Public Health Institute Journal (LJMU)
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Experiences of workplace conflicts among female nurses and doctors in Nigeria: A qualitative systematic review.
No full textBackground: Workplace conflicts among healthcare professionals have been identified as a significant issue affecting job satisfaction, mental health, and retention. However, limited research has been conducted specifically on the experiences of female nurses and doctors in Nigeria. Understanding these experiences is critical for developing targeted interventions and policies to promote a supportive work environment. This study aimed to systematically review and synthesize the available literature on workplace conflicts experienced by female nurses and doctors in Nigeria.
Methods: An exhaustive search was conducted across multiple databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, SCOPUS, CINAHL, and EMBASE. The search identified 2,041 studies, of which seven met the inclusion criteria. The Critical Appraisal Skilled Programme (CASP) checklist was utilized to assess the quality of the included studies. A thematic review approach was employed for data synthesis.
Results: The analysis included a total of 479 nurses and doctors across the included studies. The findings revealed, based on the experience and type of work conflict—gender discrimination, power imbalances, Interprofessional relationships, transgenerational strain, and resource allocation—were mostly reported. These conflicts negatively affected job satisfaction, mental health, and retention rates among female healthcare professionals in Nigeria.
Conclusion: Workplace conflicts pose significant challenges for Nigerian female nurses and doctors, affecting their well-being and professional experiences. To address these conflicts, policies that promote gender equality, effective conflict resolution strategies, and a supportive work environment must be developed and implemented. More research is needed to investigate contextual factors, evaluate interventions, and examine long-term consequences to inform evidence-based practises
A survey study exploring attitudes, knowledge and perceptions of air pollution in the United Kingdom.
No full textBackground: Air pollution is defined as contamination of the indoor or outdoor environment by any chemical, physical, or biological agent that alters the inherent properties of the atmosphere. Air pollution is commonly caused by household combustion devices, motor vehicles, industrial facilities, agriculture and forest fires. It is considered a major public health issue and described as an “invisible killer.” This study aimed to explore people’s knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of air pollution in the United Kingdom.
Methods: A quantitative study was conducted using an online questionnaire sent via Facebook and the Doctoral Academy group. A total of 80 participants completed the questionnaire.
Results: The findings of the study revealed that (93.8%) of participants perceived air pollution as an important concern compared to only 6.3% who considered air pollution to be unimportant. Automobiles were indicated as the major cause of air pollution by participants (93.8%). Most participants identified carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NOx), and sulphur dioxide (SO2) as pollutants. While a small number of people identified particulate matter (PM), ozone (O3), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as air pollution contaminants. (66.3%) of participants believed that air pollution adversely affected their health. Most participants mentioned asthma (92.5%), lung cancer (57.5%) and respiratory related conditions as associated with air pollution. However, they were less likely to link air pollution to diseases such as cardiovascular disease (16.3%) and diabetes (5%). Most participants felt air pollution had deceased during the lockdown and acknowledged that there is a relationship between the weather and air pollution. Most participants attributed the main responsibility to tackle the issue of air pollution to individuals. There was a significant relationship between perception’s concern and gender, asthma risk perceptions and age. There was a significant association between the source of information about air pollution and the sense of contribution to reduce air pollution.
Conclusion: Overall, this study provided important information and knowledge for public health. It will act as a baseline information to raise awareness among the population. Additionally, it will give much-needed information to policymakers engaged in critical relevant air quality statements, including generating recommendations for new clean air regulations
Reasons for non-participation in the National Child Measurement Programme: An interview study with parents: Public Health Dissertation Prize Winner
No full textChildhood obesity has reached epidemic levels. The causes are complex and varied, with lasting impacts on whole-life health outcomes. Since 2006 the National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP) has collected height and weight data on primary school age children in Reception and Year 6 to monitor prevalence and trends of obesity in England and Wales. This data is used to develop interventions and target support to areas of need. The programme is voluntary, requiring parents to actively withdraw consent, and rates of participation have been decreasing since 2016/17. The aim of this study was to uncover the reasons why parents withdraw consent for their children to participate in the NCMP through interviews with parents who had refused consent for their children to take part. Participants were recruited through parenting forums and social media posts, self-selecting to take part in a semistructured online interview to discuss their thoughts and feelings towards the NCMP. Seven participants were involved across six interviews.
