Faculty of Health Sciences and Sport news

Faculty of Health Sciences and Sport

Stirling secures £1.6m to connect older people

A multi-disciplinary team of researchers has been awarded £1.6m of funding to improve access to online resources for older people in a bid to boost health.

An image of a loch

New £296k study launched to better support long-COVID patients

A new study co-led by the University of Stirling will explore rehabilitation options for people suffering from long-COVID and recommend how best to maximise recovery and quality of life.

Chinese coronavirus COVID-19 under the microscope. 3d illustration

Young drinkers believe prominent health warnings on alcohol could boost risk awareness

Introducing prominent health warnings on alcohol products could be effective in increasing awareness of the potential harms of drinking, according to a new study involving young adult drinkers.

Wide range of alcohol for sale in a British supermarket.

New network to explore ways to help reduce smoking in the home

A multidisciplinary team of experts is seeking to understand how best to support people to create a smoke-free home, given the health risks particularly to pregnant women, babies and children.

Smoking

Study reveals impact of lockdown on the gambling habits of sports bettors

Around one in six sports bettors started a new form of gambling during the initial COVID-19 lockdown, and one in three placed bets more frequently, according to a new study.

Close-up on man holding a cell phone while winning an online bet on a football game at stadium

New study to improve mental health of farmers and crofters

Experts will explore the best interventions to help support the mental health and wellbeing of Scotland’s farming and crofting communities, as part of a new study.

A farmer gazes out towards a field of sheep.

New study questions whether pubs can effectively and consistently prevent COVID-19 transmission risks

A new first-of-its-kind study has questioned whether pub operators can effectively and consistently prevent COVID-19 transmission – after researchers observed risks arising in licensed premises last summer.

Dimly-lit pub bar

New project explores how live music can boost young people’s mental health

A new multi-partner research project – involving the University of Stirling – will examine the impact of live music experiences on the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people.

A string quartet.

Study into children’s short, emergency admissions to hospital

Experts are exploring a rise in the number of short, unplanned admissions of children to hospital – and are appealing for parents to share their experiences as part of the study.

Child in hospital

£375k study launched to explore experiences of ‘long COVID’

A new £375,000 study led by the University of Stirling is seeking to understand the lived experiences and support needs of people suffering from the long-term effects of COVID-19.

coronavirus

Scotland players must shut out the importance of Euro play-off to succeed, says top psychologist

Scotland players must focus on their own individual performances rather than become distracted by the significance of tonight’s Euro 2020 play-off final if they are to triumph, according to a top sports psychologist.

Football

Social distancing is increasing loneliness in older adults

Social distancing introduced in response to COVID-19 is increasing feelings of loneliness in Scotland’s older population and impacting their wellbeing, according to a new University of Stirling study.

Social distancing

New £1.1m study to assess impact of bar/club opening hours on emergency services

A new £1.1 million study led by the University of Stirling is seeking to understand recent changes in opening hours for bars and nightclubs, and how these changes impact on health, crime levels, and emergency services in Scotland.

police

Stirling marks achievement of students in Singapore

The University of Stirling has marked the achievement of 82 graduates from the BA (Hons) Retail Marketing, BA (Hons) Sport Business Management, BA (Hons) Sustainable Events Management, and BA (Hons) Sports Studies and Marketing courses delivered at Singapore Institute of Management by lecturers from Stirling Management School and the Faculty of Health Sciences and Sport.

The exterior of the SIM GE campus building

Lockdown did not reduce “most harmful” type of air pollution in Scotland

The significant reduction in vehicle journeys during the COVID-19 lockdown did not reduce the level of toxic fine particles in Scotland’s air, according to experts at the University of Stirling.

COVID-19 quiet roads

Professor Niamh Fitzgerald appointed Director of world-leading Institute

The University of Stirling has appointed Professor Niamh Fitzgerald as Director of its globally-recognised Institute for Social Marketing and Health (ISMH).

An image of a loch

Air in Scotland’s prisons 90% cleaner, due to smoke-free policy

Scotland’s smoke-free prisons policy is protecting the health of prison staff and those in custody – with the majority no longer exposed to second-hand tobacco smoke, according to a new study.

prisons

Scotland should review workplace health and safety measures in light of pandemic, says expert

An occupational health expert is calling for a major review of workplace health and safety in Scotland following “failings” revealed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

office

Five studies launched into drug-related harms and deaths

Experts from the University of Stirling have launched five interdisciplinary research projects to address drug-related harms and deaths in Scotland.

drugs

New e-learning programme will enhance cancer care

An innovative e-learning programme developed by experts at the University of Stirling will educate and empower nurses to improve cancer care.

nursing

Office-based exercise could reduce heart disease risk by 15%

Office-based exercise could reduce heart disease risk by 15%

exercise bike

Impact of shale gas “ignored” in England, new study finds

The UK Government and its advisory groups “marginalised or ignored” the environmental and public health ramifications of permitting shale gas extraction in England, according to new research.

shale gas

Major study to investigate COVID-19 impact on gamblers

A major new study has been launched to understand how the COVID-19 lockdown has impacted gambling behaviour, including among potentially ‘high risk’ groups.

