Research Profile

Biography

Research Interests

Health PromotionHealth Promotion is a key element of any health promotion practice. It involves a combination of health education, service improvement and advocacy. It is an evolving discipline. Much of health promotion involves assessment of needs and influences on health, and involves decisions on groups, methods, settings and timing of activities. My research to date has centred on behavioural and lifestyle issues surrounding diet, alcohol and smoking. These are crucial lifestyle issues in health and health promotion. There is an abundance of studies highlighting these behaviours, and the emphasis has now shifted towards solutions to these health issues or ways of dealing with them.

Obesity is a serious and increasing health issue. Recent public health reports firmly reinforce the importance of engaging individuals to look after their health including their weight. However, despite the increased attention paid to weight reduction programmes, incidence of obesity continues to rise. One reason for this perhaps is that promoting weight reduction is not as simple as giving out advice. Teaching patients about weight reduction does not necessarily translate into behavioural change sufficient to impact on individuals' motivation to lose weight. In most cases weight reduction involves complex behavioural change which individuals find difficult to make on their own. Health professionals can help individuals make lifestyle changes by supporting them with a range of behavioural techniques.

My current research is in relation to self efficacy and weight loss following a rehabilitation programme. Preliminary findings thus far are indicating that individuals cannot do this on their own and require sustained professional guidance in the community after the completion of formalised programmes such as cardiac rehabilitation. The next phase of this research will be to devise an intervention based in the community to help individuals whose goal it is to lose weight but who are finding it difficult and elusive.

This research is important as all the indications are that obesity is going to be the pandemic disease of the 21st century and rapid increases in the rates of obesity are set to continue. It is one of the greatest challenges facing health promotion.

- Healthy behaviours / lifestyle factors, alternative therapies

Publications

Book Chapters

 YearPublication
(2007)'Obesity as a threat to health - How can Nursing Research Contribute to Prevention and Care?'
O¿Leary, A. & Condon, C .; (2007) 'Obesity as a threat to health - How can Nursing Research Contribute to Prevention and Care?' In: Workgroup of European Nurse Researchers. Stockholm: WENR. [Details]

Peer Reviewed Journals

 YearPublication
(2010)''Complementary Therapies: a challenge for nursing practice''
O'Regan, P; Wills, T; O'Leary, A; (2010) ''Complementary Therapies: a challenge for nursing practice''. Nursing Standard (Royal College of Nursing (Great Britain)), 24 (21):35-39 [Details]
(2008)'Sexually transmitted infection/HIV risk reduction interventions in clinical practice settings'
Jemmott, Loretta Sweet and Jemmott, John B. and Hutchinson, M. Katherine and Cederbaum, Julie A. and O'Leary, Ann; (2008) 'Sexually transmitted infection/HIV risk reduction interventions in clinical practice settings'. Jognn-Journal of Obstetric Gynecologic and Neonatal Nursing, 37 (2):137-145 [Details]
(1992)'Patient satisfaction as a measure of quality in the care of the elderly'
O'Leary, A.; (1992) 'Patient satisfaction as a measure of quality in the care of the elderly'. British journal of nursing (Mark Allen Publishing), 1 (9):470-2 [Details]
(2010)'Complementary Therapies: a challenge for nursing practice'
O'Regan, P; Wills, T; O'Leary, A; (2010) 'Complementary Therapies: a challenge for nursing practice'. Nursing Standard, 24 (21):35-39 [Details]

Other Journals

 YearPublication
(2008)'Hand washing practices: implications for nursing students'
Farrell, D.; Savage, E. & O'Leary, A; (2008) 'Hand washing practices: implications for nursing students' Irish Journal of Anaesthetic & Recovery Nursing, 4 (4) :5-8. [Details]