Thematic analysis of the interview data revealed five themes. Parents cited concerns over causing harm to their child’s body image or triggering eating disorders as a primary reason for non-participation. Many attributed their reluctance to their own experiences of weight-related issues to growing up in the 1990s and early 2000s in a “toxic diet culture” surrounded by media portrayals of “super skinny women” and societal expectations around female appearance and beauty standards. The use of Body Mass Index (BMI) as an indicator of child health was problematic for all participants, including those from a health professional background. There was no identified link between non-participation in the NCMP and withdrawal from childhood vaccinations although this would need wider investigation given the limitations of a small-scale study.
Recommendations from this study include an information and education campaign promoting the programme benefits including addressing the concerns raised by non- participatory parents and highlighting some of the targeted initiatives informed by NCMP data. There is an argument to be made for increasing the number of screenings to three to include secondary school children in year 8 or 9 to further monitor and track children identified as overweight or obese, allowing for an assessment of the efficacy of the programme in weight reduction and behaviour change. Considering a move from BMI to waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) could provide more accurate data on obesity prevalence in children as well as address the concerns of parents who do not feel BMI is an appropriate measure for use in children. A recommendation for further study on a larger scale would address a gap in the current knowledge around the NCMP and childhood obesity, to include the impact of Covid-19 with regards to obesity prevalence and NCMP engagement
An exploration of adherence to the requirements for School Food Regulations 2014 in primary schools in Trafford
No full textParents send their children to school expecting them to be fed nutritionally. If they have opted for a school provided lunch by law it should adhere to The Requirements for School Food Regulations, 2014. There are 24,442 schools in England with a total of 9,073,832 pupils of which 23.8% of those pupils are eligible for a free school meal. The aim of this research was to investigate if primary schools in the Trafford Local Authority area were compliant with the regulations set out in the legislation and identify any trends for difficulties experienced if not compliant. Quantitative and qualitative data was collected in the form of a postal survey. The questionnaires were sent out to primary schools in the Trafford area. Alongside the questionnaire, a content analysis of school menus in Trafford and recent Ofsted inspection reports were reviewed to identify similarities and disparities. Data retrieved was analysed using framework analysis.
This research highlights a lack of regular checks of legislation compliance by a governing body who has the power to take enforcement action against non-compliance. At present Ofsted are conducting routine inspections to visit and check that compliance is met of the school food standards, however a review of recent inspections at primary schools in the Trafford area show no evidence this is occurring. The average school food standards compliance score was 84.7% which means that schools are not adhering to some of the requirements. Previous research in Blackpool highlighted that out of 33 primary schools (33%) in the area, only 11 were meeting the school food standards. Ofsted research from 2018 showed that there were no reasons to believe that schools were not meeting the school food standards which contradicts the results from this research and other studies conducted after 2018. There are certain requirements that schools find easier to adhere to than others which further research needed to identify underlying issues.
Further research is needed on the school menu review policies and the implementation of changes, packed lunch policies and how these are monitored and enforced by the schools including the consideration of expanding the free school meals policy. It is recommended that the UK government needs to make a decision on which governing body will be instructed to carry out routine school food standards checks with clear guidelines and enforcement action powers
A small-scale quantitative survey into the public awareness of the Food Hygiene Rating System ("Scores on the doors") and how the rating system influences the public\u27s decisions
No full textIn the UK there were approximately 2.4 million cases of foodborne illness during 2020 by the Food Standards Agency (FSA), much higher than 1 million cases estimated in 2009. It is estimated that these cases cost the UK £9 billion per year. To reduce this number Environmental Health Officers (EHOs) from local councils are sent to food businesses across the country. These local councils then report back to the FSA, this is so that food businesses can receive a food hygiene rating. However, the food business can choose whether or not to display the rating given to them if they are located in England.
This project aims to explore the awareness of the public around the Food Hygiene Rating System (FHRS) and if the FHRS also known as "Scores on the doors” affects the publics decision making process when choosing an establishment to purchase food from. The specific objectives are to explore the public’s knowledge of the FHRS, assess the public’s attitude towards the FHRS and analyse if the public’s behaviour is influenced by their knowledge and attitudes towards the FHRS. This dissertation used a quantitative method to collect data, via an online questionnaire. The researcher thought that this would be the best way to collect data because it is quick and simple for the participants to complete, and it is also easily analysed. The researcher used the website JISC to create the questionnaire as well as collect data and analyse said data.
