Ishfaq Vaja

Dr. Ishfaq Vaja is an Assistant Professor at the School of Social Sciences, Heriot-Watt University Dubai. He holds a PhD in Health Psychology from Liverpool John Moores University and has extensive experience in both academia and the UK's National Health Service (NHS). His research focuses on public health interventions, behavior change, and cultural diversity in healthcare delivery, particularly addressing chronic illnesses like type 2 diabetes among South Asian populations. He employs mixed-methods approaches, including qualitative research and community-based participatory methods. Dr. Vaja is also actively involved in media engagement, translating complex health concepts into accessible narratives. His work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to health equity and sustainable practices.

Research Interests:

• Behavior change and health promotion strategies
• Cultural diversity in healthcare delivery
• Chronic illness management and self-management behaviors
• Intervention design for long-term conditions
• Health professional-patient interactions

Recent Research Trends: Recent publications emphasize cultural conflict in diabetes care, public perception of environmental health policies (e.g., clean air zones), and theoretical frameworks for diabetes prevention. His work bridges academic research with real-world healthcare challenges, emphasizing participatory and patient-centered approaches.

Media & Engagement: Regular contributor to radio, TV, and print media on health psychology, behavior change, and healthcare equity. Known for translating complex topics into public-friendly discourse.