Social And Public
Health Sciences Unit www.sphsu.mrc.ac.uk

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Programme Themes

Evaluating the Health Effects of Social Interventions

Policy makers, such as politicians and civil servants, make decisions on a daily basis which affect our lives and possibly our health. These include decisions about whether and where to build new roads, how much to spend on building new housing, and how best to improve the public's health.

To help with this decision-making process they need continual access to good quality health research. This programme contributes to this by carrying out new studies, for example, into the effects of housing on health. It also brings together existing research and publishes it in summary form, as systematic literature reviews. Our overall aim is to ensure that policy decisions which may affect our health are based on the most reliable research evidence, rather than on poor evidence, anecdote, conventional wisdom, or "what has been done in the past".

This programme, funded by the Chief Scientist Office (CSO) of the Scottish Government Health Directorates, aims to produce evidence to support public health decision-making. In particular we focus on primary research and systematic reviews as a means of evaluating the actual health impacts of social interventions.

The main objectives of the programme are to:

Undertake systematic reviews of the effectiveness of social or health interventions (policies, programmes and projects) in improving health, and
Carry out primary studies evaluating the health impacts of social and health policies and interventions.

Much of our research at present is examining the effects on health and health inequalities of housing and regeneration, employment and welfare, and major sporting events. We also participate in projects aimed at developing new methodologies for evaluation and evidence synthesis.

The programme was led by Mark Petticrew until September 2007. Since January 2008 it has been led by Lyndal Bond.

Publications

Kearns A, Whitley E, Mason P, Bond L. Living the high life. Residential social and psychosocial outcomes for high-rise occupants in deprived context. Housing Studies 2012;27:97-126.

Bond L, Kearns A, Sautkina E. Mixed messages about mixed tenure: do reviews tell the real story? Housing Studies:2011; 26:69-94.

Bonell CP, Hargreaves JR, Cousens SN, Ross DA, Hayes RJ, Petticrew M, Kirkwood B. Alternatives to randomisation in the evaluation of public-health interventions: design challenges and solutions. Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health 2011; 65:582-7.

Butler H, Krelle A, Seal I, Trafford L, Drew S, Hargreaves J, Walter R, Bond L. The Critical Friend; Facilitating change and wellbeing in school communities. Melbourne: ACER Press, 2011.

Egan M, Neary J, GoWell Team. GoWell briefing paper 15: Intolerance and adult perceptions of antisocial behaviour: Focus group evidence from disadvantaged neighbourhoods of Glasgow. Glasgow: GoWell, 2011.

Egan M, Neary J, GoWell Team. GoWell briefing paper 16: Young people's experience of intolerance, antisocial behaviour and keeping safe in disadvantaged areas of Glasgow. Glasgow: GoWell, 2011.

Gartland D, Bond L, Olsson C, Buzwell S, Sawyer SM. Development of a multi-dimensional measure of resilience in adolescents: the Adolescent Resilience Questionnaire. BMC Public Health 2011; 11:134.

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Gibson M, Banas K, Thomson H, Bambra C, Bond L, McKee M, Lutje V, Fenton C. Welfare to work interventions and their effects on the health and well-being of lone parents and their children. Edinburgh: Chief Scientist's Office, 2011.

Gibson M, Petticrew M, Bambra C, Sowden AJ, Wright KE, Whitehead M. Housing and health inequalities: a synthesis of systematic reviews of interventions aimed at different pathways linking housing and health. Health & Place 2011; 17:175-84.

Gibson M, Thomson H, Kearns A, Petticrew M. Understanding the psychosocial impacts of housing type: qualitative evidence from a housing and regeneration intervention. Housing Studies 2011; 26:555-73.

Hempill S, Kotevski A, Herronkohl T, Bond L, Kim M, Toumbourou J, Catalano R. Longitudinal consequences of adolescent bullying perpetration and victimisation: A study of students in Victoria, Australia. Criminal Behaviour and Mental Health 2011;21:107-16.

Katikireddi SV, Higgins M, Bond L, Bonell C, Macintyre S. How evidence based is English public health policy? British Medical Journal 2011; 343:d7310.

Mason P, Kearns A, Bond L. Neighbourhood walking and regeneration in deprived communities. Health & Place 2011; 17:727-37.

Ogilvie D, Mitchell R, Mutrie N, Petticrew M, Platt S. Shoe leather epidemiology: active travel and transport infrastructure in the urban landscape. International Journal of Behavioural Nutrition and Physical Activity 2010; 7:43.

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Thomson H. Health impacts of housing improvement: evidence from intervention studies. In: Braubach M, Jacobs DE, Ormandy D, eds. WHO Environmental Burden of disease associated with inadequate housing. Bonn, Germany: WHO European Office, 2011.

