Professor Eamonn McKeown
Contact details
About
Overview
Eamonn McKeown joined City St George's, University of London in 2006 and is currently Head of the Department of Population Health & Policy, a department established in 2025 within the integrated School of Health & Medical Sciences. His role encompasses strategic direction, academic development, and enhancing the department’s research and teaching in public and global health, food policy, and population health sciences, working with a diverse academic team across the Tooting and Clerkenwell campuses.
He previously served as Associate Dean for Postgraduate Taught Studies & CPD (2021–2025), with oversight of the School’s postgraduate portfolio and CPD activity, and as Head of the Health Services Research & Management Department (2014–2021). Other roles have included Senior Tutor for Research on the PhD programme and Programme Director for the MRes Clinical Research.
Eamonn's research and teaching career has been highly interdisciplinary in focus, the key threads pertaining to equality and diversity issues in health and education, framed and underpinned by a range of qualitative research designs and methods. He obtained his BA (Hons) and PhD, both in Social Anthropology, from Queen's University, Belfast, and has previously conducted extended anthropological fieldwork in Papua New Guinea examining patterns of literacy, health and education in a rural highlands community and in the United States investigating aspects of migration and ethnic identity in Albany, New York. He has also led on a range of educational and health-related research projects at University College London, University College Swansea and Queen's University, Belfast.
More recently, Eamonn has established a portfolio of educational research activities, driven by the University and wider EDI agenda, to deepen understanding of the student experience and address attainment differentials.
Qualifications
- PhD, Social Anthropology, Queen's University, Belfast
- BA (Hons), Social Anthropology, Queen's University, Belfast
- PGDip, Academic Practice, City, University of London, UK
Administrative roles
- Head of Department - Population Health & Policy
- Member of Senior Management Team - School of Health & Medical Sciences
Memberships of professional organisations
- Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy
- Fellow of the Royal Anthropological Institute
- Member of Society for Research into Higher Education
- Fellow of Royal Society for Public Health
- Recognised Research Supervisor - UK Council for Graduate Education
Teaching
Module leader for:
- NM3270 Using Research Knowledge (BSc)
Teach on the following modules:
- HRM020 Foundations in Research Methods & Data Analysis (Masters)
- HRM001 Introduction to Research Methods & Data Analysis (Masters)
Research
Research interests:
Eamonn's current research interests include sexualities, sexual health, art & health, social inclusion and qualitative research methodologies.
Recent research projects:
- Carers and pressure ulcers: A feasibility study examining the usability and acceptability of an educational app (UCLP)
- Exploring the experiences of carers living with Parkinson's Disease patients who exhibit pathologic compulsive behaviour (City University London).
- Experiences of mental health users participating in the Community Programme at Tate Modern, London (Tate).
- A national study examining the sexual health needs of ethnic minority men who have sex with men (MSM). The study was conducted in collaboration with the Terrence Higgins Trust, Homerton University Hospital and the University of Bern, Switzerland (Medical Research Council).
Invited research grant reviewer:
- ESRC (Economic & Social Research Council)
- NIHR (National Institute of Health Research)
Research students
Elisa Ruiz Burga
Thesis title: A narrative analysis of health care seeking behaviour among migrant men selling sex in London
Further information: PhD student. Completed.
Kemoh Rogers
Thesis title: Negotiation, disclosure and risk: The lived experiences of Black African heterosexual couples in HIV Serodiscordant Relationships (SdRs) in the UK
Further information: PhD student. Completed.
Angie Bistaraki
Thesis title: Interagency collaboration in mass gatherings: the case of public health and safety organizations in the 2012 London Olympic Games
Further information: PhD student. Completed.
Ruba Alharazi
Thesis title: Understanding the positive mentorship experiences of registered nurses and students in Jeddah (Saudi Arabia) using appreciative enquiry
Further information: PhD student, funded by the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Higher Education. Completed.
Matthew Grundy-Bowers
Thesis title: Meanings and motivations of UAI among HIV negative MSM
Further information: PhD student, funded by an NIHR Clinical Doctoral Research Fellowship. Completed.
Robert Stocker
Thesis title: Citizenship, normativity & well-being: an exploratory analysis of the life narratives of men in civil partnerships
Further information: PhD student, funded by a City University London doctoral studentship. Completed.
Samford Wong
Thesis title: Malnutrition after spinal cord injury
Further information: PhD student. Completed.
Rowan Douglas
Thesis title: A phenomenological study of transmasculine people’s lived experiences of the construction and communication of their gender identity
Further information: PhD student. Completed.
Jayne Lindsay
Thesis title: Museums, art galleries and aphasia: a mixed-methods study of experiences, knowledge and practices in people with aphasia accessing and participating in these cultural spaces.
Further information: PhD student. Current.
Edwin Chamanga
Thesis title: A regional study into recruitment and retention challenges faced by English adult community nursing services within NHS Trusts.
Further information: PhD student. Completed.
Publications
Publications by category
Chapters (3)
- Stocker, R., Hardy, S. and McKeown, E. (2015). A novel gay ‘right’ of passage: constructing ceremonies, conveying meaning, and displaying identities through men’s civil partnerships. Doing Gender, Doing Love: Interdisciplinary Voices Oxford: Inter-Disciplinary Press.
- McKeown, E.J. (2004). Gay and lesbian identities and mental health. In Kelleher, D. and Leavey, G. (Eds.), Identity and Health (pp. 143-159). London: Routledge. ISBN 0415307929.
- McKeown, E.J. (2004). Making it their own: patterns of reading and writing in a newly-literate Papua New Guinean community. Investigating Educational Policy Through Ethnography (Studies in educational ethnography, volume 8) (pp. 93-106). Amsterdam: Jai. ISBN 0762310189.
Conference papers and proceedings (2)
- Cormican, A., Hirani, S. and McKeown, E. A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW: THE BARRIERS AND FACILITATORS OF IMPLEMENTING CLINICAL PRACTICE GUIDELINES FOR STROKE REHABILITATION AS PERCEIVED BY HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS. .
- Wong, S., Hirani, S.P., Charlton, D., Taylor, C., McKeown, E. and Saif, M. PWE-420 An international multi-centre survey to assess resources allocation and nutritional practices in spinal cord injury centres. 2nd Digestive Disorders Federation Conference 22–25 June 2015 Abstracts.doi:10.1136/gutjnl-2015-309861.866
Journal articles (46)
- Douglas, R., Litosseliti, L. and McKeown, E. (2026). Experiences of ‘doing passing’ in interactions: a phenomenological analysis with UK transmasculine individuals. Gender and Language
- Chamanga, E., Dyson, J., Jarrett, M. and McKeown, E. (2025). Experiences of community nurses with temporary contracts in NHS trusts. British Journal of Community Nursing, 30(11), pp. 504-512. doi:10.12968/bjcn.2024.0122
- Chamanga, E., Dyson, J., Jarrett, M. and McKeown, E. (2025). Investigating factors influencing recruitment and retention of adult community nurses: an exploratory qualitative study across NHS trusts in England. Primary Health Care Research & Development, 26. doi:10.1017/s1463423625100480
- Goozee, R., Barrable, A., Lubenko, J., Papadatou-Pastou, M., Haddad, M., McKeown, E.... Tzotzoli, P. (2024). Investigating the feasibility of MePlusMe, an online intervention to support mental health, well-being, and study skills in higher education students. Journal of Mental Health, 33(5), pp. 576-586. doi:10.1080/09638237.2022.2069699
- Partington, J., Brook, J. and McKeown, E. (2024). Experiences of pre-registration student nurses during mental health clinical placements that enhance practice learning: an integrative literature review. The Journal of Mental Health Training, Education and Practice, 19(3), pp. 153-169. doi:10.1108/jmhtep-09-2023-0085
- Haines, A.C. and McKeown, E. (2023). Exploring perceived barriers for advancement to leadership positions in healthcare: a thematic synthesis of women's experiences. Journal of Health Organization and Management, 37(3), pp. 360-378. doi:10.1108/jhom-02-2022-0053
- Cormican, A., Hirani, S.P. and McKeown, E. (2023). Healthcare professionals’ perceived barriers and facilitators of implementing clinical practice guidelines for stroke rehabilitation: A systematic review. Clinical Rehabilitation, 37(5), pp. 701-712. doi:10.1177/02692155221141036
- McKeown, E., McGraw, C., Holder, P., Shand, J. and Hirani, S.P. (2022). Acceptability and Impact of an Educational App (iCare) for Informal Carers Looking After People at Risk of Pressure Ulceration: Mixed Methods Pilot Study. JMIR Formative Research, 6(9), pp. e36517-e36517. doi:10.2196/36517
- Veerapen, J.D. and McKeown, E. (2021). Exploration of the views and experiences of research healthcare professionals during their redeployment to clinical roles during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 77(12), pp. 4862-4875. doi:10.1111/jan.14998
- McKeown, E., Saleem, T., Magee, C. and Haddad, M. (2020). The experiences of carers looking after people with Parkinson’s disease who exhibit impulsive and compulsive behaviours: An exploratory qualitative study. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 29(23-24), pp. 4623-4632. doi:10.1111/jocn.15499
- Rogers, M.K. and McKeown, E. (2020). Sero-risk neutral and sero-risk averse: perceptions of risk and condom use among Black African heterosexual migrant couples in serodiscordant relationships in the UK. International Journal of STD & AIDS, 31(13), pp. 1291-1299. doi:10.1177/0956462419889264
- Harrington, S., Grundy-Bowers, M. and McKeown, E. (2020). ‘Get up, brush teeth, take PrEP’: a qualitative study of the experiences of London-based MSM using PrEP. HIV Nursing, 20(3)
- Annesley, L., McKeown, E. and Curtis-Tyler, K. (2020). Parents’ perspectives on their children’s music therapy: A synthesis of qualitative literature. British Journal of Music Therapy, 34(1), pp. 39-52. doi:10.1177/1359457520907636
- Annesley, L., Curtis-Tyler, K. and McKeown, E. (2020). Parents’ Perspectives on Their Child’s Music Therapy: A Qualitative Study. Journal of Music Therapy, 57(1), pp. 91-119. doi:10.1093/jmt/thz018
- Chamanga, E., Dyson, J., Loke, J. and McKeown, E. (2020). Factors influencing the recruitment and retention of registered nurses in adult community nursing services: an integrative literature review. Primary Health Care Research & Development, 21. doi:10.1017/s1463423620000353
- Papadatou-Pastou, M., Campbell-Thompson, L., Barley, E., Haddad, M., Lafarge, C., McKeown, E.... Tzotzoli, P. (2019). Exploring the feasibility and acceptability of the contents, design, and functionalities of an online intervention promoting mental health, wellbeing, and study skills in Higher Education students. International Journal of Mental Health Systems, 13(1). doi:10.1186/s13033-019-0308-5
- Bistaraki, A., McKeown, E. and Kyratsis, Y. (2019). Leading interagency planning and collaboration in mass gatherings: public health and safety in the 2012 London Olympics. Public Health, 166, pp. 19-24. doi:10.1016/j.puhe.2018.09.031
- Rogers, M.K. and McKeown, E. (2018). Timing of HIV acquisition and disclosure - a qualitative study of serodiscordant relationships among heterosexual black African migrant couples in the UK. HIV Nursing, (18), pp. 82-88
- Vseteckova, J., Deepak-Gopinath, M., Borgstrom, E., Holland, C., Draper, J., Pappas, Y.... Gray, S. (2018). Barriers and facilitators to adherence to group exercise in institutionalized older people living with dementia: a systematic review. European Review of Aging and Physical Activity, 15(1). doi:10.1186/s11556-018-0200-3
- Skene, I., Pott, J. and McKeown, E. (2017). Patients’ experience of trauma care in the emergency department of a major trauma centre in the UK. International Emergency Nursing, 35, pp. 1-6. doi:10.1016/j.ienj.2017.02.005
- Allum, L., Connolly, B. and McKeown, E. (2017). Meeting the needs of critical care patients after discharge home: a qualitative exploratory study of patient perspectives. Nursing in Critical Care. doi:10.1111/nicc.12305
- McKeown, E., Weir, H., Berridge, E.-.J., Ellis, L. and Kyratsis, Y. (2016). Art engagement and mental health: experiences of service users of a community-based arts programme at Tate Modern, London. Public Health, 130, pp. 29-35. doi:10.1016/j.puhe.2015.09.009
- Wong, S., Graham, A., Hirani, S.P., Charlton, D., Coalwood, S., McKeown, E.... Saif, M. (2015). Review of dietetic service provision and activity in spinal cord injury centres: A multicentre survey in the UK and Republic of Ireland. Spinal Cord, 53(12), pp. 855-859. doi:10.1038/sc.2015.83
- Haddad, M., Menchetti, M., McKeown, E., Tylee, A. and Mann, A. (2015). The development and psychometric properties of a measure of clinicians’ attitudes to depression: the revised Depression Attitude Questionnaire (R-DAQ). BMC Psychiatry, 15(1). doi:10.1186/s12888-014-0381-x
- Wong, S., Jamous, A., O’Driscoll, J., Sekhar, R., Saif, M., O’Driscoll, S.... Hirani, S.P. (2015). Effectiveness of probiotic in preventing and treating antibiotic-associated diarrhoea and/or Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhoea in patients with spinal cord injury: a protocol of systematic review of randomised controlled trials. Systematic Reviews, 4(1). doi:10.1186/s13643-015-0159-3
- Wong, S., Graham, A., Hirani, S.P., Charlton, D., Coalwood, S., McKeown, E.... Saif, M. (2015). Review of dietetic service provision and activity in spinal cord injury centres: a multicentre survey in the UK and Republic of Ireland. Spinal Cord, 53(12), pp. 855-859. doi:10.1038/sc.2015.83
- Grundy-Bowers, M., Hardy, S. and McKeown, E. (2015). Barebacking and sexual position. Sexualities, 18(1-2), pp. 176-194. doi:10.1177/1363460715569140
- Stocker, R., Hardy, S. and McKeown, E.J. (2015). A novel gay ‘right’ of passage: constructing ceremonies, conveying meaning, and displaying identities through men’s civil partnerships. Serena Petrella (Ed.), Doing Gender, Doing Love: Interdisciplinary Voices Oxford: Inter-Disciplinary Press.
- Wong, S., Saif, M., O'Driscoll, J., Kumar, N., Smith, É., Roels, E.... Jamous, A. (2015). Use of probiotics in preventing antibiotic associated diarrhoea and Clostridium difficile associated diarrhoea in spinal injury centres: An international survey of four western European countries. International Journal of Probiotics & Prebiotics, 10(2/3), pp. 85-90
- Chamanga, E., Christie, J. and McKeown, E.J. (2014). Community nurses experiences of treating patients with leg ulcers. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 28(6), pp. 27-34
- Grundy-Bowers, M., Hardy, S. and McKeown, E. (2014). Towards a holistic understanding of HIV-negative MSM who bareback. HIV Medicine, 15, pp. 147
- Doerner, R., McKeown, E., Nelson, S., Anderson, J., Low, N. and Elford, J. (2013). Circumcision and HIV infection among men who have sex with men in Britain: The insertive sexual role. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 42(7), pp. 1319-1326. doi:10.1007/s10508-012-0061-1
- McKeown, E., Doerner, R., Nelson, S., Low, N., Robinson, A., Anderson, J.... Elford, J. (2012). The experiences of ethnic minority MSM using NHS sexual health clinics in Britain. Sexually Transmitted Infections, 88(8), pp. 595-600. doi:10.1136/sextrans-2011-050436
- Elford, J., Doerner, R., McKeown, E., Nelson, S., Anderson, J. and Low, N. (2012). HIV infection among ethnic minority and migrant men who have sex with men in britain. Sexually Transmitted Diseases, 39(9), pp. 678-686. doi:10.1097/OLQ.0b013e31825c8018
- Drey, N., McKeown, E., Kelly, D. and Gould, D. (2012). Adherence to antiparkinsonian medication: an in-depth qualitative study. Int J Nurs Stud, 49(7), pp. 863-871. doi:10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2012.01.012
- Doerner, R., McKeown, E., Nelson, S., Anderson, J., Low, N. and Elford, J. (2012). Sexual Mixing and HIV Risk Among Ethnic Minority MSM in Britain. AIDS and Behavior pp. 1-9. doi:10.1007/s10461-012-0265-3
- McKeown, E., Nelson, S., Anderson, J., Low, N. and Elford, J. (2010). Disclosure, discrimination and desire: Experiences of black and south asian gay men in Britain. Culture Health and Sexuality, 12(7), pp. 843-856. doi:10.1080/13691058.2010.499963
- Elford, J., McKeown, E., Doerner, R., Nelson, S., Low, N. and Anderson, J. (2010). Sexual health of ethnic minority MSM in Britain (MESH project): design and methods. BMC Public Health, 10, pp. 419. doi:10.1186/1471-2458-10-419
- McKeown, E. (2006). Modernity, prestige, and self-promotion: Literacy in a Papua New Guinean community. Anthropology and Education Quarterly, 37(4), pp. 366-380. doi:10.1525/aeq.2006.37.4.366
- Warner, J., Mckeown, É., Griffin, M., Johnson, K., Ramsay, A., Cort, C.... King, M. (2004). Rates and predictors of mental illness in gay men, lesbians and bisexual men and women. British Journal of Psychiatry, 185(6), pp. 479-485. doi:10.1192/bjp.185.6.479
- King, M. and McKeown, E.J. (2004). Gay and lesbian identities and mental health. Kelleher, D & G. Leavey (Ed.) Identity & Health, London: Routledge pp. 143-159
- King, M., McKeown, E.J., Warner, J., Ramsay, A., Johnson, K., Cort, C.... Davidson, O. (2003). Mental health and quality of life of gay men and lesbians in England and Wales: controlled, cross-sectional study. British Journal of Psychiatry. 183: 552-558. British Journal of Psychiatry, 183, pp. 552-558
- McKeown, E.J. (2003). Why read? Why write? Literacy in Simbu, Papua New Guinea. Meanjin, 62(3), pp. 123-149
- McKeown, E.J. (2001). Biros, books and big-men: literacy and the transformation of leadership in a Papua New Guinean village. Oceania, 72(2), pp. 105-116
- Johnston, J., Mckeown, E. and Mcewen, A. (1999). Choosing Primary Teaching as a Career: The perspectives of males and females in training. Journal of Education for Teaching, 25(1), pp. 55-64. doi:10.1080/02607479919673
- Johnston, J.Q., McKeown, E.J. and McEwen, A. (1999). Primary teaching as a career choice: the views of male and female sixth-form students. Research Papers in Education., 14, pp. 181-198
Reports (5)
- King, M. and McKeown, E.J. (2003). Mental health and social wellbeing of gay men, lesbians and bisexuals in England and Wales. Mind. ISBN 1903567467.
- King, M. and McKeown, E.J. (2003). Mental health and social wellbeing of gay men, lesbians and bisexuals in England and Wales: a summary of findings..
- Knipe, D., Leith, H., Gray, C., McKeown, E.J. and Carlisle, K. (2003). Betty the builder, Neil the nurse: sex-typing of occupations in primary schools. Belfast: Equality Commission for Northern Ireland. ISBN 1903941164.
- Johnston, J.Q., McKeown, E.J., Cowan, P., McClune, P. and McEwen, A. (1999). What science engenders: boys and girls and the teaching and learning of science in primary schools. Belfast: Equality Commission for Northern Ireland. ISBN 0906646677.
- Johnston, J.Q., McKeown, E.J. and McEwen, A. (1998). Primary concerns: gender factors in choosing primary school teaching. Belfast: Equality Commission for Northern Ireland. ISBN 0906646677.
Working paper
- Goozee, R., Barrable, A., Lubenko, J., Papadatou-Pastou, M., Haddad, M., McKeown, E.... Tzotzoli, P. (2021). Investigating the feasibility of MePlusMe, an online intervention to support mental health, wellbeing, and study skills in higher education students.
Professional activities
Events/conferences (19)
-
Minority stress, relationship formalisation and wellbeing: an exploratory analysis of the life narratives of men in civil partnerships in the UK. Aston University, Birmingham, UK (2013).
Description: 46th Annual British Sociological Association Medical Sociology Conference -
Barebacking & Sexual Role. University of Warwick (2013).
Description: Queer Theorizations of Bareback in Three National Contexts -
An exploratory study of the experiences of mental health users who participated in an arts-based programme at Tate Modern. Canberra, Australia (2011).
Description: McKeown E., Ellis L. & Weir H., 3rd International Arts and Health Conference. -
HIV risk behaviours among older gay men in Britain. VIenna (2010).
Description: Doerner R., McKeown E., Nelson S., Low N., Anderson J. & J. Elford, XVIII International AIDS Conference. -
Circumcision and HIV infection among MSM in Britain: the role of the insertive role. Vienna (2010).
Description: Doerner R., McKeown E., Nelson S., Low N., Anderson J. & J. Elford, XVIII International AIDS Conference. (International AIDS Society 2010 Abstract Scholarship Winner.) -
Explaining differences in HIV prevalence among ethnic minority and migrant MSM in Britain. Vienna (2010).
Description: Elford J., Doerner R., McKeown E., Nelson S., Low N. & Anderson J., XVIII International AIDS Conference. -
Gay men, ageing and HIV. Sheffield (2010).
Description: Elford J., Doerner R., McKeown E., Nelson S, Anderson J, Low N., 10th Annual CHAPS Conference. -
Disclosure, discrimination and identity: a qualitative study among Black and South Asian men who have sex with men (MSM) in Britain. London (2009).
Description: McKeown E, Nelson S, Anderson J, Low N & Elford J, 18th ISSTDR Congress -
Sexual health of ethnic minority MSM in Britain: the MESH project. Bristol (2008).
Description: Elford J, McKeown E, Nelson S, Low N, Anderson J, LGBT Health Summit -
Identity and sexual health among ethnic minority men who have sex with men (MSM) in Britain: a qualitative study. Mexico City (2008).
Description: McKeown E, Anderson J, Low N, Nelson S, Elford J, XVII International AIDS Conference. -
Stigma and discrimination experienced by men who have sex with men in Britain. Mexico City (2008).
Description: McKeown E, Anderson J, Low N, Nelson S, Elford J, XVII International AIDS Conference. -
HIV risk behaviour among ethnic minority men who have sex with men (MSM) living in Britain. Mexico City (2008).
Description: Elford J, McKeown E, Low N, Nelson S, Anderson J, XVII International AIDS Conference. -
Ethnic minority MSM living in Britain. Mexico City (2008).
Description: Elford J, McKeown E, Nelson S, Anderson J, Low N, XVII International AIDS Conference, Global Forum on MSM satellite session. -
Circumcision status and HIV infection in a diverse sample of MSM in Britain. Mexico City (2008).
Description: Elford J, McKeown E, Nelson S, Anderson J, Low N, XVII International AIDS Conference. -
BME MSM: examining sexual health and sexual identity. London (2007).
Description: McKeown E & Elford J (2007) 10th Annual CHAPS Conference. -
Evaluating On Track: building relationships between evaluators and projects. Online (2004).
Description: McKeown E & Katz I (2004), National Evaluation of the Children's Fund online conference. -
The politics of the written word: patterns of literacy use in a newly-literate community in Simbu, Papua New Guinea. Chicago (2003).
Description: McKeown E (2003), American Association of Anthropologists. -
Mental health in the gay, lesbian & bisexual community: findings from a qualitative study. London (2003).
Description: McKeown E & Johnson, K (2003), report launch: King's Fund. -
The incorporation of literacy into the communicative repertoire of a Papua New Guinean community. University of Oxford (2001).
Description: McKeown E (2001), Ethnography and Education Conference.