Employing institution: University of Jos
Host institution: University College London-UCL
Project title:
Effect of the Necessity-Concerns Framework on Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus Treatment Outcomes
Dr. Comfort Sariem is a clinical pharmacist, researcher, and teacher. Her research focuses on applying educational and psychological health models to design interventions that optimize adherence and health outcomes of patients. Comfort coordinates postgraduate activities and leads the behavioural-medicine research unit in the Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Jos, Nigeria. She is grateful to Prof. John Aguiyi and Dr. Simeon Omale for supporting and motivating her to compete for the AREF award.
AREF Fellowship research project
A third of people with type-2 diabetes mellitus do not achieve target glycated haemoglobin (HBA1C) and other required blood glucose levels, partly due to psychological factors that affect adherence and health outcomes. Evidence shows that psychological and educational interventions can improve mental health, quality of life, and treatment outcomes. The Necessity-Concerns-Framework developed by Horne et al. (2013) is a psychological health model that aims to persuade patients to believe in the appropriateness, efficacy, and safety of their medicines and develop positive attitudes as they take their medicines correctly to achieve positive outcomes. The health outcomes of type-2 DM patients will be analysed after data collection using health psychometrics methods (Rasch model and Item Response Theory), acquired during the fellowship placement.
Dr. Sariem aims to develop competence in psychometrics and health outcomes research by applying the Necessity-Concerns-Framework in type-2 diabetes mellitus management to improve health outcomes. She intends to establish international research collaborations with the CBM, UCL. Through the support of her mentor, EO sponsor, and director, she hopes to develop the behavioural medicine unit in her department into a center.
Quote
“This rare opportunity given by AREF will improve my psychometrics proficiency, improve health outcomes of patients, and establish international research collaboration at University of Jos-Nigeria.”
Dr Olayiwola expects to start his fellowship in August 2024