Bambra C, Gibson M, Sowden A, Wright K, Whitehead M, Petticrew M. Tackling the wider social determinants of health and health inequalities: evidence from systematic reviews. Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health 2010; 64:284-91.

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Bond L, Craig P, Egan M, Skivington K, Thomson H. Health improvement programmes: really too complex to evaluate? (Letter). British Medical Journal 2010; 340:c1332.

Bond L, Craig P, Egan M, Skivington K, Thomson H. MRC guidelines and the evaluation of health improvement programmes: are health improvement programmes really too complex to assess their effectiveness? (Rapid response). BMJ.com 2010; 340; February 18th.

Bond L, Egan M, GoWell Team. Bricks, mortar and more: mental wellbeing, resilience and regeneration. Scotregen (Quarterly Newsletter of Scottish Urban Regeneration Forum): Issue 52: Winter 2010;12.

Bonell C, Sorhaindo A, Strange V, Wiggins M, Allen E, Fletcher A, Oakley A, Bond L, Flay B, Patton G, Rhodes T. A pilot whole-school intervention to increase students’ social inclusion and engagement and reduce substance use. Health Education 2010; 110:252-72.

Egan M, Beck S, Bond L, Coyle J, Crawford F, Kearns A, Lawson L, Mason M, Tannahill C, Sautkina E, Thomson H, Walsh D, on behalf of the GoWell Team. Protocol for a mixed methods study investigating the impact of investment in housing, regeneration and neighbourhood renewal on the health and wellbeing of residents: the GoWell programme. BMC Medical Research Methodology 2010; 10:41.

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Egan M, GoWell Team. GoWell Briefing Paper 8: Who says teenagers are a serious problem? GoWell's findings on householder perceptions of youth related problems in deprived areas of Glasgow. Glasgow: Glasgow Centre for Population Health, 2010.

Fenton C. Use of controlled vocabulary and thesauri in UK online finding aids. Journal of the Society of Archivists 2010; 31:187-205.

Lorgelly P, Lawson K, Fenwick E, Briggs A. Outcome measurement in economic evaluations of public health interventions: a role for the capability approach? International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2010; 7:2274-89.

McCartney G, Palmer S, Winterbottom J, Jones R, Kendall R, Booker D. A health impact assessment of the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Public Health 2010; 124:444-51.

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McCartney G, Thomas S, Thomson H, Scott J, Hamilton V, Hanlon P, Morrison DS, Bond L. The health and socioeconomic impacts of major multi-sport events: systematic review (1978-2008). British Medical Journal 2010; 340:c2369.

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Petticrew M, Lee K. The "Father of Stress" meets "Big Tobacco": Hans Selye and the tobacco industry. American Journal of Public Health 2011; 101:411-8.

Sawyer M, Pfeiffer S, Spence S, Bond L, Graetz B, Kay D, Patton G, Sheffield J. School-based prevention of depression symptoms: a randomised controlled study of the beyondblue schools based initiative. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry 2010; 51:199-209.

Skivington K, McCartney G, Thomson H, Bond L. Challenges in evaluating Welfare to Work policy interventions: would an RCT design have been the answer to all our problems? BMC Public Health 2010; 10:254.

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Tannahill C, Kearns A, Bond L. Strengthening mental health within communities. In: Goldie I, ed. Public Mental Health Today: a handbook. Brighton: Pavilion Publishing/Mental Health Foundation, 2010.

Thomson H, Thomas S, Sellstrom E, Petticrew M. Housing improvements for health and associated socio-economic outcomes (Protocol). Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2010; 9:CD008657.

Aston E, Thomson H, Scoular A, Kearns A. Evaluation of GHA’s youth diversionary programme (Final report). Glasgow: MRC Social & Public Health Sciences Unit/GoWell Report, 2010.

Delatycki MB, Wolthuizen M, Collins V, Varley E, Craven J, Allen KJ, Aitken M, Bond L, Lockhart PJ, Wilson GR, Macciocca I, Metcalfe SA. Implementation of ironXS: a study of the acceptability and feasibility of genetic screening for hereditary hemochromatosis in high schools. Clinical Genetics 2010; 77:241-8.
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Ayres J, Semple S, MacCalman L, Dempsey S, Hilton S, Hurley J, Miller BG, Naji A, Petticrew M. Bar workers' health and environmental tobacco smoke exposure (BHETSE): Symptomatic improvement in bar staff following smoke-free legislation in Scotland. Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2009; 66:339-46.

