metabolic profiles will contribute to the development of targeted strategies to help this prevalent and high risk population achieve optimal health into their later years. .
Barriers to reducing postpartum weight retention in women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Post-partum weight retention is a key contributor to overweight and obesity in women. The post-partum period is therefore a critical life stage to focus weight management interventions for women. This is particularly relevant for women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) given their higher risk of obesity-related morbidity and elevated risk for cardiometabolic complications such as Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Cardiovascular Disease. PCOS affects up to 18% of reproductive aged women and is the most common endocrine disorder in women. It generates numerous health problems across the lifespan including reproductive (hyperandrogenism, menstrual disorders, infertility and pregnancy complications), metabolic (obesity, insulin resistance and risk factors for and prevalence of type 2 diabetes or cardiovascular disease) and psychological (anxiety and depression) implications. The aetiology of PCOS is unclear: however both genetic inheritance and lifestyle factors may be implicated. Obesity exacerbates and weight loss ameliorates many features of PCOS and treatment for PCOS includes weight management, encouraging a healthy lifestyle, optimal nutrition and physical activity.
http://www.pcos-cre.edu.au/barriers-to-reduce-postpartum/
Depression and its Association with the Psychosocial Factors of Urinary Incontinence
Urinary Incontinence is associated with psychological distress, depression and anxiety. Those with incontinence often experience depression and a reduced quality of life. We can gauge the impact of incontinence by examining the limitations on the women’s lives and their perceptions about the seriousness of their condition, and we can target interventions towards these women. I found that resilience is protective against depression in this group of women, and interventions can be designed for specific age groups to increase resilience, so that the burden, including depression, is eased and quality of life is increased in women experiencing incontinence.
Recent Posters
Media
University of Adelaide Story
Channel 10 News Story
TASA Blog
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Appointments
Date Position Institution name 2021 - 2024 Senior Research Fellow University of Adelaide 2021 - 2021 Living Guideline Project Manager Cabrini Institute 2019 - 2021 Research Fellow/Project Manager/Executive Officer The University of Adelaide 2018 - 2018 Career Development Fellow University of Adelaide, Adelaide 2017 - 2018 NHMRC Postdoctoral Researcher (0.8) The University of Adelaide, 2017 - 2018 University Reseach Fellow (0.8) The University of Adelaide 2017 - 2017 Postdoctoral Research Fellow (0.2) NHMRC Centre for Research Excellence in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome 2016 - 2017 Research Fellow, Restorative Care and Ageing Flinders University 2016 - ongoing Tutor Facilitator, International Health III The University of Adelaide 2016 - 2017 Visiting Research Fellow University of Adelaide 2016 - ongoing Tutor, Psychology University of Adelaide 2016 - ongoing Course Developer, Measuring Health Service Outcomes Flinders University 2015 - ongoing Lecturer, Tutor, Facilitator Health Evaluation III The University of Adelaide 2015 - ongoing Tutor Public Health 1A and 1B The University of Adelaide 2011 - 2016 Senior Research Associate / Epidemiologist The University of Adelaide 2002 - 2010 Epidemiologist / Senior Project Officer South Australian Department of Health and Ageing -
Awards and Achievements
Date Type Title Institution Name Country Amount 2019 Award DVCR Women’s Research Excellence Award The University of Adelaide Australia $5000 2019 Award Best Psychosocial Paper Fertility Society of Australia (FSA) Conference 2019 Australia $1000 2016 Award Best Oral Presentation Award 6th Congress of the Asia Pacific Initiative on Reproduction (ASPIRE) Indonesia 650 2014 Award The PHAA Kerry Kirke Student Award Public Health Association of Australia Australia $100 Book Voucher 2011 Award SPH&CP Best Poster Presentation at the 2011 FHS Postgraduate Research Conference The University of Adelaide Australia 250 1997 Award Agfa-Gervart Perpetual Trophy University of South Australia Australia 250 -
Language Competencies
Language Competency English Can read, write, speak, understand spoken and peer review -
Education
Date Institution name Country Title 1994 - 1997 University of South Australia Australia Bachelor of Applied Science (Medical Radiations - Radiotherapy) 1989 - 1991 University of Adelaide Australia Bachelor of Arts (Psychology, Political Sociology) -
Postgraduate Training
Date Title Institution Country 2005 - 2014 Doctor of Philosophy University of Adelaide Australia 1999 - 2002 Master of Public Health University of Adelaide Australia -
Certifications
Date Title Institution name Country 1997 Certificate in Vocational Education (Information Technology) Adelaide Institute of Vocational Education (TAFE) Australia -
Research Interests
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Journals
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Books
Year Citation 2021 Koga, K. (2021). Immunology of Endometriosis Pathogenesis and Management. K. Koga (Ed.), Academic Press. -
Book Chapters
Year Citation 2022 Leonardi, M., Avery, J., & Hull, M. L. (2022). Novel diagnostic strategies for endometriosis. In Immunology of Endometriosis: Pathogenesis and Management (pp. 297-317). Elsevier.
