Graduated with a PhD in Public Health About 50 students are currently enrolled for doctoral studies; some are our own staff, some are attached to research projects which carry PhD scholarships, and some are self-funded. While the number of graduates from the PhD programme was initially small, this is increasing as the programme matures, such that in 2019 and 2020, nine students graduated with PhDs, one of whom is a member of SOPH staff. The topics of their studies are given on the next few pages. Working towards a doctorate requires the ability to overcome doubt, exhaustion, and loneliness – and the tenacity to persist despite competing demands for time and attention. It really helps when students investigate a topic that fascinates them and/or is part of their daily work. The reasons why three graduands chose their particular topics and what their research had focussed on are also given – as well as how their research, and having a PhD, will impact their careers.
BABATOPE ADEBIYI
Foetal alcohol spectrum disorders: The development of guidelines to inform policy Supervisor: Dr A-M Beytell Co-supervisor: Dr C Mukumbang Citation: While South Africa has the highest prevalence of FASD [foetal alcohol spectrum disorders] globally due to the excessive rate of alcohol consumption during pregnancy, there is no specific policy addressing FASD in the country. This study used a multi-method research with a modified Delphi technique to develop a guideline to inform policy on the prevention and management of FASD in South Africa. The guideline developed from this thesis has the potential to assist policy makers to formulate a multi-sectoral policy for the prevention and management of FASD in SA. Five of seven articles from the thesis have been published in high impact peer-reviewed international journals and two are under review.
THEODOSIA ADOM
Individual and environmental factors associated with obesity among young children in primary schools in Ghana Supervisor: Prof T Puoane Co-supervisor: Prof AP Kenge Citation: Overweight and obesity are risk factors for non-communicable diseases such as cardio-vascular diseases and some cancers. Understanding factors associated with overweight/ obesity among children presents an opportunity for timely and appropriate interventions. Utilising the socio-ecological framework, the study assessed the prevalence and determinants of childhood overweight/obesity and explored population level policies that encourage supportive environments for healthy living. The prevalence of overweight/obesity was 16.4%, indicating that overweight/obesity is a public health issue in primary school learners. There were gaps in the literature in terms of populationbased interventions. A number of modifiable risk factors were identified and recommendations made for relevant stakeholders.
THEODOSIA ADOM ‘My research focused on how children’s health behaviours interacted with the food and physical activity environments in the home, school, community and at policy level to contribute to overweight/ obesity.’ Why did you undertake this study? ‘In my experience as a researcher in human nutrition, I have witnessed firsthand the phenomenon of the double burden of malnutrition resulting from human and socio-economic development. Middle class families in urban Ghana are relying more and more on rapidly growing fast food chains, with high intakes of energy-dense foods and sugary drinks, as these are seen as a status symbol. This is coupled with sedentary lifestyles, obesity and increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases. The pre-adolescent children in these families, who are at a critical stage of developing independent physical activity and dietary behaviours, are most vulnerable to the changes that are occurring in their environments.’ ‘I undertook this research to explore the magnitude and correlates of unhealthy weight of pre-adolescent school children who are, most often, under-represented in national surveys in Ghana. The findings could be helpful in guiding the design of timely public health interventions.’ What will you be doing now that you have a PhD? ‘I will continue my work as a researcher. A career in academia is a path I will like to pursue in the near future ... It will be great to mentor students and early career academics by imparting needed knowledge and skills.’
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