Public Health RSS feed: Current Issue. Public Health is an international, multidisciplinary peer-reviewed journal. It publishes original papers, reviews and short reports on all aspects of the science, philosophy, and practice of public health. It is aimed at all public health practitioners and researchers and those who manage public health services and systems. This includes public health doctors, nurses, dentists, pharmacists, demographers, epidemiologists, health education and promotion specialists, environmental health specialists, and other specialists and scientists in the field of public health. It will also be of interest to anyone involved in provision of public health programmes, the care of populations or communities and those who contribute to public health systems in any way. Published monthly, Public Health considers submissions on any aspect of public health across age groups and settings. These include: • Public health practice and impact • Epidemiology (environmental & toxicological) - fundamental and applied • Need or impact assessments • Health service effectiveness, management and re-design • Health Protection including control of communicable diseases • Screening • Health promotion and disease prevention • Evaluation of public health programmes or interventions • Public health governance, audit and quality • Public health law • Public health policy and comparisons • Capacity in public health systems and workforce This is not an exhaustive list and the Editors will consider articles on any issue relating to public health. Public Health also publishes invited articles, reviews and supplements from leading experts on topical issues http://www.publichealthjrnl.com/?rss=yesElsevier Inc.en © 2010 The Royal Society for Public Health. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Public Health0033-35061248August 2010 © 2010 The Royal Society for Public Health. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. healthpermissions@elsevier.comhttp://www.publichealthjrnl.com/article/PIIS0033350610002155/abstract?rss=yesA recent systematic review, published in the British Medical Journal, reached a potentially unpopular conclusion. Having reviewed the evidence from major, multi-sporting events from 1978 to 2008, the authors considered that for both health and socio-economic benefits:“There is a lack of evidence on the impacts of major multi-sport events on the host population, and until decision makers include robust, long term evaluations as part of their design and implementation of events, it is unclear how the costs can be justified in terms of host population benefits.”Leaving a legacyP. Mackie, F. Sim10.1016/j.puhe.2010.06.005Public Health 124, 8 (2010)2010-08-01Public Health2010-08-011248S0033-3506(10)X0008-7Editorial427428http://www.publichealthjrnl.com/article/PIIS0033350610001599/abstract?rss=yesSummary: Objectives: To analyse whether a health tax of 10 New Taiwan Dollars (NT$) (US$0.3) imposed on cigarettes in 2009 will help to reduce cigarette consumption, and whether or not the cigarette tax will affect consumption of alcohol, coffee and tea.Study design: Time series data for consumption and retail prices of tobacco, alcohol, tea and coffee were collected and analysed for the period 1973–2007.Methods: To establish the Central Bureau of Statistics demand function to estimate the overall demand price elasticities of cigarettes, alcohol, tea and coffee, a seemingly unrelated regression analysis was used. The independent variables were annual consumption of cigarettes, alcohol, tea and coffee. The dependent variables were prices of and expenditures on cigarettes, alcohol, tea and coffee.Results: The estimated own-price elasticities for cigarettes and alcohol are close to −0.726. The own-price elasticities for tea and coffee are less than those for cigarettes and alcohol. Hence, it is predicted that the NT$10 health tax on cigarettes will reduce cigarette consumption by a significant 13.19%. Analysis of cross-price elasticity reveals that alcohol is complementary to cigarettes.Conclusions: Taxation is an effective smoking control policy tool that not only helps to reduce consumption of cigarettes, but also reduces consumption of alcoholic beverages.Effect of cigarette taxes on the consumption of cigarettes, alcohol, tea and coffee in TaiwanJ.M. Lee, M.-G. Chen, T.-C. Hwang, C.-Y. Yeh10.1016/j.puhe.2010.04.008Public Health 124, 8 (2010)2010-07-26Public Health2010-07-261248S0033-3506(10)X0008-7Original Research429436http://www.publichealthjrnl.com/article/PIIS0033350610001228/abstract?rss=yesSummary: Objective: To compare five alternative self-report methods for assessing the smoking status of Chinese urban residents, and to estimate their reliability or agreement.Study design: Cross-sectional survey with multistage sampling.Methods: Cross-sectional survey data were collected from residents in two Chinese cities, and the prevalence of smoking and smoking frequency were estimated by means of six methods of self-report labelled SMD, SM1, SM6, SMF, SMC and SM. SM, the method of smoking assessment endorsed by the World Health Organisation (WHO), served as a referent in estimating agreement among the domestic methods. Cohen’s κ measured overall intermethod agreement.Results: Data on 1167 eligible respondents were analysed. κ values ranged from 0.79 to 0.89 for current smoking, from 0.84 to 0.94 for daily smoking, and from 0.23 to 0.62 for occasional smoking. Compared with the referent (SM, 61%), SMD (53%), SM1 (57%), SM6 (54%) and SMC (55%) significantly understated the prevalence of current smoking among Chinese urban residents. SM1 (11%), SM6 (10%), SMD (6%) and SMC (6%) significantly understated the prevalence of occasional smoking compared with the refererent (SM, 14%). No variation emerged in prevalence estimates of daily smoking.Conclusions: Despite some variability, the five domestic