Interventions with Parents in the Early Years for improved health outcomes: A focus on behaviour and cognitive development/school readiness

Equity Action is a Joint Action between the EU and Member States aiming to reduce health inequalities by helping to improve policies at national and regional level and harness the contribution of stakeholders. Dr Cotter of IPH completed this literature review as part of Equity Action Work Package 6

Secondary Analysis of the 2003 Young Persons Behaviour and Attitudes Survey

(Drugs, Solvents and Alcohol)

Mental Disorders in Older Irish People: Incidence, Prevalence and Treatment

The National Council for the Elderly is an advisory body to the Minister for Health on all aspects of ageing and the welfare of the elderly. One of its terms of reference is to advise the Minister on measures to promote the health of the elderly. As one of its contributions towards the realisation of this objective the Council published a report in October 1996 entitled, Mental Disorders in Older Irish People: Incidence Prevalence and Treatment. The report provides a profile of mental disorders in the older Irish population by bringing together in one publication the information which exists on the prevalence, incidence and treatment of mental disorders in older people. It will be a valuable source of information for planning and developing mental health services for older people. Download the Report here  

The Irish Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) Study 2006

The Irish Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) Study 2006 This report presents data from the HBSC Ireland 2006, the Irish Health Behaviour in School-aged Children survey. The 2006 HBSC survey is the third time that data of this kind has been collected from young people across the Republic of Ireland; previous surveys were conducted in 2002 and 1998. Click here to download PDF 1.3mb

The Irish Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) Study 2010

This report presents data from the HBSC Ireland 2010, the Irish Health Behaviour in Schoolaged Children survey. The 2010 HBSC survey is the fourth time that data of this kind have been collected from young people across the Republic of Ireland; previous surveys were conducted in 2006, 2002 and 1998 (www.nuigalway.ie/hbsc).   Click here to download PDF 1.2mb

Consumer Focused Review of Men's Food Behaviour

Increasing attention has been paid to the burden of ill-health experienced by men in many Western countries. In Europe and internationally, the Republic of Ireland has been leading the way by developing a national policy for men’s health. In most countries around the world, women now have a longer life expectancy than men. Similarly, on the island of Ireland, in spite of recent increases in men’s life expectancy, men continue to have higher death rates at all ages and from all leading causes of death. In Northern Ireland, in 2010, men’s life expectancy at birth was 77.08 years (81.53 years for women), while in the Republic of Ireland, figures published in 2009 revealed that men’s life expectancy at birth was 76.8 years (compared to 81.6 years for women). Key health issues for men include circulatory diseases, cancers and respiratory diseases. In relation to food and health, obesity has been highlighted as a major concern in relation to men’s health. While physiological difference between men and women explain some of the variation in the rate and/or onset of disease (e.g., protective effects of oestrogen in relation to the onset of cardiovascular diseases), other factors, such as socio-cultural influences, which are the main focus of this report, also play an important role. It is acknowledged that men and women experience different influences and motivations with respect to their knowledge and attitudes of and behaviours towards food and health. The purpose of this report is therefore not to compare men with women or to encourage men to model themselves on women in relation to their food and health behaviour. Rather, the goal is to provide recommendations to improve communications, resources, interventions, education and services targeted at boys and men in relation to food.

A Brief Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Alcohol Intervention Programme is an Effective Secondary Prevention Approach for New Employees entering an Irish Workforce: A Pilot

The prevalence of unhealthy drinking at all levels in Irish society poses serious issues in terms of the consequence to individuals concerned, as well as to society as a whole. The workplace offers a useful setting for early identification and intervention with new employees who may have pre-existing alcohol use disorder issues. This pilot study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness within the workplace of a brief Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) intervention in reducing participants binge and risky drinking behaviours. Twenty-six Irish Naval recruits volunteered to participate in this randomised controlled trial. The intervention was conducted over four consecutive one and a half hour weekly sessions. Participants completed four principle outcome measures at intake, termination of the intervention and at the two-month follow-up assessment. The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (Babor, Higginis-Biddle, Saunders & Monterio, 2001) was used to measures participants’ consumption levels and frequency of binge or risky drinking. A Readiness Ruler (Miller, Zweben, Diclemente, & Rychtarik, 1992) was used to measure participants’ readiness to change drinking, while the Drinking Expectancy Questionnaire (Young & Oei, 1996) was used to measure participants’ beliefs pertaining to alcohol, and their ability to refuse alcohol in high-risk social surroundings. There were preliminary data in support of the intervention. There were interaction effects that approached statistical significance for both a reduction in participants’ binge drinking (p =. 064) and an increase in participants’ ability to refuse alcohol in high-risk social settings (p = .059). There was also a significant interaction effect (pThis resource was contributed by The National Documentation Centre on Drug Use.

