A report by a committee of MPs said that second-hand smoke was a serious and preventable cause of death and ill-health; and that the only solution to the problem was to prohibit smoking in all public places and workplaces, including licensed premises - not just the partial ban proposed by the government.
Source: Smoking in Public Places, First Report (Session 2005-06), HC 485, House of Commons Health Select Committee, TSO (0870 600 5522)
Links: Report | DH press release | ASH press release
Date: 2005-Dec
A new book examined the available evidence on a range of issues relating to the use of cannabis among children and adolescents. Areas covered included: patterns of cannabis use; young people's views on cannabis; the potential harmful effects, including mental health problems, educational attainment, and anti-social behaviour; the family and social factors that could initiate cannabis use; and the effects of decriminalization.
Source: Richard Jenkins, Cannabis and Young People: Reviewing the evidence, Jessica Kingsley Publishers (020 7833 2307)
Links: Summary
Date: 2005-Dec
Data for 2004 were added to an annual survey designed to measure health and health-related behaviours in adults and children living in private households in England. The percentage of men who were obese rose from 13.2 per cent in 1993 to 23.6 per cent in 2004, while the figure for women increased from 16.4 per cent to 23.8 per cent.
Source: Health Survey for England 2004: Updating of trend tables to include 2004 data, NHS Health and Social Care Information Centre (0845 300 6016)
Links: Report | Guardian report
Date: 2005-Dec
A report proposed a package of measures to improve the poor record of the United Kingdom on occupational health, and improve the provision of rehabilitation.
Source: Improving Health in the Workplace, Association of British Insurers (020 7600 3333)
Links: Report
Date: 2005-Dec
An article said that the burden of food related ill-health, measured in terms of mortality and morbidity, was similar to that attributable to smoking. The cost to the National Health Service was twice the amount attributable to car, train, and other accidents, and more than twice that attributable to smoking. The vast majority of the burden was attributable to unhealthy diets rather than to food-borne diseases.
Source: Mike Rayner and Peter Scarborough, 'The burden of food related ill health in the UK': Subtitle, Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, Volume 59 Number 12
Links: Abstract
Date: 2005-Dec
A report (based on findings in the 2004-05 General Household Survey) said that 25 per cent of adults aged 16 or over in Great Britain smoked cigarettes. There had been a steady decline in cigarette smoking, from 28 per cent in 1998/99. In 2004-05, 73 per cent of men and 58 per cent of women had had an alcoholic drink on at least one day during the previous week, similar levels to those in 1998-99.
Source: Eileen Goddard and Hazel Green, General Household Survey 2004: Smoking and drinking among adults, 2004, Office for National Statistics (0845 601 3034)
Links: Report | ONS press release
Date: 2005-Dec
The Scottish Executive published an action plan aimed at reducing the number of people who lost their lives as a result of drug abuse.
Source: Taking action to reduce Scotland s drug-related deaths, Scottish Executive, available from Blackwell's Bookshop (0131 622 8283)
Links: Report | SE press release
Date: 2005-Dec
A report examined the impact of the environment on public health - in particular the effects of flooding and climate change, poor air quality, chemicals, inequalities, and outdoor recreation.
Source: Better Environment, Healthier People, Environment Agency (08459 333111)
Links: Report | HPA press release
Date: 2005-Nov
The health and safety at work watchdog published statistics on work-related injuries and ill-health for 2004-05. It said that the figures showed progress on occupational ill-health and the number of reportable injuries: but fatal and major injuries remained a concern.
Source: Health and Safety Statistics 2004/05, Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books (01787 881165)
Links: Report | HSE press release
Date: 2005-Nov
A report said that prisons provided inconsistent and often sub-standard healthcare, despite high levels of HIV and hepatitis among prisoners.
Source: Press release 23 November 2005, Prison Reform Trust (020 7251 5070)
Links: PRT press release | Guardian report
Date: 2005-Nov
A report said that the number of people living with HIV was around 58,300, including an estimated 19,700 who remained unaware of their infection and therefore undiagnosed. In 2004 there were 7,275 new HIV diagnoses, compares to 7,217 in 2003.
Source: Mapping the Issues: HIV and other sexually transmitted infections in the UK, Health Protection Agency (020 7339 1300)
Links: Report | Summary | HPA press release | National Aids Trust press release | THT press release
Date: 2005-Nov
The proportion of women obtaining emergency contraception from chemists or pharmacies almost doubled between 2003-04 and 2004-05, from 27 per cent to 50 per cent.
Source: Ian O Sullivan et al., Contraception and Sexual Health, 2004/05, Office for National Statistics (0845 601 3034)
Links: Report (pdf) | ONS press release (pdf)
Date: 2005-Oct
An article examined trends in childhood obesity in England between 1974 and 2003, and assessed whether these related to parental social class and household income. Childhood obesity was increasing rapidly, and the increase was more marked among children from lower socio-economic strata. There was an urgent need for action to prevent a further increase in obesity among children.
Source: E. Stamatakis, P. Primatesta, S. Chinn, R. Rona and E. Falascheti, 'Overweight and obesity trends from 1974 to 2003 in English children: what is the role of socioeconomic factors?', Archives of Disease in Childhood, Volume 90 Number 10
Links: Abstract
Date: 2005-Oct
Researchers examined the growing prevalence and cost of chronic disease. One of the biggest factors influencing whether a person developed chronic disease was lifestyle diet, exercise, smoking, and drinking.
Source: Joanne Alder, Leslie Mayhew, Simon Moody, Richard Morris and Rajeev Shah, The Chronic Disease Burden: An analysis of health risks and health care usage, Cass Business School/City University (020 7040 8600)
Links: Report (pdf) | CASS press release
Date: 2005-Oct
A report attempted to identify and quantify the burden of disease across a wide health protection spectrum, from infections to environmental hazards. It said that the greatest burden from non-infectious diseases associated with environmental threats would be long-term chronic disease.
Source: Health Protection in the 21st Century: Understanding the burden of disease; preparing for the future, Health Protection Agency (020 7339 1300)
Links: Report (pdf lnks) | HPA press release
Date: 2005-Oct
In the winter of 2004-05 (December-March) there were around 31,600 more deaths in England and Wales compared with the average number of deaths in the non-winter period (August- November 2004, April-July 2005), according to provisional estimates. This number was higher than levels seen in the previous four years.
Source: Press release 27 October 2005, Office for National Statistics (0845 601 3034)
Links: ONS press release (pdf)
Date: 2005-Oct
A report examined the use of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861 to prosecute people who had transmitted HIV infection to sexual partners in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. It considered the likely impact that criminalizing HIV transmission would have on public health, especially HIV prevention.
Source: Catherine Dodds, Peter Weatherburn, Ford Hickson, Peter Keogh and Will Nutland, Grievous Harm?: Use of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861 for sexual transmission of HIV, Sigma Research (020 7737 6223)
Links: Report (pdf)
Date: 2005-Oct
An article described the pattern of mortality by day of the week in deaths from suicide and drug-related poisoning. An increased proportion of suicides occurred on Mondays.
Source: Helen Johnson, Anita Brock, Clare Griffiths and Cleo Rooney, 'Mortality from suicide and drug-related poisoning by day of the week in England and Wales, 1993 2002', Health Statistics Quarterly 27, Autumn 2005, Office for National Statistics, TSO (0870 600 5522)
Links: Article (pdf)
Date: 2005-Aug
A report mapped Welsh health issues according to geographical area.
Source: Health in Wales: A report on health in Wales based on the results from the 2001 Census, Wales Centre for Health (029 2022 7744) and Local Government Data Unit Wales
Links: Report (pdf) | WCH press release
Date: 2005-Aug
A report provided estimates of the proportion of young people in England aged 11-15 who smoked, drank alcohol or took illegal drugs. Girls were more likely than boys to smoke during the early years of secondary school, and more likely to get drunk or be sick after consuming too much alcohol. Fears that the change in classification of cannabis would result in an increased use of the drug by young people were found to have been misplaced.
Source: Elizabeth Fuller (ed.), Smoking, Drinking and Drug Use Among Young People in England in 2004, NHS Health and Social Care Information Centre (0845 300 6016)
Links: Report (pdf) | Summary (pdf) | Natcen press release (Word file) | Guardian report
Date: 2005-Aug
The health and safety at work watchdog published its annual report for 2004-05.
Source: Health and Safety Commission Annual Report and the Health and Safety Commission/Executive Accounts 2004/05, HC 98, Health and Safety Executive, TSO (0870 600 5522)
Links: Report (pdf) | HSE press release
Date: 2005-Jul
An education inspectorate report said that the quality of drugs education in schools was improving: but there needed to be a greater emphasis on education regarding alcohol and tobacco.
