Teaching Strengths
Dr Engida Derbie
NHMRC Grant-Funded Research Fellow
School of Public Health
College of Health
Eligible to supervise Masters as Principal Supervisor, and PhD as Co-Supervisor only - email supervisor to discuss availability.
Dr Engida Yisma Derbie (publishes as Engida Yisma) is an epidemiologist in child, adolescent and family health at the School of Public Health, Adelaide University. His research asks how early-life, family and health-system factors shape the health, development and wellbeing of children and adolescents, and how to ensure every family benefits, wherever they live. He uses linked administrative data, large longitudinal cohorts, causal-inference methods and evidence synthesis.
Engida has published more than 50 peer-reviewed articles, over 20 as first or last author (h-index 34 and i10-index 45, Google Scholar, October 2026; Scopus h-index 31). His work includes Australia’s first linked-data studies of newborn Apgar scores and labour induction in relation to children’s NAPLAN outcomes. His research informs clinical guidance, evidence reviews, policy and programs. His labour-induction study is cited in the NSW Agency for Clinical Innovation evidence review (2025) and UpToDate. His caesarean–breastfeeding study is cited by the 2022 Cochrane breastfeeding-support review as prompting broader eligibility criteria. His workforce studies are cited in the 2025 Draft National Allied Health Workforce Strategy and a 2024 submission to the Parliamentary Joint Standing Committee on the NDIS. His breastfeeding research is cited in the UK Government-commissioned Child Development Grant Programme evaluation.
He works closely with health services and community partners, including Country SA PHN, Yorke and Northern Local Health Network, the Royal Flying Doctor Service, Centacare Catholic Country SA and the World Health Organization. His workforce-mapping research was translated into a planning dashboard used across country South Australia, and he has led commissioned evaluations for Yorke and Northern Local Health Network and Centacare Catholic Country SA. His research has been featured in The Australian and Women’s Health magazine, and he has written for The Conversation.
Engida is Associate Editor of Reproductive Health, an Editorial Board Member of BMC Public Health and Lead Guest Editor of Women’s Health. He supervises PhD researchers working on adolescent sexual and reproductive health, adolescent mental health and women's health. His awards include the Fran Baum Equity Scholarship (2025), the CASS Travel Award (2026), the Amref Health Africa Young Researcher Award and an Australian Government Research Training Program Scholarship.
My research uses large population datasets, including linked administrative data and longitudinal cohorts, to understand how early-life, family and health-system factors shape the health, development and wellbeing of children and adolescents. I apply causal-inference methods and evidence synthesis to generate findings that can guide policy, clinical practice and service planning, with a focus on equity for families wherever they live.
My key research areas include:
- Child and adolescent health, development and wellbeing
- Perinatal health and early-life influences on later outcomes
- Parental and family mental health
- Reproductive and sexual health
- Rural, remote and migrant health equity
- Health workforce, service evaluation and planning
| Date | Position | Institution name |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 - ongoing | Research Fellow | University of Adelaide |
| 2024 - 2025 | Research Fellow | University of South Australia |
| 2021 - 2023 | Postdoctoral Researcher | University of South Australia |
| Date | Type | Title | Institution Name | Country | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Research Award | RRI Travel Grant | Robinson Research Institute | Australia | - |
| 2026 | Award | 2026 CASS Travel Award | The CASS Foundation | Australia | - |
| 2025 | Scholarship | Fran Baum Equity Scholarship | Public Health Association of Australia SA Branch | Australia | - |
| 2025 | Scholarship | ISHCA25 Conference Scholarship | Health Translation SA | Australia | - |
| 2017 | Scholarship | Flinders University International Postgraduate Research Scholarship | Flinders University | Australia | Offered |
| 2017 | Scholarship | Research Training Program Scholarship | The University of Adelaide | Australia | - |
| 2017 | Scholarship | The University of Newcastle International Postgraduate Research Scholarship (UNIPRS) and the University of Newcastle Research Scholarship Central (UNRSC) Scholarship | The University of Newcastle | Australia | offered |
| 2015 | Scholarship | Société coopérative médicale de Beaulieu scholarship, | Geneva Foundation for Medical Education and Research | Switzerland | - |
| 2014 | Research Award | Amref Health Africa Young Researcher Scholarships Award | Amref Health Africa | Kenya | - |
| 2010 | Scholarship | Samara University Postgraduate Scholarship | Samara University | Ethiopia | - |
| Language | Competency |
|---|---|
| Amharic | Can read, write, speak, understand spoken and peer review |
| English | Can read, write, speak, understand spoken and peer review |
