Effects of childhood trauma on sleep quality and stress-related variables in adulthood: evidence from two multilevel studies.

Childhood trauma has been found to have serious negative consequences for mental and physical health. However, the precise mechanisms through which trauma influences health outcomes are unclear. Childhood trauma-related disruptions to sleep in adulthood represent an important potential mechanism. Two 7-day multilevel studies investigated the effects of childhood trauma on daily sleep outcomes and stress-related variables and whether the effects of trauma on sleep outcomes were mediated through these stress-related variables (or vice versa). Participants completed the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire before a 7-day online daily diary study. Measures of daily stress, perseverative cognition, and sleep were completed daily. Multi-level modelling found that higher levels of childhood neglect were associated with poorer daily sleep quality, shorter sleep duration, longer sleep onset latency, and higher daily stress and rumination levels. Higher childhood abuse was associated with shorter sleep duration, greater morning tiredness, and higher levels of daily stress, rumination, and worry. Childhood trauma was found also to have bidirectional, indirect effects on sleep quality and morning tiredness through daily stress-related variables. The current findings suggest that interventions aimed at mitigating the negative effects of childhood trauma should also incorporate components that target modifiable risk factors, such as sleep, stress, worry, and rumination.

Assessing the influence of affective attitudes, demography and blood donor status on organ donor registration active decisions in opt-out systems.

In contrast to opt-in systems, relatively little is known about what influences whether or not people register a decision about organ donation in opt-out systems. We address this gap in the literature. Participants (N = 756) living in a country with opt-out consent (Wales, UK) provided information on demographics and blood donor status. Participants indicated whether they had opted-in or opted-out (i.e. active decision), or not registered a decision under the assumption of deemed consent. Subsequently, their negative emotional beliefs (or affective attitudes) towards organ donation were measured. Opting-in was associated with being younger, having donated blood and holding superstitious beliefs about donation (jinx). Disgust (ick factor) deterred opting-in, and bodily integrity concerns increased opting-out. Positive affective attitudes increased opting-in and deterred opting-out. Actively opting-in increases the likelihood of organs being transplanted, thus, modifying affective attitudes and targeting blood donors should enhance the number of donors available under opt-out systems.

Qualitatively exploring the application of the necessity concerns framework to antenatal physical activity.

BACKGROUND: Adherence to physical activity (PA) recommendations during pregnancy is low. A common reason for low adherence is concern of harm to mother and/or baby. The Necessity-Concerns Framework (NCF), is a well-established framework in medicine adherence, however it has not been used to explore adherence to antenatal PA. This study aims to explore (1) what influences pregnant women's PA in the context of the NCF; and (2) if the NCF is an appropriate framework to understand antenatal PA engagement. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 pregnant women in the UK and Ireland (mean gestation 27 weeks). Interviews explored beliefs, experiences, perceived necessities and concerns about PA. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic framework analysis. RESULTS: Five themes were identified as influential to antenatal PA: (1) Perceived benefits and necessity of PA, (2) Concerns regarding antenatal PA, (3) Balancing the necessity and concern, (4) Barriers to antenatal PA, (5) Facilitators of antenatal PA. Women described a number of perceived necessities and concerns regarding antenatal PA. These necessities and concerns were described as being consciously balanced, supporting the NCF. However, a number of additional influences (for example, feelings of nausea and lack of advice and knowledge) seemed to impact antenatal PA engagement before women could consider their perceived necessities and concerns around antenatal PA. CONCLUSIONS: The Necessity Concerns Framework is a useful framework to help explain how and why women engage with antenatal PA, more specifically why women do and do not engage in antenatal PA at different times during their pregnancy. However, there are a number of other interpersonal and intrapersonal influences on antenatal PA (e.g. physical symptoms, motivation and time), suggesting the NCF alone may be too simplistic to understand and influence complex behaviour such as antenatal PA.

Exploring non-participation in colorectal cancer screening: A systematic review of qualitative studies.

