31 results on '"Hunter, Ruth F."'
Search Results
2. Association between friendship quality and subjective wellbeing among adolescents: a systematic review
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Alsarrani, Abdullah, Hunter, Ruth F., Dunne, Laura, and Garcia, Leandro
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- 2022
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3. Investigating the feasibility and acceptability of using Instagram to engage post-graduate students in a mass communication social media-based health intervention, #WeeStepsToHealth
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O’Kane, Niamh, McKinley, Michelle C., Gough, Aisling, and Hunter, Ruth F.
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- 2022
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4. Food environment intervention improves food knowledge, wellbeing and dietary habits in primary school children: Project Daire, a randomised-controlled, factorial design cluster trial
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Brennan, Sarah F., Lavelle, Fiona, Moore, Sarah E., Dean, Moira, McKinley, Michelle C., McCole, Patrick, Hunter, Ruth F., Dunne, Laura, O’Connell, Niamh E., Cardwell, Chris R., Elliott, Chris T., McCarthy, Danielle, and Woodside, Jayne V.
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- 2021
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5. Investigating the physical activity, health, wellbeing, social and environmental effects of a new urban greenway: a natural experiment (the PARC study)
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Hunter, Ruth F., Adlakha, Deepti, Cardwell, Christopher, Cupples, Margaret E., Donnelly, Michael, Ellis, Geraint, Gough, Aisling, Hutchinson, George, Kearney, Therese, Longo, Alberto, Prior, Lindsay, McAneney, Helen, Ferguson, Sara, Johnston, Brian, Stevenson, Michael, Kee, Frank, and Tully, Mark A.
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- 2021
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6. A multi-method exploration into the social networks of young teenagers and their physical activity behavior
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Montgomery, Shannon C., Donnelly, Michael, Badham, Jennifer, Kee, Frank, Dunne, Laura, and Hunter, Ruth F.
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- 2021
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7. Socio-environmental and psychosocial predictors of smoking susceptibility among adolescents with contrasting socio-cultural characteristics: a comparative analysis
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Tate, Christopher, Kumar, Rajnish, Murray, Jennifer M., Sanchez-Franco, Sharon, Montgomery, Shannon C., Montes, Felipe, Dunne, Laura, Sarmiento, Olga L., Kee, Frank, and Hunter, Ruth F.
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- 2021
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8. The association between recreational screen time and cancer risk: findings from the UK Biobank, a large prospective cohort study
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Hunter, Ruth F., Murray, Jennifer M., and Coleman, Helen G.
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- 2020
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9. Study of active neighborhoods in Detroit (StAND): study protocol for a natural experiment evaluating the health benefits of ecological restoration of parks
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Pearson, Amber L., Pfeiffer, Karin A., Gardiner, Joseph, Horton, Teresa, Buxton, Rachel T., Hunter, Ruth F., Breeze, Victoria, and McDade, Thomas
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- 2020
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10. The neighborhood social environment and physical activity: a systematic scoping review
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Kepper, Maura M., Myers, Candice A., Denstel, Kara D., Hunter, Ruth F., Guan, Win, and Broyles, Stephanie T.
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- 2019
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11. A feasibility study of ‘The StepSmart Challenge’ to promote physical activity in adolescents
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Corepal, Rekesh, Best, Paul, O’Neill, Roisin, Kee, Frank, Badham, Jennifer, Dunne, Laura, Miller, Sarah, Connolly, Paul, Cupples, Margaret E., van Sluijs, Esther M. F., Tully, Mark A., and Hunter, Ruth F.
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- 2019
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12. The importance of social environment in preventing smoking: an analysis of the Dead Cool intervention
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Badham, Jennifer, McAneney, Helen, Dunne, Laura, Kee, Frank, Thurston, Allen, and Hunter, Ruth F
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- 2019
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13. Effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a loyalty scheme for physical activity behaviour change maintenance: results from a cluster randomised controlled trial
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Hunter, Ruth F., Murray, Jennifer M., Gough, Aisling, Tang, Jianjun, Patterson, Christopher C., French, David P., McIntosh, Emma, Xin, Yiqiao, Kee, Frank, and on behalf of the Physical Activity Loyalty (PAL) Study team
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- 2018
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14. Association between time preference, present-bias and physical activity: implications for designing behavior change interventions
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Hunter, Ruth F., Tang, Jianjun, Hutchinson, George, Chilton, Susan, Holmes, David, and Kee, Frank
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- 2018
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15. Study protocol: healthy urban living and ageing in place (HULAP): an international, mixed methods study examining the associations between physical activity, built and social environments for older adults the UK and Brazil
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Ellis, Geraint, Hunter, Ruth F., Hino, Adriano Akira F., Cleland, Claire L., Ferguson, Sara, Murtagh, Brendan, Anez, Ciro Romelio Rodriguez, Melo, Sara, Tully, Mark, Kee, Frank, Sengupta, Urmi, and Reis, Rodrigo
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- 2018
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16. Walk with Me: a protocol for a pilot RCT of a peer-led walking programme to increase physical activity in inactive older adults
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Tully, Mark A., Cunningham, Conor, Cupples, Margaret E., Farrell, Duane, Hardeman, Wendy, Hunter, Ruth F., Laventure, Bob, McDonough, Suzanne M., Morgan, Joanne, Murphy, Marie H., Simpson, Ellen E. A., Tudor-Locke, Catrine, Wright, Ashlene, and Kee, Frank
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- 2018
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17. Network methods to support user involvement in qualitative data analyses: an introduction to Participatory Theme Elicitation
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Best, Paul, Badham, Jennifer, Corepal, Rekesh, O’Neill, Roisin F., Tully, Mark A., Kee, Frank, and Hunter, Ruth F.
