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Smoking among cancer patients leads to poorer outcomes, yet many patients continue smoking. As part of a feasibility study of smoking cessation for cancer patients in Ireland, smoking rates were reviewed. Hospital Inpatient Enquiry (HIPE) data on the smoking status of discharges with a cancer diagnosis (overall, breast, lung, cervical and head and neck cancer) were used (2014–2018). During 2014–2017, current smoking increased for overall (10.5–11.7%) and lung cancer (24.7–27.2%), then decreased to 11.4% and 24.1%, respectively, in 2018. Current smoking increased for cervical during 2014–2018 (11–19.8%) and initially (2014–2016) for head and neck (3–12.7%) cancer, decreasing to 7.6% in 2018; breast cancer was stable at 6 ± 0.6%. These rates are lower than the Irish (23–20%) and European (29% (average)) general population. During 2014–2017, past smoking increased among overall (15.2–21%) and specific cancers, which was lower than the Irish general population (23–28%). Current smoking was highest among 50–59-year-olds (14–16%), which contrasts with the Irish general population (24–35 years at 32–28%). HIPE data are subject to potential duplicate episodes of care and under-documentation of smoking. However, trend analysis is useful, as these limitations should be stable. Rates remain high; therefore, robust documentation and smoking cessation referrals for cancer patients are important.

It is pertinent to understand the role of factors in the development of the diseases. After careful recognition a healthcare worker can better direct an appropriate treatment response. The bio-psychosocial model showed how biology, psychology and socio-environmental factors play a role in health. In contrast, biomedical model assumed that each occurrence of the disease was a result of deviation of biological molecules inside the body. The bio-psychosocial model is a stronger model focusing more on the person as a whole rather on the illness alone. It has generated a new perception to see the health of the population. It has broadened the horizon of public health agencies to see and examine the illness with a different approach and to provide better results in the preventative approaches. This review highlights the importance of the bio-psychosocial model in public health.

Workplaces can be high-risk environments for SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks and subsequent community transmission. Identifying, understanding, and implementing effective workplace SARS-CoV-2 infection prevention and control (IPC) measures is critical to protect workers, their families, and communities. A rapid review and meta-analysis were conducted to synthesize evidence assessing the effectiveness of COVID-19 IPC measures implemented in global workplace settings through April 2021. Medline, Embase, PubMed, and Cochrane Library were searched for studies that quantitatively assessed the effectiveness of workplace COVID-19 IPC measures. The included studies comprised varying empirical designs and occupational settings. Measures of interest included surveillance measures, outbreak investigations, environmental adjustments, personal protective equipment (PPE), changes in work arrangements, and worker education. Sixty-one studies from healthcare, nursing home, meatpacking, manufacturing, and office settings were included, accounting for ~280,000 employees based in Europe, Asia, and North America. Meta-analyses showed that combined IPC measures resulted in lower employee COVID-19 positivity rates (0.2% positivity; 95% CI 0–0.4%) than single measures such as asymptomatic PCR testing (1.7%; 95% CI 0.9–2.9%) and universal masking (24%; 95% CI 3.4–55.5%). Modelling studies showed that combinations of (i) timely and widespread contact tracing and case isolation, (ii) facilitating smaller worker cohorts, and (iii) effective use of PPE can reduce workplace transmission. Comprehensive COVID-19 IPC measures incorporating swift contact tracing and case isolation, PPE, and facility zoning can effectively prevent workplace outbreaks. Masking alone should not be considered sufficient protection from SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks in the workplace. Science Foundation Ireland

Introduction: Nearly 5-10 percent of patients seen in general OPD, and between 10-20 percent of patients seen by ENT specialists and neurologists are those with complaints pertaining to vertigo and dis-equilibrium. The standard definition of vertigo states it to be an illusion of motion particularly rotatory sensation. Overlapping symptoms and terms such as dizziness, light headedness, giddiness and pre-syncope make it challenging to achieve a proper diagnosis. Aim: To study the clinical profile and revisit the various aetiological factors for vertigo in patients with actual sensation of rotatory motion seen in contemporary Otolaryngology practice. Materials and Methods: The present study was a cross-sectional observational study carried out over a period of 12 months in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology at a tertiary care centre. One-hundred and ten cases complaining of the sense of rotation of either head or their surroundings with at least a single episode in preceding one month were included. Comprehensive otological and vestibular evaluation was done. Each patient was subjected to thorough clinical vestibular and laboratory tests. Subjects with known cervical spine disease, neurological disorders and cardiac ailments were excluded. Statistical analysis was done and Chi-square test was applied. Results: The mean age of patients in the study was 49.75 years with a male to female ratio of 1:1. Majority of the patients (90%) presented with acute onset of vertigo. The total duration of symptoms most commonly observed ranged between one week to one month. Nearly, all patients had intermittent character of vertigo. The duration of each episode in most of the patients ranged between 1 minute to 10 minutes. Maximum patients (90.9%) were observed with intensity of vertigo as mild and moderate type (Level II and III SVVSLCRE). Positional variation was observed in 64.5% of the patients. The most common aetiological diagnosis deduced from the study was benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (30.4%) followed by orthostatic hypotension (17.9%) and Meniere’s disease (13.4%). Conclusion: The most common aetiological factor of vertigo was found to be benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, which can be effectively treated by performing Epley’s maneuver. Orthostatic hypotension has been observed as an important cause liable to be missed by otologists. The management of vertigo must be directed by a meticulous work up of aetiologies and should not be treated under a blanket regimen.