My projects

[May 2024] Bounding heterogeneity of treatment effect using aggregated level data

This study aims to develop causal estimators and causal estimation procedures for the heterogeneity of treatment effect using aggregated level publicly available data, for example randomized controlled trial summary data in meta-analysis. We derive identifiability conditions for a conditional average treatment effect using aggregated level data, develop estimators and give their statistical properties, and perform simulation studies. The associated manuscript will be submitted to a biostatistical journal for publishing.

[May 2024] Who will benefit from screening: counterfactual prediction modelling study

This study aims to find possible subgroups determined by patient characteristics that could benefit from ovarian cancer screening. We re-analyze the PLCO ovarian cancer screening randomized trial dataset using a novel counterfactual prediction modelling technique in a time-varying dynamic treatment regime setting and in the presence of competing events.

[Apr 2024] Formulating causal questions: causal estimands for everyone

This study aims to provide a comprehensive list of causal estimands and discuss the rationale beyond, as well as how to build up one’s own causal estimand in practice. We also provide a framework and practical illustration by which one can follow a newly proposed causal estimandbased approach for estimating causal effects in epidemiological studies. The manuscript will shortly be submitted to an epidemiological journal for publishing.

[Dec 2023] Causal language use in clinical practice guidelines: a critical review

This study aims at evaluating the use of causal words and the implied causation in diabetes clinical practice guidelines. We evaluate the use of causal words and the strength of causation in guideline recommendations, guideline supporting evidence, original studies, and their alignment.
This study is registered at OSF and the manuscript will be submitted to an epidemiological journal for publishing.

[Sep 2022] Hormone overdose and misuse in Chinese transgender and gender diverse (TGD) population

The first mixed-methods study to investigate hormone overdose and misuse (HODM) behaviors in Chinese TGD population. Comprises the validation of scales, a cross-sectional study, a qualitative study, ethnographies, and prospective cohorts. The protocol is available here.

[Aug 2022] Effect of preoperative lifestyle management and prehabilitation on postoperative capability

Help conduct a meta-analysis and an RCT to investigate the effect of multidimensional prehabilitation on fatigue and quality of life of colorectal cancer patients – based on the behavior change wheel”. The protocol for the meta-analysis is available at PROSPERO (ID: CRD42022359495). Responsible for protocols, trial registration, team management and training, methodological guidance, and statistical analysis.

[Jun 2022] Smoking cessation in adults with severe mental illness: BMJ rapid recommendation

Aim to evaluate different smoking cessation methods for patients with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depressive disorder. Developed by an international multidisciplinary team. Join as a patient partner/stakeholder to provide opinions and viewpoints on PICOs and subgroup analyses of the systematic review, and provide suggestions on methodologies.

[Mar 2022] Impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions on weight, mental health and sedentary behavior of the general population

A scoping review aimed to present effect of COVID-19 restrictions on weight and mental health. Responsible for data extraction and manuscript preparation.