International Festival of Public Health

LT 5 - Health Protection, Health Promotion and Improvement

Structural Grooming: philanthropy, profit and public health.

Presenter: Adrian Sutton, University of Manchester

Other author(s): None

Abstract Text: The paper proposes the term 'Structural Grooming' to describe a process which occurs when the structures and policies of institutions or organisations influence, or are likely to influence, an individual or population leading to behavioural consequences which have a reasonable likelihood of causing or significantly contributing to adverse outcomes. It can occur in pursuit of what may be considered legitimate, and even philanthropic, institutional or corporate aims and the organisations may be accepted and even esteemed for the work. It is directly analogous to 'Structural Racism' in that the perpetrators of Structural Grooming may have no wish to cause harm and may be shocked at the suggestion that their actions may be harmful despite their best intentions.I will present material from the UK and Uganda to illustrate the concept and its significance for public health with particular reference to the debate about obesity and the non-alcoholic drinks and fast food industries. Some dilemmas in terms of balancing short and long term beneficial or maleficial action will be described with specific reference to low income countries and developing markets.

What are the barriers of access to contraception for pre-marital sex and what provisions exist to minimise such barriers? A case study of the young Bangladeshi population in Tower Hamlets

Presenter: Julia Miah, University of Manchester

Other author(s): Maura Duffy

Abstract Text: Britain still has the highest teenage pregnancy rates in Western Europe despite the recent fall in numbers. While contraception is effective at reducing unintended pregnancies, barriers to accessing them exist internationally, mainly due to issues such as stigma, lack of education, the financial costs and the geographical locations people live in. For young people growing up in Britain, the poor quality sexual reproductive education given in schools added to the negative stereotypes in the media have created increased barriers to contraception for this age group. Furthermore, ethnic minorities from religious backgrounds such as the young Bangladeshi population in London's Tower Hamlets face further barriers due the stigma attached to pre-marital sex in their communities. This makes accessing services even more difficult. Based on a desk based review of secondary literature, triangulated with telephone and email correspondence with sexual health organisations in London, this paper explores the barriers faced by the young Bangladeshi population and possible approaches to overcoming these barriers, with a particular focus on the work of Come Correct, a service that offers free condoms in various locations in London. I conclude that the barrier of stigma and shame surrounding pre-marital sex exacerbates the more general barriers to accessing contraception and that measures need to be taken to overcome these issues whilst remaining sensitive to cultural and religious beliefs.

An analysis of the epidemiology and resistance mechanisms of Carbapenemase Producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) bacteria in Greater Manchester identifying key risk factors for infection and potential pathogen control strategies

Presenter: Nicholas Savage, University of Manchester/ Manchester Medical School

Other author(s): Dr William Welfare, Dr Jessica Green

Abstract Text: Carbapenemase Producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) are an emerging health care associated infection problem. Within the UK, North West England is disproportionately affected.In this presentation we shall describe the epidemiology of CPE in Greater Manchester including risk factors associated with its spread.This project is the first in the UK to combine reference laboratory and enhanced surveillance data. Our study comprised a data-merging analysis to produce a descriptive epidemiological study of CPE by resistance mechanism. We have outlined here key risk factors for infection (compared to colonisation) and have proposed areas for further investigation to inform future CPE control.

The Experiences of People with Parkinson's Disease in the workplace: The functioning of the Equality Act (2010)

Presenter: Harikrishna Vignesh, University of Salford

Other author(s): Anna Mary Cooper

Abstract Text:

Aims: To explore the impact of Parkinson's disease (PD) on employment from the perspective of individuals with PD in relation to the Equality Act (2010).

Method: Participants were recruited through Parkinson's UK by means of a screening tool. The inclusion criteria were: a confirmed diagnosis of PD from a health care professional, history of employment after 2010 and the length of time in work since diagnosis. N=6 one-to-one semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted. After transcribing the recorded interviews, framework analysis was used.

Results: This research produced 5 main themes and 18 sub-themes around: experiences and perceptions of their current workplace settings (with two perceiving their illness disadvantaged them in the workplace); the social environment (e.g. issues around feeling disadvantaged in terms of support/flexibility); concerns over the functioning of Occupational Health; awareness and support provided in the workplace according to the EA (e.g. participants exhibited general awareness of the EA), and recommendations to be implemented in the workplace (e.g. need for flexibility and patience in the workplace).

Conclusions: Although these results are not generalisable, there appears to be a perceived need for workplace understanding and support. Challenges to providing reasonable adjustments to people with PD in the workplace were identified as the variability of the condition, the differing nature of work and people's awareness of PD in the workplace. Organisations working for people with PD could play a part in supporting workplaces through providing education and raising awareness among employers and also employees around working with PD and the Equality Act.