Dr Karen Matvienko-Sikar is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Public Health, a health psychologist, and Principal Investigator of the HRB funded SCOPE project (Standardised Measurement for Childhood Obesity Prevention). Karen previously led a HRB funded Applying Research into Policy and Practice project to reduce maternal stress in the period from conception to 2 years postpartum (the first 1000 days). Karen completed her undergraduate and postgraduate studies in Applied Psychology in University College Cork, focusing on maternal mental health and well-being. She joined the School of Public Health in 2016 as a postdoctoral researcher on the HRB ICE project to develop, implement and examine a childhood obesity prevention in primary care in Ireland.
Karen is the current Chair of the Psychological Society of Ireland Division of Health Psychology.
Karen was awarded the European Association for the Study of Obesity New Investigator Award in Childhood Obesity (2020); the European Health Psychology Society Stan Maes Early Career Award (2019); and the from the Psychological Society of Ireland Division of Health Psychology Hannah McGee Award for Excellence in Research/Practice (2018). She is also Royal Irish Academy Charlemont Scholar and a Catalyst of the Berkeley Initiative for Transparency in the Social Sciences. Karen has also received awards and recognition for her work on Open Research.
Karen's research interests are, broadly, in maternal and child health. Within this, her research has two main strands.
The first focuses on childhood obesity, particularly development, implementation, evaluation of prevention strategies and interventions. This includes development and use of appropriate approaches to assessment of intervention effects. Karen is particularly interested in infant feeding and parent-infant interactions in the development and prevention of childhood obesity. Karen is a co-investigator with EPOCH-Translate: Translating early prevention of childhood obesity.
The second focuses on perinatal mental health, particularly development of supports and strategies at a population level for women. Karen has particular expertise in perinatal stress and anxiety, including psychophysiological indicators of well-being such as cortisol. She also has expertise in examination of the impact of perinatal mental health on maternal and child health outcomes.
Methodologically, Karen has expertise in intervention development, outcomes research, evidence syntheses and trial methodology. She is particularly interested in outcomes research, including development and use of core outcome sets to improve measurement and reporting of outcomes in trials. She is also interested in outcome reporting bias, particularly in health psychology and behavioural medicine. Karen is also passionate about open research and led development of the Principles and Practices of Open Research (PaPOR TRaIL) course, which is a free open access introductory course in what open research is and how to do it.
Module Co-ordinator
November 2020-Present
Population Health EH3013
Structured Literature Review MH3010
Epidemiology II EH2006
Module Co-ordinator
March 2016- Present
Public Health and Behavioural Change EH6039
Previous
Masters in Public Health, Health Promotion Pathway, Co-ordinator
Module Co-ordinator
Psychology Applied to Occupational Health and Safety EH6041
Lecturer
Introduction to Research and Statistical Analysis AP1608
Health Psychology: Models and Applications AP3115
Applied Biological Psychology AP3102
Head Tutor School of Applied Psychology
September 2013- September 2014
Tutor
September 2011 – Present
AP2208 Research Methods in Applied Psychology
AP2105 Experimental Design & Statistical Applications
Current
Biography
Dr Karen Matvienko-Sikar is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Public Health, a health psychologist, and Principal Investigator of the HRB funded SCOPE project (Standardised Measurement for Childhood Obesity Prevention). Karen previously led a HRB funded Applying Research into Policy and Practice project to reduce maternal stress in the period from conception to 2 years postpartum (the first 1000 days). Karen completed her undergraduate and postgraduate studies in Applied Psychology in University College Cork, focusing on maternal mental health and well-being. She joined the School of Public Health in 2016 as a postdoctoral researcher on the HRB ICE project to develop, implement and examine a childhood obesity prevention in primary care in Ireland.
Karen is the current Chair of the Psychological Society of Ireland Division of Health Psychology.
Karen was awarded the European Association for the Study of Obesity New Investigator Award in Childhood Obesity (2020); the European Health Psychology Society Stan Maes Early Career Award (2019); and the from the Psychological Society of Ireland Division of Health Psychology Hannah McGee Award for Excellence in Research/Practice (2018). She is also Royal Irish Academy Charlemont Scholar and a Catalyst of the Berkeley Initiative for Transparency in the Social Sciences. Karen has also received awards and recognition for her work on Open Research.
Research Interests
Karen's research interests are, broadly, in maternal and child health. Within this, her research has two main strands.
The first focuses on childhood obesity, particularly development, implementation, evaluation of prevention strategies and interventions. This includes development and use of appropriate approaches to assessment of intervention effects. Karen is particularly interested in infant feeding and parent-infant interactions in the development and prevention of childhood obesity. Karen is a co-investigator with EPOCH-Translate: Translating early prevention of childhood obesity.
The second focuses on perinatal mental health, particularly development of supports and strategies at a population level for women. Karen has particular expertise in perinatal stress and anxiety, including psychophysiological indicators of well-being such as cortisol. She also has expertise in examination of the impact of perinatal mental health on maternal and child health outcomes.
Methodologically, Karen has expertise in intervention development, outcomes research, evidence syntheses and trial methodology. She is particularly interested in outcomes research, including development and use of core outcome sets to improve measurement and reporting of outcomes in trials. She is also interested in outcome reporting bias, particularly in health psychology and behavioural medicine. Karen is also passionate about open research and led development of the Principles and Practices of Open Research (PaPOR TRaIL) course, which is a free open access introductory course in what open research is and how to do it.
Research Grants
| Project | Funding Body | Start Date | End Date | Award | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maximise support for breastfeeding for sustainable population health and wellbeing: Integrated knowledge translation approach MaxSBF | Health Research Board | 01-DEC-23 | 31-MAY-28 | €2,445,579.00 | |
| Promoting Open Science Teaching: A Positive, Inclusive and Participatory Program for Educators (POST-Edu) | 01-DEC-23 | 01-JAN-24 | €49,948.00 | ||
| A Standardised Approach to Measuring Infant Feeding Outcomes to Prevent Childhood Obesity | Health Research Board | 09-JAN-23 | 08-JAN-27 | €791,130.00 | |
| Using a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) to increase Core Outcome Set uptake and impact | 01-DEC-23 | 01-DEC-24 | €35,172.00 | ||
| Rethinking maternal perinatal mental health and childhood obesity. | Enterprise Irl | 18-APR-23 | 17-APR-25 | €15,729.00 | |
| TOPCHILD-translate: Understanding end-users’ needs for an implementation-ready evidence base for the prevention of obesity in young children. | Medical Research Council | 02-APR-23 | 06-JAN-25 | €16,134.00 | |
| Open Research Training Programme | Other: Not Listed | 21-NOV-22 | 01-DEC-23 | €189,993.00 | |
| Rethinking maternal perinatal mental health and childhood obesity | Enterprise Ireland | 04-JUL-22 | 31-OCT-22 | €15,859.00 | |
| Using behavioural science to enhance use of core outcome sets in trials | Health Research Board | 17-FEB-22 | €9,223.00 | ||
| Centre for Research Excellence in the Early Prevention of Childhood Obesity- Translate (Funder: Australian National Health and Medical Research Council) | 03-JAN-22 | €1,598,031.00 | |||