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Male ,Community-Based Participatory Research ,Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice ,Systems Analysis ,User involvement ,Adolescent ,Health Behavior ,Child Behavior ,Proof of Concept Study ,Patient and public involvement ,Humans ,Healthy Lifestyle ,Cooperative Behavior ,Child ,Exercise ,Qualitative Research ,School Health Services ,Trials ,lcsh:R5-920 ,Methodology ,Research Personnel ,Adolescent Behavior ,Research Design ,Feasibility Studies ,Network analysis ,Participatory analysis ,Female ,Interdisciplinary Communication ,lcsh:Medicine (General) - Abstract
Background While Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) is encouraged throughout the research process, engagement is typically limited to intervention design and post-analysis stages. There are few approaches to participatory data analyses within complex health interventions. Methods Using qualitative data from a feasibility randomised controlled trial (RCT), this proof-of-concept study tests the value of a new approach to participatory data analysis called Participatory Theme Elicitation (PTE). Forty excerpts were given to eight members of a youth advisory PPI panel to sort into piles based on their perception of related thematic content. Using algorithms to detect communities in networks, excerpts were then assigned to a thematic cluster that combined the panel members’ perspectives. Network analysis techniques were also used to identify key excerpts in each grouping that were then further explored qualitatively. Results While PTE analysis was, for the most part, consistent with the researcher-led analysis, young people also identified new emerging thematic content. Conclusions PTE appears promising for encouraging user led identification of themes arising from qualitative data collected during complex interventions. Further work is required to validate and extend this method. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, ID: NCT02455986 . Retrospectively Registered on 21 May 2015.
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- 2017
18. Can an incentive-based intervention increase physical activity and reduce sitting among adults? the ACHIEVE (Active Choices IncEntiVE) feasibility study.
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Ball, Kylie, Hunter, Ruth F., Maple, Jaimie-Lee, Moodie, Marj, Salmon, Jo, Kok-Leong Ong, Stephens, Lena D., Jackson, Michelle, and Crawford, David
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ANTHROPOMETRY , *BLOOD pressure , *CLINICAL trials , *CONSUMER attitudes , *GOAL (Psychology) , *HEALTH behavior , *HEALTH insurance , *LEISURE , *LONGITUDINAL method , *MOTIVATION (Psychology) , *NONPROFIT organizations , *PROBABILITY theory , *QUESTIONNAIRES , *RESEARCH funding , *SCALE analysis (Psychology) , *SELF-evaluation , *SEX distribution , *SITTING position , *T-test (Statistics) , *WORLD Wide Web , *WEARABLE technology , *TEXT messages , *PILOT projects , *EFFECT sizes (Statistics) , *BODY mass index , *MOTIVATIONAL interviewing , *PRE-tests & post-tests , *SEDENTARY lifestyles , *PHYSICAL activity , *EVALUATION of human services programs , *DESCRIPTIVE statistics , *MIDDLE age - Abstract
Background: Despite recent interest in the potential of incentivisation as a strategy for motivating healthier behaviors, little remains known about the effectiveness of incentives in promoting physical activity and reducing sedentary behavior, and improving associated health outcomes. This pre-post-test design study investigated the feasibility, appeal and effects of providing non-financial incentives for promoting increased physical activity, reduced sedentary time, and reduced body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure among inactive middle-aged adults. Methods: Inactive men (n = 36) and women (n = 46) aged 40-65 years were recruited via a not-for-profit insurance fund and participated in a 4 month pre-post design intervention. Baseline and post-intervention data were collected on self-reported physical activity and sitting time (IPAQ-Long), BMI and blood pressure. Participants were encouraged to increase physical activity to 150 mins/week and reduce sedentary behavior by 150 mins/week in progressive increments. Incentives included clothing, recipe books, store gift vouchers, and a chance to win one of four Apple iPad Mini devices. The incentive component of the intervention was supported by an initial motivational interview and text messaging to encourage participants and provide strategies to increase physical activity and reduce sedentary behaviors. Results: Only two participants withdrew during the program, demonstrating the feasibility of recruiting and retaining inactive middle-aged participants. While two-thirds of the sample qualified for the easiest physical activity incentive (by demonstrating 100 mins physical activity/week or 100 mins reduced sitting time/week), only one third qualified for the most challenging incentive. Goals to reduce sitting appeared more challenging, with 43% of participants qualifying for the first incentive, but only 20% for the last incentive. More men than women qualified for most incentives. Mean leisure-time physical activity increased by 252 mins/week (leisure-time), with 65% of the sample achieving at least 150 mins/week; and sitting time decreased by 3.1 h/day (both p < 0.001) between baseline and follow-up. BMI, systolic and diastolic (men only) blood pressure all significantly decreased. Most participants (50-85%) reported finding the incentives and other program components helpful/motivating. Conclusions: Acknowledging the uncontrolled design, the large pre-post changes in behavioral and health-related outcomes suggest that the ACHIEVE incentives-based behavior change program represents a promising approach for promoting physical activity and reducing sitting, and should be tested in a randomized controlled trial. Trial registration: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry IDACTRN12616000158460, registered 10/2/16. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2017
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19. Time to 're-think' physical activity promotion for young people? Results from a repeated cross-sectional study.
