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Safe food-handling media campaigns have been successful at improving some safe food-handling behaviours among consumers. However, little is known about whether specific mechanisms of change, such as habit and perceived risk, can improve the effectiveness of safe food-handling campaign materials. Consequently, this study aims to determine if habit and risk-based behaviour change techniques can improve the effectiveness of safe food-handling media campaign materials.

A prospective experimental design was used. Participants completed baseline measures of habit, perceived risk and behaviour before watching two short safe food-handling video advertisements. Participants were then randomly assigned to complete either a habit or a perceived risk-based behaviour change technique task. Two weeks later, participants completed the baseline measures again. A series of multivariate analyses of variance were conducted to determine differences over time between the two groups in relation to habit, perceived risk and behaviour.

Significant increases in habit (p < 0.001), perceived risk (p < 0.001) and behaviour (p < 0.001) among all participants were found over the study period. However, there were no significant differences in these changes between participants who completed either task for the majority of the target behaviours and related constructs. This suggested that both habit and risk-based behaviour change techniques may help improve campaign materials; however, future research is needed to determine these effects in comparison to a non-active control group.

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to compare the use of two behaviour change techniques for improving safe food-handling health messaging materials. Future safe food-handling media campaigns would benefit from including habit and risk-based behaviour change techniques.

This paper aims to share how the Centre for Ageing and Dementia Research co-designs research within a national programme of work to improve the lives of older adults and those affected by dementia. Through examples of this work, the authors identify the barriers and enablers to participatory approaches and lessons to inform future involvement activities.

This study reflects on implementing the UK National Standards for Public Involvement into practice. Of international relevance, the observations span the research process from research prioritisation and design to research implementation and knowledge exchange.

This study demonstrates the importance of using a relational approach, working toward a common purpose and engaging in meaningful dialogue. Only through offering choice and flexibility and actively learning from one another can co-design lead to synergistic relationships that benefit everyone.

Key implications for researchers engaged in patient and public involvement are be receptive to other people’s views and acknowledge expertise of those with lived experience alongside those with academic expertise. Training, resources and time are required to effectively support involvement and meaningful relationships. A nominated contact person enables trust and mutual understanding to develop. This is an ongoing collective learning experience that should be embedded throughout the entire research process.

This paper demonstrates how the standards are implemented with people who are often excluded from research to influence a national programme of work.