Severe Mental Illness, Dental and Ophthalmic Health in NI

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    Dental and Ophthalmic Health in Northern Ireland: an examination of disparities in rates between those with severe mental illness (SMI) and the general population.

  • IRAS ID

    269497

  • Contact name

    Michael Rosato

  • Contact email

    mg.rosato@ulster.ac.uk

  • Sponsor organisation

    Ulster University

  • Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier

    249n, NILS Project Number

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    2 years, 0 months, 31 days

  • Research summary

    Using linked census, prescription, dental, ophthalmic and mortality data, this study will examine disparities in dental and ophthalmic health between adults with SMI compared to the general population, as well as the association with a wide range of socio-demographic characteristics. Specifically, the following research questions will be addressed:

    1. What are the rates of dental service engagement among individuals with SMI compared to those without SMI, controlling for other socio-demographic characteristics?
    2. What are the rates of adverse dental health outcomes/treatments among individuals with SMI compared to those without SMI, controlling for other socio-demographic characteristics?
    3. What are the rates of ophthalmic service use among individuals with SMI compared to those without SMI?
    4. What are the rates of eye conditions/diseases (such as glaucoma, macular degeneration among others) among individuals with SMI compared to those without SMI?
    5. Is all-cause and specific-cause mortality associated with adverse dental health outcomes and does this vary between those with and without SMI, controlling for other socio-demographic characteristics?
    6. Is all-cause and specific-cause mortality associated with adverse ophthalmic health outcomes and does this vary between those with and without SMI, controlling for other socio-demographic characteristics?

    All analyses will be carried out in within the NILS 'safe setting' at NISRA headquarters in Colby House in Belfast.

  • REC name

    North West - Greater Manchester East Research Ethics Committee

  • REC reference

    19/NW/0620

  • Date of REC Opinion

    7 Oct 2019

  • REC opinion

    Favourable Opinion