Pub Date : 2025-06-09DOI: 10.1016/j.glmedi.2025.100203
Jagdish Khubchandani, Elizabeth England-Kennedy, Michael Wiblishauser, Karen Kopera-Frye, Fern J. Webb
The landscape of public health intervention planning and conducting clinical research has changed a lot in the 21st century with profound alterations occurring since the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the one fundamental, often challenging, but undermined aspect is the involvement of the general public in medical research or community health interventions. This editorial underscores the paramount significance of involving community members in clinical research or public health interventions to enhance their relevance, effectiveness, and sustainability. We introduce a framework based on six essential domains, referred to as the "Six Cs" (i.e. Constituents & Connections; Communication & Cultivation of Trust; Cultural Competency & Conduct Norms; Context, Capacity & Constraints; Creation of Procedures & Protocols; and Commitment to Common Goals). For medical research and community health interventions, this framework emphasizes the need for collaborative, transparent, and culturally sensitive methodologies that can enhance the general public’s engagement. By nurturing authentic partnerships and utilizing community expertise, this framework for community-engaged health research seeks to improve public participation, foster trust, ensure ethical practices, and ultimately realize significant health outcomes for the public and scientific community.
{"title":"Engaging community members in health-related research and interventions","authors":"Jagdish Khubchandani, Elizabeth England-Kennedy, Michael Wiblishauser, Karen Kopera-Frye, Fern J. Webb","doi":"10.1016/j.glmedi.2025.100203","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.glmedi.2025.100203","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The landscape of public health intervention planning and conducting clinical research has changed a lot in the 21st century with profound alterations occurring since the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the one fundamental, often challenging, but undermined aspect is the involvement of the general public in medical research or community health interventions. This editorial underscores the paramount significance of involving community members in clinical research or public health interventions to enhance their relevance, effectiveness, and sustainability. We introduce a framework based on six essential domains, referred to as the \"Six Cs\" (i.e. Constituents & Connections; Communication & Cultivation of Trust; Cultural Competency & Conduct Norms; Context, Capacity & Constraints; Creation of Procedures & Protocols; and Commitment to Common Goals). For medical research and community health interventions, this framework emphasizes the need for collaborative, transparent, and culturally sensitive methodologies that can enhance the general public’s engagement. By nurturing authentic partnerships and utilizing community expertise, this framework for community-engaged health research seeks to improve public participation, foster trust, ensure ethical practices, and ultimately realize significant health outcomes for the public and scientific community.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100804,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Medicine, Surgery, and Public Health","volume":"6 ","pages":"Article 100203"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144261613","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Female Sexual Dysfunction (FSD) is a multifactorial health issue influenced by physiological, psychological, and sociocultural factors. Despite a global prevalence of ,10–63 %, FSD is underrecognized in African contexts due to cultural taboos and limited healthcare access. This review and meta-analysis aim to assess FSD prevalence and risk factors across Africa, guiding culturally sensitive interventions, policies, and future research to improve women's sexual health. Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search was conducted in databases including PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and African Journals Online (AJOL) for studies published between 2000 and 2023. Eligible studies reported FSD prevalence in African women aged 18 years and older. A meta-analysis of pooled prevalence was conducted using a random-effects model, with heterogeneity assessed using I² and Cochran’s Q tests. Thirteen studies involving 11,585 women from five African countries met the inclusion criteria. The pooled prevalence of FSD was 52.1 % (95 % CI: 45.7–58.4 %), with significant heterogeneity (I² = 97.1 %). Regional prevalence rates ranged from 39 % in East Africa to 61 % in West Africa (p = 0.051). The pooled prevalence was 76.2 % for desire disorder; 59.7 %for arousal disorder; 73.7 % for lubrication; 73.1 % for orgasm disorder; 60.6 % for sexual dissatisfaction and 51.6 % for pain/dyspareunia. The diagnostic tool used influenced prevalence estimates, with the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) reporting lower rates (44 %) compared to other tools (70 %) (p < 0.001). FSD affects over half of African women, underscoring the need for standardized diagnostic criteria, increased awareness, and culturally appropriate interventions to address this pervasive issue and improve women’s quality of life.
