International Festival of Public Health

S5 - Health Promotion and Improvement

A Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans needs assessment for Salford

Presenter: Magda Sachs, Salford City Council

Other author(s): Liza Scanlon

Abstract Text:

Aim: Local Authorities are responsible for assessing local populations needs through the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment. Salford was known to have lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people but their needs had never been mapped in a formal process.

Methods: There are a number of national surveys and strategic documents which illuminate the inequalities experienced by LGBT people. Challenges in sourcing local data result from lack of consistent sexual orientation monitoring in most services. A number of sources were analysed, including a local Health and Wellbeing Survey, the national GP Satisfaction Survey, local level data available from national surveys conducted by Stonewall, and the Salford GP database.

Results: A population estimate for LGBT people in Salford was reached, with mapping, showing where highest LGBT concentrations are found in the city.The evidence suggests that national health inequalities for LGBT people in mental health, use of tobacco, alcohol and drugs and sexual health are mirrored in Salford.Recommendations were made in five areas:

1-Improvement of sexual orientation monitoring and report recording.

2-Development of cultural competence in workforce.

3-Reduction of stigma in mental wellbeing services.

4-Specific recommendations for sexual health and stop smoking services.

5-Future needs assessments, especially under 18's.

The findings are being used to ensure services understand how they can improve access and care for these groups.The methods and findings of the needs assessment will be presented to inform colleagues undertaking similar work.

Social media and self image: a comparison between a developed and developing country

Presenter: Sadhia Khan,University of Manchester

Other author(s): Fariah Khan

Abstract Text:

Aim:To understand the impact of social media on self-image in young people between the ages of 20-25 in both the UK and Pakistan.

Background and purpose: Social media apps such as Instagram and Facebook have made connecting with a variety of people around the world very easy. This is known to have had a rise in narcissism; affect self- esteem and want people to have a lifestyle that may not be attainable. However, it is unknown how this affect may vary in those in a developed country and those in a developing country.

Methodology:A ten point questionnaire was conducted in Manchester, England and Lahore, Pakistan. The results from this questionnaire were both quantitatively and qualitatively analysed. Following analysis of the questionnaire 10 participants were randomly selected to take part in qualitative interviews to explore themes that had arisen in greater depth.

Results:Results from the analysis and interviews will be presented. However, in summary it was noted that negative effects were experienced by both groups of participants.

Discussions and conclusions:The rise of blogs and social media is embedded into our everyday lives. Initially social medial was seen as a way of connecting with those you know, it is now very easy to 'connect' with celebrities. As its reach is limitless it is leading to affecting people's self-esteem globally. The effect of social media does vary in different parts of the world. It is particularly important to educate people on this topic in developing countries.

A pilot cluster randomised controlled trial to improve the mental health support and training provided to secondary school teachers (the WISE project)

Presenter: Judi Kidger, University of Bristol

Other author(s): David Gunnell, Tracey Stone

Abstract Text: Background: Teachers have poor mental health compared to the general working population. Further, teachers are expected to support student mental health, despite having little training in this. The WISE study piloted an intervention aiming to improve the mental health support and training provided to secondary school teachers.

Methodology: Eight schools were randomised to intervention or control group. In each intervention school i) 8-9 staff received training in mental health first aid (MHFA) before setting up a peer support service for colleagues ii) up to 25 further staff received youth MHFA training. Main outcomes were teacher scores on the Warwick Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale (WEMWBS) and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Secondary outcomes were student scores on the WEMWBS and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Analyses took into account clustering, and were adjusted for baseline measures.

Results: 438 teachers and 1,862 students had data at baseline and follow up. At 12 month follow up, there were no differences between intervention and control groups for staff wellbeing (p=0.49) or depression (p=0.72). However, students in the intervention schools had better wellbeing (0.83[-0.03, 1.68] p=0.06) and lower difficulties (-1.14[-1.74, -0.55] p<0.01). Teachers who received MHFA training also had better wellbeing (1.72[-0.51, 3.94] p=0.10) and lower depression (-1.17[-1.73,-0.61] p<0.01) than other staff.

Conclusion: A full trial is needed to determine any effects of the WISE intervention on teacher mental health. We did find some positive results for two secondary outcomes: the mental health of students, and staff who received MHFA training.

History of exposure to symptoms of common mental disorder in relation to extended working: British Household Panel Study and Understanding Society

Presenter: Gareth Hagger-Johnson, UCL

Other author(s): Ewan Carr, Emily Murray, Stephen Stansfeld, Jenny Head

Introduction

Given the changing population age structure and associated policy challenges, governments in the UK and elsewhere are interested in factors that may influence extended working, defined here as working beyond age 50. The aim of our study was to determine the association between repeated exposure to symptoms of common mental disorder (e.g. anxiety, depression) over working life (age 16+), in relation to extended working (beyond age 50).

Methods

The study population comprised >3000 participants in the British Household Panel Study (1991/2008) available for follow-up in Understanding Society (2010/11). Repeated exposures to symptoms of common mental disorder were measured using the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) over a 17-year exposure window (1991/2008). Participants were grouped according to how many years they had exceeded the GHQ case threshold: 0-1, 2-5, 5+ years. The outcome was the odds of working 25+hrs/week at follow-up (2010/11), analysed using logistic regression and weighted for the study design.

Results

Adjusting for age and sex, from age 60 to 65, exposure to GHQ caseness for 5+ years (vs. 0-1 years) was associated with an 8% (95% CI 1%, 14%) reduction in the probability of working 25+hrs/week. There was no association between GHQ exposure and extended working between age 50 and 60.

Conclusions

We will evaluate whether effects differ for men/women and for different socio-economic groups. We will also consider a wider range of confounding factors. These preliminary results suggest that exposure to symptoms of common mental disorder over working life influence the probability of extended working in later life.