Dr Catherine Best

Associate Professor

Health Sciences Stirling University of Stirling, Stirling, FK9 4LA

Dr Catherine Best

Contact details

About me

Catherine’s research focus is primarily methodological and her skills are in the areas of quantitative data analysis and statistics. Catherine has been employed in health research for 20 years and has worked on projects involving survey data analysis, analysis of linked administrative data sets, and the conduct and analysis of randomized controlled trials. She has also co-authored a number of systematic reviews. Catherine obtained her PhD from the University of Edinburgh in 2007 and has a BSc from the University of Manchester. Catherine has worked across a range of research topics including delayed discharge and repeat admission to hospital, assistive technology for cognition, shared decision making interventions for people with mental health problems, evaluating smoking cessation services, care pathways for people with psychiatric or self-harm emergencies, tobacco and e-cigarette use in young people.

Catherine is also interested in the use of quantitative methods for systematic review and research synthesis.

Catherine's methodological expertise/interests are in:   -Quantitative data analysis including multivariate regression and multi-level modelling

 -Systematic reviews and research synthesis

Catherine's research interests are 

-Interventions to improve population health and well-being

-Interventions to promote independence and well-being for people with long-term health conditions

-Neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders

Research projects (10)

Removing the marketing power of cigarettes: A multi-method study aimed at protecting the health of adolescents in Latin America
PI: Professor Crawford Moodie
Funded by: Medical Research Council
–

The Adult Tobacco Policy Survey: Understanding how smokers and ex-smokers respond to tobacco control policies in the UK
PI: Professor Crawford Moodie
Funded by: Cancer Research UK
–

Methods of assessing perinatal anxiety: The acceptability, effectiveness and feasibility of different approaches
PI: Professor Helen Cheyne
Funded by: National Institute for Health Research
–

Testing the optimal design of health-promoting pack inserts and dissuasive cigarettes
PI: Professor Crawford Moodie
Funded by: Department of Health
–

Exploring the utility and safety of benzodiazepine prescribing among people receiving Opiate Replacement Therapy in Scotland: a multicentre retrospective cohort study
PI:
Funded by: Scottish Government
–

Evaluation of the Greater Manchester Smoke Free Pregnancy Programme
PI: Professor Michael Ussher
Funded by: Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership
–

What is the longer-term response of smokers and ex-smokers to standardised packaging and how does standardised packaging impact on health inequalities? Adult Tobacco Policy Survey Wave 3
PI: Professor Crawford Moodie
Funded by: Department of Health
–

PRoGRAM-A Preventing gambling related harm in adolescents: developing a peer-led, social network Intervention
PI: Dr Catherine Best
Funded by: Medical Research Council
–

Ambulance call-outs for psychiatric emergencies during the COVID-19 pandemic
PI:
Funded by: Chief Scientist Office
–

Longitudinal trends in national smoking prevalence and e-cigarette use in the European Union
PI: Dr Catherine Best
Funded by: Cancer Research UK
–

Outputs (74)

Article

The impact of new health warnings on standardized packaging on warning salience and effectiveness, and longer-term response to warnings on standardized packs: a longitudinal online survey in the United Kingdom

Moodie C, Best C & Jones D (2025) The impact of new health warnings on standardized packaging on warning salience and effectiveness, and longer-term response to warnings on standardized packs: a longitudinal online survey in the United Kingdom. Addiction Research & Theory. https://doi.org/10.1080/16066359.2025.2574970

Article

Healthcare use and costs of perinatal anxiety: a UK NHS perspective

Pisavadia K, Doungsong K, Ezeofor V, Spencer LH, Tuersley L, Best C, Meades R, Ayers S, Hutton U, Moran PM, Shakespeare J, Sinesi A, Edwards RT, MAP ALLIANCE study team & MAP ALLIANCE study team (2025) Healthcare use and costs of perinatal anxiety: a UK NHS perspective. BMC Health Services Research, 25, Art. No.: 1183. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-025-13318-z

Article

Four Year Clinical and Cost Effectiveness of Vaginal Pessary Self‐Management Versus Clinic‐Based Care for Pelvic Organ Prolapse (TOPSY): Long Term Follow‐Up of a Randomised Controlled Superiority Trial

Bugge C, Kearney R, Best C, Goodman K, Manoukian S, Melone L, Dembinsky M, Mason H, Elders A, Graham M, Agur W, Breeman S, Culverhouse J, Dwyer L, Forrest M, Guerrero K, Hemming C, Khunda A, Kucher A, McClurg D, Norrie J, Thakar R & Hagen S (2025) Four Year Clinical and Cost Effectiveness of Vaginal Pessary Self‐Management Versus Clinic‐Based Care for Pelvic Organ Prolapse (TOPSY): Long Term Follow‐Up of a Randomised Controlled Superiority Trial. BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology. https://obgyn.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/1471-0528.18333; https://doi.org/10.1111/1471-0528.18333

Research Report

Exploring the accessibility of vapes to young people and adults across the UK

Ford A, MacKintosh AM, Morgan A, Best C, Lewis G, Angus K, Mitchell D, Shanthan A, Froguel A & Neve K (2025) Exploring the accessibility of vapes to young people and adults across the UK [VAYPA Study]. Cancer Research UK. London: Cancer Research UK. https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/sites/default/files/full_report_-_exploring_the_accessibility_of_vapes_to_young_people_and_adults_across_the_uk.pdf

Article

Impact of a Distress Brief Intervention on Suicidal Ideation, Suicide Attempts and Self-harm in the immediate, short and longer term: a mixed method evaluation study protocol

McLean J, Shields J, Wildman JM, Hamid A, MacGregor A, Best C, Duncan E, McNicol S, Fenocchi L, Mason H, MacIntyre D, Melson AJ & O'Connor R (2024) Impact of a Distress Brief Intervention on Suicidal Ideation, Suicide Attempts and Self-harm in the immediate, short and longer term: a mixed method evaluation study protocol. NIHR Open Research, 4 (33). https://doi.org/10.3310/nihropenres.13592.1

Research Report

Testing the optimal design of health-promoting pack inserts and dissuasive cigarettes

Moodie C, Cook M, Sharp C, Hussein N, Best C, Turner S, Angus K, Brose J, Alexandrou G & Ford A (2024) Testing the optimal design of health-promoting pack inserts and dissuasive cigarettes. National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Public Health Policy Research Unit. https://www.phpru.online/assets/uploads/files/testing%20the%20optimal%20design%20of%20health%20promoting%20pack%20inserts.pdf

Article

Cost-effectiveness of two models of pessary care for pelvic organ prolapse: Findings from the TOPSY randomised controlled trial.

Manoukian S, Mason H, Hagen S, Kearney R, Goodman K, Best C, Elders A, Melone L, Dwyer L, Dembinsky M, Khunda A, Guerrero KL, McClurg D, Norrie J & Bugge C (2024) Cost-effectiveness of two models of pessary care for pelvic organ prolapse: Findings from the TOPSY randomised controlled trial.. Value in Health. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jval.2024.03.004

Article

Assessment of patients with head and neck cancer using the MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory: Results of a study into its comprehensiveness, comprehensibility and relevance to clinical practice

Toft K, Best C & Donaldson J (2024) Assessment of patients with head and neck cancer using the MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory: Results of a study into its comprehensiveness, comprehensibility and relevance to clinical practice. International Journal of Language and Communication Disorder. https://doi.org/10.1111/1460-6984.13026

Article

Clinical effectiveness of vaginal pessary self-management vs clinic-based care for pelvic organ prolapse (TOPSY): a randomised controlled superiority trial

Hagen S, Kearney R, Goodman K, Best C, Elders A, Melone L, Dwyer L, Dembinsky M, Graham M, Agur W, Breeman S, Culverhouse J, Forrest A, Forrest M & Bugge C (2023) Clinical effectiveness of vaginal pessary self-management vs clinic-based care for pelvic organ prolapse (TOPSY): a randomised controlled superiority trial. eClinicalMedicine, 66, p. 102326. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eclinm.2023.102326

Article

Epidemiology of emergency ambulance service calls related to COVID-19 in Scotland: a national record linkage study

Fitzpatrick D, Duncan EAS, Moore M, Best C, Andreis F, Esposito M, Dobbie R, Corfield AR & Lowe DJ (2022) Epidemiology of emergency ambulance service calls related to COVID-19 in Scotland: a national record linkage study. Scandinavian Journal of Trauma, Resuscitation and Emergency Medicine, 30 (1), Art. No.: 9. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13049-022-00995-6

Article

Purchasing of tobacco-related and e-cigarette-related products within prisons before and after implementation of smoke-free prison policy: analysis of prisoner spend data across Scotland, UK

