Epidemiology of cardiovascular mortality in the Maltese Islands

Cardiovascular diseases which comprise cardiac causes (most commonly ischemic heart disease and heart failure), cerebrovascular disease and other vascular conditions are the leading cause of death in Europe and worldwide. Despite a downward trend in cardiovascular mortality in many European countries, large disparities exist. Locally, cardiovascular mortality accounted for 40% of all deaths or 1298 deaths in 2013.peer-reviewe

Pitfalls in death certification

Apart from their administrative purpose, death certificate data are a major means of identifying public health problems and evaluating the effectiveness of programs developed to deal with these public health problems. The inaccuracies in death certification are well documented in the international literature. This study aimed to estimate the accuracy in cancer death certification locally, as well as present common types of errors in order to create educational awareness.peer-reviewe

Childhood mortality in Malta : how do we fare?

While trends in infant mortality have decreased over the years locally, rates in Malta are still higher than the European Union average. This is often attributed to the fact that Malta is the only European country in which termination of pregnancy is completely illegal. This study primarily aimed to analyse childhood mortality in children 1-14 years where the influence of mortality due to congenital anomalies is much less, compared to that in infants.peer-reviewe

Caregivers’ Understanding Of Early Literature Expectations For Firstborn Children Entering Kindergarten

This qualitative phenomenological research was designed to develop an understanding of caregivers’ understanding of early literacy expectations for their firstborn or only child as they begin their kindergarten schooling. This study consisted of seven participants and six interviews with caregivers that enrolled their children in the Archdiocese of Detroit Catholic Schools in Southeast, MI. With the findings of this study, school administrators and researchers alike may be able to find a deeper understanding in efforts to support their families as they begin their educational careers and establish a solid foundation for further growth and development

Older adults\u27 perspective on engaging in physical activity after the age of 65 : An exploratory study

The increasing number of older Australians who are living sedentary lifestyles is of great concern due to the significant implications of increasing health risks for these people and the increasing pressure on the nation\u27s welfare services as well as its health care systems. To alleviate the pressure, factors that motivate or inhibit older adults\u27 engagement in physical activity should be identified. The purpose of the current review is to examine the literature that is relevant to the engagement in physical activity past the age of 65. Issues of prevalence, benefits, risks, deterrents and attractions of physical activity in older adulthood are reviewed. It is shown that whilst the benefits and minimal risks related to physical activity in older adulthood are well documented, much of the research regarding older adults\u27 engagement in exercise is flawed. Methodological limitations include low response rates, a lack of rich data, and studies not being specific to the Australian population. It was established that, in order to reduce the increasing burden placed on the health care system, future research should address the methodological limitations and that explorations of the perspective of the aged themselves on physical activity could make significant contributions to the body of knowledge, enhance practice and lead to informed policies. The growing number of older Australians who are living sedentary lifestyles is of concern due to the significant implications of increasing health risks for these people. Coupled with the predicted increase in the proportion of older adults in the population (from 12.5% in 2004 to 27% by 2051; Australian Bureau of Statistics, ABS, 2000) these health risks threaten the nation\u27s welfare services and health care systems. The current study utilised in-depth interviews and a qualitative approach to explore older adults\u27 perspectives on engaging in physical activity past the age of 65. Three main themes emerged from the data: secondary reinforcement, which related to attractions to physical activity; health factors that related to biopsychosocial factors; and lifestyle choice, which concerned personal choices and habits. It was found that factors that could potentially improve the quality of life in older adulthood, such as enhanced health and secondary reinforces were key attractions to physical activity. The perceived physical and psychological declines associated with the ageing process were identified as significant \u27barriers to engaging in physical activity in older adulthood. The findings of the current study make a unique contribution to the body of knowledge, and provide a case for further studies in order to inform practice and policy formulation

Monitoring of winter deaths

Active monitoring of weekly deaths at a European level will assist member states by providing rapid assessment of the impact of threats in order to further guide policy development and risk management. In January 2015 an excess all-cause mortality has been reported in some European Countries.peer-reviewe

Smoking and lung cancer mortality in Malta

In the European region, tobacco is responsible for 16% of all deaths in adults and 12% of all deaths in the Maltese population. While locally, fewer adult females smoke when compared to males, there is an increasing trend of smoking amongst females whilst in males we are seeing a decline. Also, while mortality rates in males from lung cancer in Malta are much higher than in females, a downward trend is being observed in males, whilst in females mortality rates are showing a slowly rising trend.peer-reviewe

The impact of demographic changes in Malta on health and the health system over the past two decades

Population growth, ageing, changing fertility patterns and net immigration within the working age group have characterised the demographic transformation in Malta over the last twenty years. Life expectancy has continued to increase and is above the EU average. However population growth and ageing were associated with an increase in morbidity and healthcare usage resulting in increased demand on the healthcare system. Net immigration has been associated with an increase in the cultural diversity of the population and has had an impact on the epidemiology of various conditions. Planning and delivery of health care services needs to become more targeted to meet the needs of diverse communities within the population in order to maintain and continue to build on the healthcare gains achieved so far.peer-reviewe

The relationship of ambient temperature and humidity with mortality on the Maltese Islands 1992-2005

Key messages -Daily mortality rates during winter are higher than during the remaining seasons - this difference is more conspicuous in persons aged 65 years and over;-The optimum average apparent temperature during which mortality rate was at a minimum was found to be around 27°C;-Mean average apparent temperature during winter during the period 1992-2005 was 11.57oC and average daily mortality rate during this season was 18.07/100000 in persons over 65 years and 0.64/100000 in persons under 65 years. During the summer the mean average apparent temperature was 29.93oC and the average daily mortality rate during this season was 12.46/100000 in persons over 65 years and 0.57/100000 in persons under 65 years.-At temperatures above 27oC the daily mortality rate increases more rapidly per degree compared to when it drops below 27oC;peer-reviewe