| Reducing Maternal Stress in Ireland | Health Research Board | €247,446.00 | |||
| Early Identification of Suicide and Self-Harm Risk and Comorbid Mental and PHysical Disorders: An INterdisciplinary TrAining, Research and InterventioN Programme (MHAINTAIN) | Health Research Board | €1,500,000.00 | |||
| Prenatal mental health, health behaviours, and support needs during the COVID-19 pandemic | Health Research Board | €2,000.00 | |||
| Teaching and Learning Open Research in Higher Education | National Forum for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education | €1,000.00 | |||
| Developing an intervention to reduce natural-disaster related distress | Royal Irish Academy | €2,000.00 | |||
| Knowledge and Attitudes about Core Outcome Sets | Health Research Board | 29-JUN-20 | 21-AUG-20 | €2,000.00 | |
| Supporting Teaching and Learning of Open Research Principles and Practices | National Forum for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education | 06-JAN-20 | 21-DEC-20 | €65,000.00 | |
| A National survey to Investigate the use of Complementary & Alternative Medicine in Irish Oncology Patients | Irish Cancer Society | 06-JAN-20 | €64,871.00 | ||
| Fidelity of stress-reduction interventions in the first 1000 day | Health Research Board | 03-JUN-19 | 13-SEP-19 | €2,400.00 | |
| CHErIsH KEDS | Health Research Board | 01-DEC-18 | 02-DEC-19 | €57,888.00 | |
| Maternal stress and child overweight and obesity: psychological, physiological and behavioural mechanisms | Enterprise Ireland | €16,000.00 | |||
| Developing a Core Outcome Set of Infant Feeding Outcomes for Obesity Prevention Interventions. | Irish Research Council | 19-DEC-16 | 21-JUL-17 | €4,850.00 | |
| To determine if provision of information about a core outcome set (COS) increases response rates and attitudes toward trial questionnaire completion | Health Research Board | 01-JAN-18 | €10,000.00 | ||
| Effects of parental stress, depression, and self-esteem on feeding practices at 18 months (funded by: Children's Research Network) | Other: Not Listed | 02-APR-18 | €9,190.00 | ||
| Measuring Core Infant Feeding Outcomes in Childhood Obesity Trials | Health Research Board | 01-JUN-17 | 28-JUL-17 | €2,000.00 | |
| What’s on your child’s plate? Food portion sizes and the proportion of different food groups eaten by children on the island of Ireland. Funded by Safefood | Other: Not Listed | €97,274.00 | |||
| Determining the most feasible and acceptable methods of cortisol sampling in pregnancy | Royal Irish Academy | 02-JAN-17 | 01-DEC-17 | €1,723.00 |
Contract Researchers
| Researcher Name | Project | Role | Funding Body | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dr Reindolf Anokye | SCOPE (https://eiascope.com/) | Postdoctoral Researcher | Health Research Board | |
| Moira Duffy | SCOPE (https://eiascope.com/) | Research Assistant | Health Research Board | |
| Eibhlin Looney | SCOPE (https://eiascope.com/) | Research Assistant | Health Research Board | |
| Mary Tobin | Principles and Practices of Open Research: Teaching, Research, Impact and Learning | Research Assistant | National Forum for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education | |
| Sophia Egan | Principles and Practices of Open Research: Teaching, Research, Impact and Learning | Research Assistant | National Forum for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education | |
| Charlotte Griffin | To determine if provision of information about a core outcome set (COS) increases response rates and attitudes toward trial questionnaire completion | Research Assistant | Health Research Board | |
| Jennifer Cooney | Maternal stress and child overweight and obesity: psychological, physiological and behavioural mechanisms | Research Assistant | Enterprise Ireland | |
| Jennifer Murphy | Maternal stress and child overweight and obesity: psychological, physiological and behavioural mechanisms | Research Assistant | Enterprise Ireland | |
| Sarah Buggy | Maternal Stress, Depression and Self-Esteem and Child feeding at 18 months | Postgraduate Researcher | Atlantic Philanthropies |
Publications
Book Chapters
| Year | Publication | |
|---|---|---|
| (2021) | 'Natural Disasters and Pregnancy: Population-Level Stressors and Interventions' King, S., Matvienko-Sikar, K., Laplante, D. (2021) 'Natural Disasters and Pregnancy: Population-Level Stressors and Interventions' In: Wazana, A., Székely, E., Oberlander, T. F (eds). Prenatal Stress and Child Development. Switzerland: Springer International Publishing. [Details] |
Peer Reviewed Journals
| Year | Publication | |
|---|---|---|
| (2024) | 'Selective outcome reporting in trials of behavioural health interventions in health psychology and behavioural medicine journals: a review' Matvienko-Sikar K;O'Shea J;Kennedy S;Thomas SD;Avery K;Byrne M;McHugh S;O' Connor DB;Saldanha IJ;Smith V;Toomey E;Dwan K;Kirkham JJ; (2024) 'Selective outcome reporting in trials of behavioural health interventions in health psychology and behavioural medicine journals: a review'. Health Psychology Review, [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2024) | 'Methodological quality of 100 recent systematic reviews of health-related outcome measurement instruments: an overview of reviews' Elsman EBM;Mokkink LB;Abma IL;Aiyegbusi OL;Chiarotto A;Haywood KL;Matvienko-Sikar K;Oosterveer DM;Pool JJM;Swinkels-Meewisse IEJ;Offringa M;Terwee CB; (2024) 'Methodological quality of 100 recent systematic reviews of health-related outcome measurement instruments: an overview of reviews'. Quality of Life Research, [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2024) | 'Using behavioral science to increase core outcome set use in trials' Matvienko-Sikar K;Hussey S;Mellor K;Byrne M;Clarke M;Kirkham JJ;Kottner J;Quirke F;Saldanha IJ;Smith V;Toomey E;Williamson PR; (2024) 'Using behavioral science to increase core outcome set use in trials'. Journal of Clinical Epidemiology, 168 [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2024) | 'Core Outcome Set for IgE-mediated food allergy clinical trials and observational studies of interventions: International Delphi consensus study 'COMFA'' Demidova A;Drewitz KP;Kimkool P;Banjanin N;Barzylovich V;Botjes E;Capper I;Castor MAR;Comberiati P;Cook EE;Costa J;Chu DK;Epstein MM;Galvin AD;Giovannini M;Girard F;Golding MA;Greenhawt M;Ierodiakonou D;Jones CJ;Khaleva E;Knibb RC;Macit-Çelebi MS;Mack DP;Mafra I;Marchisotto MJ;Mijakoski D;Nekliudov N;Özdemir C;Patel N;Pazukhina E;Protudjer JLP;Rodríguez Del Rio P;Roomet J;Sammut P;Schoos AM;Schopfer AF;Schultz F;Seylanova N;Skypala I;Sørensen M;Stoleski S;Stylianou E;Upton J;van de Veen W;Genuneit J;Boyle RJ;Apfelbacher C;Munblit D; ; (2024) 'Core Outcome Set for IgE-mediated food allergy clinical trials and observational studies of interventions: International Delphi consensus study 'COMFA''. Allergy, 79 (4) [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2024) | 'Pregnancy and birth complications and long-term maternal mental health outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis' Bodunde EO;Buckley D;O'Neill E;Al Khalaf S;Maher GM;O'Connor K;McCarthy FP;Kublickiene K;Matvienko-Sikar K;Khashan AS; (2024) 'Pregnancy and birth complications and long-term maternal mental health outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis'. An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2023) | 'Co-Design of a Reusable Learning Object (RLO) to Address Caregiver Responsive Infant Feeding Behaviours (CRIB) to Prevent Childhood Obesity: A Mixed-Method Protocol' Porter L;Matvienko-Sikar K;Wharrad H;Spiby H;Siriwardena AN;Howitt C;Green K;Redsell S; (2023) 'Co-Design of a Reusable Learning Object (RLO) to Address Caregiver Responsive Infant Feeding Behaviours (CRIB) to Prevent Childhood Obesity: A Mixed-Method Protocol'. Healthcare, 12 (1) [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2023) | 'Prenatal maternal cortisol, stress and anxiety, and childhood obesity at 5 years: a nested case-control study' Matvienko-Sikar K;Butler E;Keeffe LO;Dijk WV;Hayes CB;Huizink AC;Kearney PM;Costelloe SJ;Curtin S;Foley K;McCarthy FP;Mahony SO;Khashan A;Murray DM; (2023) 'Prenatal maternal cortisol, stress and anxiety, and childhood obesity at 5 years: a nested case-control study'. Journal Of Reproductive And Infant Psychology, [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2023) | 'Teaching open and reproducible scholarship: a critical review of the evidence base for current pedagogical methods and their