1. Measuring recovery from psychotic illness in central Vietnam

Process: Ongoing

Author:  Seiji Humphries, PhD Candidate

Principle Supervisor:

Field Supervisor:

Study sites: Thua Thien Hue Province and Da Nang city

Description:

Seiji Humphries from Queensland University of Technology’spsychology school returned to Hue in late February to continue the data collection for his project, which commenced last year with the support of the centre. His project is inspired by surprising previous research indicating that recovery from psychotic illnesses such as schizophrenia may be better in some developing countries when compared with the developed world. 

There have been very few previous studies on this topic in Vietnam so Seiji hopes that his research will contribute to the understanding of these serious mental disorders, both in this country and more widely. He will work closely with Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy staff to identify people who have recently had their first psychotic episodeand conduct a detailed assessment of their social and clinical functioning and quality of life. 

The project will aim to recruit participants through psychiatric facilities such as the Hue Provincial Psychiatric Hospital, Da Nang City Psychiatric Hospitaland through health workers in the community. 

2. The health impacts of climate change among Ethnic minorities living in Central Vietnam

Process: Ongoing

Author:  Dang Thi Anh Thu, MPH, PhD student

Principle Supervisor:

Field Supervisor:

Study sites: Thua Thien Hue Province 

Climate change is widely recognised as one of the most crucial future health risks and a threat to sustainable development. Vietnam is expected to suffer “considerable adverse consequences because of climate change” (Rubin, 2014, p69). Yet, few studies have been done in Vietnam. In particular, information and evidence on the relationships and their implications are not available in different regions of the country and various communities. In the effort to address this gap, this study will investigate health impacts of climate change among ethnic minorities living in highland regions in central Vietnam. Findings from this research will help establish effective strategies for this population to increase their resilience to climate change.

The proposed study embraces two main goals. Firstly,  it aims to explore  the  relationships  between  climate  change  (including extreme events and natural  disasters  –  droughts,  flash-floods,  landslides) andtrends  of certain  diseases, including   cardiovascular diseases,  malnutrition,  malaria  and  other  vector-borne  diseases,  that impact  upon  ethnic  minority  groups  living in the highland areas of central Vietnam in the 5 year-period from 2010 to 2014. Additionally, it will describe the current awarenessand preparedness of these local communities and health sectors about the health effects of climate change in this area. 

Due to the two aims of this study, the research can be divided into two separate parts. In the first part, we will conduct a time series regression study, using secondary data from medical records and hydro-meteorological records from 2010 to 2014. This part will examine the associations of health effects and environmental events in the targeted area.  In addition, a cross-sectional study will be implemented, using Mixed Methods (quantitative and qualitative methods) to assess the awareness and preparedness of those ethnic minorities and health sectors for the impacts of climate change. This part of study comprises a survey for quantitative information, using the Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices – KAP- questionnaire. Moreover, in-depth  interviews  (with representatives from  health  sectors, hydro-meteorological departments and leaders of targeted groups) and  focus  group discussions (among ethnicminorities  groups and  health  workers) will be conducted to build deeper understandings of their awareness, preparedness  and demandsto deal with these impacts.

Health and well-being of medical students at 8 universities in Vietnam.

Process: Finished

Tran Quynh Anh, from Hanoi Medical University and QUT

The study has examined health problems among medical students at medical universities in each region of Vietnam.  The aim of Quynh Anh’s research is to measure the mental health status of medical students, including depression, anxiety and thoughts about self-harm, as well as happiness, self-esteem and well-being. This research explored a wide range of potentially influential factors, such as adverse childhood experiences, learning burden, academic coping strategies, stressful life events, health risk behaviors and career choice. The broad objective is to improve the evidence needed to advocate for introduction of professional student counseling services in the university sector throughout the country

STUDY BURDEN, ACADEMIC STRESS AND MENTAL HEALTH AMONG HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS IN VIETNAM

Process: Finished 2015

Abstract

Thesis

Pham Thi Thu Ba, MPH, from the Vietnam Ministry of Education and Training; PhD Candidate at Queensland University of Technology

In Vietnam, excessive academic study burden is a serious social and health problem. To date there has been little systematic scientific research into the extent to which heavy demands and high expectations of academic achievement may impact upon young people and their families.. The study examined individual and social factors related to academic pressure in Hanoi, Hue and Can Tho, three quite different regions of Vietnam. The findings will inform national debate about the best ways in which  students, parents and teachers can manage study time to maximize grades while minimize the harm from academic stress.