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Bambra C, Gibson M, Sowden A, Wright K, Whitehead M, Petticrew M. Working for health? Evidence from systematic reviews on the effects on health and health inequalities of organisational changes to the work environment. Preventive Medicine 2009; 48:454-61.

Bond L, Leyland AH, Macintyre S, Wight D. Evaluation of a youth development programme demonstrates the need for the randomised roll-out of community interventions (rapid response). British Medical Journal 2009:July 16th.

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Booker D, Palmer S, Winterbottom J, McCartney G, Jones R, Kendall R. 2014 Commonwealth Games Health Impact Assessment report: planning for legacy. Glasgow: Glasgow City Council, 2009.

Booker D, Palmer S, Winterbottom J, McCartney G, Jones R, Kendall R. 2014 Commonwealth Games Health Impact Assessment: summary report. Glasgow: Glasgow City Council, 2009.

Egan M, Bambra C, Petticrew M, Whitehead M. Reviewing evidence on complex social interventions: appraising implementation in systematic reviews of the health effects of organisational-level workplace interventions. Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health 2009; 63:4-11.
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Egan M. GoWell. Regeneration improves health– a fair assumption? Scotregen: issue 47: Autumn 2009.

Gray S, Baker G, Wright A, Fitzsimons C, Mutrie N, Nimmo M, Scottish Physical Activity Research Collaboration. The effect of a 12 week walking intervention on markers of insulin resistance and systemic inflammation. Preventive Medicine 2009; 48:39-44.

Millington C, Ward-Thompson C, Rowe D, Aspinall P, Fitzsimons C, Nelson N, Mutrie N, and (on behalf of SPARColl: the Scottish Physical Activity Research Collaboration). Development of the Scottish Walkability Assessment Tool (SWAT). Health and Place 2009; 15:474-81.

Ogilvie D, Craig P, Griffin S, Macintyre S, Wareham N. A translational framework for public health research. BMC Public Health 2009; 9:116.

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Petticrew M, Kearns A, Mason P, Hoy C. The SHARP study: a quantitative and qualitative evaluation of the short-term outcomes of housing and neighbourhood renewal. BMC Public Health 2009; 9:415.

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Thomson H, Thomas S, Sellstrom E, Petticrew M. The health impacts of housing improvement: a systematic review of intervention studies from 1887-2007. American Journal of Public Health 2009; 99:S681-S92.

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Thomson H. Developing best available evidence to inform healthy public policy [PhD]. MRC Social and Public Health Sciences Unit. Glasgow: University of Glasgow, 2009.

Walker J, Mitchell R, Petticrew M, Platt S. The effects on health of a publicly-funded domestic heating programme: a prospective controlled study. Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health 2009; 63:12-7.

Williamson LM, Parkes A, Wight D, Petticrew M, Hart GJ. Limits to modern contraceptive use among young women in developing countries: a systematic review of qualitative research. Reproductive Health 2009; 6:3.

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Wilson P, Petticrew M, Booth A. After the gold rush? A systematic and critical review of general medical podcasts. Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine 2009; 102:69-74.

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Bond L, Butler H. The Gatehouse Project: a multi-level integrated approach to promoting wellbeing in schools. In: Killoran A, Kelly M, eds. Evidence-based Public Health: effectiveness and efficiency. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2009:250-69.

Craig P, Dieppe P, Macintyre S, Michie S, Nazareth I, Petticrew M. Developing and evaluating complex interventions: an introduction to the new Medical Research Council guidance. In: Killoran A, Kelly MP, eds. Evidence–Based Public Health: effectiveness and efficiency. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2009:185-202.

Hawe P, Bond L, Butler H. Knowledge theories can inform evaluation practice. What can a complexity lens add? New Developments in Evaluation Special Issue: Knowledge Utilization, Diffusion, Implementation, Transfer, and Translation: Implications for Evaluation 2009; 124:89-100.

Kearns A, Tannahill C, Bond L. Regeneration and health: Conceptualising the connections. Journal of Urban Regeneration and Renewal 2009; 3:56-76.

McCartney G, Thomas S, Thomson H, Scott J, Hamilton V, Hanlon P, Morrison D, Bond L. A systematic review of the impact of major sports events on host populations (Interim findings report to key stakeholders) Glasgow: MRC Social & Public Health Sciences Unit, 2009.

Rodgers M, Arai L, Popay J, Britten N, Roberts H, Petticrew M, Sowden A. Testing methodological guidance on the conduct of narrative synthesis in systematic reviews: effectiveness of interventions to promote smoke alarm ownership and function. Evaluation 2009; 15:49-73.

