Public Health Institute Journal (LJMU)
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No full textWelcome to the sixth issue of the PHI journal. Our guest editorial comes from Charley Wilson who is a recent graduate of our MSc Public Health: Addictions Programme. Charley now works at LJMU and has recently published his MSC findings in Journal of Public Health
Undertaking a dissertation can be a challenging, exciting, and at times overwhelming experience. With such a range of interesting topics in the field of public health, trying to find just one to focus on can be a tricky hurdle. In my BSc dissertation I had picked a topic that, frankly, I didn’t have any interest in (and it probably showed). Fortunately, for my Public Health: Addictions MSc, I made sure I wouldn’t make this same mistake again, and focussed on a subject I am passionate about, gambling marketing and products. Working on this topic was a massively rewarding experience and only fuelled my interests further. Undertaking the dissertation opened the opportunity for me to stay in research, and I am grateful to now be working at LJMU alongside my brilliant dissertation supervisors, and I have managed to publish my findings as an academic journal article. While choosing a topic you genuinely care about and find interesting can be difficult, it is important and can help to shape the entire dissertation process into an engaging and enjoyable experience.
The breadth of topics covered by public health is one of my favourite things about working in research in this field. There are continuous fresh perspectives and insights which help to shape our understanding of public health challenges and interventions. Although I have not been working at LJMU for a very long time, when I have had the chance to supervise students’ MSc dissertations, I found this to be a rewarding experience. Not only did I have the opportunity to pass on some of my skills and knowledge, but in return to learn about and explore interesting new public health questions, gaining from students’ valuable insights and perspectives.
The dissertations included in this journal cover a broad range of interesting public health topics. The students have produced insightful research studies into areas of public health for which their enthusiasm is clear. Through conducting their dissertations, the students have displayed and developed a diversity of different strengths in key research and communication skills and have expanded their knowledge and interests on key public health issues. These skills and knowledge will no doubt be of benefit to future public health research teams and the wider public health workforce, having positive impacts across a variety of areas of public health. Their hard work should be celebrated, and this journal offers students the chance to recognise and share their achievements at LJMU. I congratulate all the students on their fantastic work and wish them all every success in their careers
Exploring the relationship between homesickness and academic performance in Saudi students at Liverpool John Moores University
No full textThis research explored the multifaceted phenomenon of homesickness among Saudi students at Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) and its impact on their academic performance, social integration, and coping strategies. Utilizing a comprehensive questionnaire answered by 39 Saudi students, the research gained insights into demographics, frequency, and aspects of homesickness, coping mechanisms, physical symptoms, and its overall impact on academic engagement and satisfaction. The demographic analysis revealed a diverse student body with a broad age range, a higher proportion of male students, and varying levels of English language proficiency. The majority of the participants were enrolled in undergraduate programs, with many reporting having no family or dependents accompanying them in the UK.
The results indicated that homesickness is a prevalent issue, with over half of the students (51.2%) experiencing it frequently. The aspects of home missed the most included family (79.5%), as well as friends, food, and cultural practices, highlighting the emotional and cultural disconnection experienced while studying abroad. In terms of coping strategies, maintaining contact with family and friends back home emerged as the most common mechanism, followed by engaging with local Saudi or international communities and participating in cultural or religious events. The study also identified physical symptoms attributed to homesickness, such as changes in appetite and sleep disturbances, indicating the physiological impact of emotional distress. Academically, while many students expressed satisfaction with their academic progress, a considerable number acknowledged that homesickness negatively affected various aspects of their academic life. This included decreased motivation to continue studies, reluctance to attend lectures, hindered participation in class discussions, delays in completing assignments, and reduced engagement in academic-related activities. Nonetheless, the study also highlighted a mixed pattern of seeking help from tutors, with some students actively seeking support while others showed hesitance, possibly due to cultural barriers or fear of stigmatization.
