GRAP 2017 – Estimating progression and determinants of non-communicable disease in a longitudinal national sample of South African adults (01-Stokes)

Project Title: Estimating progression and determinants of non-communicable disease in a longitudinal national sample of South African adults

Faculty / Researcher Mentor: Andrew Stokes

Description Statement: Although traditionally considered a burden common to high-income countries, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like hypertension and diabetes are growing health concerns in all regions of the world. Although 35% of South Africans have hypertension and 10% have diabetes, few prior surveys or studies provide robust, recent evidence of the range of NCD prevalence among different sex, age, and population groups or the progression of these conditions over time. Additionally, little is known about the burden of NCDs on individual and national economic wellbeing. This project will use data from the National Income Dynamics Study (NIDS) to address these gaps.

The NIDS is the first national household panel study in South Africa. The study began in 2008 with a nationally representative sample of over 28,000 individuals in 7,300 households across the country and is repeated with the same household members every two years. The survey continues to be repeated with these same household members every two years. Key themes of the NIDS include changes in poverty and well-being; household composition and structure; fertility and mortality; migration; labor market participation and economic activity; health and education; vulnerability and social capital.

Scope of Work: One aim of this project is to estimate the progression and determinants of NCDs across waves of the NIDS. The second aim focuses on quantifying the implications of NCDs for economic wellbeing. The student research assistant will be responsible for data cleaning and analysis as well as assisting in conducting literature reviews and preparing the manuscripts for publication.

Minimum skills desired: The student should have interest and experience in quantitative methods and data analysis and at least basic proficiency in R, Stata, or SAS. Additionally, the student should be familiar with conducting literature reviews and demonstrate writing skills.

Time / Date Expectations: 6-8 hours/week from January 2017 to May 2017 with an opportunity to extend

Any special application request: Writing sample

Number of Positions: One

Logistics & Support: Biweekly meetings with research team consisting of Dr. Andrew Stokes and two global health research fellows.