Is Ireland ready for tobacco endgame? A national survey of knowledge and attitudes to tobacco endgame

Background

In 2013 ‘Tobacco-Free Ireland’ (TFI) shifted Irish national policy from tobacco control to “tobacco endgame”: policies, plans and interventions seeking to end the tobacco epidemic completely. Recent trends suggest the current 2025 TFI goal will not be achieved. This cross-sectional study is a timely assessment of public knowledge and attitude to re-focus Irish “tobacco endgame” planning.

Methods

A literature-informed, pre-tested survey instrument was telephone-administered to a representative sample of 1000 members of the Irish public aged ≥15 years recruited via random digit dialling in February 2022. Prevalence of “tobacco endgame” views was measured; logistic regression determined factors associated with key responses.

Results

Response rate was 30% (n = 1,000, post-hoc weighting applied). While TFI goal awareness was low (34%), support was high (75%), albeit most (61%) recognised postponement beyond 2025 was required for achievability. There was majority support for 18/22 endgame measures assessed. Product-focused tactics were popular, while views on targeting users were mixed: e.g. 86% supported a reduction in tobacco-product nicotine content; 40% supported introduction of a tobacco-user license. Phasing-out tobacco sales was highly-supported (83%); however, this was contingent on special supports for those currently addicted. Support for the TFI goal was higher among non-tobacco users (aOR 2.66, 95%CI 1.89-3.76), females (aOR 1.57, 95%CI 1.17-2.11) and those of higher social class (aOR 1.72, 95%CI 1.25-2.35).

Conclusions

While achievement by 2025 is increasingly unrealistic, findings strongly affirm Irish public opinion is ready for “tobacco endgame”. Recognition of the needs of currently addicted tobacco users and focusing on subgroups with lower support levels should be integral to equitable “tobacco endgame” planning and communication. This study should mobilise renewed Irish political commitment to bold actions aimed at ending smoking-related harm.

Key messages

• There is strong support for tobacco endgame measures among the Irish population, which is a supportive factor for bold political leadership to make these radical ideas a reality.

• Public preference for product and non-user-focused measures aligns with tobacco endgame discourse and should aid policy reframing to tackle structures and dynamics sustaining the tobacco epidemic.

Impact of COVID-19 Lockdown Restrictions: Ambient NO2 and Asthma Hospital Admissions

Aim The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the COVID-19 pandemic a global health emergency. Many countries of the world, including Ireland, closed their borders and imposed nationwide lockdown. During this period, all major anthropogenic transport activities, which contribute to atmospheric pollution, were restricted. The current study examines the impact of the transport restrictions on ambient nitrogen dioxide (NO2) concentrations and hospital admissions for asthma across Ireland. Methods This is a retrospective population-based cohort study. National ambient air quality monitoring network data were analysed to investigation variations in NO2 concentrations. Asthma hospital admissions data were collected from the HSE Hospital In-patient Enquiry (HIPE) for Cork, Dublin, and Meath. Results During the period of transport restrictions, there were reductions in the annual mean NO2 for Cork, Dublin and Meath (i.e. 12µg/m3 to 11µg/m3 (p = 1); 25µg/m3 to 17µg/m3 (p < 0.001); and 23µg/m3 to 21µg/m3 (p = 1)). Reductions in asthma hospital admissions were also observed. Among the 8,471 patient episodes included in this study, the mean [SD] age at admission was 47.2[22.9] years; 61% were female (n=5,134); mean [SD] length of stay was 4.9[10.9] days. Conclusion The findings of this study provide an opportunity to explore the impact of NO2 emissions for Cork, Dublin and Meath on asthma hospital admissions, in order to improve air quality modelling and policy development of management of asthma.

Air Quality and Its Association with Cardiovascular and Respiratory Hospital Admissions in Ireland

Aim Cardiovascular (CVD) and respiratory (RSD) diseases are leading causes of morbidity and mortality in Ireland. Clear links have been demonstrated in the literature between poor air quality and these diseases. This study aimed to use routinely available data to examine the relationship between air quality index for health (AQIH) (Available URL: http://www.epa.ie/air/quality/index/) and hospital admissions due to CVD and RSD in Dublin City and County between 2014 and 2018. Methods Admission data were collected from the HSE Hospital In-Patient Enquiry (HIPE). Daily count of hospital admissions with Dublin city and county address with a primary diagnosis of CVS and RSD was performed. The daily AQIH were obtained from the EPA for Dublin. Results Overall, AQIH distribution was: Good: 96% (1,575/1,642); Fair: 3% (52/1,642); and Poor: 1% (11/1,642). There were significant rises in admissions with change in AQIH (i.e. from good to very poor) for asthma, chronic obstructive airways disease and heart failure. There were also varying significant changes in short-term admission rates (i.e. up to 72 hours) following change in AQIH. Conclusions This study, using routinely gathered data, suggests that in Dublin city, where the AQ is predominantly good, that change in ambient AQ appears to impact admissions with CVD and RSD.

