Public health
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To gain insight into the pharmaceutical grey market in Iran by reviewing inspection files of the Special Inspectorate Unit, Deputy Ministry for Food and Drugs, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, and to define the counterfeit pharmaceutical pattern in Iran. ⋯ Results from this study have been utilized by the Deputy Ministry for Food and Drugs in Iran and the outcome was a faster registration and market authorization of supplements compared with other pharmaceutical products. Inter- and intra-section collaboration, active vigilance and conducting educational programs at different levels would reduce the risk of counterfeit medicines and protect public health.
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To map sexual health promotion activity and resources across North West England. ⋯ A simple tool to map sexual health promotion activities commissioned by PCTs was developed. Many PCTs could not identify a commissioner for sexual health or the resources committed to sexual health promotion. Sexual health promotion activity focused on young people (linked to the NCSP and teenage pregnancy) and particular high-risk groups, with resultant gaps and a mismatch with the epidemiology. The most frequently commissioned activities were education/training and condom provision (despite the limited evidence base). A series of recommendations to PCTs, sexual health networks and providers are made.
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Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a common reason for emergency admission in England. The objective of this study was to determine the association between general practice, population and hospital characteristics, including quality and outcomes framework (QOF) scores, with emergency admissions for angina, which is an ambulatory-care-sensitive condition, and myocardial infarction (MI). ⋯ There is no clinically significant relationship between better quality of primary care, as measured by disease-specific QOF measures, and fewer CHD admissions. Deprivation, CHD prevalence and smoking are major risk factors for emergency admission for CHD.
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It's not 'just deprivation': why do equally deprived UK cities experience different health outcomes?
The link between deprivation and health is well established. However, recent research has highlighted the existence of a 'Scottish effect', a term used to describe the higher levels of poor health experienced in Scotland over and above that explained by socio-economic circumstances. Evidence of this 'excess' being concentrated in West Central Scotland has led to discussion of a more specific 'Glasgow effect'. However, within the UK, Glasgow is not alone in experiencing relatively high levels of poor health and deprivation; Liverpool and Manchester are two other cities which also stand out in this regard. Previous analyses of this 'effect' were also constrained by limitations of data and geography. ⋯ While deprivation is a fundamental determinant of health and, therefore, an important driver of mortality, it is only one part of a complex picture. As currently measured, deprivation does not explain the higher levels of mortality experienced by Glasgow in relation to two very similar UK cities. Thus, additional explanations are required.