WOMEN’S HEALTH AUSTRALIA

TOGETHER WE ARE STRONGER

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why should I join the Women’s Health Australia project?

You will join over 57,000 women in the mission to improve the health and wellbeing of all women in Australia. We provide findings to the Department of Health, which are used to improve policies and services for women in Australia. 

Diagram showing the process from data, to researchers to findings to the department of health to policies and services

2. What’s involved?

Complete a short (15-20 minute) online survey every few years. Regular surveys allow us to follow changes in the health and wellbeing of women in Australia over time.

3. How are my survey responses and health records used?

See below for an example of how your survey responses and other health records are used to improve policies and services for women living in Australia.

Diagram - your health experiences from surveys and other health records contribute to assess the effectivness of a service, findings are sent to the government, and then policies and services are improved

4. Can other women I know join Women’s Health Australia?

Yes! We are looking for other women aged 44-49 (born between 1973 and 1978) to complete the survey. Send this link to them so they can join the project too: https://alswh.org.au/recruit7378
Alternatively, they can look us up on social media:

     

5. Why do you need my Medicare number?

This number is only needed for your first survey. This will help verify your details and assist us with accessing your other health records (e.g. Medicare claims). Watch a short video on why we need your Medicare number below;

6. Why do you need access to my other health records (e.g. Medicare claims)?

This will allow us to get a really comprehensive view of your health and health care needs, and reduce the number of survey questions we need to ask you.

6. Why do you need access to my other health records (e.g. Medicare claims)?

This will allow us to get a really comprehensive view of your health and health care needs, and reduce the number of survey questions we need to ask you.

7. What kind of information do you get from my other health records?

We will not have access to the results of any medical tests, just information on health events, medical conditions, treatments and medications, services used and how much they cost. See below for an example of the information we get from your other health records.

 

7. What kind of information do you get from my other health records?

We will not have access to the results of any medical tests, just information on health events, medical conditions, treatments and medications, services used and how much they cost. See below for an example of the information we get from your other health records.

8. How do you keep my data safe?

  1. Your personal details (like your name and address) are removed from your survey answers and other health records and stored separately.
  2. ID numbers are assigned to protect your privacy 
  3. All information is kept confidential and stored securely

For more information on how we link data and keep you anonymous, watch the video below;

 

9. Who should I contact if I have any technical difficulties or other questions?

Call our free-call number (1800 068 081), or send us an email (alswh@newcastle.edu.au).

There is nobody more qualified to tell us about your health than you.

 

Start the survey

The Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health is funded by the Australian Government Department of Health. It is a collaborative project conducted by staff and investigators at the University of Newcastle and the University of Queensland.