INTRODUCTION: Worldwide, colorectal cancer is a major public health issue. Despite the existence of screening programmes in many countries, global uptake remains low. This meta-ethnography aimed to analyse qualitative literature to explore attitudes towards colorectal cancer screening and reasons for non-participation in eligible people that do not participate when invited. METHODS: Systematic searches were conducted in five databases in May 2021. Critical appraisal of included studies was performed using the CASP checklist for qualitative studies. FINDINGS: Thirteen studies were included. Three main themes and eight sub-themes were developed across studies: (1) Differences in motivation, with non-participants expressing a lack of knowledge and varying levels of intention to participate but not feeling screening was personally necessary; (2) Active aversion to screening expressed by fear, discomfort, disgust or not wanting to know; and (3) Contextual barriers of the healthcare system such as practical constraints or poor relationships with healthcare professionals. CONCLUSION: Findings suggest multiple pathways to non-participation including ambivalence, aversion to the process and consequences of screening or lack of support. Persuasive messages and prompts to action to target ambivalence, reassurance regarding the screening procedures to target negative reactions, and increased support from healthcare professionals may be beneficial in increasing screening uptake.

Increasing uptake of FIT colorectal screening: protocol for the TEMPO randomised controlled trial testing a suggested deadline and a planning tool.

INTRODUCTION: Screening can reduce deaths from colorectal cancer (CRC). Despite high levels of public enthusiasm, participation rates in population CRC screening programmes internationally remain persistently below target levels. Simple behavioural interventions such as completion goals and planning tools may support participation among those inclined to be screened but who fail to act on their intentions. This study aims to evaluate the impact of: (a) a suggested deadline for return of the test; (b) a planning tool and (c) the combination of a deadline and planning tool on return of faecal immunochemical tests (FITs) for CRC screening. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: A randomised controlled trial of 40 000 adults invited to participate in the Scottish Bowel Screening Programme will assess the individual and combined impact of the interventions. Trial delivery will be integrated into the existing CRC screening process. The Scottish Bowel Screening Programme mails FITs to people aged 50-74 with brief instructions for completion and return. Participants will be randomised to one of eight groups: (1) no intervention; (2) suggested deadline (1 week); (3) suggested deadline (2 weeks); (4) suggested deadline (4 weeks); (5) planning tool; (6) planning tool plus suggested deadline (1 week); (7) planning tool plus suggested deadline (2 weeks); (8) planning tool plus suggested deadline (4 weeks). The primary outcome is return of the correctly completed FIT at 3 months. To understand the cognitive and behavioural mechanisms and to explore the acceptability of both interventions, we will survey (n=2000) and interview (n=40) a subgroup of trial participants. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The study has been approved by the National Health Service South Central-Hampshire B Research Ethics Committee (ref. 19/SC/0369). The findings will be disseminated through conference presentations and publication in peer-reviewed journals. Participants can request a summary of the results. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: clinicaltrials.govNCT05408169.

Response to a novel, weight self-awareness plan used in a multi-component lifestyle intervention programme to reduce breast cancer risk factors in older women-Secondary analysis from the ActWELL trial.

BACKGROUND: The ActWELL randomised controlled trial assessed the effectiveness of a weight management programme delivered by volunteer lifestyle coaches (LCs) in women attending breast clinics. The intervention focused on caloric intake and physical activity, utilising behavioural change techniques including a weight awareness plan (WAP). The current work is a secondary analysis of the ActWELL data and aims to examine the response to the weight self-awareness plan (used as part of the intervention programme). METHODS: The LCs invited participants (n = 279) to undertake an implementation intention discussion to formulate a self-weighing (SW) plan. Bodyweight scales were offered, and recording books provided. The physical activity component of the intervention focused on a walking plan assessed by accelerometers. The LCs contacted participants by telephone monthly and provided personalised feedback. Mann-Whitney tests and chi-squared analysis were used to examine the effect of SW on weight change. A qualitative evaluation utilising semi-structured interviews was also undertaken. RESULTS: Most participants (96.4%) agreed to set a weekly SW goal and 76 (27%) requested scales. At 12 months, 226 (81%) returned for follow up. The median (interquartile range) weight change for those who self- reported at least one weight (n = 211) was -2.3 kg (-5.0 to 0.0) compared to -1.2 kg (-5.0 to 0.03) in those who did not (n = 14). Participants who reported weights on more than eight occasions (39%) were significantly more likely (p = 0.012) to achieve 5% weight loss compared to those who weighed less often. Low numbers of accelerometers were returned that did not allow for significance testing. Qualitative data (n = 24) indicated that many participants found the WAP helpful and motivating. CONCLUSIONS: Greater adherence to the WAP initiated by volunteer coaches is associated with achieving 5% weight loss.

