National Awareness Campaign Research Articles

Salt intake in South Africa: a current perspective

South Africans carry an unacceptably high burden of hypertension [high blood pressure (BP)]. Up to 30% of adults are known to be hypertensive. 1 It was estimated to have caused 46 888 deaths and 390 860 disability-adjusted life years in 2000. 2 Hypertension is the most common reason for attending primary health care and also the most common diagnosis (13.1%) in South Africa. 3 High salt consumption is a key driver of hypertension, and there is strong evidence to indicate that South Africans consume up to 2-3 times the recommended daily allowance of 5 g. The sources of this dietary salt intake are split between salt from processed food and discretionary salt, which is salt that is added at home during cooking and at the table. 4 The National Department of Health recently legislated salt reduction in certain processed foods. 5 While this will reduce one source of salt in the diet, it does not deal with discretionary salt use. Global experience shows that the best means of reducing salt consumption is a combined approach of lowering salt levels in processed food, together with a parallel public education and consumer awareness campaign. Whereas other countries have attempted to reduce salt through voluntary participation from industry, South Africa is the first country to embark on the legislated route on a basket of food products. Salt Watch, an initiative established by a multisectoral coalition group, is South Africa’s national salt reduction education and awareness campaign. The Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa (HSFSA) was nominated as the implementing body of the campaign, which is supported by the National Department of Health.

43: The impact of a national public awareness campaign for cough as a lung cancer symptom

43: The impact of a national public awareness campaign for cough as a lung cancer symptom

Histopathological and Biochemical Effects of Acute and Chronic Tramadol Drug Toxicity on Liver, Kidney and Testicular Function in Adult Male Albino Rats

Background: Nowadays tramadol is becoming abused more popular among teens in most countries worldwide; especially between males. The aim of present study was to investigate the histopathological and biochemical profiles of acute and chronic toxic effects of tramadol hydrochloride on hepatic, renal and testicular functions. Materials and methods: Sixty male adult albino Sprague-Dawley rats were used in this experimental study. Rats were divided into three equal groups. Each group contained twenty rats. Group I: served as control group. Group II: representing acute tramadol toxicity and group III: representing tramadol dependent use daily for 60 days. Results: Histopathological results regarding hepatic tissues of group II displayed hemorrhage and cytolysis in the hepatocytes. In group III hepatic tissue showed complete cell membrane degeneration of hepatocytes when both groups compared to group I. Renal tissues in group II showed glomerular hemorrhage while in group III there was atrophied glomeruli with collapsed tufts, wide Bowman's space, degenerated tubules and cellular infiltration when both groups compared to group I. The histopathological examination of testicular tissues revealed atrophy of seminiferous tubules with interstitial calcification in group II. The histopathological lesions were inform of focal testicular degeneration with single or multiple layer of vacuolated spermatocytes, with a little evidence of spermatogenesis in group III when both groups were compared to group I. Biochemical results indicated that the levels of liver enzymes specific (ALT, AST and ALP) and serum bilirubin were significantly increased in group II and III when compared to the control group. Similarly for renal function, the levels of creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were also significantly increased in group II and III when compared to control group. The sex hormones levels were significantly increased (estradiol (E2) and prolactin (PRL) compared to control group , while tramadol administration caused a significant decrease in testosterone level with a gradual reduction in luteinizing hormone ( LH) and follicular stimulating hormone ( FSH) as compared to control group. Conclusion: Evidence of histopathological and biochemical affection of hepatic, renal and sexual function evoked by acute toxicity of tramadol and its repeated administration for long periods. Recommendations: The necessity of designing a national awareness campaign to the public especially the youth to spotlights on the health hazards of tramadol abuse.

Pharmacists asked to dispense advice as part of NHS campaign.

THE NHS has launched a national public awareness campaign to persuade people who are feeling unwell to seek advice from local pharmacists.

