Statistical Consultancy for Tuberculosis Research in Bangladesh
The following report was written by Constantin Schmidt.
Volunteering is a meaningful way to contribute positively to society. It offers the opportunity for personal growth, reflection on one’s privileges, and the chance to apply skills learned in education to benefit others. For me, when I volunteer in a foreign community, I strive to add unique value to the project – something only I can bring. I want to avoid engaging in tasks that someone from the local community could easily do.
So, when two researchers from the International Centre for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dr. Kamrun N. Koly and Dr. Shahriar Ahmed, invited me to support their project, I was thrilled. I am a PhD candidate in medical statistics and they needed someone with statistical expertise to act as a consultant on their tuberculosis (TB) research. Thus, I knew I could contribute in a meaningful way.
Project Overview
This project aims to improve the mental and physical health outcomes of TB patients in Bangladesh, where TB is a leading cause of death among communicable diseases. Despite its prevalence, little is known about which factors predict the mental and physical well-being of TB patients in Bangladesh.
A team from icddr,b collected data through questionnaires from 420 TB patients at three key points: at diagnosis, after the intensive treatment phase (2 months), and upon treatment completion (6 months). This dataset offers valuable insights into personalized patient experiences and could contribute novel evidence to the global research community while informing TB policy in Bangladesh and worldwide.
Value Added
Standard statistical methods for analyzing such data tend to focus on population averages, which overlook the individual experiences of each patient. Additionally, the dataset had some missing data, particularly in the later rounds of questionnaire collection. This created the need for more advanced statistical techniques beyond those commonly used in the field.
As a voluntary statistical consultant, I was able to add significant value to the project. Through my PhD work, I regularly deal with complex datasets, and by reviewing the latest research and leveraging my knowledge of modern statistical models, I synthesized a method that allowed us to confidently analyze the data and derive conclusions that could influence TB policy.
Tasks Completed
My primary responsibilities involved analyzing the data and communicating results to the team of clinical researchers. Early in the project, I visited Dr. Koly, the principal investigator, at the University of Essex to establish clear communication channels and align on project goals. This was crucial in ensuring we were on the same page.
Since then, I have been working part-time on the project, primarily coding in R and writing up the results. Regular updates to the team have ensured smooth progress and alignment with the clinical goals of the research.
Outcomes
The project will culminate in the publication of two research papers in leading global health journals. These findings will not only contribute to the global understanding of TB but will also advocate for better TB policies in Bangladesh and beyond.
Personally, this volunteering experience has been incredibly rewarding. It provided me with a new avenue to apply the skills I’ve developed during my PhD in a way that has a real-world impact. Additionally, I learned how to collaborate and communicate effectively with an international team of researchers from vastly different backgrounds—a skill that will be invaluable in my future career.
I am deeply grateful to the Trinity Hall Foundation for enabling me to contribute to this project in such a meaningful way. I would also like to thank Dr. Kamrun N. Koly, Dr. Shahriar Ahmed, and the entire team at icddr,b for trusting me with this opportunity and for their commitment to improving the lives of those affected by TB.