Conference Publications

 YearPublication
(2005)13th International Conference on Health Promoting Hospitals
O'Leary, A.; (2005) ' Diet, Alcohol and Tobacco Use among Women College Students . In: * eds. 13th International Conference on Health Promoting Hospitals *, , 18-MAY-05 - 20-MAY-05 , pp.*-* [Details]
(2005)5th Annual Nursing and Midwifery Conference: Nursing & Midwifery Research Sharing Visions and Strategies for the Future
O'Leary, A.; (2005) Diet, Alcohol and Tobacco Use among Women College Students . In: * eds. 5th Annual Nursing and Midwifery Conference: Nursing & Midwifery Research Sharing Visions and Strategies for the Future University College Cork, , 17-SEP-05 - 17-SEP-05 , pp.*-* [Details]
(2005)Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery 24th Annual International Nursing and Midwifery Research Conference
O'Leary, A.; (2005) The Diet of Pre Registration Student Nurses who are undertaking a Diploma in Nursing at a University and the Implications for their Future Role as Health Promoters . In: * eds. Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery 24th Annual International Nursing and Midwifery Research Conference Royal College of Surgeons Ireland, Dublin, , 26-FEB-05 - 26-FEB-05 , pp.*-* [Details]
(2009)Transforming Healthcare through Research Education and Technology 10th Annual Interdisciplinary Conference, Trinity, Dublin
Wills, T; O'Regan, P; O'Leary, A; (2009) Student Nurses Opinions and Knowledge of Complementary Therapies Transforming Healthcare through Research Education and Technology 10th Annual Interdisciplinary Conference, Trinity, Dublin [Details]
(2010)College of Medicine & Health - 2nd Annual Research Conference Molecule to Medicine, University College Cork
Wills, T; O'Regan, P; O'Leary, A; (2010) Student Nurses Opinions and Knowledge of Complementary Therapies College of Medicine & Health - 2nd Annual Research Conference Molecule to Medicine, University College Cork [Details]
(2010)29th Annual International Conference , RCSI, Dublin
Wills, T; O'Regan, P; O'Leary, A; (2010) Student Nurses Opinions and Knowledge of Complementary Therapies 29th Annual International Conference , RCSI, Dublin [Details]

Abstract

 YearPublication
(2005)Diet, alcohol and tobacco use among college age women in cork, Ireland.
O'Leary, A (2005) Diet, alcohol and tobacco use among college age women in cork, Ireland. Abstract [Details]
(2008)Teaching for Understanding as a Pedagogic Framework.
O¿Leary, A; (2008) Teaching for Understanding as a Pedagogic Framework. NAIRTL: Cork: Abstract [Details]
(2007)Obese Adults: self efficacy as a predictor of adapting a healthy lifestyle.
O¿Leary, A. & Condon, C; (2007) Obese Adults: self efficacy as a predictor of adapting a healthy lifestyle. WENR, Stockholm: Abstract [Details]

Newsletter

 YearPublication
(2005)Diet, Alcohol and Tobacco Use among Women College Students.
O¿Leary, A; (2005) Diet, Alcohol and Tobacco Use among Women College Students. Newsletter [Details]

Professional Activities

Honours and Awards

 YearTitleAwarding Body
2005Best Poster Award Irish Nurses Cardiovascular Association