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Best, Paul, Tully, Mark A., Corepal, Rekesh, Kee, Frank, and Hunter, Ruth F.
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PHYSICAL activity ,YOUNG adults ,CROSS-sectional method ,THEORY of knowledge ,EXERCISE ,HEALTH attitudes ,HEALTH promotion ,PUBLIC health ,SEX distribution ,TEENAGERS' conduct of life ,LOGISTIC regression analysis ,SOCIOECONOMIC factors - Abstract
Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between knowledge of the current UK physical activity (PA) guidelines and amount of daily PA using a sample population of 11-16 year olds in Northern Ireland.Methods: Cross-sectional survey data from the 2010 and 2013 Young Persons' Behaviour and Attitudes Survey of 10,790 young people provided information on PA, knowledge of guidelines and socio-demographic characteristics. Multinomial logistic regression was used to investigate the associations between knowledge and amount of daily PA.Results: Results from 2013 showed 67.0% of respondents were aware of PA guidelines with 15.4% reporting meeting them. Males were more likely to meet PA guidelines than females (OR 3.36, 95% CI 2.47, 4.59). Males who were active for 60 min or more, 7 days per week were less likely to be aware of guidelines (OR = 1.51, 95% CI 1.02, 2.24). For females, knowledge of PA guidelines had no significant association with amount of daily PA (OR = 1.74, 95% CI 0.99, 3.07). Those who did not enjoy being active were less likely to meet the guidelines (OR = 0.05, 95% CI 0.02, 0.12).Conclusions: Knowledge did not appear to be an important predictor of PA in young people. Consequently, threshold based messaging containing recommended minimum PA guideline information may not be appropriate for this age group. Re-branding PA promotion to include the use of humour may offer a new direction for public health messaging based around fun and enjoyment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]- Published
- 2017
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20. The effect of changing the built environment on physical activity: a quantitative review of the risk of bias in natural experiments.
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Benton, Jack S., Anderson, Jamie, Hunter, Ruth F., and French, David P.
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ECOLOGY ,RESEARCH methodology ,QUESTIONNAIRES ,RESEARCH funding ,MATHEMATICAL variables ,MEASUREMENT errors ,QUANTITATIVE research ,INTER-observer reliability ,RESEARCH bias ,HUMAN research subjects ,PATIENT selection ,PUBLICATION bias ,PHYSICAL activity ,DATA analysis software ,DESCRIPTIVE statistics ,EVALUATION ,PSYCHOLOGY - Abstract
Background: Evidence regarding the association of the built environment with physical activity is influencing policy recommendations that advocate changing the built environment to increase population-level physical activity. However, to date there has been no rigorous appraisal of the quality of the evidence on the effects of changing the built environment. The aim of this review was to conduct a thorough quantitative appraisal of the risk of bias present in those natural experiments with the strongest experimental designs for assessing the causal effects of the built environment on physical activity. Methods: Eligible studies had to evaluate the effects of changing the built environment on physical activity, include at least one measurement before and one measurement of physical activity after changes in the environment, and have at least one intervention site and non-intervention comparison site. Given the large number of systematic reviews in this area, studies were identified from three exemplar systematic reviews; these were published in the past five years and were selected to provide a range of different built environment interventions. The risk of bias in these studies was analysed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Assessment Tool: for Non-Randomized Studies of Interventions (ACROBAT-NRSI). Results: Twelve eligible natural experiments were identified. Risk of bias assessments were conducted for each physical activity outcome from all studies, resulting in a total of fifteen outcomes being analysed. Intervention sites included parks, urban greenways/trails, bicycle lanes, paths, vacant lots, and a senior citizen's centre. All outcomes had an overall critical (n = 12) or serious (n = 3) risk of bias. Domains with the highest risk of bias were confounding (due to inadequate control sites and poor control of confounding variables), measurement of outcomes, and selection of the reported result. Conclusions: The present review focused on the strongest natural experiments conducted to date. Given this, the failure of existing studies to adequately control for potential sources of bias highlights the need for more rigorous research to underpin policy recommendations for changing the built environment to increase physical activity. Suggestions are proposed for how future natural experiments in this area can be improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2016
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21. Effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a physical activity loyalty scheme for behaviour change maintenance: a cluster randomised controlled trial.