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Conference Papers
Year Citation 2022 Wang, H., Zhang, J., Chen, Y., Ma, C., Avery, J., Hull, L., & Carneiro, G. (2022). Uncertainty-Aware Multi-modal Learning via Cross-Modal Random Network Prediction. In Lecture Notes in Computer Science (including subseries Lecture Notes in Artificial Intelligence and Lecture Notes in Bioinformatics) Vol. 13697 LNCS (pp. 200-217). Springer Nature Switzerland.
2018 Avery, J., Moran, L., & Rumbold, A. (2018). Self Perceived Health in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. In .. Stockholm, Sweden. 2016 Avery, J., Moran, L., Rumbold, A., Stocks, S., & Norman, R. (2016). Associations between Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and health related quality of life in an Australian population. In http://aspire2016.org/scientific-information/progamme-overview/. Jakarta, Indonesia. -
Conference Items
Year Citation 2016 Avery, J., Moran, L., & Rumbold, A. (2016). Self-reported prevalence of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in a population sample. Poster session presented at the meeting of Oral presentation made at The 23rd World Congress on Controversies in Obstetrics, Gynecology & Infertility (COGI). Melbourne, Australia: Controversies in Obstetrics, Gynecology & Infertility (COGI). 2016 Avery, J. C., Moran, L., Rumbold, A., Musker, M., & Stocks, N. (2016). Psychosocial Factors of Incontinence in a population sample. Poster session presented at the meeting of 23rd World Congress on Controversies in Obstetrics, Gynaecology & Infertility. Melbourne, Australia. 2016 Avery, J. C., Braunack-Mayer, A., Stocks, N., & Taylor, A. (2016). “Am I likely to laugh today?” Depression and its Association with the Psychosocial Factors of Urinary Incontinence. Poster session presented at the meeting of 5th Australian Positive Psychology and Wellbeing Conference. Adelaide, Australia. -
Report for External Bodies
Year Citation 2019 Van Hooff, M., Searle, A., Avery, J. C., Lawrence-Wood, E., Hilferty, F., Katz, I., . . . McFarlane, A. (2019). Homelessness and its Correlates in Australian Defence Force Veterans. Mental Health and Wellbeing Study. Melbourne, Victoria: Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute. 2018 Burns, J., Van Hooff, M., Lawrence-Wood, E., Avery, J. C., Benassi, H., Sadler, N., . . . McFarlane, A. (2018). Technology Use and Wellbeing Summary Report, Mental Health and Wellbeing Study (P03638). Canberra: Department of Veterans Affairs. 2018 Burns, J., Van Hooff, M., Lawrence-Wood, E., Benassi, H., Sadler, N., Hodson, S., . . . McFarlane, A. (2018). Technology Use and Wellbeing Report, Mental Health and Wellbeing Study (P03637). Canberra: The Department of Veterans' Affairs. 2018 Kelsall, H., Sim, M., Benassi, H., Van Hooff, M., Lawrence-Wood, E., Sadler, N., . . . McFarlane, A. (2018). Physical Health Status Report, Mental Health and Wellbeing Transition Study (P03635). The Department of Defence and the Department of Veterans' Affairs. 2018 Kelsall, H., SIm, M., Van Hooff, M., Lawrence-Wood, E. R., Hodson, S., Sadler, N., . . . McFarlane, A. (2018). Physical Health Status Summary Report, Mental Health and Wellbeing Study. (P03636). Canberra: The Australian Government Department of Veterans' Affairs. 2018 Forbes, D., Van Hooff, M., Lawrence-Wood, E., Sadler, N., Hodson, S., Benassi, H., . . . McFarlane, A. (2018). Pathways to Care, Mental Health and Wellbeing Study (P03383). Canberra: Department of Veterans’ Affairs. 2018 Van Hooff, M., Lawrence-Wood, E., Hodson, S., Sadler, N., Benassi, H., Hansen, C., . . . McFarlane, A. (2018). Mental Health Prevalence, Mental Health and Wellbeing Transition Study (P03371). Canberra: Department of Veterans’ Affairs. 2018 Van Hooff, M., Forbes, D., Lawrence-Wood, E., Hodson, S., Sadler, N., Benassi, H., . . . McFarlane, A. (2018). Mental Health Prevalence and Pathways to Care Summary Report, Mental Health and Wellbeing Study (P03435). Canberra: Department of Veterans' Affairs. 2013 Nitschke, M., Hansen, A., Bi, P., Tucker, G., Dal Grande, E., Avery, J. C., . . . Kelsall, L. (2013). Adaptive capabilities in older people during extreme heat events in Victoria: a population survey. State of Victoria,. Department of Health, State of Victoria. 2012 Nitschke, M., Hansen, A., Bi, P., Tucker, G., Dal Grande, E., & Avery, J. C. (2012). Adaptive capabilites in the elderly during extreme heat events in South Australia. A population survey.. Adelaide: South Australian Department of Health. 2012 Avery, J. C., Dal Grabde, E., & Taylor, A. (2012). Regional Health of South Australian Adults December 2012. Population Research and Outcome Studies, The University of Adelaide. -
Theses
Year Citation 2014 Avery, J. (2014). Depression and its association with the psychosocial factors of urinary incontinence. (PhD Thesis, Thesis (Ph.D.) -- University of Adelaide, School of Population Health, 2014). 2002 Avery, J. C. (2002). The information needs of women diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome - implications for treatment and health outcomes. (Master's Thesis, Thesis (M.D.) - University of Adelaide, Dept. of Public Health, 2002). -
Internet Publications
Year Citation 2015 Avery, J. (2015). ‘It’s our lot’: how resilience influences the experience of depression in women with urinary incontinence.