outcomes' Pownall M;Azevedo F;König LM;Slack HR;Evans TR;Flack Z;Grinschgl S;Elsherif MM;Gilligan-Lee KA;de Oliveira CMF;Gjoneska B;Kalandadze T;Button K;Ashcroft-Jones S;Terry J;Albayrak-Aydemir N;Dechterenko F;Alzahawi S;Baker BJ;Pittelkow MM;Riedl L;Schmidt K;Pennington CR;Shaw JJ;Lüke T;Makel MC;Hartmann H;Zaneva M;Walker D;Verheyen S;Cox D;Mattschey J;Gallagher-Mitchell T;Branney P;Weisberg Y;Izydorczak K;Al-Hoorie AH;Creaven AM;Stewart SLK;Krautter K;Matvienko-Sikar K;Westwood SJ;Arriaga P;Liu M;Baum MA;Wingen T;Ross RM;O'Mahony A;Bochynska A;Jamieson M;Tromp MV;Yeung SK;Vasilev MR;Gourdon-Kanhukamwe A;Micheli L;Konkol M;Moreau D;Bartlett JE;Clark K;Brekelmans G;Gkinopoulos T;Tyler SL;Röer JP;Ilchovska ZG;Madan CR;Robertson O;Iley BJ;Guay S;Sladekova M;Sadhwani S; ; (2023) 'Teaching open and reproducible scholarship: a critical review of the evidence base for current pedagogical methods and their outcomes'. Royal Society Open Science, 10 (5) [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2023) | 'A systematic review of behaviour change techniques used in the context of stillbirth prevention' Escañuela Sánchez T;O Donoghue K;Byrne M;Meaney S;Matvienko-Sikar K; (2023) 'A systematic review of behaviour change techniques used in the context of stillbirth prevention'. Women and Birth, [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2023) | 'Healthcare professionals' experiences and perceptions of providing support for mental health during the period from pregnancy to two years postpartum' Pope J;Redsell S;Houghton C;Matvienko-Sikar K; (2023) 'Healthcare professionals' experiences and perceptions of providing support for mental health during the period from pregnancy to two years postpartum'. Midwifery, 118 [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2023) | 'Factors that shape recurrent miscarriage care experiences: findings from a national survey' Flannery C;Hennessy M;Dennehy R;Matvienko-Sikar K;Lucey C;Dhubhgain JU;O'Donoghue K; (2023) 'Factors that shape recurrent miscarriage care experiences: findings from a national survey'. BMC Health Services Research, 23 (1) [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2022) | 'Nurturing children's development through healthy eating and active living: Time for policies to support effective interventions in the context of responsive emotional support and early learning' Skouteris H;Green R;Chung A;Bergmeier H;Amir LH;Baidwan SK;Chater AM;Chamberlain C;Emond R;Gibbons K;Gooey M;Hatzikiriakidis K;Haycraft E;Hills AP;Higgins DJ;Hooper O;Hunter SA;Kappelides P;Kleve S;Krakouer J;Lumeng JC;Manios Y;Mansoor A;Marmot M;Mâsse LC;Matvienko-Sikar K;Mchiza ZJ;Meyer C;Moschonis G;Munro ER;O'Connor TM;O'Neil A;Quarmby T;Sandford R;Schneiderman JU;Sherriff S;Simkiss D;Spence A;Sturgiss E;Vicary D;Wickes R;Wolfenden L;Story M;Black MM; (2022) 'Nurturing children's development through healthy eating and active living: Time for policies to support effective interventions in the context of responsive emotional support and early learning'. Health & Social Care In The Community, [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2022) | 'Core outcome set for early intervention trials to prevent obesity in childhood (COS-EPOCH): Agreement on what to measure' Brown V;Moodie M;Sultana M;Hunter KE;Byrne R;Seidler AL;Golley R;Taylor RW;Hesketh KD;Matvienko-Sikar K; (2022) 'Core outcome set for early intervention trials to prevent obesity in childhood (COS-EPOCH): Agreement on what to measure'. International Journal of Obesity, [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2022) | 'Exploring first-time mothers' experiences and knowledge about behavioural risk factors for stillbirth' Escañuela Sánchez T;Matvienko-Sikar K;Meaney S;O'Donoghue K; (2022) 'Exploring first-time mothers' experiences and knowledge about behavioural risk factors for stillbirth'. Health expectations : an international journal of public participation in health care and health policy, [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2022) | 'Facilitators and barriers influencing weight management behaviours during pregnancy: a meta-synthesis of qualitative research' Escañuela Sánchez T;Meaney S;O'Connor C;Linehan L;O'Donoghue K;Byrne M;Matvienko-Sikar K; (2022) 'Facilitators and barriers influencing weight management behaviours during pregnancy: a meta-synthesis of qualitative research'. BMC pregnancy and childbirth, 22 (1) [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2022) | 'How we define recurrent miscarriage matters: A qualitative exploration of the views of people with professional or lived experience' Dennehy R;Hennessy M;Meaney S;Matvienko-Sikar K;O'Sullivan-Lago R;Uí Dhubhgain J;Lucey C;O'Donoghue K; (2022) 'How we define recurrent miscarriage matters: A qualitative exploration of the views of people with professional or lived experience'. Health expectations : an international journal of public participation in health care and health policy, [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2022) | 'Maternity care during COVID-19: a qualitative evidence synthesis of women's and maternity care providers' views and experiences' Flaherty SJ;Delaney H;Matvienko-Sikar K;Smith V; (2022) 'Maternity care during COVID-19: a qualitative evidence synthesis of women's and maternity care providers' views and experiences'. BMC pregnancy and childbirth, 22 (1) [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2022) | 'A scoping review of outcomes commonly reported in obesity prevention interventions aiming to improve obesity-related health behaviors in children to age 5 years' Brown, Vicki; Moodie, Marj; Sultana, Marufa; Hunter, Kylie E.; Byrne, Rebecca; Zarnowiecki, Dorota; Seidler, Anna Lene; Golley, Rebecca; Taylor, Rachael W.; Hesketh, Kylie D.; Matvienko-Sikar, Karen (2022) 'A scoping review of outcomes commonly reported in obesity prevention interventions aiming to improve obesity-related health behaviors in children to age 5 years'. Obesity Reviews, 23 (5) [DOI] [Full Text] [Details] | |
| (2021) | 'Use of core outcome sets was low in clinical trials published in major medical journals' Matvienko-Sikar K;Avery K;Blazeby JM;Devane D;Dodd S;Egan AM;Gorst SL;Hughes K;Jacobsen P;Kirkham JJ;Kottner J;Mellor K;Millward CP;Patel S;Quirke F;Saldanha IJ;Smith V;Terwee CB;Young AE;Williamson PR; (2021) 'Use of core outcome sets was low in clinical trials published in major medical journals'. Journal of Clinical Epidemiology, 142 [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2021) | 'A survey of knowledge, perceptions and use of core outcome sets among clinical trialists' Bellucci C;Hughes K;Toomey E;Williamson PR;Matvienko-Sikar K; (2021) 'A survey of knowledge, perceptions and use of core outcome sets among clinical trialists'. Trials, 22 (1) [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2021) | 'Women's experiences and perceptions of anxiety and stress during the perinatal period: a systematic review and qualitative evidence synthesis' McCarthy M;Houghton C;Matvienko-Sikar K; (2021) 'Women's experiences and perceptions of anxiety and stress during the perinatal period: a systematic review and qualitative evidence synthesis'. BMC pregnancy and childbirth, 21 (1) [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2021) | 'Effects of maternal stress and/or anxiety interventions in the first 1000 days:Systematic review of reviews' Matvienko-Sikar K;Redsell S;Flannery C; (2021) 'Effects of maternal stress and/or anxiety interventions in the first 1000 days:Systematic review of reviews'. Journal Of Reproductive And Infant Psychology, [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2021) | 'Barriers and enablers to caregivers' responsive feeding behaviour: A systematic review to inform childhood obesity prevention' Redsell SA;Slater V;Rose J;Olander EK;Matvienko-Sikar K; (2021) 'Barriers and enablers to caregivers' responsive feeding behaviour: A systematic review to inform childhood obesity prevention'. Obesity reviews : an official journal of the International Association for the Study of Obesity, [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2021) | 'Protocol for the development of Core Outcome Sets for Early intervention trials to Prevent Obesity in CHildren (COS-EPOCH)' Brown V;Moodie M;Tran HNQ;Sultana M;Hunter KE;Byrne R;Zarnowiecki D;Seidler AL;Golley R;Taylor R;Hesketh KD;Matvienko-Sikar K; (2021) 'Protocol for the development of Core Outcome Sets for Early intervention trials to