Xiaoyang Li
Thesis title: Understanding the lived experience of caregivers of people with dementia at care homes in rural areas of China: an interpretative phenomenological analysis
PhD supervisors:
Background
Xiaoyang is a PhD candidate at the University of Edinburgh, specialising in dementia care within rural care home settings in China. Her research explores the lived experiences of care home staff providing dementia care, with a focus on how traditional values shape caregiving practices, perceptions, and awareness. Utilising Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) methodology, her PhD study involves in-depth individual interviews to gain insight into the personal and cultural dimensions of caregiving in under-resourced areas.
Research summary
Xiaoyang’s research focuses on improving dementia care in rural and under-resourced settings, with a particular interest in understanding the caregiving experiences of staff in these environments. Her work spans both qualitative and quantitative methods, exploring the cultural, social, and health-related factors that impact dementia care practices and support for caregivers.
Current research interests
Xiaoyang’s current research explores the lived experiences of dementia care home staff in rural China, examining how traditional values influence caregiving practices and perceptions. Using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), she seeks to uncover the personal and cultural dimensions of caregiving that impact the quality of care. Her aim is to provide insights that inform culturally responsive support systems for caregivers.Past research interests
Previously, Xiaoyang’s research focused on Alzheimer’s disease prevention, with an emphasis on quantitative analysis. For her Master’s thesis, she conducted a meta-analysis of Alzheimer’s disease risk factors among older populations in China and developed a risk prediction model validated through field studies. Her work provided data-driven insights into Alzheimer’s prevention.Project activity
Xiaoyang’s PhD research investigates dementia care experiences among staff in rural Chinese care homes, with a focus on cultural influences and caregiving challenges. This qualitative study employs Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) and involves conducting individual interviews to gain insight into how traditional values shape caregivers’ practices, perceptions, and challenges.
Conference details
‘The Big Impact of Little Things: Valued Care Strategies in Dementia Care in Rural Care Homes in China’ – Oral Presentation, 36th Global Conference of Alzheimer's Disease International, Poland, May 2024