The PAAD Study v3.0
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Physical Activity among Alcohol Dependent Service Users: A Qualitative Exploration of the Attitudes, Barriers, and Facilitators from Service User and Health Care Professional Perspectives
IRAS ID
320791
Contact name
Buse Apel
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Hull
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 7 months, 31 days
Research summary
Alcohol dependence (AD) is a highly prevalent and relapsing mental health disorder involving a cluster of behavioural, cognitive, and physiological adaptations. In the UK, relapse rates remain high despite the efficacy of alcohol treatments. Depression and anxiety, alcohol related cues, alcohol cravings, and stress are the main factors causing relapse. Physical Activity (PA) has been reported to improve depression, anxiety and stress and reduce the urge to drink. Emerging evidence suggest PA may have a positive impact of supporting service users in their recovery and improving outcomes. However, little research is available understanding the attitudes of AD service users and health care professionals (HCPs) on the role/introduction of PA in the clinical setting where those with more pronounced problems present.
This study aims to understand the attitudes of AD service users and HCPs regarding the use/introduction of PA in alcohol treatment settings. Two separate studies will be conducted to examine both AD service users’ and HCPs’ attitudes. Perceived barriers and facilitators will also be examined in detail.
Participants will be recruited from specialist alcohol services in three locality services in the Yorkshire region. In Study 1, maximum 20 AD service users meeting the eligibility criteria will be recruited for one-to-one, qualitative, semi-structured interviews. In Study 2, up to four focus groups will be conducted with up to 20 HCPs, maximum number of 5 HCPs in each group. Interviews will benefit from topic guides that will be developed based on Health Behaviour Change Models and Patient Public Involvement group discussions.
The studies will identify the attitudes, barriers, and facilitators of promoting/supporting the introduction of PA in the clinical settings among service users and HCPs. The findings of the study will contribute to the development of new PA interventions that are feasible and acceptable in the UK alcohol treatment settings and will inform the policy makers.REC name
East of Scotland Research Ethics Service REC 1
REC reference
23/ES/0010
Date of REC Opinion
28 Apr 2023
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion