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School of Public Health | Faculty of Medicine | The University of Queensland
MPH, MEpi & MBiostats and BHlthSc(Hons) – List of Project (#4 units of research), Dissertation (#8 units of research) or Honours (#16 units of research) Topics, updated 25 October 2018
Research Themes Topic Project, Dissertation or Honours?
Supervisor(s) Contact Details Additional Information
Research Theme: Mental health and substance abuse
Mental health & substance abuse
Global treatment gaps for anxiety disorder; A systematic review of anxiety disorder treatment rates and treatment gaps
Project or Dissertation
Dr Alize Ferrari Dr Holly Erskine
[email protected] [email protected]
Mental and substance use disorders have been established as leading causes of disease burden. Although effective intervention strategies exist for mental disorders, treatment rates remain low in many countries. The aim of this project is to examine treatment gaps for anxiety disorders. The student will gain training in epidemiology and research methods relevant to mental and substance use disorders and the opportunity to prepare their work for submission in the peer reviewed literature. Expected deliverables will include a systematic review of the literature on the treatment rates of anxiety disorders to estimate treatment gaps by country.
Mental health & substance abuse
Systematic review of the global epidemiology of perinatal anxiety disorders
Project or Dissertation
Dr Alize Ferrari
There has been very little effort to date to systematically review the availablable literature and produce global estimates of the prevalence and incidence of perinatal anxiety disorders. This project aims to address this gap in the literature. The student will gain training in systematic review research methods and meta-analyis. There will also be the opportunity to publish findings from the project in a peer-reviewed journal.
Mental health & substance abuse
Systematic review of the global epidemiology of eating disorder symptoms
Project or Dissertation
Dr Damian Santomauro
The global epidemiology of eating disorders is informed by studies reporting the prevalence of diagnosed cases. However, there are significant gaps in the countries where this data is available. Often only prevalence estimates of eating disorder symptoms are available. This project aims to capture these studies and develop a method of estimating cases of eating disorders from these estimates. The student will gain training in systematic review research methods and
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meta-analyis. There will also be the opportunity to publish findings from the project in a peer-reviewed journal.
Mental health & substance abuse
Systematic review of the comorbidities of autism spectrum disorders
Project or Dissertation
Dr Damian Santomauro
Individuals living with autism spectrum disorders often live with additional comorbidities. However to date this has not been systematically reviewed. This project aims to address this gap in the literature. The student will gain training in systematic review research methods and meta-analyis. There will also be the opportunity to publish findings from the project in a peer-reviewed journal.
Mental health A systematic narrative review of long-term antidepressant use: the patients’ perspective
Project or Dissertation
Dr Maria Donald Prof Mieke van Driel
Australia has the second highest antidepressant prescribing rate in the world and an average duration of treatment with antidepressants that is considerably longer than the guideline recommended six to twelve months. The challenge of discontinuing long antidepressant use is compounded by a range of patient and provider perceptions and beliefs. A systematic narrative review will elicit barriers and enablers to ceasing antidepressants in long-term users. This is part of a larger study planned to investigate interventions designed to support GPs to discontinue long-term use. It is well suited to students interested in mental health and qualitative research.
Research Theme: Prevention & management of chronic disease and promoting healthy lifestyles
Prevention & management of chronic disease and promoting healthy lifestyles
Translating research into practice – evaluating the uptake and impact of the BeUpstanding program
Project or Dissertation
Dr Genevieve Healy Ana Goode
[email protected] [email protected]
The BeUpstanding Champion Toolkit is a free, online resource designed to help workplaces stand up, sit less, and move more. In 2018, the toolkit will be promoted to workplaces across Australia. There are numerous opportunities to be involved with this world-first research-to-translation opportunity. Applicants with a background in business and/or marketing are particularly encouraged to apply.
Prevention & management of chronic disease and promoting healthy lifestyles AND Health Systems, policies and services
Collaborative project with IUIH Part 1 Understanding the similarities and differences between Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service and
Project or Dissertation: Would suit 2 students working together , each taking
Dr Susan Vlack,
[email protected] We want to be better informed about which urban Indigenous patients with chronic disease do well in mainstream general practice, which are better served by an Indigenous community controlled health service, and why. Target conditions: insulin-dependent diabetic; person who has suffered a myocardial infarct; person diagnosed with cancer; frail aged person, and person with a mental health condition.
