488 results on '"Hunter, Ruth F."'
Search Results
152. Individual factors and perceived community characteristics in relation to mental health and mental well-being
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McAneney, Helen, primary, Tully, Mark A., additional, Hunter, Ruth F., additional, Kouvonen, Anne, additional, Veal, Philip, additional, Stevenson, Michael, additional, and Kee, Frank, additional
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- 2015
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153. AGWAN:a generative model for labelled, weighted graphs
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Davis, Michael, Liu, Weiru, Miller, Paul, Hunter, Ruth F., and Kee, Frank
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Labelled graphs, Network models ,Weighted graphs ,Graph mining ,Graph generators ,Jean Golding ,MathematicsofComputing_DISCRETEMATHEMATICS ,Random graphs - Abstract
Real-world graphs or networks tend to exhibit a well-known set of properties, such as heavy-tailed degree distributions, clustering and community formation. Much effort has been directed into creating realistic and tractable models for unlabelled graphs, which has yielded insights into graph structure and evolution. Recently, attention has moved to creating models for labelled graphs: many real-world graphs are labelled with both discrete and numeric attributes. In this paper, we present Agwan (Attribute Graphs: Weighted and Numeric), a generative model for random graphs with discrete labels and weighted edges. The model is easily generalised to edges labelled with an arbitrary number of numeric attributes. We include algorithms for fitting the parameters of the Agwan model to real-world graphs and for generating random graphs from the model. Using real-world directed and undirected graphs as input, we compare our approach to state-of-the-art random labelled graph generators and draw conclusions about the contribution of discrete vertex labels and edge weights to graph structure.
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- 2013
154. International inter-school competition to encourage children to walk to school: a mixed methods feasibility study
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Hunter, Ruth F, primary, de Silva, Debra, additional, Reynolds, Veronica, additional, Bird, William, additional, and Fox, Kenneth R, additional
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- 2015
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155. 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, primary, Hunter, Ruth F, additional, Kee, Frank, additional, Cupples, Margaret E, additional, Sallis, James F, additional, and Tully, Mark A, additional
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- 2014
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156. 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, primary, Hunter, Ruth F, additional, Tully, Mark A, additional, Scott, David, additional, Kee, Frank, additional, Donnelly, Michael, additional, Prior, Lindsay, additional, and Cupples, Margaret E, additional
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- 2014
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157. The validation of Fitbit Zip™ physical activity monitor as a measure of free-living physical activity
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Tully, Mark A, primary, McBride, Cairmeal, additional, Heron, Leonnie, additional, and Hunter, Ruth F, additional
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- 2014
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158. Complex interventions to reduce car use and change travel behaviour: An umbrella review.
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Cleland, Claire L., Jones, Sophie, Moeinaddini, Mehdi, Weir, Holly, Kee, Frank, Barry, John, Longo, Alberto, McKeown, Gary, Garcia, Leandro, and Hunter, Ruth F.
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Car travel is associated with increased risk of morbidity and mortality, physical inactivity, traffic collisions and casualties, and air and noise pollution. Effective interventions are required to reduce car use and change travel behaviour to sustainable modes. We conducted an umbrella review: 1) determine effective interventions and intervention components to reduce car use and change travel behaviour; and 2) determine where effective components are situated by level of delivery (micro-, meso- or macro-level).
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- 2023
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159. 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, primary, Hunter, Ruth F, additional, Tully, Mark A, additional, Cairns, Karen J, additional, and Kee, Frank, additional
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- 2013
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160. 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, primary, Hunter, Ruth F, additional, McAneney, Helen, additional, Cupples, Margaret E, additional, Donnelly, Michael, additional, Ellis, Geraint, additional, Hutchinson, George, additional, Prior, Lindsay, additional, Stevenson, Michael, additional, and Kee, Frank, additional
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- 2013
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161. Physical Activity Loyalty Cards for Behavior Change
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Hunter, Ruth F., primary, Tully, Mark A., additional, Davis, Michael, additional, Stevenson, Michael, additional, and Kee, Frank, additional
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- 2013
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162. Urban greenways have the potential to increase physical activity levels cost-effectively
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Dallat, Mary Anne T., primary, Soerjomataram, Isabelle, additional, Hunter, Ruth F., additional, Tully, Mark A., additional, Cairns, Karen J., additional, and Kee, Frank, additional
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- 2013
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163. Exploring the use of physical activity loyalty cards for behaviour change in public health: randomised controlled trial
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Hunter, Ruth F, primary, Tully, Mark A, additional, Davis, Michael, additional, Stevenson, Michael, additional, and Kee, Frank, additional
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- 2012
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164. Physical activity buddies: a network analysis of social aspects of physical activity in adults
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Hunter, Ruth F, primary, Davis, Michael, additional, Tully, Mark A, additional, and Kee, Frank, additional
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- 2012
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165. Agwan: A Generative Model for Labelled, Weighted Graphs.
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Davis, Michael, Liu, Weiru, Miller, Paul, Hunter, Ruth F., and Kee, Frank
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- 2014
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166. Exercise and Auricular Acupuncture for Chronic Low-back Pain
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Hunter, Ruth F., primary, McDonough, Suzanne M., additional, Bradbury, Ian, additional, Liddle, Sarah Dianne, additional, Walsh, Deirdre M., additional, Dhamija, Sue, additional, Glasgow, Philip, additional, Gormley, Gerard, additional, McCann, Siobhan M., additional, Park, Jongbae, additional, Hurley, Deirdre A., additional, Delitto, Anthony, additional, and Baxter, George David, additional
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- 2012
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167. A comparison of road- and footpath-based walkability indices and their associations with active travel
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Cruise, Sharon Mary, Hunter, Ruth F., Kee, Frank, Donnelly, Mick, Ellis, Geraint, and Tully, Mark A.
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Many studies have used the concept of ‘walkability’ to assess how conducive a neighbourhood is to physical activity, especially active travel. Studies in the United States and Australia have traditionally used a road-based network system of intersection density to derive a walkability index. However, other studies suggest that analyses based on footpath networks may provide a more robust basis for assessing the walkability of built environments in the European context as they better capture alternative opportunities for physical activity such as parks and greenways. To date, no studies have examined whether a road- or footpath-based network is more closely related to actual physical activity behaviour. Therefore, the aims of this paper were to examine associations between active travel and walkability indices based on both road- and footpath-based intersection density and to establish which measure provided the best fit to the data.
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- 2017
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168. 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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169. A call for natural experiment guidance for planetary health
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Hunter, Ruth F, Hassan, Syreen, Whitmee, Sarah, and Haines, Andy
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- 2023
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170. A novel approach to polycyclic indolic systems
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Hardcastle, Ian R., primary, Hunter, Ruth F., additional, Quayle, Peter, additional, and Edwards, Phillip N., additional
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- 1994
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171. Physical environmental factors influencing older adults' park use: A qualitative study.
