Exploring the potential system-wide impact on health inequalities of programmes to promote recreational physical activity for children

Applications for a PhD studentship funded by the NIHR School of Public Health Research are invited from individuals with a strong academic record who wish to develop a career in public health research.

Whilst the public health importance of promoting physical activity is widely recognised,there remains a significant need to tackle inequalities in access to, and uptake of physical activity in communities that could benefit from being more active. It is well recognised that recreational physical activity is socioeconomically patterned, with more affluent individuals and communities having access to more opportunities for recreational physical activity. For more deprived communities, there are a number of factors that result in a less physically active population and this may be particularly true for children and young people from more deprived neighbourhoods and from minority ethnic groups. Inequalities in access to appropriate facilities and programmes for recreational activities are a specific area of concern, given the high levels of socio-economically patterned variation in the distribution of amenities (including parks, playing fields and other green space as well as leisure and sports facilities) and local recreational activity programmes (both school and family or community-based). There is a need for better understanding of whether and how investment in local amenities and community activities could support policies to reduce inequalities, in order to inform decision making by policymakers and programme funders.

Overall project aims: To identify and evaluate system-level impacts of current policies and programmes to promote recreational physical activities in more deprived neighbourhoods on inequalities in activity levels, and associated health and wellbeing outcomes (including physical fitness, overweight and obesity, mental and social wellbeing) for children and young people.

Potential research questions and methodological approaches would be developed in collaboration with the student, depending on their academic background and interests, and could include:
1. What factors influence the geographical distribution of regular physical activity programmes for children (e.g. junior parkrun and parkrun events, the “daily mile”)?
2. What is the relationship between the geographical location of relevant activities, area, population and individual characteristics (e.g. age, gender, ethnicity, previous activity levels), and levels of participation by children from more deprived and ethnic minority communities?
3. What contextual factors (local community groups, access to transport, local economic activity, community engagement, other neighbourhood characteristics) influence uptake of local programmes?
4. What approaches are likely to be most effective in increasing participation in underrepresented groups?

Supervisory team: Prof Liddy Goyder, Dr Emma Everson-Hock, University of Sheffield
Advisor: Prof Russ Jago, University of Bristol

The NIHR School for Public Health Research (SPHR) brings together academics from eight leading academic centres with excellence in applied public health research in England. In addition to activities and training opportunities within NIHR SPHR and the host institution, students will also have access to development and support opportunities provided by the NIHR Trainees Coordinating Centre. Students will also be invited to become members of the new NIHR Academy following its launch in October this year which will include access to an expanded programme of development and support. There will be the opportunity for the student to undertake a placement in a public health practice or policy setting and work with local public health practitioners.

Eligibility criteria: Applicants must have a first degree in a discipline relevant to public health research and will be expected to complete a PhD during the award period.

Your application will be assessed using the following criteria as part of the application shortlisting process: • A first or upper second class UK honours degree, or equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK, in an appropriate subject (qualifications, or a combination of qualifications and experience, which demonstrate equivalent ability and attainment also considered) • Previous research experience or formal training (e.g. Master’s degree at Merit level or equivalent) • Relevant previous research experience • Output from previous research experience • Evidence of commitment to a research career • Evidence of potential as a career researcher • Excellent written and verbal communication skills • Supportive academic references • Highly motivated • Able to work both independently and as part as part of a team • Able to plan and manage own work

The studentship will need to be taken up by 1 April 2019 at the latest.