Source: Drug Education in Schools, HMI 2392, Office for Standards in Education (07002 637833)
Links: Report (pdf) | OFSTED press release | Drugscope press release | NCB press release | Children Now report
Date: 2005-Jul
The government responded to a report by a committee of MPs on sexual health and HIV/AIDS policy.
Source: New Developments in Sexual Health and HIV/AIDS Policy: Government response to the Health Select Committee?s Third Report of Session 2004?2005, Cm 6649, Department for Health, TSO (0870 600 5522)
Links: Response (pdf) | MPs report | National Aids Trust press release
Date: 2005-Jul
A report surveyed drug use among young people (aged 10-15) over the period 1987-2004.
Source: Young People and Illegal Drugs: Attitudes to and experience of illegal drugs 1987-2004, Schools Health Education Unit (01392 667272)
Links: Summary | Drugscope press release
Date: 2005-Jun
An annual report provided an overview of illegal drug use in the United Kingdom. Prevalence in the general population of illegal drug use remained stable, with lifetime prevalence being over a third, and 7-12 per cent of adults having used drugs in the previous year.
Source: Gail Eaton, Michela Morleo, Alan Lodwick, Mark Bellis and Jim McVeigh (eds.), United Kingdom Drug Situation: Annual report to the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) 2004 edition, Centre for Public Health/Liverpool John Moores University (0151 231 4510)
Links: Report (pdf)
Date: 2005-Jun
A report said that health and well-being within the workplace should be higher on the corporate agenda.
Source: Spend Now, Save Now: Employers? perspectives on promoting health at work, Business in the Community (0870 600 2482)
Links: Report (pdf) | BiC press release
Date: 2005-Jun
A report said that volatile substance abuse was responsible for more deaths among children aged 10-16 than illegal drugs: yet the problem remained hidden owing to prejudice and a lack of public awareness.
Source: Simon Blake, Dangerous Highs, National Children?s Bureau (020 7843 6029) and ChildLine
Links: Summary | Young People Now report
Date: 2005-Jun
Researchers found that young people in vulnerable groups represented more than half (61 per cent) of 'class A' (the most serious) drug users in 2003.
Source: Jane Becker and Stephen Roe, Drug Use Among Vulnerable Groups of Young People: Findings from the 2003 Crime and Justice Survey, Research Study 254, Home Office (020 7273 2084)
Links: Study (pdf)
Date: 2005-May
The Health and Safety Executive published a report on the extent of work-related ill-health in 2003-04. Musculoskeletal disorders, followed by stress, depression or anxiety, were by far the most commonly reported types of work-related illness.
Source: J. Jones, C. Huxtable and J. Hodgson, Self-reported Work-related Illness in 2003/04: Results from the Labour Force Survey, Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books (01787 881165)
Links: Report (pdf) | HSE press release
Date: 2005-May
A briefing paper examined the links between heterosexism, homophobia, and the health of gay men and bisexual men.
Source: Catherine Dodds, Peter Keogh and Ford Hickson, It Makes Me Sick: Heterosexism, homophobia and the health of gay men and bisexual men, Sigma Research (020 7737 6223)
Links: Briefing (pdf)
Date: 2005-May
A study examined the relationship between income and healthy behaviour over the generations, by studying the association between parental income and children s prevalence to smoke using data from the British Household Panel Survey and British Youth Survey.
Source: Laura Blow, Andrew Leicester and Frank Windmeijer, Parental Income and Children's Smoking Behaviour: Evidence from the British Household Panel Survey, Working Paper 05/10, Institute for Fiscal Studies (020 7291 4800)
Links: Working paper (pdf)
Date: 2005-May
A research report said that there was "increasing evidence" of the effectiveness of a scheme aimed at tackling substance misuse among young people.
Source: MORI, Positive Futures: Key Elements - Wave 4, Home Office (020 7273 2084)
Links: Report (pdf)
Date: 2005-Apr
Between 1995 and 2003, the prevalence of obesity among children aged 2-10 rose from 9.9 per cent to 13.7 per cent.
Source: Dhriti Jotangia, Alison Moody, Emmanuel Stamatakis and Heather Wardle, Obesity Among Children Under 11, Department of Health (08701 555455)
Links: Report (pdf) | Guardian report
Date: 2005-Apr
A survey found that sexual health services remained a low priority for primary care trusts in England, despite sustained increases in sexual ill-health.
Source: Clinical Trials? The third annual survey of how English HIV and sexual health clinicians and primary care trusts view their services, Terrence Higgins Trust (020 7831 0330)
Links: Report (pdf) | THT press release | Guardian report
Date: 2005-Apr
An annual survey examined health-related behaviour by young people aged 10-15. It was found that 1 in 5 of those aged 14-15 had tried at least one illegal drug.
