Lisa Arai
Solent, School of Sport, Health & Social Science, Faculty Member
- University of Bristol, School of Social and Community Medicine, Department Memberadd
- Demography, Sociology, Medical Sociology, Sociology of Families, Sociology of Children and Childhood, Youth Studies, and 22 moreResearch Methods and Methodology, Qualitative Methods (Sociology), Child Poverty, Child health, Quantitative Methods (Sociology), Chidlren's Rights, Children and Families, Evidence Based Medicine, Data Analysis, Child Development, Preventive Health, Adolescent Development, Child Welfare, Epidemiology Methods, Child Maltreatment, Community Interentions, Public Health Policy, Surveillance Studies, Social epidemiology, Epidemiology, Public Health, and Sexualityedit
- After a degree in Anthropology and Sociology from Goldsmiths' College, Lisa Arai completed a MSc in Medical Demograph... moreAfter a degree in Anthropology and Sociology from Goldsmiths' College, Lisa Arai completed a MSc in Medical Demography at the Centre for Population Studies (London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine) and a PhD at Queen Mary on neighbourhood effects on teenage pregnancy. Dr Arai has worked in a variety of institutions including the Medical Research Council, City University, the Social Science Research Unit, Institute of Education and the Open University. She has published papers on a range of topics, and has special interests in teenage pregnancy and motherhood, the surveillance of children and the family, factors affecting the implementation of interventions, evidence-based policy-making and practice and methodological innovation in the public health sciences. Her book 'Teenage Pregnancy: the Making and Unmaking of a Problem' was published by the Policy Press in Summer 2009. She is currently Senior Lecturer in Health and Social Care at Solent University Southampton.edit
Research Interests: Nursing, Biostatistics, Obesity, Qualitative Research, Medicine, and 15 moreEngland, Overweight, Humans, Child, Female, Male, Patient Satisfaction, Aged, Middle Aged, Parents, Questionnaires, Adult, Public health systems and services research, Child Health Services, and Health Services Accessibility
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Executive Summary Background: The Patients Charter (1992) clearly states that patientshave a right to information about their condition. In patients with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis very little is known about the information provided... more
Executive Summary Background: The Patients Charter (1992) clearly states that patientshave a right to information about their condition. In patients with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis very little is known about the information provided to patients and their families as well as the information needs of service users. Failure to fully address patients' and their families' health information requirements can lead to significant stress and anxiety.
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The search terms were adapted to each service provider and database, and were composed of a combination of the following (or related) terms: B12 and pregnancy and birth weight or length of gestation. We added restriction terms excluding... more
The search terms were adapted to each service provider and database, and were composed of a combination of the following (or related) terms: B12 and pregnancy and birth weight or length of gestation. We added restriction terms excluding review articles, intervention studies and case reports, studies evaluating adults, children (other than infants), rodents, and patients with anemia. We used a combination of controlled vocabulary terms and free text words.
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This book presents many of these contributions and provides a state of the artcompendium on this subject.
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BackgroundThere is mounting evidence that experience of care is a crucial part of the pathway for successful management of long-term conditions.Design and objectivesTo carry out (1) a systematic mapping of qualitative evidence to inform... more
BackgroundThere is mounting evidence that experience of care is a crucial part of the pathway for successful management of long-term conditions.Design and objectivesTo carry out (1) a systematic mapping of qualitative evidence to inform selection of studies for the second stage of the review; and (2) a narrative synthesis addressing the question, What makes for a ‘good’ or a ‘bad’ paediatric diabetes service from the viewpoint of children, young people, carers and clinicians?ResultsThe initial mapping identified 38 papers. From these, the findings of 20 diabetes-focused papers on the views on care of ≥650 children, parents and clinicians were synthesised. Only five studies included children under 11 years. Children and young people across all age groups valued positive, non-judgemental and relationship-based care that engaged with their social, as well as physical, health. Parents valued provision responsive to the circumstances of family life and coordinated across services. Clinic...
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Organisations in England's National Health Service (NHS) are required to have 'did not attend' (DNA) guidelines to help deal with the 'unseen child'. To map DNA and associated guidelines in paediatric services, examine... more
Organisations in England's National Health Service (NHS) are required to have 'did not attend' (DNA) guidelines to help deal with the 'unseen child'. To map DNA and associated guidelines in paediatric services, examine differences in safeguarding response and advice in the guidelines and explore the experience of guideline users. A mapping approach was used to locate current DNA guidelines on English NHS organisations' websites. Analysis of the guidelines was supplemented with qualitative data from those who produce, monitor or use them. Fewer than 8% of English NHS organisations had up-to-date guidelines in the public domain, though a further 41% stated that they had a DNA/similar policy in place or had an out-of-date guideline on their website. Advice to healthcare providers about the steps to take when a child DNAs fell into five categories: reflection and review; direct interaction with the family; indirect interaction with the family; liaison with intern...