Prevent Obesity in CHildren (COS-EPOCH)'. Bmj Open, 11 (7) [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2021) | 'A study protocol of qualitative data sharing practices in clinical trials in the UK and Ireland: towards the production of good practice guidance' Houghton C;McCarthy M;Gillies K;Rousseau N;Wade J;Gamble C;Toomey E;Matvienko-Sikar K;Sydes M;Dowling M;Bryant V;Biesty L; (2021) 'A study protocol of qualitative data sharing practices in clinical trials in the UK and Ireland: towards the production of good practice guidance'. Hrb Open Research, 4 [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2021) | 'The usability and applicability of knowledge translation theories, models, and frameworks for research in the context of a national health service' Minogue V;Matvienko-Sikar K;Hayes C;Morrissey M;Gorman G;Terres A; (2021) 'The usability and applicability of knowledge translation theories, models, and frameworks for research in the context of a national health service'. Health Research Policy And Systems, 19 (1) [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2021) | 'Recruiting 'hard to reach' parents for health promotion research: experiences from a qualitative study' Tully L;Spyreli E;Allen-Walker V;Matvienko-Sikar K;McHugh S;Woodside J;McKinley MC;Kearney PM;Dean M;Hayes C;Heary C;Kelly C; (2021) 'Recruiting 'hard to reach' parents for health promotion research: experiences from a qualitative study'. BMC Research Notes, 14 (1) [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2021) | 'The impact of COVID-19 on pregnant womens' experiences and perceptions of antenatal maternity care, social support, and stress-reduction strategies' Meaney S;Leitao S;Olander EK;Pope J;Matvienko-Sikar K; (2021) 'The impact of COVID-19 on pregnant womens' experiences and perceptions of antenatal maternity care, social support, and stress-reduction strategies'. Women and Birth, [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2021) | 'Facilitators and barriers to substance-free pregnancies in high-income countries: A meta-synthesis of qualitative research' Escañuela Sánchez T;Matvienko-Sikar K;Linehan L;O'Donoghue K;Byrne M;Meaney S; (2021) 'Facilitators and barriers to substance-free pregnancies in high-income countries: A meta-synthesis of qualitative research'. Women and Birth, [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2021) | 'Editorial: Outcome reporting in midwifery research' Matvienko-Sikar K.;Homer C. (2021) 'Editorial: Outcome reporting in midwifery research'. Women and Birth, 34 (3):203-205 [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2021) | 'Representation of published core outcome sets for research in regulatory guidance: protocol' Susanna Dodd, Rebecca Fish, Sarah Gorst, Deborah Hall, Pamela Jacobsen, Jamie Kirkham, Barry Main, Karen Matvienko-Sikar, Ian J. Saldanha, Dominic Trépel, Paula R. Williamson (2021) 'Representation of published core outcome sets for research in regulatory guidance: protocol'. Hrb Open Research, [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2021) | 'Maternity care during COVID-19: a protocol for a qualitative evidence synthesis of women’s and maternity care providers’ views and experiences' Smith, V., Flaherty, S.J., Matvienko-Sikar, K., Delaney, H. (2021) 'Maternity care during COVID-19: a protocol for a qualitative evidence synthesis of women’s and maternity care providers’ views and experiences'. Hrb Open Research, [Details] | |
| (2021) | 'Prenatal stress, health, and health behaviours during the COVID-19 pandemic: An international survey' Pope J;Olander EK;Leitao S;Meaney S;Matvienko-Sikar K; (2021) 'Prenatal stress, health, and health behaviours during the COVID-19 pandemic: An international survey'. Women and Birth, [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2021) | 'Choosing important health outcomes for comparative effectiveness research: 6th annual update to a systematic review of core outcome sets for research' Gargon E.;Gorst S.L.;Matvienko-Sikar K.;Williamson P.R. (2021) 'Choosing important health outcomes for comparative effectiveness research: 6th annual update to a systematic review of core outcome sets for research'. Plos One, 16 (1 January) [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2021) | 'Supporting strategies for enhancing vegetable liking in the early years of life: an umbrella review of systematic reviews' Bell LK;Gardner C;Tian EJ;Cochet-Broch MO;Poelman AAM;Cox DN;Nicklaus S;Matvienko-Sikar K;Daniels LA;Kumar S;Golley RK; (2021) 'Supporting strategies for enhancing vegetable liking in the early years of life: an umbrella review of systematic reviews'. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2020) | 'Focusing on fidelity: narrative review and recommendations for improving intervention fidelity within trials of health behaviour change interventions' Toomey E.;Hardeman W.;Hankonen N.;Byrne M.;McSharry J.;Matvienko-Sikar K.;Lorencatto F. (2020) 'Focusing on fidelity: narrative review and recommendations for improving intervention fidelity within trials of health behaviour change interventions'. Health Psychology : Official Journal Of The Division Of Health Psychology, American Psychological Association, 8 (1):132-151 [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2020) | 'Exploring factors that influence the practice of Open Science by early career health researchers: a mixed methods study' Zecevic K;Houghton C;Noone C;Lee H;Matvienko-Sikar K;Toomey E; (2020) 'Exploring factors that influence the practice of Open Science by early career health researchers: a mixed methods study'. Hrb Open Research, 3 [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2020) | 'Uptake of core outcome sets by clinical trialists publishing in major medical journals: Protocol' Matvienko-Sikar K;Avery K;Blazeby J;Hughes K;Jacobsen P;Kirkham J;Kottner J;Mellor K;Saldanha I;Smith V;Terwee CB;Williamson PR; ; (2020) 'Uptake of core outcome sets by clinical trialists publishing in major medical journals: Protocol'. Hrb Open Research, 3 [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2020) | 'Fidelity of Interventions to Reduce or Prevent Stress and/or Anxiety from Pregnancy up to Two Years Postpartum: A Systematic Review' Gorman, G;Toomey, E;Flannery, C;Redsell, S;Hayes, C;Huizink, A;Kearney, PM;Matvienko-Sikar, K (2020) 'Fidelity of Interventions to Reduce or Prevent Stress and/or Anxiety from Pregnancy up to Two Years Postpartum: A Systematic Review'. Maternal and child health journal, [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2020) | 'Differences in levels of stress, social support, health behaviours, and stress-reduction strategies for women pregnant before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, and based on phases of pandemic restrictions, in Ireland' Matvienko-Sikar K.;Pope J.;Cremin A.;Carr H.;Leitao S.;Olander E.K.;Meaney S. (2020) 'Differences in levels of stress, social support, health behaviours, and stress-reduction strategies for women pregnant before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, and based on phases of pandemic restrictions, in Ireland'. Women and Birth, [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2020) | 'Developing an open educational resource for open research: Protocol for the PaPOR TRAIL project' Egan S;Tobin M;Palmer B;Coffey A;Dahly D;Houghton C;Ó Carragáin E;Toomey E;Dockray S;Matvienko-Sikar K; (2020) 'Developing an open educational resource for open research: Protocol for the PaPOR TRAIL project'. Hrb Open Research, 3 [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2020) | 'Exploring factors that influence the practice of Open Science by early career health researchers: a mixed methods study' Zečević K, Houghton C, Noone C,Lee H, Mativenko-Sikar K, Toomey E (2020) 'Exploring factors that influence the practice of Open Science by early career health researchers: a mixed methods study'. Hrb Open Research, [Details] | |
| (2020) | 'Exploring healthcare professionals' views of the acceptability of delivering interventions to promote healthy infant feeding practices within primary care: a qualitative interview study' Toomey, Elaine; Flannery, Caragh; Matvienko-Sikar, Karen; Olander, Ellinor K.; Hayes, Catherine; Heffernan, Tony; Hennessy, Marita; McHugh, Sheena; Queally, Michelle; Kearney, Patricia M.; Byrne, Molly; Heary, Caroline (2020) 'Exploring healthcare professionals' views of the acceptability of delivering interventions to promote healthy infant feeding practices within primary care: a qualitative interview study'. Public health nutrition, 24 (10):2889-2899 [DOI] [Full Text] [Details] | |