{"title":"Prevalence of female sexual dysfunction in Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis","authors":"Andy-Muller Luzolo Nzinga , Véronique Feipel , Jeanne Bertuit","doi":"10.1016/j.glmedi.2025.100202","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.glmedi.2025.100202","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Female Sexual Dysfunction (FSD) is a multifactorial health issue influenced by physiological, psychological, and sociocultural factors. Despite a global prevalence of ,10–63 %, FSD is underrecognized in African contexts due to cultural taboos and limited healthcare access. This review and meta-analysis aim to assess FSD prevalence and risk factors across Africa, guiding culturally sensitive interventions, policies, and future research to improve women's sexual health. Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search was conducted in databases including PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and African Journals Online (AJOL) for studies published between 2000 and 2023. Eligible studies reported FSD prevalence in African women aged 18 years and older. A meta-analysis of pooled prevalence was conducted using a random-effects model, with heterogeneity assessed using I² and Cochran’s Q tests. Thirteen studies involving 11,585 women from five African countries met the inclusion criteria. The pooled prevalence of FSD was 52.1 % (95 % CI: 45.7–58.4 %), with significant heterogeneity (I² = 97.1 %). Regional prevalence rates ranged from 39 % in East Africa to 61 % in West Africa (p = 0.051). The pooled prevalence was 76.2 % for desire disorder; 59.7 %for arousal disorder; 73.7 % for lubrication; 73.1 % for orgasm disorder; 60.6 % for sexual dissatisfaction and 51.6 % for pain/dyspareunia. The diagnostic tool used influenced prevalence estimates, with the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) reporting lower rates (44 %) compared to other tools (70 %) (p < 0.001). FSD affects over half of African women, underscoring the need for standardized diagnostic criteria, increased awareness, and culturally appropriate interventions to address this pervasive issue and improve women’s quality of life.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100804,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Medicine, Surgery, and Public Health","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100202"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144230038","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-05-16DOI: 10.1016/j.glmedi.2025.100201
Derar I.I. Ismerat , Barah K.S. Alsalameh , Majd Oweidat
Rectus abdominis endometriosis (RAE) is a rare form of extra-pelvic endometriosis, often associated with prior surgical or gynecological procedures. We report a case of a woman in her early 30 s who presented with an eight-month history of a painful, cyclical mass in the left lower abdomen. Her history included a cesarean section, medical abortion, and failed IVF. Imaging identified a 2.3 × 1.5 cm hypoechoic nodule within the rectus abdominis muscle. Surgical excision confirmed endometriotic tissue, and the patient had an uneventful recovery. Histopathology revealed ectopic endometrial glands and stroma within the rectus muscle, consistent with RAE. This case highlights the potential for RAE to occur years after gynecological interventions and in atypical locations, suggesting alternative pathogenic mechanisms such as vascular spread or immune dysregulation. In this patient, delayed presentation and lesion location away from the cesarean scar raise the possibility of multifactorial pathogenesis involving both iatrogenic and non-iatrogenic factors, including hormonal stimulation from IVF. Complete surgical excision led to the resolution of symptoms. Clinicians should consider RAE in patients presenting with cyclical abdominal wall masses, even in the absence of recent surgery.
{"title":"Rectus abdominis endometriosis presenting as a menstruation-linked abdominal mass","authors":"Derar I.I. Ismerat , Barah K.S. Alsalameh , Majd Oweidat","doi":"10.1016/j.glmedi.2025.100201","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.glmedi.2025.100201","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Rectus abdominis endometriosis (RAE) is a rare form of extra-pelvic endometriosis, often associated with prior surgical or gynecological procedures. We report a case of a woman in her early 30 s who presented with an eight-month history of a painful, cyclical mass in the left lower abdomen. Her history included a cesarean section, medical abortion, and failed IVF. Imaging identified a 2.3 × 1.5 cm hypoechoic nodule within the rectus abdominis muscle. Surgical excision confirmed endometriotic tissue, and the patient had an uneventful recovery. Histopathology revealed ectopic endometrial glands and stroma within the rectus muscle, consistent with RAE. This case highlights the potential for RAE to occur years after gynecological interventions and in atypical locations, suggesting alternative pathogenic mechanisms such as vascular spread or immune dysregulation. In this patient, delayed presentation and lesion location away from the cesarean scar raise the possibility of multifactorial pathogenesis involving both iatrogenic and non-iatrogenic factors, including hormonal stimulation from IVF. Complete surgical excision led to the resolution of symptoms. Clinicians should consider RAE in patients presenting with cyclical abdominal wall masses, even in the absence of recent surgery.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100804,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Medicine, Surgery, and Public Health","volume":"6 ","pages":"Article 100201"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144098637","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-05-10DOI: 10.1016/j.glmedi.2025.100200
David L. Porter , Andrew J. Klink , Alexandrina Balanean , Tammy Schuler , Bindu Kalesan , Richard Scott Swain , Lindsay McAllister , Djibril Liassou , Sarah Lucht , Ajeet Gajra , Bruce Feinberg