| Oromo | Can read, write, speak, understand spoken and peer review |
| Date | Institution name | Country | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 - 2020 | University of Adelaide | Australia | PhD |
| Year | Citation |
|---|---|
| 2019 | Yisma, E., Mol, B., Lynch, J., & Smithers, L. (2019). THE IMPACT OF CAESAREAN SECTION ON BREASTFEEDING INDICATORS IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA: A META-ANALYSIS OF DEMOGRAPHIC AND HEALTH SURVEYS. In JOURNAL OF EPIDEMIOLOGY AND COMMUNITY HEALTH Vol. 73 (pp. A49). BMJ PUBLISHING GROUP. DOI |
| 2019 | Yisma, E., Mol, B., Lynch, J., & Smithers, L. (2019). INTERPRETING THE CHANGING ASSOCIATION BETWEEN CAESAREAN BIRTH AND NEONATAL DEATH: A CASE STUDY FROM ETHIOPIA. In JOURNAL OF EPIDEMIOLOGY AND COMMUNITY HEALTH Vol. 73 (pp. A109). BMJ PUBLISHING GROUP. DOI |
| 2017 | Abebe, Y., Dida, T., Silvestri, D., & Yisma, E. (2017). Analyzing the Emergency Triage Logbook Components of Road Traffic Accident Victims at AaBET Hospital in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. In 8th Annual CUGH Conference. DOI |
| 2016 | Nigussie, S., Yisma, E., Biza, N., Bacha, Y., Etefa, W., & Melese, B. (2016). Population based survey of chronic non-communicable diseases in Dubti and Asayita towns of Afar region, Northeastern Ethiopia. In 7th Annual CUGH Conference:. DOI |
| Year | Citation |
|---|---|
| 2019 | Yisma, E., Ben, M., Lynch, J., & Smithers, L. (2019). Impact of caesarean section on breastfeeding indicators in sub-Saharan Africa: A meta-analysis of Demographic and Health Surveys. Poster session presented at the meeting of APHA's 2019 Annual Meeting and Expo. |
| 2019 | Yisma, E., Mol, B., Lynch, J., & Smithers, L. (2019). The changing temporal association between caesarean birth and neonatal death in Ethiopia.. Poster session presented at the meeting of Australian Public Health Conference. |
| 2017 | Eshetu, N., Ly, S., & Yisma, E. (2017). Knowledge and Attitude of Women Aged 30-49 Years towards Menopause in Gulele Sub-City of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Poster session presented at the meeting of Abstracts of the 8th Annual CUGH Conference, as published in Annals of Global Health. Washington DC: Ubiquity Press, Ltd.. DOI |
| 2014 | Yisma, E., Dessalegn, B., Astatkie, A., & Fesseha, N. (2014). Knowledge and utilization of partograph among obstetric care givers in public health institutions of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Poster session presented at the meeting of The 1st Amref Health Africa International conference. |
| 2014 | Yisma, E., Dessalegn, B., Astatkie, A., & Fesseha, N. (2014). Completion of the modified World Health Organization (WHO) partograph during labour in public health institutions of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Poster session presented at the meeting of x. x. |
| Year | Citation |
|---|---|
| 2025 | Yisma, E., Papoulis, D., Lloyd, K., Gilliam, M., Puah, L., Jones, M., . . . Walsh, S. (2025). Impact of Mental Health Alternative Care Service on mental health-related regional hospital emergency department presentations: Evaluation Report. |
| 2023 | Puah, L., Jones, M., Gillam, M., Walsh, S., & Yisma, E. (2023). Health Workforce and Service Need Dashboard. |
| 2021 | Muyambi, K., Walsh, S., Derbie, E., Cobb, S., Gillam, M., & Jones, M. (2021). Evaluation of the Integrated Primary Health Care Service (IPHCS) program: evaluation report. Australia: University of South Australia Department of Rural Health. |
| 2021 | Muyambi, K., Walsh, S., Gillam, M., Carter, M., Yisma, E., Sidwell, J., & Jones, M. (2021). Building bridges to sustainable employment: evaluation report. Australia: University of South Australia Department of Rural Health. |
| Year | Citation |
|---|---|
| 2020 | Yisma, E. (2020). Obstetrical interventions during labour and birth: an examination of effects on breastfeeding, neonatal mortality and children’s educational outcomes. (PhD Thesis, The University of Adelaide). |
| 2012 | Yisma, E. (2012). Knowledge and utilization of partograph among obstetric care givers in public health institutions in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. (Master's Thesis, Addis Ababa University). |
| Year | Citation |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Lassi, Z., & Yisma, E. (2026). Vitamin K shots stop internal bleeding in newborns. So why are some parents refusing them?. DOI |
| Year | Citation |
|---|---|
| 2025 | Yisma, E., Muyambi, K., Othman, S., Walsh, S., Bressington, D., Steen, M., . . . Jones, M. (2025). Efficacy of behavioural activation in treating prenatal depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis. DOI |
| 2025 | Puah, L. S., Gillam, M., Jones, M., & Yisma, E. (2025). Supporting health students on rural placement to get to know their community. DOI |
| 2023 | Walsh, S., Yisma, E., Hillier, S., Gillam, M., Gray, R., & Jones, M. (2023). Effect of behavioural activation for individuals with post-stroke depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis. DOI |
| Date | Project Title | Role | Funding Body | Amount |
| 2026 | AI-Driven Risk Prediction for Early Detection and Prevention of Perinatal Depression | CIB | Adelaide University, College of Health | $20,000 |
