Professor Bertha Ochieng

Job: Professor of integrated health and social care

Faculty: Health and Life Sciences

School/department: School of Nursing and Midwifery

Address: De Montfort University, The Gateway, Leicester, LE1 9BH

T: +44 (01)116 2078973

E: bertha.ochieng@dmu.ac.uk

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Personal profile

Bertha Ochieng is Professor of Integrated Health and Social Care at De Montfort University. She has extensive experience of health and social care provision as a clinician, an academic and as a researcher working with community groups and health and social care providers. Her academic and research focus is on improving health and social care through the provision of high quality education and research that provides positive results to marginalised and social disadvantage populations throughout the life span. Bertha’s strengths are in developing solutions for addressing the health and social care needs of socially disadvantaged populations and building relationships with community groups and practitioners in the health and social care sector. Her work has resulted in collaborations with diverse teams, comprising of, voluntary sector organisations, academics, NHS Trusts and social care teams locally, nationally and internationally. Her research portfolio includes three broad themes:

Community empowerment and engagement to enable the voices of marginalised and socially disadvantaged populations to be heard in the planning and delivery of services. Examples of work in this area: Migrants families - barriers with accessing and utilising health promotion services in the UK; examining multi-ethnic parents’ views on healthy eating practices for children, Black and minority ethnic young people and their families’ experiences and views on healthy lifestyles.

Engaging health and social care providers to identify framework that supports development of integrated models of health and social care to manage long-term non-communicable diseases such as incorporating digital solutions in health and social care, identification of cultural sensitive health promotion models for prevention and self-management of lifestyle related illnesses; examples of work include: Using smart-home sensors with older adults with long-term complex multi-morbidity; working with health practitioners to develop an evidence-based training tool for weight management

Service development and knowledge transfer activities to enable health and social care workforce deliver high quality care. Examples of projects she has led include: community health practitioners experiences of using telephone triage; practice nurse development programme to manage patients in the community with long-term conditions, examining the impact of continuing professional development on healthcare outcomes;