This retrospective, observational study evaluated real-world data (RWD) completeness for 65 adults with relapsed/refractory (R/R) diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) treated with chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy across 11 community practices in 2019. Eligible patients had ≥ 6 months of follow-up, excluding those who died earlier, had CNS metastases, or participated in clinical trials. Physicians abstracted electronic medical records (EMRs) in 2021 using standardized case report forms (eCRFs), capturing demographics, prior therapies, referral/infusion timelines, toxicities, hospitalizations, and survival. Data underwent quality validation. Baseline demographics were fully documented: 70.8 % of patients had good performance status (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group [ECOG] 0–1), 73.8 % had elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and 83.9 % were deemed high-risk. Hospitalization and emergency visit records were 100 % complete, whereas toxicity documentation ranged from 86.2 % to 98.5 %. Patients received a median 3 prior therapy lines; key barriers to CAR T-cell therapy referral included patient choice (45.5 %), center location (36.4 %), and logistics (27.3 %). Rapid disease progression precluded treatment in 81.8 % of nonrecipients. Only 43.1 % had leukapheresis dates recorded, with a 4.5-month median from relapse to infusion. Posttreatment, 75.0 % developed cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and 67.7 % had fever. At median 15.5-month follow-up, 44.6 % relapsed and 47.7 % died. Survival (median progression-free survival, 18.6 months; overall survival, 22.8 months) aligned with trials but revealed disparities in real-world delivery, such as manufacturing delays and incomplete documentation. This study underscores feasibility of robust RWD collection in community settings while highlighting critical gaps—particularly in leukapheresis tracking and postinfusion toxicity reporting—that must be addressed to optimize CAR T-cell therapy management.
{"title":"Availability and completeness of real-world data in United States community oncology/hematology practices regarding chimeric antigen receptor (CAR T)-cell therapy for relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma","authors":"David L. Porter , Andrew J. Klink , Alexandrina Balanean , Tammy Schuler , Bindu Kalesan , Richard Scott Swain , Lindsay McAllister , Djibril Liassou , Sarah Lucht , Ajeet Gajra , Bruce Feinberg","doi":"10.1016/j.glmedi.2025.100200","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.glmedi.2025.100200","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This retrospective, observational study evaluated real-world data (RWD) completeness for 65 adults with relapsed/refractory (R/R) diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) treated with chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy across 11 community practices in 2019. Eligible patients had ≥ 6 months of follow-up, excluding those who died earlier, had CNS metastases, or participated in clinical trials. Physicians abstracted electronic medical records (EMRs) in 2021 using standardized case report forms (eCRFs), capturing demographics, prior therapies, referral/infusion timelines, toxicities, hospitalizations, and survival. Data underwent quality validation. Baseline demographics were fully documented: 70.8 % of patients had good performance status (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group [ECOG] 0–1), 73.8 % had elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and 83.9 % were deemed high-risk. Hospitalization and emergency visit records were 100 % complete, whereas toxicity documentation ranged from 86.2 % to 98.5 %. Patients received a median 3 prior therapy lines; key barriers to CAR T-cell therapy referral included patient choice (45.5 %), center location (36.4 %), and logistics (27.3 %). Rapid disease progression precluded treatment in 81.8 % of nonrecipients. Only 43.1 % had leukapheresis dates recorded, with a 4.5-month median from relapse to infusion. Posttreatment, 75.0 % developed cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and 67.7 % had fever. At median 15.5-month follow-up, 44.6 % relapsed and 47.7 % died. Survival (median progression-free survival, 18.6 months; overall survival, 22.8 months) aligned with trials but revealed disparities in real-world delivery, such as manufacturing delays and incomplete documentation. This study underscores feasibility of robust RWD collection in community settings while highlighting critical gaps—particularly in leukapheresis tracking and postinfusion toxicity reporting—that must be addressed to optimize CAR T-cell therapy management.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100804,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Medicine, Surgery, and Public Health","volume":"6 ","pages":"Article 100200"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144071581","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-04-25DOI: 10.1016/j.glmedi.2025.100199
Marilyn D. Thomas , Mandana Khalili , Eric Vittinghoff , Francine Cournos , Mark Olfson , Priya Dahiya , Stephen Crystal , Richard Hermida , Christina Mangurian
Nearly half of primary liver cancers are attributed to hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. People living with schizophrenia have higher HCV prevalence and liver cancer mortality rates than the general population. Among Medicaid beneficiaries with HCV, we compared incident liver cancer diagnosis in recipients living with and without schizophrenia. Using Medicaid claims data, pooled logistic regression and time survival models we estimated adjusted incidence rates of liver cancer diagnosis and risk factors for those living with schizophrenia. During 2002–2012 (N = 104,469), incident liver cancer diagnosis ranged from 845 to 1602 per 100,000 person-years. Recipients living with versus without schizophrenia had lower diagnosis rates over the study period and lower cumulative incidence within common risk factors of liver disease progression (e.g., diabetes). However, rates were higher for those with comorbid human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Among recipients with schizophrenia, higher odds of liver cancer diagnosis was associated with having comorbid alcohol use disorder (OR=1.23; 95 % confidence interval [CI] =1.70–2.05), diabetes (OR=1.49; CI=1.36–1.64), hypertension (OR=1.49; CI=1.36–1.65), chronic hepatitis B (OR=2.57; CI=2.26–2.91), or ≥ 1 annual primary care visit (OR=1.65; CI=1.46–1.86). Black (versus White) recipients had lower odds of diagnosis (OR=0.77; CI=0.70–0.86). Given higher HCV prevalence and liver cancer mortality in this population, lower diagnosis rates may reflect insufficient liver cancer detection, potentially driving HCV-related excess mortality rates for individuals living with schizophrenia. Addressing metabolic abnormalities and alcohol use is critical to risk reduction in HCV-infected persons living with schizophrenia, especially those living with HCV-HIV coinfection or racially minoritized.