Petticrew M, Platt S, McCollam A, Wilson S, Thomas S. "We're not short of people telling us what the problems are. We're short of people telling us what to do": Theory, methods and findings of a mental health impact assessment. BMC Public Health 2008; 8:314.
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Armstrong R, Waters E, Roberts H, Oliver S, Anderson L, Petticrew M. Systematic reviews of health promotion and public health interventions. In: Heggenhoughen K, ed. Encyclopedia of Public Health. San Diago: Academic Press, 2008; Volume 6:297-301.

Baker G, Gray SR, Wright A, Fitzsimons C, Nimmo M, Lowry R, Mutrie N; the Scottish Physical Activity Research Collaboration (SPARColl). The effect of a pedometer-based community walking intervention "Walking for Wellbeing in the West" on physical activity levels and health outcomes: a 12-week randomized controlled trial. International Journal of Behavior, Nutrition and Physical Activity 2008; 5:44

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Baker G, Mutrie N and Lowry R. Using pedometers as motivational tools: are goals set in steps more effective than goals set in minutes for increasing walking? International Journal of Health Promotion and Education 2008; 46:21-26

Bambra C, Gibson M, Petticrew M, Sowden A, Whitehead M, Wright K. Tackling the wider social determinants of health and health inequalities: evidence from systematic reviews. Public Health Research Consortium, University of York, 2008.
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Bambra C, Whitehead M, Sowden A, Akers J, Petticrew M. "A hard day's night?" - the effects of Compressed Working Week interventions on the health and work-life balance of shift workers: a systematic review. Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health 2008; 62:764-77.
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Conway D, Petticrew M, Marlborough H, Berthiller J, Hashibe M, Macpherson LM. Socioeconomic inequalities and oral cancer risk : a systematic review and meta-analysis of case-control studies. International Journal of Cancer 2008; 122:2811-9.
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Craig P, Dieppe P, Macintyre S, Michie S, Nazareth I, Petticrew M. Developing and evaluating complex interventions. London: Medical Research Council, 2008.
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Craig P, Dieppe P, Macintyre S, Michie S, Nazareth I, Petticrew M. Developing and evaluating complex interventions: the new Medical Research Council guidance. British Medical Journal 2008; 337:a1655.
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Egan M, Tannahill C, Petticrew M, Thomas S. Psychosocial risk factors in home and community settings and their associations with population health and health inequalities: a systematic meta-review. BMC Public Health 2008; 8:239.
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Fayter D, Main C, Misso K, Ogilvie D, Petticrew M, Sowden A, Stirk L, Thomas S, Whitehead M, Worthy G. Population tobacco control interventions and their effects on social inequalities in smoking. York: Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, University of York, CRD Report 39, 2008.

Fitzsimons C, Baker G, Wright A, Nimmo M, Ward Thompson C, Lowry R, Millington C, Shaw R, Fenwick E, Ogilvie D, Inchley J, Foster C, Mutrie N, Scottish Physical Activity Research Collaboration. The ‘Walking for Wellbeing in the West’ randomised controlled trial of a pedometer-based walking programme in combination with a physical activity consultation with 12 month follow-up: rationale and study design. BMC Public Health 2008; 8:259.
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Gibson M, Thomson H, Petticrew M, Kearns A. Health & housing in the SHARP study: qualitative research findings. Edinburgh: Scottish Government Social Research 2008.
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Hilton S, Cameron J, Maclean A, Petticrew M. Observations from behind the bar: changing patrons' behaviours in response to smoke-free legislation in Scotland. BMC Public Health 2008; 8:238.
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Kearns A, Mason P, Petticrew M. SHARP survey findings: changes in residential circumstances. Edinburgh: Scottish Government Social Research, 2008.
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Kearns A, Petticrew M, Mason P, Whitley E. SHARP survey findings: mental health and wellbeing outcomes. Edinburgh: Scottish Government Social Research: Department of Urban Studies, University of Glasgow & MRC Social & Public Health Sciences Unit, 2008.

Kearns A, Petticrew M, Mason P, Whitley E. SHARP survey findings: physical health and health behaviour outcomes. Edinburgh: Scottish Government Social Research, 2008.
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Kearns A, Petticrew M, Mason P, Whitley E. SHARP survey findings: social and community outcomes. Edinburgh: Scottish Government Social Research, 2008.
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Lucas PJ, McIntosh K, Petticrew M, Roberts HM, Shiell A. Financial benefits for child health and well-being in low income or socially disadvantaged families in developed world countries. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2008; 2:CD006358.
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Main C, Thomas S, Ogilvie D, Stirk L, Petticrew M, Whitehead M, Sowden A. Population tobacco control interventions and their effects on social inequalities in smoking: placing an equity lens on existing systematic reviews. BMC Public Health 2008; 8:178.
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Morrison D. Homelessness and deprivation in Glasgow: a 5-year retrospective cohort study of hospitalisations and deaths [MD Thesis]. Department of Community Medicine. Glasgow: University of Glasgow, 2008.

