Public Health Institute Journal (LJMU)
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A literature review considering the changing nature of student housing in the United Kingdom and its impact on environmental health : Commendation for Significant Achievement
No full textIt is key that students secure their accommodation carefully, as their housing can have a great impact on their health. Choosing the wrong housing can lead to poorer overall health. It is becoming more popular for university students to live away from home and with their limited funds, this means that students often lean towards cheaper and therefore lower quality housing. Common implications of poor housing are respiratory problems caused by mould, transmission of communicable diseases, or the development of mental health issues like anxiety or depression. All of these factors affect students’ ability to learn. To find relevant literature, search criteria included “student housing”, “student accommodation”, “environmental health”, and “health”. The traditional housing experience for students was often living in university-owned halls of residence in their first year, before moving out of the city centre into HMOs rented by landlords exclusively to students. Despite, the increasing populating of newbuild private student flats, a significant proportion of student accommodation remains 3-floor terraced houses with a large number of bedrooms and little space. To a more unscrupulous landlord, these HMOs were less a way to provide good housing to vulnerable students and more a way to fit as many students as possible into as little space as possible to achieve maximum profit. It was even common for some communal areas to be renovated into another bedroom to fit more tenants in and make more money. These houses often had mould that could lead to tenants developing respiratory conditions and suffering exacerbated symptoms. Lack of space meant mould was often more likely and would promote poor mental health due to the unwelcoming atmosphere. Students in an NUS survey reported they often felt their landlords did not respond quickly enough to complaints of poor conditions or required maintenance whichled them to seek other accommodation with other landlords. The neighbourhoods these houses were in often became “student ghettos” where the area became overrun with students as many houses were bought by landlords and rented to students. This often made the permanent residents unhappy due to the increases in antisocial behaviour and the student residents constantly changing every academic year. Private purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) has become increasingly more popular recently. Student accommodation buildings, newly built with the specific intention of private ownership and use as halls of residence for students, are usually formed of cluster flats, the most common stylecontaining ensuite bedrooms and a communal living area. The buildings are gated for security and to create a community of student residents. The concept behind these PBSA is that the onsite management team, overnight security team, and cleaning staff will work together to ensure the buildings are kept clean, safe, and well-maintained. However, this is not always thecase as there are reports of poor conditions like mould, pest infestations, and amenities breaking without being fixed or replaced. This accommodation is also often very expensive which can make it inaccessible to a number of lower income students who then find themselves being pushed back into poorer quality housing
A small-scale qualitative study to gain Environmental Health Practitioners’ opinions on the effectiveness of displaying Food Hygiene Ratings
No full textThe Food Standards Agency (FSA) runs The Food Hygiene Rating Scheme (FHRS) in partnership with local authorities in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Businesses in Wales and Northern Ireland are legally required to display their ratings in a prominent place, like the front door, entrance, or window of the business. However, displaying ratings is voluntary in England. This study aimed to discover the effect that displaying Food Hygiene Ratings (FHRs) has on a business’s hygiene and food safety. This involved interviewing Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) to gain their opinions on the effectiveness of displaying Food Hygiene Ratings. Six EHPs were interviewed, 2 from England, 2 from Northern Ireland and 2 from Wales. A review of the literature offered insight into the FHRS and what it does. The literature review discusses aspects that could contribute to how effective the FHRS is- such as consumer awareness and Local Authority (LA) attitudes to mandatory display. There was no literature to support or negate a direct link between the displaying of ratings and food safety. Therefore, this study aimed to fill this gap in the literature. Analysis of transcribed interviews identified 4 themes. Findings from this study show that EHPs found the FHRS to be effective. EHPs identified ways to make the scheme more effective-such as mandatory displaying of ratings in online food ordering platforms. A recommendation from this study suggests a partnership between the FSA and online food ordering platforms
An investigation into the knowledge, attitudes and practices towards food safety in the home amongst new parents in the Northwest of England