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... times. International migration, housing problems, family break-up and low income are some key factors, often interrelated. ... spaces. Many children in London do not have easy access to parks or other open spaces. As ...
Childhood overweight and obesity have health and economic impacts on individuals and the wider society. Families participating in weight management programmes may foresee or experience monetary and other costs which deter them from... more
Childhood overweight and obesity have health and economic impacts on individuals and the wider society. Families participating in weight management programmes may foresee or experience monetary and other costs which deter them from signing up to or completing programmes. This is recognised in the health economics literature, though within this sparse body of work, costs to families are often narrowly defined and not fully accounted for. A societal perspective incorporating a broader array of costs may provide a more accurate picture. This paper brings together a review of the health economics literature on the costs to families attending child weight management programmes with qualitative data from families participating in a programme to manage child overweight and obesity. A search identified economic evaluation studies of lifestyle interventions in childhood obesity. The qualitative work drew on interviews with families who attended a weight management intervention in three UK re...
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Arai, L. and Harding, S. (2002) Health and social care services for minority ethnic communities in the United Kingdom: a review of the literature on access and use [Online]. Available at:... more
Arai, L. and Harding, S. (2002) Health and social care services for minority ethnic communities in the United Kingdom: a review of the literature on access and use [Online]. Available at: http://www.sphsu.mrc.ac.uk/library/occasional/OP09.pdf (Accessed 20 June 2011).
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Background: While much of the world still struggles with too little to eat, in the west, obesity has emerged as a major public health issue. To date, a number of systematic reviews of the effectiveness of interventions to treat and... more
Background: While much of the world still struggles with too little to eat, in the west, obesity has emerged as a major public health issue. To date, a number of systematic reviews of the effectiveness of interventions to treat and prevent childhood obesity have been conducted (including [1-3]). In 2007, the EPPI-Centre began work on a programme of research on childhood obesity, for the English Department of Health and Department for Children, Schools and Families. The programme of work included systematic reviews of social and ...
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Roberts, Helen; Arai, Lisa; Roen, Katrina and Popay, Jennie (2006). What evidence do we have on implementation? Or: It might work in a trial, but how do we make it work round here? In: Kelly, M.; Kanaris, A.; Morgan, A.; Swann, C.;... more
Roberts, Helen; Arai, Lisa; Roen, Katrina and Popay, Jennie (2006). What evidence do we have on implementation? Or: It might work in a trial, but how do we make it work round here? In: Kelly, M.; Kanaris, A.; Morgan, A.; Swann, C.; Powell, G.; Bannon, C. and Killoran, A. eds. ...
Estimates suggest that 15% of children in the United Kingdom have been exposed to at least one form of domestic violence (DV) during their childhood, with more than 3% having witnessed an incident during the past year. This exposure... more
Estimates suggest that 15% of children in the United Kingdom have been exposed to at least one form of domestic violence (DV) during their childhood, with more than 3% having witnessed an incident during the past year. This exposure increases the risk of children suffering both short-term and long-term impacts, including effects on their behaviour, social development, physical and mental health, educational attainment and quality of life. In addition, children living in environments where there is DV are at higher risk of maltreatment. Adult relatives and friends of the family often observe the experiences of children in situations of DV, and have the potential to shed light in a way that children and survivors may struggle to articulate, or be reluctant to acknowledge or disclose. Such accounts are largely absent from existing research, and yet bring a perspective which can broaden our understanding of the impact that DV has on children. This paper reports a secondary analysis of qualitative data collected during 21 in-depth interviews with people across the United Kingdom who were a friend or family member of a woman experiencing DV. An inductive thematic analysis was undertaken and the themes generated were as follows: 'the context of DV: a chaotic and unpredictable home life'; 'the roles children assume within households where there is DV including: witness of, victim of and conduit of violence and abuse',; 'the impacts of DV on children'; and 'children's coping and resilience'. The implications of these findings are discussed using a basic needs model lens.
