MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit

International study reveals insights into young people’s online habits in Scotland

Wed, 25 Sep 2024 00:01:00 BST

New data from the WHO Regional Office for Europe reveals a sharp rise in problematic social media use among adolescents in Scotland.

New WHO/Europe report reveals high rates of unprotected sex among adolescents

Thu, 29 Aug 2024 13:38:00 BST

A new report from the WHO Regional Office for Europe reveals that condom use among sexually active adolescents has declined significantly since 2014, with rates of unprotected sex worryingly high.

New research on child poverty in Scotland now underway

Wed, 14 Aug 2024 09:00:00 BST

Anna Pearce’s new research, supported by an NIHR award, aims to evaluate child poverty reduction policies and identify ways to increase their benefits to health and reduce health inequalities.

Child poverty reduction policies could substantially improve child health

Wed, 07 Aug 2024 11:10:00 BST

Meeting even the least ambitious child poverty reduction target could make a marked difference to children’s health in the UK, according to the latest health data modelling research.

Active commuting linked to lower risks of mental and physical ill health

Mon, 22 Jul 2024 14:29:00 BST

Strongest benefits seen for cyclists, with 47% lower risk of death from any cause.

Nature time boosts children’s mental health, especially for those from low-income families

Wed, 26 Jun 2024 09:38:00 BST

New research finds that children who spend more time in natural environments have significantly better mental health.

New WHO/Europe report highlights socio-economic disparities in youth health

Thu, 23 May 2024 15:49:00 BST

Children from less affluent families are less active, have poorer diets, and face higher rates of overweight and obesity.

Professor Vittal Katikireddi elected as a Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences

Tue, 21 May 2024 12:17:00 BST

The Academy of Medical Sciences has elected 58 exceptional biomedical and health scientists to its prestigious Fellowship.

Exercise programmes benefit a wide range of long-term health conditions

Mon, 29 Apr 2024 09:16:00 BST

A new study looking at health data from the last 20 years has highlighted the benefits of exercise programmes for individuals living with long-term health conditions.

Research finds concerning trends in adolescent substance use in the UK

Thu, 25 Apr 2024 10:37:00 BST

Alcohol is the most commonly used substance, while vaping is now more common than cigarette smoking among young people, according to a new WHO/Europe report coordinated by the MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit.

Social media use linked to increased risk of smoking and vaping in teens

Thu, 04 Apr 2024 11:39:00 BST

Time spent on social media was associated with an increased risk of cigarette and e-cigarette use in teenagers, according to new research.

One in six school-aged children experiences cyberbullying, finds new WHO/Europe study

Wed, 27 Mar 2024 16:03:00 GMT

The World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Europe has released the second volume of the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study, which focuses on patterns of bullying and peer violence.

Rural residents feel less lonely than their urban neighbours

Wed, 27 Mar 2024 14:09:00 GMT

People living in rural communities in Scotland are less likely to experience loneliness and poor wellbeing than those living in urban areas, according to new research.

Adverts, Adverts Everywhere

Wed, 14 Feb 2024 14:16:00 GMT

Young people speak out about junk food marketing in new report and video created with the Scottish Obesity Alliance.

New research shows how widening inequalities are fuelling childhood obesity

Tue, 23 Jan 2024 02:27:00 GMT

Despite a plateau in overall childhood obesity since 2004, widening societal inequalities meant the increased prevalence of overweight and obesity was seen primarily in socioeconomically disadvantaged children.