Ogilvie D, Fayter D, Petticrew M, Sowden A, Thomas S, Whitehead M. The harvest plot: a method for synthesising evidence about the differential effects of interventions. BMC Medical Research Methodology 2008;8:08.
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Ogilvie D, Mitchell R, Mutrie N, Petticrew M, Platt S. Perceived characteristics of the environment associated with active travel: development and testing of a new scale. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity 2008; 5:32.
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Ogilvie D, Mitchell R, Mutrie N, Petticrew M, Platt S. Personal and environmental correlates of active travel and physical activity in a deprived urban population. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity 2008; 5:43.
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Petticrew M, Egan M, Thomson H, Hamilton V, Kunkler R, Roberts H. Publication bias in qualitative research: what becomes of qualitative research presented at conferences? Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health 2008; 62:552-4.
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Petticrew M, Kearns A, Hoy C, Gibson M, Mason P. The SHARP study: objectives, design and methodology. Edinburgh: Scottish Government Social Research 2008.
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Petticrew M, Kearns A, Hoy C, Mason P, Gibson M, Whitley E. The SHARP study: findings of a controlled study of the effects of housing and neighbourhood change on health and well-being. Edinburgh:Scottish Government Research Findings 18/2008.
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Thomas S, Fayter D, Misso K, Ogilvie D, Petticrew M, Sowden A, Whitehead M, Worthy G. Population tobacco control interventions and their effects on social inequalities in smoking: systematic review. Tobacco Control 2008; 17:230-7.
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Thomson H, Jepson R, Hurley F, Douglas M. Assessing the unintended health impacts of road transport policies and interventions: translating research evidence for use in policy and practice. BMC Public Health 2008; 8:339.
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Thomson H. A dose of realism for healthy urban policy: lessons from area based initiatives in the UK. Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health 2008; 62:932-36.

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Thomson H. Assessing the health impacts of housing-led neighbourhood renewal (commentary). British Urban Regeneration Association (BURA) 2008; 2:19-20.

Thomson H. HIA forecast: cloudy with sunny spells later? (Viewpoint). European Journal of Public Health 2008; 18:436-8.

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Tugwell P, Maxwell L, Welch V, Kristjansson E, Petticrew M, Wells G, Buchbinder R, Suarez-Almazor M, Nowlan M, Morris E, Khan M, Shea B, Tsikata S. Is health equity considered in systematic reviews of the Cochrane Musculoskeletal Group? Arthritis Care and Research 2008; 59:1603-10.

Waters E, Petticrew M, Priest N, Weightman A, Harden A, Doyle J. Evidence synthesis, upstream determinants and health inequalities: the role of a proposed new Cochrane Public Health Review Group. European Journal of Public Health 2008; 18:221-3.

Wilson P, Petticrew M, on behalf of the Medical Research Council's Population Health Sciences Research Network Knowledge Transfer Project team, Calnan M, Nazareth I. Why promote the findings of single research studies? British Medical Journal 2008; 336:722-3.
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Bambra C, Petticrew M, Whitehead M, Sowden A, Akers J. Shifting schedules: The health effects of reorganizing shift work. American Journal of Preventive Medicine 2008; 34:427-34.e30.

Cummins S, Findlay A, Higgins C, Petticrew M, Sparks L, Thomson H. Reducing inequalities in health and diet: findings from a study on the impact of a food retail development. Environment and Planning A 2008; 40:402-22.

Cummins S, Findlay A, Petticrew M, Sparks L. Retail-led regeneration and store-switching behaviour. Journal of Retailing & Consumer Services 2008; 15:288-95.

Bambra C, Egan M, Thomas S, Petticrew M, Whitehead M. The psychosocial and health effects of workplace reorganisation. 2. A systematic review of task restructuring interventions. Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health 2007; 61:1028-37
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Douglas M, Thomson H, Editors. Health Impact Assessment of transport initiatives: a guide. Edinburgh: NHS Health Scotland, MRC Social & Public Health Sciences Unit, Institute of Occupational Medicine, 2007.

