PhD Studentship: Lifestyle Behaviour Intervention to Optimise Brain Health During the Peri-Menopausal Transition

Background: Women in the UK spend almost half of their lives in either the perimenopausal transition (MT) or postmenopausal phases. The MT is associated with symptoms in 80% of women with 10% leaving the workforce due to menopause. Symptoms include night sweats, hot flushes and sleep disturbances and transitory effects on brain health including anxiety, depression, and reduced memory, concentration and verbal fluency. Current services and interventions to support menopausal health are limited.  

The aim of this PhD project (GenM) will be to co-produce an intervention targeting health-related behaviours, with a likely focus on nutrition and physical activity, which aims to support overall well-being and in particular brain health through the MT. 

Research methodology: The GenM PhD project will be delivered in four stages

The formation of a lived experience co-production group (GenMCoPG) of peri-menopausal/early postmenopausal women to co-produce all research and dissemination activities.

A series of focus groups and interviews to gain insights into (i) women’s experiences of the menopause, (ii) support and services available and preferences, and (iii) views on lifestyle behaviours and the menopause, and support needed.

A systematic review of healthy lifestyle interventions during the MT. 

The co-production (with GenMCoPG) and piloting of a behavioural intervention which aims to optimise brain health through the MT. It will be informed by the systematic review and focus groups/interviews.

Training: The successful applicant will join a vibrant team with wide experience in developing, delivering and evaluating behavioural change interventions, using mixed methods. They will gain experience in quantitative and qualitative research methods, systematic reviewing, intervention co-production, implementation and evaluation, and cognitive assessment methodology. In addition, they will receive training in additional research and professional skills and encouraged to attend and present at conferences.  

Person specification: This project will suit applicants with a primary or MSc degree in Behavioural Science, Public Health, Nutrition, Sports Sciences, or other relevant disciplines, or equivalent professional or research experience. The successful applicant should be well organised, have well developed inter-personal skills and enjoy teamwork. Experience and knowledge of qualitative methodologies and/or intervention development will be an asset, although training will be provided. 

This PhD project is in a Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences competition for funded studentships.  These studentships are funded for 3 years and comprise UK (Home) fees, an annual stipend of £18,622 and £1,000 per annum for research training (RTSG). International applicants may apply but are required to secure additional funding to fund the difference between UK and overseas tuition fees (visit: https://www.uea.ac.uk/study/fees-and-funding/fees for details of Home and Overseas fee rates).

Primary Supervisor: Anne Marie Minihane

Start Date: October 2024

For more information on this project, please visit https://www.uea.ac.uk/search/courses/

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