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Institute of Epidemiology & Health Care

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Ghada AlSwayied

My PhD Title: ‘A Physical Activity Monitoring App for Women Experiencing Menopausal Symptoms – Feasibility and Engagement’

Supervisor: Dr. Fiona Hamilton & Dr. Rachael Frost
Lay summary: Menopause is a natural process of aging yet a critical period in every woman’s life. Regular physical activity (PA) has tremendous rewards across the life course but can also be of some extra benefit in helping middle-aged women to manage menopausal symptoms. The use of mobile apps in motivating healthy behaviours and addressing sensitive conditions is promising, given the current exponential growth of smartphone owners and apps popularity.

The project explores the potential of PA apps among middle-aged Saudi women experiencing menopausal symptoms. It comprises a literature review, qualitative study followed by a quantitative study. First, a literature review on the effectiveness and engagement of mobile-based PA interventions to improve menopausal symptoms and quality of life will be conducted. Second, a qualitative study with Saudi women looking at acceptability and preference, including contextual enablers and barriers. The results of the second study will be then used to develop a feasibility RCT -If possible- with a PA app that will be identified during the earlier work as likely to be effective in improving PA based on BCT content. Otherwise, the earlier studies will be used to make recommendations to developers for how to optimise apps.

My Background
Ghada AlSwayied is a PhD student within the Research Department of Primary Care and Population Health (PCPH) at UCL. Her research project involves incorporating novel digital interventions to promote women’s health and physical activity in Saudi Arabia. 
She is a certified Project Manager Professional (PMP) from the US Project Management Institute PMI (2018-current) and interested in leading strategic change to cultivate entrepreneurial ideas into impactful actions. Professionally, Ghada had teaching and clinical training experience working with a multidisciplinary team in epidemiology, health promotion, health informatics and media communication. She held a number of clinical and non-clinical positions practising a wide range of public health core competencies before joining the academia.
In 2019, AlSwayied was awarded a scholarship to pursue postgraduate studies. She recently completed her MSc with distinction in Population Health from UCL. Her master’s thesis aimed at evaluating the current evidence and approaches to patient safety concerns in digital health interventions for diabetes management.

Alongside her research studies, Ghada exhibits broader interests in life-coaching, empowerment, and start-up entrepreneurship, specifically, in art and design. She is a graphic designer and a founder of a brand-new start-up business aiming to lead the movement towards eco-friendly, sustainable floral design.

Qualifications

  • MSc in Population health (2020). Distinction Award – University College London, UK.
     
  • BSc in Public Health and Health Education (2015). First Class Honours; ranked first place among undergraduate class (4.98/5.0) – College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Saudi Arabia.

    Awards
  • Full scholarship award for postgraduate studies.
  • MISK fellowship.
  • Distinction award for outstanding academic achievement and excellence (UCL and The Saudi Arabian Cultural Bureau, London).
  • Best oral presentation award at the 2018 scientific research conference (Zurich, Switzerland).
  • Finalist winning Award of top ten Health Infographic Posters at the Saudi Ministry of Health Annual Awareness-Raising Competition (Waai).
  • The Dean’s Prize for outstanding undergraduate students (King Saud University, Riyadh).

    Appointments
  • Lecturer, (2018-current), King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
  • Health Promotion Project Manager, (2017-2018), Saudi Ministry of Health (MOH).
  • Health Education Specialist II, (2015-2017), King Fahad Medical City (KFMC), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
  • The Chairman of the Research Committee at the Health Education Department, KFMC.

    Contact details
  • Email: zczlgbi@ucl.ac.uk
    LinkedIn: https://sa.linkedin.com/in/ghada-m-alswayied-917999b5