The main findings of this study show that participants have a basic knowledge of what the FHRS is. However, they lack more in depth knowledge that could possibly help them such as knowing that the FHRS does not reflect the quality of food as 61.8% of participants thought it did. Some of the recommendations that the researcher would suggest is a nationwide awareness program to educate the public so that they are aware of what the FHRS is, as well as to give business owners an incentive to improve their potentially low hygiene ratings. A nationwide awareness program might also give business owner an incentive to display their hygiene ratings if they are not already doing so
A quantitative survey study to understand students\u27 knowledge and attitudes towards rewilding in England
No full textRewilding is a strategy that attempts to return an ecosystem to their original state before human alterations were imposed. Rewilding is a concept that originated from North America in the 1980s where it was originally called wildness recovery. The aim of this study is to explore and gain an understating of student’s knowledge and attitudes towards rewilding in England. The objectives were to ascertain student’s knowledge of wildlife and conservation in England, and to understand student’s attitudes towards rewilding projects in England. An online questionnaire was developed and distributed to students aged eighteen and over who are currently enrolled in a university based in England. A convenience sampling approach was used in recruiting participants via social media such as Instagram and Facebook. The researcher also approached LJMU gatekeepers and posted it onto their online platform CANVAS.
There was a higher percentage of female student participant’s and those aged 33 years old or older taking part in the study. The data shows that students have a positive attitude towards nature and think rewilding is a good idea that can benefit society and the economy. The study concluded that a gap in the literature has been filled as the student demographic has been represented. It also concludes that students feel that rewilding is a good idea and can have a positive impact on physical and mental health
A quantitative study exploring physical activity levels in children under 11 years old
No full textPhysical activity does more than fight obesity and keep people from getting sick, it is also essential for children’s emotional, social, and intellectual growth. This study explores levels of activity in children. Due to technological advances and living in cities, people are becoming less active, which is creating public health issues. We must therefore reconsider how children interact with physical exercise. This study explores how family, environment, and social norms affect children\u27s levels of physical exercise. The aim is to find out what stops children from being active, what makes children more active, and what recommendations can be made to get children more active.
A questionnaire was sent to parents or legal guardians of children aged under 11 years old living in semi-urban or urban areas, exploring their children\u27s levels of physical activity. The questionnaire was distributed through media platforms such as Facebook, as well as targeted recruitment though email. Many things affect how active children are and these factors affect each other in complicated ways. Some important factors are how parents feel about physical exercise, the number of safe outdoor areas, and the results of school programmes that try to get children fit and moving. Key findings highlight the role of family support, outdoor space availability, and effective school programmes in improving children\u27s physical activity levels. Addressing the blocks to physical activity requires a collaborative approach that includes policy changes, community planning, and parental education to foster energetic lifestyles among children.
In conclusion, the research suggests that parents, legal guardians, teachers, policymakers, and community planners should collaborate to create and execute multifaceted plans to get children more active. Some suggestions are to improve physical education programs in schools, make outdoor play areas safe and fun, and start efforts to teach families how important it is to be active. Ultimately, this study helps future generations live more physically active, healthy, and sustainable lives by focusing on the variables that affect how active children are
Academic stress, mental wellbeing, substance use and social support among university students pursuing higher studies.
No full textBackground: Students at United Kingdom (UK) universities come across various obstacles in the modern world, which is a significant public health concern. Stress emerges as a key factor that has a major effect on university students\u27 academic progress. The transition from high school to university often exacerbates academic stress. The effects of such stress vary from deterioration of mental wellbeing to substance use, which may have an impact on academic performance and undermine the effectiveness of social support systems. The aim of this study is to better understand the connections among academic stress, mental wellbeing, substance use, and social support among university students pursuing higher studies.
Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was used to investigate the relationship between academic stress, mental wellbeing, perceived social support, and substance use. The sample was 52 students pursuing full-time higher studies at Liverpool John Moores University. A self-made demographic profile sheet and standardised scales were used in the study to evaluate and find the associations, correlations, and differences among the variables that were found in previous pieces of literature.
Results: Half of the participants reported experiencing an average amount of stress from academic expectations, work and examinations, and academic self-perceptions. There were no associations between academic stress and social support, substance use, and mental wellbeing. Academic stress was associated with participants\u27 financial situation, however, neither academic stress nor mental wellbeing was significantly linked with age or substance use.
