One of our Early Career Researchers Shadrick Masulani has just given his first national conference presentations and here are some of his insights a reflections!
“This year marked a special milestone in my research journey as I had the opportunity to present at two major national conferences: The 4th Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS) Research Dissemination Conference (RDC) and the 1st National Public Health Research Dissemination Conference (NPHRDC).
Representing the NIHR-GHRG on Adolescent Health & Wellbeing in Malawi Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) research, I presented my study titled “Mental Health Effects of WASH Conditions on Adolescents in Primary Schools in Malawi.” Sharing these findings on two national platforms was both exciting and inspiring, as it allowed me to contribute to ongoing conversations around adolescent health and well-being with academics, policy makers and practitioners.
The study revealed that high learner-to-latrine ratios, unclean latrines, unpleasant water taste and smell, and lack of soap at handwashing facilities were major WASH challenges in schools. The most prevalent psychosocial worries among learners were concerns about long queues, toilet cleanliness, and fear of contracting diseases. Importantly, the research demonstrated an association between certain WASH conditions and mental health outcomes, suggesting that interventions addressing both behavioural and infrastructural gaps in WASH, alongside psychosocial support, could help reduce mental health symptoms among learners.
The culture in our team at Centre for Water, Sanitation, Health and Appropriate Technology Development (WASHTED) encouraged me to actively participates these conferences to disseminate findings and foster knowledge exchange.
Presenting before experienced researchers and practitioners for the first time was both exciting and nerve-wracking. Preparing for the sessions taught me the value of teamwork — sharing drafts with my supervisors from Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences- MUBAS and Civil Engineering Strathclyde, and practicing multiple times helped refine my presentation and delivery. I learned how crucial it is to communicate complex findings clearly so others can connect with the realities faced by adolescents in schools.
Beyond my own presentations, attending other sessions opened my eyes to the breadth of public health research in Malawi; from mental health, antimicrobial resistance to community health, maternal and child health and one health initiatives. It was motivating to see how passionate people are about using research to drive positive change.
Overall, presenting at these national platforms boosted my confidence, broadened my perspective, and reaffirmed my passion for contributing to adolescent health and well-being through impactful, evidence-based research.”
NIHR (National Institute for Health and Care Research)
hashtag#WASH hashtag#Malawi hashtag#wellbeing hashtag#adolescents