Best C, Brown A & Hunt K (2022) Purchasing of tobacco-related and e-cigarette-related products within prisons before and after implementation of smoke-free prison policy: analysis of prisoner spend data across Scotland, UK. BMJ Open, 12 (2), Art. No.: e058909. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2021-058909

Article

The response of smokers to health warnings on packs in the United Kingdom and Norway following the introduction of standardized packaging

Moodie C, Best C, Lund I, Scheffels J, Critchlow N, Stead M, McNeill A, Hitchman S & Mackintosh AM (2021) The response of smokers to health warnings on packs in the United Kingdom and Norway following the introduction of standardized packaging. Nicotine and Tobacco Research, 23 (9), pp. 1551-1558. https://doi.org/10.1093/ntr/ntab027

Article

The impact of including cessation resource information on health warnings on standardized tobacco packaging on awareness and use: A longitudinal online survey in the United Kingdom

Moodie C, Best C, Critchlow N, Stead M, McNeill A & Hitchman S (2021) The impact of including cessation resource information on health warnings on standardized tobacco packaging on awareness and use: A longitudinal online survey in the United Kingdom. Nicotine and Tobacco Research, 23 (6), pp. 1068-1073. https://doi.org/10.1093/ntr/ntaa251

Article

Anticipated responses to a hypothetical minimum price for cigarettes and roll-your-own tobacco: An online cross-sectional survey with cigarette smokers and ex-smokers in the UK

Critchlow N, Moodie C, Best C & Stead M (2021) Anticipated responses to a hypothetical minimum price for cigarettes and roll-your-own tobacco: An online cross-sectional survey with cigarette smokers and ex-smokers in the UK. BMJ Open, 11 (3), Art. No.: e042724. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2020-042724

Article

Clinical and cost-effectiveness of vaginal pessary self-management compared to clinic-based care for pelvic organ prolapse: protocol for the TOPSY randomised controlled trial

Hagen S, Kearney R, Goodman K, Melone L, Elders A, Manoukian S, Agur W, Best C, Breeman S, Dembinsky M, Dwyer L, Forrest M, Graham M, Guerrero K & Bugge C (2020) Clinical and cost-effectiveness of vaginal pessary self-management compared to clinic-based care for pelvic organ prolapse: protocol for the TOPSY randomised controlled trial. Trials, 21 (1), Art. No.: 837. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13063-020-04738-9

Article

A cluster feasibility trial to explore the uptake and use of e-cigarettes versus usual care offered to smokers attending homeless centres in Great Britain

Dawkins L, Bauld L, Ford A, Robson D, Hajek P, Parrott S, Best C, Li J, Tyler A, Uny I & Cox S (2020) A cluster feasibility trial to explore the uptake and use of e-cigarettes versus usual care offered to smokers attending homeless centres in Great Britain. PLoS ONE, 15 (10), Art. No.: e0240968. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0240968

Article

Adolescents' perceptions of tobacco accessibility and smoking norms and attitudes in response to the tobacco point-of-sale display ban in Scotland: Results from the DISPLAY study

AG Kuipers M, Best C, Wilson M, Currie D, Ozakinci G, Marie Mackintosh A, Stead M, Eadie D, MacGregor A, Pearce J, Amos A & Haw S (2020) Adolescents' perceptions of tobacco accessibility and smoking norms and attitudes in response to the tobacco point-of-sale display ban in Scotland: Results from the DISPLAY study. Tobacco Control, 29 (3), pp. 348-356. https://doi.org/10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2018-054702

Article

How has the introduction of point-of-sale legislation affected the presence and visibility of tobacco retailing in Scotland? A longitudinal study

Pearce J, Cherrie M, Best C, Eadie D, Stead M, Amos A, Currie D, Ozakinci G, MacGregor A & Haw S (2020) How has the introduction of point-of-sale legislation affected the presence and visibility of tobacco retailing in Scotland? A longitudinal study. Tobacco Control, 29 (2), pp. 168-174. https://doi.org/10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2018-054543

Policy Document

Tobacco point-of-sale displays, brand awareness, and smoking and vaping among young people in Scotland Insights for policymakers from the DISPLAY project In

