On August 23, 2024, the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) announced the results of its annual project evaluations. Professors Beini Lü, Yuhang Pan, and Dr. Jianan Yang from Peking University’s Institute for Global Health Development were all awarded grants through the Young Scientists Fund for their respective research projects.
Dr. Beini Lyu
blyu@pku.edu.cn
Dr. Beini Lyu, an Assistant Professor at Peking University’s Institute for Global Health and Development, has received funding for her project titled “Clinical Decision-Making Mechanisms and Empirical Research of Polypharmacy in the Elderly: A Social Ecological Approach.” The research is designed to address the pressing challenges posed by China’s aging population, specifically the health risks and financial burden associated with polypharmacy. Using social ecological theory, the project aims to explore the decision-making processes involved in managing polypharmacy and to propose effective intervention strategies. The study will analyze the social and systemic factors influencing elderly patients’ medication use through the social ecological model. By combining data-driven analysis and randomized controlled trials, it will clarify the mechanisms behind the clinical decision-making. This work will provide both theoretical insights and practical evidence to support streamlined prescription practices, reduce unnecessary medication use, improve clinical outcomes, and lower healthcare costs. Ultimately, the research will contribute to better regulation of medication for older adults in China, promoting healthy aging and value-based healthcare practices.
Dr. Yuhang Pan
yhpan@pku.edu.cn
Dr. Yuhang Pan, an Assistant Professor at Peking University’s Institute for Global Health and Development, has been awarded funding for his project titled “Can International Aid Mitigate the Health Impacts of Climate Change? Evidence from China’s Aid Programs in Africa.” The research will investigate how various aid initiatives in Africa contribute to climate adaptation by addressing factors such as household energy use, housing infrastructure, income, and employment. Through comprehensive analyses, the study will assess the effectiveness of their aid programs across different populations, regions, and countries, exploring their potential to enhance resilience to the impacts of climate change. The findings will provide valuable insights for improving international aid strategies, expanding the toolkit for climate adaptation, and informing climate resilience efforts in China’s underdeveloped regions.
Dr. Jianan Yang
jianan.yang@pku.edu.cn
Dr. Jianan Yang, an Assistant Professor at Peking University’s Institute for Global Health and Development, has received funding for her project titled “Behavioral Economics of Inappropriate Antibiotic Use and a Randomized Trial on Patient Intervention Strategies.” The study will use a quasi-experimental design to assess how changes in drug prices, driven by centralized procurement, affect the rational use of antibiotics. Additionally, leveraging social preference theory from behavioral economics, the research will utilize a crossover study approach to examine the impact of communicating the societal harms of antibiotic resistance to patients, and how this influences their antibiotic usage decisions. The study will also explore the interactions between price changes and information interventions. Through interviews and follow-up studies, the project will provide an in-depth analysis of the current state of antibiotic misuse, the reasons behind it, and the mechanisms that make interventions effective. This research is highly significant for the “Healthy China” initiative, as it supports public health efforts and offers new perspectives for tackling global health issues.
