Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine
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Comparative Study
Risk of self-harm and suicide in people with specific psychiatric and physical disorders: comparisons between disorders using English national record linkage.
Background Psychiatric illnesses are known risk factors for self-harm but associations between self-harm and physical illnesses are less well established. We aimed to stratify selected chronic physical and psychiatric illnesses according to their relative risk of self-harm. Design Retrospective cohort studies using a linked dataset of Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) for 1999-2011. ⋯ Conclusions Psychiatric illnesses carry a greatly increased risk of self-harm as well as of suicide. Many chronic physical illnesses are also associated with an increased risk of both self-harm and suicide. Identifying those at risk will allow provision of appropriate monitoring and support.
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To estimate the sources of funds for health research (revenue) and the uses of these funds (expenditure). ⋯ Research on major health problems of the Region, such as communicable diseases, accounts for most of the research expenditures. However, the total expenditure is very low compared with other WHO regions.
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To describe in detail the methods followed in each of the qualitative and quantitative surveys of national health information, research and knowledge systems and research institutions. ⋯ The logistics and resources involved in surveying the knowledge landscape in the 42 countries were substantial. However, the investment was worthwhile as the results of the surveys can be used to inform policy-making and decision-making, as well as to establish a regional database of national health information, research and knowledge systems.
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To describe the state of research ethics policies and practices in health research institutions in sub-Saharan African countries. ⋯ There are substantial gaps in the capacity of health research institutions in the WHO African Region to undertake ethical review of studies before, during and after studies conducted. There is a need to strengthen such capacity in order to ensure the wellbeing of individuals enrolled in studies and that of communities that host these studies.