Browsing by Person "Smart, H."

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A literature review of the health of Gypsy/Traveller families in Scotland: the challenges for health promotion
(2003) Smart, H.; Titterton, M.; Clark, Colin
In this paper, findings from a detailed literature review (which was commissioned in March 2002 by Queen Margaret University College, UK) on Gypsy/Travellers' health are presented as well as suggestions on where gaps- exist in related empirical research. The review found that much of the existing research is out of date and found few thorough empirical studies of the health of Gypsy/Traveller communities in Scotland. The authors found that a predominant focus within the literature concerns health beliefs and cultural practices, with far less discussion about the material problems of poverty and social exclusion which affect Traveller communities. Emphasis is given in this paper to problems of access, health inequalities and wider concerns with social inclusion/exclusion. The authors identify the main challenges for health promotion among Gypsy/Traveller families in Scotland and argue that a key route to tackling social exclusion may lie in adopting a community development approach.
Can participatory research be a route to empowerment? A case study of a disadvantaged Scottish community
(2008-01) Titterton, M.; Smart, H.
The growth of participatory research in recent years has been notable. This paper considers its potential for empowering disadvantaged communities and providing a route for overcoming social exclusion. Problems of definition and key challenges for undertaking participatory research are reviewed based upon work undertaken in a deprived community in Scotland. Opportunities exist for researchers and community developers together to develop participatory approaches. A principal role for researchers is in bridging the gap between service users and policy makers, funders and other service providers by working with service users to demonstrate the impact of social exclusion. The authors conclude that participatory research merits close attention as long as its difficulties are acknowledged. © Oxford University Press and Community Development Journal. 2007 All rights reserved.
Perceptions and experiences about chlamydia in young women in Scotland: Knowledge, condon use and access to health services: a pilot qualitative study
(British Psychological Society, 2006) Chouliara, Zo; Karatzias, A.; Goulbourne, Alison; Smart, H.
Chlamydia trachomatis is a sexually transmitted infection that, despite being largely asymptomatic, can have serious effects on women's health, including inflammatory pelvic disease and even infertility. Despite recent increase in the rate of Chlamydia infection especially in young women, research in this area in the UK and Scotland in particular is rather limited. As a result our understanding of the views of this high-risk group regarding Chlamydia and measures to protect from infection (e.g. condom use) is very limited.. This on-going pilot study will focus on the views and experiences of young women in Scotland regarding Chlamydia. Twelve semi-structured individual interviews will be conducted with female university students, addressing knowledge about Chlamydia, views about use of condoms as protection against a Chlamydia infection and about access to sexual health services. It is envisaged that the findings will provide important information on this important health issue in a high-risk population group. It is anticipated that such issues will be examined in depth in the main study and that findings of the present research will inform future research and policy in this area.
Views and experiences of young women about: knowledge, condom use and access to health.
(British Psychological Society, 2009) Chouliara, Zoë; Karatzias, A.; Goulbourne, Alison; Smart, H.
The study aimed to elicit perceptions of and awareness about chlamydia, views and experiences of condom use as protection against a chlamydia infection and of access to sexual health services. This qualitative study utilised semi-structured individual interviews. The sample consisted of 12 young females, aged between 18 and 25 years old. Transcripts were analysed using IPA (Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis) to identify recurrent themes and their interlinks. Six themes were identified: Facts versus risk misjudgement; social stigma and taboos; assertiveness versus fear of conflict; respect versus patronising; accessibility and discreteness; and targeting young people. An awareness of the shame, embarrassment and social stigma associated with sexual health and specifically chlamydia testing and diagnosis were central in participants' accounts. Participants also emphasised the need for effective sex education, especially for young women. It is envisaged that findings have the potential to inform health education, policy and clinical practice regarding sexually transmitted infections and chlamydia in particular.