Public Health Institute Journal (LJMU)
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Exploring students’ substance use and the impacts on their health and wellbeing
No full textBackground: Numerous studies exist which look at students drug use or their alcohol use, however, there are relatively few studies that have researched both drugs and alcohol together to explore how they both impacts on students health and wellbeing. This study aimed to explore the nature, extent and impact of students’ alcohol and drug use on their health and wellbeing.
Methods: An online survey was created through JISC online surveys, it was then distributed through online personal social media accounts and was sent out via the Faculty of Health’s email list. It was completed by students of any gender, aged over 18 and enrolled in a university within Liverpool City Centre. The survey asked questions about participants demographic characteristics, drug use, alcohol use and how these have impacted their health and wellbeing.
Results: A total of 23 participants completed the online survey. The main findings of this study revealed that 60.9% of participants went out in Liverpool City Centre once a month or less. The majority (85.7%) of participants stated that their most used drug within the past 12 months was powder cocaine, whilst the second most used drugs were cannabis and ketamine. Most (85.7%) stated that they typically took drugs with their friends and 43.8% stated they used drugs once a month or less during the past 12 months. A third (33.3%) stated that they have a drink containing alcohol 2 to 3 times a week and they would usually drink 1 or 2 alcoholic drinks when they are drinking (33.3%). A third (31.3%) also stated that they felt anxious or depressed the next morning after taking drugs and 78.6% stated that they also felt anxious or depressed the next morning after consuming alcohol.
Conclusion: This study suggests that there was a significant amount of drugs and alcohol use within University students. The study also found that drugs and alcohol use contributes negatively to an individual’s health and wellbeing. It also showed that there needs to be more done within universities to help prevent students suffering harms from their drug and alcohol use
A survey to investigate student’s knowledge and behaviour towards vaping and the associated health risks
No full textE-cigarette vaping rates among university and college students has been increasing significantly over the past decade. In order to help develop the most effective policies and health promotion interventions, it is necessary to acknowledge current knowledge and behaviour of e-cigarette users, understand levels of vaping and perceived risks, to potentially inform policy implementation. At present, there is a lack of research studies assessing the levels, knowledge, and behaviour of university student e-cigarette users in the United Kingdom (UK). Therefore, this study aims to understand levels of vaping, knowledge, and behaviour, as well as the perceived health risks among the UK university student population. This quantitative study utilised an online questionnaire, which was disseminated on various social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, Twitter). The principal researcher used a self-selecting sampling method, which gained 70 responses. Data was analysed using SPSS to test for significance, and question responses were compared with respondent demographics to determine differing vaping behaviours between gender and age groups. The results revealed that students consider vaping to be prominent among student life and culture and use e-cigarettes frequently, in a variety of social settings. A large proportion of participants have used e-cigarettes at least once or twice in their lifetime, with many users vaping on a regular basis. Additionally, the study concluded that a higher proportion of females vape more regularly, in comparison to men. The study concluded that most participants used disposable products, specifically ‘Elf’ and ‘Elux’ bars. Additionally, motivations regarding vaping behaviour revealed UK university students vape because they use it as a smoking cessation aid, for the nicotine content and because they like the taste. Less than half of the participants felt addicted to vaping, with most perceiving e-cigarettes as just as harmful as tobacco smoking
A survey study investigating Liverpool John Moores University students’ attitudes and perceptions towards cannabis use and the legislation surrounding it in the United Kingdom
No full textCannabis legislation is a highly debated topic in the United Kingdom (UK), with much of the public having varying views. Cannabis use among students is also something that has varied over the years, and the prevalence of cannabis use disorder (CUD) needs to be identified. There are a variety of studies in the UK that mainly show the prevalence of cannabis use among students. Further studies in Canada and the United States have also been conducted around the same area. The aim of this research was to investigate Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) students’ attitudes and perceptions towards cannabis use and the legislation surrounding it in the UK. The study also looked to investigate how widely cannabis was used among students and determine the prevalence of CUD by using the Cannabis Use Disorder Identification Test screening tool. The study used a quantitative approach with an online anonymous questionnaire for data collection. The study had 24 respondents who were all from the Public Health Institute at LJMU, either at an undergraduate or postgraduate level of study. From the results, it was found that almost a third (29%) of the sample had used cannabis in the last 6 months, and for 43% of those there were indications of possible CUD. Of those who had used cannabis in the last 6 months, 42% were in favour of the drug being decriminalised, and 42% of those who hadn’t used cannabis in the last 6 months said the same. However, 63% of the study were of the opinion that current UK dug policies have been mostly unsuccessful in reducing the harms done by drug abuse. The use of cannabis among LJMU students is evident, which shows that the use of cannabis across the UK student population must be similar. There are concerns around whether current drug policies are effective in reducing the harms done by drug abuse, which suggests that more needs to be done by the government to reduce these harms. The study found that CUD is prevalent among cannabis users at LJMU, which shows that it is likely to be an issue amongst the general student population, highlighting further need to educate students about cannabis use, in the hope to decrease the levels of CUD
Public opinion on mandatory calorie labelling in restaurants and takeaways
No full textWorldwide obesity levels have been progressively increasing over the past few decades leading the World Health Organisation (WHO) to formally recognise obesity as a major public health problem in 1997. It is argued that one of the main driving forces behind the obesity crisis is poor diet. There are an increasing number of consumers eating at restaurants or ordering food delivery which are high in calories, fat and sugar which can lead to health concerns and a greater risk of obesity. To try and tackle rising obesity levels, there has been an increasing interest in policy interventions worldwide, including calorie labelling. Consumers have expressed an interest in wanting a greater access to nutritional information and that they would use this information to help inform healthier food choices. In the United Kingdom (UK), the government introduced legislation to implement mandatory calorie labelling for large food businesses in April 2022. However, previous research has found mixed effects of calorie labelling on consumer behaviour. Furthermore, public opinion on this legislation is unclear. This study was conducted to improve our understanding of public opinion on mandatory calorie labelling using an online questionnaire. Responses from a total of 69 adults who live in the UK was collected. Our results found that most respondents were concerned about their health and weight but did not actively track their calorie consumption. Furthermore, there were mixed opinions on whether they thought calorie labelling would have a positive effect, with many respondents concerned about the detrimental effect it could have on people with current or past eating disorders. Generally, participants would like access to other nutritional information, rather than just calories, when eating out, but would prefer this as an option-to request a labelled menu, rather than it be the standard menu provided. However, there was lower positive responses to actively using calorie information to help inform their menu choices, questioning whether the mandatory calorie labelling would be effective as a policy to reduce obesity. Further research would be required to investigate whether there was any change to actual purchases in restaurants and takeaways and whether the legislation forces establishments to reduce the calorie contents of their menu
A quantitative study surveying knowledge of safe sexual habits in young adults in the United Kingdom
No full textSexual health is a significant factor in the lives of many young adults. It is important for young adults to know and practice safe sexual habits. Unsafe sex can lead to unplanned pregnancies, contracting sexually transmitted infection (STIs) or sexually transmitted disease (STDs) which, if untreated, can lead to long-term morbidity and have an impact on fertility. With young adults at higher risk of performing risky sexual behaviors, it is important to find out young adults\u27 views on sexual health in the United Kingdom - doing so could assist in finding gaps in care and education. This was a quantitative research study examining the knowledge of young adults between 18 and 24 years of age. The aims of the study were to determine what young adults know about safe sex, where they obtained that knowledge and explore their confidence levels and anxieties around practicing safe sex. This study used an anonymous online questionnaire to sample 52 participants, young adults between 18 and 24 years of age, to address the research aims. The survey was open for three months, using convenience sampling to recruit participants. Data was analyzed using Microsoft Excel and then presented in figures and tables. Many young adults reported schools as a primary resource of sexual health knowledge and 69% of participants believed they were not taught enough. In questions that tested knowledge females tended to select the correct answer more often than males. Females (n=16; 62%) said they would feel comfortable asking a partner to use a barrier. A higher number of males said they would feel confident putting on a condom (n=12; 88%) and establishing consent before sex (n=18; 69 %). This study found that overall young adults have a decent knowledge of sexual health, with female participants seemed more knowledgeable than male participants. Young adults reported feeling comfortable communicating with their partner and establishing consent before sex. An intervention focusing on the sexual health knowledge of young adult males is recommended, as well as more inclusive sex education in schooling, a campaign spreading information on symptoms of STIs/STDs and more research into the sexual health knowledge of the population
Assessing the knowledge and attitudes to sexual and reproductive health education among young adults in Kerala, India
No full textBackground: In India, sex education is considered a controversial topic with many taboos existing. Whist this is irrespective of religious and political views it is thought that sex education can impact negatively on the values and culture of Indian traditions. Due to the high incidence of HIV/AIDS, teenage pregnancy, and other sexually transmitted diseases in India there is a need for comprehensive sex education within the curriculum. However, there are opponents and proponents for this. The current study aims to explore the knowledge and attitude of sexual and reproductive health among young adults in Kerala, India to further knowledge concerning whether young people in Kerala require sex education as part of their curriculum
Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried using validated questionnaire and 121 participants aged between 18-24 years of age participated in the survey. The survey was online and advertised via social media. The data were analysed using SPSS software, chi-square test was used (p<0.05 considered as significant)
