Dr Melissa Opozda
Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Adelaide Medical School
Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences
Eligible to supervise Masters and PhD - email supervisor to discuss availability.
Mel is a health psychologist in private practice and a postdoctoral research fellow in the Freemasons Centre for Male Health and Wellbeing, Adelaide Medical School.
Her primary research interest is in the area of men's mental health services; aiming to investigate issues including:
- How do men manage their own mental health before seeking formal help for a mental health issue?
- What is it like for men to see a GP about a mental health issue?
- How can health services be changed to suit the needs of men with common mental health issues and make it easier for them to access help?
- Can e-health psychotherapeutic interventions such as apps and websites help men manage their own mental health?
If you are interested in undertaking research in the above areas or in any aspect of men's mental health or mental health services, please contact Mel.
Mel also has further research and clinical interests in understanding and working to improve individuals' experiences of:
- Overweight, obesity, and bariatric surgery;
- Making sustainable health behaviour changes (e.g. in drug use, smoking, alcohol, exercise, eating, etc.);
- Psychological difficulties related to chronic and acute health issues;
- Parent/carer/sibling stress (especially re: persons with a disability or health issue); and
- Blood, organ, and tissue donation/transplantation.
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Appointments
Date Position Institution name 2017 - ongoing Postdoctoral research fellow University of Adelaide 2010 - ongoing Health psychologist/Psychologist Private practice -
Education
Date Institution name Country Title 2017 University of Adelaide Australia PhD 2010 University of Adelaide Australia M Psych (Hlth) 2004 University of Adelaide Australia BA (Hons) Psych 2003 University of Adelaide Australia BA (Psych) -
Research Interests
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Journals
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Conference Items
Year Citation 2019 Opozda, M., Laurie, K., Vincent, A., Wittert, G., & Chambers, S. (2019). Sexual help-seeking by prostate cancer survivors: A longitudinal study of intentions, behaviours, and needs. Poster session presented at the meeting of Cancer Survivorship Conference. Sydney, Australia. 2018 Mcintosh, M., Opozda, M., Chambers, S. K., Galvao, D. A., & Short, C. E. (2018). Men's experiences on active surveillance: an insight into their coping strategies and the factors that influence their adherence. Poster session presented at the meeting of BJU INTERNATIONAL. Brisbane, AUSTRALIA: WILEY.
WoS12018 McIntosh, M., Galvao, D. A., Opozda, M., Chambers, S. K., & Short, C. E. (2018). Men's attitudes and preferences toward exercise-based support during active surveillance for prostate cancer. Poster session presented at the meeting of BJU INTERNATIONAL. Brisbane, AUSTRALIA: WILEY. 2006 Barton, C., Proudfoot, J., Opolski, M., Ramsay, E., Bubner, T., Harris, M., & Beilby, J. (2006). When do GPs modify the care they provide to patients with chronic disease. Poster session presented at the meeting of Abstracts of the The Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand & The Australian and New Zealand Society of Respiratory Science, 2006 Annual Scientific Meeting (TSANZ), as published in Respirology. Canberra, Australia: Blackwell Publishing Asia.
Short, C., McIntosh, M., Opozda, M., Galvao, D., Vincent, A., & O'Callaghan, M. (2017). Why do men leave active surveillance? A mixed methods investigation examining factors contributing to adherence on active surveillance ($29,275). ANZUP Below The Belt Grant, 2018-2020.
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Current Higher Degree by Research Supervision (University of Adelaide)
Date Role Research Topic Program Degree Type Student Load Student Name 2020 Co-Supervisor Men's mental health and masculinity Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Mr Alex Brae 2018 Co-Supervisor Men's Experiences with Prostate Cancer and Active Surveillance Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Miss Megan McIntosh -
Other Supervision Activities
Date Role Research Topic Location Program Supervision Type Student Load Student Name 2019 - 2019 Co-Supervisor Providing psychosocial and psychosexual support to patients diagnosed with prostate cancer University of Adelaide Master of Psychology (Health) Master Full Time Andriana Tran
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