No full textThis research offers an insight as to whether having children and becoming a new parent plays a part in the importance of how food safety is managed within the home. Studies have shown that many consumers have a high level of confidence in their personal food safety knowledge and practices in general, however, there is a significant discord between consumers reported knowledge of food safety and their observed practices. Those with more relaxed attitudes towards food safety were less likely to report behaviour in line with recommended practice. Food poisoning within the home is under acknowledged and under reported, so the true scale of outbreaks within the home is something of a mystery. Although there are laws in place to manage and maintain food safety standards and there are Environmental Health Practitioners on hand to enforce these laws, they only apply to commercial food handlers and food businesses and do not apply to food safety standards within the home. The aim of this research was to investigate the knowledge, attitudes and practices amongst new parents of children aged 5 years and under using a survey of parents residing within the Northwest of England. A total of 106 parents of children aged 5 and under completed a questionnaire around food safety knowledge, attitude and practice. Data was analysed to understand whether new parents perceived food safety within the home to be an important factor in protecting their children from food borne illness. As there were 106 respondents to this questionnaire, this could translate as a positive and interesting interaction, as participants were willing to get involved to give their answers. The participants were asked to answer true, false or don’t know to the question: ‘Food poisoning is more likely to affect children than adults.’ Of the 106 participants who responded, 42.5% answered true, 33% answered false and 24.5% answered don’t know. Despite less than half of the participants answering ‘true’, nearly 70% of participants claimed that since they became a parent, they were more aware of food safety (28% disagreed and 3% responded unsure). The results from the survey also found that 72% of participants strongly disagreed or disagreed that it was inevitable that at some point a child/children would get food poisoning, whilst 16% of participants strongly agreed or agreed and 11% were unsure. Recommendations to improve the understanding and importance of food safety within the home could include more eye catching and straight to the point advertising on the packaging of food products. Government agencies such as the Food Standards Agency (FSA) should advertise that they offer free, home food safety guidance, which is easily accessible on their website and the FSA could also consider offering some education or courses that focus on changing main food preparation behaviour. Health professionals or care providers could also offer consumers more information around food poisoning and the importance food safety has in keeping people from becoming ill. Finally, the most important and potentially most difficult change that needs to be implemented is that of the parents’ attitudes towards food safety. Parents need to take onus for their own personal food safety practices within the home and realise the risk food-borne illnesses pose to their children. 
What is the role of emotional regulation in children and young people with a diagnosed eating disorder and self-harming behaviours? A systematic review
No full textBackground: Eating disorders and self-harm are commonly presenting conditions with children and young people and both conditions have similar traits. With 30%-40% of young people with a diagnosed eating disorder presenting with self-harming behaviours, it is important to understand the role that emotional regulation plays within the two conditions as this can inform practice, contribute to a thorough assessment and treatment plan and inform future policy and guidelines. This review will be focusing on the role of emotional regulation within children and young people with diagnosed eating disorders and will also link it to Non-Suicidal Self-Injury (NSSI).
Methods: A quantitative systematic review was undertaken. A literature search was conducted on databases, CINAHL, PsycInfo, and Web of Science using the search strategy developed using the Population Exposure Outcome (PEO) framework. The inclusion criteria was groups of children and young people (25 years and younger) with a diagnosed eating disorder, where the young person is also presenting with some form of self-harm. JBI’s Critical Appraisal Tool Checklist was used to appraise the quality of the included studies. All studies involved the use of the Difficulties Emotional Regulation Scale (DERS) questionnaire within their research.
Results: Six studies were eligible to be included within the review. The overall quality of the studies ranged from weak to good. The studies identified three potential outcomes (prevalence of eating disorders overlapping with NSSI, different types of NSSI and the role of emotional regulation within eating disorders and NSSI). The review clearly demonstrates that NSSI can be used to regulate emotional feelings however the emotional feelings need to first be present. It further demonstrates that individuals with the co-occurrence of eating disorders and NSSI have an intensified emotional state, relying on several forms of emotional regulation. This suggests there is emotional under regulation within his group and possible difficulties in accessing the domains of emotional regulation. The review also demonstrates that the relationship between eating disorders and NSSI can be reinforced by emotional regulation.