| (2020) | 'Perinatal Mental Health during the COVID-19 Pandemic' Matvienko-Sikar, K., Meedya, S., Ravaldi, C. (2020) 'Perinatal Mental Health during the COVID-19 Pandemic'. Women and Birth, [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2020) | 'Uptake of core outcome sets by clinical trialists publishing in major medical journals: Protocol' Matvienko-Sikar K, Avery K, Blazeby J et al. (2020) 'Uptake of core outcome sets by clinical trialists publishing in major medical journals: Protocol'. Hrb Open Research, 3 (53) [Details] | |
| (2020) | 'The value of core outcome sets in health psychology' Matvienko‐Sikar, Karen; Terwee, Caroline B.; Gargon, Elizabeth; Devane, Declan; Kearney, Patricia M.; Byrne, Molly (2020) 'The value of core outcome sets in health psychology'. British Journal of Health Psychology, [DOI] [Full Text] [Details] | |
| (2020) | 'Methods used in the selection of instruments for outcomes included in Core Outcome Sets have improved since the publication of the COSMIN/COMET guideline' Gorst SL;Prinsen CA;Salcher-Konrad M;Matvienko-Sikar K;Williamson PR;Terwee CB; (2020) 'Methods used in the selection of instruments for outcomes included in Core Outcome Sets have improved since the publication of the COSMIN/COMET guideline'. Journal of Clinical Epidemiology, [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2020) | 'Maternal stress in the first 1000 days and risk of childhood obesity: a systematic review' Matvienko-Sikar K;Cooney J;Flannery C;Murphy J;Khashan A;Huizink A; (2020) 'Maternal stress in the first 1000 days and risk of childhood obesity: a systematic review'. Journal Of Reproductive And Infant Psychology, [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2020) | 'Dietary behaviours and weight management: A thematic analysis of pregnant women's perceptions' C.Flannery, M. N. Mtshede, S.McHugh, A. Ebere Anaba, E. Clifford, M. O'Riordan, L. C. Kenny F. M. McAuliffe, P. M. Kearney, K. Matvienko-Sikar (2020) 'Dietary behaviours and weight management: A thematic analysis of pregnant women's perceptions'. Maternal And Child Nutrition, [Details] | |
| (2020) | 'The Association Between Preeclampsia and Childhood Development and Behavioural Outcomes' Maher GM;O'Keeffe GW;O'Keeffe LM;Matvienko-Sikar K;Dalman C;Kearney PM;McCarthy FP;Khashan AS; (2020) 'The Association Between Preeclampsia and Childhood Development and Behavioural Outcomes'. Maternal and child health journal, [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2020) | 'Effects of interventions for women and their partners to reduce or prevent stress and anxiety: A systematic review' Matvienko-Sikar K;Flannery C;Redsell S;Hayes C;Kearney PM;Huizink A; (2020) 'Effects of interventions for women and their partners to reduce or prevent stress and anxiety: A systematic review'. Women and Birth, [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2020) | 'A core outcome set for trials of infant-feeding interventions to prevent childhood obesity' Matvienko-Sikar K.;Griffin C.;Kelly C.;Heary C.;Lillholm Pico Pedersen M.;McGrath N.;Toomey E.;Harrington J.;Hennessy M.;Queally M.;Hayes C.;McSharry J.;Devane D.;Byrne M.;Kearney P. (2020) 'A core outcome set for trials of infant-feeding interventions to prevent childhood obesity'. International Journal of Obesity, [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2020) | 'A collaborative approach to developing sustainable behaviour change interventions for childhood obesity prevention: Development of the Choosing Healthy Eating for Infant Health (CHErIsH) intervention and implementation strategy' Toomey, E;Matvienko-Sikar, K;Doherty, E;Harrington, J;Hayes, CB;Heary, C;Hennessy, M;Kelly, C;McHugh, S;McSharry, J;O'Halloran, J;Queally, M;Heffernan, T;Kearney, PM;Byrne, M (2020) 'A collaborative approach to developing sustainable behaviour change interventions for childhood obesity prevention: Development of the Choosing Healthy Eating for Infant Health (CHErIsH) intervention and implementation strategy'. British Journal of Health Psychology, [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2020) | 'Barriers and enablers to Caregivers Responsive feeding Behaviour (CRiB): A mixed method systematic review protocol [version 1; peer review: awaiting peer review]' Slater, Vicki; Rose, Jennie; Olander, Ellinor; Matvienko-Sikar, Karen; Redsell, Sarah (2020) 'Barriers and enablers to Caregivers Responsive feeding Behaviour (CRiB): A mixed method systematic review protocol [version 1; peer review: awaiting peer review]'. Hrb Open Research, 3 (2):1-7 [DOI] [Full Text] [Details] | |
| (2019) | 'Choosing Healthy Eating for Infant Health (CHErIsH) study: protocol for a feasibility study' Matvienko-Sikar, K., Toomey, E. et al. (2019) 'Choosing Healthy Eating for Infant Health (CHErIsH) study: protocol for a feasibility study'. Bmj Open, [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2019) | 'Prenatal maternal stress and risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in the offspring: a systematic review and meta-analysis' Manzari N;Matvienko-Sikar K;Baldoni F;O'Keeffe GW;Khashan AS; (2019) 'Prenatal maternal stress and risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in the offspring: a systematic review and meta-analysis'. Social Psychiatry And Psychiatric Epidemiology, [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2019) | 'Behaviour Change Techniques and Theory Use in Healthcare Professional-Delivered Infant Feeding Interventions to Prevent Childhood Obesity: A Systematic Review' Matvienko-Sikar K, Toomey E, Delaney L, Flannery C, McHugh S, McSharry J, Byrne M, Queally M, Heary C, Kearney P (2019) 'Behaviour Change Techniques and Theory Use in Healthcare Professional-Delivered Infant Feeding Interventions to Prevent Childhood Obesity: A Systematic Review'. Health Psychology Review, [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2019) | 'Influence of providing information to participants about development of trial outcomes on response rates and attitudes to questionnaire completion: Protocol for a study within a trial [version 1; referees: 1 approved]' Griffin, C., Toomey, E., Queally, M., Hayes, C., Kearney, P.M., Matvienko-Sikar, K. (2019) 'Influence of providing information to participants about development of trial outcomes on response rates and attitudes to questionnaire completion: Protocol for a study within a trial [version 1; referees: 1 approved]'. Hrb Open Research, [Details] | |
| (2019) | 'Trait mindfulness & self-reported driving behaviour' Murphy, G. & Matvienko-Sikar, K. (2019) 'Trait mindfulness & self-reported driving behaviour'. Personality and Individual Differences, 147 :250-255 [Full Text] [Details] | |
| (2019) | 'How suicide-bereaved family members experience the inquest process: a qualitative study using thematic analysis' Spillane, A., Matvienko-Sikar, K., Larkin, C., Corcoran, P., Arensman (2019) 'How suicide-bereaved family members experience the inquest process: a qualitative study using thematic analysis'. International Journal of Qualitative Studies In Education, [DOI] [Full Text] [Details] | |
| (2018) | 'Addressing fidelity within complex health behaviour change interventions: A protocol of a scoping review of intervention fidelity frameworks and models' Roy, R., Colquhoun, H., Byrne, M., Lorencatto, F., Matvienko-Sikar, K., McCleary, N., Nathan, N., Toomey, E. (2018) 'Addressing fidelity within complex health behaviour change interventions: A protocol of a scoping review of intervention fidelity frameworks and models'. Hrb Open Research, [Details] | |
| (2018) | 'Choosing important health outcomes for comparative effectiveness research: 4th annual update to a systematic review of core outcome sets for research' Gargon E;Gorst SL;Harman NL;Smith V;Matvienko-Sikar K;Williamson PR; (2018) 'Choosing important health outcomes for comparative effectiveness research: 4th annual update to a systematic review of core outcome sets for research'. Plos One, 13 (12) [DOI] [Full Text] [Details] | |
| (2018) | 'Investigating associations between maternal well-being and infant dietary intake in a low income setting' Buggy, S., O'Neill, K., Kearney, P.M., Matvienko-Sikar, K. (2018) 'Investigating associations between maternal well-being and infant dietary intake in a low income setting'. Children's Research Digest on Resilience, [Details] | |
