News & Events

Mar 6-9, 2025
- Mr. Mingyu Chen attended the American Heart Association's EPI | Lifestyle Scientific Sessions 2025 in New Orleans from 6 to 9 March 2025. The topics of team's presentations are as follows:
- Increased Trunk Fat and Decreased Limb Fat Correlate with Adverse Blood Lipid Profiles: Evidence From the MECH-HK Cohort (Prof. Xie)
- Associations between sleep quality and individual lipid abnormalities in Hong Kong Chinese women: Findings from the MECH-HK study (Mr. Mingyu Chen)

Mar 7, 2025
- PhD student, Ms. Yan Zhang, published a research article titled"Associations of fruit and vegetable intake with sleep quality and stress among Hong Kong female nurses with different working status: a crosssectional study" in the BMC Nursing. This cross-sectional study found that increased fruit and vegetable (FV) intake was associated with better sleep quality and lower stress levels among Hong Kong female nurses. The FV intake-stress relationship was strengthened in employed nurses and those working routine day shifts.

Mar 1, 2025
- We are so happy to celebrate the graduation of Tai Chi Class 2 after a six-month training journey! At the graduation ceremony, all participants received their certificates to recognize their efforts and achievements. But that's not all – the celebration was packed with fun and excitement! We held an exhilarating competition and recognized five outstanding participants with Excellence Awards and special reward coupons. Additionally, the top ten participants with the highest attendance were acknowledged with exclusive coupons and certificates. At the end of the event, we had a lucky draw, and some lucky winners went home with extra rewards! A big congratulations to all the participants – you've made us proud!

Jan 13, 2025
- Our research group has recently published two important papers related to healthy lifestyles and metabolic health. These two papers described the benefits of adherence to a healthy lifestyle pattern for preventing metabolic syndrome, and its associations with body composition and obesity measures. Specifically, the studies found that as the healthy lifestyle index (HLI) increased, most anthropometric indices like percent body fat, body fat mass, waist circumference, and waist-to-hip ratio declined, while fat-free mass increased. The first author is Dr. Yunyang Deng, our former postdoctoral fellow, currently working at Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics of Karolinska Institutet. Congratulations, Yunyang!

Dec 28, 2024
- PhD student, Ms. Qingling Yang, published a research article titled "Conversational agents in physical and psychological symptom management: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials" in the International Journal of Nursing Studies (top 1 journal in JCR Nursing). The review found that conversational agents have shown promise in enhancing both physical and psychological symptom management through positive user experiences and effectiveness.

Dec 3 & 5, 2024
- We organized two recruitment events for our GRF research project and HMRF research project in collaboration with Jade Club. One-on-one consultations for migraine screening and headache symptom management were also conducted during activities. These activities aimed to help interested women identify whether their headache symptoms are migraines and to introduce our program, hope that it can help alleviate their pain.

Dec 4-7, 2024
- Prof. Xie and Ms. Qingling Yang attended the 18th European Headache Congress held by European Headache Federation in Rotterdam from 4 to 7 December 2024. The topics of their presentations are as follows:
- Association of migraine with COVID-19 infection in Hong Kong Chinese women: findings from the MECH-HK cohort study (Prof. Xie)
- Association of sleep quality and stress with migraine attack characteristics: findings from MECH-HK cohort (Ms. Qingling Yang)

Nov 27, 2024
- Our Postdoctoral fellow, Dr. Jingbo Liang, published the fourth MECH-HK study paper titled “Impact of Migraine on Changes in Cardiovascular Health Profile Among Hong Kong Chinese Women” in The Journal of Headache and Pain. The study revealed a decline in cardiovascular health (CVH) over time in both migraineurs and non-migraineurs, with migraineurs at higher risk of deterioration. Migraine was linked to adverse changes in physical activity, nicotine exposure, sleep health, blood lipids, and stress levels. Women with migraine with aura were particularly susceptible to reduced physical activity, increased nicotine use, higher BMI, and elevated stress, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.

Nov 7, 2024
- Ms. Qingling Yang published a research article titled "Wearable device-measured bouted and sporadic physical activity patterns and incident COPD: A prospective cohort study from UK Biobank" in the Public Health Journal in December 2024. The findings suggest that bouted MVPA is inversely associated with COPD incidence, while modest sporadic MVPA may offer protection when bouted MVPA is insufficient. This research provides new evidence for developing COPD prevention strategies.

Nov 5, 2024
- As co-first authors, PhD student Ms. Yan Zhang and her supervisor Prof. Xie published a research article titled “Community-based participatory research (CBPR) approaches in vaccination promotion: a scoping review” in the Journal of International Journal for Equity in Health. This scoping review included 23 articles focusing on Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) for vaccination promotion. The key community-based interventions targeted health service support, education activities, social marketing, community mobilization, interactive discussions, vaccination reminders, and incentives. An implementation framework was developed finally to outline CBPR elements and steps for effective vaccination promotion.

Nov 1, 2024
- Being one of the 10 recipients in the university, Dr. Jingbo Liang was awarded the “PolyU Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellowship”. Congratulations, Jingbo!

Oct & Nov, 2024
- Several promotion and recruitment activities have been conducted from October to November at Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), City University of Hong Kong (CityU), Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Hong Kong Metropolitan University (HKMU) and Hong Kong Housing Authority (HA) to introduce our project to the public, and recruit participants.

Aug 16, 2024
- Dr. Grace Xie and Miss Qingling Yang were granted a patent titled "A Machine Learning-based Method for Preclinical Osteoporosis Screening" on August 16, 2024; for their innovative work in utilizing machine learning techniques to improve early detection of osteoporosis.

Aug 13, 2024
- Congratulations to Miss Qingling Yang, our PhD student, to be awarded the Healthcare 2024 Travel Award in recognition of her outstanding research contributions in the field of healthcare. The award will support Miss Yang's participation in a leading conference, providing her with valuable opportunities to present her work, engage in scientific discussions, and establish collaborations with experts in the field. Congratulations to Miss Yang on this well-deserved achievement!

Jun 19, 2024
- PhD student, Miss Qingling Yang, published a research article titled "Cohort profile: migraine exposures and cardiovascular health in Hong Kong Chinese women (MECH-HK)" in the BMJ Open Journal. This is the 3rd paper of the MECH-HK study, a unique cohort to investigate the associations of migraine features with cardiovascular health in Hong Kong Chinese women. This paper provided a comprehensive MECH-HK cohort profile, detailing the cohort methodology, baseline characteristics and reporting on longitudinal migraine features. The cohort will be followed up every 2 years, providing unique longitudinal data on migraine features and their linkage to cardiovascular disease risk progression in Hong Kong women.

Mar 18, 2024
- Dr. Grace Xie, Mr. Longben Tian, Miss Qingling Yang and Miss Yan Zhang attended the EPI|Lifestyle Scientific Sessions 2024 held by the American Heart Association in Chicago from Mar 18 to Mar 24. The topics of their presentations are listed as follows:
  - Dr. Grace Xie: Associations between Healthy Lifestyles Score and Metabolic Syndrome in Hong Kong Chinese Women: An Age-matched Nested Case-Control Study
  - Mr. Longben Tian: Women With Migraine Had Higher Progression of 10-year Stroke Risk Than Those Without Migraine: Findings From a Nested Case-Control Study
  - Miss Qingling Yang: Increased trunk fat and Decreased limb fat Linked to Elevated Cardiovascular Risk in Hong Kong Chinese Women
  - Miss Yan Zhang: Prolonged Sitting Time Was Associated with Central Obesity-related Parameters among Hong Kong Chinese Women: A Cross-sectional Study

Mar 6, 2024
- Dr. Grace Xie, Dr. Yunyang Deng, Mr. Longben Tian, Miss Qingling Yang and Miss Yan Zhang attended the 27th East Asian Forum of Nursing Scholars (EAFONS) conference in HKU from Mar 6 to Mar 7. The topics of presentations are listed as follows:
  - Dr. Yunyang Deng: Higher Healthy Lifestyle Scores/Indices Were Associated with a Lower Metabolic Syndrome Risk: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
  - Mr. Longben Tian: The association between migraine and stroke risk progression: A cohort study among Hong Kong Chinese women
  - Miss Qingling Yang: Migraine Prevalence and Clinical Features in Hong Kong Chinese Women: Findings from the MECH-HK Study
  - Miss Yan Zhang: Effectiveness of Digital Health Interventions on Sedentary Behavior Among Patients with Chronic Diseases: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Feb 20, 2024
- We created a combined lifestyle index using eight lifestyle factors: not smoking, being physically active, getting good sleep, experiencing low or no stress, low or no fatigue, having a healthy diet, maintaining a standard body mass index, and not drinking alcohol. Our study suggests that following such a healthy lifestyle pattern may help prevent migraine attacks. Conversely, it is also possible that women with migraine have a less healthy lifestyle compared to those without headaches. The research has been published in The Journal of Headache and Pain. Dr. Yunyang Deng, my postdoctoral researcher, played a key role in data cleaning, analysis, and writing the manuscript. Great work, Yunyang.

Feb 16, 2024
- We investigated how eight lifestyle factors collectively impact metabolic syndrome in Hong Kong Chinese women. Our results indicate that following a healthy lifestyle pattern, characterized by non-smoking, physical activity, low sedentary time, good sleep, low or no stress, low or no fatigue, healthy diet, and light alcohol drinking, could help prevent metabolic syndrome. The study has been published in Nutrients. My postdoctoral researcher, Dr. Yunyang Deng, was instrumental in cleaning the data, conducting the analysis, and writing the manuscript. Well done, Yunyang.

Jan 15, 2024
- Olivia, Hoya, Qingling, and two student helpers attended the third seminar organized collaboratively by our research partner, the Hong Kong Health Care Alliance (HKHCA), and our 'AID' Project. Over 40 community members joined the seminar. HKHCA invited a speaker to share the latest vaccination policies in Hong Kong and assisted participants in on-site appointment scheduling.

Dec 22, 2023
- Dr Xie, Olivia, Hoya, Yan, Ben, and two student helpers attended the third offline activity organized by the Jade Club. Over 30 community members participated in the activity. The AID project team conducted a prize quiz, focusing on knowledge related to COVID-19 vaccines, early testing, and self-protection. Participants who answered correctly were rewarded with coupons.

Dec 19, 2023
- Olivia, Hoya, Ben, Qingling, Yan, and two student helpers attended the second seminar jointly hosted by the research partner “中華慈行協會” and our 'AID' Project. Around 50 community members participated in the seminar. The director of the Association, Mr. Yeung, shared his experience about the vaccine uptake, and Olivia conducted the Q&A sessions for all the participants.

Nov 27, 2023
- Olivia and Hoya attended the second seminar jointly hosted by the research partner Hong Kong Health Care Alliance (HKHCA) and our 'AID' Project. More than 40 community members participated in the seminar. The HKHCA staff introduced vaccination and long COVID to the participants.

Nov 15, 2023
- Olivia and Hoya attended the second offline activity organized by the Jade Club. Over 30 community members took part in the activity. Olivia shared knowledge about self-protection, followed by a 20-minute Q&A session.The "AID" project team also provided support to participants in completing surveys and scheduling appointments for COVID-19 vaccinations.

Nov 9, 2023
- Dr Xie and Ben attended the European Course on Advanced Imaging Techniques in Neuroradiology held by the European Society of Neuroradiology Diagnostic and Interventional (ESNR) in Malta. This course aimed to deepen understanding of AI methodologies and brain volumetry tools in clinical contexts.

Nov 8, 2023
- We developed an AI-based, easily accessible, and high-performance preclinical risk assessment tool for osteoporosis screening. The paper has been published in JMIR Aging. My PhD student, Miss Qingling Yang, was chiefly responsible for model testing, data analysis, and manuscript writing. Well done Qingling.

Oct 31, 2023
- Dr Xie, Olivia and Hoya attended a seminar jointly hosted by the research partner “中華慈行協會”and our 'AID' Project. More than 50 community members participated in the seminar. The AID team shared the videos and PPT slides of the vaccination and self-protective measures for the participants.

Oct 30, 2023
- Dr Xie, Olivia and Ben attended a seminar jointly hosted by the research partner Hong Kong Health Care Alliance (HKHCA) and our 'AID' Project. More than 30 community members participated in the seminar. The HKHCA invited a guest speaker to introduce the different type of vaccines for the prevention of COVID-19, pneumonia, and flu.

Oct 30, 2023
- Olivia and Ben attended a tea gathering activity jointly hosted by the research partner 有心人長者支援有限公司 and our 'AID' Project. More than 40 community members participated in the activity. This was the booster session of the community-based health education programme by the research partner.

Sep 27, 2023
- Olivia, Hoya, and Ben attended the community activity held by the Jade Club. In total 23 community members participated in the activity. Olivia shared the COVID-19 relevant knowledge and the latest vaccine policy from the Hong Kong government. A 40-min Q&A session was conducted thereafter, to address the questions from the participants. The “AID” project team also assisted the participants to fill out questionnaires and make COVID-19 vaccine appointments.

Sep 26, 2023
- Dr. Xie, Olivia and Ben joined a health education seminar hosted by the 有心人長者支援有限公司. More than 40 community members attended the seminar. Dr. Xie shared the findings of vaccine hesitancy from the “AID” project, and answered participants' questions onsite. After the event, the organizer presented a thanks letter to acknowledge the contribution of our “AID” project team in promoting vaccination in the community.

Sep 21, 2023
- The UBSN of PolyU shares Dr Xie's MRI study on exploring mechanism of Tai Chi training in migraine prophylaxis in their newsletter.

Sep 19, 2023
- The 3rd paper of Tai Chi for migraine prophylaxis in our team is now published.

Sep 5, 2023
- A new publication about the sleep and depression in couples.

Sep 4, 2023
- Welcome new team members, Ms Yan Zhang and Dr Yunyang Deng!

Two new co-authored papers published: vaccination hesitancy and hand washing.

Aug 30, 2023
- Oliva and Hoya attended the workshop jointly delivered by our "AID" project and the Christian Family Service Centre (CFSC), to motivate the center members for COVID-19 vaccine uptake and self-protective measures.

Aug 25, 2023
- Two online train-the-trainer workshops were conducted for six local NGOs, to facilitate them with the skills and knowledge in implementing community-based education programmes towards COVID-19 vaccine uptake.

Aug 20, 2023
- Dr Xie, Ben, and Hoya attended the 3rd off-line activity organized by the “陽光老友同學會”, to enhance the COVID-19 vaccine uptake for participants, and get feedbacks towards our "AID" project.