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Press releases Saturday 15 January 2005

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(1) NEW FIGURES HIGHLIGHT TRENDS IN DRUG AND ALCOHOL MISUSE

(2) HOW TO AVOID THE HEALTH RISKS OF HAJJ

(1) NEW FIGURES HIGHLIGHT TRENDS IN DRUG AND ALCOHOL MISUSE

(Dr Foster's case notes: Hospital admissions for drugs and alcohol use in people aged under 45)
http://bmj.com/cgi/content/full/330/7483/115

New figures published by Dr Foster in this week's BMJ outline drug and alcohol related harm in the population of England.

Researchers investigated trends in drug and alcohol related hospital admissions for people aged under 45.

In 2002-3 there were 18,863 admissions for mental and behavioural disorders due to alcohol, 7,380 admissions due to controlled drugs, and 3,366 admissions for accidental self poisoning with alcohol or controlled drugs.

Although admission rates for mental and behavioural disorders caused by alcohol have remained relatively stable, admissions among young women (under 25) and children increased slightly. This is consistent with other findings of an increase in binge drinking in this group, say the authors.

Admission rates for mental and behavioural disorders due to use of controlled drugs decreased in people aged 15-24 but increased in those aged 25-44, consistent with reports of an ageing group of problem drug users.

There was wide variation in admission rates between primary care trusts, which could be due to a range of factors unrelated to levels of harm in the population, say the authors.

However, the differences in national trends between age groups may reflect real differences in the level of harm in the population, they conclude.

Contact:

Roger Taylor, Research Director, Dr Foster Ltd, London, UK
Email: roger.taylor@drfoster.co.uk

*Dr Foster is an independent organisation that analyses the availability and quality of health care in the United Kingdom and worldwide (www.drfoster.com)

(2) HOW TO AVOID THE HEALTH RISKS OF HAJJ

(Hajj: journey of a lifetime)
http://bmj.com/cgi/content/full/330/7483/133

Later this month, millions of Muslims around the world will journey to Mecca for Hajj. But two doctors in this week's BMJ warn that the Hajj carries considerable health risks if the pilgrim is unprepared.

Hajj, the journey to the Sacred Mosque in Mecca, is a once in a lifetime obligation for all adult Muslims who are physically and financially able. Each year, more than two million people globally, including more than 20,000 Britons take part in the Hajj.

Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are important hazards, write Abdul Rashid Gatrad and Aziz Sheikh. Even when Hajj occurs during winter, the average temperature is over 30°C during the day and 20°C at night.

"Men are particularly at risk, as they are prohibited from directly covering their heads during Hajj," says Professor Gatrad of Manor Hospital, Walsall. He recommends simple measures, such as use of an umbrella, preferably white in colour, to deflect the sun away.

"The risk of infectious diseases is also important," says Professor Sheikh of the University of Edinburgh. "Outbreaks of meningococcal meningitis occurred among British pilgrims in 1987, 2000, and 2001, and the Saudi authorities now insist that all pilgrims must be vaccinated."

Pilgrims also need to be aware of the risks of important bloodborne infections such as HIV and hepatitis B and C, especially as one of the rites of Hajj is for men to have their head shaved.

"With sensible precautions, most of these problems should be preventable," say the authors. The need for vaccination means that a "Hajj travel consultation" is now mandatory, and is an ideal opportunity for health professionals to offer general health advice.

In patients who have returned from Hajj, doctors should be vigilant for signs of diseases such as meningitis, tuberculosis, malaria, and hepatitis, they conclude.

Contact:

Abdul Rashid Gatrad, Consultant Paediatrician, Manor Hospital, Walsall, UK
Email: sec.gatrad@walsallhospitals.nhs.uk

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