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Hunter, Ruth F., Brennan, Sarah F., Jianjun Tang, Smith, Oliver J., Murray, Jennifer, Tully, Mark A., Patterson, Chris, Longo, Alberto, Hutchinson, George, Prior, Lindsay, French, David P., Adams, Jean, McIntosh, Emma, Kee, Frank, and Tang, Jianjun
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PHYSICAL activity , *BEHAVIOR , *RANDOMIZED controlled trials , *MENTAL health , *PRODUCTIVITY accounting , *PUBLIC sector , *PREVENTION of obesity , *OBESITY & psychology , *COMPARATIVE studies , *COST effectiveness , *EXERCISE , *EXPERIMENTAL design , *FOCUS groups , *HEALTH behavior , *INTERVIEWING , *RESEARCH methodology , *MEDICAL cooperation , *METROPOLITAN areas , *MOTIVATION (Psychology) , *QUALITY of life , *RESEARCH , *RESEARCH funding , *WORK environment , *EVALUATION research - Abstract
Background: Increasing physical activity in the workplace can provide employee physical and mental health benefits, and employer economic benefits through reduced absenteeism and increased productivity. The workplace is an opportune setting to encourage habitual activity. However, there is limited evidence on effective behaviour change interventions that lead to maintained physical activity. This study aims to address this gap and help build the necessary evidence base for effective, and cost-effective, workplace interventions.Methods/design: This cluster randomised control trial will recruit 776 office-based employees from public sector organisations in Belfast and Lisburn city centres, Northern Ireland. Participants will be randomly allocated by cluster to either the Intervention Group or Control Group (waiting list control). The 6-month intervention consists of rewards (retail vouchers, based on similar principles to high street loyalty cards), feedback and other evidence-based behaviour change techniques. Sensors situated in the vicinity of participating workplaces will promote and monitor minutes of physical activity undertaken by participants. Both groups will complete all outcome measures. The primary outcome is steps per day recorded using a pedometer (Yamax Digiwalker CW-701) for 7 consecutive days at baseline, 6, 12 and 18 months. Secondary outcomes include health, mental wellbeing, quality of life, work absenteeism and presenteeism, and use of healthcare resources. Process measures will assess intervention "dose", website usage, and intervention fidelity. An economic evaluation will be conducted from the National Health Service, employer and retailer perspective using both a cost-utility and cost-effectiveness framework. The inclusion of a discrete choice experiment will further generate values for a cost-benefit analysis. Participant focus groups will explore who the intervention worked for and why, and interviews with retailers will elucidate their views on the sustainability of a public health focused loyalty card scheme.Discussion: The study is designed to maximise the potential for roll-out in similar settings, by engaging the public sector and business community in designing and delivering the intervention. We have developed a sustainable business model using a 'points' based loyalty platform, whereby local businesses 'sponsor' the incentive (retail vouchers) in return for increased footfall to their business.Trial Registration: ISRCTN17975376 (Registered 19/09/2014). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]- Published
- 2016
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22. Individual factors and perceived community characteristics in relation to mental health and mental well-being.
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McAneney, Helen, Tully, Mark A., Hunter, Ruth F., Kouvonen, Anne, Veal, Philip, Stevenson, Michael, and Kee, Frank
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MENTAL health ,WELL-being ,PUBLIC health ,ENVIRONMENTAL health ,CROSS-sectional method ,MEDICAL literature ,ECOLOGY ,HEALTH status indicators ,SENSORY perception ,REGRESSION analysis ,RESEARCH funding ,SOCIAL capital ,RESIDENTIAL patterns ,SOCIAL support ,SOCIOECONOMIC factors ,DISEASE prevalence ,HEALTH & social status - Abstract
Background: It has been argued that though correlated with mental health, mental well-being is a distinct entity. Despite the wealth of literature on mental health, less is known about mental well-being. Mental health is something experienced by individuals, whereas mental well-being can be assessed at the population level. Accordingly it is important to differentiate the individual and population level factors (environmental and social) that could be associated with mental health and well-being, and as people living in deprived areas have a higher prevalence of poor mental health, these relationships should be compared across different levels of neighbourhood deprivation.Methods: A cross-sectional representative random sample of 1,209 adults from 62 Super Output Areas (SOAs) in Belfast, Northern Ireland (Feb 2010 - Jan 2011) were recruited in the PARC Study. Interview-administered questionnaires recorded data on socio-demographic characteristics, health-related behaviours, individual social capital, self-rated health, mental health (SF-8) and mental well-being (WEMWBS). Multi-variable linear regression analyses, with inclusion of clustering by SOAs, were used to explore the associations between individual and perceived community characteristics and mental health and mental well-being, and to investigate how these associations differed by the level of neighbourhood deprivation.Results: Thirty-eight and 30 % of variability in the measures of mental well-being and mental health, respectively, could be explained by individual factors and the perceived community characteristics. In the total sample and stratified by neighbourhood deprivation, age, marital status and self-rated health were associated with both mental health and well-being, with the 'social connections' and local area satisfaction elements of social capital also emerging as explanatory variables. An increase of +1 in EQ-5D-3 L was associated with +1SD of the population mean in both mental health and well-being. Similarly, a change from 'very dissatisfied' to 'very satisfied' for local area satisfaction would result in +8.75 for mental well-being, but only in the more affluent of areas.Conclusions: Self-rated health was associated with both mental health and mental well-being. Of the individual social capital explanatory variables, 'social connections' was more important for mental well-being. Although similarities in the explanatory variables of mental health and mental well-being exist, socio-ecological interventions designed to improve them may not have equivalent impacts in rich and poor neighbourhoods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]- Published
- 2015
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23. International inter-school competition to encourage children to walk to school: a mixed methods feasibility study.
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Hunter, Ruth F., de Silva, Debra, Reynolds, Veronica, Bird, William, and Fox, Kenneth R.
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PHYSICAL activity , *SCHOOL children , *SCHOOL contests , *CHILDREN'S health , *ACQUISITION of data - Abstract
Background: Active travel to school can be an important contributor to the total physical activity of children but levels have declined and more novel approaches are required to stimulate this as an habitual behaviour. The aim of this mixed methods study was to investigate the feasibility of an international walk to school competition supported by novel swipecard technology to increase children's walking to/from school. Methods: Children aged 9-13 years old participated in an international walk to school competition to win points for themselves, their school and their country over a 4-week period. Walks to and from school were recorded using swipecard technology and a bespoke website. For each point earned by participants, 1 pence (£0.01) was donated to the charity of the school's choice. The primary outcome was number of walks to/from school objectively recorded using the swipecard tracking system over the intervention period. Other measures included attitudes towards walking collected at baseline and week 4 (post-intervention). A qualitative sub-study involving focus groups with children, parents and teachers provided further insight. Results: A total of 3817 children (mean age 11.5 ± SD 0.7) from 12 schools in three cities (London and Reading, England and Vancouver, Canada) took part in the intervention, representing a 95% intervention participation rate. Results show a gradual decline in the average number of children walking to and from school over the 4-week period (week 1 mean 29% ± SD2.5; week 2 mean 18% ± SD3.6; week 3 mean 14% ± SD4.0; week 4 mean 12% ± SD1.1). Post intervention, 97% of children felt that walking to school helped them stay healthy, feel happy (81%) and stay alert in class (76%). These results are supported by qualitative findings from children, parents and teachers. Key areas for improvement include the need to incorporate strategies for maintenance of behaviour change into the intervention and also to adopt novel methods of data collection to increase follow-up rates. Conclusions: This mixed methods study suggests that an international walk to school competition using innovative technology can be feasibly implemented and offers a novel way of engaging schools and motivating children to walk to school. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2015
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24. The validation of Fibit ZipTM physical activity monitor as a measure of free-living physical activity.
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Tully, Mark A., McBride, Cairmeal, Heron, Leonnie, Allen, William, and Hunter, Ruth F.
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PHYSICALLY active people ,PHYSICAL activity measurement ,PHYSICAL fitness research ,PHYSICAL training & conditioning - Abstract
Background The new generation of activity monitors allow users to upload their data to the internet and review progress. The aim of this study is to validate the Fitbit Zip as a measure of free-living physical activity. Findings Participants wore a Fitbit Zip, ActiGraph GT3X accelerometer and a Yamax CW700 pedometer for seven days. Participants were asked their opinion on the utility of the Fitbit Zip. Validity was assessed by comparing the output using Spearman's rank correlation coefficients, Wilcoxon signed rank tests and Bland-Altman plots. 59.5% (25/47) of the cohort were female. There was a high correlation in steps/day between the Fitbit Zip and the two reference devices (r = 0.91, p < 0.001). No statistically significant difference between the Fitbit and Yamax steps/day was observed (Median (IQR) 7477 (3597) vs 6774 (3851); p = 0.11). The Fitbit measured significantly more steps/day than the Actigraph (7477 (3597) vs 6774 (3851); p < 0.001). Bland-Altman plots revealed no systematic differences between the devices. Conclusions Given the high level of correlation and no apparent systematic biases in the Bland Altman plots, the use of Fitbit Zip as a measure of physical activity. However the Fitbit Zip recorded a significantly higher number of steps per day than the Actigraph. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2014
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25. Validity of the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) in assessing levels and change in moderate-vigorous physical activity and sedentary behaviour.
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Cleland, Claire L., Hunter, Ruth F., Kee, Frank, Cupples, Margaret E., Sallis, James F., and Tully, Mark A.