Source: Young People in 2004, Schools Health Education Unit (01392 667272)
Links: Summary
Date: 2005-Apr
The government accepted proposals from the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs designed to reduce drug-taking by young people. It accepted the need to improve data on the children of problem drug users, and to update its drugs strategy to focus more on reducing harm to young people.
Source: Government Response to Hidden Harm: The report of an inquiry by the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs, Department for Education and Skills (0845 602 2260)
Links: Response (pdf) | DfES press release | Drugscope press release | Young People Now report
Date: 2005-Mar
A report identified the extent, costs and impacts of interpersonal violence, the risk factors for victims and perpetrators, interventions that could be effective in reducing violence, and how the latter fitted into national policy.
Source: Clare McVeigh et al., Violent Britain: People, prevention and public health, Centre for Public Health/Liverpool John Moores University (0151 231 4510)
Links: Report (pdf)
Date: 2005-Mar
An evidence review made a preliminary examination of primary data from three British cohort studies, and used the data to explore the relationship between work, non-work, job satisfaction and psychological health.
Source: M. Bartley, A. Sacker, I. Schoon, M. Kelly and C. Carmona, Work, Non-work, Job Satisfaction and Psychological Health: Evidence review, Health Development Agency (020 7430 0850)
Links: Report (pdf)
Date: 2005-Mar
A report investigated the prevalence of reported occupational stress and psychiatric disorder in black Caribbean, Asian and white workers, and the reasons for differences in occupational stress between ethnic groups.
Source: Andrew Smith et al., Ethnicity, Work Characteristics, Stress and Health, Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books (01787 881165)
Links: Report (pdf)
Date: 2005-Feb
Researchers interviewed 64 young people (aged 14 to 17) to find out why they got drunk, and what happened when they did. Young people who took part in binge drinking sessions out of doors, or in other unsupervised locations, ran an especially high risk of harming their health or safety.
Source: Lester Coleman and Suzanne Cater, Underage 'Risky' Drinking: Motivations and outcomes, York Publishing Services for Joseph Rowntree Foundation, available from York Publishing Services Ltd (01904 430033)
Links: Report (pdf) | JRF Findings 0045 | JRF press release
Date: 2005-Feb
A survey found that one-third of young gay men did not know the most basic facts about HIV and its transmission.
Source: David Reid, Peter Weatherburn, Ford Hickson, Michael Stephens and Gary Hammond, On the Move: Findings from the United Kingdom Gay Men s Sex Survey, 2003, Sigma Research (020 7737 6223)
Links: Report (pdf) | THT press release
Date: 2005-Feb
A report said that the idea that childhood obesity was at epidemic levels, and that it was rising exponentially, were no more than 'unsupported speculation'.
Source: Obesity and the Facts: An analysis of data from the Health Survey for England 2003, Social Issues Research Centre (01865 262255)
Links: Report (pdf) | Summary | HDA press release | Guardian report
Date: 2005-Feb
A report summarized information on the key causes of ill-health and death in England. Obesity levels were rising at a 'worryingly fast' rate. Over a third of men, and almost a quarter of women, drank more than recommended levels of alcohol. Encouraging progress was being made on smoking and heart disease. Regional health inequalities persisted.
Source: Lifestyle and its Impact on Health, Association of Public Health Observatories (0191 3340398)
Links: Report (pdf)
Date: 2005-Feb
An article used data from the 2001 Census to compare the geographical pattern of self-rated health of long-term unemployed people to that of people from different social classes, and of those who had never worked. The health of long-term unemployed people was better in high unemployment areas, and conversely worse where the labour market was traditionally stronger. This was the reverse of the pattern found for different social classes and for those who had never worked.
Source: Margaret Whitehead, Frances Drever and Tim Doran, 'Is the health of the long-term unemployed better or worse in high unemployment areas?', Health Statistics Quarterly 25, Spring 2005, Office for National Statistics, TSO (0870 600 5522)
Links: Article (pdf)
Date: 2005-Feb
A private member's Bill was introduced, designed to impose an obligation upon all company directors to take all reasonable steps to ensure that their company was complying with health and safety law.
Source: Stephen Hepburn MP, Health and Safety (Directors' Duties) Bill, TSO (0870 600 5522)
Links: Text of Bill | Explanatory notes
Date: 2005-Jan