methods used to assess smoking status in China generally produced similar results to those based on SM, the method advocated by WHO. Discrepancies between domestic assessment methods peaked in estimating the prevalence of occasional smoking.Agreement among multiple measures of self-reported smoking status in Chinese urban residentsT. Yang, I.R.H. Rockett, Y. Wu, W.W. Chen, Z. Lu10.1016/j.puhe.2010.04.005Public Health 124, 8 (2010)2010-08-09Public Health2010-08-091248S0033-3506(10)X0008-7Original Research437443http://www.publichealthjrnl.com/article/PIIS0033350610001216/abstract?rss=yesSummary: Objective: To influence the planning of the 2014 Commonwealth Games such that the positive impacts are maximized and the negative impacts are mitigated.Study design: Participatory health impact assessment (HIA).Methods: A participatory HIA was performed using standard World Health Organization methods. A scoping event was held to involve decision makers in the process and to identify the key areas for consideration. A large community engagement exercise and a systematic review were conducted as part of the evidence-gathering phase. The results of the HIA were reported to the key decision makers involved in the Glasgow City Council legacy strategy.Results: The likely net health impact of hosting the Commonwealth Games was uncertain. It was suggested that the main mechanisms through which impacts were likely to be felt were: the economy; civic pride; engagement in decision making; the provision of new infrastructure; and participation in cultural events. A series of recommendations was produced in order to maximize positive health benefits and mitigate negative impacts.Conclusions: HIA is a useful tool for engaging communities and decision makers in the public health agenda. HIAs of major multi-sport events are limited by a lack of quality evidence and the inability to predict impacts reliably.A health impact assessment of the 2014 Commonwealth Games in GlasgowG. McCartney, S. Palmer, J. Winterbottom, R. Jones, R. Kendall, D. Booker10.1016/j.puhe.2010.04.004Public Health 124, 8 (2010)2010-07-15Public Health2010-07-151248S0033-3506(10)X0008-7Original Research444451http://www.publichealthjrnl.com/article/PIIS0033350610001198/abstract?rss=yesSummary: Objectives: H5N1 is one of the avian influenza virus subtypes that has the potential to evolve into a global pandemic that could cause millions of human deaths and great economic losses. Cases involving humans have occurred in 15 countries. Costly interventions have been used by governments and health organisations. Thus, a challenging question arises regarding how many cases of the disease may actually have been prevented as a result of such interventions.Study design: This paper answers such a question by applying a statistical model to the 2006–January 2009 outbreak in Egypt. Egypt was chosen as it had the highest number of human avian influenza cases outside Asia, and the second highest number in that period worldwide.Methods: Brookmeyer and Blades’ statistical model was applied. The sensitivities of the estimated number of human cases and exposure dates to the assumed incubation period, the delay in intervention and the coverage/effectiveness of the intervention were investigated.Results: In the absence of intervention, it appears that the outbreak could have been approximately 1.5 times as large, but it is unlikely it would have exceeded 150 cases.Conclusions: The results underscore the importance of early detection of an outbreak and intervention, together with effective public health control measures.Potential number of human cases of H5N1 avian influenza in EgyptW.-C. Tseng, H.-A. Li, W.-C. Huang, L.-H. Liang10.1016/j.puhe.2010.04.002Public Health 124, 8 (2010)2010-07-15Public Health2010-07-151248S0033-3506(10)X0008-7Original Research452459http://www.publichealthjrnl.com/article/PIIS0033350610001162/abstract?rss=yesSummary: Objectives: University students, both travelling abroad on holiday or exchange students entering a country, can serve as mobile carriers of infectious diseases during a pandemic, and thus require special attention when considering preventive measures. The objectives of this study were to evaluate student compliance and opinions on preventive measures of a university before and during an H1N1 influenza pandemic, and to explore environmental and behavioural factors that might contribute towards compliance.Study design: Cross-sectional, self-administered questionnaire.Methods: Local and foreign students attending an international summer school programme were invited to participate in a self-administered survey.Results: Respondents complied with most of the preventive measures, excluding website viewing and mask wearing. Significant differences in compliance and perceived necessity were found amongst students from Singapore, Hong Kong and the USA. Singaporean students were significantly more likely to comply with all measures and consume antiviral medication in response to the pandemic than students studying in the US.Conclusions: Students’ responses towards university pandemic measures were largely positive, but sensitivity towards these measures varied between groups by country of study. This should be considered in further comparative studies.Influence of country of study on student responsiveness to the H1N1 pandemicS.M. Griffiths, A.H. Wong, J.H. Kim, T.K.C. Yung, J.T.F. Lau10.1016/j.puhe.2010.03.027Public Health 124, 8 (2010)2010-06-01Public Health2010-06-011248S0033-3506(10)X0008-7Original Research460466http://www.publichealthjrnl.com/article/PIIS0033350610001186/abstract?rss=yesSummary: Objective: To determine the prevalence of food contamination in the fast food restaurants operating in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria.Methods: Three hundred and fifty food handlers were selected by means of a systematic sampling method and interviewed using a semi-structured researcher-administered questionnaire. One hundred and sixty-eight samples of ready-to-eat food and 45 stool samples were collected and analysed in the laboratory for the presence of bacteria (excluding anaerobic bacteria).Results: More than half of the respondents (n=184, 52.6%) had no training in food hygiene and safety. Only 149 (42.6%) respondents knew that micro-organisms can contaminate food. The prevalence of food contamination in the fast food restaurants was found to be 37.5%. Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus were the most commonly isolated bacteria, while salad, meat pie and fried rice were the most commonly contaminated foods.Conclusion: There is need for the relevant local authorities to ensure that the food sold to consumers in fast food restaurants is safe, wholesome and fit for human consumption in order to prevent outbreaks of food-borne illnesses. Also, there should be regular training/retraining and health education of these food handlers in all aspects of food hygiene and safety.Food contamination in fast food restaurants in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria: Implications for food hygiene and safetyA.R. Isara, E.C. Isah, P.V.O. Lofor, C.K. Ojide10.1016/j.puhe.2010.03.028Public Health 124, 8 (2010)2010-07-14Public Health2010-07-141248S0033-3506(10)X0008-7Original Research467471http://www.publichealthjrnl.com/article/PIIS0033350610001204/abstract?rss=yesSummary: Objective: To identify maternity and sexual healthcare professionals’ training needs regarding routine enquiry for domestic abuse.Study design: A cross-sectional survey, part of a theory-based evaluation of a routine enquiry for domestic abuse intervention in a South London teaching hospital.Methods: Two hundred and twenty-eight maternity professionals (68% of staff) and 46 sexual health practitioners (45% of staff) attended a 1-day domestic abuse training session. Pre-training questionnaires were completed by 208 respondents (80% response rate). The questionnaire elicited information about previous training experiences, dealing with cases of abuse, general knowledge, attitudes towards victims of abuse and views on routine enquiry. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to identify differences according to healthcare setting, prior training, and practitioners’ demographic and experiential traits.Results: Maternity and sexual health professionals reported positive attitudes towards women affected by abuse, but had limited domestic abuse training. Previously trained health professionals had good general knowledge, but failed to question attendees about abuse. Sexual health professionals were more likely to enquire about domestic abuse, and were more confident about implementing routine enquiry than maternity staff. Views on routine enquiry were influenced by health setting, demographic, attitudinal and experiential factors.Conclusions: Domestic abuse training is necessary in maternity and sexual health services. Educational interventions for routine enquiry should include practice-enabling components in addition to awareness modules and pre-training assessment of individuals’ training needs to provide content that is tailored to their clinical practice and working environments. Institutional guidelines are recommended to enhance and sustain the positive effects of training.A comparison of the training needs of maternity and sexual health professionals in a London teaching hospital with regards to routine enquiry for domestic abuseC. Torres-Vitolas, L.J. Bacchus, G. Aston10.1016/j.puhe.2010.04.003Public Health 124, 8 (2010)2010-07-21Public Health2010-07-211248S0033-3506(10)X0008-7Original Research472478http://www.publichealthjrnl.com/article/PIIS003335061000123X/abstract?rss=yesTobacco use is the most preventable cause of cancer, ill health and premature death in developed countries. Although the decrease in smoking prevalence among adults over the last few decades has been responsible for improvements in cancer mortality rates, tobacco use continues to account for one-third of all cancer deaths and up to 90% of all lung cancer cases.Cancer diagnosis: An opportune time to help patients and their families stop smoking?G. Ozakinci, M. Wells, B. Williams, A.J. Munro, P. Donnelly10.1016/j.puhe.2010.04.006Public Health 124, 8 (2010)2010-07-14Public Health2010-07-141248S0033-3506(10)X0008-7Short Communication479482http://www.publichealthjrnl.com/article/PIIS0033350610001861/abstract?rss=yesIn recent years a myriad of epidemiology textbooks have been published. Few however are as concise as this new pocket-sized offering from the Oxford University Press series: ‘A Very Short Introduction’, which comprises a mere 126 pages. Is this brief text a useful addition, and who is it aimed at?Epidemiology: a very short introductionS. Thomas10.1016/j.puhe.2010.05.011Public Health 124, 8 (2010)2010-08-01Public Health2010-08-011248S0033-3506(10)X0008-7Book Reviews483483http://www.publichealthjrnl.com/article/PIIS0033350610001782/abstract?rss=yesThe expectations of the public health system are high. It will save the National Health Service from bankruptcy by ensuring that a lifestyle conscious population will need less medical care. It will guard the people of this country against global epidemics and similar threats. It will, furthermore, work to close the health gap between the best off and the poorest sections of the population. All this, in addition to helping NHS commissioners to purchase for quality and to make difficult decisions about priorities. Apart from expecting those involved to walk on water, it would be difficult to imagine a more comprehensive or daunting challenge.The Public Health System in EnglandRudolf Klein10.1016/j.puhe.2010.05.003Public Health 124, 8 (2010)2010-07-21Public Health2010-07-211248S0033-3506(10)X0008-7Book Reviews483484