Haw S, Currie D, Eadie D, Pearce J, MacGregor A, Stead M, Amos A, Best C, Wilson M, Cherrie M, Purves R, Ozakinci G & Marie MacKintosh A (2020) Tobacco point-of-sale displays, brand awareness, and smoking and vaping among young people in Scotland Insights for policymakers from the DISPLAY project In. University of Stirling. Stirling. https://www.stir.ac.uk/research/public-policy-hub/policy-briefings/

Article

Epidemiology of emergency ambulance service calls related to mental health problems and self harm: a national record linkage study

Duncan EAS, Best C, Dougall N, Skar S, Evans J, Corfield AR, Fitzpatrick D, Goldie I, Maxwell M, Snooks H, Stark C, White C & Wojcik W (2019) Epidemiology of emergency ambulance service calls related to mental health problems and self harm: a national record linkage study. Scandinavian Journal of Trauma, Resuscitation and Emergency Medicine, 27, Art. No.: 34. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13049-019-0611-9

Conference Abstract

Has point-of-sale legislation led to a reduction in exposure to tobacco retailing?

Pearce J, Cherrie M, Best C, Eadie D, Stead M, Amos A, MacGregor A, Currie D, Ozakinci G & Haw S (2018) Has point-of-sale legislation led to a reduction in exposure to tobacco retailing?. 11th European Public Health Conference - Winds of change: towards new ways of improving public health in Europe, Ljubljana. European Journal of Public Health, 28, pp. 69-70.

Conference Abstract

Effect of seeing e-cigarettes in small shops on probability of e-cigarette experimentation by 1 year follow up in adolescents in Scotland, UK

Best C, Haseen F, Currie D, Ozakinci G, Mackintosh AM & Haw S (2018) Effect of seeing e-cigarettes in small shops on probability of e-cigarette experimentation by 1 year follow up in adolescents in Scotland, UK. 17th World Conference on Tobacco or Health, Cape Town, South Africa. Tobacco Induced Diseases, 16 (1), Art. No.: 233. https://doi.org/10.18332/tid/84188

Article

Efficacy of a Micro-Prompting Technology in Reducing Support Needed by People With Severe Acquired Brain Injury in Activities of Daily Living: A Randomized Control Trial

O'Neill B, Best C, O'Neill L, Ramos SDS & Gillespie A (2018) Efficacy of a Micro-Prompting Technology in Reducing Support Needed by People With Severe Acquired Brain Injury in Activities of Daily Living: A Randomized Control Trial. Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation, 33 (5), pp. E33-E41. https://journals.lww.com/headtraumarehab/Citation/2018/09000/Efficacy_of_a_Micro_Prompting_Technology_in.13.aspx

Article

Relationship between trying an electronic cigarette and subsequent cigarette experimentation in Scottish adolescents: a cohort study

Best C, Haseen F, Currie D, Ozakinci G, MacKintosh AM, Stead M, Eadie D, MacGregor A, Pearce J, Amos A, Frank J & Haw S (2018) Relationship between trying an electronic cigarette and subsequent cigarette experimentation in Scottish adolescents: a cohort study. Tobacco Control, 27 (4), pp. 373-378. http://tobaccocontrol.bmj.com/content/early/2017/07/22/tobaccocontrol-2017-053691; https://doi.org/10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2017-053691

Conference Paper (published)

Point of sale display ban in Scotland: retailers' views of the effects on customer transactions, sales, youth and feelings about selling tobacco

Stead M, Eadie D, Purves R, Haw S, Pierce J, Amos A, Best C & Ford A (2018) Point of sale display ban in Scotland: retailers' views of the effects on customer transactions, sales, youth and feelings about selling tobacco. In: 17th World Conference on Tobacco or Health Abstract Book. Tobacco Induced Diseases, 16 (Supplement 1) 17th World Conference on Tobacco or Health, Cape Town, South Africa, 07.03.2018-09.03.2018. Heraklion, Crete, Greece: International Society for the Prevention of Tobacco Induced Diseases, p. A184. https://doi.org/10.18332/tid/84248

Conference Abstract

Smoking in the social environment and adolescent brand awareness: Differential effects by gender

Haseeni F, Best C, Murray S, Ozakinci G, Currie D, van der Sluijs W, Eadie D, Stead M, MacKintosh AM, Pearce J, MacGregor A, Amos A, Frank J & Haw S (2016) Smoking in the social environment and adolescent brand awareness: Differential effects by gender. 14th International Congress of Behavioral Medicine "Behavioral Medicine: Making an Impact in the Modern World", Groningen. International Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 23 (Supplement 1), pp. S196-S197, Art. No.: O607.

