Public Health Institute Journal (LJMU)
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Digital influence: the effects of social media on anxiety and depression in UK adolescents and young adults
No full textThis dissertation explores the impact of social media on anxiety and depression among adolescents and young adults in the United Kingdom. As digital social media platforms have become an integral part of everyday life for young people, growing concerns have emerged regarding their influence on psychological wellbeing and emotional development. With social media usage becoming almost ubiquitous among individuals aged 12 to 24, understanding its potential effects on mental health has become increasingly important for parents, educators, policymakers and healthcare professionals. This literature review analyses a wide range of existing peer reviewed academic research to evaluate the relationship between social media usage patterns and mental health outcomes. Sources were primarily gathered using Google Scholar and other academic databases, with search terms such as “social media,” “anxiety and depression,” and “youth.” The review focused on studies published within the last decade to ensure both accuracy and relevance to the current digital landscape. Findings from the literature indicate a significant and consistent correlation between frequent or excessive social media use and increased levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms, particularly among adolescents. Key recurring themes identified through thematic analysis include the influence of upward social comparison, fear of missing out (FOMO), cyberbullying, disrupted sleep patterns and the pressure to maintain a curated online persona. Gender based differences were also explored, with adolescent girls showing higher levels of emotional impact and problematic use. While some literature also highlighted the potential positive aspects of social media, such as increased social connectivity, opportunities for peer support and improved access to mental health information and resources, the overall findings suggest that the negative psychological effects of unregulated or passive use are more widespread and impactful. The study concludes that while social media is not inherently harmful, its effects on mental health largely depend on how it is used. Excessive screen time, passive browsing and unhealthy comparison appear to contribute to poor mental health outcomes in young people. Recommendations are made for further research, policy intervention and the promotion of healthier digital habits, including educational initiatives focused on digital literacy and emotional resilience
In memory of Elaine Sykes
No full textOne of the greatest gifts university gives us (aside from the education!) is friendship. If you are lucky, you can find friendships at LJMU that will last the rest of your lives. And so the editors Jane and Jen would like to dedicate this edition of the PHI Journal in memory of our dear friend Elaine Sykes, who passed away suddenly in June 2025. Elaine began her career as a Research Support Officer at the Public Health Institute before moving on to the LJMU library and eventually becoming Head of Open Research at the University of Lancaster. Elaine was kind, empathetic, fiercely intelligent, strong, forthright, loyal and witty. Everyday she brought warmth and laughter to the people around her. If we could give one bit of advice to our graduating students it would be to try and do the same, because they are the qualities that no one will ever forget. We will certainly never forget Elaine
A literature-based dissertation exploring the factors influencing health and well-being in residents of residential care
No full textThe health and well-being of older adults within residential homes are shaped by a complex array of interrelated factors, including internal and external environmental conditions, social interactions and availabilities. As the global ageing population continues to grow, understanding the environmental influences is paramount for developing effective strategies to improve quality of life in care settings such as residential homes. Previous research has focused on theories and models such as the ecological model or the environmental press-competence model which help us to understand the relationship between the physical environment and human behaviour in ageing. This literature-based dissertation undertakes a comprehensive analysis to explore the key determinants of health and well-being in residential homes, curating findings from existing literature to provide a holistic understanding of opportunities and outcomes provided within these environments. Drawing on sources from PubMed, ScienceDirect and JStor highlighted academic literature such as peer-reviewed journal articles, books, conference papers and official reports. This dissertation most significant factors affecting resident\u27s health and well-being have been split into three key themes. These were Environmental and Community Factors, focusing on the external environment, Internal Environment which focuses on the internal factors within the residential home and Design, Safety and Comfort, which focuses on the ‘aesthetics’ of the residential home. A key finding was the coalescing between each theme. Although each area has an impact on health and well-being the effects when conjoined are far greater, showcasing that although the environmental factors influence health and well-being, it is the way in which they interact which causes health outcomes in residents.