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There is a large body of research on the impact of domestic violence and abuse (DVA) on children, mostly reporting survey data and focusing largely on psychological outcomes. Qualitative research on the views of children has the potential... more
There is a large body of research on the impact of domestic violence and abuse (DVA) on children, mostly reporting survey data and focusing largely on psychological outcomes. Qualitative research on the views of children has the potential to enable a child-centered understanding of their experience of DVA, so their needs can be better met by professionals. This systematic review reports general findings from the ViOlence: Impact on Children Evidence Synthesis (VOICES) project that synthesized published qualitative research on the experiences of DVA from the perspective of children and young people. A thematic synthesis of 33 reports identified six themes: lived experience of DVA, children’s agency and coping, turning points and transitions, managing relationships postseparation, impact of DVA on children, and children’s expressions of hope for the future. We conclude that professionals working with children affected by DVA should be mindful of the diversity in children’s experiences...
Research Interests: Psychology and Medicine
As Roe et al 1 point out, failing to ensure access to paediatric appointments has implications for a range of outcomes, including safeguarding. Here we report challenges we experienced in finding out from the frontline how protocols... more
As Roe et al 1 point out, failing to ensure access to paediatric appointments has implications for a range of outcomes, including safeguarding. Here we report challenges we experienced in finding out from the frontline how protocols intended to address this problem are experienced on the ground. Following our did not attend (DNA)2 3 studies, we reviewed recruitment notes on our attempts to talk to people tasked with producing or implementing these protocols. After speedy institutional ethics review, we required research and development (R&D) approval from each trust where we had identified a relevant DNA protocol in order to ask potential interviewees if we could talk to them. R&D contacts were helpful but risk-averse. Challenges included …
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... IN MARITAL STABILITY by Penny Mansfield, Jenny Reynolds and Lisa Arai One plus One Marriage and Partnership Research ... Department of the Environment. Lisa Arai completed her first degree in Anthropology at Goldsmith College, London... more
... IN MARITAL STABILITY by Penny Mansfield, Jenny Reynolds and Lisa Arai One plus One Marriage and Partnership Research ... Department of the Environment. Lisa Arai completed her first degree in Anthropology at Goldsmith College, London ...
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This review is a survey of recent research on migrants’ use of public services (health and social care, education, social housing and selected services provided within the criminal justice system). It offers a broad overview of existing... more
This review is a survey of recent research on migrants’ use of public services (health and social care, education, social housing and selected services provided within the criminal justice system). It offers a broad overview of existing research evidence in this field and an extensive annotated bibliography of key sources. There is substantial work on this theme, in particular, on the health of asylum seekers and refugees, though this work rarely specifically examines service use, and much of it is very general in nature. Fewer research projects focus on migrants’ use of education, social housing and criminal justice services. Where access to services is examined, it is usually the experience of, and barriers to, service use that is the focus, rather than other aspects of service use. Analysis of newspaper coverage showed that use of public services by asylum seekers is a prominent theme in the media, and the cause of hostility in some localities. In sum, this review finds a lack of methodologically robust research on migrants’ use of public services. In general, much of the research in this area is generalised, local and smallscale in nature. There is a need for further research if the service needs of migrants are to be met in the future.
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Geographic variation in teenage pregnancy is attributable to social and cultural, as well as demographic, factors. In some communities and social networks early childbearing may be acceptable, or even normative. It is these places that... more
Geographic variation in teenage pregnancy is attributable to social and cultural, as well as demographic, factors. In some communities and social networks early childbearing may be acceptable, or even normative. It is these places that are the focus of policy initiatives. This paper reports the findings of a qualitative study of neighbourhood and peer influences on the transition from pregnancy to fertility among 15 young mothers in three English locations. Data were also collected from nine local health workers. The findings show that, from the mothers’ perspective, there was no evidence that peers influenced behaviour. However, the data did suggest that early childbearing might be normative in some communities.
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Unintentional injury is a leading cause of mortality and disability among young and old. While evidence about the effectiveness of interventions in reducing injuries is accumulating, reviews of this evidence frequently fail to include... more
Unintentional injury is a leading cause of mortality and disability among young and old. While evidence about the effectiveness of interventions in reducing injuries is accumulating, reviews of this evidence frequently fail to include details of implementation processes. Our ...
