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The Irish Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) report 2010 has been launched today.

Key findings include:

• Decrease from 2006 in reports of tobacco, alcohol and cannabis use. No significant differences across social class groups in smoking or drug use but those from lower social classes were more likely to report being ‘really drunk’
• Food and dietary behaviour has improved or remained stable since 2006. Girls, younger children and those from higher social classes are more likely to report regular fruit and vegetable consumption 
• Little change in reported frequency of exercise, physical activity and inactivity in HBSC 2010. Boys, younger children and those from middle social classes are more likely to be active. 
• Decrease in the number of children who report being injured and needing medical attention once or more in the last 12 months. Boys and older children are more likely to report ever being injured with no social class differences noted. 
• Rates of bullying have remained unchanged. Boys and younger children are most likely to report having been bullied while boys and older children were more likely to report bullying others. No social class differences were noted. 
• Sexual behaviour amongst 15-17 year olds was included for the first time in 2010. Boys and those from lower social class groups are more likely to report ever having sex. To read the full report, please click here

To read the full report, please click here

60% more women than men dying from stroke in Ireland

The Irish Heart Foundation have highlighted latest 2010 CSO figures that 1,258 women died from stroke during 2010 out of a total of 2,053 stroke fatalities nationwide.

In response to the figures, the Irish Heart Foundation Medical Director, Dr. Angie Brown said that every person should make sure they know the symptoms of the disease – and know to call 999 immediately when they spot them.

Research indicated that the ban in Dublin resulted in over 350 fewer annual deaths. An estimate of these benefits in monetary terms put the value at over €20 million. Additional benefits of the regulations have also been identified through the stimulation for householders to switch from using solid fuels, which generally are less efficient and more polluting, to more efficient and less polluting gas and oil. The associated reduced fuel costs to consumers were estimated at €184 million per year.

To read the full consultation paper, please click here

Institute of Public Health are recruiting for a Consultant in Public Health

The IPH wishes to recruit a Consultant in Public Health, part-time, who will support IPH in its drive to tackle health inequalities and improve population health cross the island.

The position will involve:

• Assessing and advising on public health policy
• Analysing and strengthening public health intelligence and information
• Assessing health needs, health inequalities, health in all policies and identifying areas for action at national and local level.

All-Ireland Evidence-Based Practice Forum

You are invited to participate in an online discussion forum whose broad aim will be to scope out the future development of evidence-based practice across the island of Ireland.