| (2018) | 'Developing a Core Outcome Set for Childhood Obesity Prevention: A Systematic Review' Matvienko-Sikar, Karen; Griffin, Ciara; McGrath, Niamh; Toomey, Elaine; Byrne, Molly; Kelly, Colette; Heary, Caroline; Devane, Declan; Kearney, Patricia M. (2018) 'Developing a Core Outcome Set for Childhood Obesity Prevention: A Systematic Review'. Maternal And Child Nutrition, 15 (1) [DOI] [Full Text] [Details] | |
| (2018) | 'Effects of maternal stress during pregnancy and up to two years after birth on risk of child overweight and obesity: Protocol for a Systematic Review' Cooney, J., Flannery, C., Khashan, A., Huizink, A.C., Matvienko-Sikar, K. (2018) 'Effects of maternal stress during pregnancy and up to two years after birth on risk of child overweight and obesity: Protocol for a Systematic Review'. Hrb Open Research, [Details] | |
| (2018) | 'Surveying knowledge, practice and attitudes towards intervention fidelity within trials of complex healthcare interventions' McGee, D., Lorencatto, F., Matvienko-Sikar, K., Toomey, E. (2018) 'Surveying knowledge, practice and attitudes towards intervention fidelity within trials of complex healthcare interventions'. Trials, [Details] | |
| (2018) | 'Effects of healthcare professional delivered early feeding interventions on feeding practices and dietary intake: A systematic review' Matvienko-Sikar, K., Toomey, E., Delaney, L., Harrington, J., Kearney, P.M. (2018) 'Effects of healthcare professional delivered early feeding interventions on feeding practices and dietary intake: A systematic review'. Appetite, 123 (1):56-71 [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2018) | 'Intervention Fidelity Within Trials of Infant Feeding Behavioral Interventions to Prevent Childhood Obesity: A Systematic Review' Toomey E;Matvienko-Sikar K;Heary C;Delaney L;Queally M;B Hayes C;M Kearney P;Byrne M; ; (2018) 'Intervention Fidelity Within Trials of Infant Feeding Behavioral Interventions to Prevent Childhood Obesity: A Systematic Review'. Annals Of Behavioral Medicine : A Publication Of The Society Of Behavioral Medicine, [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2018) | 'Do mothers accurately identify their child’s overweight/obesity status during early childhood? Evidence from a nationally representative cohort study' Queally, M., Doherty, E., Matvienko-Sikar, K., Toomey, E., Cullinan, J., Harrington, J., Kearney P.M. (2018) 'Do mothers accurately identify their child’s overweight/obesity status during early childhood? Evidence from a nationally representative cohort study'. International Journal Of Behavioral Nutrition And Physical Activity, [Full Text] [Details] | |
| (2018) | 'Plating up appropriate portion sizes for children: a systematic review of parental food and beverage portioning practices' Kairey, L., Matvienko-Sikar, K., Kelly, C., McKinley, M.C., O Connor, E.M., Kearney, P.K., Woodside, J.V., Harrington, J.M. (2018) 'Plating up appropriate portion sizes for children: a systematic review of parental food and beverage portioning practices'. Obesity Reviews, [Details] | |
| (2018) | 'Participants’ perspectives and preferences on clinical trial result dissemination: The TRUST Thyroid Trial experience' Racine, E., Hurley, C., Cheung, A., Sinnott, C., Matvienko-Sikar, K., Baumgartner, C., Rodondi, N., Smithson, W.H., Kearney, P.K. (2018) 'Participants’ perspectives and preferences on clinical trial result dissemination: The TRUST Thyroid Trial experience'. F1000research, [Details] | |
| (2018) | 'Prenatal maternal stress and risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in the offspring: A systematic review and meta-analysis protocol' Manzari, N., Matvienko-Sikar, K., Baldoni, F., O'Keefe, G.W., Khashan, A.S. (2018) 'Prenatal maternal stress and risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in the offspring: A systematic review and meta-analysis protocol'. F1000research, [Details] | |
| (2018) | 'What are the physical and psychological health effects of suicide bereavement on family members? An observational and interview mixed-methods study in Ireland' Spillane A;Matvienko-Sikar K;Larkin C;Corcoran P;Arensman E; (2018) 'What are the physical and psychological health effects of suicide bereavement on family members? An observational and interview mixed-methods study in Ireland'. Bmj Open, 8 (1) [DOI] [Full Text] [Details] | |
| (2017) | 'Parental experiences and perceptions of infant complementary feeding: a qualitative evidence synthesis' Matvienko-Sikar K;Kelly C;Sinnott C;McSharry J;Houghton C;Heary C;Toomey E;Byrne M;Kearney PM; (2017) 'Parental experiences and perceptions of infant complementary feeding: a qualitative evidence synthesis'. Obesity reviews : an official journal of the International Association for the Study of Obesity, [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2017) | 'Study within a trial (SWAT) protocol. Participants' perspectives and preferences on clinical trial result dissemination: The TRUST Thyroid Trial experience' Racine, Emmy; Hurley, Caroline; Cheung, Aoife; Sinnott, Carol; Matvienko-Sikar, Karen; Smithson, William H.; Kearney, Patricia M. (2017) 'Study within a trial (SWAT) protocol. Participants' perspectives and preferences on clinical trial result dissemination: The TRUST Thyroid Trial experience'. Contemporary Clinical Trials, 7 :163-165 [DOI] [Full Text] [Details] | |
| (2017) | 'Physical and psychosomatic health outcomes in people bereaved by suicide compared to people bereaved by other modes of death: a systematic review' Spillane, A., Larkin, C., Corcoran, P., Matvienko-Sikar, K., Arensman, E. (2017) 'Physical and psychosomatic health outcomes in people bereaved by suicide compared to people bereaved by other modes of death: a systematic review'. BMC Public Health, 17 [DOI] [Full Text] [Details] | |
| (2017) | 'Development of an infant feeding core outcome set for childhood obesity interventions: study protocol' Matvienko-Sikar, K., Byrne, M., Kelly, C. , Toomey, E., Hennessy, M., Devane, D., Heary, C., Harrington, J., McGrath, N., Queally, M., Kearney, P. (2017) 'Development of an infant feeding core outcome set for childhood obesity interventions: study protocol'. Trials, 18 [DOI] [Full Text] [Details] | |
| (2017) | 'What are the physical and psychological health effects of suicide bereavement on family members? Protocol for an observational and interview mixed-methods study in Ireland' Spillane, A., Larkin, C., Corcoran, P., Matvienko-Sikar, K., Arensman, E. (2017) 'What are the physical and psychological health effects of suicide bereavement on family members? Protocol for an observational and interview mixed-methods study in Ireland'. Bmj Open, 7 (3) [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2017) | 'The Association between Childcare Arrangements and Risk of Overweight and Obesity in Childhood: A Systematic Review' Black, L., Matvienko-Sikar, K., Kearney, P. (2017) 'The Association between Childcare Arrangements and Risk of Overweight and Obesity in Childhood: A Systematic Review'. Obesity Reviews, [Details] | |
| (2017) | 'The role of prenatal, obstetric, and post-partum factors in the parenting stress of mothers and fathers of 9-month old infants' Matvienko-Sikar, K., Murphy, G., & Murphy, G. (2017) 'The role of prenatal, obstetric, and post-partum factors in the parenting stress of mothers and fathers of 9-month old infants'. Journal Of Psychosomatic Obstetrics And Gynaecology, [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2016) | 'Positive prenatal well-being: conceptualising and measuring mindfulness and gratitude in pregnancy' O' Leary K;Dockray S;Hammond S; (2016) 'Positive prenatal well-being: conceptualising and measuring mindfulness and gratitude in pregnancy'. Archives Of Women'S Mental Health, 19 (4) [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2016) | 'Effects of a novel positive psychological intervention on prenatal stress and well-being: A pilot randomised controlled trial' Matvienko-Sikar, K. & Dockray, S. (2016) 'Effects of a novel positive psychological intervention on prenatal stress and well-being: A pilot randomised controlled trial'. Women and Birth, [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2016) | 'The effects of mindfulness interventions on prenatal well-being: A systematic review' Matvienko-Sikar, K., Lee, L., Murphy, G. & Murphy, L. (2016) 'The effects of mindfulness interventions on prenatal well-being: A systematic review'. Psychology and Health, [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2015) | 'A Systematic Review of the Effects of Mindfulness Interventions on Cortisol' O'Leary, K., O'Neill, S. & Dockray, S. (2015) 'A Systematic Review of the Effects of Mindfulness Interventions on Cortisol'. Journal of Health Psychology, [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2015) | 'The Effects of Two Novel Gratitude and Mindfulness Interventions on Well-being' O' Leary, K. & Dockray, S. (2015) 'The Effects of Two Novel Gratitude and Mindfulness Interventions on Well-being'. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2014) | 'Bundle of Joy: Improving Prenatal Wellbeing with Gratitude and Mindfulness' O' Leary, K, (2014) 'Bundle of Joy: Improving Prenatal Wellbeing with Gratitude and Mindfulness'. The Boolean, [Details] | |
