Investigate the prevalence of vitamin D sufficiency in residential homes in Northern Ireland and examine its relationship to bone health.

Supervisors:
Dr Emeir McSorley
Dr Pamela Magee
Dr Kirsty Pourshahidi


Project Description
Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent in older adults residing in Northern Europe including Northern Ireland. The importance of vitamin D among the elderly is growing with evidence supporting a role for vitamin D as a promoter of bone health, physical performance and as a possible disease modulator. Fractures are very common in the elderly due to age-related weakening of their bones (osteoporosis) and can lead to considerable disability or even death. Improving vitamin D status may help to reduce the risk of fractures in the elderly. A number of factors negatively impact vitamin D status in the elderly including impaired mobility, reduced sun exposure, medication use, reduced intrinsic skin synthesis and inadequate dietary intake. Previous work has demonstrated that in residential homes, almost everyone is vitamin D insufficient if vitamin D is not supplemented. Furthermore, a large number of residents have undetected vitamin D deficiency and osteoporosis may be underdiagnosed and undertreated in long-term care settings. The incidence of vitamin D deficiency in residential homes in Northern Ireland is not known.

In residential homes, vitamin D supplementation is increasingly being considered as an indicator and standard for responsible care and supplement use has been shown to be an important determinant of vitamin D status of elderly people residing in Ireland. While recent research suggests a positive impact of vitamin D therapy on fall prevention, there are no data with respect to vitamin D status in relation to bone health in residential homes in Northern Ireland. Therefore, this study, conducted in collaboration with clinical experts in the Western Trust, will investigate the prevalence of vitamin D sufficiency in residential homes in Northern Ireland and examine its relationship to bone health. Furthermore, the efficacy of vitamin D supplementation in achieving optimal status using both supplements and a novel vitamin D spray will be determined.

Informal enquiries to Dr McSorley ([Email Address Removed]) are welcomed.


References and additional links
For more information on this project, the supervisory team and graduate studies at Ulster, please visit
http://www.science.ulster.ac.uk/gradschool/biomedical/


How to apply for this project:
http://www.ulster.ac.uk/research-and-innovation/phdresearch-degrees/how-to-apply

Closing date for Applications is 24 February 2017.

Funding Notes
The Department for the Economy (DfE) (formerly called Department for Employment and Learning (DEL))
The University has DfE research studentships available for PhD projects. These pay tuition fees and an annual maintenance award of not less than £14,553 per annum. These awards are open to holders of, or those expected to obtain, first or upper second class honours degrees and cover fees at the home rate and, for applicants with UK residence only, a maintenance allowance. Non-UK residents who hold ordinary EU residence may also apply but, if successful, will receive fees only. Applicants should indicate in the appropriate box on their University application form that they wish to apply for a DfE award. The closing date for receipt of applications will be 24 February 2017. Information on terms and conditions for DfE awards, including eligibility, can be found here: DfE Terms and Conditions for 2016/2017

Vice-Chancellor's Research Scholarships (VCRS)
A number of University funded VCRS will be available for PhD projects at Ulster. These awards are open to applicants who hold or, expect to obtain, a first or upper second class honours degree. They will cover tuition fees and a maintenance award of not less than £14,553 per annum for three years. Applications are invited from UK, European Union and overseas students. Applicants with up to one year’s current or previous registration for PhD at any institution may be considered for an award subject to the applicant providing evidence of good academic progress, formal release from all IP restrictions and ethical approval (if required). Three-year awards may be allocated to such applicants where they are taking-up a new project at Ulster. Applicants should indicate in the appropriate area on their University application form that they wish to apply for a University Studentship/VCRS award. The closing date for receipt of applications will be 24 February 2017. Information on terms and conditions for VCRS awards, including eligibility, can be found here: VCRS Terms and Conditions for 2016/2017