Research

Social and Public Health Research

Social Medicine and Global Health Research

Our research examines how social, economic, and political factors shape health experiences, influence access to and quality of healthcare, and impact health and well-being. We are committed to advancing the field of social medicine by focusing on health determinants and inequities faced by host and refugee populations in situations of crisis, war, and displacement. Our work spans a range of impactful topics, from assessing postpartum depression risks among refugees, prevalence of aggression and other risky behaviors among adolescents, the effects of food insecurity on vulnerable households, to examining the mental health implications of the Beirut Port explosion, and specific challenges faced by the deaf and the LGBTQ+ communities. In addition to our descriptive and exploratory research, our work involves interventional studies, such as evaluating educational interventions to improve health knowledge and practices in high school students. Through qualitative and quantitative methods, including studies on health literacy among various groups— adolescents, COVID-19 survivors, refugees, patients with chronic conditions, university students—we aim to uncover health disparities and address inequities in both traditional and digital access to health information and services. Our research informs and influences public health policies and interventions designed to tackle the social determinants of health, and promote health and resilience. Our comprehensive approach underscores the importance of integrating social factors into health research and practice, reflecting the core objectives of social medicine.

Faculty

Carmel Bouclaous, PhD
Associate Professor of Social Medicine and Global Health

Ongoing projects

Public Health Research

Our research explores how the distribution and determinants of diseases are shaped by various factors, focusing on both the Lebanese populations and beyond. We investigate a wide range of topics, including the prevalence of chronic diseases and the factors associated with them in order to identify patterns and causes of illness, as well as blood biomarkers and their association with disease evolution. Our work also explores mental health problems, quality of life (QoL), and the impact of lifestyle behaviors on public health, alongside Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) studies to understand how communities perceive and manage health risks. Additionally, we focus on medical education, striving to translate scientific findings into practical interventions to enhance strategies in the field. Our policy briefs play a crucial role in guiding health practices and improving population health. We also prioritize collaboration with local and international health organizations to amplify the impact of our research and ensure that our findings contribute to real-world public health improvements. By integrating advanced data analysis techniques and adopting a multidisciplinary approach, we aim to providing a more comprehensive understanding of the challenges facing public health today.

Led by Dr. Michele Cherfane and Dr. Zeina Akiki, our work provides critical insights to inform effective public health strategies and contribute to better health outcomes at the community and national levels.

Faculty

Ongoing projects