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Kou, Ruibing, Hunter, Ruth F., Cleland, Claire, and Ellis, Geraint
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OLDER people ,PARK use ,FOREST reserves ,SPORTS facilities ,TRAILS ,YOUNG adults - Abstract
• The diversity of natural elements in parks motivates older adults' use of parks. • Park amenities (i.e. benches and cafes) are important in supporting their park use. • Playgrounds, sport pitches and courts are important for their social benefits. • Car use facilitates older adults to visit a wide range of parks. • Evidence on maintenance and aesthetic features and walking paths is mixed. Use of parks is important for the healthy ageing of older adults as it is associated with substantial physical, mental and social health benefits. However, parks are generally underused by older adults, and we know little about which physical environmental factors influence their use of parks. This study uses interviews to qualitatively explore the physical environmental factors of parks that influence older adults' use of parks. Purposeful convenience sampling was used to recruit 20 older adults (aged 60 years and over) in Belfast, UK. 15 participated in walking interviews with a Go Pro camera mounted on their chest to record both visual and audio data, and the remaining participants were interviewed at their home with audio recorded only. All interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using an inductive thematic approach. Eight themes emerged as being important: park accessibility, natural elements, park amenities, sports facilities, maintenance and aesthetics, walking and cycling facilities, safety and slope. Policy wise, it is important to keep parks well-maintained and aesthetically pleasing with a variety of natural or semi-natural elements, such as landscaping, wooded areas. In addition, the presence of certain park amenities (i.e. toilets and benches) and sports facilities (i.e. children playgrounds) were found to play a critical role in supporting and encouraging older adults' use of parks. Finally, the importance of providing good accessibility to different types of parks (i.e. neighbourhood parks and forest parks) across cities and towns was also highlighted, and the design guidelines for them should be developed contextually. It is vital that physical environmental features of parks are designed to maximize the physical and social health benefits for older adults with varied needs and functional ability for the purpose of promoting health and wellbeing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2021
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172. How Do Adolescent Smoking Prevention Interventions Work in Different Contextual Settings? A Qualitative Comparative Study Between the UK and Colombia.
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Sánchez-Franco, Sharon, Montgomery, Shannon C., Torres-Narvaez, Erika S., Ramírez, Ana M., Murray, Jennifer M., Tate, Christopher, Llorente, Blanca, Bauld, Linda, Hunter, Ruth F., Kee, Frank, and Sarmiento, Olga L.
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SMOKING prevention , *SMOKING cessation , *COMMUNICATIVE competence , *INTELLECT , *QUALITATIVE research , *FOCUS groups , *ADOLESCENT health , *SELF-efficacy , *HEALTH attitudes , *RESEARCH funding , *SMOKING , *ELECTRONIC cigarettes , *SOCIOECONOMIC factors , *CONTENT analysis , *BEHAVIOR , *DESCRIPTIVE statistics , *TEENAGERS' conduct of life , *INTENTION , *SOCIAL skills , *COMPARATIVE studies , *TOBACCO products , *HEALTH promotion , *ADOLESCENCE - Abstract
Background: Adolescent smoking is associated with significant health and social risks. Previous research has demonstrated the effectiveness of interventions based on behavior change theories in preventing adolescent smoking uptake. However, evidence from the theory-based perspective of evaluation is limited, especially for how such complex interventions work, and how they work when implemented in different contextual settings. Method: A comparative qualitative analysis was conducted to explore various influences on behavior change among participants taking part in two smoking prevention interventions in Northern Ireland and Bogotá. Twenty-seven focus groups were conducted in 12 schools (6 in Northern Ireland and 6 in Bogota, n = 195 pupils participated; aged 11–15 years). The Theoretical Domains Framework guided a content analysis of the data. Results: We found similarities across settings in terms of knowledge, skills, and beliefs related to smoking or vaping behavior change, as well as differences in contextual resources and social influence. Different environmental resources included availability to purchase tobacco products in the neighborhoods and previous information about tobacco risk. Participants in both interventions perceived behavioral change outcomes related to personal skills and intention to not smoke or vape. Conclusion: These findings have highlighted how both individual factors and contextual resources influence behavior change for smoking prevention in practice. Local contextual factors and social influences affecting pupils should be taken into account in the implementation and evaluation of health behavior change interventions. In particular, this study supports using social and contextual influence strategies in interventions to reduce the onset of adolescent smoking and vaping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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173. The tales of two cities: use of evidence for introducing 20 miles per hour speed limits in Edinburgh and Belfast (United Kingdom).
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Milton, Karen, Baker, Graham, Cleland, Claire L., Cope, Andy, Hunter, Ruth F., Jepson, Ruth, Kee, Frank, Kelly, Paul, Williams, Andrew J., and Kelly, Michael P.
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CITIES & towns , *SPEED limits , *CONTENT analysis , *EXPERIMENTAL design , *QUALITATIVE research - Abstract
Background: In 2016, large-scale 20 miles per hour speed limits were introduced in the United Kingdom cities of Edinburgh and Belfast. This paper investigates the role that scientific evidence played in the policy decisions to implement lower speed limits in the two cities. Methods: Using a qualitative case study design, we undertook content analysis of a range of documents to explore and describe the evolution of the two schemes and the ways in which evidence informed decision-making. In total, we identified 16 documents for Edinburgh, published between 2006 and 2016, and 19 documents for Belfast, published between 2002 and 2016. Findings: In both cities, evidence on speed, collisions and casualties was important for initiating discussions on large-scale 20 mph policies. However, the narrative shifted over time to the idea that 20 mph would contribute to a wider range of aspirations, none of which were firmly grounded in evidence, but may have helped to neutralize opposing discourses. Discussion and conclusions: The relationship between evidence and decision-making in Edinburgh and Belfast was neither simple nor linear. Widening of the narrative appears to have helped to frame the idea in such a way that it had broad acceptability, without which there would have been no implementation, and probably a lot more push back from vested interests and communities than there was. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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174. Confirmatory factor analysis comparing incentivized experiments with self-report methods to elicit adolescent smoking and vaping social norms.
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Murray, Jennifer M., Kimbrough, Erik O., Krupka, Erin L., Ramalingam, Abhijit, Kumar, Rajnish, Power, Joanna McHugh, Sanchez-Franco, Sharon, Sarmiento, Olga L., Kee, Frank, and Hunter, Ruth F.