National Competitive Schemes
| Date | Project/No. | Investigators | Funding Body | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 2021 | Research Grant | A/Prof Louise Hull, Prof Gustavo Carneiro, Dr Jodie Avery | Medical Research Future Fund 2020 Primary Health Care Research Data Infrastructure Grant | $1,990,998 |
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December 2020 |
Research Grant | A/Prof Louise Hull, Prof Gustavo Carneiro, Dr Jodie Avery | Endometriosis Australia | $30,000 |
| October 2020 | Project Support Grant | Dr Jodie Avery | NHMRC Centre for Research Excellence (CRE) in Women’s Health in Reproductive Life (WHIRL) Project Support Grant | $13,500 |
| December 2016 | Career Development Fellowship | Dr Jodie Avery | NHMRC Centre for Research Excellence in the origins, outcomes and optimal management of PCOS | $25,000 |
| October 2015 | Project Support Grant | Dr Jodie Avery | NHMRC Centre for Research Excellence in the origins, outcomes and optimal management of PCOS | $15,000 |
State and University Based Funding Schemes
| Date | Project/No. | Investigators | Funding Body | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Strategic Research Grant | Prof Robert Adams, Dr Tiffany Gill, Prof Catherine Hill, Dr Jodie Avery | The Hospital Research Foundation Strategic Research Grant – North West Adelaide Health Study | $225,000 |
| 2018 | Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences SCR/MCR Expert Panel Review Pitch | Dr Jodie Avery | The University of Adelaide | Review Funding |
| 2018 | Robinson Research Institute Deigned for Success | Dr Jodie Avery | The University of Adelaide | $1,000 |
| 2018 | Australian Federation of University Women SA Inc. Trust Postdoctoral Grant | Dr Jodie Avery | The University of Adelaide | $5,000 |
| 2018 | Robinson Research Institute Career Development Fellowship | Dr Jodie Avery | The University of Adelaide | $95,198 |
| 2013 | PhD Completion Scholarship | Dr Jodie Avery | The University of Adelaide | $12,500 |
| 2011 | Bursary | Dr Jodie Avery | Primary Health Care Evaluation and Development (PHCRED) | $5,000 |
Travel Grant Funding
| Date | Project/No. | Investigators | Funding Body | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 2018 | Travel Grant | Dr Jodie Avery | Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences | $2600 |
| July 2018 | Travel Grant | Dr Jodie Avery | NHMRC Centre for Research Excellence in the origins, outcomes and optimal management of PCOS | |
| June 2018 | Travel Grant | Dr Jodie Avery | Robinson Research Institute | $1000 |
| June 2018 | Travel Grant | Dr Jodie Avery | Healthy Development Adelaide | $1000 |
| November 2016 | Travel Grant | Dr Jodie Avery | NHMRC Centre for Research Excellence in the origins, outcomes and optimal management of PCOS | |
| July 2015 | Travel Grant | Dr Jodie Avery | NHMRC Centre for Research Excellence in the origins, outcomes and optimal management of PCOS | $2,000 |
| August 2015 | Snapshot Award | Dr Jodie Avery | Endocrine Society of Australia |
$250 |
| September 2013 | Travel Grant | Jodie Avery | Discipline of Medicine | $1,810 |
| July 2012 | Sponsorship | Jodie Avery | PHCRIS sponsorship | $1,240 |
| July 2012 | Travel Grant | Jodie Avery | Discipline of Medicine | $850 |
| September 2002 | Student Scholarship | Jodie Avery | Public Health Association of Australia | $650 |
Tutoring
| Date | Course Title | Institution | Course Level/ Code | URL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 2015 | Public Health 1A | The University of Adelaide | Bachelor of Health Sciences | |
| July 2015 | Public Health 1B | The University of Adelaide | Bachelor of Health Sciences | |
| July 2016 | International Health 111 | The University of Adelaide | Bachelor of Health Sciences | |
| June 2016 | Health Evaluation 111 | The University of Adelaide | Bachelor of Health Sciences | |
| August 2016 | Health and Lifespan Development Psychology 111 | The University of Adelaide | Bachelor of Psychology |
Lecturing
| Date | Course Title | Institution | Course Level/ Code | URL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 2020 | Sessional Tutor, Systematic Reviews | Monash University | BMS3052 - Biomedical basis and epidemiology of human disease | |