UK incarceration conditions: health implications and government legislations
No full textThe study purpose is to explore the impact of UK prison living standards upon the health and wellbeing of individuals incarcerated and how the government legislation is upheld and how the principles outlined within the legislations influence health implications. The results from this study present that the standard of UK prison accommodations in fact does have an overall negative impact upon the health and wellbeing of inmates, with mental health being influenced and impacted by the majority. The study also highlights the distinct differences between the health impacts for incarcerated men in comparison to women incarcerated, through investigating women’s prisons in regards to maternal and perinatal concerns and the problems this inflicts upon their mental health, ranging from depression and anxiety to attachment, as well as the physical health and wellbeing. Furthermore, after exploring government policies and legislation regarding the health and wellbeing of incarcerated people, the results clearly outline the organisations involved and responsible for ensuring the safety, health and wellbeing of inmates within the UK, and how multi-disciplinary working is used in order to attempt to upkeep this. On the whole, the dissertation exemplifies how the prison establishments of the UK, typically worsen health and wellbeing in all aspects and throughout the chapters focuses on specific issues created and prolonged through essentially living within a UK prison
“Childhood trauma doesn’t come in one single package”: Exploring the Cycle of Abuse from Childhood to Adulthood with a Focus on Childhood Sexual Abuse (CSA)
No full textThis dissertation is focused around the cycle of abuse and the journey a victim takes from childhood to adulthood including any gender-based differences. Each chapter explored a different journey a victim could take following their abuse and what factors could contribute to the different outcomes. The first chapter explored the victim-to-victimiser theory. This is where the possibility for an abused child going on to abuse others in adulthood, with some of the contributing factors being hypersexuality and the social learning theory that supports learned behaviour. Intergenerational sexual abuse is researched to determine if victims learn from the abuse from a family member and then go on to inflict the same abuse on their own children. The second chapter investigated the likelihood of a victim being revictimised in their adult life and, what about their past CSA makes them more susceptible. Some contributing factors found were alcohol and dissociation which separate the victim from their conscious mind and make them more vulnerable to experiencing sexual abuse again. The third chapter explored how we can break of the cycle of sexual abuse. The two concepts investigated were coping and resilience. Each of these contributed to a victim\u27s journey to a survivor and was essential in the prevention of the other harmful pathways that are possible following CSA
A scoping review to examine any links between mental health and vaping
No full textBackground: The use of electronic cigarettes, commonly known as vaping, has surged in popularity, particularly among younger generations. Aggressive marketing has positioned vaping as a fashionable and harmless alternative to traditional tobacco products. However, growing concerns about the health risks and potential mental health implications of vaping have emerged, with studies suggesting links to conditions such as depression, anxiety, and psychosis. The complex bidirectional relationship between vaping and mental health, where pre-existing conditions may lead to vaping as a coping mechanism and vaping itself may exacerbate these conditions, underscores the need for a thorough examination of this issue.
Methods: A scoping review was conducted to map the extent, range, and nature of research on the relationship between vaping and mental health, following the framework proposed by Arksey and O\u27Malley (2005). Studies published between 2018 and 2024 that investigated the association between vaping and mental health conditions were included. Data was charted using a standardised form, and themes such as depression and anxiety were identified through an inductive analysis.
Results: The review revealed an association between vaping and various mental health conditions including depression, anxiety, stress, and suicidality. While the nature and strength of this association varied, longitudinal studies indicated that vaping could precede and potentially exacerbate mental health symptoms, suggesting a causal link. Factors such as gender, educational environment, health status, and behavioural patterns were found to influence this relationship. However, the review also highlighted several research gaps, particularly the need for more longitudinal studies, investigations into the mechanisms underlying these associations, and the effects of different vaping substances.
Conclusion: The findings underscore the complex interplay between vaping and mental health and the urgent need for ongoing research to inform public health interventions and policies. Addressing the identified research gaps is crucial for developing evidence-based strategies to mitigate the potential mental health risks associated with vaping, ultimately promoting the well-being of individuals who vape. 
