Pharmacological treatments for alcohol dependence: Evidence on uptake, inequalities and comparative effectiveness from a UK population-based cohort.

Introduction: We assessed the prevalence of prescribing of certain medications for alcohol dependence and the extent of any inequalities in receiving prescriptions for individuals with such a diagnosis. Further, we compared the effectiveness of two of the most prescribed medications (acamprosate and disulfiram) for alcohol dependence and assessed whether there is inequality in prescribing either of them.

Methods: We used a nationwide dataset on prescriptions and hospitalisations in Scotland, UK (N = 19,748).

Identifying barriers and facilitators to increase fibre intakes in UK primary school children and exploring the acceptability of intervention components: a UK qualitative study.

Objective: Within the UK, dietary fibre intakes are well below recommended intakes and associated with increased risk of obesity. This study aimed to explore the views of parents and children on barriers and facilitators to increasing fibre intakes and improving diets, alongside investigating the appropriateness of intervention components to overcome modifiable barriers.

Design: Qualitative study including semi-structured interviews and focus groups informed by the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) and the Capability-Opportunity-Motivation-Behaviour (COM-B) model.

The Effect of Minimum Unit Pricing for Alcohol on Prescriptions for Treatment of Alcohol Dependence: A Controlled Interrupted Time Series Analysis.

Unlabelled: In 2018, Scotland introduced a minimum unit price (MUP) for alcohol to reduce alcohol-related harms. We aimed to study the association between MUP introduction and the volume of prescriptions to treat alcohol dependence, and volume of new patients receiving such prescriptions. We also examined whether effects varied across different socio-economic groups.

"It Looks Like an Adult Sweetie Shop": Point-of-Sale Tobacco Display Exposure and Brand Awareness in Scottish Secondary School Students.

Introduction: As further restrictions have been placed on tobacco advertising and promotions, point-of-sale (PoS) displays of cigarettes in shops have become an increasingly important source of young people's exposure to tobacco products. This study explored the relationship between PoS displays of cigarettes and brand awareness among secondary school students in Scotland.

Methods: Cross-sectional school surveys (n = 1406) and focus groups (n = 86) were conducted with S2 (13-14 years) and S4 (15-16 years) students in four schools of differing socioeconomic status in 2013, prior to the PoS display ban in large shops.

Determining the impact of smoking point of sale legislation among youth (Display) study: a protocol for an evaluation of public health policy.

Background: Tobacco advertising and product promotions have been largely banned in the UK but point of sale (POS) tobacco advertising is one of the few places where tobacco products may be legitimately advertised. POS displays have been shown to increase susceptibility to smoking, experimentation and initiation into smoking. These displays may also influence perceived prevalence of smoking and the perception that tobacco products are easily obtained and are a 'normal' product.