Ruth Jepson
Biographic Data
| ID | 1260494 |
|---|---|
| NAME | Ruth Jepson |
| GIVEN NAMES | Ruth |
| FAMILY NAME | Jepson |
| SIGNATURE | JEPSON R |
| AFFILIATIONS | Scottish Collaboration for Public Health Research and Policy |
| ORCID | 0000-0002-9446-445X |
| VERIFIED | Yes |
| TOTAL WORKS | 28 |
| TOTAL CITATIONS | 27 |
| AUTHOR COUNT | 28 |
| EDITOR COUNT | 0 |
| FIRST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2007 |
| LATEST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2026 |
| H-INDEX | 2 |
Understanding the Nature-Wellbeing Relationship in Adults
Wellbeing benefits of greenspaces are well documented across different demographics but less is known about how we experience therapeutic effects from contact with nature. • Increasing recognition exists for moving beyond existing exposure-based linear models to better capture the complex, context-dependent mechanisms linking nature and wellbeing. • Qualitative metasynthesis enabled critical exploration of how subjective experiences of living nat…
Optimising workplace health programmes using organisational culture
Contact centre workers experience disproportionately low physical activity levels and high sedentary behaviour levels, as well as an increased risk of negative occupational health outcomes such as anxiety and depression. Organisational culture factors such as strict work schedules and pressure to maintain productivity often impede the effectiveness of programmes to reduce these health risks. Despite its significance, organisational culture is oft…
Development and testing of the Perceived Wellbeing in Outdoor Shared Spaces (PWOSS) scale
Accessible and high quality shared outdoor open spaces, both built and natural, can be particularly beneficial for health and wellbeing. The design and quality of shared outdoor spaces are often modifiable and the health and wellbeing-promoting potential of such spaces can, therefore, be enhanced. However, optimal modification of shared outdoor spaces requires a greater understanding of perceptions and experiences. Citizen Science projects can be…
Are we working (too) comfortably?”
It was evident that SB when w@h is influenced by a range of factors, and therefore multi-component intervention strategies are likely to be most effective in reducing SB. Future intervention research is a priority to evaluate and refine strategies, and inform w@h guidance to protect both the short-term and long-term health consequences of elevated SB for those who continue to w@h
Effect of 20 mph speed limits on traffic injuries in Edinburgh, UK
INTRODUCTION: There is limited research evaluating 20 mph speed limit interventions, and long-term assessments are seldom conducted either globally or within the UK. This study evaluated the impact of the phased 20 mph speed limit implementation on road traffic collisions and casualties in the City of Edinburgh, UK over approximately 3 years post implementation. METHODS: We used four sets of complementary analyses for collision and casualty rates…
Development of an intervention programme theory to increase movement in care homes for people with cognitive impairment
There is an increase in both the number of people living in care homes, and the cognitive impairments they experience. Some of these experiences of cognitive impairments can be improved by appropriate movement and physical activity interventions, delivered in ways which take into account an individual's preferences, needs and abilities. A clear intervention programme theory (how we expect an intervention to work) can improve effectiveness, accept…
Interactions Between Health Professionals and Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Patients in Healthcare Settings
Investigating the impact of a 20 miles per hour speed limit intervention on road traffic collisions, casualties, speed and volume in Belfast, UK
BACKGROUND: Evidence regarding the effectiveness of 20 miles per hour (mph) speed limit interventions is limited, and rarely have long-term outcomes been assessed. We investigate the effect of a 20 mph speed limit intervention on road traffic collisions, casualties, speed and volume at 1 and 3 years post-implementation. METHODS: An observational, repeated cross-sectional design was implemented, using routinely collected data for road traffic coll…
What works to reduce sedentary behavior in the office, and could these intervention components transfer to the home working environment
Background Working patterns have changed dramatically due to COVID-19, with many workers now spending at least a portion of their working week at home. The office environment was already associated with high levels of sedentary behavior, and there is emerging evidence that working at home further elevates these levels. The aim of this rapid review (PROSPERO CRD42021278539) was to build on existing evidence to identify what works to reduce sedenta…
Young people’s experiences of Covid-19 messaging at the start of the UK lockdown
