An exploration of psychosocial related quality of life and mental health literacy in Cystic Fibrosis (CF), and the impact of mental health outcomes.

Summary

There is a research gap in understanding the mental health of individuals with the long term health condition Cystic Fibrosis (CF).

Northern Ireland is estimated to have some of the highest prevalence per capita resulting in over 9,500 hospital admissions and 100,000 bed days per year in the UK.

Research has indicated that mental health concerns like depression and anxiety are common among people with CF (PWCF), emerging in childhood, and if untreated can have a negative impact on both physical and mental outcomes including lung function, pulmonary exacerbations, BMI and health related quality of life (Bathgate, Hjelm, Filigno, Smith & Georgiopoulous, 2022).

Symptoms of depression such as loss of appetite, fatigue, and insomnia, can overlap with CF related symptoms, ensuing further negative health implications and increasing burden on the NHS and its patients.

In CF, the prevalence of depression ranges from 29% among children and adolescents, 33% among adults, anxiety in adults has ranged from 30% to 33% (Smith, Modi, Quittner & Wood, 2010; Latchford & Duff, 2013).

Research has indicated that care pathways and provision of high-quality care for depression/anxiety should be in place prior to implementation of a screening programme (Quittner et al., 2016).

However, psychoeducation resources remain lacking.

This project aims to further mental health research in CF with the following programme of planned research:

Umbrella review – a systematic literature review and an up-to-date synthesis of mental health in CF research.

The psychometrics of CF specific measures – the development of an updated online survey by consulting the systematic review to make research informed decisions.

Building on the work of research to date (e.g., McHugh et al., 2023), the project will deliver a survey to explore mental health outcomes and to continue to validate CF specific measures to better understand the mental health experience in PWCF.

Scoping for the development of an online intervention/psychoeducation toolkit and mental health literacy in the CF community – a two-phase qualitative investigation to assess the level of need in collaboration with clinicians and PWCF.

AccessNI clearance required

Please note, the successful candidate will be required to obtain AccessNI clearance prior to registration due to the nature of the project.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement
• A demonstrable interest in the research area associated with the studentship
• Evidence of academic writing skills (a short sample of academic written work of the applicant's choosing (Max 3 pages, A4, font 11)) – please upload in the section entitled Research Proposal

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• First Class Honours (1st) Degree
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project
• Publications record appropriate to career stage
• A demonstrable interest in or experience of using open science methods

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

Funding and eligibility

This project is funded by:

• Department for the Economy (DfE)

This scholarship will cover tuition fees and provide a maintenance allowance of £21,000* (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).  A Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of approximately £900 per annum is also available.

To be eligible for these scholarships, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a UK National, or

• Have settled status, or

• Have pre-settled status, or

• Have indefinite leave to remain or enter, or

• be an Irish National

Applicants should also meet the residency criteria which requires that they have lived in the EEA, Switzerland, the UK or Gibraltar for at least the three years preceding the start date of the research degree programme.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies.

*Part time PhD scholarships may be available, based on 0.5 of the full time rate, and will require a six year registration period