Annika Theodoulou

Investigating socioeconomic inequalities in smoking cessation behaviours and outcomes.

Research abstract

Tobacco smoking is a major cause of health inequalities, and current interventions for smoking cessation may exacerbate existing disparities. I am undertaking a body of research which aims to increase our understanding of socioeconomic inequalities and smoking cessation behaviours. This work has begun with a Cochrane review which aims to investigate the effect of individual-level smoking cessation interventions on socioeconomic inequalities in adults who smoke tobacco.

This doctoral research is undertaken with the support of the Rotary Foundation.

Supervisors

Dr Jamie Hartmann-Boyce

Dr Nicola Lindson

Biography

I joined the Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences at the University of Oxford in 2018. I worked as a systematic reviewer firstly for the Health Behaviours team and now with the Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine on research aiming to improve health through behaviour change. My research interests are focussed on evidence synthesis, and on interventions for smoking cessation and weight management.

Prior to joining the department, I worked as an orthopaedic researcher in Australia. I contributed to clinical trials and led systematic reviews investigating a wide variety of musculoskeletal conditions, from surgical treatments through to post-operative care.  

Education

I completed a Master of Clinical Science with The Joanna Briggs Institute at the University of Adelaide in 2018 and was awarded the Dean’s Commendation for Master of Research Thesis Excellence. My research demonstrated the increased risk of complication and poorer outcomes in patients with obesity and diabetes undergoing upper-limb arthroplasty.

In 2012, I graduated from a Bachelor of Health Sciences at the University of Adelaide in Australia. Majoring in Pharmacology and Psychology, I was awarded for achieving the highest mark for each major and, in addition, was received the Dean’s Certificate of Merit.

Research interests

I am interested in research that aims to improve health through behaviour change, with a focus on:

• Evidence synthesis
• Tobacco addiction and smoking cessation
• Socioeconomic inequalities and health behaviour
• Obesity and weight management
• Orthopaedics