Research group affiliations

Nursing and Midwifery
Social science
Public policy
Health sciences

Publications and outputs

A systems approach in the prevention of undernutrition among children under five in Tanzania: Perspectives from key stakeholders
dc.title: A systems approach in the prevention of undernutrition among children under five in Tanzania: Perspectives from key stakeholders dc.contributor.author: Frumence, Gasto; Jin, Yannan; Kasangala, Amalberga; Bakar, Saidah; Mahiti Reuben Gladys; Ochieng, B. dc.description.abstract: Undernutrition among under-fives is one of the major public health challenges in Tanzania. However, there are limited studies assessing the contribution of cultural-related strategies in the prevention of child undernutrition in Tanzania. This study aimed at exploring participants’ experiential views regarding developing culturally sensitive strategies for the elimination of child undernutrition for under-fives in Rukwa, Iringa, Ruvuma, Songwe and Njombe regions located in the Southern Highlands in Tanzania. This study applied focus group discussions (FGDs) with forty practitioners to explore culturally-sensitive strategies for effectively preventing child undernutrition in Tanzania. The study participants were purposively selected, and thematic analysis was used to identify themes within the data. This study revealed that district- and lower-level administrative systems should prioritize nutrition interventions in their plans, allocating adequate resources to implement culturally sensitive nutrition interventions, while national-level organs need to strengthen institutional capacity and ensure the availability of funds, skilled human resources and a legal framework for the effective implementation and sustainability of nutrition interventions at the district and lower-levels. This study highlights that for the successful implementation of culturally sensitive strategies towards the elimination of child undernutrition, there is a need to use a systems approach that allows for collaborative governance whereby different sectors act together to address the persistent malnutrition epidemic. dc.description: open access article; Jessica JIn is the corresponding author of this article
Researching Local Public Health Priorities in The Locked Down City Using Online Community Focus Groups: Reflections and Recommendations
dc.title: Researching Local Public Health Priorities in The Locked Down City Using Online Community Focus Groups: Reflections and Recommendations dc.contributor.author: Williamson, I. R.; Lond, Benjamin J.; Hart, Tania; Clifton, Andrew; Ochieng, B. dc.description.abstract: In this commentary paper we reflect on our experiences of conducting two qualitative public health projects in Leicester UK around health inequalities and marginalised groups during the Covid 19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021. To contextualise the commentary, we first provide information about Leicester and how and why it was disproportionately affected by the pandemic, as well as describing the origins, aims, and methodologies of the two projects. In the second half, we describe and evaluate some of the adaptations we made to our studies and conclude with suggestions for future qualitative community health research as we adapt to the post-pandemic research landscape. dc.description: Open access article
Engaging young people with sexual health services in general practice surgeries – A qualitative study of health care professionals
dc.title: Engaging young people with sexual health services in general practice surgeries – A qualitative study of health care professionals dc.contributor.author: Adakpa, Itodo; Randhawa, Gurch; Ochieng, B. dc.description.abstract: Evidence to date suggests that young people are becoming more sexually active and are forming relationships during the early stages of their lives, sometimes engaging in sexual risk-taking, which contributes to high rates of conception and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Young people at risk of adverse sexual health outcomes are the least likely to engage with reproductive and sexual health promotion programmes and services (RSHPPs), especially in mainstream clinics such as general practice (GP) surgeries. The study aimed to explore the views and experiences of service providers. Materials and Methods: A qualitative approach to explore the views and experiences of designing and implementing RSHPPs for young people in GP surgeries was used. A total of seven participants were interviewed, including four general practitioners (GPs), two of whom were managers at the practice; one nurse; one healthcare and support worker; and one practice manager. Results: The context of RSHPPs such as local health priorities and partnerships to address STIs and unplanned pregnancies among young people contribute to the implementation and engagement of young people with RSHPPs. Training of GPs, nurses, and support workers helps develop confidence and overcome personal factors by promoting effective engagement of young people with RSHPPs. Conclusion: Addressing local health priorities such as reducing teenage pregnancies and STIs requires organisations to provide RSHPPs in both non-clinical and clinical settings to ensure that RSHPPs are accessible to young people. There is room for improvement in access to RSH for young people in GP surgeries by addressing organisational and structural barriers to access. dc.description: open access article
HIV and an Ageing Population—What Are the Medical, Psychosocial, and Palliative Care Challenges in Healthcare Provisions
dc.title: HIV and an Ageing Population—What Are the Medical, Psychosocial, and Palliative Care Challenges in Healthcare Provisions dc.contributor.author: Hassan-Ahmed, Mohamed; Ahmed, Fatima; Abu-Median, Abu-Bakr; Panourgia, Maria; Owles, Henry; Ochieng, B.; Ahamed, Hassan; Wale, Jane; Dietsch, Benjamin; Mital, Dushyant dc.description.abstract: The continuing increase in patient numbers and improvement in healthcare provisions of HIV services in the UK, alongside the effectiveness of combined antiretroviral therapy (cART), has resulted in increasing numbers of the ageing population among people living with HIV (PLWH). It is expected that geriatricians will need to deal with many older people living with HIV (OPLWH) as life expectancy increases. Therefore, geriatric syndromes in OPLWH will be similar to the normal population, such as falls, cognitive decline, frailty, dementia, hypertension, diabetes and polypharmacy. The increase in the long-term use of cART, diabetes, dyslipidaemia and hypertension may lead to high prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The treatment of such conditions may lead to polypharmacy and may increase the risk of cART drug–drug interactions. In addition, the risk of developing infection and cancer is high. OPLWH may develop an early onset of low bone mineral density (BMD), osteoporosis and fractures. In this review, we have also provided potential psychosocial aspects of an ageing population with HIV, addressing issues such as depression, stigma, isolation and the need for comprehensive medical and psychosocial care through an interdisciplinary team in a hospital or community setting. OPLWH have a relatively high burden of physical, psychological, and spiritual needs and social difficulties, which require palliative care. The holistic type of palliative care that will improve physical, emotional and psychological wellbeing is discussed in this review. dc.description: open access article
Adherence to the Eatwell Guide and Population and Planetary Health: A Rank Prize Forum Repor
dc.title: Adherence to the Eatwell Guide and Population and Planetary Health: A Rank Prize Forum Repor dc.contributor.author: Shannon, Oliver; Townsend, Rebecca; Malcomson, Fiona; Matu, Jamie; Griffiths, Alex; Jennings, Amie; Ward, Nicola; Papier, Keren; Best, Nicola; French, Chloe; Scheelbeek, Pauline; Kim, Curie; Ochieng, B.; Jay, Fareeha; Shepherd, Kaydee; Corfe, Bernard; Fairley, Andrea; McEvoyd, Claire; Minihane, Ann-Marie; Sim, Yi Jia; Stevenson, Emma; Gregory, Sarah dc.description.abstract: This report summarises a Forum conducted in June 2023 to explore the current state of the knowledge around the Eatwell Guide, which is the UK Government’s healthy eating tool, in relation to population and planetary health. The 1.5-day Forum highlighted the limited, albeit promising evidence linking higher adherence to the Eatwell Guide with favourable health outcomes, including reduced overall mortality risk, lower abdominal obesity in post-menopausal women, and improved cardiometabolic health markers. Similarly, evidence was presented to suggest that higher adherence to the Eatwell Guide is associated with reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Presentations were given around cultural adaptations of the Eatwell Guide, including African Heritage and South Asian versions, which are designed to increase acceptability and uptake of the Eatwell Guide in these communities in the UK. Presentations highlighted ongoing work relevant to the applications of the Eatwell Guide in randomised controlled trials and public health settings, including the development of a screening tool to quantify Eatwell Guide adherence. The Forum ended with a World Café-style event, in which strengths and limitations of the Eatwell Guide were discussed, and directions for future research were identified. This Forum report serves as a primer on the current state of the knowledge on the Eatwell Guide and population and planetary health and will be of interest to researchers, healthcare professionals, and public health officials. dc.description: The file attached to this record is the author's final peer reviewed version. The Publisher's final version can be found by following the DOI link.
A Qualitative Exploration on Perceived Socio-Cultural Factors Contributing to Undernutrition Among Under-Fives in the Southern Highlands of Tanzania
dc.title: A Qualitative Exploration on Perceived Socio-Cultural Factors Contributing to Undernutrition Among Under-Fives in the Southern Highlands of Tanzania dc.contributor.author: Frumence, Gasto; Jin, Yannan; Kasangala, Amalberga; Mang’enya, Mary; Bakar, Saidah; Ochieng, B. dc.description.abstract: Objective: Under nutrition especially among under-fives is a major public health challenge in Tanzania. However, the contribution of cultural practices to child under nutrition is often overlooked. This study aimed to explore the perceived socio-cultural factors contributing to the persisting under nutrition among under-fives in Tanzania. Methods: The study applied focus group discussion (FDGs) with forty practitioners to examine the sociocultural factors contributing to under nutrition during early childhood. The study participants were purposively selected and thematic analysis was used to identify themes within the data. Results: This study revealed that, under nutrition for under-fives is caused by a number of socio-cultural factors including existence of gender inequality related to dietary practices and qualities, women’s excessive workload, patriarchy social-norm, excessive alcohol use and cultural taboos prohibiting women and girls from eating certain types of nutrient dense foods. Conclusion: The study highlights the multiplicity of factors including socio-cultural perspectives contributing to under nutrition among under-fives, and calls for a concerted efforts in developing and implementing issue-specific and culturally sensitive strategies towards elimination of child under nutrition. dc.description: open access article; Jessica Jin is the joint first author of this paper
A Case Study of a Pilot Smart Home Monitoring System with Older Adults Living Alone in East Midlands
dc.title: A Case Study of a Pilot Smart Home Monitoring System with Older Adults Living Alone in East Midlands dc.contributor.author: Chaudhry, Ismail; Chamley, Carol; Nijhof, Dewy; Ochieng, Rebecca; Rogerson, Louise; Wong, Richard; Prasad, Rishabh; Ochieng, B. dc.description.abstract: The aim of this project was to examine older adults and their next-of-kins’ experiences of using smart home technology. The technology unobtrusively monitors the older adult’s physical functional ability to undertake their daily activities at home. Using a case study approach, the participants comprised three family units: three older adults with a history of long-term co-morbidities and who lived alone, along with their next-of-kin (n=4). The older adults were all female aged between 72- 82 years of age, while the four next-of-kin were all females aged between 40 and 55 years of age. Participants experiences of using the smart home technology was evaluated at three- and eight-months post installation via in-depth one-to-one interviews with the older adults and their next-of-kin. The older adults described how the smart home sensors reduced their levels of anxiety because they were ‘not feeling alone’. Likewise, their next-of-kin described how the sensors gave them an insight to their older relatives’ activities of daily living, as well as the challenges they experienced. The findings highlighted the benefit of smart home technologies in terms of helping older adults and their next-of-kin monitor their daily activities, reduce social isolation, and adopt positive health and behavioural changes. dc.description: open access article
Nurturing Babies During the COVID-19 Lockdown: Resilience, Art and Creativity The Talent 25 Longitudinal (Sub-sample Study Executive Summary)
dc.title: Nurturing Babies During the COVID-19 Lockdown: Resilience, Art and Creativity The Talent 25 Longitudinal (Sub-sample Study Executive Summary) dc.contributor.author: Nijhof, Dewy; Ochieng, Rebecca; Daxini, Amar; Diawal-Bot, Diretnan; Owens, Christopher; Ochieng, B.
Exploring Parental Experiences of Online Engagement with Arts and Creative Activities During the COVID-19 pandemic: The Talent 25 Longitudinal Sub-sample Study (Executive Summary)
dc.title: Exploring Parental Experiences of Online Engagement with Arts and Creative Activities During the COVID-19 pandemic: The Talent 25 Longitudinal Sub-sample Study (Executive Summary) dc.contributor.author: Daxini, Amar; Dikwal-Bot, Diretnan; Blair, Krista; Ochieng, Rebecca; Nijhof, Dewy; Ochieng, B.
My Story: Using a life story approach to build friendships between younger and older people to alleviate loneliness and social isolation
dc.title: My Story: Using a life story approach to build friendships between younger and older people to alleviate loneliness and social isolation dc.contributor.author: Clayton, David; Clifton, Andrew; de Vries, Kay; Kuuya, Henson; Ochieng, B. dc.description.abstract: Loneliness and social isolation for older people remain a problem. Intergenerational befriending may be one solution that could help with loneliness and social isolation. ‘My Story’ is based on a life story approach aimed at facilitating friendship by providing a format for older and younger people to interact. An original pilot was undertaken to test the approach by bringing together older people identified as lonely by a voluntary sector provider and pairing these with a student volunteer. The students visited the older person over six weeks to discuss their life story and create an artefact based on the story of the older person. Three pairings were studied to explore the experiences of the older and younger person using ‘My Story’. The focus of the case studies was if a therapeutic alliance emerged which could lead to friendship. The research found that in the two of the pairings, ‘My Story’ helped to create mutual benefit and a therapeutic bond that could lead to friendship. As this was an exploratory and small pilot, more cases and further research is required to fully assess if ‘My Story’ is an effective approach to intergenerational befriending. dc.description: The file attached to this record is the author's final peer reviewed version. The Publisher's final version can be found by following the DOI link.

