GEHLab Research Intern Presents at the 16th Annual CUGH Conference in Atlanta

From February 20th to February 23rd, 2025, I had the incredible opportunity to attend the 16th Annual Consortium of Universities for Global Health (CUGH) Conference in Atlanta, United States. The Global & Environmental Health (GEH) Lab had a strong showing at this year’s conference, presenting a total of 11 different projects that include studies examining intergenerational beliefs of policing and mental health among black youth in Canada, the effectiveness of infectious disease control initiatives in the context of the One Health approach, and the consequences and implications of energy insecurity on the health and well-being of women.

This year, I presented a poster presentation focusing on the results of our investigation into the relationship between food and water insecurity and sleep quality among Kenyans living with HIV. While previous studies have independently linked resource insecurity (e.g., food and water) and HIV/AIDS to poor sleep quality, there did not seem to be any studies investigating the intersection of these factors, especially in sub-Saharan African contexts. Our goal was therefore to examine the effect of these resource insecurities on sleep quality and to uncover the potential drivers that modulate this relationship among those living with HIV/AIDS in Kenya. 

Analysing data from the 1 132 surveys conducted in Kisumu County, Kenya, our results showed that there was indeed a correlation between food and water insecurity and poor sleep quality for those with HIV. Additionally, older individuals, those who are separated or divorced from their partners, and especially those with symptoms of depression and anxiety, were significantly more likely to experience insomnia in the context of food and water insecurity. Interestingly, while higher socioeconomic status and greater life satisfaction were associated with lower odds of experiencing insomnia symptoms, factors such as average monthly income, participant gender, and level of education did not significantly impact the likelihood of experiencing insomnia. 

Having the opportunity to present at CUGH allowed me not only to refine my skills in science communication but also to connect with global health researchers, clinicians, practitioners, and students from around the world. In addition to receiving valuable feedback on our project, I was grateful to learn that our work sparked meaningful discussions, particularly among clinicians, about the far-reaching impacts of resource insecurities and, more broadly, the social determinants of health, and how these insights might shape their practice. I also attended a number of thought-provoking sessions on topics such as the ethics of political engagement in global health, strategies to advance sexual and reproductive health and rights amid shifting policy landscapes in the United States, and emerging research on Long COVID. One session on the equity and safety of AI in global health was particularly compelling, sparking an interest that I hope to explore as a graduate student in the near future.

Attending this conference has been deeply fulfilling—both academically and professionally—and has only reaffirmed my commitment to building a career in global health. Thank you to the Dahdaleh Institute, Dr. Godfred Boateng, and my colleagues at the GEH Lab for your encouragement, inspiration, and continual support. - Richard Wu

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