A Kilkenny Post-primary School Survey: A Survey of Knowledge, Attitudes and Behaviour Relevant to Noncommunicable Disease

The Kilkenny post-primary school survey was carried out in the spring of 1987 on a stratified random sample of 445 post-primary school children in county Kilkenny. The study was designed as the basis for evaluation of the Kilkenny Health Project's school health education programme. The study examined knowledge, attitudes and behaviour relevant to non-communicable disease. The results showed that levels of adolescent alcohol and tobacco use were similar to those found in neighbouring countries. Smoking and drinking increased during adolescence and were more prevalent in males. Physical activity decreased throughout adolescence and a high intake of 'snack' foods was found. Health related knowledge levels were high but were not related to behaviour; however attitudes were found to be consistent with behaviour. These and other results are discussed. Literature relevant to school health education and the aetiology of non-communicable disease is described, with particular reference to Ireland. The evidence supporting health promotion intervention programmes against non-communicable disease is examined and WHO and Irish policies on health promotion outlined. The importance of health and disease prevention programmes commencing in youth is emphasised and the suitability and efficacy of school health education programmes are noted. A number of school health education programmes world-wide are described. The role of the community physician in relation to such programmes is discussed. Finally recommendations are made and areas for further research are made.This resource was contributed by The National Documentation Centre on Drug Use.

Anti-social behaviour: Underlying causes and policy responses

You cannot treat the symptoms of a problem without examining the cause. Anti social Behaviour by young people is a product of the society we live in today. Elements of social exclusion have affected many disadvantaged young people and have restricted their opportunity to have a good and fair quality of life. The behaviour of some young people is a consequence of the manifestation of social and economic inequalities bestowed upon them. Harsh and erratic policies will only exclude these young people further, alienating them the benefits of Irish society that other young people thrive in. the root causes of anti social behaviour must be addressed for policy to be successful and to give disadvantaged young people the best opportunity the state can offer. This study examines the underlying causes and policy responses of anti social behaviour by young people in Ireland today.This resource was contributed by The National Documentation Centre on Drug Use.

Young People's Health in Great Britain and Ireland: Findings from the Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children (HBSC)Survey, 2006.

This report presents data from the 2006 Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) survey; a World Health Organization (WHO) collaborative cross-national study and focuses on data collected from young people in England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. It expands on the findings from the international report Inequalities in Young People's Health (Currie et al, 2008), with additional variables and prevalence rates that allows more comprehensive and focussed comparisons to be made between the four countries.This resource was contributed by The National Documentation Centre on Drug Use.

Eating disorders, overeating and pathological attatchment to food: Independent or addictive disorders?

The thesis of this book is that there are connections between eating disorders and substance abuse. There are similarities in the craving for food to the cravings for substances of addiction; people with eating disorders experience symptoms similar to those of classic addiction. With the increase in obesity in the West, this book hopes to focus future studies on more effective treatment.This resource was contributed by The National Documentation Centre on Drug Use.

Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders : DSM-IV-TR.

Since the "DSM-IV(R)" was published in 1994, we've seen many advances in our knowledge of psychiatric illness. This "Text Revision" incorporates information culled from a comprehensive literature review of research about mental disorders published since "DSM-IV(R)" was completed in 1994. Updated information is included about the associated features, culture, age, and gender features, prevalence, course, and familial pattern of mental disorders. The "DSM-IV-TR(R)" brings this essential diagnostic tool up-to-date, to promote effective diagnosis, treatment, and quality of care. Now you can get all the essential diagnostic information you rely on from the "DSM-IV(R)" along with important updates not found in the 1994 edition. Stay current with important updates to the "DSM-IV-TR(R)": Benefit from new research into Schizophrenia, Asperger's Disorder, and other conditions Utilize additional information about the epidemiology and other facets of DSM conditions Update ICD-9-CM codes implemented since 1994 (including Conduct Disorder, Dementia, Somatoform Disorders) DSM-IV-TR(R), the handheld version of the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, "Fourth Edition, Text Revision, is now available for both Palm OS and PocketPC handhelds. This Text Revision incorporates information culled from a comprehensive literature review of research about mental disorders and includes associated features, culture, age, and gender features, prevalence, course, and familial pattern of mental disorders.This resource was contributed by The National Documentation Centre on Drug Use.

ADHD and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD).