| 2026 | Quantitative evidence synthesis in support of the development of the WHO recommendations on surgical interventions to improve caesarean section outcomes | Joint CIA | WHO | USD 6000 |
| 2025 | Comparing sexual health experiences: Migrant and refugee women versus general populations in Australia and Canada | CID | WCHRI Innovation Grant, Canada | CAD $60,000 |
| 2025 | From data to equity: examining the representation of migrants and refugees in longitudinal research on sexual, reproductive and maternal health | CIB | RRI, The University of Adelaide | $14,986 |
| 2025 | PHAA Women’s Health SIG Publication Grant for Early Career Researchers | CI | PHAA | $250 |
| 2024-2025 | Effects of Mental Health Alternative Care Service on rates of regional emergency department presentations: interrupted time series analysis | CIA | Yorke and Northern Local Health Network Incorporated | $32,550 |
| 2022-2023 | Evidenced based analysis, structured approach and assistive resources for use and application by Country SA PHN | CIB | Country SA PHN | $60,000 |
| 2019-2022 | Urinary tract infection among pregnant women in selected public health institutions of central Ethiopia | CIB | Addis Ababa University (Ethiopia) | $75,900 |
| 2019 | The changing temporal association between caesarean birth and neonatal death in Ethiopia: secondary analysis of nationally representative surveys | CI | School of Public Health, The University of Adelaide Research publication grant | $2,700 |
| 2014-2015 | Population based survey of chronic non-communicable diseases in Afar region in North-eastern Ethiopia | CIA | Samara University (Ethiopia) | $9,000 |
| 2013-2014 | Predictors of safe delivery service utilisation in Afar region in North-eastern Ethiopia | CIA | Samara University (Ethiopia) | $2,900 |
| 2012 | Knowledge and utilization of partograph among obstetrics care givers in public health institutions in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | CIA | World Health Organisation | $2,600 |
My teaching interests lie in epidemiology and research methodology.
| Date | Role | Research Topic | Program | Degree Type | Student Load | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Co-Supervisor | Improving Sexual and Reproductive Health Outcomes for Adolescents from Migrant and Refugee Backgrounds through Consumer-Driven Prioritisation, Evidence Synthesis and Knowledge Translation | Doctor of Philosophy | Doctorate | Full Time | Mr Ahmed Shabbir Chaudhry |
| 2026 | Co-Supervisor | Feeding the Future: Linking Infant Nutrition to Adolescent Mental Health and Wellbeing | Doctor of Philosophy | Doctorate | Full Time | Basil Khan |
| 2025 | Co-Supervisor | Assessing healthcare provider preparedness and systemic factors in addressing intimate partner violence (IPV) in Pakistan: A mixed-methods evaluation | Doctor of Philosophy | Doctorate | Full Time | Dr Shafaq Mahmood |
| Date | Role | Research Topic | Program | Degree Type | Student Load | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 - 2026 | Co-Supervisor | Prevalence of and factors associated with the use of artificial sweeteners in non-pregnant, non-lactating women of reproductive age | Master of Philosophy (Public Health) | Master | Part Time | Ms Saima Shaukat Ali |
| Date | Role | Research Topic | Location | Program | Supervision Type | Student Load | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 - 2026 | Principal Supervisor | Peer Providers in Perinatal Health Services for Engaging Migrant and Refugee Women: a scoping review | Adelaide University | Master of Public Health | Master | Full Time | Nimali Mani |
| Date | Role | Board name | Institution name | Country |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 - 2017 | Member | College of Health Sciences Institutional Ethics Review | Addis Ababa University | Ethiopia |
| Date | Role | Membership | Country |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 - ongoing | Member | Health in Preconception, Pregnancy, and Postpartum Early and Mid-career Researcher Collective (HiPPP EMR-C) | Australia |
| 2025 - ongoing | Member | Public Health Association of Australia | Australia |
| 2025 - ongoing | Member | Healthy Development Adelaide (HDA) | Australia |
| 2018 - ongoing | Member | American Public Health Association | United States |
| 2016 - ongoing | Member | Geneva Foundation for Medical Education and Research | Switzerland |
| 2015 - ongoing | Member | Ethiopian Statistical Association | Ethiopia |
| 2014 - ongoing | Member | Ethiopian Public Health Association | Ethiopia |
| Date | Role | Editorial Board Name | Institution | Country |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 - ongoing | Member | BMC Public Health | BioMed Central | United Kingdom |
| Date | Title | Type | Institution | Country |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 - ongoing | 18th World Congress on Public Health | Conference Review | The World Federation of Public Health Associations | - |
| 2025 - ongoing | Associate Editor | Editorial | Reproductive Health | United Kingdom |
| 2025 - ongoing | Lead Guest Editor | Editorial | Women’s Health (Sage) | - |
| 2025 - ongoing | Grant Review for Channel 7 Children's Research Foundation | Grant Assessment | The Channel 7 Children's Research Foundation | Australia |
Available For Media Comment.