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SOCIAL norms ,ADOLESCENT smoking ,BIODIVERSITY ,PUBLIC health ,MORTALITY - Abstract
Many adolescent smoking prevention programmes target social norms, typically evaluated with self-report, susceptible to social desirability bias. An alternative approach with little application in public health are experimental norms elicitation methods. Using the Mechanisms of Networks and Norms Influence on Smoking in Schools (MECHANISMS) study baseline data, from 12–13 year old school pupils (n = 1656) in Northern Ireland and Bogotá (Colombia), we compare two methods of measuring injunctive and descriptive smoking and vaping norms: (1) incentivized experiments, using monetary payments to elicit norms; (2) self-report scales. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) examined whether the methods measured the same construct. Paths from exposures (country, sex, personality) to social norms, and associations of norms with (self-reported and objectively measured) smoking behavior/intentions were inspected in another structural model. Second-order CFA showed that latent variables representing experimental and survey norms measurements were measuring the same underlying construct of anti-smoking/vaping norms (Comparative Fit Index = 0.958, Tucker Lewis Index = 0.951, Root Mean Square Error of Approximation = 0.030, Standardized Root Mean Square Residual = 0.034). Adding covariates into a structural model showed significant paths from country to norms (second-order anti-smoking/vaping norms latent variable: standardized factor loading [β] = 0.30, standard error [SE] = 0.09, p < 0.001), and associations of norms with self-reported anti-smoking behavior (β = 0.40, SE = 0.04, p < 0.001), self-reported anti-smoking intentions (β = 0.42, SE = 0.06, p < 0.001), and objectively measured smoking behavior (β = − 0.20, SE = 0.06, p = 0.001). This paper offers evidence for the construct validity of behavioral economic methods of eliciting adolescent smoking and vaping norms. These methods seem to index the same underlying phenomena as commonly-used self-report scales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2020
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175. 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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Background: Individuals living in deprived inner cities have disproportionately high rates of cancers, Type 2 diabetes and obesity, which have stress- and physical inactivity-related etiologies. This study aims to quantify effects of ecological park restoration on physical activity, stress and cardio-metabolic health outcomes.Methods: The Study of Active Neighborhoods in Detroit is a quasi-experimental, longitudinal panel natural experiment with two conditions (restored park intervention (INT) and control (CNT)) and annual measurements at baseline and 3-years post-restoration. Individuals (sampled within 500 m of an INT/CNT park) serve as the unit of analysis. Restoration (n = 4 parks) involves replacing non-native plants and turf with native plants; creating trails; posting signage; and leading community stewardship events. The CNT condition (n = 5) is an unmaintained park, matched to INT based on specified neighborhood conditions. Recruitment involves several avenues, with a retention goal of 450 participants. Park measures include plant/avian diversity; usage of the park (SOPARC); signs of care; auditory environment recordings; and visual greenness using 360 imagery. Health outcomes include device-based physical activity behavior (primary outcome); salivary cortisol (secondary outcome); and several downstream health outcomes. Exposure to the INT will be assessed through visual contact time and time spent in the park using GPS data. Changes in health outcomes between years and INT versus CNT will be tested using generalized linear (mixed) models.Discussion: Our study will examine whether restored urban greenspaces increase physical activity and lower stress, with public health planning implications, where small changes in neighborhood greenspaces may have large health benefits in low-income neighborhoods.Study Registration: Registration: OSF Preregistration registered March 31, 2020. Accessible from https://osf.io/surx7. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]- Published
- 2020
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176. 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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COMPUTER software ,CRIME ,DISCRIMINATION (Sociology) ,HEALTH behavior ,HEALTH promotion ,INTERPERSONAL relations ,SAFETY ,SOCIAL participation ,SOCIAL problems ,SOCIOLOGY ,SYSTEMATIC reviews ,SOCIAL capital ,LITERATURE reviews ,RESIDENTIAL patterns ,SOCIOECONOMIC factors ,SOCIAL context ,PHYSICAL activity ,OFFENSIVE behavior - Abstract
Background: Investigating the association of the neighborhood social environment on physical activity is complex. A systematic scoping review was performed to (1) provide an inventory of studies assessing the influence of the neighborhood social environment on physical activity since 2006; (2) describe methodologies employed; and (3) formulate recommendations for the field. Methods: Two databases were searched using terms related to 'physical activity,' 'neighborhood,' and 'social environment' in January 2017. Eligibility criteria included: 1) physical activity as an outcome; 2) neighborhood social environment as a predictor; 3) healthy population (without diagnosed clinical condition or special population); 4) observational or experimental design. Of 1352 studies identified, 181 were included. Textual data relevant to the social environment measurement and analysis were extracted from each article into qualitative software (MAXQDA) and coded to identify social environmental constructs, measurement methods, level of measurement (individual vs. aggregated to neighborhood), and whether authors explicitly recognized the construct as the social environment. The following measures were generated for each construct: number of unique measurements; % of times measured at an aggregate level; % of times authors referred to the construct as the social environment. Social environmental constructs were then grouped into larger descriptive dimensions. Results/findings: Fifty-nine social environmental constructs were identified and grouped into 9 dimensions: Crime & Safety (n = 133 studies; included in 73% of studies); Economic & Social Disadvantage (n = 55, 33%); Social Cohesion & Capital (n = 47, 26%); Social Relationships (n = 22, 12%); Social Environment (n = 16, 9%); Disorder & Incivilities (n = 15, 8%); Sense of Place/Belonging (n = 8, 4%); Discrimination/Segregation (n = 3, 2%); Civic Participation & Engagement (n = 2, 1%). Across all articles, the social environment was measured using 176 different methods, was measured at an aggregate-level 38% of the time, and referred to as the social environment 23% of the time. Conclusions: Inconsistent terminology, definitions, and measurement of the social environment and the lack of explicit language identifying constructs as the social environment make it challenging to compare results across studies and draw conclusions. Improvements are needed to increase our understanding of social environmental correlates and/or determinants of physical activity and facilitate cross-disciplinary conversations necessary to effectively intervene to promote physical activity. Trial registration: PROSPERO CRD42017059580. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2019
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177. 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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PHYSICAL activity ,TEENAGERS ,FEASIBILITY studies ,SELF-determination theory ,SOCIAL influence - Abstract
Background: Inactive lifestyles are becoming the norm and creative approaches to encourage adolescents to be more physically active are needed. Little is known about how gamification techniques can be used in physical activity interventions for young people. Such approaches may stimulate interest and encourage physical activity behaviour. The study investigated the feasibility of implementing and evaluating a physical activity intervention for adolescents which included gamification techniques within schools. We tested recruitment and retention strategies for schools and participants, the use of proposed outcome measures, and explored intervention acceptability. Methods: This school-based feasibility study of a randomised cluster trial recruited adolescents aged 12–14 years (n = 224) from five schools (three intervention; two control) in Belfast, Northern Ireland. The 22-week intervention (The StepSmart Challenge) informed by self-determination theory and incorporating gamification strategies involved a school-based pedometer competition. Outcomes, measured at baseline, and post-intervention (at 22 weeks post-baseline and 52 weeks post-baseline) included daily minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) (measured using ActiGraph accelerometer), mental wellbeing (Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale), social support for physical activity, time preference (for delayed and larger rewards or immediate and smaller rewards), pro-social behaviour (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ)) and the influence of social networks. The intervention's acceptability was explored in focus groups. Results: We invited 14 schools to participate; eight showed interest in participating. We recruited the first five who responded; all five completed the trial. Of the 236 pupils invited, 224 participated (94.9%): 84.8% (190/224) provided valid MVPA (minutes/day) at baseline and 57.2% (123/215) at 52 weeks. All other outcomes were well completed apart from the SDQ (65% at baseline). Qualitative data highlighted that participants and teachers found The StepSmart Challenge to be an acceptable intervention. Conclusions: The level of interest and high recruitment and retention rates provide support for the feasibility of this trial. The intervention, incorporating gamification strategies and the recruitment methods, using parental opt-out procedures, were acceptable to participants and teachers. Teachers also suggested that the implementation of The StepSmart Challenge could be embedded in a lifelong learning approach to health within the school curriculum. As young people's lives become more intertwined with technology, the use of innovative gamified interventions could be one approach to engage and motivate health behavioural change in this population. Trial registration: NCT02455986 (date of registration: 28 May 2015). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2019
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178. Adaptation and testing of a microscale audit tool to assess liveability using google street view: MAPS-liveability
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Cleland, Claire L., Ferguson, Sara, Kee, Frank, Kelly, Paul, Williams, Andrew James, Nightingale, Glenna, Cope, Andy, Foster, Charlie, Milton, Karen, Kelly, Michael P., Jepson, Ruth, and Hunter, Ruth F.