Young people want to be listened to and feel they have a part to play in responding to a national crisis such as the COVID-19 epidemic. To reduce the likelihood of disenfranchising the next generation, Government and the media should focus on developing messaging that reflects young people's values and concerns and to provide opportunities for young people to become involved in responses to future crises
Socio-economic patterning of food and drink advertising at public transport stops in Edinburgh, UK
Objective: Outdoor advertisements for food and drink products form a large part of the food environment and they disproportionately promote unhealthy products. However, less is known about the social patterning of such advertisements. The main aim of this study was to explore the socio-economic patterning of food and drink advertising at bus stops in Scotland’s capital city, Edinburgh. Design: Bus stop advertisements were audited to identify food…
Care home residents on the move
Increased physical activity is widely promoted as beneficial for older people, but previous research indicates this may be difficult to implement in care homes, especially for people with dementia who form an increasing proportion of residents. Care home cultures can mitigate against physical activity for residents, but there is also scope for them to embed personalised physical activity. They are under-researched, but significant in terms of out…
Stand Up for Health
Trend shifts in road traffic collisions
Empirical study of road traffic collision (RTCs) rates is challenging at small geographies due to the relative rarity of collisions and the need to account for secular and seasonal trends. In this paper, we demonstrate the successful application of Hidden Markov Models (HMMs) and Generalised Additive Models (GAMs) to describe RTCs time series using monthly data from the city of Edinburgh (STATS19) as a case study. While both models have comparabl…
Tweeting about twenty
Overall, public attitudes towards the policies were positive, thus policymakers should be less anxious about potential public backlash when considering the scale-up of 20mph speed restrictions
A qualitative exploration of the mechanisms, pathways and public health outcomes of a city centre 20mph speed limit intervention
What Motivates Volunteers to Engage in Health-Related Citizen Science Initiatives? A Case Study of Our Outdoors
Citizen science is increasing in popularity but remains largely located in the disciplines of environmental and natural sciences. However, it has the potential to be a useful tool in other disciplines such as health. The aim of this study was to identify the factors for involvement (or non-involvement) in health-related citizen science projects using the Our Outdoors citizen science initiative as an example. Our Outdoors aims to understand how ur…
Improving reporting of meta-ethnography
AIMS: The aim of this study was to provide guidance to improve the completeness and clarity of meta-ethnography reporting. BACKGROUND: Evidence-based policy and practice require robust evidence syntheses which can further understanding of people's experiences and associated social processes. Meta-ethnography is a rigorous seven-phase qualitative evidence synthesis methodology, developed by Noblit and Hare. Meta-ethnography is used widely in healt…
A theory based evaluation of an intervention to promote positive health behaviors and reduce social isolation in people experiencing homelessness
Homelessness adversely affects an individual's ability to access healthcare, opportunities for social interaction and recreational activities such as physical activity. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a community-based physical activity and peer support intervention on the health and wellbeing of homeless participants. This study employed semi-structured interviews to investigate the perceived impact of the Street Fit Scotland interven…
Delivery of alcohol brief interventions in community-based youth work settings
ABIs were feasible in a range of youth work settings with some adaptation. Acceptability to staff was strongly influenced by perceived benefits, and the extent to which ABIs fitted with their project's ethos. Young people were largely comfortable with such conversations. Future implementation efforts should be based on detailed consideration of current practice and contexts. Flexible models of delivery, where professional judgement can be exercis…
Accessing and engaging women from socio-economically disadvantaged areas
It was possible to access and engage with women living in areas of socio-economic disadvantage through a Bingo club setting. A physical activity intervention for women >55 years is realistic for recruitment, will address the needs of potential recipients in the Bingo club, appears to be feasible and acceptable to club members and staff, and has been designed with their input. A pilot study is underway, investigating recruitment, retention and fea…
Six steps in quality intervention development (6SQuID)