High Smoking Cessation Rates After National Awareness Campaigns and By Comprehensive Treatment Approach

ABSTRACT Aim: Turkey is the 10th country among the most tobacco product consuming countries. By the recent regulations, Turkey became a “Smoke Free Country”, and one of the leading countries to implement WHO's MPOWER package. Turkey is also one of the most successful countries in reducing the smoking rates in the last five years. WHO declared in September 2012 that tobacco use is declining at unprecedented rates in Turkey. Hacettepe University smoking cessation clinic in one of the most comprehensive institutions in Turkey, providing counseling, medical treatment, psychosocial support, individual cancer risk assessment, and screening to the smokers. This study presents the quit rates of a comprehensive approach for smoking cessation between 2010 and 2013, which the most intensive awareness campaigns held in Turkey. Methods: The patient database of HU was used for obtaining the demographic data, and the quit rates for this study. All patients took psychosocial support, individual cancer risk assessment, and screening support when needed, along with their smoking cessation treatment; and followed-up for one year by telephone interviews. Results: A total of 4085 patients with a mean age of 40.3 (SD: 12) years were admitted for smoking cessation treatment. Mean age for initiation of smoking was 18.1 (SD: 5.2) years, 56.4% were men, 70.2% were married, 69.4% were graduated from high school or higher degrees, median Fagerstrom nicotine dependence test score was 6, and mean cigarette consumption was 24.6 (SD: 18.3) pack.years. Nicotine replacement, Bupropion, and Varenicline was used as primary medications in 5.7%, 21.3%, and 50.5% of the patients, respectively. Overall quit rate was 43.6%, relapse rate was 22.3%, and median time to relapse was 14 (95%CI: 12.6-15.4) months. Smoke-free 1-year success rate of the comprehensive treatment was 31.3%. Conclusions: These results indicate that, overall and 1-year smoke-free rates, and the time to relapse after smoking cessation treatment applied in our institution is better than the current literature data. This might be related with the increased awareness level in the community, yet a comprehensive approach is still needed for the successful smoking cessation treatment. Disclosure: All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.

Achieving low-density lipoprotein cholesterol treatment goals among dyslipidemic individuals in the Levant: the CEntralized Pan-Levant survey on tHE Undertreatment of hypercholeSterolemia (CEPHEUS) study

Background:Several studies that evaluated achieving lipid goals have demonstrated an undertreatment of dyslipidemia. We evaluated the use and efficacy of lipid-lowering agents (LLAs) in reducing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) to recommended levels in the Levant region.Design and methods:A multi-center, cross-sectional survey enrolled 1002 dyslipidemic patients (August 2010 – January 2011) on LLAs for ≥3 months. Collection of data and blood samples was done over one visit. Physicians and patients filled out questionnaires pertaining to dyslipidemia diagnosis and treatment. LDL-C target levels were defined according to international guidelines.Results:The full analysis set included 992 patients. Mean age was 58.0 ± 11.6 years (41% women, 65.7% diabetics and 51.5% had history of coronary heart disease). LLAs were prescribed for primary prevention or secondary prevention or familial hypercholesterolemia in 45.8% and 52.8% and 1.4% of patients; respectively. Overall, 64.0% and 56.8% of the patients attained their LDL-C goal recommended by the NCEP ATP III and TJETF guidelines, respectively. According to the 2004 NCEP ATP III updated guidelines, about 24.8% of the very high risk group attained their LDL goal of ≤70 mg/dL. Smoking, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, history of cardiovascular disease, increased waist circumference, and elevated pre-treatment LDL-C level were all associated with not reaching LDL-C goals.Conclusions:Although the study cohort was a relatively high risk group and might not be representative of the general population, we found that about 60% of enrolled individuals achieved the LDL-C treatment goals and 24.8% of the very high risk group achieved the recommended LDL-C targets of ≤70 mg/dl; national strategies and aggressive awareness campaigns to effectively control lipid levels to recommended target levels, especially in the high risk groups, are urgently needed.

The Irish national stroke awareness campaign: a stroke of success?