This multi-author book will discuss the history and clinical presentation of Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders(FASD) i.e Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) and Alcohol Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder (ARND). These developmental neuropsychiatric disorders result from prenatal exposure to alcohol during any gestational period of pregnancy. The book will particularly address the co-occurring presence of ADHD in patients with FASD. ADHD is the most frequent neuropsychiatric presentation of FASD throughout the lifespan and it is particularly difficult to manage because the underlying pathophysiology is related to prenatal neurotoxic brain injury. Although prenatal alcohol exposure , and the resulting FASD, is recognised as the commonest preventable cause of intellectual disability, many clinicians and educators are not aware that 75 to 80% of the patients with FASD have I.Q.s over 70. Thus, the neuropsychiatric presentation of FASD can often be unrecognised or misunderstood. FASD are the true clinical ' masqueraders' and ADHD is their most likely disguise! The authors are all experienced professionals from a wide range of disciplines working throughout the USA and Canada. They have been involved in the diagnosis, research and management of FASD for many years and this book will bring their collective knowledge regarding management from infancy to adulthood to an inter-professional audienceThis resource was contributed by The National Documentation Centre on Drug Use.

Substance abuse treatment for persons with co-occurring disorders.

This TIP, Substance Abuse Treatment for Persons With Co-Occurring Disorders, revises TIP 9, Assessment and Treatment of Patients With Coexisting Mental Illness and Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse. The revised TIP provides information about new developments in the rapidly growing field of co-occurring substance use and mental disorders and captures the state-of-the-art in the treatment of people with co-occurring disorders. The TIP focuses on what the substance abuse treatment clinician needs to know and provides that information in an accessible manner. The TIP synthesizes knowledge and grounds it in the practical realities of clinical cases and real situations so the reader will come away with increased knowledge, encouragement, and resourcefulness in working with clients with co-occurring disorders. Contents: Executive Summary â?¢ 1 Introduction  2 Definitions, Terms, and Classification Systems for Co-Occurring Disorders  3 Keys to Successful Programming  4 Assessment  5 Strategies for Working With Clients With Co-Occurring Disorders  6 Traditional Settings and Models  7 Special Settings and Specific Populations  8 A Brief Overview of Specific Mental Disorders and Cross-Cutting Issues 9 Substance-Induced Disorders Appendix A: Bibliography Appendix B: Acronyms  Appendix C: Glossary of Terms Appendix D: Specific Mental Disorders: Additional Guidance for the Counselor  Appendix E: Emerging Models â?¢ Appendix F: Common Medications for Disorders  Appendix G: Screening and Assessment Instruments  Appendix H: Screening Instruments  Appendix I: Selected Sources of Training  Appendix J: Dual Recovery Mutual Self-Help Programs and Other Resources for Consumers and Providers  Appendix K: Confidentiality  Appendix L: Resource Panel  Appendix M: Cultural Competency and Diversity Network Participants Appendix N: Field ReviewersThis resource was contributed by The National Documentation Centre on Drug Use.

International ADHD in substance use disorders prevalence study.

Dr Van Hout has been invited by the ICASA network and IASP research team [Drs Geurt van de Glind; Trimbos Institute, The Netherlands; Dr Pieter-Jan Carpentier, ICASA; Josep Antoni Ramos-Quiroga, University of Barcelona, Spain, Professor Dr Frances Levin, University of Columbia, New York, USA and Professor Dr. Wim van den Brink, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands] to undertake the research protocol for Ireland as part of this European study of the prevalence of ADHD in adult patients referred for treatment of addiction problems. The research team at Waterford Institute of Technology, School of Health Sciences will undertake this national study as part of the International Collaboration on ADHD and Substance Abuse [ICASA] â?~International ADHD in Substance Use Disorders Prevalence Studyâ?T [IASP study]. The International Collaboration on ADHD and Substance Abuse [ICASA] will provide Dr Van Hout and her team with full support from ICASA of the measurement instruments available and a central database at the University of Amsterdam, and will undergo training for procedures for data capture from Dr van de Glind, Trimbos Institute, The Netherlands. Eight European countries (Norway, Sweden, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Spain, Switzerland and Hungary) USA and Australia have already participated in the first phase of the IASP study, which will close in September 2011. Over 2500 Substance Use Disorder [SUD] patients were sampled with approximately 38% scoring positive on the ADHD screener (ASRS). Of these 2500 patients over 1000 patients were evaluated on ADHD, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Anti-Social Personality and Borderline Personality Disorder. A preliminary estimate of the prevalence of ADHD in SUD treatment seeking patients was recorded at 20 %. The second phase of study [IASP 2011] will commence in September 2011 for countries including Ireland, South Africa, Egypt and Brazil. Dr Van Hout has also been invited to partake in a systematic review paper on the risk factors for development of SUD in children/adolescents with ADHD in collaboration with the ICASA foundation.This resource was contributed by The National Documentation Centre on Drug Use.