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Is smacking in New Zealand a public health problem?Download this presentation - 477KB PDF AuthorJamie HoskingExpected speakerJamie HoskingOrganisationAuckland, NZObjectiveThe decision about whether or not to smack is often considered a personal, moral issue that each parent must address. However, there are benefits to taking a population-wide perspective on smacking. Public health provides one structured approach to this. This paper aims to assess whether smacking in New Zealand qualifies as a public health problem.MethodsAn analytical approach is employed. Important components of public health problems are identified, and the relevance of these components to smacking is assessed. The relevance of public health to smacking is further explored by applying a public health intervention framework.ResultsEpidemiology is a major constituent of public health. However, there is more to public health than epidemiology; health inequalities and a 'right to health' have also been raised as public health concerns.The characterisation of health risk factors is a significant component of epidemiology, including assessing the prevalence of risk factors and the magnitude of the associated risk. There is a large and relatively consistent body of epidemiological evidence, primarily of observational design, on smacking as a risk factor for a range of 'health' and 'non-health' outcomes. The relative risks reported by these studies may be combined with smacking prevalence data to calculate population attributable fractions for smacking and various outcomes; this methodology may be a useful way to illustrate the potential public health significance of smacking, since it is often recognised within the public health field that risk factors that have relatively small effects on individuals may have a great effect on population health. The relevance of health inequalities, and the concept of a 'right to health', for smacking is also explored. Public health frameworks such as the Ottawa Charter may also be useful in identifying and appraising potential interventions for smacking. It is useful to employ intervention strategies that are aimed at a population level as well as an individual level, and strategies that emphasise prevention rather than cure. ConclusionGiven existing evidence, smacking carries the potential for significant harms to population health.PresentationPaperBiographyJamie Hosking is a registrar training in public health medicine. This work was conducted as part of a dissertation for the Master of Public Health degree at the University of Auckland. His specific interests include child health; social determinants of health; transport, urban design and health; global health issues; and the philosophy of public health. His most recent work led to the publication of a report entitled 'Health impacts of school travel plans: evidence, indicators and costs'. |