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mainstream general practice prevention and management of five chronic health conditions in Indigenous people
one of the parts (see Part 2 below) [looking for a student for semester 1, 2019]
Methods: Develop profiles of chronic care conditions in each setting by review of records for 40 patients over the preceding year, half in each setting.
Prevention & management of chronic disease and promoting healthy lifestyles AND Health Systems, policies and services
Collaborative project with IUIH, Part 2 Exploring the perspectives of Indigenous patients and primary care providers regarding primary health care of five chronic health conditions in Indigenous people
Project or Dissertation: Would suit 2 students working together , each taking one of the parts (see Part 1 above) [This project currently reserved for sem 2 2019]
Dr Susan Vlack,
[email protected] We want to be better informed about which urban Indigenous patients with chronic disease do well in mainstream general practice, which are better served by an Indigenous community controlled health service, and why Target conditions: insulin-dependent diabetic; person who has suffered a myocardial infarct; person diagnosed with cancer; frail aged person, and person with a mental health condition. Methods: Develop profiles of chronic care conditions in each setting, based on a patient survey/ interview of 20 patients over the preceding year, half in each setting.
Research Theme: Infectious disease prevention and control
Infectious disease prevention and control
A study of the options for evidenced based innovative approaches toward the establishment of Hepatitis C treatment as prevention across a range of settings including HCV treatment provision in partnership with public OST programs, and in collaboration with GPs and OST providers, youth at risk services, custodial settings etc.
Dissertation Dr Owain Williams Prof Charles Gilks
The work will benefit from access, information and advice from Hepatitis Queensland. The work will be used in a report to Queensland Health and the student’s contribution acknowledged accordingly.
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Infectious disease prevention and control
A study of the options for evidenced based innovative approaches toward the establishment of Hepatitis B treatment of prevention across a range of settings including GPs in areas of high CALD populations, Aboriginal Medical Services, custodial settings, etc.
Dissertation Dr Owain Williams Prof Charles Gilks
The work will benefit from access, information and advice from Hepatitis Queensland. The work will be used in a report to Queensland Health and the student’s contribution acknowledged accordingly.
Infectious disease prevention and control
Examining social isolation in people living with HIV
Dissertation Dr Lisa Fitzgerald [email protected]
Analysis of survey data measures of social isolation from the LPQ Study
Infectious disease prevention and control HIV Prevention
HIV Pre Exposure Prophylaxis experiences and expectations
Dissertation or Project
Dr Judith Dean [email protected] MEpi or MPH The aim of this project is to explore the impact of PrEP in the context of the recent PBS listing
Infectious disease prevention and control HIV Prevention
HIV Self testing Service Delivery
Dissertation or Project
Dr Judith Dean [email protected] MEpi or MPH The aim of this project is to evaluate the on-line dissemination of HIV Self-testing kits.
Infectious disease prevention and control
Impact of prolonged heat and other weather events on cycling uptake
Dissertation Assoc Prof Linda Selvey
[email protected] This project involves an ecological study investigating whether prolonged heat and other weather events impact on cycling uptake. The data sources include cycle count data from Brisbane City Council and daily temperature and rainfall data from the Bureau of Meteorology. There have been a number of studies looking at the impact of isolated weather events on cycling numbers (eg a particular hot or rainy day), but no data on the impact of prolonged heat or rainfall, both on cycling uptake during the heat/rainfall event or afterwards. This is part of a larger study planned to investigate the impact of prolonged health on a range of health-related behaviours.
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Research Theme: Health systems, policy and services
Health Systems, Policy and Services
Analysis of political donations with a focus on food & beverage companies
Project or dissertation
Dr Katherine Cullerton
[email protected] This study will involve a review of literature and the analysis of publically declared political donations within QLD and possibly Australia. The focus of the analysis will be primarily on food and beverage companies but also other individuals/organisations that may impact on public health policy.
Health Systems, Policy and Services
A systematic review of the term ‘food industry’
Project Dr Katherine Cullerton and Dr Megan Ferguson
[email protected] Currently there is a wide range of definitions for the term ‘the food industry’. This project will systematically examine peer-reviewed and grey literature with the aim of identifying or developing a clear and internationally acceptable definition for this term.