Douglas M, Thomson H, Jepson R, Hurley F, Higgins M, Muirie J. Health Impact Assessment of transport initiatives: a guide .Edinburgh: NHS Health Scotland, 2007.
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Egan M, Bambra C, Thomas S, Petticrew M, Whitehead M, Thomson H. The psychosocial and health effects of workplace reorganisation. 1. A systematic review of organisational-level interventions that aim to increase employee control. Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health 2007; 61:945-54.
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Egan M, Petticrew M, Ogilvie D, Hamilton V, Drever F. "Profits before people"? A systematic review of the health and safety impacts of privatising public utilities and industries in developed countries. Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health 2007; 61:862-870.
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Gebel K, Bauman A, Petticrew M. The physical environment and physical activity: a critical appraisal of review articles. American Journal of Preventive Medicine 2007; 32:361-9.e3.
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Hills D, Elliott E, Kowarzik U, Sullivan F, Stern E, Platt S, Boydell L, Popay J, Williams G, Petticrew M, McGregor E, Russell S, Wilkinson E, Rugkasa J, Gibson M, McDaid D. The evaluation of the Big Lottery Fund Healthy Living Centres programme final report. London: Big Lottery Fund, 2007.
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Hilton S, Semple S, Miller BG, Maccalman L, Petticrew M, Dempsey S, Naji A, Ayres JG. Expectations and changing attitudes of bar workers before and after the implementation of smoke-free legislation in Scotland. BMC Public Health 2007; 7:206.
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Ogilvie D, Foster CE, Rothnie H, Cavill N, Hamilton V, Fitzsimons CF, Mutrie N, on behalf of the Scottish Physical Activity Research C. Interventions to promote walking: systematic review. British Medical Journal 2007; 334:1204-1207.
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Ogilvie D. Shifting towards healthier transport? From systematic review to primary research [PhD]. MRC Social and Public Health Sciences Unit. Glasgow: University of Glasgow, 2007.

Petticrew M, Cummins S, Sparks L, Findlay A. Validating health impact assessment: Prediction is difficult (especially about the future). Environmental Impact Assessment Review 2007; 27:101-107.

Petticrew M, Semple S, Hilton S, Creely K, Eadie D, Ritchie D, Ferrell C, Christopher Y, Hurley F. Covert observation in practice: Lessons from the evaluation of the prohibition of smoking in public places in Scotland. BMC Public Health 2007; 7:204.
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Petticrew M. 'More research needed' plugging gaps in the evidence base on health inequalities. European Journal of Public Health 2007; 17:411-413.
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Platt S, Mitchell R, Petticrew M, Walker J, Hopton J, Martin C, Corbett J, Hope S. The Scottish Executive Central Heating Programme: Assessing impacts on health. Edinburgh, 2007.
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Semple S, Maccalman L, Naji AA, Dempsey S, Hilton S, Miller B, Ayres JG. Bar workers' exposure to second-hand smoke: The effect of Scottish smoke-free legislation on occupational exposure. Annals of Occupational Hygiene 2007; 51:571-580.
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Thomson H, Morrison D, Petticrew M. Better homes, better neighbourhoods (gallery). Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health 2007; 61:214.

Thomson H, Morrison D, Petticrew M. The health impacts of housing-led regeneration: A prospective controlled study. Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health 2007; 61:211-214.

Thomson H. Regeneration and health:what's the impact? Scotregen (Quarterly Newsletter of Scottish Urban Regeneration Forum) 2007; 36:(Winter 06/Spring07):7-10.
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Arai L, Britten N, Popay J, Roberts H, Petticrew M, Rodgers M, Sowden A. Testing methodological developments in the conduct of narrative: a demonstration review of research on the implementation of smoke alarm interventions. Evidence & Policy 2007; 3:361-383.

Armstrong R, Waters E, Jackson N, Oliver S, Popay J, Shepherd J, Petticrew M, Anderson L, Bailie R, Brunton G, Hawe P, Kristjansson EA, Naccarella L, Norrie S, Pienaar E, Roberts H, Rogers W, Sowden A, Thomas H. Guidelines for Systematic reviews of health promotion and public health interventions. Version 2. Melbourne: Melbourne University, 2007.

Thomson H, Petticrew M. Housing and Health: Heating improvements may hold promise for developing healthy housing policy. British Medical Journal 2007; 334:434-435.
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Egan M, Kearns A. GoWell Working paper 2: Selection, definition and description of study. Glasgow: Glasgow Centre for Population Health, 2006.

Kearns A, Petticrew M, Hoy C, Mason P, Ferrell C. The effects of social housing on health and wellbeing: initial findings from the SHARP study. Research from Communities Scotland. Report No 75. Edinburgh: Communities Scotland, 2006.
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Ogilvie D, Mitchell R, Mutrie N, Petticrew M, Platt S. Evaluating health effects of transport interventions: methodologic case study. American Journal of Preventive Medicine 2006; 31:118-126.

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Rankin D, Truman J, Backett-Milburn K, Platt S, Petticrew M. The contextual development of healthy living centres services: An examination of food-related initiatives. Health & Place 2006; 12:644-55.
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Thomson H, Kearns A. GoWell Working Paper 6: Assessing Neighbourhood Environments. Glasgow: Glasgow Centre for Population Health, 2006.

Thomson H, Morrison D, Petticrew M. Housing improvement and health: report to local housing providers and tenants. Glasgow: MRC Social & Public Health Sciences Unit, 2006.

Atkinson R, Thomson H, Kearns A, Petticrew M. Giving urban policy its 'medical': assessing the place of health in area-based regeneration. Policy & Politics 2006; 34:5-26.

Egan M, Kearns A. GoWell Working Paper 3: Community Survey- Wave 1 Questionnaire. Glasgow: Glasgow Centre for Population Health, 2006.

Gibson M, Petticrew M. Healthy Living Centre evaluation report on managers’ survey. London: Big Lottery Fund, 2006.

Gibson M, Petticrew M. Healthy Living Centre evaluation report on stakeholders’ survey. London: Big Lottery Fund, 2006.

Petticrew M, Egan M. Healthy Public Policy. In: MacDowall W, Bonnell C, Davies M, eds. Health Promotion Practice. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2006:178-88.

Petticrew M, Whitehead M, Bambra C, Egan M, Graham H, Macintyre S, McDermott E. The Centre for Evidence-based Public Health Policy: part of the ESRC Evidence Network. In: Killoran A, Swann C, Kelly M, eds. Public Health Evidence: Tackling Health Inequalities. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2006:141-154.

Popay J, Roberts H, Sowden A, Petticrew M, Arai L, Rodgers M, Britten N, Roen K, Duffy S. Guidance on the conduct of narrative synthesis in systematic reviews: a product of the ESRC methods programme (Version I) (available from n.simpson@lancaster.ac.uk). Lancaster: Institute of Health Research, 2006.

Thomson H, Atkinson R, Petticrew M, Kearns A. Do urban regeneration programmes improve public health and reduce health inequalities? A synthesis of the evidence from UK policy and practice (1980-2004). Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health 2006; 60:108-115.
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Tugwell P, Petticrew M, Robinson V, Kristjanansson E, Maxwell L. Cochrane and Campbell Collaborations, and health equity. The Lancet 2006; 367:1128-1130.
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Walker JJ, Mitchell R, Platt SD, Petticrew MP, Hopton J. Does usage of domestic heating influence internal environmental conditions and health? European Journal of Public Health 2006; 16:463-469.
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Ogilvie D, Egan M, Hamilton V, Petticrew M. Systematic reviews of health effects of social interventions: 2. Best available evidence: how low should you go? Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health 2005; 59:886-892.

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Ogilvie D, Hamilton V, Egan M, Petticrew M. Systematic reviews of health effects of social interventions: 1. Finding the evidence: how far should you go? Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health 2005; 59:804-808.

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Thomson H, Petticrew M. Is housing improvement a potential health improvement strategy? Geneva: WHO Health Evidence Network, 2005.

Banta D, Cohen D, Eklund L, Leys M, Petticrew M, Watson S. WHO handbook for evidence-based working and case study writing. Copenhagen: WHO Regional Office for Europe, 2005.

Cummins S, Findlay A, Petticrew M, Sparks L. Healthy cities? The impact of food retail led regeneration on food access, choice and retail structure. Built Environment 2005; 31:288-301.

Cummins S, Petticrew M, Higgins C, Findlay A, Sparks L. Large-scale food retailing as intervention for diet and health: quasi-experimental evaluation of a natural experiment. Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health 2005; 59:1035-1040.
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Cummins S, Petticrew M, Sparks L, Findlay A, Higgins C. From steam engines to Sunny Delight. Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health 2005; 59:1034.

Cummins S, Petticrew M, Sparks L, Findlay A. Large scale food retail interventions and diet. British Medical Journal 2005; 330:683-684.
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Egan M, Petticrew M, Ogilvie D. Informing healthy transport policies: systematic reviews and research synthesis. Transportation Research Record, Journal of the Transportation Research Board 2005; 1908:214-220.

Jackson N, Waters E, Guidelines for Systematic Reviews in Health Promotion and Public Health Taskforce (including Petticrew M). Criteria for the systematic review of health promotion and public health interventions. Health Promotion International 2005; 20:367-374.
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Petticrew M, Cummins S, Ferrell C, Findlay A, Higgins C, Hoy C, Kearns A, Sparks L. Natural experiments: an underused tool for public health? Public Health 2005; 119:751-757.
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Platt S, Backett-Milburn K, Petticrew M, Rankin D, Truman J. Evaluation of the Healthy Living Centre Programme in Scotland. Report of phase 1. University of Edinburgh: RUHBC Working Paper 3, 2005.