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RANK correlation (Statistics) , *PHYSICAL activity - Abstract
Background: Feasible, cost-effective instruments are required for the surveillance of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and sedentary behaviour (SB) and to assess the effects of interventions. However, the evidence base for the validity and reliability of the World Health Organisation-endorsed Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) is limited. We aimed to assess the validity of the GPAQ, compared to accelerometer data in measuring and assessing change in MVPA and SB. Methods: Participants (n = 101) were selected randomly from an on-going research study, stratified by level of physical activity (low, moderate or highly active, based on the GPAQ) and sex. Participants wore an accelerometer (Actigraph GT3X) for seven days and completed a GPAQ on Day 7. This protocol was repeated for a random sub-sample at a second time point, 3-6 months later. Analysis involved Wilcoxon-signed rank tests for differences in measures, Bland-Altman analysis for the agreement between measures for median MVPA and SB mins/day, and Spearman's rho coefficient for criterion validity and extent of change. Results: 95 participants completed baseline measurements (44 females, 51 males; mean age 44 years, (SD 14); measurements of change were calculated for 41 (21 females, 20 males; mean age 46 years, (SD 14). There was moderate agreement between GPAQ and accelerometer for MVPA mins/day (r = 0.48) and poor agreement for SB (r = 0.19). The absolute mean difference (self-report minus accelerometer) for MVPA was -0.8 mins/day and 348.7 mins/day for SB; and negative bias was found to exist, with those people who were more physically active over-reporting their level of MVPA: those who were more sedentary were less likely to under-report their level of SB. Results for agreement in change over time showed moderate correlation (r = 0.52, p = 0.12) for MVPA and poor correlation for SB (r = -0.024, p = 0.916). Conclusions: Levels of agreement with objective measurements indicate the GPAQ is a valid measure of MVPA and change in MVPA but is a less valid measure of current levels and change in SB. Thus, GPAQ appears to be an appropriate measure for assessing the effectiveness of interventions to promote MVPA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2014
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26. Identifying solutions to increase participation in physical activity interventions within a socio-economically disadvantaged community: a qualitative study.
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Cleland, Claire L., Hunter, Ruth F., Tully, Mark A., Scott, David, Kee, Frank, Donnelly, Michael, Prior, Lindsay, and Cupples, Margaret E.
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CONCEPTUAL structures , *FOCUS groups , *HEALTH promotion , *INTERVIEWING , *RESEARCH methodology , *PROBLEM solving , *RESEARCH funding , *SELF-perception , *STRATEGIC planning , *QUALITATIVE research , *JUDGMENT sampling , *SOCIOECONOMIC factors , *COMMUNITY-based social services , *THEMATIC analysis , *PHYSICAL activity , *DESCRIPTIVE statistics - Abstract
Background There is an urgent need to increase population levels of physical activity, particularly amongst those who are socio-economically disadvantaged. Multiple factors influence physical activity behaviour but the generalisability of current evidence to such 'hard-to-reach' population subgroups is limited by difficulties in recruiting them into studies. Also, rigorous qualitative studies of lay perceptions and perceptions of community leaders about public health efforts to increase physical activity are sparse. We sought to explore, within a socio-economically disadvantaged community, residents' and community leaders' perceptions of physical activity (PA) interventions and issues regarding their implementation, in order to improve understanding of needs, expectations, and social/environmental factors relevant to future interventions. Methods Within an ongoing regeneration project (Connswater Community Greenway), in a socio-economically disadvantaged community in Belfast, we collaborated with a Community Development Agency to purposively sample leaders from public- and voluntary-sector community groups and residents. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 leaders. Residents (n = 113), of both genders and a range of ages (14 to 86 years) participated in focus groups (n = 14) in local facilities. Interviews and focus groups were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using a thematic framework. Results Three main themes were identified: awareness of PA interventions; factors contributing to intervention effectiveness; and barriers to participation in PA interventions. Participants reported awareness only of interventions in which they were involved directly, highlighting a need for better communications, both inter- and intra-sectoral, and with residents. Meaningful engagement of residents in planning/organisation, tailoring to local context, supporting volunteers, providing relevant resources and an 'exit strategy' were perceived as important factors related to intervention effectiveness. Negative attitudes such as apathy, disappointing experiences, information with no perceived personal relevance and limited access to facilities were barriers to people participating in interventions. Conclusions These findings illustrate the complexity of influences on a community's participation in PA interventions and support a social-ecological approach to promoting PA. They highlight the need for cross-sector working, effective information exchange, involving residents in bottom-up planning and providing adequate financial and social support. An in-depth understanding of a target population's perspectives is of key importance in translating PA behaviour change theories into practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2014
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27. A lesson in business: cost-effectiveness analysis of a novel financial incentive intervention for increasing physical activity in the workplace.
