Journal of public health
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Journal of public health · Aug 2012
Impact of the growing use of narrative verdicts by coroners on geographic variations in suicide: analysis of coroners' inquest data.
Coroners' death certificates form the basis of suicide statistics in England and Wales. Recent increases in coroners' use of narrative verdicts may affect the reliability of local and national suicide rates. ⋯ Variation in Coroners' use of narrative verdicts influences the validity of reported regional suicide rates. Small-area suicide rates, and changes in these rates over time in the last decade, should be interpreted with caution.
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Journal of public health · Mar 2012
Secular trends in body mass index and the prevalence of overweight and obesity among children and adolescents in Shandong, China, from 1985 to 2010.
There is strong evidence of a positive secular trend in body mass index (BMI) and the prevalence of obesity has increased substantially over the last several decades. However, no studies on this trend have been reported in Shandong Province, China. The present study assessed the decennial change in BMI in Shandong Province during the past 25 years and the prevalence of overweight and obesity among children and adolescents. ⋯ The average value of BMI has increased over time; overweight and obesity among children and adolescents have become a serious public health problem. Comprehensive evidence-based strategies of intervention should be introduced, including periodic monitoring.
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The need to make best use of limited resources in the English National Health Service is now greater than ever. This paper contributes to this endeavour by synthesizing data from cost-effectiveness evidence produced to support the development of public health guidance at the National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). No comprehensive list of cost-effectiveness estimates for public health interventions has previously been published in England. ⋯ The majority of public health interventions assessed are highly cost-effective. The next challenge is to provide commissioners with a framework that allows information from economic analyses to be combined with other criteria that supports making better investment decisions at a local level.
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Rugby union is the most popular worldwide collision sport, yet concerns have been raised regarding the safety of the sport due to the physical, high impact nature and an increasing number of injuries. ⋯ This study confirms the feasibility of collecting relevant injury data in schools rugby in Scotland. The findings are consistent with other studies with respect to incidence and profile of injuries sustained.
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Journal of public health · Jun 2011
Admission rates and in-hospital mortality for hip fractures in England 1998 to 2009: time trends study.
Fractures of the proximal femur are an important public health concern. The incidence of hip fractures is an index of osteoporosis burden. There have been no recent studies examining national trends in hip fractures in England. ⋯ Hip fracture rates have not decreased in England since 1998, although inpatient mortality rates have declined. There is a socioeconomic gradient for in-hospital hip fracture deaths.