Effects of COVID-19-related worry and rumination on mental health and loneliness during the pandemic: longitudinal analyses of adults in the UK COVID-19 mental health & wellbeing study.

BACKGROUND: The lasting effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic are likely to be significant. AIMS: This study tracked worry and rumination levels during the pandemic and investigated whether periods with higher COVID-related worry and rumination were associated with more negative mental health and loneliness. METHODS: A quota survey design and a sampling frame that permitted recruitment of a national sample were employed. Findings for waves 1 (March 2020) to 6 (November 2020) are reported (N = 1943). RESULTS: Covid-related worry and rumination levels were highest at the beginning of the first lockdown, then declined but increased when the UK returned to lockdown. Worry levels were higher than rumination levels throughout. High levels of COVID-related worry and rumination were associated with a five- and ten-fold increase in clinically meaningful rates of depression and anxiety (respectively) together with lower well-being and higher loneliness. The effects of COVID-related worry on depression and anxiety levels were most marked and clinically meaningful in individuals living with a pre-existing mental health condition. CONCLUSIONS: Psychological interventions should include components that specifically target COVID-related worry and rumination. Individuals with pre-existing mental health conditions should be prioritised as we emerge from the current pandemic and in any future public health crises.

Assessing the factors that influence the donation of a deceased family member's organs in an opt-out system for organ donation.

RATIONALE: Family, and sometimes longstanding friends, have considerable influence over organ donation, through agreeing or disagreeing to the donation of a deceased individual's organs. To date, most research has been undertaken within opt-in systems. OBJECTIVE: This study advances on previous research by assessing next-of-kin approval under opt-out legislation. We tested whether next-of-kin approval varies when the deceased is a registered donor (opted-in), registered non-donor (opted-out) or has not registered a decision under an opt-out policy (deemed consent). We also tested if the deceased's wishes influenced next-of-kin approval through relatives anticipating regret for not donating and feelings of uncertainty. Finally, we assessed whether next-of-kin's own beliefs about organ donation influenced whether they followed the deceased's wishes. METHODS: Participants (N = 848) living in a country with opt-out legislation (Wales, UK) were asked to imagine a relative had died under an opt-out system and decided if their relatives' organs should be donated. Participants were randomly allocated to imagine the deceased had either (i) opted-in, (ii) opted-out or (iii) not registered a decision (deemed consent). The outcome variable was next-of-kin approval, with uncertainty and anticipated regret as potential mediators and next-of-kin's beliefs about organ donation as moderators. RESULTS: Next-of-kin approval was lower when the deceased had opted-out than under deemed consent. This was due to next-of-kin anticipating more regret for not donating under deemed consent than opt-out. Further analyses revealed the deceased's wishes influence next-of-kin approval, via anticipated regret, when next-of-kin did not hold negative beliefs about organ donation. CONCLUSIONS: The deceased's wishes were less likely to be followed when next-of-kin had negative beliefs towards donation. Developing large-scale campaigns to improve these beliefs in the general public should make people more likely to follow the deceased's wishes. As a result, these campaigns should improve the availability of donor organs.

Probable COVID-19 infection is associated with subsequent poorer mental health and greater loneliness in the UK COVID-19 Mental Health and Wellbeing study.

