PhD Study : Identification of suitable tools, practices and interventions to impact positively on maternal, fetal and infant mortality in Myanmar

Summary

Maternal mortality and morbidity are complex challenges due to the multiple layers of influence. Over 800 women around the world die from pregnancy or childbirth related causes every day, primarily in middle to low income countries: over half of these deaths occur in conflict and post conflict countries (Arradan 2019; World Health Organisation 2018; UN Women 2015).  Maternal deaths have a significant impact on the function and well-being of families and communities and result in diminished socio-economic and education opportunities due to a lack of finances, family upheaval and relocation (Pande et al 2015).  The consequences include increased poverty, reduced health outcomes, family breakdown and emotional and psychological trauma (Kennedy et al 2018; Kes et al, 2015; Mouchard et al 2015). Sustainable Development Goal 3 aims to reduce maternal mortality to 70 per 100,000 in low income countries (United Nations 2018).

Myanmar has a national maternal mortality rate of 178 per 100,000 with only 36% of deliveries in the poorest households having a skilled attendant at birth (UNICEF, 2019).  Some areas exceed 700 maternal deaths per 100,000 births.

Research question What evidence-based educational interventions are likely to reduce maternal, fetal and infant mortality and morbidity in the Myanmar setting.

Objectives:

• To establish an online community of key stakeholders and develop ways to work in partnership with them to deliver the project outcomes;
• To identify tools, practices and interventions that can be adapted for use in the Myanmar setting (online and face-to-face );
• To pilot test a selection of interventions in remote areas of Myanmar to determine feasibility.

Methods: This is a mixed-method study and will include a combination of research approaches, including:

• Setting up a community of co-researchers and other key stakeholders using standard methods (preferably Zoom, Skype or similar);
• Systematic scoping literature review to identify evidence-based interventions, toolkits and strategies to improve maternal, fetal and infant health and wellbeing;
• Exploration of possible interventions to ensure understanding of content acceptability, and cultural relevance;
• Contribute to adaptation of existing knowledge to meet local needs;
• Testing of a range of interventions in three village tracts to determine the feasibility of local implementation.

Outcomes:

• Capacity building and equitable partnerships between academic institutions, local stakeholders and beneficiaries in Asia and UK;
• Evidence of the impact of co-development of evidence informed educational strategies to address development challenges and increase educational opportunities for marginalised groups;
• Evaluation of research interventions for reducing maternal, fetal and infant mortality and morbidity in Myanmar;
• Providing critical appraisal of suitable Toolkits of research methodologies, instruments, guidelines and training materials for antenatal education and emergency obstetric care;

The topic provides sufficient challenge and opportunity for Doctoral level achievement.

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.

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.

• Practice-based research experience and/or dissemination
• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal
• 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:

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