Health Systems, Policy and Services
Mental health system strengthening in the Pacific Islands
Project or Dissertation
Dr Fiona Charlson [email protected]
As a group, mental and substance use disorders are the leading cause of disability in the Pacific. This will worsen over coming years due to a rapid health transition occurring in the Pacific which is being driven by both population growth and ageing. Despite some progress, poor performance of Pacific Island health systems continues to be highlighted by large treatment gaps. Service data reported in several Pacific Island Countries (PICs) indicate that more than 90% of people with mental disorders had received no care or treatment in the previous 12 months. This project will assess key gaps in the mental health systems which will guide future research and policy development in the region.
Health Systems, Policy and Services
Evaluation of the introduction of antibiotic guidelines for the management of Sepsis in QLD.
Project or dissertation
Assoc Prof Simon Reid and Dr Kathryn Wilks (Qld Health)
[email protected] The study has been proposed by a local Infectious Disease Consultant. It has 3 phases of analysis that would suit 2-3 student projects. The study is designed to focus on the introduction of local sepsis antibiotic guidelines in conjunction with the introduction of a best practice state-wide sepsis management pathway and bundle at a 400 bed Queensland hospital. The phases include retrospective analysis of antibiotic prescribing practices, interviews of practitioners who treat sepsis in Emergency department exploring their attitudes, knowledge and practice around antibiotic guidelines, and a repeat analysis after introduction of new local weighted incidence guidelines. Opportunities for expansion into other urban and regional hospitals are possible.
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Would suit public health, pharmacy, nursing and medical sciences graduates.
Research Theme: Environmental & occupational health and injury
Environmental & occupational health and injury
Assessing differences in exposure to environmental hazards in different socioeconomic and ethnic groups
Project or Dissertation
Dr Luke Knibbs
[email protected] This project will involve the use of routine data, Geographic Information Systems, and statistical analyses to determine if socioeconomic or ethnic gradients of exposure to environmental hazards exist in Australia. The hazards considered could be air pollution, ionising and non-ionising radiation, high and low temperatures, asbestos, water pollution, toxic metals, biological contaminants, and so on. The project will firstly involve a brief literature review, and will then be followed by data processing and analysis, interpretation and write-up. The project is modulr in scope, ana could be expanded to PhD level or simply be a short-term project.
Environmental & occupational health and injury
A national air pollution model for Australia to underpin epidemiological studies
Project or Dissertation
Dr Luke Knibbs
[email protected] Air pollution is leading environmental cause of morbidity and mortality, but epidemiological studies of its effects are impeded by inaccurate exposure data. This project will overcome this significant limitation by using state-of-the art spatial and statistical techniques to produce air pollution exposure models by leveraging publicly-available data. The project is modular in scope, and could be expanded to PhD level or simply be a short-term project.
Environmental & occupational health and injury
Bioaerosols and respiratory heath in children
Project or Dissertation
Dr Luke Knibbs
[email protected] Bioaerosols (airborne particles of biological origin) contain pollen, fungi, bacteria and viruses. They can have a substantial impact on respiratory health, especially in children. However, the cost of their impact is poorly quantified. This project will take a systematic approach to estimating disease burden and cost associated with bioaerosol exposures in Australia. It is well-suited to students with an interest in environmental health or quantitative methods
Research Theme: Women & Children’s Health, Health Disparities and Social Aspects of Health
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Women & Children’s Health, Health Disparities and Social Aspects of Health
Caregiving by middle-aged Australian women: health outcomes
Dissertation A/Prof Leigh Tooth
[email protected] The aim of this study is to conduct a systematic review of the published literature to determine the strength of available evidence for health outcomes, including mortality, of being a primary carer for someone.
Women & Children’s Health, Health Disparities and Social Aspects of Health
Health outcomes and health service use by middle-aged carers.