Intimate partner violence and mental health among Black and Minority Ethnic women in the United Kingdom: A scoping review
No full textBackground: In the United Kingdom, Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) women are disproportionately affected by intimate partner violence (IPV), which has severe mental health repercussions. Despite this, there is a significant disparity in the comprehension of the distinctive obstacles that these women encounter when attempting to access support and achieve equitable results. This scoping review aims to systematically map the existing literature to investigate the prevalence, mental health impacts, and barriers to help-seeking for IPV among BME women in the UK.
Methods: Based on the Arksey and O\u27Malley framework and methodology guidance stage provided by the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI), this review examined forty qualitative and mixed-methods studies that were published between 2010 and 2023 and were obtained from ten main databases. To synthesise the data, thematic analysis was implemented following a modified framework for healthcare delivery challenges.
Results: Key findings indicate that BME communities have a disproportionately high prevalence of IPV, which is further increased by underreporting because of cultural norms, language barriers, and distrust of authorities. Access to information, cultural norms, and immigration status were identified as complex barriers to help-seeking. Ethnicity, gender, and immigration status worsen the mental health effects of institutional violence and IPV. In addition, IPV prevalence varied widely among demographic and geographic groups.
Conclusion: A comprehensive IPV plan for BME women in the UK is urgently needed. Strategic interventions for young adults and rural communities, culturally sensitive and trauma-informed services, and BME support organisation funding are some practical solutions. Future research should focus on evaluating culturally adapted interventions and conducting community-based, longitudinal, and large-scale studies.
 
Welcome
No full textWelcome to the eighth issue of the PHI journal. Our guest editorial comes from Ann Marie Farrugia who has completed her MSc within Public Health at Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU). Ann is now working as a researcher within the School of Public and Allied Health here at LJMU.
In my time as a student, I often compared writing a dissertation to a strange train journey, one where you know the final destination will be rewarding, but you also know that the ride itself will be unpredictable. My experience with my undergraduate dissertation was a bumpy ride. I chose a complex, under researched topic, which meant that the dissertation process was challenging, at times slow, while at other times very intense. Nonetheless, it was a topic whose importance I always firmly believed in, and a topic that I wanted to learn more about. My undergraduate dissertation marked my very first time producing research and it further cemented my passion for it. It felt so rewarding speaking to people and being able to turn their experiences into knowledge that undertaking a postgraduate degree to felt inevitable.
Inspired by my interests in a breadth of different topics surrounding the health of vulnerable populations, as well as the fantastic work carried out by public health teams who have tackled the COVID-19 response globally, I decided to pursue an MSc in Public Health at Liverpool John Moores University. Once again, I gravitated towards an under-researched area, this time, the barriers homeless populations face when accessing cancer screening. Both my lecturers and dissertation supervisors were an immense support system throughout the whole dissertation process, and their dedication further solidified my desire to pursue a career in public health research. Today, I’m proud to be working alongside them as a Public Health Research Assistant, applying everything I learnt as a student to multiple research projects that aim to create meaningful change in the public health field. Public health research means a lot to me and it has given and contributed immensely towards my personal growth by helping me understand and solidify my strengths, passions, and yes, even my patience.
Being a public health student takes courage, whether you realise it or not. Choosing a research topic, advocating for something you care about, and navigating such a broad and evolving field is no small task. Writing a dissertation can often feel overwhelming, and self-doubt will inevitably creep in. You might question whether your topic is interesting enough, whether your work will be taken seriously, or whether you’ll be able to finish what you started. But you always will. And so have the students whose incredible dissertation abstracts are featured in this journal. To every student whose work is presented here - congratulations! Your research is a testament to the depth and impact of public health and the dedication of those studying it. It is a valuable contribution to the field, shaping its future and inspiring the next generation of researchers and students to further advance public health knowledge
An exploration of characteristics associated with substance use within the construction industry in the United Kingdom: A quantitative secondary data analysis
No full textBackground: Substance use is a global public health issue. Those working in the construction industry use substances at a higher rate than those in other industries. Construction is a safety critical industry, and the impact of substance use can increase the likelihood of harms to health. This study aimed to examine substance use of clients presenting to a support and wellbeing service within the construction industry in the United Kingdom. Specifically, this study explored if there was a relationship between age, income level, the presence of a co-occurring mental illness on substance use and type of substance used, as well as exploring the impact of those identifying work as a stress factor.
Methods: A secondary data analysis was conducted using data collected by the service from July 2022 to August 2023. The data for participants reporting substance use was extracted, and included demographic information, co- occurring mental health issues, type of substance use and whether work was a stressor. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to characterise the sample.
Results: 51 cases were extracted from the 458 in the primary data, which was 11.1% of the cases. Alcohol was the most reported substance (52.9% of participants), and 62% reporting use were on a lower income, 54.9% were aged 31-55 and 82.3% reported a co-occurring mental illness. Around a quarter (25.5%) of cases reported that their mental health and wellbeing issues were not impacted by work stressors. Following Chi-square testing, there was a relationship between mental illness and the type of substance use (single or poly substance use) with a P value of .037, and work stress and single substance use with a P value of .039. Of particular note, is the relationship between age and type of substance use (alcohol, single or poly-substance use) with statistical significance and a P value of .001.
Conclusion: The study explored the characteristics of UK construction workers who use substances and are receiving support. Few studies have been undertaken in this population, and implications for future research and support required. A larger UK study would yield richer results, and few have been undertaken in this population group, further exploration around and including the high rate of participants reporting mental illness, the high rate of alcohol use, the difference in the type of substances used by age group and the possible impact of work stressors. The current literature on this population group suggests that in order for support to be effective it should be person-centred, focus on health promotion, prevention and treatment, using evidence-based interventions for those experiencing issues with substance use and avoiding a punitive approach.
 
Understanding mental health issues for people working in the music industry: A scoping review
No full textBackground: Mental health and wellbeing is a worldwide issue impacting many different people irrespective of gender, nationality age or any other factor. Research has documented notable mental health inequalities between musicians and the general public, as well as impacts of music on mental health of the general population. Despite the knowledge that that currently exists, many musicians and those working in the music industry report higher levels of mental ill-health, depression and anxiety. Links between working in the music industry and alcohol and drug consumption has been found, as has substance use and suicide. This may make those working in the music industry more likely to self-harm and put them at an even higher rate of risk for poor mental health than the general public. This scoping review seeks to gain an overview of the available studies and literature on mental health issue for people working in the music industry.
Methods: The present study undertakes a scoping review of the research and literature surrounding the topic of mental health and wellbeing of those employed and working in the music industry. Five online databases were searched for studies that were published from 2014-2024. To help gain a rich amount of data, a search was performed on three online platforms for grey literature. An evaluation of the titles and abstracts of each study was performed initially, which was then followed by a full and thorough screening of each full text.
Results: Nine of the 14 studies that were found during the first search were included in the scoping review; these studies were primarily quantitative primary research studies. Four main themes emerged from the study: discrimination, income, job security, and substance use and abuse.
Conclusion: Of the four themes that emerged when analysing the evidence base, income and substance use and abuse were the two most recurring themes in all pieces of evidence. However, discrimination and job security were also shown to be major contributing factors to the mental wellbeing of those working in the music industry. Addressing the factors that are negatively impacting the mental wellbeing of those in the music industry is paramount to reduce the poor mental health of the population group and increase happiness and positive mental wellbeing. Recommendations for improving mental health outcomes include education for those going into the industry, teaching mindfulness skills and equipping therapists with correct knowledge to understand the struggles of those in the industry and provide adequate mental health care. 
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