IntroductionMass media campaigns are widely used to expose large populations to health-risk behaviour messages through routine uses of media. The Act F.A.S.T stroke campaign, which highlights the symptoms of stroke, has been endorsed globally. The aim of this study was to identify the influence of the campaign on the general public in Ireland. MethodsDescriptive pre and post comparative study design was conducted. Phase one was conducted in April 2010 prior to the campaign. Data were collected on a cross-section of the public (n=1925) to obtain baseline information on stroke warning signs. Phase two involved collecting data from participants (n=688) 18months after the campaign launch. ResultsThe majority of participants from both phases were between 30 and 50 years of age. Results from phase two reported that 93% heard or saw the campaign yet only 37% could recall the campaign name or the slogan. Post the campaign over 80% recognized the warning signs of stroke. The increase in symptom recognition is evident from pre campaign to post campaign with an increase in knowledge across all the stroke symptoms. Post the campaign there was an increase of 54% of who stated that they would go straight to hospital for stroke symptoms. ConclusionFindings suggest the campaign was well executed given the high percentage of participants recall and the increase in the recognition of stroke symptoms. However, the influence of the campaign in changing behaviour was not as evident. Further research is needed to examine factors that influence behaviour when a stroke strikes.

68 The prevalence of hyponatraemia amongst patients with newly diagnosed thoracic malignancies

Introduction: National cancer awareness campaigns have previously resulted in an increased number of referrals from primary care. They have not had an impact on early cancer diagnoses or survival. We present a comparison of demographic and epidemiological characteristics of patients from East Cheshire before and after the national lung cancer awareness campaign in 2012. Methods: A 3 month period between May and August 2012 was selected that coincided with the national campaign. A comparative period in 2011 was selected as control. Demographic and clinical information was collected from lung cancer audit data, clinic letters and radiology. Chi-squared test was used to compare the groups. Results: There was a 50% increase in referrals in 2012. The table shows comparative data between the two periods. There was a statistically significant increase in the number of males referred to the service in 2012 (p = 0.009). There was no difference between the two groups in terms of age, smoking status, duration of symptoms or A&E attendances. More patients were referred through their GP and avoided presentation to A&E in 2012 but this was not statistically significant. There was an insignificant trend to increased number of patients with performance status 3 4 in 2012. Although histology was obtained in fewer cases in 2012 following the awareness programme, more patients were offered curative treatment. Conclusions and discussion: There was a significant increase in the male-female ratio in our cohort in the 3 month period following the national awareness campaign. Whether this is coincidental or truly linked to the effect of media/publicity on males is not known. Analysis of the entire year’s data might elucidate things further. The aim of any cancer screening programme is to pick up early disease and influence mortality. This has not been demonstrated in our cohort. The proportion of patients presenting with a short duration of symptoms was similar in both groups. Curative treatment was offered more frequently in 2012 despite a larger proportion of patients with poor performance status.

National awareness campaign will promote community pharmacy services

National awareness campaign will promote community pharmacy services

National awareness campaign will promote community pharmacy services

National awareness campaign will promote community pharmacy services

85 Impact of a national Lung Cancer Awareness Campaign in Merseyside

85 Impact of a national Lung Cancer Awareness Campaign in Merseyside

P5 Impact of national lung cancer awareness campaign on local referrals and outcomes in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)

IntroductionIncreased awareness of lung cancer symptoms, largely due to the national ‘Be Clear on Cancer’ campaign in 2012 targeting smokers with cough more than 3 weeks, contributed to 14% increased...

P3 The national lung cancer awareness campaign: Evidence of a measurable impact in stage shift and eligibility for radical therapy

RationaleLung cancer survival in North East London is consistently lower than expected. The incidence of late presentation with advanced, inoperable disease is significantly higher; our patients are also more likely...

P61 Factors influencing improved lung cancer resection rates 2006 2012; A single centre case cohort study

BackgroundSurgical resection rates for lung cancer have increased steadily over the last decade. There are a number of possible explanations for this increase which include: earlier presentation, earlier detection and...

P01 A Service Evaluation of Implementation of RCPCH Brain Pathways Clinical Guideline Linked to HeadSmart – Be Brain Tumour Aware (HeadSmart). A Health Foundation, Closing the Gap Project

AimsTo evaluate the impact of the HeadSmart Campaign upon symptom interval (SI) for newly diagnosed childhood brain tumours at UK Children’s Cancer and Leukaemia Group (CCLG) treatment centres.IntroductionHeadSmart’s national awareness...