Conclusion: The findings from this review suggest that emotional regulation plays a role in self-harming behaviours in children and young people with diagnosed eating disorder. It also highlights that more research is needed into eating disorders from an individual perspective, in addition to the individual self-harming behaviours
A quantitative study to assess the perceived stress and coping strategies among undergraduate nursing students at Liverpool John Moores University
No full textBackground: Nursing students are exposed to a variety of stresses during their studies and clinical training. Stress has been recognised as a disease of the 20th century and contributes to health problems worldwide. In recent years, there has been a growing understanding of the stresses and quality-of-life concerns and associated with medical training and the impact these may have on students\u27 learning and academic performance. For students entering the nursing career, it is therefore important to identify their levels of stress and associated coping mechanisms. The specific aim of the study is to assess the perceived stress and coping strategies experienced by undergraduate nursing students at Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU).
Methods: A descriptive quantitative study of LJMU nursing students was carried out. An online self-administered and validated questionnaire was used to evaluate the sources of stress and coping strategies of students. The survey was completed by a total of 44 participants. Most respondents (86.4%) were female and older than 26 years old (50%).
Results: The primary findings of the study revealed that most participants (89.0%) feel under pressure because of their studies. The individuals\u27 overall stress levels were compared based on their age, sex, and nationality; however, no statistically significant differences could be seen. In relation to coping mechanisms, a significant proportion opt to correct themselves by giving lectures to themselves (22.7% very frequently, 43.2% frequently). Techniques such as venting problems to others (40.0%), changing anything about themselves (18.2% very frequently, 34.1% frequently) and seeking family help (27.85%) were also commonly used. Whilst finding a spiritual path (68.20%) and receiving expert advice and counselling for assistance (56.80%) were seen as the never-used options. In addition, four main categories of stress sources were examined. Studying (53.3%) and the imbalance of coursework and practical work (54.5%) were found to be the primary sources of stress. This was followed by lack of free time and pressure from family/mentors. The final part of the questionnaire included the Perceived Stress Score, where a total score is calculated and compared based on age, sex, and nationality. Perceived Stress Scores range from a minimum of 5 to a maximum of 38. The mean of the total score is 19.13, and the standard deviation is 6.94.
Conclusion: Compared to men, most women experience higher levels of stress, and research suggests academic pressure is one of the main causes of stress. Although students use a variety of coping mechanisms, none was determined to be of professional significance. Therefore, there is a need for an improved mental wellness programme for nursing students at LJMU, that focuses on enhancing the students\u27 psychological health. This enables individuals to adapt into a professional employment without feeling burnt out
Key drivers of vaccine hesitancy in the Covid-19 pandemic. A series of semi-structured qualitative interviews into the perspectives of unvaccinated individuals
No full textBackground: Vaccinations are essential to achieving and sustaining herd immunity against COVID-19 thus reducing unnecessary illness and mortality. A small but significant percentage of the adult population in the UK are, however, hesitant about receiving vaccines. There is a lack of qualitative research exploring the specific barriers to COVID-19 vaccination in depth.
Methods: A set of ten qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted using videoconferencing software and in person. Participants were interviewed from a set of twelve open ended questions and relevant tangents were explored to capture as much of the wider context surrounding vaccine hesitancy as possible. The interviews were recorded and transcribed for analysis. Participants were recruited using convenience and snowball sampling techniques, alongside a social media advertisement. Data was analysed using thematic analysis which categorised the data into six key themes.
