Briefly, could you explain what you were doing before King’s?
Before I started my studies at King's, I was a lecturer at Presbyterian University Ghana. I had taught there for just over a year before the opportunity to study at King’s arose. As a nurse by profession, I was also practicing nursing as well as supervising students during clinical placements and practical examinations (known as OSCEs in the UK).
What most attracted you to King's?
During my MSc program at the University of Nottingham, I developed a network of friends, and King’s was frequently mentioned as a prestigious institution. A friend who had completed their studies at King’s would often boast about its outstanding reputation for world-class teaching and cutting-edge research. This piqued my interest in King’s. Moreover, King’s offered PhD funding opportunities focused on international students, which was exactly what I needed.
Could you tell us about the African PhD scholarship programme and your involvement and achievements?
The African PhD Scholarship Programme at King’s College London is an International Postgraduate (PGR) Scholarship that supports African nationals in undertaking interdisciplinary research projects relevant to Africa. As the inaugural recipient of this award in the 2020/2021 academic year, I have seen about nine more recipients from different African countries since then. As a team of African scholars, we actively participate in the annual “Africa Week” celebrations organized by the African Leadership Centre at King's, where we present and engage in panel discussions about championing the African agenda. This involvement encourages us to focus on what is most relevant to Africa as a continent.
Could you tell us about your research and what it is related to?
Supervised by Professor Jackie Sturt and Dr. Kirsty Winkley, my research focuses on developing a prevention intervention program for diabetic foot ulcers for people living with diabetes in Ghana, where healthcare resources are scarce.
Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are severe wounds on the feet of people with diabetes, primarily caused by nerve damage and poor blood flow in the lower limbs. DFUs are a common but preventable complication of diabetes, leading to significant health and economic burdens. They often result in hospital admissions, high treatment costs, anxiety, depression, social isolation, limb amputations, infections, and even death. Individuals with diabetes face a 19% to 34% risk of developing foot ulcers in their lifetime, with the prevalence in Africa being higher at 7.2% compared to the global average of 6.3%.
My prevention intervention program, tailored to the local context, involves upskilling and educating both people with diabetes and their family caregivers to perform simple foot care activities at home using locally available resources. It aims to increase knowledge about diabetes and foot health, enabling early detection of serious foot problems for timely intervention.
A completed feasibility trial indicated that this contextual family and patient education foot self-care intervention is feasible, acceptable, and may improve knowledge, self-efficacy, and foot health behaviour, potentially reducing diabetes-related complications. Currently, we are preparing a grant application to develop a mobile app for the program to increase accessibility for those unable to attend face-to-face sessions.
How have you found the African PhD scholarship programme?
I must say it has been excellent. It is a unique opportunity for students to develop their research potential while contributing to the development of the African continent. This funding has been the most significant and exciting news for me.
What has been the best thing about your time at King's?
The highlight of my time at King’s was working on my supervisor’s project for six months, which involved visiting five different countries in Africa for research, impact and engagement activities. I took on a complex role as the project administrator, liaising with multinational stakeholders and senior policymakers to organize meetings and prepare agendas. Despite the challenges, the role was incredibly satisfying and offered substantial fulfilment and networking opportunities. I am grateful to Professor Jackie Sturt, my primary supervisor, for this opportunity.
What impact has this scholarship programme had on you?
This scholarship has significantly honed my research skills and enabled me to build a network of potential collaborators within the inclusive multicultural environment at King’s. I am graduating from King’s as a well-rounded individual, ready to integrate into any contemporary society or working environment.
What would you say to someone who is thinking about studying at King's?
You are just a step away from realizing your dreams and full potential, with great support systems at King’s. If you have a great idea for the common good, King’s will support you.