Life Sciences Commons^™

A Snapshot Investigation Into The Availability And Access To Codeine-Containing Medications Amongst The Irish Population., Katie O'Brien, Pádraig Mckeown, Joseph Phelan

International Undergraduate Journal of Health Sciences

Codeine phosphate is a mild to moderate analgesic and has a weak cough suppressant activity that is available to purchase as an over the counter (OTC) painkiller in Ireland as a compound product. In recent years, countries such as Australia have introduced laws that prohibit the sale of the drug without a valid prescription. This move by Australia begs the question as to why this legislation was introduced and should Ireland follow suit.

The primary aims of the study were to determine knowledge among the general public of codeine-containing medications and their usage levels. The survey also investigated whether current …

An Investigation Into The Prevalence Of Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci Within An Irish Hospital, Dylan Casey

International Undergraduate Journal of Health Sciences

Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) are well-recognised nosocomial pathogens that pose a significant threat to public health. Associated with poorer clinical outcomes than their vancomycin-sensitive counterparts, the prevalence of VRE in Ireland has increased in recent times, with the European Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Network reporting that out of 29 countries, Ireland demonstrated the highest rates of vancomycin resistance among invasive Enterococcus faecium isolates between 2011 and 2014 (2011; 34.9%, 2012; 44.0%, 2013; 42.7%, 2014; 45.1%). Herein, we investigate VRE prevalence in the Mercy University Hospital (MUH) – an acute care hospital in southern Ireland. A total of 21 first-time VRE infections were …

An Investigation On The Irish Population’S Attitudes And Knowledge Towards Genetic Screening For Cancer, Emer Mccarthy, Ada Fleming, Dawn Hannah Cronin

International Undergraduate Journal of Health Sciences

Genetic mutations are alterations in DNA that may result in the development of a disease later in life. A BRCA gene is a tumour suppressor gene that helps to prevent the development of some cancers, particularly breast cancer. If a mutation occurs, this gene no longer functions at preventing these cancers. Genetic screening is when a population is tested for a mutation in an attempt to identify a group of people that are positive for the mutation. This can help identify cancer in different populations as well as track their inheritance. This study was conducted online, questioning the Irish populations …

A Qualitative Study On The Factors Affecting The Willingness Of 3rd Level Students To Register As Organ Donors In Ireland, Evelyn Hayes, Erika Horan, Cian Lally, Aisling Murphy

International Undergraduate Journal of Health Sciences

A wide range of factors contribute to an individual’s choice whether or not to register as an organ donor. The knowledge of the Irish population at large around the area of donation and transplantation is varied. A research survey was designed to be completed by third level students. The purpose of the research was to determine the most important factors that played a role in their decisions regarding opting-in to organ donation. A second aim of the survey was to determine the participants’ levels of knowledge and understanding on the ‘opt in’ donation system in place here in Ireland.

The …

An Investigation Of Healthcare Supports For Those With Food Allergy In Ireland, Joseph Bolger, Nicola Blake, Sneha Vinod

International Undergraduate Journal of Health Sciences

Introduction: In Ireland, around 5% of children and 3% adults have food allergy (134,000 people). This current paper describes a survey that was carried out on a subset of service-users with the aim of identifying whether there is a need for increased specialist medical services and/or for a funded charity such as Anaphylaxis Ireland, defunct since 2015.

Materials & Methods: These needs were assessed via an online survey using Google Forms. The survey was conducted from 17-27th February 2020. There were 31 questions in total, relating to topics such as symptoms, clinical wait times, satisfaction with care provided and demand …

Full Issue: The International Undergraduate Journal Of Health Sciences, Volume 1, Issue 1, June 2021

International Undergraduate Journal of Health Sciences

The full June 2021 issue (Volume 1, Issue 1) of the International Undergraduate Journal of Health Sciences