Aim:
The primary aim of this dissertation is to investigate the potential relationship between caffeine and alcohol consumption during pregnancy and the risk of postpartum depression. Specifically, it aims to determine whether higher levels of caffeine and alcohol intake are associated with an increased risk of postpartum depression in mothers.
Objectives:
– To review and synthesise existing literature on the effects of caffeine and alcohol consumption during pregnancy on maternal mental health, with a focus on postpartum depression.
– To examine the prevalence of caffeine and alcohol consumption among pregnant women and their postpartum depression rates.
– To assess the potential biological and psychological mechanisms that may link caffeine and alcohol consumption during pregnancy to an elevated risk of postpartum depression.
– To explore the sociodemographic and lifestyle factors that could modify the relationship between caffeine/alcohol consumption and postpartum depression risk.
– To provide evidence-based recommendations for healthcare professionals and policymakers regarding caffeine and alcohol consumption guidelines for pregnant women.
Activities:
1. Literature Review: Conduct an extensive review of peer-reviewed articles, books, and research papers related to caffeine and alcohol consumption during pregnancy and its potential impact on postpartum depression.
2. Data Analysis: Employ statistical software to analyse the collected data, employing appropriate statistical tests (e.g., regression analysis) to determine the relationship between caffeine/alcohol consumption and postpartum depression while controlling for confounding variables.
3. Interviews and Surveys: Administer interviews and surveys to postpartum women to gather qualitative information regarding their caffeine and alcohol consumption patterns and their experiences with postpartum depression.
4. Biological Mechanism Investigation: Collaborate with experts in the field to explore the potential biological mechanisms through which caffeine and alcohol may affect postpartum depression risk, such as hormonal changes, neurotransmitter alterations, or placental transfer.
5. Policy and Guideline Recommendations: Based on the findings, formulate evidence-based recommendations for healthcare professionals and policymakers on safe levels of caffeine and alcohol consumption during pregnancy to minimise the risk of postpartum depression.
6. Thesis Writing: Compile the research findings into a comprehensive dissertation, including the introduction, literature review, methodology, results, discussion, and conclusion, adhering to academic writing standards.
7. Peer Review and Ethical Considerations: Ensure that the dissertation adheres to ethical standards in research and submit it for peer review to receive feedback and suggestions for improvement.
Layout:
• Abstract
• Introduction
• Methods
• Results
• Discussion
– Typically you should write in the style of a research article – use headings and sub-headings to break up your work and make it easier to read and understand (not one long narrative).
– Try to put your own spin/interpretation on things rather than regurgitating.
– Write across the page and not in columns and make sure that figures with their title and legend are on the same page.
– Have headings as signposts.
– Tables and figures also tell a story, and breaks up dense text, but make sure you cite them in the text.
– Number and label tables and figures separately, and cite the source unless you drew them yourself from your own analysis. – – Don’t forget figure legends.
Figures:
• Not too many bells and whistles. Clarity is vital.
• Make sure that diagrams and figures are relevant and without lots of extraneous information – figures are there to support your argument. How many figures are appropriate?
• Make sure you make the appropriate acknowledgement. It is often better to create your own figures.
• There should be a good blend of diagrams, figures and tables.
• It is important to have each one labelled with a number, title and legend. They must all be referred to in the text.
References:
– Please make sure the references are mostly from British authors or based in the UK.
– Please make sure the references are dated in the last 5-7 years max.
– Please make sure to get a range of evidence from different sources (systematic reviews, RCTs, opinion articles, etc)
