In the Media

A healthy lifestyle prevents diabetes

Professor Mandy Ho Man, Associate Professor of the School and principal investigator of the project “A Community-based Diabetes Prevention Programme”, was invited to share success cases on Commercial Radio. Professor Ho told the station, “The Programme was a three-year project funded by the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust in 2021. It collaborates with NGOs to provide them with relevant training and support to work together to promote diabetes prevention education seminars and risk screening activities in the community. The programme also provides evidence-based diabetes prevention courses and services for high-risk individuals.” Professor Ho encourages a healthy lifestyle to prevent diabetes in the community.

(Commercial Radio – December 13, 2023)

Telemedicine and ecological momentary assessment for smoking cessation

Professor Derek Cheung Yee-tak, Assistant Professor of the School, wrote a newspaper article about the application “Smoking Radar”, developed by the Smoking Cessation and Tobacco Control research team. The app uses ecological momentary assessment to capture detailed real-time smoking data, by recording users’ daily smoking behaviours multiple times a day. Smoking cessation counselling nurses can develop personalised smoking cessation plans for smokers based on this data, then provide them with precise quitting guidance and support through telephone consultation and instant messaging applications. This innovative approach allows smokers to receive personalised smoking cessation intervention without having to visit a smoking cessation clinic.

(am730 – December 18, 2023)

Reducing co-use of tobacco and alcohol improves smoking cessation rate: New strategies for smoking cessation

The School conducted a study, led by Professor Kelvin Wang Man-ping, on “Improving the Effectiveness of Smoking Cessation through Alcohol Consumption Control”. It found that setting personalised alcohol consumption control goals and regularly explaining the dangers of alcohol and the importance of controlling alcohol intake during smoking cessation, via WhatsApp on a weekly basis, can effectively reduce both smoking rates and alcohol intake. In addition, it was found that decreasing the co-use of tobacco and alcohol at the same time can also improve the smoking cessation rate.

(Oriental Daily News, on.cc – December 14, 2023; Sing Tao Daily – December 17, 2023)

In a subsequent radio interview, Professor Derek Cheung Yee-tak, Assistant Professor of the School, discussed these new strategies for smoking cessation. “Since research shows that there is a correlation between alcohol consumption and smoking, there should be encouragement to control alcohol intake during smoking cessation,” he said. An effective smoking cessation plan can involve a screening process followed by a discussion between the smoker and a counselling nurse, who then develops a personalised smoking cessation plan for the smoker. The aim is to make the smoker more aware of controlling alcohol intake and, in turn, reducing smoking frequency. Instant messages or reminders and other smoking cessation aids can be suggested, for example, nicotine patches and medication, to enhance the effectiveness of smoking cessation.

(RTHK -《精靈一點》– January 29, 2024)

The benefits of taxes and duties

Professor Kelvin Wang Man-ping, Professor of the School and a member of the Hong Kong Council on Smoking and Health (COSH), reported that after the incremental increase in tobacco taxes last year, the number of individuals seeking support through smoking cessation hotlines increased by 30% to 40%. The measure has been particularly effective in reducing smoking among teenagers, with the smoking rate in this group dropping from 6.3% to 3.2% following the tax increase. Not only did it lower the overall smoking rate, it also helped reduce healthcare expenses. The results echoed many studies that have shown increasing tobacco taxes significantly reduces smoking rates.

Professor Wang emphasised that a slight increment in tobacco taxes would not offer a great incentive for smokers to quit. Only by significantly raising cigarette taxes, together with other smoking cessation measures, could Hong Kong achieve the goal of reducing smoking rates to 7.8% by 2025.

(am730, hk01, i-Cable, RTHK, SCMP – January 12, 2024; SCMP – January 19, 2024; SCMP – January 20, 2024)

COSH proposes to increase the tobacco tax to 75% of the retail price

The Hong Kong Council on Smoking and Health (COSH) has proposed increasing the tobacco tax to 75% of the retail price and conducting a follow-up review of the tobacco tax increase rate each year. At a press conference to outline the proposal, Professor Kelvin Wang Man-ping from the School’s Smoking Cessation and Tobacco Control research team said, “According to the committee’s tobacco control policy survey 2023, among 5,600 participants, including 1,500 smokers, 2,600 non-smokers and 1,500 quitters, 68.5% of the respondents supported the Government’s increase in tobacco tax in 2024, and nearly 30% of smokers hoped to see an increase in the tobacco tax. Some 64.6% of the respondents expressed support for increasing tobacco tax every year.”

(Sing Tao Daily News, hk01 – January 29, 2024; on.cc, am730, Sing Tao Headline, SingTao.com, 881903.com, now.com, The Standard, Line Today, Mingpao.com – January 30, 2024; The Standard Online, The Standard, Hong Kong Economic Journals, on.cc, Oriental Daily News – January 31, 2024; am730, Ta Kung Pao – February 16, 2024; Asia News Day – February 19, 2024)

More support for 75% tobacco tax

In a radio interview, Professor Derek Cheung Yee-tak, Assistant Professor of the School, noted that research suggested an increase in tobacco tax to 75% of the retail price could result in 28,000 smokers quitting and prevent over 9,350 premature deaths in future. Professor Cheung said that a higher tax was a motivating factor for quitting smoking, especially when accompanied by other measures. These include easy access to smoking cessation resources, such as affordable and accessible behavioural treatment, consultation, and medication services from the government; support from family and friends; and government measures and environmental policies.

(RTHK - Backchat – February 1, 2024)

70% unaware of some early symptoms of Parkinson's Disease

Professor Jojo Kwok Yan-yan, Assistant Professor of the School and the Co-project Director of “Jockey Club Movin’ Care for Parkinson's Disease Project”, funded by the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, reported on the findings of a recent study by HKU on awareness about Parkinson’s disease. “Motor symptoms related to body movements such as tremors (90%), shuffling gait (77%) and slowness (75%), were recognised most often by those surveyed. However, less than 30% could identify pre-motor symptoms, such as loss of smell or taste (13%); depression or anxiety (24%); constipation (15%); acting out dreams during sleep (17%); and nightmares (9%), which may appear 10-20 years before the motor symptoms.”

Professor Kwok suggested raising awareness about pre-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease in the community so patients can be identified early on and receive prompt and relevant treatment and care.

(am730 – December 21, 2023, am730, Health Plus Magazine – December 28, 2023; am730 – January 4, 2024; Commercial Radio – January 7, 2024; am730 – January 11, 2024; Sky Post online news – January 23, 2024)

Multi-drug-resistant bacteria: a global public health threat

The World Health Organization identified antimicrobial resistance as one of the top ten global public health threats facing mankind in 2019. Multi-drug-resistant bacteria (also known as “superbugs”) are spreading rapidly worldwide as the number of infections that conventional antibacterial drugs fail to treat effectively increases. Professor Celine Chui Sze-ling, Assistant Professor of the School, highlighted the problem in an RTHK news documentary. “Antimicrobial resistance will get more severe if antibiotics are abused. We encourage the safe use of antibiotics. When antibiotics lose their potency, there will be fewer or even no drugs that work for patients, therefore threatening global health in the long term.”

(RTHK -《鏗鏘集》– February 22, 2024)

Social housing improves the well-being of individuals, families and children

Professor Kelvin Wang Man-ping, Professor of the School, who is leading a review of the effectiveness of the Lok Sin Tong Transitional Housing Scheme (LST Housing), reported research results at a recent press conference. “The study has demonstrated that transitional housing is comprehensive and effective in increasing well-being. There are enhancements in family communication quality and well-being, partner relationship and family support. It improves the anxiety or depressive symptoms in residents, enabling them to achieve a healthy life. Parents are also delighted to see children becoming happier and having improvement in their behavioural and psychological status.” The research, conducted in August 2022 with 109 households, showed that nearly 70% of the households said the family income improved. Among the 106 child respondents, nearly 60% had an improved relationship with parents, over 60% had better education achievement, and over 80% became happier after moving into social housing. Another longitudinal evaluation, conducted from September 2022 to March 2023, showed that the well-being of low-income families increased after moving into “LST Housing”, as reflected by an increased score from 38.10 to 41.17 based on the World Health Organization Well-Being Index. Moreover, parents perceived their children to be happier than before.

