Amy R Booth BSc Psychology, MSc Health Psychology

Room 1.05
The Innovation Centre
217 Portobello
Sheffield,
South Yorkshire
S1 4DP

Office:
Tel: +44 (0) 114 224 2424 (ext. 22975)
email : a.r.booth@sheffield.ac.uk

Biography

I graduated from the University of Sheffield in 2008 with a BSc in Psychology (Hons). I then completed a Masters in Health Psychology at Sheffield Hallam University in May 2010.

I started my PhD at ScHARR in September 2010 as part of the public health team but also working with Dr Paul Norman from the University’s Psychology department and Professor Peter Harris from the University of Sussex. I am undertaking research in the area of Chlamydia screening behaviour.

Research Interests

My research interests are:

• Behaviour change;
• Sexual health;
• The health of children and young people.

Professional activities

I have just completed a 6-month volunteer placement in the Public Health Directorate at NHS Sheffield and I am now working at the Centre for HIV and Sexual Health as a sexual health promotion volunteer.

Current projects

I have just completed the empirical part of my Doctorate, which consisted of three related studies. Studies 1 and 2 used behavioural theory to collect information from the target population (through questionnaires) about factors influencing their behaviour with regards to chlamydia testing, which identified beliefs that I should change in order to increase chlamydia testing behaviour in this population. I then enlisted a social marketing approach, to decide how best to target the identified beliefs in a behaviour change intervention. This involved consulting with the target population (young people living in deprived areas), health professionals and graphic designers, in the co-production of a communication campaign that was engaging, as well as both culturally acceptable and appropriate. The finished product was an evidence-based multi-media campaign involving both print and film. I then designed and conducted a third study to evaluate the campaign, with positive results.

Publications

Booth, A. R., Norman, P., Harris, P. R. & Goyder, E. (In press). Using the theory of planned behaviour and self-identity to explain chlamydia testing intentions in young people living in deprived areas. British Journal of Health Psychology. Published Online First 13 Feb 2013.

Booth, A. R., Harris, P. R., Goyder, L., and Norman, P. (2012). Beliefs about chlamydia testing amongst young people living in relatively deprived areas. Journal of Public Health; Published Online First 5 Oct 2012.