Improving the effectiveness of public health interventions relies as much on the attention paid to their design and feasibility as to their evaluation. Yet, compared to the vast literature on how to evaluate interventions, there is little to guide researchers or practitioners on how best to develop such interventions in practical, logical, evidence based ways to maximise likely effectiveness. Existing models for the development of public health i…
Seven key investments for health equity across the lifecourse
While widespread lip service is given in the UK to the social determinants of health (SDoH), there are few published comparisons of how the UK's devolved jurisdictions 'stack up', in terms of implementing SDoH-based policies and programmes, to improve health equity over the life-course. Based on recent SDoH publications, seven key societal-level investments are suggested, across the life-course, for increasing health equity by socioeconomic posit…
A qualitative study of independent fast food vendors near secondary schools in disadvantaged Scottish neighbourhoods
Independent food shops in low-income areas face barriers to offering healthy food choices, and interventions and policies that target the food environment around schools should take the neighbourhood context into consideration
PP52 Obesity Prevention in Scotland
Background The Scottish Government’s ‘Route-Map towards Healthy Weight’ published in 2010, aspired towards a comprehensive cross-government approach to tackling the rising prevalence of obesity, with commitments to addressing the fundamental societal drivers of the epidemic. The subsequent ‘Route-Map Action Plan’ set out 62 policies targeted at nutrition, physical activity or both, at all stages of the life course. We categorised each policy usin…
Six steps in quality intervention development (6SQuID)
Improving the effectiveness of public health interventions relies as much on the attention paid to their design and feasibility as to their evaluation. Yet, compared to the vast literature on how to evaluate interventions, there is little to guide researchers or practitioners on how best to develop such interventions in practical, logical, evidence based ways to maximise likely effectiveness. Existing models for the development of public health i…
Patient perspectives on information and choice in cancer screening
Investigating the impact of a 20 miles per hour speed limit intervention on road traffic collisions, casualties, speed and volume in Belfast, UK
BACKGROUND: Evidence regarding the effectiveness of 20 miles per hour (mph) speed limit interventions is limited, and rarely have long-term outcomes been assessed. We investigate the effect of a 20 mph speed limit intervention on road traffic collisions, casualties, speed and volume at 1 and 3 years post-implementation. METHODS: An observational, repeated cross-sectional design was implemented, using routinely collected data for road traffic coll…
Seven key investments for health equity across the lifecourse
While widespread lip service is given in the UK to the social determinants of health (SDoH), there are few published comparisons of how the UK's devolved jurisdictions 'stack up', in terms of implementing SDoH-based policies and programmes, to improve health equity over the life-course. Based on recent SDoH publications, seven key societal-level investments are suggested, across the life-course, for increasing health equity by socioeconomic posit…
Experiences of knowledge brokering for evidence-informed public health policy and practice
Despite a burgeoning literature on, and widespread interest in, knowledge translation and exchange in public health, few articles provide an account of the actual experiences of knowledge brokerage organisations. The Scottish Collaboration for Public Health Research and Policy (SCPHRP) was formed in 2008 to: identify public health interventions that equitably address major health priorities; foster collaboration between public health stakeholders…
A qualitative exploration of the mechanisms, pathways and public health outcomes of a city centre 20mph speed limit intervention
Patient perspectives on information and choice in cancer screening
Experiences of knowledge brokering for evidence-informed public health policy and practice
Despite a burgeoning literature on, and widespread interest in, knowledge translation and exchange in public health, few articles provide an account of the actual experiences of knowledge brokerage organisations. The Scottish Collaboration for Public Health Research and Policy (SCPHRP) was formed in 2008 to: identify public health interventions that equitably address major health priorities; foster collaboration between public health stakeholders…
PP52 Obesity Prevention in Scotland
Background The Scottish Government’s ‘Route-Map towards Healthy Weight’ published in 2010, aspired towards a comprehensive cross-government approach to tackling the rising prevalence of obesity, with commitments to addressing the fundamental societal drivers of the epidemic. The subsequent ‘Route-Map Action Plan’ set out 62 policies targeted at nutrition, physical activity or both, at all stages of the life course. We categorised each policy usin…
