Background
The number of people living with dementia continues to increase. We need effective interventions to prevent or delay dementia. Eating a Mediterranean-style diet and increasing physical activity may reduce dementia risk. The MedEx-UK study (2019-2021, Alzheimer’s Research UK/MRC funded) tested the feasibility of a 48-week Mediterranean diet and physical activity intervention among 104 participants. The intervention included group sessions and food delivery/vouchers up to 24 weeks, personal targets and a website, and increased adherence to a Mediterranean diet.
This project provides a unique opportunity to understand what influences the adoption and maintenance of a Mediterranean diet and physical activity, and how to improve the intervention to better engage people from disadvantaged communities. The student will analyse extensive quantitative and qualitative data collected on behaviour change and potential influences, e.g., participant engagement, acceptability, utility of food delivery/vouchers, motivation, and use of behaviour change strategies. The student will also conduct a qualitative study among people from disadvantaged communities to examine how the intervention can be improved, prior to a large evaluation study.
Research methodology
The PhD student will conduct a systematic review, analyse existing data, and design and conduct a qualitative study. The findings will enhance our understanding about how the intervention worked, for whom, how to improve uptake and engagement in disadvantaged communities, and inform policy. Findings will be disseminated widely, including Thesis, peer-reviewed publications, evidence briefings and public engagement.
Training
The student joins a thriving multi-disciplinary team with experts in behavioural science, nutrition and physical activity. Training will include innovative behavioural science methods, process evaluation, mixed methods, dissemination/impact, and personal development. Affiliation with the Norwich Institute of Healthy Ageing provides extensive training in research co-production and working in multi-agency partnerships, including people with lived experience, community organisations, local government and health care.
Person specification
We are seeking a student with a good first degree (at least 2:1) and preferably a Masters in a related area (e.g., behavioural science, health psychology, public health, nutrition, physical activity) or equivalent research experience. The student will be interested in behaviour change, nutrition and/or physical activity, and be committed and self-directed.
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