Charles Martyn-Dickens, BSc, MBCHB, MGCPS, MWACP
Nominated From: Universitty of Michigan
Research Site: Ghana-Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital
Research Area: HIV
Primary Mentors: Dr. Cheryl Moyer, Dr. Anthony Enimil
Research Project
Assessing the Health-Related Quality of Life of Adolescents Living with HIV in a tertiary care facility in Ghana
WHO defines “Quality of Life” as an individual’s perception of their position in life in the context of the culture and value systems in which they live and in relation to their goals, expectations, standards, and concerns. Social conditions, relationship troubles, comorbidities, and stigma, in addition to the underlying infection, have been shown to have an impact on Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) in HIV patients. The influence of HIV/AIDS infection and antiretroviral therapy (ART) on an individual’s psychological, social, and physical well-being, as described by the patient, is considered in the HRQoL assessment. HRQoL assessments are useful as indications of HIV/AIDS treatment and care effectiveness on the individual.
Research Significance
Many studies in the health and development fields focus on the introduction of novel, externally supported interventions implemented in laboratory-like settings; but the scale-up of these interventions into national programs is often limited by the background institutional context. With potentially broad implications, my research instead directly targets institutional quality, which likely has pervasive effects across multiple public service sectors. Most of all, the approach focuses on using existing resources more efficiently and may be an especially promising strategy for development. At a time when trust in public institutions has emerged as a critical ingredient for public health, the grassroots nature of my work offers important insights for efforts aimed at rejuvenating health systems in countries around the world.xt
Publications
Mentors
