Title: WS5: Behavioural Science
Funder: Department of Health and Social Care

Abstract: This research theme builds on the other research themes within the evaluation priority area and ongoing fruitful collaborations with PHE. The theme includes both applied and methodological aspects of evidence synthesis and has three main aims: 1. To provide capacity and expertise in systematic review and evidence synthesis to respond to PHE’s needs 2. To provide research capacity and expertise to estimate the burden of HCV, Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), and Chlamydia, using multiple sources of evidence (e.g. through a Multiple Parameter Evidence Synthesis (MPES) approach) 3. To develop a method for monitoring the epidemiology of Chlamydia and its sequelae, with a view to evaluating prevention and control programmes. Short term objectives · Systematic Reviews: undertake ~3 systematic reviews (rapid and full) per year in collaboration with PHE topic leads in the Field Epidemiology Service. Priorities for reviews will be agreed with PHE and HPRU steering committee. Proposed reviews include:- risk factors for paediatric respiratory tract infection (RTI) transmission to other children and adults; clinical and cost effective interventions to reduce RTI infection transmission; HCV transmission risk for PWID sharing low dead space vs. other syringes; HBV prevalence among migrant populations in the UK; Chlamydia contact tracing in primary care; Quality of life and morbidity in young people exposed to meningococcal disease; Interventions to increase vaccine uptake in young people and reduce geographical differences in vaccine uptake; Interventions to reduce antibiotic prescribing in primary care. · Investigate the potential for an MPES approach to estimate the number of people with chronic Hepatitis B (diagnosed and undiagnosed) and identify key extra data sources and studies needed in order to fill the knowledge gap and to resolve inconsistencies and biases within the current surveillance/information. · Design and analyse studies on the natural history of pgp3 antibody to Chlamydia, whose results can be used to interpret Chlamydia sero-prevalence studies, and to apply this to specific seroprevalence survey data to estimate CT prevalence, infection and re-infection rates. To further develop estimates of the proportion of PID, EP and TFI attributable to CT, based on serological case-control studies. Medium term objectives · Undertake 3-5 rapid or full systematic reviews per year, with evidence synthesis, as agreed with PHE and steering group. · Demonstrate how to update MPES estimates of chronic HCV prevalence (diagnosed and undiagnosed) and improve information for local service planning and evaluation through enhanced surveillance within regions. · Develop current approaches to HCV burden estimation/projection at national level by incorporating a disease transmission component, to support evaluation of interventions to reduce transmission. · Develop methodology to estimate the proportion of PID, ectopic pregnancies and tubal factor infertility attributable to Chlamydia, based on serological case-control studies.


Research activity codes: 2.6 RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE (AETIOLOGY)
Health categories: INFECTION