Conference Contributions

 YearPublication
(2010)School of Medicine and Health Conference, University College Cork,
Wills, T., O¿Regan, P. & O¿Leary, A. ; (2010) Student Nurses Opinions and Knowledge of Complementary Therapies. [Conference Organising Committee Chairperson], School of Medicine and Health Conference, University College Cork, Cork , 15-JUN-10 - 15-JUN-10. [Details]
(2010)Annual International Conference, RCSI, Dublin,
Wills, T., O¿Regan, P. & O¿Leary, A. ; (2010) Student Nurses Opinions and Knowledge of Complementary Therapies. [Poster Presentation], Annual International Conference, RCSI, Dublin, dublin , 25-FEB-10 - 25-FEB-10. [Details]
(2009)Annual Interdisciplinary Research Conference,
Wills, T., O¿Regan, P. & O¿Leary, A. ; (2009) Student Nurses Opinions and Knowledge of Complementary Therapies,. [Oral Presentation], Annual Interdisciplinary Research Conference, Trinity College Dublin , 04-NOV-09 - 04-NOV-09. [Details]
(2009)Transforming Healthcare through Research Education and Technology 10th Annual Interdisciplinary Research Conference,
Wills, T., O'Regan, P. & O'Leary, A.; (2009) Student Nurses opinions and knowledge of Complementary Therapies. [Conference Organising Committee Chairperson], Transforming Healthcare through Research Education and Technology 10th Annual Interdisciplinary Research Conference, Trinity College, Dublin , 04-NOV-09 - 05-NOV-09. [Details]
(2010)29th Annual International Conference, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland,
Wills, T., O'Regan, P. & O'Leary, A. ; (2010) Student Nurses Opinions 7 Knowledge of Complementary Therapies. [Conference Organising Committee Chairperson], 29th Annual International Conference, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, RSCI, Dublin , 25-FEB-10 - 26-FEB-10. [Details]
(2010)College of Medicine & Health - 2nd Annual Research Conference Molecule to Medicine,
Wills, T., O'Regan, P. & O'Leary, A.; (2010) Student Nurses Opinions & Knowledge of Complementary Therapies. [Conference Organising Committee Chairperson], College of Medicine & Health - 2nd Annual Research Conference Molecule to Medicine, University College Cork, Cork , 16-JUN-10 - 16-JUN-10. [Details]
(2008)NAIRTL International Perspectives on Teaching and Learning in Higher Education. NAIRTL Conference Proceedings,
O¿Leary, A. in Ryan, N; (2008) Teaching for Understanding as a Pedagogic Framework¿. [Poster Presentation], NAIRTL International Perspectives on Teaching and Learning in Higher Education. NAIRTL Conference Proceedings, Cork , 01-JAN-08 - 01-JAN-08. [Details]
(2006)Obese Adults: self efficacy as a predictor of adapting a healthy lifestyle,
O¿Leary, A; (2006) WENR, Workgroup of European Nurse Researchers Symposium - Obesity as a threat to health ¿ How can Nursing Research Contribute to Prevention and Care? Copenhagen. [Invited Oral Presentation], Obese Adults: self efficacy as a predictor of adapting a healthy lifestyle, Denmark , 04-OCT-06 - 05-OCT-06. [Details]
(2005)9th Scientific & Annual General Meeting,
O¿Leary, A; (2005) Diet, Alcohol and Tobacco Use among College Students ' Irish Nurses Cardiovascular Association. [Poster Presentation], 9th Scientific & Annual General Meeting, University College Cork , 22-APR-05 - 22-APR-05. [Details]
(2005)Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery 24th Annual International Nursing and Midwifery Research Conference,
O¿Leary, A; (2005) The Diet of Pre Registration Student Nurses who are undertaking a Diploma in Nursing at a University and the Implications for their Future Role as Health Promoters¿. [Poster Presentation], Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery 24th Annual International Nursing and Midwifery Research Conference, RCSI , 24-FEB-05 - 24-FEB-05. [Details]
(2005)5th Annual International Research Conference -– Transforming Healthcare Through Research, Education & Technology,
O'Leary, A.; (2005) )“The Diet of Pre Registration Student Nurses who are undertaking a Diploma in Nursing at a University and the Implications for their Future Role as Health Promoters”. [Poster Presentation], 5th Annual International Research Conference -– Transforming Healthcare Through Research, Education & Technology, University of Dublin Trinity College, Dublin , 03-NOV-05 - 05-NOV-05. [Details]
(2005)Irish Nurses Cardiovascular Association, 9th Scientific & Annual General Meeting,
O¿Leary, A; (2005) Diet, Alcohol and Tobacco Use among College Students. [Oral Presentation], Irish Nurses Cardiovascular Association, 9th Scientific & Annual General Meeting, University College Cork , 22-APR-05 - 22-APR-05. [Details]
(2005)¿The Diet of Pre Registration Student Nurses who are undertaking a Diploma in Nursing at a University and the Implications for their Future Role as Health Promoters¿,
O¿Leary, A; (2005) Poster Presentation, National Council for Planning and Development Unit Conference 29th September 2004. [Poster Presentation], ¿The Diet of Pre Registration Student Nurses who are undertaking a Diploma in Nursing at a University and the Implications for their Future Role as Health Promoters¿, University College Cork , 01-JAN-05 - 01-JAN-05. [Details]
(2005)5th Annual Nursing and Midwifery Conference: Nursing & Midwifery Research sharing visions and strategies for the future,
O¿Leary, A; (2005) Diet, Alcohol and Tobacco Use among Women College Students. [Oral Presentation], 5th Annual Nursing and Midwifery Conference: Nursing & Midwifery Research sharing visions and strategies for the future, University College Cork , 17-SEP-05 - 17-SEP-05. [Details]
(2005)Irish Nurses Scientific Meeting at the Irish Cardiac Society Meeting ¿ Cardiovascular Nursing in the 21st Century: The Challenge for Nurses,
O¿Leary, A; (2005) Diet, Alcohol and Tobacco Use among Women College Students. [Oral Presentation], Irish Nurses Scientific Meeting at the Irish Cardiac Society Meeting ¿ Cardiovascular Nursing in the 21st Century: The Challenge for Nurses, Killarney , 06-OCT-05 - 06-OCT-05. [Details]
(2005)13th International Conference on Health Promoting Hospitals,
O¿Leary, A; (2005) ¿Diet, alcohol and tobacco use among female student nurses and the implications for their future role as health promoters¿. [Oral Presentation], 13th International Conference on Health Promoting Hospitals, University College Cork , 18-MAY-05 - 20-MAY-05. [Details]
(2005)19th Annual Conference of the European Health Psychology Society,
O¿Leary, A; (2005) Diet, Alcohol and Tobacco Use among College Students. [Poster Presentation], 19th Annual Conference of the European Health Psychology Society, University College Cork , 31-JUL-05 - 04-AUG-05. [Details]
(2004)National Council for Planning and Development Unit Conference,
O'Leary, A.; (2004) The Diet of Pre Registration Student Nurses who are undertaking a Diploma in Nursing at a University and the Implications for their Future Role as Health Promoters”. [Poster Presentation], National Council for Planning and Development Unit Conference, * , 29-SEP-04 - 29-SEP-04. [Details]
(2004)HSRG,
O'Leary, A.; (2004) The Diet of Pre Registration Student Nurses who are undertaking a Diploma in Nursing at a University and the Implications for their Future Role as Health Promoters”. [Poster Presentation], HSRG, * , 31-AUG-04 - 31-AUG-04. [Details]

