Supervision Team to contact: Dr Jim Morgan, Professor Georgina Jones & Professor Alison Layton
Acne (syn: acne vulgaris) ranks as the most common inflammatory dermatosis seen worldwide and is second to dermatitis in terms of global burden of skin disease. Acne primarily affects adolescents at a time when they are undergoing maximum physical and social change, though prevalence data suggests it is starting earlier and lasting longer particularly in female patients.
The psychosocial impact of acne and resultant sequelae, including post-inflammatory pigmentation, on those affected can be profound. Physical scarring is also a very common sequel of inflammatory acne and there is clear evidence that delays in appropriate treatment result in scarring, for which there is limited treatment. Scarring can cause significant psychosocial impairment in its own right. People with acne are often embarrassed to discuss how their acne makes them feel and how it impacts on their everyday lives. Studies have shown that people with acne and scarring are perceived more negatively than those without skin problems. A recent study demonstrated that the incidence of depression from acne is higher in the first year of onset, independent of any treatments that might be associated with depression. Capturing mental health problems in this vulnerable group is challenging within the context of routine clinical care and it is anticipated that finding solutions to the psychological assessment of people living with acne will be the focus of this PhD.
It is likely the PhD will use systematic review, quantitative and qualitative methods, and will complement other externally funded research in this area led by the supervision team who have all worked together on psycho-social acne related projects. Professor Georgina Jones has developed and evaluated numerous patient-reported outcome measures to assess the psychological well-being and quality of life of patients in routine clinical practice. Professor Alison Layton has had a longstanding interest in acne and is clinical lead for a dedicated acne service which attracts tertiary referrals. She has produced guidance as part of international consensus and evidence to improve acne outcomes. She has developed an ethically approved database over the last 15 years which has potential to examine epidemiological, clinical and psychosocial impacts of acne. Dr Jim Morgan is an experienced applied researcher who has utilised a wide range of research methods in multiple industrial and healthcare settings to improve psychological outcomes.
It is envisaged that the PhD student will have a strong background in health psychology or related social science discipline. However, in collaboration with the supervision team, the PhD student will have the opportunity to determine the particular focus, research questions, and methods of their programme of work. The PhD is funded for 3 years full-time, with a planned start date of October 2021, although it may be possible to negotiate part-time study and/or a later start date (up to Feb 2022) – this is something that can be discussed at interview.
Find out more: https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/the-graduate-school/research-degrees-at-leeds-beckett/studentships/social-sciences-studentships/