Can a prison peer-led intervention address NCD risk factors
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A feasibility study exploring the potential of a peer-led intervention in prison to modify the behavioural risk factors for non-communicable diseases
IRAS ID
199357
Contact name
Nat Wright
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Spectrum CIC
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 9 months, 30 days
Research summary
Diseases such as cancers, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes are known as ‘non-communicable diseases’ (NCDs). Cigarette smoking, unhealthy diets and lack of physical activity contribute to these conditions. NCDs are a health issue for many prisoners. Whilst the evidence for peer-led interventions is equivocal in mainstream populations, there is increasing evidence that peer-based approaches in prisons can be effective in supporting healthcare delivery and health improvement amongst prisoners, many of whom struggle to trust or engage with mainstream services. The research team are interested to investigate how a peer-led intervention might help prisoners to lead healthier lifestyles and make them less likely to suffer from NCDs.
Our research study entails two phases. In the first phase (already complete), the research team undertook qualitative exploratory work to inform the development of an appropriate peer-led intervention. This comprised of focus groups with prisoners and qualitative interviews with staff. The second phase of the research will entail delivery of the peer-led intervention to evaluate the feasibility of implementation and also whether or not the intervention leads to behaviour change (namely reductions in smoking and improvements in diet and physical activity amongst prisoners). The design of the intervention is informed by the findings from the interviews and focus groups conducted with prisoners and staff respectively.
REC name
London - South East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/LO/0815
Date of REC Opinion
1 Jul 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion