Public Health takes a population-based approach both to practice and research. However, we also recognise that populations are made up of smaller groups and communities and of course, ultimately individuals. We therefore conduct research at all these levels in order to better understand and improve the health of the public.
We also conduct research across a range of community-based and healthcare settings. Most of our research is UK based, although we have international collaborations, mainly in Europe and North America.
The research activity of the Academic Unit of Public Health is categorized within the three key domains of public health practice:
- Health improvement: Exploring public and patients’ understanding of disease and attitudes to healthcare and how this can lead to improvements in health promotion, service provision and management of long-term conditions.
- Improving services: working with professionals within healthcare and other sectors and equally importantly with public and patients to ensure policy and healthcare services are appropriate and effective.
- Health protection: understanding and reducing individual risk taking behaviours.
In particular, there is a focus on eye disease, HIV / sexual health and genetic disorders.
We have a particular interest and expertise in undertaking research with children and minority ethnic groups.
Public Health research encompasses a broad range of approaches and methodologies: both qualitative and quantitative as well as mixed-methods. Within AUPH we have particular expertise and experience of the following:
- Qualitative: interviews, focus groups, visual methods, participatory research and Q-methodology;
- Quantitative: statistical analysis of routine data sources using various (e.g. longitudinal, survival and causal) multivariable models;
- Mixed methods approaches and action research.