Dr. Rafailia Zavrou holds a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing (2013) from the School of Nursing at the Cyprus University of Technology, a Master’s degree in Mental Health (2015) from the European University Cyprus, where she graduated top of her class in the School of Health Sciences, and a Ph.D. in Mental Health Nursing (2023) from the Cyprus University of Technology. Additionally, she has received specialized training in Grief Support through a certified online program from Taking Flight International Corporation in Canada (2017).
Her doctoral research focused on exploring the lived experiences of parents who lost a child to suicide, with related publications in scientific journals. Her research interests primarily involve suicide, the grieving process following suicide, and coping mechanisms for loss. She also examines the impact of suicide at individual, social, and familial levels, with a goal of destigmatizing this vulnerable population and addressing their emerging needs.
Dr. Zavrou has participated in research targeting the identification of mental disorders and substance use among adolescents and young adults (undergraduate and postgraduate students), as well as studies on gaps in the care of patients with dementia.
She is also a Visiting Lecturer at the Cyprus University of Technology in the Department of Nursing, as well as at Philips University, in the postgraduate Counseling in Addictions program.
Dr. Zavrou has presented at numerous conferences and seminars, both locally and internationally, on topics related to mental health. Her presentations focus on issues such as suicide, grief support, youth mental health, and the care of vulnerable populations. Through her involvement, she has significantly contributed to advancing scientific knowledge and raising awareness about mental health issues.
She possesses extensive clinical experience as a registered nurse in various departments of private hospitals, where she gained significant experience in providing general and palliative care. Since 2015, she has worked as a Mental Health Nurse in various departments of the Mental Health Services in Nicosia, including five years at Athalassa Psychiatric Hospital, and in opioid substitution treatment programs for addiction recovery. Currently, Dr. Zavrou serves as a community mental health nurse with the Community Mental Health Services of Cyprus.
