Health and Social Care…Unit

What is public health?

 Public health is the health of the population within the nation. Public health is something which not only affects an individual but infact is an effect on a group of people. Examples of this are alcohol abuse, eating disorders, mental health, obesity, smoking, teenage pregnancy and vaccination. These are all listed as public health issues as it affects more than just one person.

The health issue that I have chosen to focus on is smoking. Research shows that up to one in every five die due to smoking. I have chosen this issue as it is affecting millions of people in the UK and all over the world; however Governments in developed countries are trying to reduce smoking through advertising restrictions and court action against the tobacco industry. But they are also increasingly reliant on the billions they collect on taxes from cigarette smokers.  

Facts and figures show that around 10 million adults smoke cigarettes in Great Britain, 25% of which are men and 23% of which are women. This is almost a quarter of the population. Smoking is highest among 20-24 year olds 34% of men and 30% of women smoke. In 1974, 51% of men and 41% of women smoked cigarettes; this was nearly half the adult population. (2)

Declines in smoking have been concentrated in older people. Almost as many young people still start smoking today but more established smokers are quitting. Up to 21% of women and 27% of men are now ex-smokers. Surveys show that about 70% of current smokers would like to give up altogether. About half of all regular cigarette smokers will eventually be killed by their addiction. (2)

 Research shows that every year, around 114,000 smokers in the UK die from smoking related causes. And overall 80% of smokers start as teenagers. In the United Kingdom about 450 children start smoking every day. In England one fifth of 15 year olds are regular smokers: 16% of boys and 25% of girls. It is illegal to sell cigarettes to children aged under 16 and smoking rates are markedly higher among poorer people. (2)

Estimates of the proportion of adults who smoke in Northamptonshire are about 28%. Corby is estimated to have the highest prevalence of smokers (34%) and South Northants the lowest (18%). There is wide variation at ward level with estimates ranging from 13% to 42% across the county. (5)

About a 1,000 people die each year in Northamptonshire as a result of smoking. Smoking related death rates were 119 per 100,000 in Northamptonshire in 2002 to 2004 which is below the England average of 125 per 100,000. The equivalent death rate in Corby was 164 per 100,000 which is a significantly higher rate compared to the England average and rates in East Northants (105); Daventry (102) and South Northants (103) were significantly low. (5)

Facts show that almost a quarter of the population within the UK smoke, most of which are people aged 20-24, mainly female, are most likely to smoke. However this could be a concern for pregnant women. Evidence shows that the effects of smoking hold additional risks of spontaneous abortion/ miscarriage and premature birth. There are also risks to the foetus such as: smaller infant (for gestational age), stillborn infant. There is also an increased chance of the child to smoke in their teens and there are also possible physical & mental long-term effects to the child. (2)

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So why is it a public health issue? As for many people within the UK, smoking is just simply part of their lifestyle. It is a major health issue due to the damage it can cause. In addition to the damage caused, smoking has a major effect on financial costs too. The NHS alone spends up to £1.7 billion every single year. This I not just on smokers but non-smokers as well. This is because if people live around others who smoke you can breathe in their smoke which will have an equal effect on you as on the smoker ...

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