Population Health projects
Consult this page for a list of research projects based in the Division of Population Health.
Scoping review of literature on increases in alcohol-specific mortality and mortality in high-income countries since 2019
Why has alcohol-related mortality and morbidity increased in some high-income countries since 2019?
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Supervisors
Dr Laura Fenton (l.m.fenton@sheffield.ac.uk)
Dr Abi Stevely (a.stevely@sheffield.ac.uk)
Abstract and methodology
The project will involve conducting a scoping or similar form of systematic review of published research on rises in alcohol-specific mortality and morbidity in high-income countries since 2019.
While we are principally interested in literature containing explanations for the increases, an initial aim of the project will to establish the size of the literature to determine if there are a sufficient number of studies to justify this focus. If not, the student may be asked to first conduct a review of literature detailing patterns in alcohol-specific mortality and morbidity, and then to conduct a review of literature containing explanations of these patterns.
Type of project
Qualitative Project/non-lab based - primarily using qualitative methods
Additional training or teaching
The student will be offered 'on-the-job' training and support with conducting literature searches and organising a scoping review or similar form of review.
Ethics requirements
Scoping review - no ethics required.
A critical appraisal of potential phenotypes in Borderline Personality Disorder
The aim of the research will be to advance our understanding of the nature of Borderline Personality Disorder, and whether this comprises distinct and temporally stable phenotypic sub-groups. This is an important precursor to developing and delivering effective treatments.
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Supervisors
Professor Scott Weich (s.weich@sheffield.ac.uk)
Professor Chris Burton (c.burton@sheffield.ac.uk)
Abstract and methodology
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), sometimes called Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder (EUPD), is a diagnosis that is sometimes given to people who experience the complex difficulties mentioned above. Because these can be so complicated, no two people with BPD have the exact same symptoms. That is one reason why we want to do this research. Sadly, around 10% of people who are diagnosed with BPD die by suicide, making it a life-threatening condition.
BPD is most common in people who have experienced traumatic events, especially at a young age. It is thought that trauma early in life affects brain development and especially the response to stress, and some people have suggested that complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) is a more helpful diagnosis because it acknowledges people’s experiences of trauma.
We still don’t know enough about how to help people who experience these problems, or about whether this is best viewed as one or more conditions. Psychological treatments help but are hard to access and although over 90% of people diagnosed with BPD are prescribed psychiatric medications, there is no scientific evidence that these actually help but this might be because they are not being targeted at the right patients.
The aims of this project are two-fold:- To identify different theories about the aetiology of BPD and to search for evidence to support these.
- To identify and synthesis empirical evidence for differences and similarities between people who experience problems associated with BPD, to establish whether there are clear, distinct and temporally stable sub-types (phenotypes), as a precursor to developing appropriate treatment strategies.
The student will undertake two secondary research sub-studies based on different evidence synthesis methods. Aim (1) will be achieved using a systematic approach to evidence synthesis referred to as an evidence and gap map. This is a method for considering diverse sources of evidence (in this case for evidence supporting or refuting different theories about the nature and aetiology of BPD) and rating the quantity and quality of evidence. Aim (2) will be achieved by means of a systematic review, augmented by different approaches to data extraction and analysis including qualitative methods.
Type of project
Clinical project - based in the clinical environment with patients/including service evaluation
Additional training or teaching
The student will join a large research team as part of a £3.2m UKRI-funded programme (Mental Health Platform Hub). This programme has been funded from 2024–2029 to inform better treatment and care for people who experience the complex emotional problems associated with Borderline Personality Disorder.
As part of this team, the student will have access to a wide range of methodological and supervisory expertise, including support with evidence synthesis, quantitative and qualitative research methods. The student will also have opportunities for related clinical experience, and to engage with people with lived experience of BPD.
Ethics requirements
Secondary data or tissue samples that was not originally collected for research: UREC or NHS REC approval required