Funded PhD Studentship, University of Leeds, UK

Funded PhD Studentship, Institute of Psychological Sciences,University of Leeds, UK

Background:

Older adults are a vulnerable group whose health may be compromised by poor nutritional status, lack of mobility and chronic illness. Oral nutritional supplementation (ONS) is known to improve both nutritional status and clinical outcomes. However, in order to be effective patients must comply, that is, consume the prescribed type and quantity of product. Compliance rates are known to be low in this population. Poor compliance is due to many different factors ranging from the person to the product and the environment in which care occurs.

Aim and objectives

The aim of this 3-year funded studentship is to explore compliance in consuming oral nutritional supplements (ONS) by older adults. The specific objectives are: 1) to identify and understand factors affecting compliance to ONS prescription; and 2) to evaluate methods to improve compliance to ONS prescription.

Students who have, or are expected to attain, a 1st or upper second class honours degree in Psychology, Nutrition/Dietetics, Nursing, or a related discipline are invited to apply. A relevant Master’s degree and experience of working with older adults are desirable. The 3-year PhD studentship can take effect from July/August 2009.

Applications are invited for a three-year PhD studentship commencing September 28th 2009. The studentship will attract an annual tax-free stipend of £13,290 p.a. + UK/EU tuition fees, research training support grant and conference allowance. The PhD will be based in the Institute of Psychological Sciences at the University of Leeds.

To apply for this studentship applicants should complete a University of Leeds application form (http://www.leeds.ac.uk/students/appfmweb.doc) and submit this together with a CV to Christine Cascarino, Institute of Psychological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT. For further information or informal enquiries please contact Prof. Marion Hetherington (mail:M.Hetherington@leeds.ac.uk)

Closing Date for this studentship is August 31st 2009.

Further Scholarship Information and Application (doc)