Institute of Public Health

Summary of scientific activities on the RSU Research Portal

Goals

• Provide high-quality education in public health and healthcare
• Carry out scientific activities and initiatives related to the acquisition and development of scientific qualifications in public health and healthcare
• Serve as a think tank and methodological centre for public health and healthcare policy and practice

Tasks

• Develop, implement, and streamline study courses in public health and healthcare, including the creation of methodological materials, ensuring the involvement of academic staff in educational development, promoting international exchange of experience, and strengthening academic integrity
• Develop and maintain excellence in scientific research by engaging students, staff, scientists, and professionals, ensuring high-quality and sustainable knowledge exchange, alignment of studies and research, and upholding research integrity
• Participate in the development and implementation of internal University grants, Latvian Council of Science, National Research Programme, international and other scientific research projects funded by other sources in the field of public health and healthcare
• Promote the visibility of the Institute by regularly presenting research results at both international and local scientific conferences and congresses, as well as submitting scientific publications to open-access journals indexed in internationally recognised databases
• Educate and inform the healthcare structures, healthcare professionals and the public about the results of the Institute's research through the mass media, as well as by participating in and organising conferences, seminars, symposia and other science and popular science events
• Facilitate the exchange of experience and foster cooperation with other university departments, educational, medical, and scientific institutions, as well as state administration bodies in Latvia and abroad
• Provide expert scientific guidance in the fields of public health and healthcare
• Engage in the setting of national public health and healthcare priorities and contribute to policy development
• Build an evidence base on the determinants of health, identify the most effective solutions for disease prevention and health promotion, and develop strategies to improve the quality and efficiency of the healthcare system

Current research projects

International projects

Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe

The aim of the project: Collect data on health, psychological, economic, demographic aspects and social support for people aged over 50 years in different European countries, providing opportunities for research and creation of health and welfare policy.
Link

ERA4Health Partnership HealthEquity project ePlatform for Promoting Health in Schools (ePro-Schools)

The aim of the project: ePro-Schools will co-design and evaluate a modular eHealth platform to promote physical activity and healthy eating, and reduce sedentary behaviours using an innovative approach through the implementation of an eHealth platform in adolescents in disadvantaged settings.
Link

CO-creating commuNity iNterventions on diEt and physical aCtivity to increase health equiTy in chIldren and adOlesceNts (CONNECTION)

The aim of the project: This project aims to design, implement and evaluate co-created social and physical environmental community interventions that promote healthier diets and physical activity, targeting children and adolescents in disadvantaged socioeconomic circumstances, with the ultimate goal of increasing health equity.
Link

EU4Health project Implementation of Cancer Screening Programs (EUCanScreen)

The aim of the project: To ensure the sustainable implementation of high-quality screening for the treatment of breast, cervical and colorectal cancer, as well as to introduce the new screening programs for the early detection of lung, prostate and stomach cancer.

Institute of Public Health as a cooperation partner:

• WP6 Barriers and facilitators to the implementation of successful cancer screening
• WP9 Risk-based approaches
• WP10 Modeling and health technology assessment to optimize cancer screening programs across Europe
• WP11 Capacity building

Link

AAPEHS: Adolescent and Adult Perspectives on European Health System Performance: A Four-Country Study

The aim of the project: To use a new study tool developed by an international team of researchers led by the Harvard School of Public Health to measure health system performance from the population perspective in four target countries: Latvia, the Netherlands, Scotland and Switzerland. The People’s Voice Survey (PVS) is designed to measure health system quality (e.g., care pathways, experiences of care, and trust and confidence in the health system) in a systematic and comparable way, using nationally representative samples
Link

Inclusive Wellbeing Through Arts and Culture in the Baltics (WITAC)

The aim of the project:
(1) Develop and test a new cross-sectoral model of cooperation among higher education Institutions (HEIs) in the Baltic countries, with representation from both the cultural and health sectors;
(2) Promote the role of HEIs in supporting international lifelong learning endeavours across the Baltic countries;
(3) By offering innovative solutions – inclusive well-being for vulnerable groups through cultural participation, strengthen the leadership role of HEIs as agents for addressing societal challenges.
Official website

Latvian Council of Science Projects, State and National Research Programmes

State research programme 'Public Health'

New Knowledge and Approaches to Reduce Antimicrobial Resistance, Limit the Spread of HIV and Expand Community Vaccination Coverage

The aim of the project: To develop new knowledge and approaches to reduce antimicrobial resistance, limit the spread of HIV and expand community vaccination coverage in a cost-effective way.
Link

Development of a New Computer-Assisted Assessment Tool for Measuring and Monitoring Mental Health Outcomes of Adolescents in the Context of the Post-COVID Pandemic

The aim of the project: To develop a new computer-assisted assessment tool (CAAT) to measure and monitor mental health outcomes of adolescents aged 13–19, particularly focussing on the identification of risk factors for suicidal behaviour in the context of the post-COVID pandemic.
Link

Automated Patient Engagement and Tracking for Colorectal Cancer Screening in Primary Care

The aim of the project: is not only to increase screening rates in Latvia but also to develop a practical model that can be adapted to other cancer screenings and healthcare systems worldwide. This innovative approach seeks to transform screening practices, enhancing accessibility and efficiency globally.

Link

Patient-Reported Outcome Measures for Breast Cancer Patients: A Pilot Study

The aim of the project: To assess patients' self-assessment of health after breast cancer surgical treatment using patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), and to assess the possibilities of integrating PROMs into surgical oncology care in Latvia.
Link

Factors Associated with Frailty and Fall-Related Mortality in the elderly population of Latvia

The aim of the project: Investigate frailty and analyse fall-related mortality and associated factors among the population aged 50 and above in Latvia. 
Link

Modifiable Bio and Life-style Markers in Predicting Cognitive Decline (MOBILE-COG)

The aim of the project: To determine if various long-term lifestyle markers can predict the deterioration of pathological cognitive abilities even before the appearance of clinical symptoms, especially - emphasizing the role of long-term physical activities (or motor reserve) and lifestyle factors (cognitive reserve).
Link

Impact of Sport Type on Neck Functional Abilities, Movement Stereotypes, and Health Risks in Sports and Para Sports

The aim of the project: To evaluate the impact of sports and para-sports and their technical performance on neck structures, functional capacity, stereotype of movements, and related health risks. 
Link