Jill Avis, PhD, BA
Contact
Adjunct Professor, School of Public Health
Assistant Director, Public Opinion Research, Government of Alberta
Overview
Area of Study / Keywords
health system planning knowledge translation methodological reporting mixed methods research pediatric obesity qualitative research
About
I am interested in the application of innovative approaches to promote positive health behaviors as well as the theoretical underpinnings of behavioral science pertaining to various health topics, such as children's lifestyle behaviors. I am also interested in the application of behavioral economics, such as nudge theory, across health-related topics.
I have worked in health system planning, with a focus on maternity care planning in rural and remote Alberta, and I currently work in public opinion research to address questions related to a variety of government priorities regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. I have experience with a wide-variety of methods, including mixed methods research, the use of focus groups and randomized controlled trials.
I have always been passionate about exploring novel methods of knowledge translation, and I'm particularly interested in evidence-informed policy at the provincial level. To achieve this, I am keen to work closely with the academic community and my fellow government colleagues.
Degrees
PhD, University of Alberta, 2016
BA, University of Alberta, 2012
Awards
Graduate Studentship, Alberta Innovates, 2013
Graduate Studentship – Priority Announcement: Nutrition and Dietetic Research, Canadian Institutes of Health Research, 2013
Graduate Studentship, Women & Children’s Health Research Institute, 2013
Announcements
Currently accepting practicum students.
Featured Publications
Weight… Up? Examining changes in children’s weights from referral to clinical presentation for pediatric weight management
Byrne J, O’Connor K, Peng C, Morash C, Ball G.
Paed Child Health. 2018 January; 23 (6):377-82
Registration status and methodological reporting of randomized controlled trials in obesity research: a review
Byrne J, Yee T, O’Connor K, Dyson M, Ball G
Obesity. 2017 January; 25 (4):665-70
A brief eHealth tool delivered in primary care to help parents prevent childhood obesity: a randomized controlled trial.
Byrne J, Wild T, Maximova K, Browne N, Holt N, Cave A, Martz P, Ellendt C, Ball G.
Pediatr Obes. 2016 January; 13 (11):659-67
Tools and resources for preventing childhood obesity in primary care: a method of evaluation and preliminary assessment
Avis J*, Komarnicki A, Farmer A, Holt N, Perez A, Spence N, Ball G
Patient Educ Couns. 2016 January; 99 (5):769-75
Lessons learned from using focus groups to refine digital interventions
Avis J*, van Mierlo T, Fournier R, Ball G
JMIR Res Protoc. 2015 January; 4 (3):e95