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Dallat, Mary Anne T., Hunter, Ruth F., Tully, Mark A., Cairns, Karen J., and Kee, Frank
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PHYSICAL fitness , *MEDICAL care costs , *COST effectiveness , *MEDICAL care - Abstract
Background Recently both the UK and US governments have advocated the use of financial incentives to encourage healthier lifestyle choices but evidence for the cost-effectiveness of such interventions is lacking. Our aim was to perform a cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) of a quasi-experimental trial, exploring the use of financial incentives to increase employee physical activity levels, from a healthcare and employer's perspective. Methods Employees used a 'loyalty card' to objectively monitor their physical activity at work over 12 weeks. The Incentive Group (n=199) collected points and received rewards for minutes of physical activity completed. The No Incentive Group (n=207) self-monitored their physical activity only. Quality of life (QOL) and absenteeism were assessed at baseline and 6 months follow-up. QOL scores were also converted into productivity estimates using a validated algorithm. The additional costs of the Incentive Group were divided by the additional quality adjusted life years (QALYs) or productivity gained to calculate incremental cost effectiveness ratios (ICERs). Cost-effectiveness acceptability curves (CEACs) and population expected value of perfect information (EVPI) was used to characterize and value the uncertainty in our estimates. Results The Incentive Group performed more physical activity over 12 weeks and by 6 months had achieved greater gains in QOL and productivity, although these mean differences were not statistically significant. The ICERs were £2,900/QALY and £2,700 per percentage increase in overall employee productivity. Whilst the confidence intervals surrounding these ICERs were wide, CEACs showed a high chance of the intervention being cost-effective at low willingness-to-pay (WTP) thresholds. Conclusions The Physical Activity Loyalty card (PAL) scheme is potentially cost-effective from both a healthcare and employer's perspective but further research is warranted to reduce uncertainty in our results. It is based on a sustainable "business model" which should become more cost-effective as it is delivered to more participants and can be adapted to suit other health behaviors and settings. This comes at a time when both UK and US governments are encouraging business involvement in tackling public health challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2013
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28. Physical activity and the rejuvenation of Connswater (PARC study): protocol for a natural experiment investigating the impact of urban regeneration on public health.
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Tully, Mark A., Hunter, Ruth F., McAneney, Helen, Cupples, Margaret E., Donnelly, Michael, Ellis, Geraint, Hutchinson, George, Prior, Lindsay, Stevenson, Michael, and Kee, Frank
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- *
PHYSICAL activity , *PUBLIC health , *URBAN health , *CROSS-sectional method , *COST effectiveness - Abstract
Background: There is a dearth of evidence regarding the impact of urban regeneration projects on public health, particularly the nature and degree to which urban regeneration impacts upon health-related behaviour change. Natural experiment methodology enables comprehensive large-scale evaluations of such interventions. The Connswater Community Greenway in Belfast is a major urban regeneration project involving the development of a 9 km linear park, including the provision of new cycle paths and walkways. In addition to the environmental improvements, this complex intervention involves a number of programmes to promote physical activity in the regenerated area. The project affords a unique opportunity to investigate the public health impact of urban regeneration. Methods/Design: The evaluation framework was informed by the socio-ecological model and guided by the RE-AIM Framework. Key components include: (1) a quasi-experimental before-and-after survey of the Greenway population (repeated cross-sectional design), in tandem with data from a parallel Northern Ireland-wide survey for comparison; (2) an assessment of changes in the local built environment and of walkability using geographic information systems; (3) semi-structured interviews with a purposive sample of survey respondents, and a range of community stakeholders, before and after the regeneration project; and (4) a cost-effectiveness analysis. The primary outcome is change in proportion of individuals identified as being regularly physically active, according to the current UK recommendations. The RE-AIM Framework will be used to make an overall assessment of the impact of the Greenway on the physical activity behaviour of local residents. Discussion: The Connswater Community Greenway provides a significant opportunity to achieve long-term, population level behaviour change. We argue that urban regeneration may be conceptualised meaningfully as a complex intervention comprising multiple components with the potential, individually and interactively, to affect the behaviour of a diverse population. The development and implementation of our comprehensive evaluation framework reflects this complexity and illuminates an approach to the empirical, rigorous evaluation of urban regeneration. More specifically, this study will add to the much needed evidence-base about the impact of urban regeneration on public health as well as having important implications for the development of natural experiment methodology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2013
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29. Validity of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) for assessing moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and sedentary behaviour of older adults in the United Kingdom.
- Author
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Cleland, Claire, Ferguson, Sara, Ellis, Geraint, and Hunter, Ruth F.