Dissertation A/Prof Leigh Tooth
[email protected] This research will use data from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health (ALSWH) which is a cohort study funded by the Australian Department of Health. The ALSWH has over 40 thousand participants who have been followed-up regularly since 1996. It is one of the leading studies of its kind in the world. http://www.alswh.org.au. Recent research using data from the middle-aged caregivers has focussed on the socio-economic, behavioural, and lifestyle factors associated with trajectories of caring (Tooth & Mishra, BMC Public Health, 14:74, 2014). The proposed research will extend this by examining how trajectories of caring are associated with carer’s health and health service use (using linked data from external administrative datasets). Note: candidate will require good statistical skills
Women & children’s health, health disparities and social aspects of health
What is the history of public health in QLD? Oral histories of Public Health champions
Dissertation (full or part time)
Dr Lisa Fitzgerald [email protected]
Life history of public health champion(s) in Queensland to understand history of public health in QLD.
Women & children’s health, health disparities and social aspects of health
Lived experiences of social determinants of health- using qualitative research methods
Dissertation Dr Lisa Fitzgerald [email protected]
Methods to be discussed
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Women & Children’s Health, Health Disparities and Social Aspects of Health
A qualitative analysis of women’s accounts of living with metastatic breast cancer
Project
Dr Britta Wigginton A/Prof Marina Reeves
This is a qualitative project broadly investigating women’s accounts of living with metastatic breast cancer. The specific research question will be defined by the student (with support from Britta). Twenty-three in-depth interviews were conducted by Britta in 2017 with women living around Australia who had received a diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer. These interviews ranged from 50 mins to 2.5 hours, covering women’s diagnosis, treatment, health practices, concepts of ‘functioning’ and ‘living well’ as defined by women. While these interviews were funded to inform the development of a pilot intervention for women with metastatic breast cancer (Marina’s program of research), the scope of the interviews allows room for the student to determine their focus. Student with previous qualitative research experience (particular in data analysis) would be ideal.
Women & children’s health, health disparities and social aspects of health
Reproductive coercion - systematic review
Dissertation or project
Dr Judith Dean [email protected] Reproductive and sexual coercion is behaviour that attempts to maintain power and control in related to reproductive health and choices in a relationship... This project will involve a systematic review of current literature to inform development of a future research project and practice and policy in Queensland
Research Theme: Health Promotion
Health Promotion Evaluation of the ‘healing garden’ at the Goodna Community Health Centre
Project Dr Brianna Fjeldsoe, Sheleigh Lawler and Britta Wigginton
[email protected] The UQ Health Promotion team have partnered with the Goodna Community Health Centre *GCHC) to develop and implement an Evaluation Plan for their proposed community garden from 2018-2020. The Goodna Community Health Centre is a multidisciplinary Service located in Goodna who are looking to include a garden as part of their therapeutic practices at the service. The ‘Healing Garden’ will be utilised by GCHC staff and clients and then offered for use to broader community groups. The student projects will work within the scope of the evaluation objectives, as well as work on additional projects identified by UQ or GCHC. Please contact one of the team for more details on scope.
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Ideally: study will have previous data management and analysis skills (both quantitative and qualitative).
Health Promotion A qualitative analysis of women’s accounts of living with metastatic breast cancer
Project Dr Britta Wigginton A/Prof Marina Reeves
[email protected] This is a qualitative project broadly investigating women’s accounts of living with metastatic breast cancer. The specific research question will be defined by the student (with support from Britta). Twenty-three in-depth interviews were conducted by Britta in 2017 with women living around Australia who had received a diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer. These interviews ranged from 50 mins to 2.5 hours, covering women’s diagnosis, treatment, health practices, concepts of ‘functioning’ and ‘living well’ as defined by women. While these interviews were funded to inform the development of a pilot intervention for women with metastatic breast cancer (Marina’s program of research), the scope of the interviews allows room for the student to determine their focus. Student with previous qualitative research experience (particular in data analysis) would be ideal.
Health promotion 10 000 lives initiative Project Dr Sheleigh Lawler A/Prof Coral Gartner
[email protected] [email protected]
#10 000 lives movement: Central Queensland Hospital and Health Services (CQHHS) will partner with CQ community stakeholders to reduce the rate of smoking from 16.7% to 9.5% by the year 2030. This would result in 10,000 fewer lives lost from smoking related diseases for Central Queenslanders. There are a number of health promotion projects available under this initiative. Please contact us for more information.
Other Topics: Chronic disease Epidemiology
Chronic disease/ Cancer Epidemiology
Reliability of self-reported use of X-rays and medications among thyroid cancer patients and the comparison of their use with the general population.
Project or Dissertation
Dr Nirmala Pandeya Dr. Susan Jordan
n.pandeya1@uq,edu.au This study aims to assess the self-reported versus MBS or PBS records for diagnostic imaging and medication use among thyroid cancer patients. The data collected from a pilot study of thyroid cancer patients will be used for the analysis.
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Chronic disease Epidemiology (Cancer)
A meta-analysis to investigate the association between infertility and thyroid cancer
Dissertation Dr Susan Jordan [email protected]
Thyroid cancer is the only cancer that both men and women get that is diagnosed more commonly in women. The reason for this is unclear but may relate to reproductive factors. The aim of this project is to conduct a meta-analysis of the published literature to investigate the association between infertility and infertility treatments and the risk of thyroid cancer. The project would be based at QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute (Herston). This would suit either and MPH or an MEpi student.
Chronic disease Epidemiology (Cancer)
Trends in patterns of care and survival for women with gynaecological cancer in Queensland
Project or Dissertation
Prof Penelope Webb
This project will involve analysis of 25 years data collected by the Qld Centre for Gynaecological cancers to look for trends in survival and factors (e.g. changes in treatment) that might have impacted outcomes. Suitable for MEpi or MPH, requires skills and an interest in biostatistics and data analysis.
Chronic disease Epidemiology (Cancer)
Ovarian cancer – lifestyle, survival and quality of life
Dissertation Prof Penelope Webb (+ others as appropriate)
This project will involve data collected for the Ovarian Cancer Prognosis and Lifestyle (OPAL) Study that is following >900 women diagnosed with ovarian cancer. A wide range of projects looking at aspects of lifestyle and/or patient-reported outcomes are available depending on the candidate’s interests and experience. Suitable for MEpi or MPH, good epi/stats grades are essential as well as skills and an interest in epidemiology, biostatistics and data analysis.
Chronic disease Epidemiology
Vitamin D supplementation and health (D-Health trial)
Dissertation A/Prof Rachel Neale
Student projects are available within the D-Health Trial (https://dhealth.qimrberghofer.edu.au ). The D-Health Trial is the largest trial ever conducted in Australia with over 21,000 participants enrolled and randomised to either vitamin D or placebo. The trial is investigating the effect of vitamin D supplementation on a wide range of outcomes including cancer, cardiovascular disease, non-melanoma skin cancer, antibiotic use, mood, pain, cognition, falls, fractures, telomere length, diabetes (among others). Students should have some experience in statistical analysis of longitudinal datasets, ideally using SAS.
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Other Research Topics: Tobacco control & harm reduction
Tobacco control Support for health policies to end the cigarette epidemic
Project, Dissertation or Honours
A/Prof Coral Gartner
[email protected] Cigarettes are still one of the leading causes of premature death and disability in Australia. A growing number of countries have committed to a smokefree future (achieving a smoking prevalence of <5%), however this will require more intensive policies such as changes in how tobacco cigarettes are allowed to be sold. This study will survey public health professionals, advocates and policy makers about their support for various strategies to achieve a smokefree Australia.
Tobacco control Analysis of survey data collected from Australian vapers in 2016 as part of the international Tobacco and Vaping Policy study
Project, Dissertation or Honours
A/Prof Coral Gartner/ Dr Kylie Morphett
[email protected] [email protected]
This study will analyse data from a cross-sectional survey of current vapers (people who use e-cigarettes) in Australia. The survey has many variables related to knowledge, attitudes and behaviours covering a number of topics including regulation, including open text fields. The project would be suitable for students with either quantitative or qualitative data analysis skills.
Other Research Topics: International studies and health NIL
Research themes not specified
Access to health services for migrant and Indigenous populations in Australia
Project Dr Mark Griffin [email protected] There are many open questions as to whether migrant and Indigenous populations have the same level of access to health services in Australia compared to the main Australian population. Alternatively what cross-cultural barriers reduce service access? In this project the student will use data from two large longitudinal surveys conducted by the Australian Department of Social Services (the “Longitudinal Study of Indigenous Children” and “Building a New Life in Australia”, see https://www.dss.gov.au/about-the-department/national-centre-for-longitudinal-data). Depending upon the student’s interests they can use one or both of these datasets, the student will be free to explore their choice of survey variables (possible barriers), and will perform a statistical analysis (under the guidance of a senior statistician).
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