Findings of The Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study in Ireland from 1998-2022 Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study in Ireland from 1998-2022 reveals a drop in substance misuse; a decrease in condom use and an increase in young people feeling pressured by schoolwork The Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) Trends Report 1998–2022, launched today by the Minister of State at the Department of Health with special responsibility for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Jennifer Murnane O’Connor TD, highlights notable changes in the health behaviours and wellbeing of Irish children over the past 25 years. This report, led by researcher Louise Lunney in collaboration with the HBSC research team at the Health Promotion Research Centre at University of Galway, found significant reductions in substance use and improvements in certain health behaviours, alongside a worrying decline in mental health and increased pressure related to schoolwork. The report brings together data from over 70,000 children in Ireland since 1998, offering critical insights to inform policy, practice and supports for young people. The HBSC is a cross-sectional study conducted in collaboration with the World Health Organisation Regional Office for Europe. It runs every four years. Among the key trends reported: Smoking among 10–17-year-olds fell to 4.7% in 2022, down from 22.6% in 1998. Reports of having ever been drunk declined from 33% in 1998 to 17.8% in 2022. Cannabis use in the past year dropped to 6.5% in 2022, compared to 12.3% in 1998. Daily soft drink consumption decreased dramatically from 37.4% in 2002 to 6.6% in 2022. However, the report also reveals that: 46.3% of children report feeling low weekly or more often - double the figure from 1998. 47.8% of children feel pressured by schoolwork, up from 32.9% in 1998. Despite an overall decline in reported sexual activity, fewer young people (55.2% in 2022, down from 78.0% in 2010) report using a condom during last sexual intercourse The HBSC study is conducted every four years in collaboration with the World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe. In 2022, 45 countries and regions participated, collecting data on health behaviours, health outcomes and the social contexts of children’s lives. Minister Jennifer Murnane O’Connor said: “I would like to extend my most sincere thanks to the University of Galway’s HBSC team, who have conducted this study on our behalf since 1998. HBSC is a key, internationally comparable study that provides us with vital information regarding the health of our children, highlighting both positive trends, such as the reductions in tobacco, alcohol and cannabis use since 1998, but also the more concerning ones, such as many of the indicators relating to mental health and the pressures of schoolwork. “I also want to thank the children and the schools involved in this research. In taking the time to make your voices heard, you are helping us to help future generations and to make growing up a more positive experience. As the report shows, we have done some great work over the past 25 years; however, there is always more to do.” Professor Saoirse Nic Gabhainn, Principal Investigator at the Health Promotion Research Centre at University of Galway, said: “A study like HBSC, that tracks trends in health behaviours, outcomes and social context of children’s lives over such a long period is a huge resource to anyone interested in children’s lives. Over 70,000 children have been involved since 1998, and many people across Irish society have helped in some way, particularly schools, teachers and parents. “While many indicators have improved over time, the pressures that children feel from school and society are increasing. Now is the time for our society to support teachers and parents in schools and communities to protect and promote youth well-being.” Compared to findings from 1998*, the study found fewer children engaging in substance use, more children feeling pressured by schoolwork, less young people reporting sexual activity and among those that do – fewer are reporting using a condom. Mental health indicators have disimproved, with more young people reporting feeling low, fewer reporting high life satisfaction and fewer reporting feeling happy with their lives. Additional findings include: Health behaviour outcomes – both positive and negative trends More children report sleep difficulties in getting to sleep about every week or more frequently – 46.3% in 2022, compared to 30.9% in 1998. More children report having a headache about every week or more frequently – 38.2% in 2022, compared to 26.0% in 1998. More children brushing their teeth more than once a day – 72.5% in 2022, compared to 57.6% in 1998. More children report always wearing a seatbelt when travelling by car – 81.2% in 2022, compared to 41% in 1998. Co-Principal Investigator, Professor Colette Kelly from the Health Promotion Research Centre at the University of Galway, said: “This report is the culmination of many years of work, and brings together some good news about the health behaviours of Irish children. However, it also illustrates persistent inequalities in young people’s health. Children from lower social class groups are doing less well than those from higher social class groups across a range of indicators. The report provides a breakdown of age, gender and social class patterns which provide more in-depth information on each of the indicators.” *Base years vary across indicators – see full report details here: https://www.universityofgalway.ie/hbsc/ Ends