Article

'It looks like an adult sweetie shop': point-of-sale tobacco display exposure and brand awareness in Scottish secondary school students

van der Sluijs W, Haseen F, Miller M, MacGregor A, Sharp C, Amos A, Best C, Stead M, Eadie D, Pearce J, Frank JW & Haw S (2016) 'It looks like an adult sweetie shop': point-of-sale tobacco display exposure and brand awareness in Scottish secondary school students. Nicotine and Tobacco Research, 18 (10), pp. 1981-1988. https://doi.org/10.1093/ntr/ntw032

Article

Relationship between e-cigarette point of sale recall and e-cigarette use in secondary school children: a cross-sectional study

Best C, Haseen F, van der Sluijs W, Ozakinci G, Currie D, Eadie D, Stead M, MacKintosh AM, Pearce J, Tisch C, MacGregor A, Amos A, Frank JW & Haw S (2016) Relationship between e-cigarette point of sale recall and e-cigarette use in secondary school children: a cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health, 16, Art. No.: 310. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-016-2968-2

Article

Are Retail Outlets Complying with National Legislation to Protect Children from Exposure to Tobacco Displays at Point of Sale? Results from the First Compliance Study in the UK

Eadie D, Stead M, MacKintosh AM, Murray S, Best C, Pearce J, Tisch C, van der Sluijs W, Amos A, MacGregor A & Haw S (2016) Are Retail Outlets Complying with National Legislation to Protect Children from Exposure to Tobacco Displays at Point of Sale? Results from the First Compliance Study in the UK. PLoS ONE, 11 (3), Art. No.: e0152178. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0152178

Book Chapter

Assistive Technology for Cognition: An Updated Review

Best C, O'Neill B & Gillespie A (2014) Assistive Technology for Cognition: An Updated Review. In: Naik G & Guo Y (eds.) Emerging Theory and Practice in Neuroprosthetics. Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA: IGI Global, pp. 215-236. http://www.igi-global.com/chapter/assistive-technology-for-cognition/109891

Book Chapter

Assistive technology for cognition: Enabling activities of daily living

Best C, O'Neill B & Gillespie A (2013) Assistive technology for cognition: Enabling activities of daily living. In: Cruz-Cunha M, Miranda I & Goncalves P (eds.) Handbook of Research on ICTs for Human-Centered Healthcare and Social Care Services. Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA: IGI Global, pp. 112-129. http://www.igi-global.com/chapter/assistive-technology-cognition/77139; https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-4666-3986-7.ch006

Book Chapter

Models of exercise after stroke service design

Best C (2013) Models of exercise after stroke service design. In: Mead G & van Wijck F (eds.) Exercise After Stroke: A Handbook for Evidence-based Practice. Oxford: Churchill Livingstone/ Elsevier, pp. 233-248. http://www.elsevierhealth.co.uk/Health-Professions/Manual-Therapy/book/9780702043383/Exercise-and-Fitness-Training-After-Stroke/#anchor-author

Book Chapter

Guidelines for exercise after stroke service design

Best C, Mead G & Dennis J (2013) Guidelines for exercise after stroke service design. In: Mead G & van Wijck F (eds.) Exercise After Stroke: A Handbook for Evidence-based Practice. Oxford: Churchill Livingstone/ Elsevier, pp. 249-260. http://www.elsevierhealth.co.uk/Health-Professions/Manual-Therapy/book/9780702043383/Exercise-and-Fitness-Training-After-Stroke/#anchor-author

Article

GPs have pivotal role in care of stroke patients

Best C & Mead G (2010) GPs have pivotal role in care of stroke patients. Practitioner, 254 (1726), pp. 31-34. http://www.thepractitioner.co.uk/Special-Report/Special-Report/2446-/GPs-have-pivotal-role-in-care-of-stroke-patients

Article

The boundaries of the cognitive phenotype of autism: Theory of mind, central coherence and ambiguous figure perception in young people with autistic traits

Best C, Moffat V, Power MJ, Owens D & Johnstone EC (2008) The boundaries of the cognitive phenotype of autism: Theory of mind, central coherence and ambiguous figure perception in young people with autistic traits. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 38 (5), pp. 840-847. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-007-0451-8

Research programmes

Research centres/groups

Research themes