Non-use of cancer information services among people experiencing cancer in Ireland

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to explore the reasons for non-use of a national cancer society's cancer information services among people experiencing cancer.

METHOD

This study used a qualitative design. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a total of 17 participants who had not previously utilised the Cancer Society's information services. Data were analysed using Thematic Analysis.

RESULTS

The key themes to emerge from the date were 'living in the here and now' and 'awareness of the Cancer Society'. For most participants, not utilising cancer information services was a means of coping with the initial diagnosis and the impact of treatment. Those who progressed to being ready to seek information identified the multi-disciplinary team as the primary source of trusted information, with particular mention of cancer nurse specialists. For participants with children, their role as a parent was central in how they managed their diagnosis. The majority of participants lacked awareness of the range of services provided by the Cancer Society.

CONCLUSIONS

Reasons for non-use of cancer information services were identified as: readiness to seek information and a lack of knowledge of the Cancer Societies' services. Cancer information services need to continue make a concerted effort to enhance visibility and awareness of its services to optimise patient engagement.

Counting the Toll of Smoking-Attributable Hospitalisations

Aim In Ireland, 20% of adults smoke. Many current and ex-smokers live with ill-health and disability as a result of smoking, and this study aimed to quantify the extent of smoking-related hospitalisations in Irish publicly-funded hospitals. Methods A population attributable fractions approach was used in this analysis utilising smoking prevalence data from the Healthy Ireland Survey and combining this with internationally-recognised relative-risks for current and past smoking, and hospitalisation data and hospital base costs data sourced from HIPE, for the years 2011-2016. Results In 2016, there were 21,486 day case admissions, 33,615 inpatient hospital admissions consuming 309,117 bed days, attributable to smoking and exposure to second-hand smoke, with an estimated cost of €172 million in publicly funded hospitals. This represents 2% of day case admissions, 5% of inpatient admissions, and 8% of inpatient bed days for that year. Conclusion Smoking continues to cause a considerable impact on hospital services in Ireland.

Reasons for Summoning Ambulance Services in the Hilly Region of Nepal

Background Nepal lacks a unified and countrywide emergency medical services system as other developing countries. However, the emergence of ambulance service initiatives in the past decade shows a promising future for pre-hospital care. Nepal Ambulance Service (Est. 2011) and Dhulikhel Emergency Medical Services (Est. 2013) are the existing emergency medical services initiatives in Nepal. Objective To describe the reason for summoning ambulance services and demographics of the patients who were transported by Dhulikhel Emergency Medical Services at Dhulikhel hospital, hilly region of Nepal. Method One thousand three hundred and ninety three patient records at Dhulikhel hospital transported by Dhulikhel Emergency Medical Services during the five-year period (2013 - 2018) were included in the study. Chief complaints and demographic data were collected and categorized into overarching systemic categories. Result Among 1393 patients, majority were female (60.4%) and the most common age group was 20-29 years. The most common reason for calling ambulances was gastrointestinal problem (22.6%). Similarly, respiratory (17%), obstetric and gynecological (15.2%), trauma (12.7%) and neurological (9.6%) problems were other common reasons. The number of respiratory problem was increased during the winter season. The overall percentage of patients arriving at hospital with trauma problems was increased steadily, but it was not statistically significant. Conclusion Gastrointestinal problem was the most common reason, followed by respiratory and obstetric and gynecological problems for summoning ambulances services in the hilly regions of Nepal. The incidence of respiratory problem significantly increased during the winter season.