| (2013) | 'Gratitude works! A twenty-one-day program for creating emotional prosperity' Karen O Leary (2013) 'Gratitude works! A twenty-one-day program for creating emotional prosperity'. The Journal Of Positive Psychology, :361-363 [Details] |
Published Reports
| Year | Publication | |
|---|---|---|
| (2019) | What’s on your child’s plate? Food portion sizes and the proportion of different food groups eaten by children on the island of Ireland. Harrington, J., Kairey, L., Matvienko-Sikar, K., Kearney, P.M., Moore, S., McKinley, M., Woodside, J., Kelly, C. (2019) What’s on your child’s plate? Food portion sizes and the proportion of different food groups eaten by children on the island of Ireland. Safefood, Cork. [Details] | |
| (2018) | Choosing Healthy Eating for Infant Health (CHErIsH Study). Matvienko-Sikar, K. & Kearney, P.M on behalf of the CHErIsH Research Team (2018) Choosing Healthy Eating for Infant Health (CHErIsH Study). Oireachtas Committee on Children and Youth Affairs, Dublin, Ireland. [Details] |
Conference Publications
| Year | Publication | |
|---|---|---|
| (2018) | The Lancet Public Health Science Matvienko-Sikar, K., Byrne, M., Kelly, C. , Toomey, E., Hennessy, M., Devane, D., Heary, C., Harrington, J., McGrath, N., Queally, M., Kearney, P. (2018) Developing an infant feeding core outcome set for childhood obesity prevention The Lancet Public Health Science [Details] | |
| (2017) | European Congress on Obesity Matvienko-Sikar, K. Toomey, E., Delaney, L., Harrington, J., Byrne, M. & Kearney, P. (2017) Effects of early infant feeding interventions on parental feeding practices European Congress on Obesity [Details] | |
| (2017) | 24th European Congress on Obesity Matvienko-Sikar K., Toomey, E., Delaney, L., Harrington, J., Byrne, M., Kearney P. (2017) Effects of early infant feeding interventions on parental feeding practices: A systematic review 24th European Congress on Obesity Porto, [Details] | |
| (2016) | 64th Annual Irish Gerontological Society Conference Matvienko-Sikar, K. & McCarthy, J (2016) Identity Construction in Dementia Caregiving: “Them” And “Us” 64th Annual Irish Gerontological Society Conference [Details] |
Professional Activities
Honours and Awards
| Year | Title | Awarding Body | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | UCC Research Award for Open Research | University College Cork | |
| 2020 | European Association for the Study of Obesity New Investigator Award in Childhood Obesity | European Association for the Study of Obesity | |
| 2020 | Charlemont Award | Royal Irish Academy | |
| 2019 | Stan Maes Early Career Award (European Health Psychology Society) | European Health Psychology | |
| 2019 | HRB Applying Research into Policy and Practice Fellowship | Health Research Board | |
| 2019 | International Society for Developmental Psychobiology Travel Award | International Society for Developmental Psychobiology | |
| 2019 | European Congress on Obesity 2019 Travel Award | European Congress on Obesity | |
| 2018 | Hannah McGee Award for Excellence in Research/Practice | Psychological Society of Ireland Division of Health Psychology | |
| 2018 | IBTN Travel Award | International Behavioural Trials Network | |
| 2018 | HSE Open Access Award | Health Service Executive | |
| 2017 | Charlemont Award | Royal Irish Academy | |
| 2016 | HRB Interdisciplinary Capacity Enhancement Postdoctoral Fellowship | Health Research Board (Awarded to PI Prof Patricia Kearney) | |
| 2013 | School of Applied Psychology Studentship (UCC) | UCC | |
| 2013 | Graduate Scholar Award; Health, Wellness and Society Conference | Health, Wellness and Society Conference | |
| 2013 | UCC O'Connor Scholarship Award | University College Cork | |
| 2012 | School of Applied Psychology Studentship | UCC |
Professional Associations
| Association | Function | From / To | |
|---|---|---|---|
| British Psychological Society, Division of Health Psychology | Graduate Member | 01-JUN-13 / 01-JUN-14 | |
| HRB Trials Methodology Research Network | Research Associate | 02-JUN-19 / | |
| International Society for Developmental Psychobiology | Member | 02-JUN-19 / | |
| Society for Reproductive and Infant Psychology | Member | 01-JAN-18 / 01-JAN-19 | |
| Psychological Society of Ireland Division of Health Psychology | Member | 01-MAY-17 / | |
| European Health Psychology Society | Member | 01-APR-16 / |
Conference Contributions
| Year | Publication | |
|---|---|---|
| (2017) | 14th Annual Psychology, Health and Medicine Conference, Matvienko-Sikar, K. & Dockray (2017) Effects of an experimental gratitude intervention on self-report and psychophysiological measures of stress. [Oral Presentation], 14th Annual Psychology, Health and Medicine Conference, RCSI, Dublin . [Details] | |
| (2017) | Association for the Study of Obesity on the island of Ireland (ASOI) annual conference 2017, Matvienko-Sikar, K., Toomey, E., Queally, M., Hayes, C., Doherty, E., Heary, C., Harrington, J., McHugh, S., McSharry, J., Byrne, M., Kearney, P.M. (2017) Developing an evidence-based pilot infant feeding behaviours intervention for childhood obesity in primary care: The CHErIsH Study. [Poster Presentation], Association for the Study of Obesity on the island of Ireland (ASOI) annual conference 2017, UCD Dublin . [Details] | |
| (2017) | Annual Psychology, Health and Medicine Conference, Matvienko-Sikar, K., Toomey, E., Delaney, L., McSharry, J. McHugh, S., Byrne, M., Kearney, P.M. (2017) Active ingredients in infant feeding interventions to prevent childhood obesity. [Poster Presentation], Annual Psychology, Health and Medicine Conference, RCSI, Dublin . [Details] | |
| (2017) | 3rd Annual SPHeRE Conference, Matvienko-Sikar, K., Toomey, E., Queally, M., Hayes, C., Doherty, E., Heary, C., Harrington, J., McHugh, S., McSharry, J., Byrne, M., Kearney, P.M. (2017) Development of an evidence-based pilot intervention to promote healthy infant feeding behaviours in Irish primary care: The HRB Interdisciplinary Capacity Enhancement (ICE) Childhood Obesity project. [Poster Presentation], 3rd Annual SPHeRE Conference, RCSI, Dublin . [Details] | |
| (2016) | 13th Annual Psychology, Health and Medicine Conference, Matvienko-Sikar, K., Murphy, G. & Murphy, M. (2016) The role of perinatal and obstetric factors in post-partum parenting stress for mothers and father. [Oral Presentation], 13th Annual Psychology, Health and Medicine Conference, UCC Cork . [Details] | |
| (2016) | . 13th Annual Psychology, Health and Medicine Conference, Murphy G., Matvienko-Sikar, K. & Dockray, S. (2016) Trier on Wheels? Cardiovascular Reactivity in a Simulated Stressful Driving Scenario. [Oral Presentation], . 13th Annual Psychology, Health and Medicine Conference, UCC, Cork . [Details] | |
| (2016) | 13th Annual Psychology, Health and Medicine Conference, O’ Leary, K. & Dockray, S. (2016) Putting the Positive in Pregnancy: The Role of Positive Psychological Factors in Promoting Prenatal Mental Health. [Poster Presentation], 13th Annual Psychology, Health and Medicine Conference, UCC Cork . [Details] | |
| (2015) | The 15th Annual Nursing & Midwifery Research Conference, O’ Leary, K., Lee, L., Murphy, G., & Murphy, L. (2015) A review of mindfulness intervention effects on prenatal stress, depression and anxiety. [Poster Presentation], The 15th Annual Nursing & Midwifery Research Conference, UCC Cork . [Details] | |
| (2015) | Psychological Society of Ireland Conference 2015, McGrath, N., O'Leary, K., & Dockray, S. (2015) Stability and predictors of wellbeing over time. [Oral Presentation], Psychological Society of Ireland Conference 2015, Psychological Society of Ireland Conference 2015 . [Details] | |
| (2015) | Inaugural INFANT Research day, O' Leary, K. (2015) Cortisol measurement in pregnancy: Challenges and future directions. [Poster Presentation], Inaugural INFANT Research day, University College COrk . [Details] | |
| (2012) | Psychological Society of Ireland Conference 2015, Cadogan E., O Leary, K., Dockray, S. (2012) The effects of a gratitude intervention on physiological and self-report wellbeing. [Oral Presentation], Psychological Society of Ireland Conference 2015, Psychological Society of Ireland Conference 2015 . [Details] | |
| (2012) | Overcoming Barriers to Well-being in Ireland Conference, O' Leary, K; DiBlasi, Z; O' Sullivan, D (2012) The Effect of Keeping a Gratitude Diary on Well-being during Pregnancy: A Randomised Control Trial. [Poster Presentation], Overcoming Barriers to Well-being in Ireland Conference, National University of Ireland, Galway , 08-JUN-12 - 08-JUN-12. [Details] | |
| (2012) | Annual Psychological Society of Ireland Conference, O' Leary, K; Dockray, S; DiBlasi, Z (2012) The Heart and Science of Well-being Workshop. [Other], Annual Psychological Society of Ireland Conference, Cork , 08-NOV-12 - 11-NOV-12. [Details] | |
| (2013) | The 13th Annual Nursing & Midwifery Research Conference, O Leary, K.; Dockray, S. (2013) Differences in the factor structure of gratitude based on parity. [Poster Presentation], The 13th Annual Nursing & Midwifery Research Conference, The Catherine McAuley School of Nursing & Midwifery, University College Cork , 08-NOV-13 - 08-NOV-13. [Details] | |
| (2012) | Psychological Society of Ireland Annual Conference, O Leary, K; Dockray, S (2012) The Effect of Gratitude and Mindfulness Interventions on levels of Gratitude and Mindfulness. [Oral Presentation], Psychological Society of Ireland Annual Conference, Cork , 08-NOV-12 - 11-NOV-12. [Details] | |
| (2014) | Psychological Society of Ireland Cofnerence, Murphy, L; O Leary, K; Dockray, S. (2014) Thinking Ahead: The Appearance Consequences of Smoking (PROJECT TACOS). [Oral Presentation], Psychological Society of Ireland Cofnerence, Kilkenny . [Details] | |
| (2013) | 10th Annual Psychology, Health & Medicine Conference, O Leary, K; Dockray, S (2013) Gratitude and Mindfulness Interventions: Conceptual Crossovers and Practical Applications. [Poster Presentation], 10th Annual Psychology, Health & Medicine Conference, Dublin , 01-MAY-13 - 01-JUL-13. [Details] | |
| (2013) | BPS Division of Health Psychology Conference, O Leary, K; Dockray, S; Hammond, S (2013) Measuring the Positive in Pregnancy: Development of the Gratitude during Pregnancy Scale and Evaluation of the MAAS in Pregnancy. [Oral Presentation], BPS Division of Health Psychology Conference, Brighton , 11-SEP-13 - 13-SEP-13. [Details] | |
| (2012) | Psychological Society of Ireland Annual Conference, O Leary, K; DiBlasi, Z; O Sullvan, D; O Riordan, M (2012) Expressions of Gratitude during Pregnancy in a Diary-based Randomised Clinical Trial. [Poster Presentation], Psychological Society of Ireland Annual Conference, Cork , 08-NOV-12 - 11-NOV-12. [Details] | |
| (2014) | 11th Annual Psychology Health and Medicine Conference, O Leary,K., O' Neill, S., Dockray, S. (2014) Cortisol Measures in Mindfulness Interventions: Challenges and Future Directions. [Poster Presentation], 11th Annual Psychology Health and Medicine Conference, University of Limerick , 27-MAY-14 - 28-MAY-14. [Details] | |
| (2013) | 10th Annual Psychology, Health & Medicine Conference, O Leary, K; Dockray, S (2013) Methodological Implications in Positive Psychological Trials to Improve Well-being. [Poster Presentation], 10th Annual Psychology, Health & Medicine Conference, Dublin , 01-MAY-13 - 01-MAY-13. [Details] | |
| (2015) | PSI ECG Conference, O'Leary, K. & Dockray, S. (2015) Prenatal Mindfulness Intervention Effects. [Oral Presentation], PSI ECG Conference, National University of Ireland, Galway . [Details] | |
| (2015) | School of Applied Psychology Lightning Talks, O' Leary, K. (2015) Psychophysiological Measures in Studies of Stress Responding. [Invited Seminars/Guest Lectures], School of Applied Psychology Lightning Talks, School of Applied Psychology, UCC . [Details] |
Committees
| Committee | Function | From / To | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Masters in Public Health Program Board | Member | / | |
| International Behavioural Trial Network 2020 Scientific Committee | Scientific Committee Member | / | |
| School of Public Health Ethics Committee | Member | / | |
| School of Public Health Teaching and Curriculum committee | Member | / | |
| School of Public Health Executive Committee | Member | / | |
| ASOI Annual Conference 2017 | Scientific and organising | 2017 / 2017 | |
| HRB Early Career Researcher Event | Organiser | 2016 / 2017 | |
| 13th Psychology Health and Medicine Conference | Scientific Committee | / |
Employment
| Employer | Position | From / To | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Department of Epidemiology & Public Health | Post-Doctoral Researcher | 01-MAR-16 / | |
| School of Applied Psychology | BioAssay Research Assistant | 03-DEC-12 / 07-SEP-13 | |
| School of Applied Psychology | Research Assistant | 01-SEP-14 / 29-FEB-16 |
Education
| Year | Institution | Qualification | Subject | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | University College Cork | PHD | Applied Psychology | |
| 2017 | University College Cork | Certificate | Teaching and Learning in Higher Education | |
| 2014 | University College Cork | Certificate | Teaching and Learning for Graduate Studies | |
| 2014 | edX Berkeley | Certificate | The Science of Happiness | |
| 2011 | University College Cork | MA | Applied Psychology | |
| 2010 | University College Cork | HDip | English | |
| 2008 | University College Cork | BA HONS | Applied Psychology |
Journal Activities
| Journal | Role | To / From | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annals Of Behavioral Medicine : A Publication Of The Society Of Behavioral Medicine | Editor | - | |
| Women And Birth | Editor | - | |
| Health Psychology Review | Referee | - | |
| Obesity Reviews | Referee | - | |
| British Journal Of Health Psychology | Referee | - | |
| Trials | Referee | 04-SEP-17 - | |
| Psychoneuroendocrinology | Referee | - | |
| Journal Of Midwifery & Women'S Health | Referee | - | |
| Psychiatry Research | Referee | - | |
| Journal Of Hypertension | Referee | - | |
| Journal Of Psychosomatic Obstetrics And Gynaecology | Referee | - | |
| Plos One | Referee | - |
Languages
| Language | Reading | Writing | Speaking | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portuguese | Basic | Basic | Functional | |
| English | Fluent | Fluent | Fluent |
Teaching Activities
Teaching Interests
CurrentModule Co-ordinator
November 2020-Present
Population Health EH3013
Structured Literature Review MH3010
Epidemiology II EH2006
Module Co-ordinator
March 2016- Present
Public Health and Behavioural Change EH6039
Previous
Masters in Public Health, Health Promotion Pathway, Co-ordinator
Module Co-ordinator
Psychology Applied to Occupational Health and Safety EH6041
Lecturer
Introduction to Research and Statistical Analysis AP1608
Health Psychology: Models and Applications AP3115
Applied Biological Psychology AP3102
Head Tutor School of Applied Psychology
September 2013- September 2014
Tutor
September 2011 – Present
AP2208 Research Methods in Applied Psychology
AP2105 Experimental Design & Statistical Applications
Current
Recent Postgraduates
| Graduation Year | Student Name | Institution | Degree Type | Thesis Title | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Lindsay Black | University College Cork | MPH | The Association between Childcare Arrangements and Risk of Overweight and Obesity in Childhood: A Systematic Review |
Research Information
Internal Collaborators
| Name | Institute | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dr Samantha Dockray | University College Cork | IRELAND | |
| Dr Sarah Meaney | National Perinatal Epidemiology Centre, University College Cork | IRELAND |
External Collaborators
| Name | Organisation / Institute | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Professor Anja Huizink | VU University Amsterdam | HOLLAND | |
| Professor Sarah Redsell | Anglia Ruskin University | ENGLAND | |
| Prof Rebecca Golley | Flinders University | AUSTRALIA | |
| Dr Catherine Houghton | National University of Ireland Galway | IRELAND | |
| Dr Ellinor Olander | City University London | ENGLAND |