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Grace Lewis

Grace Lewis

  • Email: hcgml@leeds.ac.uk
  • Thesis title: Development of a theoretical explanation of health beliefs and behavioural decisions related to indoor environmental asthma triggers in the homes of children and young people with asthma and allergic sensitisation
  • Supervisor: Dr Linda Milnes, Dr Alistair Duff (primary supervisor), Dr Alexandra Adams (Leeds Teaching Hospitals) and Professor Jurgen Schwarze (University of Edinburgh)

Profile

I graduated from the University of Sheffield with a BMedSci (Hons) in Orthoptics and have seven years’ experience as a clinical Orthoptist in the NHS. I have experience in quantitative and qualitative research methodology, and an interest in improving health-related quality of life. I completed a Master’s in Public Health (distinction) at the University of Edinburgh. During my master’s dissertation I developed an interest in novel familial interventions to improve child and family health, particularly respiratory health.

 

Research interests

Children’s health and familial approaches to improve health

Paediatric asthma and atopic asthma

Smoke-free home promotion

Health inequality

Health-related quality of life

Publications are listed at at: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5282-2941

During this PhD, I am conducting a scoping review of the available literature to outline existing knowledge on health beliefs related to indoor environmental asthma triggers, allergic sensitisation, and trigger avoidance behaviours, from the perspective of those 18 years or younger with asthma and/or their parents/carers. The scoping review also aims to identify research gaps and focus the primary data collection stage of the PhD project.  In the next stage, qualitative interviews with children, young people, and their parents/carers are planned, using grounded theory methodology. 

This project is part of the Asthma UK Centre for Applied Research. The Centre is at the forefront of research making a real difference to the lives of those affected by asthma.  This work is funded by Asthma UK as part of the Asthma UK Centre for Applied Research [AUK-AC-2018-01]

PhD project research outputs:

Conference presentation: ‘What determines whether families follow advice to avoid indoor environmental triggers of children’s and young peoples’ asthma?  A scoping review.’  15th International Family Nursing Conference: International Family Nursing Association:  28th June – 2nd July, 2021.

Conference poster: ‘What determines the extent to which children & young people avoid asthma triggers at home?’ 10th World Conference of the International Primary Care Respiratory Group (IPCRG): 6-8th May, 2021.

 

 

Qualifications

  • MPH Master of Public Health (Distinction)
  • Bachelor of Medical Science (BMedSci Hons, Orthoptics)