Bertha Ochieng

Bertha Ochieng is Professor of Integrated Health and Social Care at De Montfort University, affiliated with the School of Nursing and Midwifery within the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences. She combines clinical expertise, academic scholarship, and community-engaged research to improve health outcomes for marginalized and socially disadvantaged populations across the life course. Her work emphasizes collaborative partnerships with NHS Trusts, voluntary organizations, and international academic teams.

Education:

• PhD, School of Sociology and Social Policy, University of Leeds
• MSc Health Education and Health Promotion, Leeds Metropolitan University
• MA Development Studies, University of Leeds
• BSc (Hons), University of Leeds
• Post-graduate Certificate in Education, University of Huddersfield
• Post-graduate Certificate in Leadership and Management in Higher Education, University of Bradford

Her research interests center on reducing health inequalities through integrated health and social care models, focusing on community empowerment, culturally sensitive health promotion, and the self-management of long-term conditions. She employs mixed and qualitative methodologies to explore user and carer perspectives, service development, and systemic barriers to care access—particularly among Black, migrant, and minority ethnic populations. Her work also investigates digital health innovations, such as smart-home monitoring and AI-enhanced discharge services, to support aging populations.

Her recent publications reflect a strong trend in public health research with an emphasis on equity, community co-creation, and global health challenges—from maternal disparities in Leicester to child undernutrition in Tanzania. These works span qualitative studies, systematic reviews, and policy-informing reports, often involving interdisciplinary and international collaborations.

Scientific Awards and Professional Recognition:

• Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (UK)
• Fellow of the Royal Society of Public Health (UK)
• Member, Nursing & Midwifery Council (UK)
• Member, Migrant and Ethnic Minority Health (European association)
• Member, Centre for Ethnicity and Racism Studies (Leeds)

Bertha Ochieng has advised and collaborated with early-career researchers and practitioners, including Lorraine Ochieng and Rebecca Ochieng, on studies related to healthy weight maintenance and augmented care technologies. She has led multiple knowledge transfer and service development initiatives, such as training tools for weight management and community health practitioner programs. Her consultancy work supports health and social care organizations in staff training, user involvement, and cultural competence.

She is actively involved in research groups related to nursing, midwifery, social science, public policy, and health sciences, and her projects frequently involve community-based participatory approaches to ensure relevance and impact.