Prof. Benjamin Hon-kei YIP
葉漢基教授
Research Links
OCRID: 0000-0002-4749-7611
Scopus Author ID: 55589080100
Academic Appointments
- Co-Director, Admission Committee of Master of Public Health (MPH) Program
- Capstone Coordinator, Master of Public Health (MPH) Program
- College Coordinator, Chung Chi College (JCSPHPC)
Bio
Dr. Benjamin Hon Kei Yip leverages real-world data (RWD) to develop and apply advanced genetic epidemiological models, unraveling the genetic and environmental foundations of various diseases. A distinctive feature of his research is the construction of diverse family pedigrees using comprehensive Nordic population registries. By carefully mapping family relationships with varying degrees of genetic correlation, able to examine how genetic and environmental factors contribute to disease risk within the population. This methodological focus has enabled him to address complex research questions, such as resolving a longstanding debate in psychiatry by demonstrating substantial genetic etiological overlap between schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Building on this foundation, he has led large-scale genetic epidemiological studies of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), further establishing ASD’s high heritability. In his recent groundbreaking work, Dr. Yip was the first to test and confirm that the heritability of ASD is about 10% higher in males than in females, offering new genetic insight into sex differences in ASD prevalence.
In addition to his primary research, Dr. Yip is a leader in clinical research. As principal biostatistician for more than 20 clinical trials, he has overseen study design, analytical planning, and effectiveness and cost-effectiveness analyses, frequently integrating trial data with RWD from electronic health records. His expertise in biostatistics and health economics has enabled him to lead influential studies, such as evaluating the Kwai Tsing District Health Centre and conducting nurse workforce projections for the Macao government. Currently, he is applying emulated trial designs to assess the impact of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors on dementia risk in patients with type 2 diabetes, using RWD from healthcare settings.
Dr. Yip is deeply committed to training the next generation of researchers. He has supervised 12 PhD graduates, serving as the primary supervisor for five, and is currently supervising three PhD students. His contributions are widely recognized, with publications in leading journals such as The Lancet, JAMA Psychiatry, Biological Psychiatry, Molecular Psychiatry, and Value in Health, among others. He ranks among the top 2% of the world’s most cited scientists and serves as Principal Investigator or Co-Principal Investigator on 38 competitive grants, with total funding exceeding HK$200 million.
Dr. Yip serves as the warden of Ying Lin Tang, Chung Chi College, CUHK.
Research Interest
- Epidemiology and Genetic Epidemiology of Autism Spectrum Disorder: My research delves into the epidemiological patterns of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), identifying prevalence and incidence rates across populations. I explore the genetic factors contributing to ASD, aiming to uncover the hereditary influences and potential genetic markers. By integrating epidemiological data with genetic insights, I seek to better understand the etiology and risk factors associated with ASD.
- Real-World Data (RWD) Analysis: My interest in RWD encompasses gathering extensive data from electronic health records, registries, and patient-generated sources. I employ various study designs, including prospective and retrospective cohort studies, case-control studies, and pragmatic clinical trials, to analyse RWD. The goal of my RWD research is to translate diverse data streams into actionable healthcare insights, ultimately improving patient care.
- Economic Evaluation of Clinical Trials/RWD: I am engaged in the economic analysis of clinical trials, assessing the cost-effectiveness of medical interventions. My work involves modelling the financial impact of clinical outcomes, aiding in the allocation of healthcare resources. Through these evaluations, I contribute to the optimization of healthcare delivery by informing policy and investment decisions.