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PHYSICAL activity measurement ,PHYSICAL activity ,SEDENTARY behavior ,HEALTH of older people ,RANK correlation (Statistics) - Abstract
Background: In order to accurately measure and monitor levels of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and sedentary behaviour (SB) in older adults, cost efficient and valid instruments are required. To date, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) has not been validated with older adults (aged 60 years plus) in the United Kingdom. The current study aimed to test the validity of the IPAQ in a group of older adults for both MVPA and SB.Methods: Participants wore an Actigraph GT3X+ for seven consecutive days and following the monitor wear participants were asked to complete the IPAQ. Statistical analysis included: Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests; descriptive analyses; Spearman's rho coefficients; and Bland-Altman analyses.Results: A sample of 253 older adults were recruited (mean age 71.8 years (SD 6.6) and 57% male). In total, 226 had valid accelerometer and IPAQ data for MVPA and 228 had valid data for SB. Results showed the IPAQ had moderate/acceptable levels of validity (r = .430-.557) for MVPA. For SB, there was substantial levels of validity on weekdays (r = .702) and fair levels of validity (r = .257) on weekend days. Bland-Altman analysis showed inherent measurement error with the majority of participants tending to under-report both MVPA and SB. Results showed the majority of older adult's under-report their level of MVPA and SB when completing the IPAQ and the linear relationship above the mean shows an error from under to over reporting as the mean increases.Conclusions: Findings from the current study suggest that the IPAQ is better implemented in larger surveillance studies comparing groups within or between countries rather than on an individual basis. Findings also suggest that the IPAQ validity scores could be strengthened by providing additional detail of types of activities older adults might do on a daily basis, improving recall; and it may also be necessary to provide an example of a daily break down of typical activities performed. This may enable older adults to more fully comprehend the amount of time they may spend active, sitting and/or lying during waking hours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]- Published
- 2018
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30. Investigating the feasibility and acceptability of using Instagram to engage post-graduate students in a mass communication social media-based health intervention, #WeeStepsToHealth.
- Author
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O'Kane N, McKinley MC, Gough A, and Hunter RF
- Abstract
Background: Instagram's popularity among young adults continues to rise, and previous work has identified diffusion of unhealthy messages and misinformation throughout the platform. However, we know little about how to use Instagram to promote health messages. This study aims to assess the feasibility and acceptability of using Instagram to engage post-graduate students in a mass communication social media (SM)-based health intervention., Methods: A 4-week intervention targeting post-graduate students with physical activity (PA), nutrition, and general wellbeing messages was conducted via Instagram. Feasibility and acceptability were assessed using SM metrics (likes, comments, and shares), pre- and post-intervention online surveys (knowledge, attitude, and behavioural outcomes), and a focus group conducted with a sample of individuals in the target population (to assess intervention recall, feedback on message framing, and acceptability of Instagram)., Results: The two independent samples captured by online surveys (pre-intervention, n = 43, post-intervention, n = 41, representing 12.3% and 11.7% of Instagram followers, respectively) were predominantly female (88.4%, 80.5%) aged 18-34 (95.4%, 95.1%). Respondents in the second survey reported higher weekly PA levels (+ 13.7%) and more frequent nutritional behaviours including consumption of five or more fruits and vegetables (+ 23.3%) and looking at nutritional labels (+ 10.3%). However, respondents in the second survey also reported less frequent meal preparation (- 18.0%) and a small increase in fast food consumption (+ 2.8% consuming fast food 3-4 days a week). A total of 247 'likes' were collected from 28 Instagram posts (mean 8.8 likes per post). Humorous posts achieved a moderately higher level of engagement than non-humorous posts (median 10 and 8 likes, respectively). Focus group participants liked the campaign content and trusted the information source., Conclusions: Findings indicate that Instagram could be a feasible and acceptable platform for engaging post-graduate students in a SM-based mass communication health intervention, and that humour may have the potential to encourage further engagement., (© 2022. The Author(s).)
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- 2022
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31. The validation of Fibit Zip™ physical activity monitor as a measure of free-living physical activity.
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Tully MA, McBride C, Heron L, and Hunter RF
- Subjects
- Accelerometry instrumentation, Actigraphy instrumentation, Adult, Cohort Studies, Female, Humans, Male, Reproducibility of Results, Walking, Young Adult, Independent Living statistics & numerical data, Monitoring, Ambulatory instrumentation, Physical Fitness, Telemetry instrumentation
- Abstract
Background: The new generation of activity monitors allow users to upload their data to the internet and review progress. The aim of this study is to validate the Fitbit Zip as a measure of free-living physical activity., Findings: Participants wore a Fitbit Zip, ActiGraph GT3X accelerometer and a Yamax CW700 pedometer for seven days. Participants were asked their opinion on the utility of the Fitbit Zip. Validity was assessed by comparing the output using Spearman's rank correlation coefficients, Wilcoxon signed rank tests and Bland-Altman plots. 59.5% (25/47) of the cohort were female. There was a high correlation in steps/day between the Fitbit Zip and the two reference devices (r = 0.91, p < 0.001). No statistically significant difference between the Fitbit and Yamax steps/day was observed (Median (IQR) 7477 (3597) vs 6774 (3851); p = 0.11). The Fitbit measured significantly more steps/day than the Actigraph (7477 (3597) vs 6774 (3851); p < 0.001). Bland-Altman plots revealed no systematic differences between the devices., Conclusions: Given the high level of correlation and no apparent systematic biases in the Bland Altman plots, the use of Fitbit Zip as a measure of physical activity. However the Fitbit Zip recorded a significantly higher number of steps per day than the Actigraph.
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- 2014
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