Substance use, harms, and treatment for culturally and linguistically diverse people

Australia has a large culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) population. There is limited evidence of alcohol and other drugs (AoD) use, harms and access to culturally sensitive and inclusive treatment options. Potential work for the PhD program, undertaken in collaboration with community partners, could include:

1. Systematic review of strategies to increase cultural responsiveness of AOD treatment services;
2. Secondary analysis of existing AOD survey and administrative data that captures information on CALD communities;
3. Quantitative survey of CALD communities assessing substance use, harms, treatment and help-seeking; 
4. Qualitative study of barriers and enablers to prevention and treatment uptake among CALD communities; and
5. Co-design work on recommendations for the inclusion of CALD specific approaches in AoD treatment, and any cost implications.

Primary supervisor: Associate Professor Amy Peacock
Joint Supervisor: Winifred Asare-Doku
Secondary Supervisor: Stella Settumba Stolk

Candidate requirements:

• Masters or Honours in public health, psychology, epidemiology, pharmacoepidemiology, biostatistics or a related field
• Strong skills in qualitative and quantitative analysis, with experience using linked administrative data highly regarded
• Track record of publication of peer-reviewed scientific articles
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• People who identify as CALD or have experience working with CALD communities are highly encouraged to apply. 

How to Apply

For more information about this project, please contact Winifred Asare-Doku (w.asaredoku@@unsw.edu.au).