Recent Funded Research Projects
As Principal Investigator or Co-Principal Investigator
- Sleep and Circadian Rhythm: Potential Window for Prevention of Mental Disorders in Adolescents (Co-PI in collaboration with Prof WING Yung Kwok, Theme Base Research #T14-412/25-R)
- An Emulated Trial to Study the Impact of Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4 Inhibitors on Dementia Risk in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients in Hong Kong (PI, Health and Medical Research Fund #21220611)
- Lifestyle Modification Project for Middle-aged People (Co-PI in collaboration with Prof Samuel Wong, Jockey Club)
As Co-Investigator
- Assessing the Performance on Registration, Bias Reduction, Reporting and Statistical Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials of Chinese Herbal Medicine: A Cross-sectional Study (In collaboration with Dr Vincent Chung, Research Grants Council #14605824)
- Effectiveness and mechanisms of isometric resistance exercise to reduce blood pressure in a Chinese population: a randomized-controlled trial (In collaboration with Prof Eric Lee, GRF#14108224)
- Ocular imaging biomarkers for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). (In collaboration with Dr Zhang Yuzhou, HMRF10210246)
- Mitigating the long-term effects of COVID-19 on childhood myopia: an evidence-based, multidisciplinary strategy. In collaboration with Zhang Xiujuan, HMRF1122019
- Development of a biobank of 3D human retinoblastoma (RB) organoids in Hong Kong to target for in vitro evaluation of anticancer treatment for RB control. In collaboration with Prof Jason Yam, HMRF20210171
- Can TElemedicine system replace doctor consultations to Achieve non-inferior blood pressure in patients with Controlled Hypertension (TEACH)? a randomised controlled trial and cost-minimization analysis. In collaboration with Prof Eric Lee HMRF21220241
- Risk Assessment and Management Program (RAMP) on knee osteoarthritis in primary care – a one-year pragmatic randomized controlled trial. In collaboration with Prof Regina Sit, HMRF21220281
- The efficacy of an online exercise intervention for improving depressive symptoms among patients with subthreshold depression in primary care: a randomized controlled trial. In collaboration with Prof Samuel Wong, HMRF212220291
Selected Publications
* Corresponding Author
- Sandin S, Yip BHK*, Yin W, Weiss LA, Dougherty JD, Fass S, Constantino JN, Hailin Z, Turner TN, Marrus N, Gutmann DH, Sanders SJ, Christoffersson B. Examining Sex Differences in Autism Heritability. JAMA Psychiatry. 2024 Jul 1;81(7):673-680. doi: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2024.0525.
- Bai D, Yip BHK, Windham GC, Sourander A, Francis R, Yoffe R, Glasson E, Mahjani B, Suominen A, Leonard H, Gissler M, Buxbaum JD, Wong K, Schendel D, Kodesh A, Breshnahan M, Levine SZ, Parner ET, Hansen SN, Hultman C, Reichenberg A, Sandin S. Association of Genetic and Environmental Factors With Autism in a 5-Country Cohort. JAMA Psychiatry. 2019 Jul 17
- Yip BHK, Bai D, Mahjani B, Klei L, Pawitan Y, Hultman CM, Grice DE, Roeder K, Buxbaum JD, Devlin B, Reichenberg A, Sandin S. Heritable Variation, With Little or No Maternal Effect , Accounts for Recurrence Risk to Autism Spectrum Disorder in Sweden. Biological Psychiatry. 2018;83:589–97.
- Yip BHK,Leonard H, Stock S, Stoltenberg C, Francis RW, Gissler M, Gross R, Schendel D, Sandin S. Caesarean section and risk of autism across gestational age: a multi-national cohort study of 5 million births. International Journal of Epidemiology. 2017;46:429-439.
- Lichtenstein P, Yip BH, Björk C, Pawitan Y, Cannon TD, Sullivan PF, Hultman CM. Common genetic determinants of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder in Swedish families: a population-based study. The Lancet. 2009;373:234-9.
- Li X, Lau ENS, Chan SKC, Lam TP, Cheng JCY, Lee EKP, Wong SYS, Yip BHK*. Effects of Mindfulness-Based Intervention to Improve Bracing Compliance in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Patients: a Randomized Controlled Trial. Mindfulness. 2023;14(2):322–34.
- Huo Z, Chan JYC, Lin J, Bat BKK, Chan TK, Tsoi KKF, Yip BHK*. Supporting Informal Caregivers of People With Dementia in Cost-Effective Ways: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Value Health. 2021 Dec;24(12):1853-1862.
- Sun Y, Wong SYS, Zhang D, Chen CHJ, Yip BHK*. Behavioral activation with mindfulness in treating subthreshold depression in primary care: A cost-utility and cost-effectiveness analysis alongside a randomized controlled trial. J Psychiatr Res. 2021;132:111–5.
- Huo Z, Lin J, Bat BK, Chan JY, Tsoi, KK, Yip BHK*. Diagnostic accuracy of dementia screening tools in the Chinese population: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 167 diagnostic studies. Age and Ageing. 2021 Feb;50(4):1093-1101 geriatrics.
- Yip BHK*, Lee EKP, Sit RWS, Wong C, Li X, Wong ELY, Wong MCS, Chung RYN, Chung VCH, Kung K, Wong SYS. Nurse-led hypertension management was well accepted and non-inferior to physician consultation in a Chinese population: A randomized controlled trial. Scientific Reports. 2018;8(1):1–9.