Results: Findings demonstrated safety concerns to be the most significant barrier to vaccination. Participants lacked trust in government, and health systems and perceived the speed at which COVID-19 vaccines were developed as a concern. A preference for immunity via natural infection was found amongst participants, with every participant having either received a positive COVID-19 test or suspecting they had caught the virus at some stage. Complacency levels about the severity of COVID-19 was present throughout the participants, with many lacking concern that it posed any significant threat to the health of non-vulnerable populations. Despite predicted concerns about convenience barriers, this was not an issue for the majority of participants. Findings suggested the majority of participants felt strongly that they were unwilling to be vaccinated under any circumstances however a small minority suggested they would reconsider in light of longer-term safety and efficacy testing.
Conclusion: This research demonstrated that the primary reason for health eligible adults to refuse the vaccine was low confidence levels in vaccine safety. Low levels of belief in vaccine efficacy, widespread government mistrust and complacency surrounding Covid-19 risk were secondary barriers. Education to increase Covid-19 vaccine uptake should be coupled with prevention measures and further research to understand how these attitudes vary across the unvaccinated and partially vaccinated population
Climate change and heatwaves: understanding the experiences and implications for unsheltered homeless populations. A scoping review
No full textBackground: Climate change is a public health emergency and has implications for the health and wellbeing of global populations. Unsheltered homeless populations are disproportionality exposed to climate change events due to the nature of homelessness and being without permanent adequate shelter. Homelessness is prevalent in high-income countries yet there is limited research available about their experiences and the implications for unsheltered people from climate change.
Methods: The purpose of the scoping review was to critically explore the impact of climate change on unsheltered people in high-income countries, and was directed by the review question; What is the experience of people who are unsheltered homeless during heatwaves in high-income countries and what are the implications from climate change? The review followed the scoping review methodology as set out by Arskey and O’Malley (2005).
Results: A systematic scoping search generated 315 potential records, of which 10 studies were included in the final review. Key themes were identified within studies as 1) climate change, weather, and health outcomes 2) Heatwaves, homelessness, and health 3) Exposure sensitivity & vulnerabilities 4) Adaptive capacity 5) Responses and service providers.
Conclusion: Unsheltered people experiencing homelessness have unique characteristics and vulnerabilities that increase their exposure sensitivity to extreme weathers, particularly heatwaves. Existing vulnerabilities are exasperated, and unsheltered people experience additional environmental, institutional, and social barriers which impact their ability to adapt to a changing climate. Unsheltered people require targeted interventions aimed at building resilience to the conditions of homelessness and the impacts from climate change. 
Knowledge of contraception among Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) students
No full textBackground: The deliberate avoidance of conception using various devices, sexual behaviours, substances, medications, or surgical procedures is known as contraception. Effective contraception gives freedom to have children when desired and permits physical contact without worrying about an unintended pregnancy. Some methods, like male and female condoms, also have the added benefit of protecting against STIs. In the UK for example, students, who are mostly adolescents are susceptible to unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). According to research, the use of condoms and other preventive behaviours can be increased when teenagers receive comprehensive sexuality education that includes sexual health information, attitudes, behaviours, and exhaustive information about contraception. This can help to improve students’ long-term health outcomes and good sexual practices. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the knowledge of good sexual practices held by students in various departments at Liverpool John Moores University, paying particular attention to the comparison between the health and non-health programmes.
Methods: The Liverpool John Moores University Research Ethics Committee gave its approval for this work before commencement. This descriptive cross-sectional study was done using the quantitative method of data collection. A convenience sample of students were recruited via their university email, to partake in an anonymous online survey. The study is geared toward comparing the knowledge of contraception among students at the University. The variables measured in this study were all contributing factors to the measurement and appropriate choice of contraception. The variables of interest were types, time to use, how to use and place of purchase. The focus was placed on those respondents who are sexually active.
Results: The mean ± SD age of participants was 24.4±5.7years. The total number of male and female students were 10 and 55 respectively, with 5 who preferred not to say at all, making it a total of 70. The majority of the study participants cited school as their major source of information about contraception. Knowledge of contraception was compared with the program of study and level of study (p<0.05). Although most participants were students from the health departments, the chi-square analysis reported that knowledge of some contraceptives among students were significantly associated with the program of study but not with the level of study. The non-health departments seemed to be less knowledgeable about the less common contraceptives (rhythmic method, vaginal douching, the IUD, and contraceptives that require injection) while between the undergraduates and postgraduates, there seemed an almost equal level of knowledge.