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Liveability is a complex, multifaceted concept with various definitions, but with an agreed core set of features (e.g., safety, walkability). Typically, liveability is measured at the macro-level (city or regional-level), and has been used in advocacy by local populations. However, micro-level (street-level) liveability measurements could also/alternatively be used to identify modifiable environmental features impacting health and well-being. To date, no micro-level liveability tools exist. This study investigates the reliability and rater agreement of a new micro-level audit tool designed for use with Google Street View (GSV).
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- 2021
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179. Effects of 20 mph interventions on a range of public health outcomes: A meta-narrative evidence synthesis
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Cleland, Claire L., McComb, Katy, Kee, Frank, Jepson, Ruth, Kelly, Michael P., Milton, Karen, Nightingale, Glenna, Kelly, Paul, Baker, Graham, Craig, Neil, Williams, Andrew James, and Hunter, Ruth F.
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Road traffic injuries are a leading cause of preventable death globally, but can be reduced by introducing speed lowering interventions such as 20 mph or 30 km/h speed ‘zones’ and ‘limits’. ‘Zones’ utilise physical traffic calming measures and ‘limits’ only utilise signage and lines. Transport is a social determinant of health and therefore such interventions may in/directly also impact on other health outcomes.
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- 2020
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180. 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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Background: An adolescent's perceptions of their family's and friends' smoking attitudes and behaviour can influence their own uptake of smoking. There are two broad sources of such social influence: observing the behaviour directly, and assimilating attitudes.Methods: We analysed data collected for the evaluation of Dead Cool, a school based smoking prevention intervention in Northern Ireland (n=480 in 20 clusters). The main analysis fits three nested logistic regression models predicting pre-intervention susceptibility to taking up smoking, as reflected in responses to three attitudinal questions. Model 1 includes only personal characteristics as explanatory factors. Model 2 adds the behaviour of friends and family that would provide an opportunity for social influence through observational learning. Model 3 adds the susceptibility of friends.Results: Each additional group of variables improved the model fit (with reduced AIC and BIC). However, in the final model, only three variables were found to be statistically significant (p<0.05) in predicting susceptibility to smoking initiation: rebelliousness (OR [1.1,1.3]) from the personal characteristics group; and, in the observational learning group, being friends with a smoker (OR [1.0,2.9]) and frequency of being in the same room or car with someone smoking (OR [2.0,9.0] for most frequent). Adding the two measures of diffusion of susceptibility through the friendship network improved the model fit, but neither was found to be statistically significant.Conclusions: The analysis provides additional evidence to support policies that could reduce children's exposure to smoking behaviour, and potential subsequent smoking initiation. No conclusions could be drawn about the diffusion of smoking attitudes through the school friendship networks of children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]- Published
- 2019
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181. 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, and Kee, Frank
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OCCUPATIONAL health services , *PHYSICAL activity , *BEHAVIOR modification , *CONFIDENCE intervals , *COST effectiveness , *MEDICAL care use , *NATIONAL health services , *MOTIVATION (Psychology) , *ORGANIZATIONAL change , *PUBLIC health , *QUALITY of life , *SOCIAL norms , *ORGANIZATIONAL structure , *PUBLIC sector , *PEDOMETERS , *WELL-being , *RANDOMIZED controlled trials , *QUALITY-adjusted life years , *PRESENTEEISM (Labor) , *ECONOMICS - Abstract
Background: We evaluated the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a loyalty scheme based intervention involving rewards for increasing physical activity in public sector employees. Methods: A cluster randomised wait-list controlled trial in public sector organisations in Northern Ireland. We randomly assigned clusters (1:1) using a computer generated random sequence. Researchers were masked to allocation, but participants were not. Employees aged 18–65 years with no self-reported medical contraindications to physical activity were included. The Physical Activity Loyalty Scheme (PAL) intervention was based on high-street loyalty cards where participants earned points for minutes of activity that could be redeemed for rewards, complemented by evidence-based behaviour change techniques. The primary outcome was objectively measured mean steps/day at 6 months using a validated pedometer (Yamax Digi-Walker CW-701) over 7 days, assessed with intention to treat analysis. Secondary outcomes included health, mental wellbeing, quality of life, work absenteeism and presenteeism, and use of healthcare resources. Cost-effectiveness, cost-benefit and mediation analyses were conducted. Trial registered with Current Controlled Trials, number ISRCTN17975376. Results: Between September 2014 and October 2015, we recruited and randomly assigned 37 clusters (from nine organisations; mean clusters per organisation = four) and 853 participants to the intervention (n = 19 with 457 participants) or control group (n = 18 with 396 participants). Primary outcome data were available for 249 (54·4%) intervention and 236 (59·6%) control participants. Mean steps/day were significantly lower in the intervention vs control group (adjusted mean difference = − 336, 95% CI: -612 to − 60, p = 0·02) at 6 months. Participants redeemed only 39% (SD 43%) of their earned points. Using the Quality Adjusted Life Year outcome, the intervention was not cost effective from an NHS/PSS perspective. A net cost analysis from an employer perspective demonstrated the intervention group was associated with a mean of 2·97 h less absenteeism over a 4 week period (p = 0·62), which could result in net savings ranging from £66 to £735 depending on the wage rate employed. At 4-weeks post-baseline there were significant increases in identified regulation, integrated regulation, intrinsic motivation, social norms and intentions in intervention compared to control participants. Conclusions: Our mixed results pose challenges that are too infrequently exposed in public heath intervention trials. Although the intervention successfully altered several hypothesised mediating constructs it did not translate into long-term behaviour change. Our incentive level may have been too low to incentivise change, despite being designed a priori by a Contingent Valuation Survey. There were also major re-structuring of several organisations which presented significant implementation challenges, and technical limitations. Trial registration: ISRCTN17975376 (Registered 19/09/2014). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2018
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182. 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, Tang, Jianjun, Smith, Oliver J, Murray, Jennifer, Tully, Mark A, Patterson, Chris, Longo, Alberto, Hutchinson, George, Prior, Lindsay, French, David P, Adams, Jean, McIntosh, Emma, and Kee, Frank
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10. No inequality ,3. Good health - 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).
