Lancet
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Substance misuse has extensive effects on individuals and communities, ranging from the poor health of people who use drugs to the pressure placed on health care, social services, and the criminal justice system. Strategies to curtail the supply and demand of drugs and reduce these effects typically focus on supply, with less emphasis placed on the drivers of demand. We piloted and evaluated a public health approach for understanding the drivers and effects of substance misuse in a local area, and how these might be targeted for prevention through multi-agency partnership action. ⋯ No funding received.
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Evidence suggests that experimentation and use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) is increasing. E-cigarettes are widely promoted on the internet, and user-generated content and influencer marketing on social media represents an important influence in shaping pre-adolescents and adolescents' understanding of issues and products. We aim to explore pre-adolescents and adolescents' responses to, and engagement with, e-cigarettes and the broader e-cigarette marketing environment, including user-generated and influencer content. ⋯ Cancer Research UK, UK Medical Research Council, and UK Chief Science Office.
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A decade of cuts to public services and the COVID pandemic have impacted the social infrastructure supporting connection and networking among communities. Although UK Levelling Up agendas advocate investment in physical infrastructure for economic prosperity, there are calls for a greater focus on the creation of community-led social infrastructure to address growing public health concerns, such as social isolation and loneliness. This paper explores the role of community-led organisations in creating social infrastructure and its impacts on the health and wellbeing of disadvantaged populations. ⋯ Medical Research Council, Economic and Social Research Council, National Lottery Community Fund.
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There is a need for a specific programme of engagement around COVID-19 vaccination with the Charedi Orthodox Jewish community in Stamford Hill, London, UK. We co-produced a live event for women on COVID-19 safety and vaccination and wider health topics to support vaccine uptake and improve awareness of health and wellbeing issues. ⋯ None.
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The climate and ecological emergency is the single biggest health threat facing humanity. However, it is not universally seen as a priority for public health. It is not clear to what extent public health professionals are involved in working on the climate and ecological emergency. This research aimed to establish what senior public health professionals working in English local authorities perceive their role is, what activities they are involved in, whether climate and environmental issues are a core component of public health, and to identify barriers to action. ⋯ None.