Population Health Sciences

Creative Art of Ageing competition proves hit with Zimbabwe and The Gambia communities

11 March 2024

A creative arts competition giving older people in Zimbabwe and The Gambia a platform to express their experiences about ageing saw hundreds of entries showcase their artistic talent across four categories: music, dance, prose, and mixed media from across both countries. The competition, part of a University of Bristol led research project, hopes to improve the health and wellbeing of older people living in sub-Saharan Africa.

An estimated two-thirds of world’s population under age of 50 are infected with herpes simplex virus type 1

28 October 2015

More than 3.7 billion people under the age of 50 are infected with herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), which commonly causes ‘cold sores’ and can also cause genital herpes, according to new research by the University of Bristol and the World Health Organisation [WHO]. The findings, published in the journal PLOS ONE, reveal the first global estimates of HSV-1 infection.

Droughts may trigger HIV transmission increase among women in rural sub-Saharan Africa, study finds

20 February 2024

Droughts have the potential to increase the spread of HIV for women living in rural parts of Africa, researchers at the University of Bristol have found.

Use of complementary and alternative medicines may help reduce over prescribing of antibiotics

19 March 2018

GP surgeries with doctors who also have training in complementary and alternative medicines appear to be less likely to prescribe antibiotics to patients and may hold the key to reducing over-prescribing of these drugs, suggests a study led by University of Bristol researchers published in the journal BMJ Open.

Global research network to combat deadly Strep A infections

15 February 2024

Bristol researchers are part of a newly-launched multi-institution network to research bacterial cause of sepsis and heart damage in children. Each year, around half a million people, including many children and young people, die around the world because of serious group A streptococcal (Strep A) bacterial infections. While most cases are relatively mild – affecting only the skin or throat - some infections can lead to deadly sepsis or autoimmune damage to the heart. There is currently no available vaccine for Strep A.

Pre-school health programme does not improve children’s diet or physical activity, prompting call for policy changes, study finds

18 December 2025

A pre-school diet and physical activity programme does not improve children’s calorie intake or overall physical activity levels in nursery settings, a new University of Bristol-led study has found. The research published in The Lancet Regional Health - Europe today [18 December] highlights the need for policy-led rather than intervention-led approaches to improving young children’s health.

National partnership to tackle health inequalities in coastal communities awarded £2.4 million

15 February 2024

A national partnership led by researchers at the Universities of Bristol and Liverpool has received £2.4 million to tackle health inequalities in coastal communities.

Academics urge rethink on 28-day prescriptions for people with long-term conditions

13 March 2018

The widely adopted practice of issuing 28-day rather than longer duration prescriptions for people with long-term conditions lacks a robust evidence base and should be reconsidered, according to a study published in the British Journal of General Practice today [Tuesday 13 March]. Related research shows that considerable savings could be made by the NHS switching to longer prescriptions.

Autumn clock change linked to reduction in certain health conditions

17 December 2025

The week after the autumn clock change is associated with a reduction in demand for NHS services for sleep disorders, cardiovascular disease, anxiety, depression, and psychiatric conditions in England, research led by the University of Bristol has found. The study is published in the Christmas issue of The BMJ today [17 December].

Patient recovery after surgery for oesophageal cancer isn’t influenced by using standard or keyhole incisions

25 March 2024

New research has found no evidence of a difference between recovery time and complications when comparing standard and keyhole surgical incisions for the treatment of oesophageal cancer (cancer of the gullet). The study, led by the University of Bristol Medical School and published in the British Journal of Surgery, showed surgeons treating patients with oesophageal cancer do not need to change their practice if they have a strong preference for either procedure type.