gambling online

Employers could face legal action over COVID-19 exposure, expert warns

Employers across the UK could face legal action from employees who return to work and contract the COVID-19 virus, a leading health and safety expert has warned.

workplace ppe

New report reveals impact of minimum unit pricing for alcohol on small retailers

The Scottish Government’s minimum unit pricing policy has been implemented as intended by small retailers in Scotland, according to new research carried out by the University of Stirling.

alcohol

COVID-19: Dying patients should receive visits, experts say

Families should be enabled to visit dying loved-ones – even during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a healthcare expert who has recently overcome her own life-threatening illness.

hospital visit

New study examines lifting of pub and nightclub restrictions

A new University of Stirling study is seeking to understand how the easing of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions on licensed premises can be effectively managed to protect emergency services.

bar

Occupational hygiene expertise could help reduce risk of COVID-19 in workplace

Occupational hygienists could play an important role helping workers return to their jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic, a University of Stirling expert has said.

covid shop worker

University of Stirling staff volunteer for COVID-19 effort

Eleven clinically-trained staff from the University of Stirling have volunteered to return to frontline healthcare duties to support the COVID-19 pandemic response.

paramedic

COVID-19 studies focus on Ambulance Service impact

A new University of Stirling study will assess the challenges faced by paramedics during the COVID-19 pandemic – and consider how their decisions impact patients with the virus.

ambulance

COVID-19 study: Impact of social distancing on older adults

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on social contact, loneliness, wellbeing and physical activity in older adults will be the focus of a new University of Stirling study.

social distancing

Self-paced exercise may be key to improving children’s attention, memory and wellbeing

Outdoor classroom breaks involving 15 minutes of self-paced exercise may improve children’s attention, memory and wellbeing, according to new research.

School children running in the playground

Almost 400 Stirling student nurses respond to COVID-19 call

Almost 400 student nurses – and up to nine staff – from the University of Stirling are joining healthcare workers on the frontline in the battle against coronavirus (COVID-19).

nursing

Sports fans exposed to high levels of alcohol sponsorship

Football and rugby supporters in Scotland are consistently exposed to high levels of alcohol sponsorship, according to new research from the University of Stirling.

fans

Experts welcome heading ban for under-11s – but insist more needs to be done

Experts from the University of Stirling have welcomed news that heading footballs will no longer form part of training sessions for under-11s in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Alan Shearer

MSPs celebrate the 40th anniversary of Stirling’s Institute for Social Marketing and Health

The Scottish Parliament is celebrating the 40th anniversary of the University of Stirling’s Institute for Social Marketing and Health – praising its contribution to the development of public health policy.

smoking

£2.2m for new study on the care of parents who use drugs

An innovative £2.2 million study will investigate the provision of treatment for parents who use drugs in the UK – in a bid to understand how they interact with health and social care services.

parent

Efforts to tackle tobacco harm explored by experts

The impact of the tobacco display ban on young people’s attitudes to smoking has been analysed by University of Stirling experts.

cigarettes

Study reveals factors behind a resilient community

A new study has identified the key components of ‘community resilience’ – and experts believe their findings will help to develop and enhance responses to extreme events.

flood

Pub profits largely unaffected by Scotland’s lower drink-drive limit

The lowering of the drink-drive limit in Scotland had little long-term financial impact on pubs – unlike some had predicted ahead of its introduction, according to new research.

pub

Lisbon Lions’ impact on Scotland’s Irish diaspora revealed

Celtic’s historic European Cup triumph in 1967 was a “defining moment” for the Irish diaspora in Scotland, according to a new study from the Universities of Stirling and Edinburgh.

old football

New degree to deliver next generation of paramedics

The University of Stirling has launched a new degree programme that will boost training opportunities for budding paramedics and enhance patient care.

paramedic

New £350,000 project to promote education in sport

Experts at the University of Stirling will research and promote education in sport as part of a new £350,000 collaboration with European partners.

athlete

Charity champion James Jopling honoured in Inverness

ProjectScotland Director James Jopling was today (November 1) recognised for his services to the charity sector as he joined more than 100 students at their University of Stirling graduation.

ames Jopling ProjectScotland Director

Review finds suicidal children are “at risk of being overlooked”

The needs of suicidal children are at risk of being overlooked due to gaps in policy and inconsistencies in how the issue is approached globally, according to experts.

counselling

New web-based tool to improve football development

An innovative sports science tool – based on the research of a University of Stirling academic – is aiming to revolutionise talent identification and development in youth football players.

football

Male dominance of discussions around steroid use may increase risk to women

Women who use steroids may be at “higher risk” because discussions around the issue are often dominated by men, new research has revealed.

University of Stirling campus

Stirling student nurse features in inspirational new book

A student nurse’s poignant reflection on her first day on placement features in an inspirational new book published by a Scottish charity.

University of Stirling campus

Informal approach key to tackling drinking in pregnancy

Health professionals should adopt a conversational approach and focus on building trust when discussing alcohol consumption with pregnant women, midwives have told researchers.

pregnancy

Warnings on individual cigarettes could reduce smoking

Health warnings printed on individual cigarettes could play a key role in reducing smoking, according to new research from the University of Stirling.

cigarettes with warning message