The research highlighted the significant impact of homesickness on the academic and social experiences of Saudi students at LJMU, emphasizing the need for targeted support services that address both the academic and emotional challenges faced by international students. The findings advocate for the implementation of comprehensive support mechanisms, including peer mentoring, cultural assimilation programs, and counselling services, to mitigate the effects of homesickness and promote academic success and well-being among international students. Future research should explore the long-term effects of homesickness and the efficacy of specific interventions in enhancing the academic and social integration of international students
Exploring the effects of diabetes on the mental health of socioeconomically disadvantaged adults in the United Kingdom
No full textExploring the complex relationship between diabetes and mental health among ethnic minority populations in the United Kingdom highlights a vital healthcare issue in our local communities. By 2051, ethnic minority communities are estimated to represent at least one-third of the population in the United Kingdom. Diabetes and mental health status have a two-way relationship; their challenges often intertwine, which, therefore, present unique obstacles that affect health outcomes. This relationship would suggest that effectively managing one condition can have a beneficial influence on the other. People living with diabetes have relatively high levels of depression, which is associated with increased risk for all-cause mortality. These issues resonate deeply within public health due to the impact on well-being and the healthcare system as a whole.
In this study, the aim was to explore the complex interplay between diabetes and mental health among adults in the United Kingdom and to provide insights into effective interventions for promoting psychological well-being. This review identified the prevalence of diabetes in the United Kingdom while also highlighting its impact on ethnic minorities and disadvantaged communities. This review found a higher risk of mental health issues among adults with diabetes, which underscored the need to address socioeconomic disparities and improve access to mental health support. Cultural beliefs were found to shape attitudes, beliefs, and behaviours, which indicates the need for culturally tailored interventions. The study recommends adopting an integrated, culturally sensitive approach to diabetes care in the UK that support the psychological aspects of the condition. The research highlights the vital significance of taking a comprehensive approach to managing diabetes in ethnic minorities in the UK. By recognising and addressing the condition’s physical and mental dimensions, we can significantly improve patient well-being and overall quality of life. However, achieving this goal requires collaborative efforts from various stakeholders in the healthcare system. Recommendations for improving healthcare outcomes for ethnic minority adults in the UK include enhancing cultural competency training, addressing language barriers, and collaboration among stakeholders. Together, we must ensure that everyone, regardless of their background or status, has fair and equal access to the care and support required to managetheir diabetes and lead fulfilling lives
The role of social media on university students’ mental health
No full textThis quantitative dissertation explores how social media use affects university students\u27 mental health in the current digital age. It recognises growing concerns about the impact of social media on young adults and seeks to understand the unique mental health issues faced by all university students. The study primarily explores how popular social media apps such as YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, and Facebook affect this groups mental health. The relationship of social media and mental health is explored within the context of today\u27s digitally connected era, particularly focusing on young adults aged 18-25. This age group are important as they are moving into adulthood and gaining increasing independence. It is during this period that young adults navigate various social, academic, and personal challenges, all of which are related to their use of social media.
To gather data, I have used an online questionnaire on social media habits and mental health indicators among the target population. The sampling strategy involves a combination of convenience and purposive sampling. I collected data from my personal networks and also specifically targeted the age group of 18 to 25 to ensure the accurate representation across diverse sociodemographic backgrounds, with recruitment through university, social media platforms, and academic departments. The key research questions driving this investigation include the impact of social media usage on mental health symptoms, the influence of different social media platforms, social pressure, sleep patterns, body image perceptions, experiences with online negativity, coping mechanisms, emotional states and the prevalence of social media breaks from young university adults.
Overall, this research adds to the ongoing discussion on the impacts of social media on university students’ mental health. This topic needs further exploration to identify how we can make social media have a more positive influence on our well-being
The perceptions of high street food business operatives in Liverpool towards food safety regulations and the Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) that enforce them
No full textFood poisoning is a major concern for public health, reports from the Food Standards Agency (FSA) suggest that there are around 2.4 million estimated UK cases of foodborne illness occurring each year. It has been suggested that the majority of these outbreaks have been the result of poor practices within the food industry. Barriers that potentially prevent good practice and food safety within the food industry include a lack of trust in Environmental health practitioners (EHPs) and Regulatory authorities.
