Co-designing interventions to reduce obesity among nurses - SHSC0009

Obesity is linked with a range of life-limiting conditions, including cancer, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. Prevalence of obesity among British nurses is known to be high: 30% of nurses in Scotland (Kyle et al 2016) and 25% of nurses in England (Kyle et al 2017) have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or more. High levels of obesity among the nursing workforce pose a threat to nurses’ own long-term health and potentially impair their ability to perform certain physical aspects of their role and impact on the effectiveness of health promotion with patients. Interventions to reduce rates of obesity among nursing staff are therefore urgently required. This project will use the principles of co-design to develop interventions with registered nurses in Scotland to enable them to maintain a healthy weight.

Academic qualifications
A first degree (at least a 2.1) ideally in the health sciences (e.g., nursing, health psychology, medicine) with a good fundamental knowledge of behaviour change theory and practice.

English language requirement
IELTS score must be at least 6.5 (with not less than 6.0 in each of the four components). Other, equivalent qualifications will be accepted. Full details of the University’s policy are available online.

Essential attributes:
• Experience of fundamental qualitative analysis.
• Competent in conducting interviews and focus groups.
• Knowledge of behaviour changes theories and practice.
• Good written and oral communication skills
• Strong motivation, with evidence of independent research skills relevant to the project
• Good time management

Desirable attributes:
Experience of co-design would be beneficial.

When applying for this position please quote project code SHSC0009