The UK Health Security Agency is running a vital study on ticks in Urban Green Spaces and is seeking participants who have visited Richmond or Bushy Park in the last 12 months.
While visiting urban green spaces (e.g., city parks) is beneficial for both health and wellbeing (and a popular activity given the warm weather we’ve been having!), there is some evidence to suggest that use of these spaces may result in an increased risk of tick encounters, as ticks have been found in a variety of urban green spaces.
We are currently running a study to explore what people who use urban green spaces know about ticks and preventative behaviours. We also want to find out about peoples’ attitudes towards risks related to ticks and tick-borne diseases and we would like to explore barriers and facilitators to engaging in protective behaviours in urban green spaces.
There are two elements to the study:
- An online survey. This can be completed at any time in a location of your choosing, will take less than 5 minutes and can be accessed via the following link: https://tinyurl.com/ukhsaticksurvey2024
Anyone who completes the survey will be entered into a prize draw to win one of 5 £20 vouchers (can be redeemed at a variety of retailers, see poster for examples)
- Online interviews. We are also looking to hold online interviews (using Teams) to discuss your understanding of ticks and preventative behaviours in a little more detail. These will be arranged at a time convenient for you and would last no longer than 1 hour. You will receive a £25 voucher as thanks for your time. If you are interested in interviews, please email sarah.masterton@ukhsa.gov.uk
You are eligible to participate in either part of the study if you have visited Richmond or Bushy Park within the last 12 months. You can choose to participate in the online survey, online interview, or both parts of the study!
If you would like more information (or have any questions about the study) please get in touch at sarah.masterton@ukhsa.gov.uk