PhD Study : Changing dietary patterns in the Seychelles and implications for obesity and cardiovascular disease

Summary

The Seychelles Child Development Study (SCDS) is an ongoing observational study (circa 30 years) of over 2500 mother-child pairs, based in the Republic of Seychelles, which is investigating the effects of prenatal fish consumption and methylmercury exposure on child development. Across three cohorts (the Main Cohort, Nutrition Cohort I and Nutrition Cohort II), dietary information has been collected at various stages of the lifecycle using a combination of diet diaries, food frequency questionnaires (FFQ) and fish use questionnaires (FUQ). The data generated provide an estimate of semi-quantitative nutrient and food intakes, as well as qualitative data on food consumption patterns.

Recently there has been increasing interest in the analysis of the whole diet using a ‘dietary pattern’ approach in order to investigate associations with various health and disease outcomes (1). In the SCDS a plethora of information exists on the cognitive development and physical health of the participants (2-4). In the Main Cohort, various markers of cardiovascular (CV) risk have been collected including blood pressure, heart rate variability, lipid profile, homocysteine and inflammatory markers. Body composition data collected in the Main and Nutrition Cohort II (NC2) include weight, % body fat, waist and hip circumferences.

However these data have not been fully investigated to date. Currently the study is re-enrolling the Main cohort and NC2 with the aim of collecting a wealth of new data to contribute to this PhD. The habitual diet in Seychelles is unique with respect to its high consumption of fish (5). However, the dietary preference of this developing country is changing with a greater demand for convenient, processed foods. It is known that the Seychelles is fast becoming one of the most obese African nations.

This PhD is therefore timely in that it will investigate the role which diet and nutrition play in the development of obesity and cardiovascular disease (6-8). The aim of this project is to investigate changing dietary patterns in the SCDS and to evaluate the implications for public health outcomes, including markers of body composition and CV risk in the Seychelles (4-7). 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.

The student will liaise regularly with study collaborators based in the Seychelles and in the University of Rochester, New York, particularly in the collection of new dietary data. Information derived from this PhD will impact on public health policies within Seychelles including the Healthly Eating guidelines. This PhD will:

1. Investigate changes over 30 years in dietary habits (including trends in fish consumption) in three SCDS cohorts using existing data. Data are 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 using LIBRO, Nutritics (https://www.nutritics.com/p/libro), involving the creation of specific food codes and recipes to the Seychellois diet.
3. Assess body composition (by TANITA and Achilles bone densitometer) in each cohort and analyse recently collected blood samples for relevant biomarkers of health and nutritional status.
4. Examine associations between dietary patterns and various health outcomes, including body composition and CV risk factors.

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.

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
• Clearly defined research proposal detailing background, research questions, aims and methodology

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
• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project
• Publications record appropriate to career stage
• Experience of presentation of research findings
• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement
• 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