PhD Study : Changing dietary patterns in the Seychelles and implications for public health

Apply and key information  

Summary

The Seychelles Child Development Study (SCDS) is an ongoing observational study (circa 30 years) of over 2500 mother-child pairs, which is investigating the effects of prenatal methyl mercury (MeHg) exposure on child development. Dietary information has been collected at various stages of the lifecycle using diet diaries, food frequency questionnaires (FFQ) and fish use questionnaires (FUQ). The data generated provides an estimate of semi-quantitative nutrient and food intakes, as well as qualitative data on food consumption patterns. There is increasing interest in the analysis of dietary patterns and their associations with various health and disease outcomes (1). In the SCDS a plethora of information exists on the health (e.g. cardiovascular disease, asthma, autoimmunity and dental) and cognitive development of the participants. As yet, body composition has not been fully investigated in any of the SCDS cohorts. The diet of this developing country is changing with a rising incidence of Western diseases. It is possible that these changes could impact negatively on the risk of obesity and osteoporosis (2).

The aim of this project is to investigate dietary change in the SCDS and to evaluate the implications for public health outcomes, including markers of body composition, in the Seychelles (3-6). Working closely with Public Health Seychelles, this project will work with existing data and collect new dietary, anthropometric, body composition, health and cognitive data collected across several ages within the SCDS. For the first time we will assess bone density of mothers and children. Information derived from this PhD will impact on policies within Seychelles including healthly eating guidelines.

This PhD will:

(1) Investigate changes over 30 years in dietary habits in three SCDS cohorts using existing data. Data is available across the lifespan, spanning pregnancy up to 60 years of age.

(2) Collect new dietary data in each cohort to re-evaluate dietary patterns in this developing country.

(3) Assess body composition (by TANITA and Achilles bone densitometer) in each cohort and collect blood samples for the analysis of biomarkers of health and nutritional status.

(4) Examine associations between dietary patterns and various health outcomes, including body composition

The PhD researcher appointed to this project will be given every opportunity to maximise on training by participating in relevant workshops, specialist skills sessions, relevant online courses, PhD researcher initiatives and personal development activities organised by the Doctoral College. In addition, the student will be expected and strongly encouraged to prepare and present their research findings when appropriate at national and international conferences.

References

1. Cade JE, et al (2002) Pub Health Nutr 5, 567-87.

2. Fabiani R, Naldini G and Chivarini M (2019) Dietary patterns in relation to low bone mineral density and fracture risk: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Adv Nutr 10(2): 219- 236.

3. Conway MC et al. Dietary Determinants of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid (PUFA) Status in a High Fish-Eating Cohort during Pregnancy. Nutrients. 2018 Jul 20;10(7). pii: E927. doi: 10.3390/nu10070927.

4. Myers GJ, Davidson PW and Strain JJ. Nutrient and methyl mercury exposure from consuming fish. J Nutr 2007; 137: 2805-2808.

5. van Wijngaarden E et al. Methyl mercury exposure and neurodevelopmental outcomes in the Seychelles Child Development Study Main cohort at age 22 and 24 years.  Neurotoxicology Teratology, 59, 35-42, 2017 PMID 27989696.

6. Strain JJ et al. Prenatal exposure to methyl mercury from fish consumption and polyunsaturated fatty acids: associations with child development at 20 months of age in an observational study in the Republic of Seychelles. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 101(3), 530-537, 2015. PMC: 4340059.

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.

  • Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive 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.

  • Completion of Masters at a level equivalent to commendation or distinction at Ulster
  • Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
  • Work experience relevant to the proposed project
  • Publications - peer-reviewed
  • Publications record appropriate to career stage
  • Experience of presentation of research findings
  • A comprehensive and articulate personal statement
  • Use of personal initiative as evidenced by record of work above that normally expected at career stage.
  • Relevant professional qualification and/or a Degree in a Health or Health related area

Funding and eligibility

The University offers the following levels of support:

Vice Chancellors Research Studentship (VCRS)

The following scholarship options are available to applicants worldwide:

  • Full Award: (full-time tuition fees + £19,000 (tbc))
  • Part Award: (full-time tuition fees + £9,500)
  • Fees Only Award: (full-time tuition fees)

These scholarships will cover full-time PhD tuition fees for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance) and will provide a £900 per annum research training support grant (RTSG) to help support the PhD researcher.

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.

Please note: you will automatically be entered into the competition for the Full Award, unless you state otherwise in your application.

Department for the Economy (DFE)

The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,000 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).

This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.

  • Candidates with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, who also satisfy a three year residency requirement in the UK prior to the start of the course for which a Studentship is held MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance.
  • Republic of Ireland (ROI) nationals who satisfy three years’ residency in the UK prior to the start of the course MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance (ROI nationals don’t need to have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify).
  • Other non-ROI EU applicants are ‘International’ are not eligible for this source of funding.
  • 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. Further information on cost of living

The Doctoral College at Ulster University

Key dates

Submission deadline
Friday 7 February 2020
12:00AM

Interview Date
9 to 20 March 2020

Preferred student start date
Mid September 2020

Applying

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Contact supervisor

Dr Alison Yeates

Other supervisors