Platt S, Petticrew M, MacCollam A, Wilson S, Thomas S. Mental Health improvement: an appraisal of Scottish Policy, 2005.
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Morrison D, Thomson H, Petticrew M. An evaluation of the health effects of a neighbourhood traffic calming scheme. Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health 2004; 58:837-840.

Ogilvie D, Egan M, Hamilton V, Petticrew M. Promoting walking and cycling as an alternative to using cars: systematic review. British Medical Journal 2004; 329:763-766.

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Petticrew M, Whitehead M, Macintyre S, Graham H, Egan M. Evidence for public health policy on inequalities: 1: The reality according to policymakers. Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health 2004; 58:811-816.

Thomson H, Kearns A, Petticrew M. An open and shut case: an investigation of the health impacts of local public swimming pool provision in two Glasgow neighbourhoods . Glasgow: MRC Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, Occasional Paper 13, 2004.

Whitehead M, Petticrew M, Graham H, Macintyre S, Bambra C, Egan M. Evidence for public health policy on inequalities: 2: Assembling the evidence jigsaw. Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health 2004; 58:817-821.

Ogilvie D, Petticrew M. Reducing social inequalities in smoking: can evidence inform policy? A pilot study. Tobacco Control 2004; 13:129-131.
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Roberts H, Petticrew M. Child public health and social welfare: lessons from the evidence. (editorial). Child: Care, Health & Development, 2004; 30:667-669.

Thomson H, Hoskins R, Petticrew M, Ogilvie D, Craig N, Quinn T, Lindsay G. Evaluating the health effects of social interventions. British Medical Journal 2004; 328:282-285.
pubmed open access

Thomson H, Petticrew M. Assessing the health and social effects on residents following housing improvement: a protocol for a systematic review of intervention studies. Campbell Collaboration systematic review protocol 2004.
open access

Douglas M, Thomson H, Gaughan M. Health Impact Assessment of housing improvements: a guide. Glasgow: Scottish Health Impact Assessment Network and MRC Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, 2003.
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Egan M, Petticrew M, Ogilvie D, Hamilton V. New roads and human health: a systematic review. American Journal of Public Health 2003; 93:1463-1471.

Morrison D, Petticrew M, Thomson H. What are the most effective ways of improving population health through transport interventions? Evidence from systematic reviews. Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health 2003; 57:327-333.

Morrison D, Thomson H, Petticrew M. Effects of disseminating research findings on response rates in a community survey. A randomised controlled trial. Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health 2003; 57:536-537.

Petticrew M, Roberts H. Evidence, hierarchies and typologies: horses for courses. Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health 2003; 57:527-529.
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Petticrew M. Presumed innocent: why we need systematic reviews of social policies. American Journal of Preventive Medicine 2003; 24 (suppl 3):2-3.
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Petticrew M. Why certain systematic reviews reach uncertain conclusions. British Medical Journal 2003; 326:756-758.
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Thomson H, Kearns A, Petticrew M. Assessing the health impact of local amenities: a qualitative study of contrasting experiences of local swimming pool and leisure provision in two areas of Glasgow. Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health 2003; 57:663-667.
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Thomson H, Petticrew M, Douglas M. Health Impact Assessment of housing improvements: incorporating research evidence. Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health 2003; 57:11-16.
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Thomson H. Community amenities - a neglected health resource? (gallery). Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health, 2002; 56:81.

Elwy AR, Hart G, Hawkes S, Petticrew M. Effectiveness of interventions to prevent STI/HIV in heterosexual men: a systematic review. Archives of Internal Medicine 2002; 162:1818-1830.
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Hawkes S, Elwy AR, Hart G, Petticrew M. Interventions to prevent STI/HIV infection in men - a systematic review. Geneva: WHO, 2002.

Petticrew M, Bell R, Hunter D. Coping and cancer outcome: a systematic review. British Medical Journal 2002; 325:1066-1069.
open access

Petticrew M. Systematic reviews from astronomy to zoology: myths and misconceptions. British Medical Journal 2001; 322:98-101.
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Thomson H, Petticrew M, Morrison D. Housing improvement and health gain: a summary and systematic review. Glasgow: MRC Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, Occasional Paper 5, 2001.

Thomson H, Petticrew M, Morrison D. Health effects of housing interventions: a systematic review of intervention studies. British Medical Journal 2001; 323:187-190.
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