About the Project
Globally, an epidemiological transition is gathering momentum with deaths shifting from infectious diseases to non-communicable diseases (NCDs). In 2015, the leading causes of NCD deaths were due to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancers and chronic respiratory diseases. NCDs disproportionately affect low and middle income countries (LMICs) contributing 85% of deaths from NCDs.
The prevalence of NCDs, and the resulting number of related deaths, are expected to increase substantially in the future, particularly in LMICs, due to population growth and ageing, in conjunction with economic transition and resulting changes in behavioural, occupational and environmental risk factors. NCDs share common major risk factors such as tobacco use, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, hypertension, diabetes and high cholesterol levels. Despite multiple global and regional commitments and action plans, progress in the prevention and management of NCDs is inadequate. Maintaining the current state of activity means that achievement of the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) NCDs target, a 30% reduction in premature mortality by 2030, is unlikely.
Non-communicable diseases share common risk factors resulting in escalation of comorbidities, especially among low-income, marginalised populations worldwide The clustering of social and health problems is often overlooked in social epidemiology and other models of epidemiological transition.
Aim is to explore the wider factors on individuals with 2 or more health problems and a model of care with in the slum setting.
Describe the methodology and techniques to be employed
This PhD will be based in the NIHR Global Health Research Unit on Improving Health in Slums that is addressing health services in slums in 4 countries (Nigeria, Kenya, Pakistan, Bangladesh). The student will be embedded in an interdisciplinary, international team and have access to training programmes.
We will use the syndemic framework to explore the wider factors affecting an individual’s health. Syndemic refers to the clustering of two or more diseases within a population that contributes to, and results from, persistent social and economic inequalities. The concept focuses on instances in which multiple health problems interact, often biologically, with each other and the sociocultural, economic, and physical environment.
Qualitative approaches will be undertaken to collect data from individuals from a slum based in one of our partner countries. It is essential that the applicant is conversant with qualitative approaches and willing to learn the local language where they wish to be sited.
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