View a full listing of Bertha Ochieng's publications and outputs from 2010

Research interests/expertise

Access and utilization of health and social care services,
Concepts of health and wellbeing
Diabetes and long-term disease self-management
Inequalities in health and social care,
Parenting styles and early child rearing
Self-care strategies in health and social care
Socially disadvantaged populations and immigrant health
Mixed methods
Qualitative methodologies
Service development
Systematic reviews

User and carer experiences/perspectives of health and social care

Areas of teaching

Health promotion
Public health
Systematic review
Research methodologies

Working with communities to improve health

Qualifications

Post-graduate Certificate in Leadership and Management in Higher Education, University of Bradford.
PhD, School of Sociology and Social Policy, University of Leeds.
MSc Health Education Health Promotion; Leeds Metropolitan University.
Post-graduate Certificate in Education; University of Huddersfield.
MA Development Studies; University of Leeds.
BSc (Hons); Leeds.

Membership of professional associations and societies

Senior Fellow of Higher Education Academy (UK)
Nursing & Midwifery Council (UK)

Fellow of the Royal Society of Public Health (UK)
Migrant and Ethnic Minority Health (European association)

Centre for Ethnicity and Racism Studies (Leeds)

Conference attendance

2016: Diabetes care pathway: an analysis of self-management, 9th European Public Health Conference, Vienna

2016Spirituality and meditation as mediating factors in Black families wellbeing. Mental Health and Cultural Diversity International Conference, Leicester.

2014: Welfare systems and wellbeing: exploration of Black Families' Experiences and Beliefs, Ninth International Conference on Interdisciplinary Social Sciences Conference, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.

2012: Health literacy and access to health and social welfare services. Seventh International Conference on Interdisciplinary Social Sciences Conference, Universidada Abat Oliba CEU, Barcelona Spain.

2012: Community group actions: their emergence, maintenance and continuance. Seventh International Conference on Interdisciplinary Social Sciences Conference, Universidada Abat Oliba CEU, Barcelona Spain.

2010: Spirituality as a mediating factor in Black families beliefs and experiences of health and wellbeing. Interdisciplinary Social Sciences conference, University of Cambridge, Cambridge.
2010: Minority ethnic families and the challenges to practice a healthy lifestyle. 8^th European Regional Conference of the Commonwealth Nurses’, Pathos, Cyprus.

Consultancy work

Professor Ochieng provides consultancy for a range of health and social care organisations. Her portfolio of activities includes specialist staff training on service development, user and family involvement, and ethnicity and cultural perspectives.