Liverpool scientist presents chronic illness study to House of Commons

A social scientist from the University of Liverpool has visited the House of Commons to present preliminary findings of an innovative research project to MPs.

Paula Holland from the Department of Public Health, presented her study on the social effects of chronic illness to research peers from around the country as well as MPs, at the Annual Parliamentary Reception for Younger Researchers in Science, Engineering, Medicine and Technology. The event was held as part of National Science Week.

Paula’s research, funded by the Medical Research Council, focuses on the impact of chronic illness on individuals’ employment, income, and quality of life, and whether these consequences are worse for already disadvantaged groups. She commented: “It has long been recognised that poorer social groups experience more illness and are at greater risk of premature death compared with richer groups. Tackling these inequalities in health is a key priority of the Government’s public health strategy, yet to devise effective policies and interventions we need a better understanding of the ways in which inequalities in health are created.”

She continued: “Research has shown that adverse social circumstances create inequalities in health and ill health itself may lead to poverty and other health risks. This is turn can result in more severe illness and disability for poorer groups and exacerbate existing social inequalities in health.”

Working with colleagues at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Paula will compare the consequences of chronic illness in Britain and Sweden to establish the role of differing welfare systems in the experience of chronic illness.