The occurrence of early childhood adversity is strongly linked to later self-harm, but there is poor understanding of how this distal risk factor might influence later behaviours. One possible mechanism is through an earlier onset of puberty in children exposed to adversity, since early puberty is associated with an increased risk of adolescent self-harm. We investigated whether early pubertal timing mediates the association between childhood adversity and later self-harm.

Participants were 6698 young people from a UK population-based birth cohort (ALSPAC). We measured exposure to nine types of adversity from 0 to 9 years old, and self-harm when participants were aged 16 and 21 years. Pubertal timing measures were age at peak height velocity (aPHV – males and females) and age at menarche (AAM). We used generalised structural equation modelling for analyses.

For every additional type of adversity; participants had an average 12–14% increased risk of self-harm by 16. Relative risk (RR) estimates were stronger for direct effects when outcomes were self-harm with suicidal intent. There was no evidence that earlier pubertal timing mediated the association between adversity and self-harm [indirect effect RR 1.00, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.00–1.00 for aPHV and RR 1.00, 95% CI 1.00–1.01 for AAM].

A cumulative measure of exposure to multiple types of adversity does not confer an increased risk of self-harm via early pubertal timing, however both childhood adversity and early puberty are risk factors for later self-harm. Research identifying mechanisms underlying the link between childhood adversity and later self-harm is needed to inform interventions.

To develop and implement a community-tailored, food agency-based cooking programme at a community health centre (CHC) and evaluate the effect of the intervention on cooking confidence and food waste.

This study used an exploratory, sequential mixed methods design. Focus groups (n 38) were conducted to inform the development of a cooking intervention, then six cooking classes (n 45) were planned and piloted in the health centre’s teaching kitchen. Changes in cooking confidence and related outcomes were assessed using pre- and post-class surveys. Follow-up interviews (n 12) were conducted 2–4 months post-intervention to assess satisfaction and short-term outcomes.

A CHC in Detroit, MI.

Spanish- and English-speaking adults aged ≥18 years recruited at the CHC.

In the formative focus groups, patients identified multiple barriers to cooking healthy meals, including trade-offs between quality, cost and convenience of food, chronic disease management and lack of time and interest. Each cooking class introduced a variety of cooking techniques and food preservation strategies. Participants demonstrated increased confidence in cooking (P 0·004), experimenting with new ingredients (P 0·006) and knowing how to make use of food before it goes bad (P 0·017). In post-class interviews, participants reported that they valued the social interaction and participatory format and that they had used the recipes and cooking techniques at home.

A community-tailored, hands-on cooking class was an effective way to engage patients at a CHC and resulted in increased cooking confidence.

To evaluate the first phase of a specialist weight management programme provided entirely within the UK National Health Service.

Prospective cohort study using multiple logistic regression analysis to report odds of ≥5 kg weight loss in all referrals and completers, and odds of completion, with 95 % confidence intervals. Anxiety and depression ‘caseness’ were measured by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale.

Glasgow and Clyde Weight Management Service (GCWMS) is a specialist multidisciplinary service, with clinical psychology support, for patients with BMI ≥35 kg/m2 or BMI ≥30 kg/m2 with co-morbidities.

All patients referred to GCWMS between 2004 and 2006.

Of 2976 patients referred to GCWMS, 2156 (72·4 %) opted into the service and 809 completed phase 1. Among 809 completers, 35·5 % (n 287) lost ≥5 kg. Age ≥40 years, male sex (OR = 1·39, 95 % CI 1·05, 1·82), BMI ≥ 50 kg/m2 (OR = 1·70, 95 % CI 1·14, 2·54) and depression (OR = 1·81, 95 % CI 1·35, 2·44) increased the likelihood of losing ≥5 kg. Diabetes mellitus (OR = 0·55, 95 % CI 0·38, 0·81) and socio-economic deprivation were associated with poorer outcomes. Success in patients aged ≥40 years and with BMI ≥50 kg/m2 was associated with higher completion rates of the programme. Patients from the most deprived areas were less likely to lose ≥5 kg because of non-completion of the programme.

Further improvements in overall effectiveness might be achieved through targeting improvements in appropriateness of referrals, retention and effective interventions at specific populations of patients.