Motivations for adolescent self-harm and the implications for mental health nurses

WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT?: Self-harm is a relatively common occurrence in adolescents; however, there remains a lack of understanding about the motivations behind adolescent self-harm, and this poor understanding can have a negative impact on how mental health professionals respond to young people who self-harm. WHAT DOES THIS PAPER ADD TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE?: This paper identifies the reasons for self-harm in a community sample of young people and finds that the functions of self-harm differ for different people and that there may be multiple reasons for self-harm. Findings provide support for the affect-regulation model of self-harm which states that young people self-harm to regulate how they are feeling, but provides little support for the interpersonal influence model which proposes that self-harm is an attempt to influence how other people respond to them. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE?: Self-harm for most young people serves at least one specific function and is an indication of distress. There is a requirement for a non-pathologizing response towards young people who self-harm; self-harm should be understood as a meaningful behaviour rather than a symptom of an illness. Mental health nurses need to understand the multiple functions of self-harm. A better understanding of the individualized meaning behind self-harm can positively impact on attitudes towards young people who self-harm and provide for improved mental health service provision.

ABSTRACT

Introduction Although self-harm is a relatively common occurrence in adolescents, there is a lack of understanding about the motivations behind it. A poor understanding of self-harm contributes to negative perceptions about those who self-harm and a poor healthcare experience. Aim & Methods This study identifies motivations behind self-harm in school-based adolescents using a cross-sectional survey. Motivations behind self-harm were elicited using a scale and open-ended responses. Results Of the 856 adolescents who completed the survey across 11 postprimary schools, 103 reported a history of self-harm. The most commonly endorsed reason for self-harm was to 'get relief from a terrible state of mind' (79%). Open-ended responses were consistent with scale responses with most reporting that they self-harmed to relieve distressing emotions. Discussion Findings provide support for the affect-regulation model of self-harm with support also demonstrated for the self-punishment and antidissociation models. There was little support for the interpersonal influence model suggesting that the commonly held belief that self-harm is attention-seeking is one attributed by others to young people, and not widely reported by young people themselves. Implications for practice Mental health services need to be responsive to the needs of young people who self-harm which requires eliciting and understanding the individual and multiple meanings behind self-harm to best inform treatment options.

Assessing chronic stroke survivors with aphasia sheds light on prevalence of spatial neglect

BACKGROUND

Stroke is a chronic disease. Standardized assessment is essential in order to determine areas for treatment. Individuals with aphasia are often excluded from research, because it is believed that their language impairments may impact their ability to provide informed consent. Thus, right spatial neglect could be under-diagnosed.

OBJECTIVE

This study was developed to (1) determine the frequency of spatial neglect in chronic left-brain stroke survivors with aphasia, (2) determine the clinical utility of an aphasia-friendly consent form, and (3) determine any differences between neglect and no-neglect groups regarding activities of daily living (ADL) performance and community independence.

METHODS

Forty-six people were consented at community center. Three were screen failures secondary to the exclusion criteria. A novel, aphasia-friendly consent form was developed to facilitate participation of individuals with aphasia. This enabled 93% or 40 out of the 43 recruited participants to be included in this study. The Behavioral Inattention Test-conventional and the Catherine Bergego Scale via Kessler Foundation Neglect Assessment Process (CBS via KF-NAP) were utilized to determine neglect. The Life Space Questionnaire was used to determine community mobility and independence. The Barthel Index (BI) was used for objective clarification of performance in ADL.

RESULTS

Successful use of the consent form resulted in determination that five out of 40 (12.5%) met criteria for spatial neglect; (on the CBS via KF-NAP). The neglect group had lower scores on the Life Space, suggesting less community mobility and independence, however, it was not statistically significant (p = 0.16). Differences in BI scores were also not significant (p = .013) but the neglect group did have reduced independence.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates the need to administer functional neglect assessments in left-brain stroke and to include individuals with aphasia in research.

An analysis of the recording inpatients in Irish hospitals of tobacco use among

Smoking is the largest avoidable cause of premature mortality in the world. Hospital admission is an opportunity to identify and help smokers quit. This study aimed to determine the level of recording of tobacco use (current and past) in Irish hospitals. Information on inpatient discharges with a tobacco use diagnosis was extracted from HIPE. In 2011, a quarter (n=84, 679) of discharges had a recording of tobacco use, which were more common among males (29% (n=50,161) male v. 20% (n=30,162) female), among medical patients (29% (n=54,375) medical v. 20% (n=30,162) other) and was highest among those aged 55-59 years (30.6%; n=7,885). SLAN 2007 reported that 48% of adults had smoked at some point in their lives. This study would suggest an under- reporting of tobacco use among hospital inpatients. Efforts should be made to record smoking status at hospital admission, and to improve the quality of the HIPE coding of tobacco use.

