PhD Study : Implementation of a global Antenatal Education programme for vulnerable groups within a remote post-conflict area of South East Asia

Summary

Antenatal education is recognised as an essential component of antenatal care with multidisciplinary involvement to prepare women, families and communities for pregnancy, birth and early childhood.  In much of the world well-developed programmes provide education leading to better birth experience and reduced morbidity. However, maternal health risk factors increase significantly within low income, fragile and remote contexts where poor infrastructure and limited resources impact the availability of basic maternal health services and education.

Health risk factors due to conflict displacement are recognised as an increasingly important issue within global health but these risks may vary within vulnerable groups and displacement settings (Burns et al 2018). This includes groups such as mothers and infants who are at increased risk of poor outcomes. Evidence has shown  that education is a key component in addressing these risks. Understanding the heterogeneity of conflict-affected populations has important implications for effective and equitable care and education in post conflict settings.

This PhD study, informed by extant literature, will work with Internally Displaced Communities in one post conflict and remote setting in Myanmar. The study will explore the implementation of a global antenatal health education programme with a focus on making pregnancy a positive experience, based on WHO recommendations for optimising maternal and infant health interventions, with a focus on antenatal and respectful care (WHO 2012, 2016, 2018).

The aim is to co-create a sustainable antenatal education programme that is context-specific. This will be addressed through three objectives

1)To identify the current antenatal educational interventions for mothers living in one IDC  camp

2)To co-create educational resources and practical  support to encourage mothers to  breastfeed take up vaccinations and engage in infection control management during (COVID)

3)To co-design strategies to implement and increase the uptake of antental education and advice

4)To evaluate the impact of the strategies and guidelines evidenced in the improved access to ANC

Data collection will include a meso level maternal health needs assessment and 5-6 focus groups with a focus on the cultural and contextual factors through an Action Research Design. This will lead to the cultural and  contextual adaptation of a global antenatal health education programme, championed by the World Health Organisation, for vulnerable groups. The originality lies in the area of contextual adaptation for respectful maternal healthcare in community cultures, co-creation of an effective antenatal education programme and knowledge exchange for sustainable education within one ethnic group. Rigour will be addressed through the selection and application of a suitable theoretical perspective, likely to combine aspects of adult learning, empowerment as well as key elements of clinically-derived need.

References will be requested for shortlisted candidates

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
• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal
• A demonstrable interest in the research area associated with the studentship

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
• 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

This project is funded by:

• DfE MATCHED

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