Employment

 EmployerPositionFrom / To
University College Cork College Lecturer02-AUG-02 /
Mercy University Hospital Nurse Teacher01-JAN-00 / 01-JAN-02
COPE Foundation Nurse Teacher02-JUN-00 /
St Mary¿s Orthopaedic Hospital Staff Nurse01-JAN-98 / 01-JAN-00

Education

 YearInstitutionQualificationSubject
2010UCC masters in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education
2008University College Cork Postgraduate Diploma Teaching & Learning in Higher EducationTeaching
2006University College Cork Certificate in Teaching and Learning in Higher EduTeaching
2002University College Cork MASTERSHealth Promotion
0Surrey University BACHELOR OF SCIENCEHealth Studies
0Cork Institute of Technology DiplomaChildcare

Teaching Activities

Teaching Interests

Modules Taught

 Term (ID))TitleLinkSubject
2016Obesity Management and Prevention Training for Healthcare Professionals MH5085Obesity Management and Prevention Training for Healthcare Professionals
2016Health Promotion and Primary Healthcare in a General Health Context NU3078Health Promotion and Primary Healthcare in a General Health Context
2016Complementary Therapies in Healthcare NU5086Complementary Therapies in Healthcare
2016Health Promotion for Nursing Practice NU4024Health Promotion for Nursing Practice
2016Practice and Principles of Health Promotion NU5087Practice and Principles of Health Promotion
2016Complementary Therapies in Healthcare NU4034Complementary Therapies in Healthcare
2016Health Promotion and Primary Health in a General Health Context NU3090Health Promotion and Primary Health in a General Health Context
2016Clinical Audit for Health Care Professionals NU5090Clinical Audit for Health Care Professionals

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University College Cork

Coláiste na hOllscoile Corcaigh

College Road, Cork T12 K8AF

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