183. 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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Randomised controlled trial ,Schools ,Mixed methods ,Physical activity ,4. Education ,Research ,Behaviour change ,Intervention ,Feasibility ,Adolescents ,Gamification ,3. Good health - Abstract
Funder: Research Trainees Coordinating Centre; doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100000659, Background: Inactive lifestyles are becoming the norm and creative approaches to encourage adolescents to be more physically active are needed. Little is known about how gamification techniques can be used in physical activity interventions for young people. Such approaches may stimulate interest and encourage physical activity behaviour. The study investigated the feasibility of implementing and evaluating a physical activity intervention for adolescents which included gamification techniques within schools. We tested recruitment and retention strategies for schools and participants, the use of proposed outcome measures, and explored intervention acceptability. Methods: This school-based feasibility study of a randomised cluster trial recruited adolescents aged 12–14 years (n = 224) from five schools (three intervention; two control) in Belfast, Northern Ireland. The 22-week intervention (The StepSmart Challenge) informed by self-determination theory and incorporating gamification strategies involved a school-based pedometer competition. Outcomes, measured at baseline, and post-intervention (at 22 weeks post-baseline and 52 weeks post-baseline) included daily minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) (measured using ActiGraph accelerometer), mental wellbeing (Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale), social support for physical activity, time preference (for delayed and larger rewards or immediate and smaller rewards), pro-social behaviour (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ)) and the influence of social networks. The intervention’s acceptability was explored in focus groups. Results: We invited 14 schools to participate; eight showed interest in participating. We recruited the first five who responded; all five completed the trial. Of the 236 pupils invited, 224 participated (94.9%): 84.8% (190/224) provided valid MVPA (minutes/day) at baseline and 57.2% (123/215) at 52 weeks. All other outcomes were well completed apart from the SDQ (65% at baseline). Qualitative data highlighted that participants and teachers found The StepSmart Challenge to be an acceptable intervention. Conclusions: The level of interest and high recruitment and retention rates provide support for the feasibility of this trial. The intervention, incorporating gamification strategies and the recruitment methods, using parental opt-out procedures, were acceptable to participants and teachers. Teachers also suggested that the implementation of The StepSmart Challenge could be embedded in a lifelong learning approach to health within the school curriculum. As young people’s lives become more intertwined with technology, the use of innovative gamified interventions could be one approach to engage and motivate health behavioural change in this population. Trial registration: NCT02455986 (date of registration: 28 May 2015).
184. 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 MF, Tully, Mark A, and Hunter, Ruth F
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Randomised controlled trial ,Mixed methods ,Schools ,Physical activity ,4. Education ,education ,Behaviour change ,Feasibility ,Intervention ,Adolescents ,Gamification ,3. Good health - Abstract
BACKGROUND: Inactive lifestyles are becoming the norm and creative approaches to encourage adolescents to be more physically active are needed. Little is known about how gamification techniques can be used in physical activity interventions for young people. Such approaches may stimulate interest and encourage physical activity behaviour. The study investigated the feasibility of implementing and evaluating a physical activity intervention for adolescents which included gamification techniques within schools. We tested recruitment and retention strategies for schools and participants, the use of proposed outcome measures, and explored intervention acceptability. METHODS: This school-based feasibility study of a randomised cluster trial recruited adolescents aged 12-14 years (n = 224) from five schools (three intervention; two control) in Belfast, Northern Ireland. The 22-week intervention (The StepSmart Challenge) informed by self-determination theory and incorporating gamification strategies involved a school-based pedometer competition. Outcomes, measured at baseline, and post-intervention (at 22 weeks post-baseline and 52 weeks post-baseline) included daily minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) (measured using ActiGraph accelerometer), mental wellbeing (Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale), social support for physical activity, time preference (for delayed and larger rewards or immediate and smaller rewards), pro-social behaviour (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ)) and the influence of social networks. The intervention's acceptability was explored in focus groups. RESULTS: We invited 14 schools to participate; eight showed interest in participating. We recruited the first five who responded; all five completed the trial. Of the 236 pupils invited, 224 participated (94.9%): 84.8% (190/224) provided valid MVPA (minutes/day) at baseline and 57.2% (123/215) at 52 weeks. All other outcomes were well completed apart from the SDQ (65% at baseline). Qualitative data highlighted that participants and teachers found The StepSmart Challenge to be an acceptable intervention. CONCLUSIONS: The level of interest and high recruitment and retention rates provide support for the feasibility of this trial. The intervention, incorporating gamification strategies and the recruitment methods, using parental opt-out procedures, were acceptable to participants and teachers. Teachers also suggested that the implementation of The StepSmart Challenge could be embedded in a lifelong learning approach to health within the school curriculum. As young people's lives become more intertwined with technology, the use of innovative gamified interventions could be one approach to engage and motivate health behavioural change in this population. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT02455986 (date of registration: 28 May 2015).
185. 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, Tang, Jianjun, Smith, Oliver J, Murray, Jennifer, Tully, Mark A, Patterson, Chris, Longo, Alberto, Hutchinson, George, Prior, Lindsay, French, David P, Adams, Jean, McIntosh, Emma, and Kee, Frank
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Adult ,Male ,Cost-Benefit Analysis ,Health Behavior ,Intervention ,Northern Ireland ,Behaviour change maintenance ,Interviews as Topic ,Behavioural economics ,Surveys and Questionnaires ,Humans ,Obesity ,Cities ,10. No inequality ,Workplace ,Exercise ,Motivation ,Mediation analyses ,Physical activity ,Cluster RCT ,Focus Groups ,Economic evaluation ,3. Good health ,Research Design ,Quality of Life ,Financial incentives ,Female - 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).
186. 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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Male ,Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice ,Adolescent ,Health Promotion ,Northern Ireland ,UK physical activity guidelines ,Sex Factors ,SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being ,Journal Article ,Humans ,Exercise ,lcsh:Public aspects of medicine ,Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health ,lcsh:RA1-1270 ,Knowledge ,Cross-Sectional Studies ,Logistic Models ,Health education ,Health communication ,Socioeconomic Factors ,Adolescent Behavior ,Young people ,Female ,Public Health ,Research Article - 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.
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187. How Do Awareness, Perceptions, and Expectations of an Urban Greenway Influence Residents’ Visits and Recreational Physical Activity? Evidence From the Connswater Community Greenway, Belfast, Northern Ireland.
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Wang, Ruoyu, Browning, Matthew H. E. M., Kee, Frank, and Hunter, Ruth F.
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AbstractThe development of an urban greenway as part of a major regeneration project may encourage usage and recreational physical activity (PA). However, how the awareness and perceptions of such a project influence the usage of the greenway and recreational PA after regeneration remains unclear. This study focused on these relationships in the context of a major urban regeneration project, the Connswater Community Greenway (CCG) in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Data were collected from residents living near the CCG at 6 months postimplementation (2016/2017). Awareness, perceptions, and expectations of the CCG were assessed using several self-reported questions. Respondents were split into intervention and control groups based on a 1-mile threshold distance to the CCG from their home address (intervention group ≤1 mile; control group >1 mile). Self-reported CCG usage included both frequency and duration of visits. Recreational PA was evaluated with the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire and PA stages of change measure. We used multilevel linear and logistic regressions to examine awareness, perceptions, and expectations of the CCG on visitation and recreational PA. Results showed that favorable awareness, perceptions, and expectations were positively associated with CCG visits and recreational PA. Frequent and longer durations of CCG visits were also important for encouraging recreational PA. These findings provide evidence that it is important to include awareness-raising programs and education regarding the urban greenway development for health benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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188. Tweet for Behavior Change: Using Social Media for the Dissemination of Public Health Messages.