Practice site interview with Jennifer Kelly

Describe your role as a psychiatric pharmacist. What did you need to change after starting your practice to make it work the way it does now? Currently, my practice area in the VA hospital has been established for less than two years. My predecessor was in the process of getting things off the ground before leaving for another opportunity in the private sector, so I have had the opportunity to set up clinics and work with our providers and patients in such a way that it is helpful for everyone involved. I am able to hold my own clinics, educational sessions, and balance other duties required by my department. I had to slowly integrate myself into working with our multi-disciplinary teams at first, and then figure out where my services would be most helpful for our providers, staff, and – most importantly – patients. I’ve had the opportunity to show staff and patients that my skills as a pharmacist not only include dispensing and/or counseling to patients but other functions such as monitoring drug therapy, making appropriate recommendations, and seeing patients one-to-one when necessary. The providers and staff utilize my expertise to further provide safe care for our Veterans. Safe medication use has had a positive impact on patient care and emphasizes safety while a patient is enrolled in one of the programs offered at the facility, as safe and appropriate use of medications is a primary concern in all of the residential care programs. I have had flexibility to carve out my time with the tasks I do daily to best help our patients and assist our providers. In this aspect, it has been nice being able to create my own clinics and use my time in ways I think will best benefit care for our patients. Describe a typical day in your practice setting. Every day is different, but I make daily rounds to each of the residential care units located in Albuquerque in the mornings. I work in five different programs, four of which are located in Albuquerque. The fifth residential treatment program focusing in substance abuse treatment is in Gallup, NM, which I travel to once monthly with the VA’s dietician and recreational therapist.

P62 Early Results of a National Lung Cancer Awareness Campaign

In May 2012 a centrally funded National Lung Cancer Awareness Campaign was initiated. This campaign was influenced by encouraging results from local pilot studies, and featured news items and public...

Regional systems of care after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in the UK: premier league care saves lives

Regional systems of care after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in the UK: premier league care saves lives

PWE-092 Will the national awareness and early diagnosis initiative (NAEDI) have an impact on bowel cancer screening activity?

Introduction1- and 5-year survival from all cancers in England is poorer than for other comparable countries, largely because of delayed diagnosis. The UK's Department of Health has estimated that if...

A service evaluation of implementation of RCPCH brain pathways clinical guideline linked to headsmart – be brain tumour aware (HeadSmart)

Aims To evaluate the impact of the HeadSmart Campaign upon symptom interval (SI) for newly diagnosed childhood brain tumours at UK Children9s Cancer and Leukaemia Group (CCLG) treatment centres Introduction HeadSmart national awareness campaign (www.headsmart.org.uk) aims to disseminate the RCPCH endorsed Brain Pathways Guideline for referral of patients with symptoms suggestive of brain tumour. The campaign aims to reduce median SI for childhood brain tumours to 5 weeks in the UK. Methods The SI experienced by children newly diagnosed with brain tumours in the UK was determined from Jan 2011 to Nov 2011 by HeadSmart Clinical Champions at 18 of 20 CCLG treatment centres reporting to an online database as part of a service evaluation under Caldicott guardian permission. Results Data from 192 children (median age 6.3 year, range 0.11-16.9) is available. The median SI is 8.71 weeks (0 to 398 weeks). The median symptom onset to consultation with a healthcare professional interval is 2.4 weeks (0 to 123 weeks) and the median consultation to diagnosis interval is 3 weeks (0 to 398 weeks). Imaging that identified the tumour took place as an outpatient in 34.9%, an inpatient in 35.9% and from the emergency department in 19.8%. 2.1% of children were referred via a “two week wait” cancer referral. Tumour diagnoses were representative of population registries. The most frequent symptoms and signs at symptom onset were headache (41%), vomiting (41%), abnormal gait (13%), lethargy (12%) and abnormal coordination (12%); and at diagnosis were vomiting (51%), headache (49%), abnormal coordination (27%), lethargy (26%), abnormal gait (23%) and papilloedema (22%). The median symptom interval prior to launch of the HeadSmart campaign was 10.2 weeks and after the HeadSmart campaign 7.43 weeks (p=0.326). Conclusions The median SI currently experienced by UK children with brain tumours has not changed over the last 23 years despite advances in the quality and availability of neuro-imaging. Analysis of the SI experienced by UK children before and after the HeadSmart launch suggests that the SI may have reduced. Further data collection is required to determine whether this reduction is sustained and statistically significant.