Dr Kerry Ettridge (B Psych Hons; PhD, Medicine) is a Senior Behavioural Scientist in the Health Policy Centre at SAHMRI. Dr Ettridge has led and contributed to research spanning behavioural health risk reduction, psychosocial outcomes, and child/adolescent mental health since 2002. She has extensive experience in conducting both quantitative and qualitative consumer-focused research, in collaboration with consumers, clinicians and data custodians. Her work incorporates behavioural, public health and quality of life approaches to improve well-being (both physical and psychosocial) and reduce risk of chronic disease, predominantly in the areas of cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Dr Ettridge’s work is focused on understanding behavioural risk reduction for chronic disease. Dr Ettridge is currently involved in projects to underpin and support change in the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, products that are high in sugar with limited nutritional value. Consuming these products increases overall energy intake, and consumption has been associated with increased risk of obesity, type II diabetes, periodontal disease, dental caries and cardiovascular disease. This work provides insight into the drivers of consumption, and provides evidence to underpin policy-level interventions, such as labelling, tax or health levies, restricting marketing practices and reducing availability, to support consumers in making healthier choices.

Dr Ettridge has also conducted projects assessing patient reported outcomes for cancer, with a focus on quality of life and psychosocial outcomes, specifically in the areas of breast and prostate cancer. She is interested in the best ways to monitor these outcomes to inform treatment decision making, allocation of resources, development of interventions and improvement of services. Dr Ettridge also has research interests in help-seeking behavior among those affected by cancer, and specifically, understanding barriers to and facilitators of acquiring support to enable better quality of life and well-being.