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Gough, Aisling, Hunter, Ruth F, Ajao, Oluwaseun, Jurek, Anna, McKeown, Gary, Hong, Jun, Barrett, Eimear, Ferguson, Marbeth, McElwee, Gerry, McCarthy, Miriam, and Kee, Frank
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SOCIAL media in medicine ,PUBLIC health ,BEHAVIOR modification ,SKIN cancer prevention ,TEXT messages - Abstract
Background: Social media public health campaigns have the advantage of tailored messaging at low cost and large reach, but little is known about what would determine their feasibility as tools for inducing attitude and behavior change. Objective: The aim of this study was to test the feasibility of designing, implementing, and evaluating a social media-enabled intervention for skin cancer prevention. Methods: A quasi-experimental feasibility study used social media (Twitter) to disseminate different message "frames" related to care in the sun and cancer prevention. Phase 1 utilized the Northern Ireland cancer charity's Twitter platform (May 1 to July 14, 2015). Following a 2-week "washout" period, Phase 2 commenced (August 1 to September 30, 2015) using a bespoke Twitter platform. Phase 2 also included a Thunderclap, whereby users allowed their social media accounts to automatically post a bespoke message on their behalf. Message frames were categorized into 5 broad categories: humor, shock or disgust, informative, personal stories, and opportunistic. Seed users with a notable following were contacted to be "influencers" in retweeting campaign content. A pre- and postintervention Web-based survey recorded skin cancer prevention knowledge and attitudes in Northern Ireland (population 1.8 million). Results: There were a total of 417,678 tweet impressions, 11,213 engagements, and 1211 retweets related to our campaign. Shocking messages generated the greatest impressions (shock, n=2369; informative, n=2258; humorous, n=1458; story, n=1680), whereas humorous messages generated greater engagement (humorous, n=148; shock, n=147; story, n=117; informative, n=100) and greater engagement rates compared with story tweets. Informative messages, resulted in the greatest number of shares (informative, n=17; humorous, n=10; shock, n=9; story, n=7). The study findings included improved knowledge of skin cancer severity in a pre- and postintervention Web-based survey, with greater awareness that skin cancer is the most common form of cancer (preintervention: 28.4% [95/335] vs postintervention: 39.3% [168/428] answered "True") and that melanoma is most serious (49.1% [165/336] vs 55.5% [238/429]). The results also show improved attitudes toward ultraviolet (UV) exposure and skin cancer with a reduction in agreement that respondents "like to tan" (60.5% [202/334] vs 55.6% [238/428]). Conclusions: Social media-disseminated public health messages reached more than 23% of the Northern Ireland population. A Web-based survey suggested that the campaign might have contributed to improved knowledge and attitudes toward skin cancer among the target population. Findings suggested that shocking and humorous messages generated greatest impressions and engagement, but information-based messages were likely to be shared most. The extent of behavioral change as a result of the campaign remains to be explored, however, the change of attitudes and knowledge is promising. Social media is an inexpensive, effective method for delivering public health messages. However, existing and traditional process evaluation methods may not be suitable for social media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2017
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189. Capturing the whole-school food environment in primary schools.
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Moore, Sarah E, Brennan, Sarah F, Lavelle, Fiona, Dean, Moira, McKinley, Michelle C, Olgacher, Dilara, McCole, Patrick, Hunter, Ruth F, Dunne, Laura, O'Connell, Niamh E, Elliott, Chris T, McCarthy, Danielle, and Woodside, Jayne V
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PRIMARY schools , *SCHOOL environment , *STUDENT engagement , *EDUCATIONAL counseling , *FOOD habits , *SCHOOL food , *LUNCHEONS - Abstract
Objective: The school food environment (SFE) is an ideal setting for encouraging healthy dietary behaviour. We aimed to develop an instrument to assess whole-SFE, test the instrument in the school setting and demonstrate its use to make food environment recommendations. Design: SFE literature and UK school food guidance were searched to inform instrument items. The instrument consisted of (i) an observation proforma capturing canteen areas systems, food presentation and monitoring of food intake and (ii) a questionnaire assessing food policies, provision and activities. The instrument was tested in schools and used to develop SFE recommendations. Descriptive analyses enabled narrative discussion. Setting: Primary schools. Participants: An observation was undertaken at schools in urban and rural geographical regions of Northern Ireland of varying socio-economic status (n 18). School senior management completed the questionnaire with input from school caterers (n 16). Results: The instrument captured desired detail and potential instrument modifications were identified. SFE varied. Differences existed between food policies and how policies were implemented and monitored. At many schools, there was scope to enhance physical eating environments (n 12, 67 %) and food presentation (n 15, 83 %); emphasise healthy eating through food activities (n 7, 78 %) and increase parental engagement in school food (n 9, 56 %). Conclusions: The developed instrument can measure whole-SFE in primary schools and also enabled identification of recommendations to enhance SFE. Further assessment and adaptation of the instrument are required to enable future use as a research tool or for self-assessment use by schools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2023
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190. Exploring the mechanistic pathways of how social network influences social norms in adolescent smoking prevention interventions.
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Montes, Felipe, Blanco, Martha, Useche, Andres F., Sanchez-Franco, Sharon, Caro, Carlos, Tong, Lei, Li, Jie, Zhou, Huiyu, Murray, Jennifer M., Sarmiento, Olga L., Kee, Frank, and Hunter, Ruth F.
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SMOKE prevention , *ADOLESCENT smoking , *SOCIAL norms , *SOCIAL influence , *SMOKING prevention , *SOCIAL networks , *TEENAGE girls - Abstract
We know little about how smoking prevention interventions might leverage social network structures to enhance protective social norms. In this study we combined statistical and network science methods to explore how social networks influence social norms related to adolescent smoking in school-specific settings in Northern Ireland and Colombia. Pupils (12–15 years old) participated in two smoking prevention interventions in both countries (n = 1344). A Latent Transition Analysis identified three groups characterized by descriptive and injunctive norms towards smoking. We employed a Separable Temporal Random Graph Model to analyze homophily in social norms and conducted a descriptive analysis of the changes in the students' and their friends' social norms over time to account for social influence. The results showed that students were more likely to be friends with others who had social norms against smoking. However, students with social norms favorable towards smoking had more friends with similar views than the students with perceived norms against smoking, underlining the importance of network thresholds. Our results support the notation that the ASSIST intervention takes advantage of friendship networks to leverage greater change in the students' smoking social norms than the Dead Cool intervention, reiterating that social norms are subject to social influence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2023
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191. An Investigation of the Hypoalgesic Efficacy and Effectiveness of Acupuncture
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Hunter, Ruth F.
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- 615.5
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- 2009
192. 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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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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2022
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193. The personality and cognitive traits associated with adolescents' sensitivity to social norms.
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Tate, Christopher, Kumar, Rajnish, Murray, Jennifer M., Sanchez-Franco, Sharon, Sarmiento, Olga L., Montgomery, Shannon C., Zhou, Huiyu, Ramalingam, Abhijit, Krupka, Erin, Kimbrough, Erik, Kee, Frank, and Hunter, Ruth F.