This dissertation explored the barriers to compliance and factors that influence these behaviours, by surveying people who work in the High Street food industry on their levels of trust and compliance with EHPs and regulatory authorities. Reviewing the literature revealed minimal previous research on this topic, although provided insight into behaviour theory and outlined the environmental health concerns that this paper addresses. The majority of food workers are young and have been in the industry for approximately 2-3 years. Overall it was felt the current regulations do not ask too much and are easy to understand, with confidence in their business\u27s understanding of the regulations. Furthermore, the majority of food operators agreed that EHPs provided clear guidance and they would trust the advice given to them by an EHP. Further research should explore trust as a barrier to compliance
Environmental Health Practitioners’ opinions on whether food hygiene standards have declined post pandemic: Environmental Health Dissertation Prize Winner
No full textFood hygiene standards in establishments undergo continuous scrutiny by local authorities to safeguard public health. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic introduced unprecedented challenges for both food establishments striving for compliance and local authorities attempting to sustain planned inspections. This situation has resulted in a significant number of establishments still awaiting inspection even four years after the pandemic\u27s onset. The aim of this study was to investigate the perspectives of Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) regarding the potential decline in food standards since the onset of the pandemic and the underlying reasons for such changes. The research entailed conducting interviews with EHPs employed by local authorities to gather insights into their thoughts, knowledge, and opinions on whether food standards had indeed declined in the post-pandemic period.
Interviews were carried out online with nine EHPs from various local authorities. Analysis of transcribed interviews provided data for six identified themes that had emerged from the research. Findings from this study indicate that EHPs believe that standards within food premises have declined with various contributing factors. This study revealed that local authorities encountered substantial challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, navigating the dual responsibility of mitigating virus transmission and upholding food safety standards. The surge in new business registrations, combined with staffing shortages, heightened the strain on local authorities to conduct planned inspections, resulting in a persistent backlog. Food establishments grappled and continue to grapple with implications stemming from COVID-19 and financial pressures related to the cost-of-living crisis. In conjunction with understaffing in the hospitality sector, these challenges intensify the pressure on food businesses to maintain the necessary standards required to comply with food law.
Recommendations stemming from this study advocate for an increase in the recruitment of EHPs to address the ongoing challenges and persisting backlog of inspections. Additionally, the study suggests considering legislative changes to enforce the mandatory display of the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme and enhance the food business registration process. Given the substantial pressures on food establishments and their inspectors, further action is imperative to mitigate potential risks to public health
A survey study analysing the impact of greenspaces on the physical and mental health of Liverpool students
No full textThis dissertation examines the physical and mental changes to students in Liverpool as a result of attending greenspaces. The main aim of the dissertation is to provide a scientific explanation behind the role of greenspace provision for the human mind and body, and what benefits greenspaces can have on an individual level. The study also examines the societal benefits greenspaces can have, such as the mitigation of climate change and the potential to reduce burdens on public health services. This study uses an online questionnaire, which recruited 63 students who are studying in Liverpool and asked them about their thoughts and feelings towards greenspaces, physical and mental wellbeing, stress, anxiety, and overall life satisfaction. The questionnaire was initially distributed through personal acquaintances, which then further developed into snowball sampling through student groups and societies. The main findings of the study are that students overall have a positive association of greenspaces, generally live near to them, and have mixed feelings towards their life happiness, and levels of stress and anxiety. The study concludes with some recommendations for future similar investigations, and possible solutions from an environmental health perspective as how to best tackle the current mental health crisis of students in Liverpool
A quantitative study to explore the changes in eating habits of university students after they have transitioned into university
No full textThe transition to university is a changing period in a person’s life, where students are faced with newfound independence that can shift routines and impact dietary habits. A quantitative study was conducted to explore the changes in eating habits among young adults after they have transitioned into university. An online survey was used, recruiting using a self-sampling approach via various social media groups and student chat groups. A total of 65 students participated in this study and the data was analysed using Google Forms; 64.6% were female and 35.4% were male, with the highest proportion aged between 21 and 23 years (43.1%). A substantial percentage of participants consumed two meals per day, which may indicate a shift away from the commonly associated three-meal diet with healthy eating patterns. Furthermore a considerable amount of data shows that students eat less healthily after transitioning to university as opposed to predominantly eating moderately healthy before their transition. Socioeconomic factors heavily influenced food accessibility and preferences, potentially impacting students ability to eat healthily during the transition to university. Overall, the findings and results show the importance of promoting education and awareness on how to eat healthier, moderate, and balanced meals. Interventions and promoting awareness of available services can help students to make informed choices about their well-being and eating habits
An investigation into drug consumption rooms: Would they be beneficial if introduced throughout the UK?
No full textThe following literature review presents an investigation into the individual and community impact of drug consumption rooms globally. The injecting of drugs is a global public health issue not only affecting the individual by partaking in risky behaviours but the wider community with effects of public nuisance, open drug scenes and public order issues. In a harm reduction attempt to combat these issues drug consumption rooms were first introduced in Berne Switzerland 1986, and since then drug consumption rooms have become more widely accepted as a successful harm reduction initiative with over 100 facilities globally. Whilst there has been research globally investigating the success and effects of drug consumption rooms there are still many barriers and laws and policies in place slowing down the introduction of these facilities. The approval of the drug consumption room in Scotland in September 2023 brought wide attention to local news outlets and sparked a conversation within communities. This provides a significant opportunity for reliable information on the effects of drug consumption rooms to be conveyed to the public and raise awareness to build support for these facilities and further trust throughout communities.
There are many factors affecting how successful a drug consumption room is to the individual and wider community, many of these factors are reviewed throughout this dissertation. The evidence highly suggests the success of drug consumption rooms depends on legislative barriers to get them running effectively, trust between clients and staff to build access to services and repeat clients all resulting in lower spread of disease, risky behaviours, public nuisance, and overall harm reduction. There are recommendations made for whether drug consumption rooms should be more widely introduced throughout the UK. By following the recommendations made, harm reduction will continue throughout the UK and globally
A quantitative study to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of menstrual health hygiene among female LJMU students
No full textMenstruation is a natural and essential part of the female reproductive system, that goes beyond its biology to impact upon various aspects of a woman\u27s life. It is a physiological process that not only signifies reproductive health but also carries psychological, emotional, cultural, and social significance. This study aims to explore the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of menstrual health hygiene among female LJMU students. It will also compare the relationship between their knowledge, attitudes, and practices and demographic characteristics. To gather the data for this study, a quantitative research design was employed using an online questionnaire. The questionnaire was distributed on Canvas, with the help of a gatekeeper. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS, and Chi squared tests were used to measure relationships between variables. The sample for this study consisted of 57 female LJMU students. Overall female LJMU students possess some accurate knowledge aboutmenstruation including the origin of menstrual blood, average menstrual cycle, and average menstrual bleeding duration. Participants revealed family, friends, their GP and the internet were their main source of information about menstruation and generally women felt able to discuss menstruation with their family, friends, and GP. In terms of attitudes, the participants described menstruation with words such as ‘bloody’, ‘messy’, ‘dirty’, ‘pain’, ‘inconvenient’ and ‘mood swings’ and while some students exhibited positive attitudes and openness towards menstruation and menstrual health, others expressed feelings of embarrassment, shame, and discomfort. The study found that younger women exhibited a more positive attitude towards menstruation, revealing excitement when they had their first period and not allowing menstruation to interfere with their usual activities. The study also found that participants consider factors such as comfort, price, easily disposable and quality/absorbency when choosing menstrual products. These results can contribute to the public health evidence base on menstruation and menstrual health for university students in the UK. The study recommends future studies to be conducted to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of menstruation among women in the UK. This includes the intersectionality of menstrual health hygiene with factors such as socioeconomic status, and cultural background. The study also recommends educational initiatives around menstruation for all genders to promote inclusivity, foster empathy and remove stigma
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