Public health issues - aspects of health promotion

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Health care reform in Hong Kong.

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Smoking in aeroplanes [30]

Letters to the editorpublished_or_final_versio

Information the foundation of health care

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The importance of the occupational history in ambulatory care

The occupational history is indispensable for the diagnosis and management of patients with work related health problems. However, because of the many pitfalls associated with it, many busy physicians do not appreciate its value in clinical practice. These pitfalls are elucidated here and practical suggestions are provided on how busy practitioners can make full use of the occupational history in the diagnosis and management of work related problems in their patients.published_or_final_versio

Shared care in diabetes [12]

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Preventing avoidable death: the case of cervical cancer in Hong Kong

Cervical cancer remains an important cause of avoidable morbidity and mortality in Hong Kong. This paper briefly reviews the epidemiology of cervical cancer and explores the evidence on the effectiveness of screening. The essential components of a successful cervical cancer screening programme, based on international experience, are discussed. The present situation in Hong Kong is then examined and the options outlined for the way ahead.published_or_final_versio

Air quality as a public health problem in Hong Kong: measuring the risks

Hong Kong has an air quality problem with excess levels of such air pollutants as sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, particulates and ozone, occurring from time to time throughout the year. This paper outlines the sources of the major pollutants in Hong Kong, both natural and manmade, and examines the health risks to the Hong Kong population from exposure to such pollutants. The principle man-made sources of these pollutants are mainly diesel vehicle emissions, and high sulphur content fuels burnt in industrial furnaces and power plants. There is concern over levels of these pollutants in ambient air because of their relationship with respiratory health problems, which range from local irritation of the respiratory tract to carcinogenesis. Studies in Hong Kong also demonstrate the importance of environmental tobacco smoke in the home as a cause of children's respiratory health problems, in addition to poor air quality. Epidemiological studies are useful tools for identifying risks and for evaluating the effectiveness of preventive measures, including legislation. In particular we need to identify health risks to young children and the preventable fraction likely to be achieved from different interventions. For optimum effectiveness, a multisectoral approach, developed between regulatory agencies, pubic health authorities and research groups, is needed to contribute to the overall respiratory health of the community.published_or_final_versio

Travel, sexual behaviour, and the risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases

This study investigates sexual behaviour and the risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases among travellers departing from Hong Kong, with an aim supporting the design of local intervention in continuing health promotion. Travellers were interviewed by five trained multilingual interviewers in the departure lounge at Kai Tak International Airport, Hong Kong, between May and June 1996, by using a structured, pretested questionnaire. Forty-four percent (168/383) of the respondents who travelled at least once within the previous year had had sex with strangers during their travel and 37% (139/376) of the respondents reportedly do not use condoms during sexual intercourse. Middle-aged and married travellers were more likely to be in the high-risk group. These findings reflect the urgent need to target travellers in any strategy that is designed to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases in Hong Kong and Asia Pacific region.published_or_final_versio

Breast cancer and screening in Hong Kong: Letter to the editor

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