Public health
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To describe the evolution of socio-economic inequalities in mortality in small areas of two Spanish cities (Barcelona and Madrid) from 1996 to 2001 and from 2002 to 2007. ⋯ There is a need to monitor inequalities in mortality in the near future because the current financial crisis could change this situation.
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To describe the trajectory of, and examine factors affecting, intimate partner violence (IPV) and IPV-specific healthcare seeking among Japanese women over the life course. ⋯ IPV is not always associated with immediate healthcare seeking. In particular, sexual IPV is not significantly associated with healthcare seeking. Pursuing formal and informal help is associated with healthcare seeking.
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The present study aimed to examine the differences in pandemic (H1N1) 2009 vaccination coverage rate between urban and rural areas in China, and to explore factors associated with any urban-rural differences. ⋯ Significant discrepancies existed in the pandemic (H1N1) 2009 vaccination coverage rate and associated determinants, as well as the intention to get vaccinated between urban and rural residents. To improve the effectiveness of similar vaccination programmes in the future, campaigns for rural people need to be specifically tailored to address disparities in uptake.
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Unconventional drilling for natural gas by means of high volume horizontal hydraulic fracturing (fracking) is an important global public health issue. Given that no sound epidemiologic study has been done to assess the extent of exposure-related adverse health effects among populations living in areas where natural gas extraction is going on, it is imperative that research be conducted to quantify the potential risks to the environment and to human health not just in the short-term, but over a longer time period since many diseases (i.e., cancers) appear years after exposure. It should not be concluded that an absence of data implies that no harm is being done.
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A fifth of UK households live in fuel poverty, with significant health risks. Recent government strategy integrates public health with local government. This study examined barriers to switching energy tariffs and the impact of an energy tariff switching 'intervention' on vulnerable peoples' likelihood to, success in, switching tariffs. ⋯ Low-income consumers appear to have considerable apathy to switching energy tariffs, despite potential savings and health benefits, in part due to their complex lives in which switching is not a priority. An independent, one-on-one, personalized 'intervention' encouraged switching, particularly for young families. However, older people still experience significant barriers to switching with specific interventions needed, which take account of their status quo bias, energy use habits and scepticism. The recent integration of public health and local government in the UK may provide the ideal environment for providing similar services which are desperately needed to reduce fuel poverty in these groups in line with the new Public Health Strategy.