(52hrtt, on.cc, HK01 – March 11, 2024; Sing Tao Daily, Oriental Daily News, Ta Kung Pao, Wen Wei Po, HKET.com, am730, Lion Rock Daily, Dajiyuan – March 12, 2024; Sing Tao Daily – March 17, 2024; Wen Wei Pao, Tai Kung Pao – June 1, 2024)

Increasing support for breastfeeding in society

The Committee on the Promotion of Breastfeeding held its 9^th meeting recently. During the meeting, the Department of Health shared survey data showing that there was a drop in breastfeeding rates in 2020 and 2022. However, the survey also revealed that the breastfeeding rate on hospital discharge reached 85% in 2022, marking a significant increase compared to 55% recorded in 2000, and the rate of exclusive breastfeeding till 4 months of age rose from 8% to 22%. Professor Kris Lok Yuet-wan, Assistant Professor of the School, discussed the survey results in a radio news programme. “The slight drop in breastfeeding rates was likely due to anti-Covid measures and a lack of support for nursing mothers. Statistics showed that mothers who returned to full-time work were twice as likely to stop breastfeeding within the first year. But the continued increase in the breastfeeding rate on hospital discharge is encouraging. We are happy to see support from different sectors of society, including baby-friendly initiatives in the public sector, other workplaces and public areas, to create a supportive culture of breastfeeding.”

Professor Lok noted that in 2020, our School launched a Breastfeeding GPS app to help mothers locate nearby nursery rooms. The app has identified over 600 breastfeeding spots in the city, including restaurants, shopping malls and government facilities. “We will continue to strengthen publicity and provide support to private hospitals on breastfeeding, with the ultimate aim of achieving a breastfeeding-friendly environment,” she said.

(RTHK Radio 1-《千禧年代 HK2000》– April 10, 2024; RTHK News -《Hong Kong Today》– April 11, 2024)

Helping young people to quit smoking

The harm that smoking does to health is compounded by the fact that it is highly addictive, making it difficult to quit. In a media report that featured ex-smokers sharing their quitting experiences. Dr Kevin Luk Tzu-tsun, Research Assistant Professor of the School and Project Director of Youth Quitline, explained how the success rate of smoking cessation can be improved. “Peer counsellors can increase the success rate because they set good role model and can interact closely with young smokers. In addition, increasing the tobacco tax also creates a strong reason to quit smoking.” Nicotine replacement therapy and meditation are alternative ways to assist in quitting smoking.

(Now.com《杏林在線》– May 3, 2024)

Tai Chi found to improve sleep quality in advanced lung cancer patients

A research team from the School led by Dr Naomi Takemura, Research Assistant Professor, and supervised by Professor Chia-Chin Lin, Professor and Director, found positive effects of Tai Chi and aerobic exercise on sleep quality in patients with advanced lung cancer.

The research was conducted between 2018 to 2022 and 226 patients with advanced lunch cancer were recruited. They were randomly assigned to Tai Chi, aerobic exercise, or a self-management control group. Assessments were conducted before the intervention classes, at the end of the 16-week intervention, and at week 52.

The results revealed that both Tai Chi and aerobic exercise effectively improved sleep quality, mental health, physical function and circadian rhythm among patients. However, the Tai Chi group experienced greater improvements to sleep quality, fatigue reduction and balance ability than aerobic exercise. The risk of death in the Tai Chi group was also significantly reduced (by 65%) compared with the control group, indicating that Tai Chi has the potential to improve the survival chances of patients with advanced lung cancer.

Dr Takemura said, “Tai Chi’s emphasis on the mind-body connection offers a holistic approach that goes beyond physical exercise alone.” This study opens up a new approach to supportive care in cancer management and highlights the importance of a multi-dimensional approach to address cancer symptoms. By incorporating Tai Chi into the treatment plan, it can reduce patients’ symptoms in a safe, affordable, and potentially effective approach.

(Now.com, i-Cable online news, Metro Radio online news, HKEJ online news, Ta Kung Pao online news, HKCD online news, am 730 online news, am 730, HKCNA, Yahoo News, Line Today, headlineforhk, Media Press, Metroradio.com.hk – April 25, 2024; The Standard, Sing Pao, Ta Kung Pao, Ta Kung Pao online news, RTHK –《凝聚香港》, TOPick.hket.com, Bauhinia Magazine online news, Physician Pharmacist People, EducationDiary.com, Medindia.net – April 26, 2024; Sing Tao online news, Headline Daily – April 27, 2024; Cancerinformation.com.hk – April 29, 2024; Medical Inspire – April 30, 2024; Sing Tao Canada, Line Today, CCUE.ca – May 1, 2024; So fit so good – May 4, 2024; Line Today – May 6, 2024; Sky Post – May 7, 2024)