This community contains the ePrints and eTheses produced by the Psychology staff and students. http://hdl.handle.net/1893/30 2026-11-14T06:30:29Z 2026-11-14T06:30:29Z White, Catherine B McGregor, Lesley M http://hdl.handle.net/1893/38462 2026-11-11T01:09:52Z 2026-09-01T00:00:00Z

Title: ‘…but look how many lives would have been saved if this was available then’ Exploring the acceptability of future Human Papillomavirus self‐sampling, and the barriers and facilitators of cervical cancer screening for those with intellectual disabilities in Scotland Author(s): White, Catherine B; McGregor, Lesley M Abstract: Background Cervical cancer screening attendance among women with intellectual disabilities (ID) in Scotland is approximately 30%, significantly below the general population rate of 69% and the WHO's recommended 70% target. HPV self-sampling could provide a more accessible screening option for this underserved population. This study aimed to understand the views and experiences of women with ID regarding cervical cancer screening and the acceptability of HPV self-sampling. Methods A qualitative study using focus groups was conducted with women with ID who attended third-sector community groups across Scotland, along with their carers. Four focus groups were held between September and October 2024, with a total of 13 participants (11 women with ID, 2 carers). Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results Five main themes emerged: (1) National Health Service (NHS) communication as a source of distress; (2) power imbalances between health care providers and women with ID: feeling unheard, dismissed and out of control; (3) enduring consequences of inadequate care; (4) past trauma shapes future avoidance; and (5) self-sampling as a pathway to empowerment. Participants demonstrated high acceptability of self-sampling, viewing it as a potential solution to overcome barriers to traditional screening. Conclusion This research reveals significant systemic inadequacies in current cervical cancer screening services for women with ID, whilst highlighting self-sampling's transformative potential. Successful implementation requires comprehensive accessible information, enhanced health care professional training and trauma-informed care approaches. Self-sampling could significantly advance health equity goals whilst improving health care outcomes for this underserved population.

2026-09-01T00:00:00Z Cowie, Julie Archibald, Rhonda Findlay, Scott Hutcheon, Danielle Currie, Sinéad Hay, Louise Cook, Elizabeth http://hdl.handle.net/1893/38454 2026-11-11T01:04:23Z 2026-11-05T00:00:00Z

Title: Enjoy Life LocallY (ELLY): A qualitative study of a co-designed healthy weight and wellbeing intervention in two disadvantaged Scottish communities Author(s): Cowie, Julie; Archibald, Rhonda; Findlay, Scott; Hutcheon, Danielle; Currie, Sinéad; Hay, Louise; Cook, Elizabeth Abstract: People who are unable to achieve a healthy lifestyle are at greater risk of type II diabetes, some cancers, heart disease, stroke, mobility problems and poor outcomes from disease. For individuals living in disadvantaged areas, life circumstances such as low income, unemployment, working anti-social hours and limited local services present barriers to the challenge of living healthy lives. Working with two disadvantaged communities in Forth Valley, Scotland, we co-designed and implemented an evidence-informed, incentive-based intervention, Enjoy Life LocallY (ELLY), to support citizens with healthy weight and wellbeing. The intervention comprised free soup twice weekly (café/delivery/pickup); a loyalty card (stamped upon engagement in community assets such as local activities, groups and clubs) exchanged for a £25 shopping card when a minimum of 9 assets over 12 weeks were attended; goal setting; information resources; and self-monitoring of weight and wellbeing. ELLY was delivered by volunteers over a 12-week period, from September 2023 to November 2023, to 75 residents. Qualitative interviews were conducted at 12-weeks with 10 participants per community, to assess study feasibility and conceptualise pathways to how ELLY led to healthy weight and wellbeing outcomes. Data were analysed using framework analysis. The ELLY intervention demonstrated strong acceptability and feasibility and was positively received by participants. In-depth interview data informed the construction of a conceptual framework identifying pathways through which the intervention supports healthy weight and wellbeing, including positive changes in behaviour, strengthened social connectedness, improved dietary habits, measurable participant-reported health improvements and the acquisition of new skills and knowledge. Collectively, findings support the hypothesis that engagement in the ELLY intervention was associated with a range of important health outcomes for participants, making a valuable contribution to the evidence base on community-based interventions and highlighting the important role of co-designed community interventions in supporting underserved, disadvantaged communities in health improvement.