Conclusion: Findings from this study demonstrate that most of the study participants had a general knowledge of contraception. Although, when compared between health and non-health programs, there was a potential difference in the level of knowledge among the non-health and health-related students. However, there is no definitive conclusion as the sample size was insufficient to make a strong inference. Participants from the non-health programs seem to have common knowledge about popular contraceptives, mostly condoms and pills. When a comparison was made between the undergraduate and the postgraduate students, there was not much difference noticed and as such, we can say they are evenly knowledgeable across their levels of study. This calls for efforts to be taken to inform educators to enlighten students regardless of study program about the less common contraceptive, usage and appropriateness.
 
Experiences and perceptions of suicide amongst at-risk indigenous people in the USA and Canada: A qualitative systematic review
No full textBackground: Suicide is a global public health issue claiming the lives of approximately 700,000 people each year. Notably, studies show that indigenous people suffer significantly higher suicide rates compared to non-indigenous people and this is markedly evident within the United States of America and Canada. Some risk factors for suicide among indigenous people are the same as the rest of the population, however, there are certain risk factors that appear to differ in their importance for indigenous communities. In an effort to better understand the culturally specific suicide pathways amongst this population, and subsequently inform the development of community level suicide-prevention interventions, this review investigated the perceptions and experiences of suicide amongst at-risk indigenous peoples of the US and Canada.
Methods: A qualitative systematic review was conducted to investigate this phenomenon. Literature searches were carried out on two electronic databases (PsycInfo and Web of Science). A search strategy was developed using the PICo framework. Results from the literature search were screened in a two-step process and a quality assessment was carried out on the relevant studies using the CASP (2018) Qualitative Checklist. Analysis of the included studies was executed using a thematic synthesis approach.
Results: Eight studies were included in the review. Three analytic themes emerged: individual suicide risk-factors; external risk-factors linked to colonization; and healing and resilience. The theory of intersectionality was found to be particularly important in explaining the culturally specific suicide pathways amongst this group. Furthermore, the theme of healing and resilience was found to be significantly relevant for the development of suicide-prevention interventions.
Conclusion: This study shows that the history of colonisation has resulted in both a loss of culture and self-determination amongst indigenous people, and this in turn has elevated the risk of suicide amongst this population. Consequently, to help reverse this negative trend, it is important that suicide-prevention efforts incorporate cultural values and knowledge into appropriate interventions and indigenous people feel empowered to actively engage in and support these efforts
A qualitative study exploring the role of social media in providing social support for new mothers 6-12 months post-partum in Nigeria.
No full textBackground: Considering the wide use of social media and how it is rapidly influencing the world today, a qualitative study was carried out to explore the role of social media and how it provides support for new mothers. The purpose of this study is to explore how social media provides social support for new mothers, what social media platforms new Nigerian mothers use to access social support and why they use social media to access social support
Methods: The study employed remote semi-structured online interviews of new mothers with babies between the ages of 6-12 months using a qualitative phenomenological methodology. Using the purposive sampling method, a sample of eight participants was gathered. Thematic analysis was used to analyse interview transcripts.
Results: This study found that a significant number of new mothers in Nigeria 6-12 months post-partum utilise the Internet to find knowledge and social support. Social media has greatly benefited the mental health of new mothers in Nigeria because it has allowed them to connect with a variety of support groups designed to give new mothers a sense of community and give them a forum to talk about their experiences. Through these interactions, solutions have also been offered, and it has been a good source of support for new mothers post-partum.
Conclusion: The use of social media as a form of social support is becoming widely accepted in part due to the twenty-four/seven (24/7) availability of resources, ease of access, and social acceptability of accessing social media and the Internet. Social media goes a long way in providing new mothers with emotional support to promote her individual strengths and capabilities
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