I am a PhD candidate in Health Policy and Health Economics. I am also a Researcher at the Care Policy and Evaluation Centre (CPEC), at the LSE. My work primarily focuses on dementia-related research. I hold a BSc in Anthropology from Brunel University and an MSc in Global Health Policy from the LSE.
Exploring factors influencing access to healthcare services and attitudes towards pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments among people with dementia
My doctoral research focuses on access to and experiences within primary care among people with dementia in England, and how these factors influence treatment uptake, medication adherence, and care preferences. Due to the complex nature of dementia, patient-provider relationships are extremely important. However, people from ethnic minority groups are more likely to report negative experiences in primary care settings, which can undermine trust, reduce adherence to treatment, and ultimately contribute to poorer health outcomes. Cultural factors, personal beliefs, and individual backgrounds, play an essential role in shaping perceptions of dementia and attitudes towards treatments, yet the ways these factors interconnect with care experiences remain underexplored.
The PhD has three primary objectives: (1) to explore access to and experiences of care for people with dementia in England, (2) to investigate potential patterns in treatment adherence and care preferences among people with dementia, with particular attention to ethnic minority groups, and (3) to explore which factors influence medication adherence patterns and decisions regarding treatments. To achieve these objectives, the PhD adopts a mixed-method approach, involving the analysis of two datasets on care experiences, access, and treatment uptake alongside a qualitative study involving several interviews with people with dementia. By identifying potential inequalities in primary care access and medication adherence, this research aims to inform future developments in dementia care, particularly in the context of emerging medications.
London School of Economics and Political Science
Advisor: Martin Knapp
Contact: e.aguzzoli@lse.ac.uk