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PERSONALITY , *SOCIAL norms , *SENSITIVITY (Personality trait) , *TEENAGERS , *TEENAGE girls , *EMOTIONAL stability - Abstract
Little is known about the personality and cognitive traits that shape adolescents' sensitivity to social norms. Further, few studies have harnessed novel empirical tools to elicit sensitivity to social norms among adolescent populations. This paper examines the association between sensitivity to norms and various personality and cognitive traits using an incentivised rule-following task grounded in Game Theory. Cross-sectional data were obtained from 1274 adolescents. Self-administered questionnaires were used to measure personality traits as well as other psychosocial characteristics. Incentivised rule-following experiments gauged sensitivity to social norms. A series of multilevel mixed effects ordered logistic regression models were employed to assess the association between sensitivity to norms and the personality and cognitive traits. The results highlighted statistically significant univariate associations between the personality and cognitive traits and sensitivity to norms. However, in the multivariate adjusted model, the only factor associated with sensitivity to norms was gender. The gender-stratified analyses revealed differences in the personality and cognitive traits associated with sensitivity to norms across genders. For males need to belong was significantly negatively associated with sensitivity to norms in the multivariate model. By comparison, emotional stability was negatively associated with sensitivity to norms for females. This study reinforced the findings from an earlier study and suggested female adolescents had higher levels of sensitivity to norms. The results indicated no consistent pattern between sensitivity to norms and the personality and cognitive traits. Our findings provide a basis for further empirical research on a relatively nascent construct, and bring a fresh perspective to the question of norm-following preferences among this age group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2022
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194. Participatory theme elicitation: open card sorting for user led qualitative data analysis.
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Best, Paul, Badham, Jennifer, McConnell, Tracey, and Hunter, Ruth F
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DATA analysis , *DEPRESSED persons , *SOCIAL science research , *ELICITATION technique , *THEMATIC analysis - Abstract
Participatory Theme Elicitation (PTE) is a new approach to increasing user-involvement in qualitative data analysis. In this five-step method, participants independently identify themes in the data using open card sorting, and are supported in their development of a set of themes that reflect all participant views. We describe and evaluate PTE with a case study, where nine lay researchers identified five core themes in qualitative data from an online intervention with depressed adults. Total participation time was approximately 6 hours. Evaluation data revealed high levels of satisfaction with the PTE process and the themes generated. The strong commitment to public engagement in social science research and limited guidance on methods for effective participatory analysis of qualitative data highlight the value and growing need for robust standardised approaches such as PTE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2022
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195. 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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- *
SMOKING , *SOCIAL norms , *COGNITION , *NON-communicable diseases - Abstract
Background: Despite a steady decline in adolescent smoking globally, it remains a prevalent risk factor for non-communicable disease. Previous research points to differences in socio-environmental and psychosocial risk factors for smoking and how they vary across different settings with disparate social and cultural characteristics. As a result, smoking rates have remained disproportionately higher in some settings while decreasing in others. This study explored the socio-environmental and psychosocial risk factors for smoking susceptibility in a high-income and upper-middle income setting.Methods: Cross-sectional data were obtained from 1,573 male and female adolescents aged 11-15 years who completed self-administered questionnaires in schools in Northern Ireland and Bogotá, Colombia. Using logistic regression analysis, we examined how socio-environmental and psychosocial predictors of smoking susceptibility compared across the two countries.Results: In Northern Ireland, reduced odds of smoking susceptibility were significantly associated with less family smoking (OR: 0.64, 95% CI: 0.41-1.00); having access to information about smoking in school (OR: 0.75, 95% CI: 0.59-0.96); negative attitudes towards smoking (OR: 0.35, 95% CI: 0.23-0.51); higher levels of openness (OR: 0.59, 95% CI: 0.50-0.69); and higher levels of self-reported wellbeing (OR: 0.57, 95% CI: 0.44-0.74). Increased odds of smoking susceptibility were associated with reporting less smoking of a mother (OR: 1.37, 95% CI: 1.06-1.76); higher levels of extraversion (OR: 1.40, 95% CI: 1.04-1.90); and receiving pocket money (OR: 1.20, 95% CI: 1.06-1.37). In Bogotá, reduced odds of smoking susceptibility were significantly associated with reporting less smoking among friends (OR: 0.86, 95% CI: 0.76-0.98); higher levels of self-efficacy (OR: 0.58, 95% CI: 0.40-0.83); greater perceived behavioural control to quit smoking (OR: 0.71, 95% CI: 0.56-0.90); and lower levels of truancy (OR: 0.69, 95% CI: 0.52-0.92). In Bogotá, no factors were associated with increased odds of smoking susceptibility in the final model.Conclusions: The findings illustrate that there were differences in predictors of adolescent smoking susceptibility across the two settings. By using a comparative approach we demonstrate that smoking interventions and policies must be sensitive to the cultural and normative context within which they are implemented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]- Published
- 2021
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196. A feasibility study of 'The StepSmart Challenge' to promote physical activity in adolescents
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Sarah Miller, Esther M. F. van Sluijs, Ruth F. Hunter, Margaret Cupples, Rekesh Corepal, Laura Dunne, Paul Best, Jennifer Badham, Paul Connolly, Roisin O'Neill, Frank Kee, Mark A. Tully, Hunter, Ruth F [0000-0001-7315-0382], Apollo - University of Cambridge Repository, and Hunter, Ruth F. [0000-0001-7315-0382]
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Gerontology ,Mixed methods ,Population ,education ,Psychological intervention ,Medicine (miscellaneous) ,Intervention ,Adolescents ,law.invention ,03 medical and health sciences ,Social support ,0302 clinical medicine ,Randomized controlled trial ,law ,Intervention (counseling) ,030212 general & internal medicine ,Randomised controlled trial ,lcsh:R5-920 ,education.field_of_study ,030505 public health ,Schools ,Physical activity ,4. Education ,Research ,Behaviour change ,Feasibility ,Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire ,Focus group ,Gamification ,3. Good health ,Pedometer ,lcsh:Medicine (General) ,0305 other medical science ,Psychology - Abstract
Background Inactive lifestyles are becoming the norm and creative approaches to encourage adolescents to be more physically active are needed. Little is known about how gamification techniques can be used in physical activity interventions for young people. Such approaches may stimulate interest and encourage physical activity behaviour. The study investigated the feasibility of implementing and evaluating a physical activity intervention for adolescents which included gamification techniques within schools. We tested recruitment and retention strategies for schools and participants, the use of proposed outcome measures, and explored intervention acceptability. Methods This school-based feasibility study of a randomised cluster trial recruited adolescents aged 12–14 years (n = 224) from five schools (three intervention; two control) in Belfast, Northern Ireland. The 22-week intervention (The StepSmart Challenge) informed by self-determination theory and incorporating gamification strategies involved a school-based pedometer competition. Outcomes, measured at baseline, and post-intervention (at 22 weeks post-baseline and 52 weeks post-baseline) included daily minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) (measured using ActiGraph accelerometer), mental wellbeing (Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale), social support for physical activity, time preference (for delayed and larger rewards or immediate and smaller rewards), pro-social behaviour (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ)) and the influence of social networks. The intervention’s acceptability was explored in focus groups. Results We invited 14 schools to participate; eight showed interest in participating. We recruited the first five who responded; all five completed the trial. Of the 236 pupils invited, 224 participated (94.9%): 84.8% (190/224) provided valid MVPA (minutes/day) at baseline and 57.2% (123/215) at 52 weeks. All other outcomes were well completed apart from the SDQ (65% at baseline). Qualitative data highlighted that participants and teachers found The StepSmart Challenge to be an acceptable intervention. Conclusions The level of interest and high recruitment and retention rates provide support for the feasibility of this trial. The intervention, incorporating gamification strategies and the recruitment methods, using parental opt-out procedures, were acceptable to participants and teachers. Teachers also suggested that the implementation of The StepSmart Challenge could be embedded in a lifelong learning approach to health within the school curriculum. As young people’s lives become more intertwined with technology, the use of innovative gamified interventions could be one approach to engage and motivate health behavioural change in this population. Trial registration NCT02455986 (date of registration: 28 May 2015).
