Centre for Health Behaviour Research

Overview

The Centre for Health Behaviour Research undertakes a variety of projects relating to the promotion of positive health behaviours at the population level. The Centre brings together researchers with expertise across various disciplines (public health, physiology, psychology, etc) to work together to produce quality output to support and influence national health policy. Prof Adrian Bauman from the School of Public Health at the University of Sydney, who is Associate Professor to the Department, is a core partner and advisor to the Group. The Group work in a collaborative manner to expand the expertise of all those involved and to ensure that the research informs teaching and learning at both undergraduate and postgraduate level within the School of Health Sciences. The Groups efforts are firmly focused on achieving quality research publications and profile, and ensuring that this research remains grounded in practice.

In the area of physical activity, current and recent research work includes an evaluation of the impact of mass events on population physical activity levels, funded by the Irish Sports Council, the evaluation of several programmes undertaken by the Waterford Sports Partnership, and recently the Centre has been funded by the Population Health Directorate of the HSE to co-ordinate the Irish physical activity action plan and guidelines project. The Centre runs the Activity in Care Training programme (ACT), a physical activity programme for frail older adults, at a national level, in partnership with Age and Opportunity. The Centre has also undertaken a health related evaluation for Ossory Youth, and an outcome and process evaluation of the sexual health programme delivered to schools in the Waterford City area for "Squashy Couch", an adolescent health and information project in Waterford City.

Contact:  

Dr. Niamh Murphy   Email:  nmurphy@wit.ie