PP46 Screening and Alcohol Brief Intervention in Antenatal Care
Background In an effort to protect the health and safety of the unborn child, the Scottish Government in collaboration with National Health Services (NHS) Health Scotland implemented screening and alcohol brief interventions (ABIs) in a range of health care settings, including antenatal care setting. Yet while there is strong evidence of the benefits of screening and ABIs in reducing hazardous and harmful drinking among primary care population, e…
A qualitative study of independent fast food vendors near secondary schools in disadvantaged Scottish neighbourhoods
Independent food shops in low-income areas face barriers to offering healthy food choices, and interventions and policies that target the food environment around schools should take the neighbourhood context into consideration
Seven key investments for health equity across the lifecourse
While widespread lip service is given in the UK to the social determinants of health (SDoH), there are few published comparisons of how the UK's devolved jurisdictions 'stack up', in terms of implementing SDoH-based policies and programmes, to improve health equity over the life-course. Based on recent SDoH publications, seven key societal-level investments are suggested, across the life-course, for increasing health equity by socioeconomic posit…
Accessing and engaging women from socio-economically disadvantaged areas
It was possible to access and engage with women living in areas of socio-economic disadvantage through a Bingo club setting. A physical activity intervention for women >55 years is realistic for recruitment, will address the needs of potential recipients in the Bingo club, appears to be feasible and acceptable to club members and staff, and has been designed with their input. A pilot study is underway, investigating recruitment, retention and fea…
Six steps in quality intervention development (6SQuID)
Improving the effectiveness of public health interventions relies as much on the attention paid to their design and feasibility as to their evaluation. Yet, compared to the vast literature on how to evaluate interventions, there is little to guide researchers or practitioners on how best to develop such interventions in practical, logical, evidence based ways to maximise likely effectiveness. Existing models for the development of public health i…
Delivery of alcohol brief interventions in community-based youth work settings
ABIs were feasible in a range of youth work settings with some adaptation. Acceptability to staff was strongly influenced by perceived benefits, and the extent to which ABIs fitted with their project's ethos. Young people were largely comfortable with such conversations. Future implementation efforts should be based on detailed consideration of current practice and contexts. Flexible models of delivery, where professional judgement can be exercis…
Improving reporting of meta-ethnography
AIMS: The aim of this study was to provide guidance to improve the completeness and clarity of meta-ethnography reporting. BACKGROUND: Evidence-based policy and practice require robust evidence syntheses which can further understanding of people's experiences and associated social processes. Meta-ethnography is a rigorous seven-phase qualitative evidence synthesis methodology, developed by Noblit and Hare. Meta-ethnography is used widely in healt…
A theory based evaluation of an intervention to promote positive health behaviors and reduce social isolation in people experiencing homelessness
Homelessness adversely affects an individual's ability to access healthcare, opportunities for social interaction and recreational activities such as physical activity. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a community-based physical activity and peer support intervention on the health and wellbeing of homeless participants. This study employed semi-structured interviews to investigate the perceived impact of the Street Fit Scotland interven…
What Motivates Volunteers to Engage in Health-Related Citizen Science Initiatives? A Case Study of Our Outdoors
Citizen science is increasing in popularity but remains largely located in the disciplines of environmental and natural sciences. However, it has the potential to be a useful tool in other disciplines such as health. The aim of this study was to identify the factors for involvement (or non-involvement) in health-related citizen science projects using the Our Outdoors citizen science initiative as an example. Our Outdoors aims to understand how ur…
Stand Up for Health
Trend shifts in road traffic collisions
Empirical study of road traffic collision (RTCs) rates is challenging at small geographies due to the relative rarity of collisions and the need to account for secular and seasonal trends. In this paper, we demonstrate the successful application of Hidden Markov Models (HMMs) and Generalised Additive Models (GAMs) to describe RTCs time series using monthly data from the city of Edinburgh (STATS19) as a case study. While both models have comparabl…
