Opportunities

We encourage enquiries about MSc and PhD projects and studentships. 

Currently, we have numerous projects that individuals can become involved with. If interested in pursuing one of these projects, please contact Dr Lorraine McDonagh on l.mcdonagh@ucl.ac.uk.

Project 1: Factors associated with the decision of individuals who have tested positive for chlamydia to return for re-testing

Young people (ages 16-24 years) who test positive for chlamydia are at high risk of repeat infection. Chlamydia reinfection is common and increases the risk of reproductive complications. Possible reasons for such repeat infections include non-compliance with treatment, incomplete or unsuccessful partner notification, unsafe sexual behaviours and treatment failure. Guidelines recommend retesting three months after a positive result, but often these individuals do not return for repeat testing. This project seeks to understand the key factors associated with the re-testing. using quantitative methodologies and psychological theories of behaviour change. Ultimately, this project will inform the development of a digital intervention to increase re-testing rates among those who have been previously treated for chlamydia.

Project 2: A qualitative exploration of young sexual and gender minority people's attitudes towards the provision of sexual health care via general practice

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) and other sexual and gender minority have unique health care needs. Social environments and structural factors (created through stigma, prejudice, and discrimination) cause poor health outcomes for this population. They bear a disproportionate burden of poor health and wellbeing in terms of sexual health and HIV, mental health, behavioural health (substance use). The situation is exacerbated by a lack of orientation-appropriate health and wellbeing support and services. The aim of this study is to qualitatively examine young sexual and gender minority people's attitudes towards the provision of sexual health care via general practice, and explore the best means through which to improve this. This will inform the development of effective interventions to improve the provision of health care service via general practice for this population.

Project 3: An examination of factors associated with testing for sexually transmitted infections among young people 

In 2016, there were approximately 420,000 diagnoses of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) made in England. The burden of STIs is greatest among people aged 15-24 years where highest prevalence rates are found. STIs are often asymptomatic, and if left undiagnosed and/or untreated, can pose severe health consequences. Annual testing for sexually active young people is recommended in the UK; however, many of those at risk do not receive testing. The aim of this project is to quantitatively assess factors associated with STI testing. Specifically, an online questionnaire will be developed which will be guided by theoretical models of behaviour change. This will inform the development of an intervention to increase STI testing in young people.

Project 4: Addressing young people health and wellbeing: A qualitative exploration primary health care providers

Good health care during adolescence is the foundation for good health and wellbeing in later life. Particular issues sexual health (e.g., testing for STIs) as well as mental health and physical health (e.g., alcohol, smoking, drugs, nutrition, exercise). For example, young people account for a substantial proportion of new sexually transmitted infection diagnoses. Youth-friendly primary care services, which can quickly and accurately assess (and address) their needs, are needed to improve the health and wellbeing of young people. The aim of this project is to qualitatively explore how primary health care professionals currently approach young people in practice and what has been (or could be) done in general practice to promote young people's health. Semi-structured individual interviews will be conducted and will be guided by a theoretical model of behaviour change. This will inform the development of an intervention to improve young people's health via general practice. (Some experience of qualitative research and/or working with health care professionals is required for this project).

These projects form part of a larger programme of work being conducted by the NIHR Health Protection Research Unit (HPRU) in Blood-Borne and Sexually Transmitted Infections (http://bbsti.hpru.nihr.ac.uk/).This offers a unique environment to those wishing to gain exposure to both qualitative and quantitative interdisciplinary research within an organisation pursuing a highly acclaimed international research agenda. This HPRU is led by UCL in collaboration with Public Health England and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine