Associate Professor Janni Leung
Associate Professor

Janni Leung

Email: 
Phone: 
+61 7 344 32526

Background

A/Prof Janni Leung (PhD) is an NHMRC Development Fellow at National Centre for Youth Substance Use Research (NCYSUR) at The University of Queensland. Their program of research includes investigating the epidemiology of substance use and mental health because they are both major public health issues that commonly occur together. This research program had made paradigm-changing development through 100+ articles, which have recognised impact (15,000+ cites, 30% output in the top 1% citation percentile). Many of their work involves conducting systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and applying statistical models to epidemiological data on addiction and mental health issues to better understand their impacts on populations. Her work is used to inform policies on how to reduce the disease burden caused by addiction and mental health problems in Australia and overseas. Janni is committed to conducting high-quality rigorous research to generate empirical epidemiological evidence to inform decisions to prevent addiction-related harms in the population.

Teaching and supervision: They have qualifications and training in public health, sociology, and psychology. In addition, they have strong research and teaching experience in epidemiology and biostatistics. Janni has worked with a range of students from diverse demographic and cultural backgrounds, including mature-aged students and students with family responsibilities. She currently has a topic available for a self-motivated student interested in addiction research. Janni’s current research focus is on the epidemiology and disease burden associated with mental and substance use disorders across the globe.

Consultation: Janni is available for private consultation and workshop presentations on request for various research methodological and statistical topics, e.g. systematic reviews and meta-analysis, questionnaire and survey designs, cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses.

Where can you find Janni: Janni is based at the UQ St Lucia campus with regular visits to the Long Pocket and Herston campuses. You may also catch Janni at the APSAD conference.

Availability

Associate Professor Janni Leung is:
Available for supervision
Media expert

Fields of research

Biomedical and Clinical Sciences Clinical sciences Epidemiology Health Sciences Psychology

Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Arts, The University of Queensland
  • Bachelor of Health Sciences, The University of Queensland
  • Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Queensland

Research interests

  • Substance use, substance abuse, and substance dependence

  • Mental health and mental disorders

  • Epidemiology, public health

  • Burden of disease

  • Higher education

Search Professor Janni Leung’s works on UQ eSpace

305 works between 2010 and 2025
All (305) Journal Article (236) Book Chapter (1) Conference Publication (62) Other Outputs (6)

21 - 40 of 305 works

2024

Journal Article

The prevalence of cannabis use disorders in people who use medicinal cannabis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Dawson, Danielle, Stjepanović, Daniel, Lorenzetti, Valentina, Cheung, Christy, Hall, Wayne and Leung, Janni (2024). The prevalence of cannabis use disorders in people who use medicinal cannabis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 257 111263, 1-8. doi: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2024.111263

The prevalence of cannabis use disorders in people who use medicinal cannabis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

2024

Journal Article

Patterns of social media use across age groups during the COVID-19 pandemic: a study across four countries

Bonsaksen, Tore, Thygesen, Hilde, Leung, Janni, Lamph, Gary, Kabelenga, Isaac and Østertun Geirdal, Amy (2024). Patterns of social media use across age groups during the COVID-19 pandemic: a study across four countries. Social Sciences, 13 (4) 194, 1-13. doi: 10.3390/socsci13040194

Patterns of social media use across age groups during the COVID-19 pandemic: a study across four countries

2024

Journal Article

The use and knowledge around vaping and their correlates among university students—a cross-sectional Australian Study

Leung, Janni, Ellem, Rhiannon, Glasgow, Sophia, Rowe, Amy-Leigh, Gardner, Lauren, Davidson, Lily, Campbell, Gabrielle, Pocuca, Nina, Tisdale, Calvert, Chan, Gary and Hides, Leanne (2024). The use and knowledge around vaping and their correlates among university students—a cross-sectional Australian Study. International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction, 1-17. doi: 10.1007/s11469-024-01281-5

The use and knowledge around vaping and their correlates among university students—a cross-sectional Australian Study

2024

Journal Article

A systematic review of second-hand smoking mass media campaigns (2002–2022)

Lim, Carmen C. W., Rutherford, Brienna, Gartner, Coral, McClure-Thomas, Caitlin, Foo, Shaun, Su, Fang-Yi, Scheurer, Roman, Sebayang, Susy, Chan, Gary, Stjepanović, Daniel, Fausiah, Fitri, Farassania, Ghea and Leung, Janni (2024). A systematic review of second-hand smoking mass media campaigns (2002–2022). BMC Public Health, 24 (1) 693. doi: 10.1186/s12889-024-18222-5

A systematic review of second-hand smoking mass media campaigns (2002–2022)

2024

Journal Article

Prevalence and correlates of positive parental attitudes towards cannabis use and use intention in Australia during 2016 and 2019

Chiu, Vivian, Dawson, Danielle, Chan, Gary, Hall, Wayne, Hides, Leanne and Leung, Janni (2024). Prevalence and correlates of positive parental attitudes towards cannabis use and use intention in Australia during 2016 and 2019. Addictive Behaviors, 150 107917, 1-6. doi: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2023.107917

Prevalence and correlates of positive parental attitudes towards cannabis use and use intention in Australia during 2016 and 2019

2024

Journal Article

Participation in Australian drug treatment programs for individuals engaging in high‐risk substance use: data from a nationally representative sample

Leung, Janni, Yimer, Tesfa Mekonen, Chiu, Vivian, Hall, Wayne D., Connor, Jason P. and Chan, Gary Chung Kai (2024). Participation in Australian drug treatment programs for individuals engaging in high‐risk substance use: data from a nationally representative sample. Drug and Alcohol Review, 43 (3), 688-693. doi: 10.1111/dar.13792

Participation in Australian drug treatment programs for individuals engaging in high‐risk substance use: data from a nationally representative sample

2024

Journal Article

Investigating the critical period for alcohol or other drug-related presentations following access to residential substance use treatment: a data linkage study

Tisdale, Calvert, Leung, Janni, de Andrade, Dominique and Hides, Leanne (2024). Investigating the critical period for alcohol or other drug-related presentations following access to residential substance use treatment: a data linkage study. International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction, 1-29. doi: 10.1007/s11469-024-01248-6

Investigating the critical period for alcohol or other drug-related presentations following access to residential substance use treatment: a data linkage study

2024

Journal Article

Extended hours of video game play and negative physical symptoms and pain

Leung, Janni, Saunders, John B., Stjepanović, Daniel, Tisdale, Calvert, McClure-Thomas, Caitlin, Connor, Jason, Gullo, Matthew, Wood, Andrew and Kai Chan, Gary Chung (2024). Extended hours of video game play and negative physical symptoms and pain. Computers in Human Behavior, 155 108181. doi: 10.1016/j.chb.2024.108181

Extended hours of video game play and negative physical symptoms and pain

2024

Journal Article

How much cannabis is used in a joint in Australia? An experimental investigation into use by potency and frequency

Dawson, Danielle, Stjepanovic, Daniel, Lorenzetti, Valentina, Hall, Wayne D. and Leung, Janni (2024). How much cannabis is used in a joint in Australia? An experimental investigation into use by potency and frequency. Drug and Alcohol Review, 43 (1), 226-232. doi: 10.1111/dar.13747

How much cannabis is used in a joint in Australia? An experimental investigation into use by potency and frequency

2024

Journal Article

Research Letter: E-cigarette use and mental health during early adolescence: An Australian survey among over 5000 young people

Gardner, Lauren A, O’Dean, Siobhan, Rowe, Amy-Leigh, Hawkins, Annabelle, Egan, Lyra, Stockings, Emily, Teesson, Maree, Hides, Leanne, Catakovic, Amra, Ellem, Rhiannon, McBride, Nyanda, Allsop, Steve, Blackburn, Kathleen, Stapinski, Lexine, Freeman, Becky, Leung, Janni, Thornton, Louise, Birrell, Louise, Champion, Katrina E and Newton, Nicola C. (2024). Research Letter: E-cigarette use and mental health during early adolescence: An Australian survey among over 5000 young people. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 58 (12), 1103-1106. doi: 10.1177/00048674241267908

Research Letter: E-cigarette use and mental health during early adolescence: An Australian survey among over 5000 young people

2024

Journal Article

Changes in patterns of youth multiple tobacco and/or e-cigarette product use in the US between 2014 and 2020: a multiple-group latent class analysis

Sun, Tianze, Lim, Carmen C W, Rutherford, Brienna N., Johnson, Benjamin, Connor, Jason, Gartner, Coral E, Hall, Wayne D, Leung, Janni and Chan, Gary (2024). Changes in patterns of youth multiple tobacco and/or e-cigarette product use in the US between 2014 and 2020: a multiple-group latent class analysis. Tobacco Control, 33 (1), 21-29. doi: 10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2022-057266

Changes in patterns of youth multiple tobacco and/or e-cigarette product use in the US between 2014 and 2020: a multiple-group latent class analysis

2023

Journal Article

Treatment-seeking behavior and barriers to mental health service utilization for depressive symptoms and hazardous drinking: The role of religious and traditional healers in mental healthcare of Northwest Ethiopia

Yimer, Tesfa Mekonen, Chan, Gary C.K., Belete, Habte, Hides, Leanne and Leung, Janni (2023). Treatment-seeking behavior and barriers to mental health service utilization for depressive symptoms and hazardous drinking: The role of religious and traditional healers in mental healthcare of Northwest Ethiopia. Cambridge Prisms: Global Mental Health, 10 e92, 1-12. doi: 10.1017/gmh.2023.88

Treatment-seeking behavior and barriers to mental health service utilization for depressive symptoms and hazardous drinking: The role of religious and traditional healers in mental healthcare of Northwest Ethiopia

2023

Journal Article

Global, regional, and country-level coverage of testing and treatment for HIV and hepatitis C infection among people who inject drugs: a systematic review

Hajarizadeh, Behzad, Kairouz, Abe, Ottaviano, Sophie, Ireland, Jeremy, Willing, Alex, Cunningham, Evan, Webb, Paige, Colledge-Frisby, Samantha, Wheeler, Alice, Leung, Janni, Tran, Lucy T, Price, Olivia, Vickerman, Peter, Farrell, Michael, Hickman, Matthew, Dore, Gregory J, Bergenström, Anne, Degenhardt, Louisa and Grebely, Jason (2023). Global, regional, and country-level coverage of testing and treatment for HIV and hepatitis C infection among people who inject drugs: a systematic review. The Lancet Global Health, 11 (12), e1885-e1898. doi: 10.1016/s2214-109x(23)00461-8

Global, regional, and country-level coverage of testing and treatment for HIV and hepatitis C infection among people who inject drugs: a systematic review

2023

Journal Article

Adolescent exposure to online advertisements and promotions for tobacco products on the internet - a cross-sectional analysis of the Global Youth Tobacco Surveys

Leung, Janni, Lim, Carmen, McClure-Thomas, Caitlin, Foo, Shaun, Sebayang, Susy, Farassania, Ghea, Fausiah, Fitri, Gartner, Coral and Chan, Gary C. K. (2023). Adolescent exposure to online advertisements and promotions for tobacco products on the internet - a cross-sectional analysis of the Global Youth Tobacco Surveys. Journal of Adolescent Health, 73 (6), 1138-1144. doi: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2023.07.019

Adolescent exposure to online advertisements and promotions for tobacco products on the internet - a cross-sectional analysis of the Global Youth Tobacco Surveys

2023

Journal Article

Viral vaping: a systematic review and meta analysis of e-cigarette and tobacco-related social media content and its influence on youth behaviours and attitudes

Rutherford, Brienna N., Lim, Carmen C.W., Cheng, Brandon, Sun, Tianze, Vu, Giang T., Johnson, Benjamin, Ashley, Daniel Paul, Chung, Jack, Huang, Sandy, Leung, Janni, Stjepanović, Daniel, Connor, Jason P. and Chan, Gary C.K. (2023). Viral vaping: a systematic review and meta analysis of e-cigarette and tobacco-related social media content and its influence on youth behaviours and attitudes. Addictive Behaviors, 147 107828, 107828. doi: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2023.107828

Viral vaping: a systematic review and meta analysis of e-cigarette and tobacco-related social media content and its influence on youth behaviours and attitudes

2023

Journal Article

Associations between demographic variables, psychosocial health, quality of life, and happiness in the context of COVID-19

Østertun Geirdal, Amy K., Leung, Janni, Price, Daicia, Kabelenga, Isaac, Lamph, Gary, Thygesen, Hilde, Ruffolo, Mary R. and Bonsaksen, Tore (2023). Associations between demographic variables, psychosocial health, quality of life, and happiness in the context of COVID-19. Applied Research in Quality of Life, 19 (2), 603-617. doi: 10.1007/s11482-023-10255-z

Associations between demographic variables, psychosocial health, quality of life, and happiness in the context of COVID-19

2023

Journal Article

Schooling-at-home and extra child-caring responsibilities were associated with parental mental health, psychosocial well-being, and loneliness

Leung, Janni, Price, Daicia, Bonsaksen, Tore, Ruffolo, Mary, Thygesen, Hilde, McClure-Thomas, Caitlin, Schoultz, Mariyana and Ostertun Geirdal, Amy (2023). Schooling-at-home and extra child-caring responsibilities were associated with parental mental health, psychosocial well-being, and loneliness. Social Education Research, 5 (1), 1-14. doi: 10.37256/ser.5120243332

Schooling-at-home and extra child-caring responsibilities were associated with parental mental health, psychosocial well-being, and loneliness

2023

Conference Publication

Longitudinal association between exposure to e-cigarette advertising and youth e-cigarette use in the United States

Sun, Tianze, Vu, Giang, Lim, Carmen C. W., Johnson, Ben, Stjepanovic, Daniel, Leung, Janni, Connor, Jason P., Gartner, Coral, Hall, Wayne D. and Chan, Gary C. K. (2023). Longitudinal association between exposure to e-cigarette advertising and youth e-cigarette use in the United States. APSAD 2023 Conference, Adelaide, SA, Australia, 12–15 November 2023. Chichester, West Sussex, United Kingdom: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing. doi: 10.1111/dar.13749

Longitudinal association between exposure to e-cigarette advertising and youth e-cigarette use in the United States

2023

Conference Publication

Protocol of a randomised controlled trial of a school-based eHealth intervention to prevent e-cigarette use among adolescents: The OurFutures Vaping Program

Gardner, Lauren A., Rowe, Amy-Leigh, Stockings, Emily, Champion, Katrina E., Hides, Leanne, McBride, Nyanda, Allsop, Steve, O'Dean, Siobhan M., Sunderland, Matthew, Lee, Yong Yi, Mihalopoulos, Cathy, Freeman, Becky, Leung, Janni, McRobbie, Hayden, Stapinski, Lexine, Lee, Nicole, Thornton, Louise, Birrell, Louise, Teesson, Maree and Newton, Nicola C. (2023). Protocol of a randomised controlled trial of a school-based eHealth intervention to prevent e-cigarette use among adolescents: The OurFutures Vaping Program. APSAD 2023 Conference, Adelaide, SA, Australia, 12–15 November 2023. Chichester, West Sussex, United Kingdom: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing.

Protocol of a randomised controlled trial of a school-based eHealth intervention to prevent e-cigarette use among adolescents: The OurFutures Vaping Program

2023

Journal Article

Longitudinal association between exposure to e-cigarette advertising and youth e-cigarette use in the United States

Sun, Tianze, Vu, Giang, Lim, Carmen C.W., Johnson, Ben, Stjepanović, Daniel, Leung, Janni, Connor, Jason P., Gartner, Coral, Hall, Wayne D. and Chan, Gary C.K. (2023). Longitudinal association between exposure to e-cigarette advertising and youth e-cigarette use in the United States. Addictive Behaviors, 146 107810, 1-6. doi: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2023.107810

Longitudinal association between exposure to e-cigarette advertising and youth e-cigarette use in the United States

Current funding

  • 2024 - 2028
    Unclouding the future: Igniting change with an AI-powered social media campaign against youth vaping
    NHMRC MRFF PPHR - Maternal Health and Healthy Lifestyles
    Open grant
  • 2024 - 2025
    Developing and evaluating an AI-assisted health promotion campaign on social media to tackle the public health concerns of youth vaping
    UQ Foundation Research Excellence Awards
    Open grant
  • 2023 - 2026
    A new scalable eHealth approach to prevent e-cigarette use among adolescents: The OurFutures Vaping program (MRFF Maternal Health and Healthy Lifestyles Grant administered by University of Sydney)
    University of Sydney
    Open grant
  • 2022 - 2027
    Reducing the impact and burden of substance use on mental health
    NHMRC Investigator Grants
    Open grant

Past funding

  • 2024 - 2025
    UQ AWARE - Dr Janni Leung
    UQ Amplify Women's Academic Research Equity
    Open grant
  • 2023 - 2024
    Establishing an International Consortium on video gaming addiction
    U21 Health Sciences Group International Projects Fund
    Open grant
  • 2023
    Review of alcohol and other drugs program
    Queensland Department of Education
    Open grant
  • 2023
    How can we minimise the adolescent uptake of vaping and related social and health harm?
    Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia
    Open grant
  • 2020 - 2022
    How much burden from depression can be alleviated if Australians reduce their alcohol consumption?
    UQ Early Career Researcher
    Open grant
  • 2018 - 2021
    Quantifying the impact and burden of substance use disorders on mental health
    UQ Development Fellowships
    Open grant

Availability

Associate Professor Janni Leung is:
Available for supervision

Before you email them, read our advice on how to contact a supervisor.

Available projects

  • Available Dissertation and Thesis Topics (No International Scholarships Available)

    How to apply – Send your CV, academic transcript, and cover letter to <j.leung1@uq.edu.au>

    1. Epidemiology of mental and substance use disorders
    2. Harmful alcohol use and alcohol use disorders
    3. Video gaming addiction in youth and across different population groups
    4. Smoking in South-East Asia
    5. Substance use treatment service use
    6. Cost-effectiveness of addiction interventions

    *Propose your own topics. Research projects would be suitable to those:

    • Highly motivated, proactive, and self-directed
    • Strong written and oral communication skills
    • Has completed or is enrolled to complete the UQ library workshop on systematic reviews and database searching
    • Able to travel to St Lucia, The University of Queensland

  • Areas of RHD supervision

    • Psychiatry epidemiology
    • Alcohol use disorders
    • Alcohol drinking behavior
    • Tobacco smoking
    • Gaming addiction
    • Video game play behaviours
    • Injecting drug use
    • Person who inject drugs
    • Substance use
    • Substance dependence
    • Substance abuse
    • Drug use disorders
    • Amphetamine / methamphetamine
    • Cocaine / Heroin
    • Marijuana / Cannabis
    • Psycho-stimulants
    • Mental health and mental disorders
    • Depression & anxiety
    • Public attitudes
    • Burden of disease
    • Treatment rates and treatment gaps
    • Risk factors and outcomes of substance use
    • Systematic reviews and meta-analyses

Supervision history

Current supervision

Completed supervision

Enquiries

Contact Associate Professor Janni Leung directly for media enquiries about:

  • Disease burden
  • Mental health
  • Substance abuse
  • Substance dependence
  • Substance use

Need help?

For help with finding experts, story ideas and media enquiries, contact our Media team:

communications@uq.edu.au