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Drawing lessons from research can help policymakers make better decisions. This can be particularly challenging where a large and methodologically-varied body of research exists, as is the case with the research on childhood obesity. We... more
Drawing lessons from research can help policymakers make better decisions. This can be particularly challenging where a large and methodologically-varied body of research exists, as is the case with the research on childhood obesity. We present findings from a case study that aimed to highlight possible new research and policy objectives on child obesity. To do this, we triangulated user involvement data with a mapping study of interventions aimed at reducing child obesity. The results suggest that enhancing mental wellbeing might be considered a useful research and policy objective, as might greater involvement of peers and parents in the delivery of obesity interventions. We conclude that triangulation of this kind offers a useful and valid method of exploiting the evidence base.
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prevention. •B oth syntheses suggested that including previously-injured children in a trial might moderate the effectiveness of a safety education intervention. •T he narrative synthesis led to recommendations for future research... more
prevention. •B oth syntheses suggested that including previously-injured children in a trial might moderate the effectiveness of a safety education intervention. •T he narrative synthesis led to recommendations for future research relating to improvements in outcome measurement, description of interventions, use of theory in designing interventions, and adjusting for potential confounding from concurrent fire safety initiatives/policies. This contrasted with the meta-analysis, which had incorporated subgroup/sensitivity analyses to further evaluate the effects of interventions delivered as part of child health surveillance, discounted alarms and the impact of individual quality factors. Conclusions For this example, the results and conclusions of meta- analysis and guidance-led narrative synthesis of the same effectiveness studies were broadly similar. • The availability of point estimates in subgroup and sensitivity analyses may allow the meta-analyst greater confidence to draw ...
Patients who do not attend ('DNA') health appointments have been identified as a service problem incurring significant costs to the NHS. In order to explore the causes, effects and costs of child DNAs, we carried out a scoping... more
Patients who do not attend ('DNA') health appointments have been identified as a service problem incurring significant costs to the NHS. In order to explore the causes, effects and costs of child DNAs, we carried out a scoping study to map the literature and identify gaps in the research. Given the breadth of issues underpinning DNAs, a scoping study, including research studies, audits, policy documents and conference abstracts, was the most useful way to map the field. To foster public and patient participation, we sought advice from parents participating in the National Children's Bureau's Family Research Advisory Group. From a pool of 1997 items, we found few UK studies with non-attendance of 0-10 year olds as a primary focus, though many more incidentally reported DNA rates. Overall, four topics predominated: the conceptualization of DNAs; the correlates of non-attendance; initiatives to reduce non-attendance; and the relationship between non-attendance and safeg...
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As part of a study considering the impact of a child weight management programme when rolled out at scale following an RCT, this qualitative study focused on acceptability and implementation for providers and for families taking part.... more
As part of a study considering the impact of a child weight management programme when rolled out at scale following an RCT, this qualitative study focused on acceptability and implementation for providers and for families taking part. Participants were selected on the basis of a maximum variation sample providing a range of experiences and social contexts. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 29 professionals who commissioned or delivered the programme, and 64 individuals from 23 families in 3 English regions. Topic guides were used as a tool rather than a rule, enabling participants to construct a narrative about their experiences. Transcripts were analysed using framework analysis. Practical problems such as transport, work schedules and competing demands on family time were common barriers to participation. Delivery partners often put considerable efforts into recruiting, retaining and motivating families, which increased uptake but also increased cost. Parents and providers valued skilled delivery staff. Some providers made adaptations to meet local social and cultural needs. Both providers and parents expressed concerns about long term outcomes, and how this was compromised by an obesogenic environment. Concerns about funding together with barriers to uptake and engagement could translate into barriers to commissioning. Where these barriers were not experienced, commissioners were enthusiastic about continuing the programme. Most families felt that they had gained something from the programme, but few felt that it had 'worked' for them. The demands on families including time and emotional work were experienced as difficult. For commissioners, an RCT with positive results was an important driver, but family barriers, alongside concerns about recruitment and retention, a desire for local adaptability with qualified motivated staff, and funding changes discouraged some from planning to use the intervention in future.
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ABSTRACT Drawing lessons from research can help policy makers make better decisions. If a large and methodologically varied body of research exists, as with childhood obesity, this is challenging. We present new research and policy... more
ABSTRACT Drawing lessons from research can help policy makers make better decisions. If a large and methodologically varied body of research exists, as with childhood obesity, this is challenging. We present new research and policy objectives for child obesity developed by triangulating user involvement data with a mapping study of interventions aimed at reducing child obesity. The results suggest that enhancing mental wellbeing should be a policy objective, and greater involvement of peers and parents in the delivery of obesity interventions would be beneficial. We conclude that exploiting the evidence base through triangulation is a useful and valid method.