Tweeting about twenty
Overall, public attitudes towards the policies were positive, thus policymakers should be less anxious about potential public backlash when considering the scale-up of 20mph speed restrictions
A qualitative exploration of the mechanisms, pathways and public health outcomes of a city centre 20mph speed limit intervention
What works to reduce sedentary behavior in the office, and could these intervention components transfer to the home working environment
Background Working patterns have changed dramatically due to COVID-19, with many workers now spending at least a portion of their working week at home. The office environment was already associated with high levels of sedentary behavior, and there is emerging evidence that working at home further elevates these levels. The aim of this rapid review (PROSPERO CRD42021278539) was to build on existing evidence to identify what works to reduce sedenta…
Young people’s experiences of Covid-19 messaging at the start of the UK lockdown
Young people want to be listened to and feel they have a part to play in responding to a national crisis such as the COVID-19 epidemic. To reduce the likelihood of disenfranchising the next generation, Government and the media should focus on developing messaging that reflects young people's values and concerns and to provide opportunities for young people to become involved in responses to future crises
Socio-economic patterning of food and drink advertising at public transport stops in Edinburgh, UK
Objective: Outdoor advertisements for food and drink products form a large part of the food environment and they disproportionately promote unhealthy products. However, less is known about the social patterning of such advertisements. The main aim of this study was to explore the socio-economic patterning of food and drink advertising at bus stops in Scotland’s capital city, Edinburgh. Design: Bus stop advertisements were audited to identify food…
Care home residents on the move
Increased physical activity is widely promoted as beneficial for older people, but previous research indicates this may be difficult to implement in care homes, especially for people with dementia who form an increasing proportion of residents. Care home cultures can mitigate against physical activity for residents, but there is also scope for them to embed personalised physical activity. They are under-researched, but significant in terms of out…
Development of an intervention programme theory to increase movement in care homes for people with cognitive impairment
There is an increase in both the number of people living in care homes, and the cognitive impairments they experience. Some of these experiences of cognitive impairments can be improved by appropriate movement and physical activity interventions, delivered in ways which take into account an individual's preferences, needs and abilities. A clear intervention programme theory (how we expect an intervention to work) can improve effectiveness, accept…
Interactions Between Health Professionals and Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Patients in Healthcare Settings
Investigating the impact of a 20 miles per hour speed limit intervention on road traffic collisions, casualties, speed and volume in Belfast, UK
BACKGROUND: Evidence regarding the effectiveness of 20 miles per hour (mph) speed limit interventions is limited, and rarely have long-term outcomes been assessed. We investigate the effect of a 20 mph speed limit intervention on road traffic collisions, casualties, speed and volume at 1 and 3 years post-implementation. METHODS: An observational, repeated cross-sectional design was implemented, using routinely collected data for road traffic coll…
Development and testing of the Perceived Wellbeing in Outdoor Shared Spaces (PWOSS) scale
Accessible and high quality shared outdoor open spaces, both built and natural, can be particularly beneficial for health and wellbeing. The design and quality of shared outdoor spaces are often modifiable and the health and wellbeing-promoting potential of such spaces can, therefore, be enhanced. However, optimal modification of shared outdoor spaces requires a greater understanding of perceptions and experiences. Citizen Science projects can be…
Are we working (too) comfortably?”
It was evident that SB when w@h is influenced by a range of factors, and therefore multi-component intervention strategies are likely to be most effective in reducing SB. Future intervention research is a priority to evaluate and refine strategies, and inform w@h guidance to protect both the short-term and long-term health consequences of elevated SB for those who continue to w@h
Medicine (24 works) · Nursing (14 works) · Psychology (14 works) · Political science (13 works) · Sociology (11 works) · Psychological intervention (10 works) · Qualitative research (10 works) · Business (9 works) · Public health (9 works) · Public relations (9 works)