A research collaboration is to deploy cutting-edge simulation technologies to redefine best practices training and innovation for vascular access – the process of inserting a small tube or catheter into a vein to administer medication, fluids or take blood.   The project involves CÚRAM - the Research Ireland Centre for Medical Devices at University of Galway - and B. Braun, a global leader in medical technology.  It leverages B. Braun’s expertise in medical device development and University of Galway’s leadership in clinical simulation research to deliver evidence-based advancements in vascular access training.  Known as the SIMETRIC project (Simulation and Imaging Methods for Eye Tracking and Recording Intravenous Catheter Insertion), it is harnessing cutting-edge simulation technologies to enhance clinical protocols, ensuring safer and more effective patient care.  The initiative integrates eye-tracking systems, high-resolution video, wearable devices and motion analysis tools to assess and refine clinician performance in real-time.   This level of precision training is expected to significantly enhance competency, safety, and patient care standards.  The study, led by Dr Peter Carr, CÚRAM Funded Investigator and Associate Professor at the School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Galway, will evaluate how simulation-based training can enhance clinician performance in ultrasound-guided long peripheral catheters.  The project will assess clinicians using three types of ultrasound-guided long peripheral catheters, including an innovative device from B. Braun´s long peripheral catheter (Deep Access) range.  Dr Carr said: “Strong partnerships drive real change in healthcare. By combining clinical expertise, cutting-edge technology and industry collaboration, we are shaping the future of vascular access training and device innovation.”  The SIMETRIC project highlights the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, bringing together nurses, vascular access specialists, biomedical engineers and researchers.   B. Braun said: “At B. Braun, we firmly believe that industry-academic-clinical collaboration is essential for advancing healthcare innovation and improving patient outcomes. By fostering strong partnerships between these sectors, we can leverage diverse expertise, drive groundbreaking research and develop cutting-edge medical solutions. Guided by our vision to protect and improve the health of people around the world, we are committed to collaborative efforts that enhance the quality of care and ensure a healthier future for all.”   This partnership aligns with B. Braun’s commitment to advancing healthcare through innovation, creating new opportunities to collaborate with frontline clinicians and academic experts to develop smarter training solutions and cutting-edge medical devices.  Dr Carr said: “This project will aim to ensure that the new device is underpinned by robust evidence before it can be adopted in a clinical setting. We also want to demonstrate how technology can be leveraged by clinical academics to provide training simulation that leads to improved clinical and patient care. Nurses and vascular access specialists play a pivotal role in this study and their clinical expertise is invaluable in the development and evaluation of new technologies.”  Vascular access is considered a routine yet high-risk procedure in healthcare. Problems can arise from improper catheter insertion and ensuring healthcare workers have the highest level of skill, precision, and real-time feedback is critical for improving patient outcomes.   In response to growing demand from clinical partners, University of Galway is launching three new micro-credential modules based on the project’s findings. These courses will focus on ultrasound-guided cannulation and advanced vascular access techniques, supporting the increasing adoption of ultrasound-guided long peripheral catheters across a wider range of patient groups.  The outcomes of SIMETRIC will contribute to academic training, real-world clinical applications, and the future of vascular access education. By investing in collaborative research and professional development, the University of Galway and B. Braun are setting new benchmarks for innovation in medical training and patient care.  Ends 

University of Galway is celebrating a milestone for its alumni with a special event to bring the Class of 1975 back to campus for a 50-Year Reunion on Wednesday, 11 June 2025.    The golden anniversary gathering is being held to offer graduates a unique opportunity to reconnect with classmates, reminisce about university days, and see how the campus has evolved over the past five decades.    The day’s festivities will include guided tours of the campus, a visit to the University Library’s Special Collections and Archives and opportunities to revisit favourite student haunts. The celebration will culminate in a gathering in the college bar for entertainment.    Catherine Conroy, Alumni Relations Manager at University of Galway, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome the Class of 1975 back to campus for this golden anniversary. A 50-year reunion is a truly special occasion – a time to celebrate lifelong connections, renew old friendships, and relive the moments that made university life so memorable.”    For further information and to register, visit www.universityofgalway.ie/alumni/reunions, or contact the Alumni Office at 091 494310 or alumni@universityofgalway.ie.    Ends