Rigel Paciente
Research Assistant
MPH (Applied Public Health and Public Health Methodology), BSc (Anatomy and Human Biology)
rigel.paciente@telethonkids.org.au
Rigel (they/them) is a recent Master of Public Health graduate with a keen interest in mental health research, especially within the LGBTQIA+ community. They hope to utilise their public health background in their research. For example, epidemiological studies, clinical trials, program development/research translation, and program evaluation.
They are currently involved in many different projects including the trauma burns and wellbeing project, mental health among children with type 1 diabetes and/or their parents, the TikTok and Child health collaboration, and their LGBTQA+ suicide prevention manuscript.
Projects
A community-led, trauma-informed psychosocial intervention to improve health outcomes of children and young people with Type-1 diabetes
T1D can be a traumatic diagnosis for children and young people, and often involves strict adherence to painful treatments, comorbid mental health conditions, and shortened life expectancy.
Wellbeing study
Burns are a common cause of emergency presentations, and most burn injuries happen to children and adolescents.
November 2020
Published research
Perspectives of LGBTQA+ young people on suicide prevention services in Australia
LGBTQA + people are less likely to access mental health care despite an increased risk of adverse mental health outcomes including suicidal thoughts and behaviours. The present study aimed to explore Australian LGBTQA + young people's perceptions of key factors associated with access to suicide prevention services.
The queers are all right: a content analysis of LGBTQIA + mental health on TikTok
The formation of online communities instils a sense of connectedness which can ameliorate the mental health concerns that result from minority stressors for lesbian, gay, queer, intersex, asexual, and other diverse genders/sexualities (LGBTQIA+). The aim of this study was to explore how LGBTQIA + people communicate social and mental health concerns on TikTok.
Education and Qualifications
- Master of Public Health by coursework, dissertation, and practicum (Applied public health & Public health methodology) – UWA
- Bachelor of Science (Anatomy and Human Biology) – UWA
Awards/Honours
- Students in Health and Medical Research 2022 (SHMRC) – Best Poster Presentation award
- The Kids Research Institute Australia Student Symposium 2022 – Best 8-Minute Presentation
Active Collaborations
- Research Focus Collaboration – TikTok and Child Health
- Scoping Review for the psychological risks for screening tools used for Type 1 diabetes – Childrens Diabetes Centre