Active Lives, Healthier Futures: Understanding and overcoming barriers to physical activity among low-income families

Summary

Children from lower socioeconomic backgrounds often have lower physical activity levels, engage in more sedentary behaviour, and present with higher body mass index (BMI) than their more affluent peers.

Data from the 2024 World Health Organisation Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children Survey highlights this inequality, with 32% of adolescents from less affluent families reporting physical inactivity compared to 15% from more affluent families.

Families with higher incomes can typically provide opportunities such as clubs, camps, and equipment, while children from lower-income households often face more limited options.

The current cost-of-living crisis has further widened these inequalities.

Recent research shows that 30% of parents in NI cannot afford the necessary equipment and clothing for their children to participate in sport or physical activity.

Almost a quarter of families reported borrowing money to meet these costs, rising to 50% among unemployed parents/guardians.

This PhD provides an opportunity to address these pressing challenges through a programme of research with public involvement central throughout. The research will involve:

1. A systematic review assessing the effectiveness of existing interventions targeting low-income families.
2. A mixed-methods observational study to identify key factors influencing physical activity among disadvantaged families in NI.
3. A survey and interviews with policymakers and service providers to understand barriers and opportunities for scalable solutions.
4. The co-design and feasibility testing of an intervention developed in collaboration with Fermanagh & Omagh District Council, community partners, and families themselves.

This successful candidate will develop expertise in systematic reviews, mixed-methods research, co-design, and intervention testing.

The project offers the chance to generate impactful evidence that can reduce inequalities, inform local policy, and improve the health and wellbeing of children and families.

The close collaboration with the council, ensures that the research is co-designed with stakeholders and can be directly translated into practical, scalable interventions.

AccessNI clearance required

Please note, the successful candidate will be required to obtain AccessNI clearance prior to registration due to the nature of the project.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• Masters at 65%
• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Relevant professional qualification and/or a Degree in a Health or Health related area

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

Funding and eligibility

This project is funded by:

• Department for the Economy (DfE)
• Fermanagh & Omagh District Council

This scholarship will cover tuition fees and provide a maintenance allowance of £21,000* (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).  A Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of approximately £900 per annum is also available.

In addition, a £1,000 per annum stipend top-up will be awarded to the successful applicant.

To be eligible for these scholarships, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a UK National, or

• Have settled status, or

• Have pre-settled status, or

• Have indefinite leave to remain or enter, or

• be an Irish National

Applicants should also meet the residency criteria which requires that they have lived in the EEA, Switzerland, the UK or Gibraltar for at least the three years preceding the start date of the research degree programme.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies.

*Part time PhD scholarships may be available, based on 0.5 of the full time rate, and will require a six year registration period