Conclusion: Academic stress is a common issue for university students, but this study suggested that there was no relationship with mental wellbeing, substance use, and social support in this sample. To promote a holistic atmosphere in universities that prioritises student wellbeing, this study underlines the significance of personalised interventions that address every aspect specifically.
 
What are the challenges faced by professionals working within schools when delivering health promotion sessions to children aged 5-18 years in Liverpool in a post-covid world? A qualitative study.
No full textBackground: Health promotion within schools is an essential tool to challenging poor health and promoting healthy choices across the lifespan. Literature widely acknowledges that early intervention is key to positive long-term health outcomes and school health education is seen an effective tool to support this. However, Covid-19 has created challenges in how health education is delivered. Some studies have suggested Covid-19 has improved multi-agency working and has generated new, effective methods of delivery whereas others have argued that the role of practitioners has changed, and they now face different challenges which hinder efficacy of health promotion. No studies have been documented which compare pre- and post-pandemic delivery of health education simultaneously through the exploration of practitioner perspectives.
Methods: A qualitative study design was used to conduct research; using individual, semi-structured interviews via Microsoft Teams. A sample of six participants were obtained through purposeful sampling; three participants had a background in education and three participants had a background in public health nursing. Interviews were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis.
Results: Findings showed that participants experienced poor relationships between multi-agencies, with school health and teaching staff working independently to deliver health promotion, often covering the same topic rather than working together to tailor content according to local need. Resources and attitudes towards health promotion were identified as an area of interest. It was reported that there appears to be a disparity of resources across the locality, with school leaders making individualised decisions on which topics to be included within their settings, often informed by their own beliefs or agendas. Parental attitudes towards health promotion were seen as a significant factor in efficacy; providing a comparison of positive parental engagement pre-covid compared to poor engagement post-covid. The visibility of the school health role was also raised, with comparisons drawn between in-person and virtual relationships as a direct impact of the pandemic. Health practitioners felt that they no longer had strong relationships with school staff and teaching staff reported that they did not know how to access school health teams for support.
Conclusion: Work is needed to improve relationships between health and education, with focus given to the local needs of children rather than to personal agendas of school leaders. Engagement with parents requires significant improvement if the long-term consequences of Covid-19 are to be improved
Understanding stigma towards opioid use disorder and its role as a barrier to treatment in Sub-Saharan Africa: A scoping review.: Public Health Addictions Dissertation Prize Winner
No full textBackground: Opioid use disorder is a global problem and an overwhelming public health concern, as opioids remain the most fatal class of drug responsible for two thirds of drug- related deaths. Opioid use disorder is the most stigmatized health condition worldwide and it serves as a huge barrier to treatment. Stigma associated with opioid use disorder does not exist in isolation but worsened by marginalization linked to race, gender, and ethnicity. Opioid trafficking routes along Sub-Saharan Africa have created local markets and increased consumption of heroin in East and Southern Africa and increased misuse of Tramadol and Codeine in West and Central Africa. Opioid use disorder has serious health repercussions that can include higher overdose risk, infectious diseases, mental health issues, as well as social and economic disturbances for affected persons and their families. Access to evidence-based treatment of opioid use disorder in Sub-Saharan Africa is often limited and stigma can act as a barrier to seeking and accessing treatment.
Methods: A scoping review was conducted to search for studies on stigma towards opioid use disorder and its role as a barrier to treatment in Sub-Saharan Africa using Arksey and O’Malley’s methodological framework for scoping review. Screening was done in two stages based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data was charted and relevant studies identified (n=16) and subsequent thematic analysis was performed.
Results: Sixteen studies were identified, majority from East Africa. Five themes emerged: stigma towards opioid use disorder are significant barriers to treatment, stigmatization of women who inject drugs, lack of sufficient healthcare facilities, mode of administration/enrolment as a barrier to treatment, and integration of antiretroviral therapy and medication-assisted treatment generates stigma.
Conclusion: The review highlighted diverse forms of stigma towards opioid use disorder which impacts on availability and accessibility of treatment in Sub-Saharan Africa as well as harm reduction which is slowly gaining recognition as effective strategies to address the health and social consequence of opioid use disorder. There is need for more research, advocacy, policy reforms, and collaboration towards addressing opioid use disorders and stigma
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