Filip's doctoral research focuses on prevalence of cannabis use among young adults
Filip Andersson began his studies in statistics and economic demography. After being hired as a data manager in a research project, he became inspired to pursue a research career himself and went on to start his PhD studies at the Department of Global Public Health.
Filip Andersson, PhD student
Research group: Epidemiology and Public Health Intervention Research (EPHIR)
Supervisor: Rosaria Galanti
Thesis title: Population based studies of cannabis use: Estimation of prevalence and health care needs
Could you briefly tell us about your background and what led you to pursue doctoral studies at KI?
"I studied statistics and economic demography at Lund University. After getting my degree I was hired as a data manager for the Kupol-study, a project led by my supervisor Rosaria. Later, I moved to work on the regional side as a statistician (where I’m still employed). During my years working closely with researchers, I realized that it was a path that I would like to take."
What is your doctoral thesis about? What is the overall aim of your research?
"The aims of my project are: a) to obtain reliable estimates of the prevalence of use of cannabis among young adults (age 18-29) in Sweden; b) to estimate the current health care consumption and the future needs of health care among cannabis users; c) to project changes in prevalence as consequence of potential changes in the Swedish drug policy."
If any so far – what have been the most surprising or significant findings?
"In my first paper we show that the prevalence of cannabis use among young adults are severely underestimated in conventional surveys (2-3 times), when we compare to results from an indirect survey method that ensures full anonymity."
What has been the most rewarding part of being a PhD student at KI?
"For me, I think it is the constant process of learning and challenging oneself."
Have you had any collaborations that have been particularly important for your development as a researcher?
"Yes, I must mention my collaboration with CAN (the Swedish council for Information on Alcohol and other Drugs)."
What advice would you give to new PhD students who are just starting their research journey?
"Work with something you really are interested in."