The COVID-19 pandemic has been associated with psychological distress. In addition to physical effects including fatigue and cognitive impairment, contracting COVID-19 itself may also be related to subsequent negative mental health outcomes. The present study reports data from a longitudinal, national survey of the UK adult population investigating whether contracting suspected or confirmed COVID-19 at the early stages of the pandemic (March-May 2020) was associated with poorer mental health outcomes in May/June 2020, October/November 2020 and June/July 2021. A quota survey design and a sampling frame that permitted recruitment of a national sample (n = 3077) were utilised. Experience of contracting COVID-19 during the first UK lockdown was assessed along with levels of depression, anxiety, mental wellbeing and loneliness. Around 9% of participants reported contracting COVID-19 in March/May 2020 (waves 1-3) with just under 13% of the overall sample reporting COVID-19 at any one of the first three time points. Compared to those without probable COVID-19 infection, participants with probable COVID-19 had poorer mental health outcomes at follow-up with these effects lasting up to 13 months (e.g., May/June 2020:ORdepression = 1.70, p < 0.001; ORanxiety = 1.61, p = 0.002; Oct/Nov 2020, ORdepression = 1.82, p < 0.001; ORanxiety 1.56, p = 0.013; June/July 2021, ORdepression = 2.01, p < 0.001; ORanxiety = 1.67, p = 0.008). Having a pre-existing mental health condition was also associated with greater odds of having probable COVID-19 during the study (OR = 1.31, p = 0.016). The current study demonstrates that contracting probable COVID-19 at the early stage of the pandemic was related to long-lasting associations with mental health and the relationship between mental health status and probable COVID-19 is bidirectional.

Information seeking, mental health and loneliness: Longitudinal analyses of adults in the UK COVID-19 mental health and wellbeing study.

Information seeking has generally been seen as an adaptive response to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it may also result in negative outcomes on mental health. The present study tests whether reporting COVID-related information seeking throughout the pandemic is associated with subsequently poorer mental health outcomes. A quota-based, non-probability-sampling methodology was used to recruit a nationally representative sample. COVID-related information seeking was assessed at six waves along with symptoms of depression, anxiety, mental wellbeing and loneliness (N = 1945). Hierarchical linear modelling was used to assess the relationship between COVID-related information seeking and mental health outcomes. Information seeking was found to reduce over time. Overall, women, older and higher socioeconomic group individuals reported higher levels of information seeking. At waves 1-4 (March-June 2020) the majority of participants reported that they sought information on Covid 1-5 times per day, this decreased to less than once per day in waves 5 and 6 (July-November 2020). Higher levels of information seeking were associated with poorer mental health outcomes, particularly clinically significant levels of anxiety. Use of a non-probability sampling method may have been a study limitation, nevertheless, reducing or managing information seeking behaviour may be one method to reduce anxiety during pandemics and other public health crises.

Understanding Vaccine Hesitancy in Vietnamese Fish Farmers.

(1) Background: Antibiotic (AB) usage in food animals is a significant contributor to antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Vaccination can reduce the over-use of AB treatment. Little is known about farmers' attitudes and beliefs about AB and vaccine usage in developing countries, especially in aquaculture. (2) Methods: We used the necessity/concerns framework to guide our research, where vaccine hesitancy is viewed as a function of the perceived necessity versus the perceived concerns about treatment. We measured disease and treatment perceptions in 400 Vietnamese farmers of Pangasius catfish, specifically regarding (a) chemical treatment of water, (b) antibiotic usage, and (c) vaccination of fish. (3) Results: Although farmers' concerns about AB usage outweighed necessity beliefs, 86.5% reported having used ABs on their farm. Knowledge and attitudes towards vaccination were positive, with views of its necessity outweighing concerns. However, if available, only 67.6% said they would definitely use vaccines in the future. Farmers were more likely to use vaccines if they reported having fewer problems with fish disease, felt that any concerns about vaccines were outweighed by their perceived benefits, had less mistrust of vaccination, and had fewer concerns about commercial profiteering. (4) Conclusion: Interventions that highlight concerns about continued antibiotic use, reduce concerns, and mistrust and increase the perceived necessity of vaccines combined with greater availability of vaccines may be the most effective way of overcoming vaccine hesitancy and increase appropriate use of vaccines by Vietnamese fish farmers.

Mental health and well-being during the second wave of COVID-19: longitudinal analyses of the UK COVID-19 Mental Health and Wellbeing study (UK COVID-MH).

