Research project: PRIMIT

The PRIMIT study covers the development and clinical trial of a website designed to reduce transmission of cold and flu viruses in households. The website can be used during normal seasonal flu and in the event of pandemic flu.

The website has four weekly sessions which encourage users to plan and learn how to use simple techniques to avoid catching and passing on viruses. Findings from the pilot phase showed highly significant increases for both intention to perform and the actual behaviour of the main technique, at both the one and three month follow-ups.

The pilot phase of the research started in September 2008, the clinical trial commenced in September 2010. The project is funded by the MRC and managed by NIHR.

Contact: primit@soton.ac.uk

Phone: 023 80241049

Project Staff

• Prof. Paul Little, School of Medicine, University of Southampton. Research lead.
• Prof. Lucy Yardley, School of Psychology, University of Southampton. Lead for website development.
• Sascha Miller, School of Psychology, University of Southampton. Research Fellow.
• Prof. Richard Hobbs, School of Medicine, University of Birmingham. Management of local practices during clinical trial. 
• Dr Michael Moore, School of Medicine, University of Southampton. Recruitment and co-ordination of practices in South and West.
• Dr Ian Williamson, School of Medicine, University of Southampton. Advising the TMG.
• Mr Mark Mullee, School of Medicine, University of Southampton. Supervision of statistical analysis and data management
• Dr Gary Wills, School of Electronics and Computer Science, University of Southampton. Supervision of computing
• Prof. James Raftery, School of Medicine, University of Southampton. Supervision of economic analysis.
• Dr Douglas Fleming, Birmingham Research Unit, Royal College of General Practitioners. 
• Dr William Carman, Scottish Infection Research Network, University of Glasgow. Analysis of viral samples