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- 2019
197. 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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CHILD behavior , *CHILD nutrition , *CONFIDENCE intervals , *COOKING , *DIET , *FACTORIAL experiment designs , *FOOD labeling , *FOOD habits , *FOOD industry , *HEALTH education , *HEALTH promotion , *INGESTION , *NUTRITION education , *QUALITY of life , *STATISTICAL sampling , *WELL-being , *RANDOMIZED controlled trials , *EDUCATIONAL outcomes , *HEALTH literacy , *DESCRIPTIVE statistics - Abstract
Background: Evidence suggests that dietary intake of UK children is suboptimal. As schools provide an ideal natural environment for public health interventions, effective and sustainable methods of improving food knowledge and dietary habits in this population must be identified. Project Daire aimed to improve children's health-related quality of life, wellbeing, food knowledge and dietary habits via two multi-component interventions. Methods: Daire was a randomised-controlled, factorial design trial evaluating two interventions across four arms. Primary schools in Northern Ireland were randomised to one of four 6-month intervention arms: i) 'Nourish', ii) 'Engage', iii) 'Nourish' and 'Engage' and iv) Control (Delayed). 'Nourish' was an intervention aiming to alter the whole-school food environment, provide food-related experiences and exposure to locally produced foods. 'Engage' was an age-appropriate, cross-curricular educational intervention on food, agriculture, nutrition science and related careers. Primary outcomes were emotional and behavioural wellbeing and health-related quality of life. A number of secondary outcomes, including dietary intake, cooking competence and food-related knowledge, were also measured. Results: Fifteen schools from areas of varying socio-economic status participated in the randomised trial. A total of 903 (n = 445 aged 6–7 years and n = 458 aged 10–11 years) primary school pupils took part. Total Difficulties Score improved in all pupils (6–7 and 10–11 year old pupils) who received the 'Nourish' intervention compared with those that did not (adjusted difference in mean = − 0.82; 95% CI -1.46, − 0.17; P < 0.02). No statistically significant difference in Health-Related Quality of Life was observed. The 'Nourish' intervention also produced some changes in school-based dietary behaviour, which were most apparent in the 10–11 year old pupils. The 'Nourish' intervention also produced improvements in understanding of food labels (adjusted difference in mean = 0.15; 95% CI 0.05, 0.25; P < 0.01) and knowledge of vegetables in season (adjusted difference in mean = 0.29; 95% CI 0.01,0.56; P = 0.04) whilst an increased willingness to try new foods and improved perceived cooking competence was also observed. Conclusions: Improvements in childhood emotional and behavioural wellbeing, dietary intake, knowledge about food, cooking skills and willingness to try new foods were associated with the 'Nourish' whole-school food environment intervention. Exploration of the sustainability and long-term effectiveness of such whole-school food interventions should be conducted. Trial registration: National Institute of Health (NIH) U.S. National Library of Medicine Clinical Trials.gov (ID: NCT04277312). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2021
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198. 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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SOCIAL networks , *PHYSICAL activity , *ADOLESCENT health , *HEALTH behavior , *MIXED methods research , *FRIENDSHIP , *RESEARCH , *SOCIAL participation , *SOCIAL support , *CROSS-sectional method , *RESEARCH methodology , *MEDICAL cooperation , *EVALUATION research , *COMPARATIVE studies , *PSYCHOLOGICAL tests , *TEENAGERS' conduct of life , *EXERCISE , *IMPACT of Event Scale , *RESEARCH funding , *PSYCHOLOGICAL adaptation - Abstract
Background: There is a need for novel interventions to target inadequate levels of adolescent physical activity behavior. Previous research indicates that better understanding of the processes by which social networks influence physical activity behavior in adolescents may be useful to enhance intervention design.Methods: This study used a multi-methods approach to aid our understanding about the role of social networks for adolescent physical activity behavior. The quantitative phase of data collection was analyzed using a three-step linear regression model using cross-sectional data from the WiSe study (n = 529 participants, 48.6% female, mean age 14.38 years (SD 0.32)). A demographically reflective sub-sample of schools were invited to take part in the qualitative phase, which involved focus group discussions. Thematic analysis was used to explore findings from the quantitative phase in greater depth, and identify other themes pertaining to the association between social networks and physical activity behavior.Results: Males' physical activity behavior was predicted by their friend group (0.46, p = 0.007) whereas females' physical activity was predicted by their best friend (0.21, p = 0.03). The three main findings that were uncovered by the regression analysis were explored during the qualitative phase: 1) friends have similar physical activity behaviors; 2) friendship social networks may influence differently early adolescent male and female physical activity behavior; 3) popularity and sociability were not associated with physical activity behavior. Two additional themes emerged from the analysis of focus group data: 4) social norms and 5) external factors that may impact the relationship between adolescent physical activity behavior and social networks.Conclusions: The investigation of the interplay between the findings from each phase of the inquiry indicated that social networks influence in different ways and to different degrees the physical activity of adolescent males and females. In turn, these insights point to the need for a systematic tailoring process for the development and implementation of physical activity behavior interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]- Published
- 2021
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199. National action plans to tackle NCDs : role of stakeholder network analysis
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Hunter, Ruth F, Wickramasinghe, Kremlin, Ergüder, Toker, Bolat, Abdulkadir, Arı, Hakan Oğuz, Yıldırım, Hasan Hüseyin, Ursu, Pavel, Robinson, Gareth, Breda, Joao, Mikkelsen, Bente, Connolly, Paul, Clarke, Mike, and Kee, Frank
200. Developing agent-based models of complex health behaviour.
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Badham, Jennifer, Chattoe-Brown, Edmund, Gilbert, Nigel, Chalabi, Zaid, Kee, Frank, and Hunter, Ruth F.
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HEALTH behavior , *NON-communicable diseases , *HUMAN behavior , *SOCIAL context , *PHYSICAL environment , *SPATIAL analysis (Statistics) - Abstract
Managing non-communicable diseases requires policy makers to adopt a whole systems perspective that adequately represents the complex causal architecture of human behaviour. Agent-based modelling is a computational method to understand the behaviour of complex systems by simulating the actions of entities within the system, including the way these individuals influence and are influenced by their physical and social environment. The potential benefits of this method have led to several calls for greater use in public health research. We discuss three challenges facing potential modellers: model specification, obtaining required data, and developing good practices. We also present steps to assist researchers to meet these challenges and implement their agent-based model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2018
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