BACKGROUND: Waves 1 to 3 (March 2020 to May 2020) of the UK COVID-19 Mental Health and Wellbeing study suggested an improvement in some indicators of mental health across the first 6 weeks of the UK lockdown; however, suicidal ideation increased. AIMS: To report the prevalence of mental health and well-being of adults in the UK from March/April 2020 to February 2021. METHOD: Quota sampling was employed at wave 1 (March/April 2020), and online surveys were conducted at seven time points. Primary analyses cover waves 4 (May/June 2020), 5 (July/August 2020), 6 (October 2020) and 7 (February 2021), including a period of increased restrictions in the UK. Mental health indicators were suicidal ideation, self-harm, suicide attempt, depression, anxiety, defeat, entrapment, loneliness and well-being. RESULTS: A total of 2691 (87.5% of wave 1) individuals participated in at least one survey between waves 4 and 7. Depressive symptoms and loneliness increased from October 2020 to February 2021. Defeat and entrapment increased from July/August 2020 to October 2020, and remained elevated in February 2021. Well-being decreased from July/August 2020 to October 2020. Anxiety symptoms and suicidal ideation did not change. Young adults, women, those who were socially disadvantaged and those with a pre-existing mental health condition reported worse mental health. CONCLUSIONS: The mental health and well-being of the UK population deteriorated from July/August 2020 to October 2020 and February 2021, which coincided with the second wave of COVID-19. Suicidal thoughts did not decrease significantly, suggesting a need for continued vigilance as we recover from the pandemic.

Psychological correlates of free colorectal cancer screening uptake in a Scottish sample: a cross-sectional observational study.

OBJECTIVES: Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening uptake in Scotland is 56%. This study examined whether psychological factors were associated with CRC screening uptake. DESIGN: Cross-sectional observational study. SETTING: This study used data from the Healthy AGeing In Scotland (HAGIS) pilot study, a study designed to be representative of Scottish adults aged 50 years and older. PARTICIPANTS: 908 (505 female) Scottish adults aged 50-80 years (mean age=65.85, SD=8.23), who took part in the HAGIS study (2016-2017). PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: Self-reported participation in CRC screening was the outcome measure. Logistic regression was used to test whether scores on measures of health literacy, cognitive ability, risk aversion, time preference (eg, present oriented or future oriented) and personality were associated with CRC screening when these psychological factors were entered individually and simultaneously in the same model. RESULTS: Controlling for age, age-squared, sex, living arrangement, and sex*living arrangement, a one-point increase in risk aversion (OR=0.66, 95% CI 0.51 to 0.85) and present orientation (OR=0.86, 95% CI 0.80 to 0.94) was associated with reduced odds of screening. Higher scores on health literacy (OR per one-point increase=1.20, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.31), cognitive ability (OR per SD increase=1.51, 95% CI 1.25 to 1.81) and the intellect personality trait (OR per one-point increase=1.05, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.09) were associated with increased odds of screening. Higher risk aversion was the only psychological variable that was associated with CRC screening participation when all psychological variables were entered in the same model and remained associated with CRC screening when additionally adjusting for deprivation and education. A backward elimination model retained two psychological variables as correlates of CRC screening: risk aversion and cognitive ability. CONCLUSION: Individuals who are more risk averse are less likely to participate in free, home CRC screening.

Assessing medical mistrust in organ donation across countries using item response theory.

Although medical mistrust (MM) may be an impediment to public health interventions, no MM scale has been validated across countries and the assessment of MM has not been explored using item response theory, which allows generalisation beyond the sampled data. We aimed to determine the dimensionality of a brief MM measure across four countries through Mokken analysis and Graded Response Modelling. Analysis of 1468 participants from UK (n = 1179), Ireland (n = 191), India (n = 49) and Malaysia (n = 49) demonstrated that MM items formed a hierarchical, unidimensional measure, which is very informative about high levels of MM. Possible item reduction and scoring changes were also demonstrated. This study demonstrates that this brief MM measure is suitable for international studies as it is unidimensional across countries, cross cultural, and shows that minor adjustments will not impact on the assessment of MM when using these items.