2026-11-05T00:00:00Z A Carstairs, Sharon R Brown, Lynsey von Beusekom, Mara Ozakinci, Gozde Sullivan, Frank J Williams, Andrew B Cunningham, Kathryn http://hdl.handle.net/1893/38452 2026-11-11T01:02:33Z 2026-07-28T00:00:00Z

Title: Designing acceptable, feasible and engaging social prescribing pathways: The case of connecting from general practice to ‘Golf for Health’ Author(s): A Carstairs, Sharon; R Brown, Lynsey; von Beusekom, Mara; Ozakinci, Gozde; Sullivan, Frank; J Williams, Andrew; B Cunningham, Kathryn Abstract: Background Globally social prescribing (SP) is receiving increasing attention for its role in health and social care. There is little evidence and a call for consideration on a seldom considered and hugely important aspect of SP schemes – the connection process (identification, enhancing likelihood of behaviour change, and connection). This was a novel study aiming to design an acceptable, feasible and engaging process for connecting individuals from general practice to a free golf programme in Scotland. Methods A two-phase participatory approach drawing on the double diamond process of design was utilised in the study. Phase 1 ‘Discover to Define’ comprised an exploratory survey to determine views on potential barriers, facilitators and connection process options. Phase 2 ‘Define to Develop’ comprised online interactive workshops defining the options. Participants were key stakeholders including GP practice staff (survey n = 9, workshop n = 2), golf club staff (n = 10; n = 4), community link workers (CLW) (n = 2; n = 0), and members of the public (n = 9; n = 10). The data was synthesised using a visual mapping exercise guided by a framework of the three elements of connection. Summaries generated were validated by participants. Results A need and benefit for flexibility in the connection process is key and a single ‘one size fits all’ pathway was not suitable for the SP of golf scheme. A connection process map outlining an approach with multiple options across an individual’s connection journey – with different combinations of options constituting different connection pathways - was designed to overcome barriers identified (e.g. uncertainty, competency, time, lack of CLW) in connecting patients to the golf programme. Suggested options not currently used in identifying, supporting and connecting the individual included practice issued lifestyle survey, text appointment and both supported and self-connection options. Conclusions The next phase of the research programme will utilise the developed conceptual connection process map assessing the acceptability and feasibility of implementing, a flexible process of connection for the SP of golf scheme. Regarding the wider context, we encourage researchers, policymakers and practitioners working in SP across the globe to test and further develop the conceptual connection process map in designing connection pathways for their specific context(s).

2026-07-28T00:00:00Z Weeks, Simonne Wu, Yaning Fanstone, Joseph W Ahmadi, Mursal Iyer, Kalika Thompson, Connor Drovandi, Aaron Mcgregor, Lesley M http://hdl.handle.net/1893/38435 2026-11-10T01:00:50Z 2026-11-02T00:00:00Z

Title: Barriers and facilitators to urgent and emergency care-seeking during vaso-occlusive crises in adults with sickle cell disease: a systematic review Author(s): Weeks, Simonne; Wu, Yaning; Fanstone, Joseph W; Ahmadi, Mursal; Iyer, Kalika; Thompson, Connor; Drovandi, Aaron; Mcgregor, Lesley M Abstract: This systematic review examined patient, social, structural and healthcare factors influencing urgent or emergency care among adults with sickle cell disease (SCD) during vaso-occlusive crises (VOCs). No prior review has comprehensively synthesised factors shaping pre-arrival care-seeking in this context. The review was pre-registered on PROSPERO (CRD42023478012). We searched PubMed and Web of Science, from inception to 2nd December 2025 and CINAHL and Embase from inception to 16 June 2026, for quantitative, qualitative and mixed-methods studies examining factors influencing pre-arrival urgent care-seeking during acute VOCs in adults with SCD. We conducted a narrative synthesis, grouping similar factors and coding them as barriers or facilitators across three outcome domains: care-seeking avoidance, delayed care-seeking and willingness to seek acute care. Twelve studies published 2014—2025 met the inclusion criteria. Nine were conducted in the United States, two in Canada and one in England with none from low- and middle-income countries were identified. The most consistent barriers to acute care-seeking, particularly delayed or avoided presentation, were anticipated negative emergency department experiences, including stigma, discrimination, disbelief of pain and low confidence in timely analgesia or protocol-based care. Delays were also associated with prolonged home management, higher escalation thresholds and practical constraints such as insurance, transport and competing responsibilities. Evidence on willingness to seek acute care was limited. Methodological quality varied with concerns about representativeness, missing data and confounding in quantitative studies. Improving timely care-seeking may require more equitable, protocol-driven crisis care alongside efforts to reduce stigma and improve patient trust in acute care settings.

2026-11-02T00:00:00Z