How do inequalities shape long-term health trajectories? Modelling the impact of cumulative disadvantage on multiple chronic conditions
Supervisors:
Prof Petra Meier, School of Health & Wellbeing, University of Glasgow
Prof Frances Mair, School of Health & Wellbeing, University of Glasgow
Dr Fred Ho, School of Health & Wellbeing, University of Glasgow
Dr Jocelyn Friday, School of Health & Wellbeing, University of Glasgow
Summary:
How do inequalities shape long-term health? This PhD explores how different combinations of social advantage and disadvantage influence the development and progression of multiple long-term conditions (MLTCs).
While most research relies on area-level measures such as neighbourhood deprivation, this project takes a novel approach by focusing on individual-level experiences of both privilege and disadvantage. It recognises that people living in the same area can have very different life circumstances, and that these differences matter for health.
The project will develop new ways of measuring cumulative and clustered disadvantage, drawing on the “Wheel of Power” framework, which captures multiple dimensions of social position (such as wealth, disability, sexuality, body shape, education, skin colour). Using large-scale cohort, survey, and linked health data, you will identify patterns of co-occurring advantage and disadvantage, and investigate how these shape when and how MLTCs develop and progress.
You will gain advanced skills in lifecourse epidemiology, data science, and statistical modelling, working in a highly interdisciplinary team with strong links to policy. This research will generate new insights to inform more targeted and effective strategies for preventing and managing MLTCs, with the ultimate goal of reducing health inequalities.