| March 2020 | Lecturer | The University of Adelaide | Bachelor of Health and Medical Sciences Advanced – Clinical Skills and Simulation Small Group Discovery | |
| March 2015 | Evaluation in Public Health: Public health practice and evaluation | The University of Adelaide | Bachelor of Health Sciences 111 | |
| April 2016 | Evaluation in Public Health: Sampling; developing indicators; QoL measures (Marking) | The University of Adelaide | Bachelor of Health Sciences 111 | |
| August 2018 | Physiology 111: Nutrition and fertility | The University of Adelaide | Bachelor of Health Sciences |
Course Development
| Date | Course Title | Institution | Course Level/ Code | URL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 2016 | Measuring Health Service Outcomes | Flinders University | Master of Nursing (Coursework and Global Health Care) (Leading Quality and Safety) |
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Current Higher Degree by Research Supervision (University of Adelaide)
Date Role Research Topic Program Degree Type Student Load Student Name 2022 Co-Supervisor General Practitioners Perspectives of the Diagnosis of Endometriosis Master of Philosophy (Clinical Science) Master Part Time Miss Nimantha Sonali Abeygunasekara 2022 Co-Supervisor Before the Beginning: Preconception Health for Adolescents and Young People Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Dr Zahra Ali Padhani 2022 Co-Supervisor Artificial Intelligence assisted self-learning for sonographers performing transvaginal ultrasound for the diagnosis of endometriosis within the posterior compartment of the pelvis Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Ms Alison Deslandes 2022 Co-Supervisor Exploring women's needs, concerns, and knowledge of sexual health during preconception period in LMICs. Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Miss Negin Mirzaei Damabi 2017 Co-Supervisor Reproductive Health Outcomes in Australian Military Vererans Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Part Time Miss Rachelle Warner
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Board Memberships
Date Role Board name Institution name Country 2019 - 2021 Member St Joseph's Primary School Board Catholic Education SA Australia 1999 - 2002 Board Member Department of Public Health Board of Studies The University of Adelaide Australia -
Committee Memberships
Date Role Committee Institution Country 2019 - ongoing Secretary North West Adelaide Health Study Advisory Committee The University of Adelaide Australia 2018 - ongoing Member Robinson Research Institute Early / Mid Career Researcher Committee The University of Adelaide Australia 2017 - 2018 Member Robinson Research Institute Symposium Committee The University of Adelaide Australia 2016 - ongoing Member School of Medicine Early / Mid Career Researcher Committee The University of Adelaide Australia 2010 - 2015 Member South Australian Health Omnibus Management Committee The University of Adelaide Australia 2010 - 2015 Chair PROS Harrison's Health Research Data and Quality Management Committee The University of Adelaide Australia -
Memberships
Date Role Membership Country 2015 - 2017 Member Endocrine Society of Australia Australia 2015 - 2015 Member Healthy Development Adelaide Australia 2013 - 2014 Member Continence Foundation of Australia Australia 2005 - 2007 Member Public Health Education and Research Trust Trustee Australia 2005 - 2006 Member Continence Foundation of Australia Australia 2005 - 2005 Vice-President Public Health Association of Australia South Australian Branch Australia 2004 - 2005 Member Australian Epidemiological Association Australia 2003 - 2015 Member Public Health Association of Australia Australia 1993 - 1997 Member Australian Institute of Radiography Australia -
Consulting/Advisories
Date Institution Department Organisation Type Country 2015 - 2015 Jodie Avery Research - Health services and related Australia -
Editorial Boards
Date Role Editorial Board Name Institution Country 2019 - ongoing Associate Editor BMC Women's Health The University of Adelaide Australia
Connect With Me
External Profiles