Admissions and costs to acute hospitals resulting from road traffic crashes, 2005-2009

Road traffic crashes (RTCs) remain a leading cause of death and injury. The aim of this study was to explore the use of hospital data as a source of RTC-related injury data in Ireland, as current systems are believed to under-estimate the burden. Information on inpatient discharges for years 2005-2009, admitted with RTC-related injuries were extracted from HIPE. There were 14,861 discharges; 9,661 (65.0%) were male, with an average age of 33 years. The median length of stay was two days. The most common diagnosis was head injury (n = 4,644; 31.2%). The average inpatient hospital cost was Euro 6,395 per discharge. 1,498 (10.1%) were admitted to intensive care units. This study has identified 3.5 times more serious injuries (14,861) than identified in the Road Safety Authority (RSA) statistics (4,263) indicating that the extent of road injuries is greater than previously estimated. Hospital data could be used annually in conjunction with RSA and other data; ideally the data should be linked.

Photodynamic therapy with topical methyl aminolaevulinate for 'difficult-to-treat' basal cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) may be difficult to treat by conventional means, particularly if the lesions are large or located in the mid-face (H-zone). Photodynamic therapy (PDT) using topical methyl aminolaevulinate (MAL) may be a good noninvasive option for these patients.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the efficacy and safety of PDT using MAL for BCCs defined as 'difficult to treat', i.e. large lesions, in the H-zone, or in patients at high risk of surgical complications.

METHODS

This was a prospective, multicentre, noncomparative study. Patients were assessed 3, 12 and 24 months after the last PDT treatment. One hundred and two patients with 'difficult-to-treat' BCC were treated with MAL PDT, using 160 mg g(-1) cream and 75 J cm(-2) red light (570-670 nm), after lesion preparation and 3 h of cream exposure. Results Ninety-five patients with 148 lesions were included in the per protocol analysis. The histologically confirmed lesion complete response rate at 3 months was 89% (131 of 148). At 12 months, 10 lesions had reappeared, and therefore the cumulative treatment failure rate was 18% (27 of 148). At 24 months, an additional nine lesions had reappeared, resulting in a cumulative treatment failure rate of 24% (36 of 148). The estimated sustained lesion complete response rate (assessed using a time-to-event approach) was 90% at 3 months, 84% at 12 months and 78% at 24 months. Overall cosmetic outcome was judged as excellent or good in 79% and 84% of the patients at 12 and 24 months, respectively. Follow-up is continuing for up to 5 years.

CONCLUSIONS

MAL PDT is an attractive option for 'difficult-to-treat' BCC. Because of the excellent cosmetic results, the treatment is particularly well suited for lesions that would otherwise require extensive surgical procedures.

Infant feeding: factors affecting initiation, exclusivity and duration

The study objective was to determine the initiation rate, duration and exclusiveness of breastfeeding, in women resident in the North Eastern Health Board (NEHB) region. An additional aim was to identify determinants that influence the initiation and duration of all types of breastfeeding. All eligible mothers completed a self-administered questionnaire. For breastfeeding mothers there was additional follow-up, by telephone, at six and fourteen weeks postnatal. In total, 127 (51.4%) mothers initiated breastfeeding. This gradually declined to 52 (21.1%) at 14 weeks postnatal. Mothers' attributes significantly associated with initiating breastfeeding included: having previously breastfed, completed third level education, decision to breastfeed made early in pregnancy, being a non-smoker, having a mother who also breastfed, belonging to higher social class and age 24 years or older. However, after controlling for all of these variables in a regression model, only the following factors remained significant: having previously breastfed, completed third level education and the decision to breastfeed made early in pregnancy. Therefore, as decisions on infant feeding method are made prior to or early in pregnancy, efforts to increase breastfeeding rates will have to occur at societal level. Health sector initiatives can only have limited effect. In addition, creative methods must be developed and employed to encourage women from lower socio-economic groups to breastfeed.

Consumer satisfaction with child health clinics

Consumer satisfaction surveys are used to assist in monitoring the quality of health care service delivery. In order to capture the views of those attending child health clinics in the community setting, a cohort of attendees to child health clinics in a health board region was sent a pre-piloted questionnaire enquiring about the clinic type attended, appointment details, facilities and environment of the health centre attended and experiences of communication and information at the clinic. Of 3,424 parents/guardians contacted, 2,402 (70.1%) replied. Two thousand (83.3%) had an appointment, with 61.1% attending first appointment within 3 months of referral. Median time spent in the centre was 25.0 minutes (ranging from 5 to 150 minutes). Respondents were satisfied with structural facilities with the exception of baby-changing facilities. Respondents agreed that their child's condition (92.1 %) and treatment options (88.7%) were fully explained, with adequate time for discussion (87.8%). Only 44% (n=736) reported receiving written takeaway information regarding their child's condition. Respondents agreed their child was put at ease by staff (85.7%), and the visit was worthwhile (93.9%). This study has identified key areas where administration and health care professionals can improve the quality of what is already perceived to be a good service.

