1. Antiretroviral Therapy Utilization and Trends in the General Population
The use of antiretroviral therapy (ART) has evolved substantially over time, with changes in prescribing patterns, regimen selection, and access to treatment. Understanding these trends is essential for evaluating alignment with guidelines and identifying potential disparities in care. This study aims to describe real-world ART utilization patterns in the general population in Manitoba. Objectives: To estimate the prevalence and trends of ART use over time; to describe changes in ART regimen patterns; and to assess variation by demographic and socioeconomic characteristics. Methods: This retrospective, population-based study will use linked administrative health data from the Manitoba Population Research Data Repository. The cohort includes all Manitoba residents prescribed ART between 1998 and 2026. ART use will be identified using prescription data (ATC J05A). Trends will be described using population-level rates and stratified analyses.
Research area, student roles & skills
Research area: Dr. Payam Peymani is an assistant professor of pharmacoepidemiology at the College of Pharmacy, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba. He has professional experience across leading research institutions in the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Canada. Dr. Peymani is a Pharmacoepidemiologist with expertise in drug safety, real-world evidence, and chronic disease management. His primary research interests include drug utilization and the safety and effectiveness of medications, with a specific focus on vulnerable populations. His work leverages large-scale health data, population-level analyses, and the application of machine learning artificial intelligence to generate real-world insights that inform clinical and policy decisions.
Student roles:
The student will:
• Conduct a literature review on stimulant medication safety and cardiovascular outcomes in pediatric populations.
• Assist in cohort creation, data cleaning
• Support statistical analyses
• Under supervision, draft sections of the manuscript (e.g., methods, results) and create conference posters/presentations.
Skills required:
The student should have a background in epidemiology, public health, pharmacy, medicine, or related fields. Experience with health data analysis, literature review, and communication skills are required. Attention to detail, critical thinking, and ability to work independently and collaboratively are important.