Job Category
Teaching, Research & Scholarship
Vacancy Type
Fixed term contract
Fixed Term Duration
3 years
Employment Type
Full time
Salary Other
£18,622 per year tax-free stipend (2023-24 rate)
Location
Chelmsford
Faculty/Prof Service
Faculty of Health, Medicine & Social Care
Ref No
2718
Closing Date
03/03/2024
About ARU:
We are ranked in the world's top 350 institutions in the 2022 Times Higher Education World University Rankings, and we are a global university transforming lives through innovative, inclusive and entrepreneurial education and research. Our research institutes and four faculties bridge scientific, technical and creative fields. We deliver impactful research which tackles pressing issues and makes a real difference to our communities. Our academic excellence has been recognised by the UK's Higher Education funding bodies, with 16 of our research areas assessed as world-leading. In 2021, we were awarded the Queen's Anniversary Prize for our world-leading music therapy work.
About the Role:
Anglia Ruskin University is inviting applications for a fully-funded Vice- Chancellor's PhD Scholarship for a period of 36 months within the School of Allied Health and Social Care, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences.
Project Description
Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) is a severe and debilitating form of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy, and research suggests it effects 0.3-3.6% of pregnant women. However, the prevalence is likely to be higher than reported, due to a lack of awareness amongst healthcare professionals (HCPs) meaning some women do not get diagnosed nor receive appropriate treatment. HG leaves women unable to eat or drink normally, leads to weight loss, hugely limits daily activities. HG is the most common cause of hospitalisation in the first half of pregnancy and accounts for 25,000 admissions per year in England 5.
Research has revealed that HG has a significant psychological impact on women, with feelings of guilt, depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, and isolation. Additionally, pregnancy termination (or consideration of) of otherwise healthy and wanted pregnancies is reported amongst women with HG, along with reticence to become pregnant again. Mental health impacts from HG are exacerbated by the lack of understanding from HCPs and poor access to appropriate care/treatment for the condition and financial burdens from time off work and associated loss of earnings.
Further qualitative research which explores the mental health impacts and support needs of women with HG is vital for understanding and supporting the mental health of women with HG. Much of the existing research has not been conducted in the UK, and given different cultures, healthcare policies and systems, there is a need for more UK-specific research. Furthermore, there is a distinct lack of diversity in samples in existing research, with samples consisting of primarily Caucasian, aged 30+, married, higher than average socioeconomic status, university-educated women. Therefore, further qualitative research with a diverse sample of women experiencing HG in the UK is needed.
The award is subject to the successful candidate meeting the studentship Terms and Conditions which can be found on our website alongside further information about the project: https: // aru.ac.uk/research/postgraduate-research/vc-phd- scholarships and enquiries can be directed to [email protected]
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting welfare of our staff and students and expect all staff to share this commitment.
We value diversity at ARU and welcome applications from all sections of the community.