Mycosis fungoides responding to systemic itraconazole

Mycosis fungoides is a form of cutaneous lymphoma with a typically indolent course. We describe an unexpected, repeated response to a systemic antifungal agent, itraconazole. The mechanism of action is speculative but itraconazole has marked immunosuppressive activity on T-lymphocyte proliferation in vitro.

Wheeze, eczema and rhinitis in 6-7 year old Irish schoolchildren

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of wheeze, eczema and rhinitis in 6-7 year old schoolchildren in Louth and Meath and assess their risk factors. The ISAAC (International Study for Asthma and Allergies in Childhood) questionnaire was used. The response rate was 64.1% (n = 1899). The prevalence rates for wheeze, eczema and rhinitis were 17.4%, 11.2% and 20.2% respectively, with 2.4% of children reported to be suffering from all 3 conditions. The main risk factors for wheeze were male sex and smoking in the home. Ninety-five (28.7%) children with wheeze had no diagnosis of asthma. Of these children 36 (37.9%) had wheeze with exercise, 55 (59.9%) had a dry cough not associated with a cold or flu and 13 (13.7%) reported more than 4 attacks of wheeze in the last year. This study suggests underdiagnosis and undertreatment of atopic illness in this age group. It also suggests decreasing exposure to passive smoking and early recognition and treatment will improve quality of life for many children.

In search of the history of Irish psychiatric nursing

Based on a paper given at the Cinderella Services conference at South Bank University, London, in April 2001, this paper explores the origins and development of the asylum system in Ireland, and traces the relationship between the politics and practice of mental health care. The role of the attendants is illuminated in so far as the limited primary source material allows. Although some aspects of the history of Irish mental health services have been subject to scholarship, psychiatric nursing is an area that has not. In particular, very little attention has been paid to the role that attendants and asylum nurses played in the Irish asylum system, especially during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The government constructed an extensive network of asylums and workhouses to deal with the growing numbers of mentally disordered and impoverished people. Irish asylum nurses tended to come from rural stock, and have agricultural skills; they were able to communicate with patients in either English or Gaelic. They were encouraged to impart to patients skills that would permit them to find employment or contribute to the upkeep of the asylum.

Initial sequencing and analysis of the human genome

The human genome holds an extraordinary trove of information about human development, physiology, medicine and evolution. Here we report the results of an international collaboration to produce and make freely available a draft sequence of the human genome. We also present an initial analysis of the data, describing some of the insights that can be gleaned from the sequence.

Neurotensin receptor-mediated inhibition of pancreatic cancer cell growth by the neurotensin antagonist SR 48692

Second messenger calcium responses to the neuropeptide neurotensin and its non-peptide antagonist SR 48692 were studied in relation to the proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells. Neurotensin caused a transient increase in intracellular calcium in two pancreatic lines, MIA PaCa-2 and PANC-1, with EC50 values of 4.6 and 11.4 nM and peak calcium concentrations of 190% and 470% of basal levels, respectively. SR 48692 inhibited these calcium changes with an IC50 (at 25 nM neurotensin) of 4.9 and 4.1 nM in MIA PaCa-2 and PANC-1 cells, respectively. In MIA PaCa-2 cells, SR 48692 may act as an inverse agonist as it depressed basal calcium. SR 48692 inhibited growth of both MIA PaCa-2 and PANC-1 cells. Only in MIA PaCa-2 cells did neurotensin overcome this inhibition or stimulate proliferation. The results imply that, in MIA PaCa-2 cells, the neurotensin antagonist SR 48692 inhibits growth in a neurotensin receptor-mediated fashion.

Running groups for parents with schizophrenic adolescents: initial experiences and plans for the future

Six-session educational and support groups were held for two sets of parents (32 in all) who had an adolescent schizophrenic child. Results indicate no significant increases in knowledge about the disorder following the group (probably due to the relatively high scores obtained at the outset) but gains seem to have been made in ability to handle the teenage patient at home. All parents commented on how they had benefited from the supportive aspect of the group. Future developments of these groups are discussed.