Student Researchers' Society Topics

Co-supervisor: Dr. NÉMETH, Timea

The objective assigned to the participating student(s) will entail an in-depth exploration of various dimensions of interculturally competent healthcare delivery. This will be accomplished through a combination of comprehensive literature review and rigorous application of quantitative methodologies, such as database analysis and questionnaire surveys, as well as qualitative approaches, including interviews and focus group discussions. Upon consultation with the students, the research endeavors may encompass an evaluation of healthcare providers' viewpoints, encompassing their level of readiness and encountered challenges, as well as an examination of diverse aspects concerning healthcare recipients, such as patients and international students.

The migration process, the stressful and unsafe migration routes in addition to the discontinuation of care in the countries of origin (due to war, or unbearable circumstances) can exacerbate migrants’ risk of developing non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Despite the rising prevalence of NCDs amongst refugees and migrants, there is little research and understanding on this issue in people on the move. The task of the student will be to investigate the extent of the complications of untreated NCDs in refugees from Gaza living in Jordan through mixed research methods, including analysis of existing databases, questionnaire surveys, semistructured interviews and/or focus-group discussions. The results may give significant information about the cruciality of ensuring continuity of NCD care in humanitarian crises, and the importance of incorporating early detection and treatment upon arrival to refugee camps. The findings may also be used to build a standardized program, involving health care workers, patients and the patients’ family, designed to educate and raise awareness about these complications.

Our team has already developed and launched a web based interactive data base and forum for researchers on Roma health. (http://www.romahealthnet.org)

For interested students we can provide the opportunity to join in the further development and moderation of the website, to build new research partnerships, and to participate in designing, organizing related events.

Migrants are representing not only the morbidity profile of their country of origin, but its public health conditions as well. Vaccination profile is an essential element of this. The so called ‘vaccine preventable diseases’, like morbilli, poliomyelitis, diphtheria are appearing again in Europe, causing small local epidemic outbreaks. That’s why migrant vaccination is a priority issue on the agenda of WHO and EU. Our researches among migrants and migrant communities are focusing on this issue as well. (See: http://www.mighealth-unipecs.hu)  

Yearly about half a million people are trafficked in Europe for force prostitution, force begging (children), organ trading for transplantation, force labor etc. Victims are exposed to multiple abuse of physical, sexual and psychic coercion and exploitation. Health assistance of victims requires special, additional knowledge and skills. Our research and training development program aims to target this goal where we are working together with international and Hungarian humanitarian organizations. (Reference: Szilard I., Barath A.: Public Health Aspects of Trafficking in Human Beings: Health Promotion and Prevention Tasks and Possibilities In: Health Promotion and Disease Prevention; a handbook for teachers, researchers, health professionals and decision makers. p. 670 - 693 Hans Jacobs Publishing Company 2007 Germany and FYRM) 

The task of the student is to conduct comprehensive literature review in relation to the role of a selected ethnicity, culture/religion as determinants of health (religious regulations, customs, diets, beliefs, behaviours, doctor-patient interaction, etc.). Students may incorporate their own ethnical, cultural and religious background as source for analysis. Critical and objective analysis of collected data is required in reflection of evidence-based medicine.

Co-supervisor: Dr. KISS (ORSÓS), Zsuzsanna

The task of the TDK student is participating at the research conducted at the Roma segregates in Pécs aiming to measure the health status of the local Romas (personal interview method). Active participation in data analysis and literature review, and comparison of data with the results of the European Health Interview Survey (EHIS), 2014. To draw conclusions and make recommendations on improving the health status of the Roma, and on decreasing health inequalities.

Smooth integration to hosting countries’ healthcare system is a basic condition for the successful integration to hosting societies. The task of the student is to investigate into its criteria, legal background and practical applications (’best practices’) in selected EU countries, with a special focus on assessing healthcare elements of the ongoing integration programs (ie. providing information, motivation, etc.), inclusion of newcomers into screening and vaccination programs, programs in relation to mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS), as well as health regulations and practices of their integration to workforce market.

The task of the student is to collect, compare and analyse EU-level regulations and practices concerning the access of migrants to healthcare services in selected EU countries (legal or irregular). To elaborate on barriers, to draw conclusions and make recommendations.

The task of the student is to collect, compare and analyse available epidemiological and other relevant data regarding the most common source countries of asylum seekers and other, irregular migrants: morbidity profile, vaccination schedule and coverage, status and functioning of the healthcare system, local cultural/religious aspects that may have effect on health, etc. based on extensive literature research. Based on collected data to draw conclusions and make recommendations for measures in regard to either existing or non-existing public health threats and implications for the hosting countries (trainings, vaccination, etc.).

The task of the student is to collect, compare and analyse EU-level migrant screening practices based on literature research and through the wide international relations of the Department. To draw conclusions and make recommendations for an integrated, international migrant screening protocol.

Beside compliance the genetic differences of the patients may be considered also as significant factor in the efficacy of the therapy. This is more complex than simple the effect of the geographic differences. Mostly and traditionally in the USA in the pharmacologic researches the ethnic background of the patients is also recorded, because genetic differences may influence the therapeutic effect (differences in metabolism etc.) even at so common non communicable disease like hypertension. Our team is planning to launch a research on this – in Hungary still missing – field of personalized therapy.