Predicting suicidal ideation in a nationally representative sample of young adults: a 12-month prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Evidence-based theoretical models outlining the pathways to the development of suicidal ideation may inform treatment. The current research draws from the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide (IPT) and the Integrated Motivational-Volitional (IMV) Model of suicidal behaviour and aims to test the interaction between perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness as proposed by the IPT model, and the defeat-entrapment pathway as proposed by the IMV model, in the prediction of suicidal ideation at 12-month follow-up. METHODS: The Scottish Wellbeing Study is a nationally representative prospective study of young people aged 18-34 years (n = 3508) from across Scotland, who completed a baseline interview and a 12-month follow-up (n = 2420). The core factors from both the IPT (perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness) and the IMV model (defeat, internal and external entrapment) were measured alongside demographics, depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation at baseline. At 12-month follow-up, suicidal ideation was assessed again. RESULTS: In multiple regression analysis perceived burdensomeness and internal entrapment, with baseline suicidal ideation, predicted 12-month suicidal ideation. No support for the interaction between perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness in predicting 12-month suicidal ideation was found. However, there was evidence that internal, but not external, entrapment mediated the relationship between defeat and 12-month suicidal ideation, but no support was found for the moderation of burdensomeness and belongingness on the entrapment to suicidal ideation pathway. CONCLUSIONS: The current findings highlight the importance of targeting perceived burdensomeness and internal entrapment to reduce the likelihood that suicidal ideation emerges in at risk individuals.

Investigating the Effects of Threatening Language, Message Framing, and Reactance in Opt-Out Organ Donation Campaigns.

BACKGROUND: Under opt-out organ donation policies, individuals are automatically considered to have agreed to donate their organs in the absence of a recorded opt-out decision. Growing evidence suggests that the language used within organ donation campaigns influences donor intentions and decision-making. PURPOSE: As awareness campaigns to promote opt-out consent in the UK are ongoing, the objectives of this study were to investigate the effect of language and message framing used in opt-out organ donation campaigns on donor intentions and psychological reactance. METHODS: Individuals from Scotland and England (N = 1,350) completed this online experiment. Participants were randomized to view one of four messages, designed in the format of a newspaper article, which described the upcoming opt-out system. This followed a 2 × 2 design whereby the degree of threatening language (high threat vs. low threat) and message framing (loss vs. gain) of the newspaper article was experimentally manipulated. Measures of intention (pre-exposure and postexposure) and postmessage reactance (threat to freedom and anger and counter-arguing) were obtained. RESULTS: A mixed analysis of variance revealed a significant Group × Time interaction on donor intentions; post hoc analysis revealed that intentions significantly decreased for individuals exposed to the High threat × Loss frame article but significantly increased for those exposed to the High threat × Gain frame article. CONCLUSIONS: In campaigns to promote opt-out legislation, high-threat language combined with loss-frame messages should be avoided. If high-threat language is used, gain-frame messaging that highlights the benefits of organ donation should also be incorporated.

What are common barriers and helpful solutions to colorectal cancer screening? A cross-sectional survey to develop intervention content for a planning support tool.

OBJECTIVE: Colorectal screening using faecal immunochemical tests (FITs) can save lives if the people invited participate. In Scotland, most people intend to complete a FIT but this is not reflected in uptake rates. Planning interventions can bridge this intention-behaviour gap. To develop a tool supporting people willing to do colorectal screening with planning to complete a FIT, this study aimed to identify frequently experienced barriers and solutions to these barriers. DESIGN: This is a cross-sectional study. SETTING: Participants were recruited through the Scottish Bowel Screening Programme to complete a mailed questionnaire. PARTICIPANTS: The study included 2387 participants who had completed a FIT (mean age 65 years, 40% female) and 359 participants who had not completed a FIT but were inclined to do so (mean age 63 years, 39% female). OUTCOME MEASURES: The questionnaire assessed frequency of endorsement of colorectal screening barriers and solutions. RESULTS: Participants who had not completed a FIT endorsed significantly more barriers than those who had completed a FIT, when demographic, health and behavioural covariates were held constant (F(1,2053)=13.40, p<0.001, partial η2=0.01). Participants who completed a FIT endorsed significantly more solutions than those who did not (U=301 585.50, z=-3.21, p<0.001, r=0.06). This difference became insignificant when covariates were controlled. Participants agreed on the most common barriers and solutions regardless of screening history. Barriers included procrastination, forgetting, fear of the test result, screening anxiety, disgust and low self-efficacy. Solutions included hand-washing, doing the FIT in private, reading the FIT instructions, benefit of early detection, feelings of responsibility, high self-efficacy and seeing oneself as a person who looks after one's health. CONCLUSION: This survey identified six barriers and seven solutions as key content to include in the development of a planning tool for colorectal screening using the FIT. Participatory research is required to codesign an engaging and accessible planning tool.

