Reference: SHLS20046
Due to the extent of poverty, poor physical and mental health, people who inject drugs may be disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and measures introduced to address it. Access to clinical and public health services essential to reduce drug-related harms will inevitably be affected by physical distancing and other restrictions implemented to limit the spread of COVID-19. Prior to the pandemic, public health priorities for Scotland included the pursuit of HCV elimination, tackling the record numbers of drug-related deaths and the largest outbreak of HIV among people who inject drugs for 30 years. It is as yet unknown what impact the pandemic has had on these drug-related harms. Enhanced surveillance and epidemiological analysis are thus required to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 and associated prevention measures on this population.
In collaboration with Public Health Scotland, researchers at GCU (Hutchinson, McAuley and Palmateer) lead a programme of research and surveillance on the risk of infectious diseases (HIV, viral hepatitis) and associated harms among people who inject drugs in Scotland. As part of the Sexual Health & Blood Borne Viruses Research Group at GCU (www.gcu.ac.uk/hls/research/researchgroups/sexualhealthandbloodborneviruses/ ), their work includes a national bio-behavioural survey of people who inject drugs, known as the Needle Exchange Surveillance Initiative (NESI: www.hps.scot.nhs.uk/web-resources-container/needle-exchange-surveillance-initiative-nesi-2008-09-to-2017-18/ ), and novel record-linkage studies of routine healthcare data. This PhD provides an opportunity to gain experience as part of an internationally recognised epidemiological research team. Through record-linkage and statistical analysis of NESI and other public health surveillance data (including SARS-CoV-2 testing, diagnosis and vaccination) held at Public Health Scotland, this doctoral study will investigate the direct and indirect impact of COVID-19 on people who inject drugs. The research will yield important insights to reduce harms and improve wellbeing among this vulnerable population as we emerge from the pandemic.
Primary degree (at least 2:1) or relevant experience in epidemiology or statistics is required. Advanced statistical analysis skills is desirable.
How to apply
This project is available as a 3 years full-time PhD study programme with expected start date of 1 October 2021
To be considered for this project, apply here
Applicants shortlisted for the PhD project will be contacted for an interview within four weeks from the closing date.
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