Results: The majority of participants were female (74%).There was a statistically significant difference found between men and women’s attitudes towards sexual abstinence (p=0.039). The majority of participants thought unsafe sexual practices was one of the major health issues encountered by the younger generation. There was a statistically significant difference among male and female participants opinions towards multiple sexual partners (p=0.040); the majority (85%) of females believe that it is better to have sex with one partner, with 69% of male students sharing this view. Over 80% of students had good knowledge regarding reproduction including fertilization, and physical changes happening in puberty. However less students (69%) held good knowledge concerning sexually transmitted diseases that can lead to infertility. Overall, female students had comparatively better knowledge than male students. Participants reported obtaining their sexual health information from peer groups (75%), followed by internet (54%). Whilst 70% of female students obtained information from health professionals this was much lower for male participants (25%). The majority of students (93%) favoured sexual education being included in the curriculum.
Conclusion: This study highlights differences in sexual and reproductive health knowledge and behaviours between males and females, as well as an overreliance on receiving sexual health information from peer groups. Participants advocated for sexual education being included in the curriculum, and this study recommends that school-based sexual health education in considered within India
Noncommunicable cardiovascular diseases in prisons in Sub-Saharan Africa: A scoping review
No full textBackground: The dual epidemic of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)/AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) has increased substantially in recent times, with prison populations also being impacted. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a significant contributor to the burden of NCDs. Despite their health vulnerabilities, very little is known about cardiovascular NCDs (NCCVD) in the SSA prison population. This scoping review aims to map and describe what is known about NCCVD in the SSA prison population.
Methods: A scoping review methodology was utilised, with a particular focus on mapping what is currently known about NCCVD in SSA prison populations, in terms of trends and common themes, identifying gaps in knowledge and areas for future research. A systematic search of peer reviewed literature with no date limitation was conducted in key databases between April and July 2022. Following the application of predetermined inclusion and exclusion measures, 16 studies remained, reflecting papers from six SSA countries. The data extracted was charted, categorised and thematically analysed.
Results: Literature included in the review was drawn from sixteen studies conducted in Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea and Nigeria. These were predominantly observational studies, comprising of mainly cross-sectional, retrospective and case-control studies. The main themes that were generated from an in-depth thematic analysis of these studies were: custodial deaths and autopsy, cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and exercise, elderly inmates and CVD, women and CVD, influence of sleep patterns on CVD, and burden of CVD and associated risk factors.
Conclusion: Routine monitoring and expansion of existing healthcare services in prisons are crucial in tackling the NCD epidemic in SSA prisons. Most natural deaths at autopsy of custodial deaths are due to CVD. CRF is low in prisons, worsened by the closed environment and lack of effective intervention programmes aimed at tackling risk factors for CVD. The plight of elderly prisoners and women remains unaddressed, worsened by the burden of a multitude of additional risk factors and poorer health outcomes. There is substantial need to expand the body of knowledge on NCDs in SSA prisons and improve current prison health systems through integration of NCD services with existent infectious disease (HIV and tuberculosis) prison programmes. Poor sleep patterns and dietary deficiencies are likely contributors to the burden of CVD in SSA prisons. Future prison health research focused on these areas can provide a foundation for effective health intervention programmes appropriate to the prison environment
An empirical study to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practice of staff in a large United Kingdom hospitality business
No full textUsing questionnaires, this study assessed the knowledge, attitudes and practices of staff in a United Kingdom (UK) hospitality business. The aim of the research was to determine if a correlation existed between knowledge, attitudes and practices and NSF audit rating. Results were analysed using two methods. Firstly, Microsoft forms and its function of providing bar charts and pie charts. Data was exported to Excel then into SPSS. A Chi-squared test was run on multiple variables to determine correlation/association. On all Chi-squared test results the assumptions were violated, meaning that for 20%, the expected count was less than 5. The likelihood assumption was adopted instead of the Pearson method. Results from Microsoft forms data analysis showed that participants who had an extremely positive attitude towards being audited generally, also had good knowledge. Twenty percent of participants answered ‘extremely positive’ for the question: ‘How would your team describe being audited?’. All 20% answered the question: ‘When cooking foods, what temperature should the centre of the food be to ensure bacteria has been killed?’, correctly. Fifty seven percent of participants selected ‘Always’ for the question: ‘In your opinion how often are food safety and health and safety procedures followed by your team’. Seventy three percent answered with the most positive option of ‘extremely important’ for the question: ‘How important do you think food safety and health safety is to the company?’. It is worth noting that an observational method of data collection could potentially provide stronger data to analyse.
 
A qualitative study to explore the attitudes and understanding of hospitality workers towards allergens and their experiences of online allergen training
No full textFood allergies are a significant problem in the United Kingdom (UK) and there are an estimated two million people living with a diagnosed food allergy. Although fatalities through accidental ingestion are rare, with typically less than 10 cases per year, hospital admissions are rising and in the last 20 years hospital admissions for food-induced anaphylaxis increased by 5.7% per year. Evidence demonstrates that we are now eating outside of the home more than ever before due to convenience and social influences. There is an increased expectation and confidence from consumers for businesses to provide accurate allergen information. This confidence is somewhat misplaced with studies finding only 40% of business owners are confident they could answer customer questions about allergens. This study aimed to explore experiences and attitudes of hospitality workers towards allergen control and their experiences of online allergy training. Data was collected using face to face interviewing with a sample of eight hospitality workers across a multi-site hospitality business in the Northwest of England (70% female, 30% male). Interviews were analysed thematically, and 8 themes drawn from the interviews were compared to previous research: individual learning needs; technical problems; cheating (ability to complete training for others or without understanding content); time management and convenience; effectiveness (how effective is the online training as a tool for allergen management); high confidence in process and personal knowledge; lack of confidence in process and personal knowledge; responsibility (who is responsible for allergen control, for example individual server, company or customer). The study\u27s findings identified that although there is a generally positive attitude amongst staff towards allergy control, there is uncertainty about where overall responsibility lies. The study revealed that confidence levels regarding allergens amongst staff were high, but staff felt there were problems with communication from their head office and that not all staff were entirely confident in providing information to the customer. Unsafe practices were also noted from discussions where breaches of company policy could create gaps in allergen controls. The provision of online training was perceived as a necessity, but the time constraints of learning and individual learning needs contributed to a lack of retention of information. A consensus amongst workers was that online training should be used in conjunction with other training methods, with face-to-face training as the preference. Recommendations include a thorough review of current allergy processes to ensure that the information provided is accurate and ensure sites do not deviate from the process. A review of the current training provided, considering the software in terms of time constraints for completion and accessibility for users with specific learning needs, is also needed. These recommendations aim to improve understanding of allergen controls to confidently engage with the customer to prevent the occurrence of accidental reactions to food allergens
A qualitative study on people’s experiences of fuel poverty in the North West of England
No full textFuel poverty is currently one of the biggest public health issues facing the United Kingdom. With the continuous increase in energy prices, more families are being placed into fuel poverty and it is only set to get worse. This qualitative study aims to investigate and analyse people’s experience of living in fuel poverty in the North West of England. The study of fuel poverty is of importance to environmental and public health as local authorities have a duty to ensure people live in a household of an adequate temperature to ensure the health and well-being of the public. The findings from this study shows how government intervention may not be as successful as anticipated and although households receive some government support, it simply is not enough to alleviate the problem. The results drawn from interviewing six participants could not possibly give a complete indication of the severity of fuel poverty in North West England, but collectively all interviews drew the same conclusion. The results showed that not only were people in social housing and in receipt of benefits suffering from fuel poverty, but homeowners and full-time workers were quite possibly in a worse situation as they could not access the help offered to the aforementioned. This led the researcher to conclude that the government interventions were not as successful as anticipated and there was an unfairness in the distribution of support made available to households. Suggestions included more sustainable homes, better support for fuel poor households, government intervention to ban energy companies from continuous price hikes
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