Resilience and vulnerability factors influence the cortisol awakening response in individuals vulnerable to suicide.

Suicide is a global health issue. Dysregulated hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity, as measured by cortisol levels, has been identified as one potential risk factor. Evidence is emerging to suggest that different psychological factors may be associated with increased resilience and vulnerability in this context. The current study investigated whether trait resilience, social support, socially prescribed perfectionism, trait worry and trait impulsivity influenced the cortisol awakening response (CAR) over a 7-day study in individuals vulnerable to suicide. 142 participants with a history of suicidal attempt or ideation (suicide vulnerability group; n = 95) and with no suicide risk history (control group; n = 47) were recruited. Participants completed baseline questionnaires before commencing a 7-day study where they provided cortisol samples immediately upon waking, at 15 min, 30 min and 45 min on 7 consecutive days. Higher worry, socially prescribed perfectionism and impulsivity, lower resilience and social support were found in the suicide vulnerability group compared to the control group. Lower levels of resilience, higher levels of socially prescribed perfectionism, worry and impulsivity were associated with significantly lower total CAR. Suicide group membership was also found to have an indirect effect on total CAR via trait worry. The current findings show for the first time, that these well-known psychological risk factors for suicide are associated with smaller total cortisol awakening responses. Researchers ought to elucidate the precise causal mechanisms linking these traits, CAR and suicide risk in order to develop interventions to help build resilience in vulnerable populations.

A novel approach to increasing community capacity for weight management a volunteer-delivered programme (ActWELL) initiated within breast screening clinics: a randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: It is estimated that around 30% of breast cancers in post-menopausal women are related to lifestyle. The breast cancer-pooling project demonstrated that sustained weight loss of 2 to 4.5 kg is associated with an 18% lower risk of breast cancer, highlighting the importance of small changes in body weight. Our study aimed to assess the effectiveness a volunteer-delivered, community based, weight management programme (ActWELL) for women with a BMI > 25 kg/m2 attending NHS Scotland Breast Screening clinics. METHODS: A multicentre, 1:1 parallel group, randomised controlled trial was undertaken in 560 women aged 50 to 70 years with BMI > 25 kg/m2. On completion of baseline measures, all participants received a breast cancer prevention leaflet. Intervention group participants received the ActWELL intervention which focussed on personalised diet advice and pedometer walking plans. The programme was delivered in leisure centres by (the charity) Breast Cancer Now volunteer coaches. Primary outcomes were changes between groups at 12 months in body weight (kg) and physical activity (accelerometer measured step count). RESULTS: Two hundred seventy-nine women were allocated to the intervention group and 281 to the comparison group. Twelve-month data were available from 240 (81%) intervention and 227 (85%) comparison group participants. Coaches delivered 523 coaching sessions and 1915 support calls to 279 intervention participants. Mean weight change was - 2.5 kg (95% CI - 3.1 to - 1.9) in the intervention group and - 1.2 kg (- 1.8 to 0.6) in the comparison group. The adjusted mean difference was - 1.3 kg (95% CI - 2.2 to - 0.4, P = 0.003). The odds ratio for losing 5% weight was 2.20 (95% CI 1.4 to 3.4, p = 0.0005) in favour of the intervention. The adjusted mean difference in step counts between groups was 483 steps/day (95% CI - 635 to 1602) (NS). CONCLUSIONS: A community weight management intervention initiated at breast screening clinics and delivered by volunteer coaches doubled the likelihood of clinically significant weight loss at 12 months (compared with usual care) offering significant potential to decrease breast cancer risk. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Database of registration: ISCRTN. Registration number: 11057518 . Date trial registered:21.07.2017. Date of enrolment of first participant: 01.09.2017.