{"title":"Hepatitis C virus-related liver cancer among Medicaid recipients with schizophrenia, 2002–2012","authors":"Marilyn D. Thomas , Mandana Khalili , Eric Vittinghoff , Francine Cournos , Mark Olfson , Priya Dahiya , Stephen Crystal , Richard Hermida , Christina Mangurian","doi":"10.1016/j.glmedi.2025.100199","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.glmedi.2025.100199","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Nearly half of primary liver cancers are attributed to hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. People living with schizophrenia have higher HCV prevalence and liver cancer mortality rates than the general population. Among Medicaid beneficiaries with HCV, we compared incident liver cancer diagnosis in recipients living with and without schizophrenia. Using Medicaid claims data, pooled logistic regression and time survival models we estimated adjusted incidence rates of liver cancer diagnosis and risk factors for those living with schizophrenia. During 2002–2012 (N = 104,469), incident liver cancer diagnosis ranged from 845 to 1602 per 100,000 person-years. Recipients living with versus without schizophrenia had lower diagnosis rates over the study period and lower cumulative incidence within common risk factors of liver disease progression (e.g., diabetes). However, rates were higher for those with comorbid human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Among recipients with schizophrenia, higher odds of liver cancer diagnosis was associated with having comorbid alcohol use disorder (OR=1.23; 95 % confidence interval [CI] =1.70–2.05), diabetes (OR=1.49; CI=1.36–1.64), hypertension (OR=1.49; CI=1.36–1.65), chronic hepatitis B (OR=2.57; CI=2.26–2.91), or ≥ 1 annual primary care visit (OR=1.65; CI=1.46–1.86). Black (versus White) recipients had lower odds of diagnosis (OR=0.77; CI=0.70–0.86). Given higher HCV prevalence and liver cancer mortality in this population, lower diagnosis rates may reflect insufficient liver cancer detection, potentially driving HCV-related excess mortality rates for individuals living with schizophrenia. Addressing metabolic abnormalities and alcohol use is critical to risk reduction in HCV-infected persons living with schizophrenia, especially those living with HCV-HIV coinfection or racially minoritized.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100804,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Medicine, Surgery, and Public Health","volume":"6 ","pages":"Article 100199"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143935059","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-04-15DOI: 10.1016/j.glmedi.2025.100198
Sirwan Khalid Ahmed , Ribwar Arsalan Mohammed, Abdulqadir J. Nashwan, Radhwan Hussein Ibrahim, Araz Qadir Abdalla, Barzan Mohammed M. Ameen, Renas Mohammed Khdhir
Thematic analysis (TA) is one of the most widely utilized methods for analyzing qualitative data, offering a structured yet flexible framework for identifying, analyzing, and interpreting patterns of meaning within datasets. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of Braun and Clarke's six-phase thematic analysis framework, which includes (1) familiarization with data, (2) generating initial codes, (3) searching for themes, (4) reviewing themes, (5) defining and naming themes, and (6) writing the report. Additionally, it presents a 16-item checklist to ensure adherence to the established steps of thematic analysis, enhancing the rigor and reliability of the study. Each phase is explored in-depth, highlighting its purpose, key activities, reflexive considerations, challenges, and significance. Emphasis is placed on the iterative and reflexive nature of TA, where researchers actively engage with data and acknowledge their theoretical positioning and biases throughout the process. Challenges such as data overwhelm, coding inconsistencies, and balancing thematic depth and breadth are addressed, alongside practical strategies for overcoming these obstacles. The importance of transparency, reflexivity, and methodological rigor is underscored as central to producing trustworthy and insightful qualitative research. This article serves as both an academic reference and a practical guide for researchers aiming to apply thematic analysis effectively, ensuring that their findings are presented in a coherent, compelling, and analytically sound manner.
{"title":"Using thematic analysis in qualitative research","authors":"Sirwan Khalid Ahmed , Ribwar Arsalan Mohammed, Abdulqadir J. Nashwan, Radhwan Hussein Ibrahim, Araz Qadir Abdalla, Barzan Mohammed M. Ameen, Renas Mohammed Khdhir","doi":"10.1016/j.glmedi.2025.100198","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.glmedi.2025.100198","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Thematic analysis (TA) is one of the most widely utilized methods for analyzing qualitative data, offering a structured yet flexible framework for identifying, analyzing, and interpreting patterns of meaning within datasets. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of Braun and Clarke's six-phase thematic analysis framework, which includes (1) familiarization with data, (2) generating initial codes, (3) searching for themes, (4) reviewing themes, (5) defining and naming themes, and (6) writing the report. Additionally, it presents a 16-item checklist to ensure adherence to the established steps of thematic analysis, enhancing the rigor and reliability of the study. Each phase is explored in-depth, highlighting its purpose, key activities, reflexive considerations, challenges, and significance. Emphasis is placed on the iterative and reflexive nature of TA, where researchers actively engage with data and acknowledge their theoretical positioning and biases throughout the process. Challenges such as data overwhelm, coding inconsistencies, and balancing thematic depth and breadth are addressed, alongside practical strategies for overcoming these obstacles. The importance of transparency, reflexivity, and methodological rigor is underscored as central to producing trustworthy and insightful qualitative research. This article serves as both an academic reference and a practical guide for researchers aiming to apply thematic analysis effectively, ensuring that their findings are presented in a coherent, compelling, and analytically sound manner.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100804,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Medicine, Surgery, and Public Health","volume":"6 ","pages":"Article 100198"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143844184","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-04-11DOI: 10.1016/j.glmedi.2025.100196
Amanda dos Santos Pereira , Alexander Miller , Amos Olalekan Akinyemi
Cancer is a complex illness that affects millions of individuals worldwide, posing multifaceted challenges to their physical, mental, and social well-being, often hindering engagement in meaningful activities. In recent years, occupational therapy has emerged as a vital component in the comprehensive care of cancer patients, facilitating their recovery and enhancing their quality of life. This commentary explores the intersection of cancer care and occupational therapy, elucidating the role of occupational therapists in addressing the diverse needs of cancer patients across the continuum of care. Drawing on literature published between 2000 and 2025, this commentary synthesizes evidence from peer-reviewed articles, clinical guidelines, and practice-based insights. It emphasizes the importance of advancing occupational therapy interventions in promoting functional independence, managing symptoms, and fostering psychosocial well-being in individuals affected by cancer. Furthermore, it discusses various approaches and techniques employed by occupational therapists in oncology settings, emphasizing the significance of interdisciplinary collaboration to optimizing patient outcomes. By integrating evidence-based insights, this commentary demonstrates the pivotal role of occupational therapy in bridging the gap between cancer treatment and rehabilitation, ultimately contributing to improved recovery and enhanced quality of life for cancer survivors.
{"title":"Bridging the gap: Advancing occupational therapy in cancer recovery for better outcomes","authors":"Amanda dos Santos Pereira , Alexander Miller , Amos Olalekan Akinyemi","doi":"10.1016/j.glmedi.2025.100196","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.glmedi.2025.100196","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cancer is a complex illness that affects millions of individuals worldwide, posing multifaceted challenges to their physical, mental, and social well-being, often hindering engagement in meaningful activities. In recent years, occupational therapy has emerged as a vital component in the comprehensive care of cancer patients, facilitating their recovery and enhancing their quality of life. This commentary explores the intersection of cancer care and occupational therapy, elucidating the role of occupational therapists in addressing the diverse needs of cancer patients across the continuum of care. Drawing on literature published between 2000 and 2025, this commentary synthesizes evidence from peer-reviewed articles, clinical guidelines, and practice-based insights. It emphasizes the importance of advancing occupational therapy interventions in promoting functional independence, managing symptoms, and fostering psychosocial well-being in individuals affected by cancer. Furthermore, it discusses various approaches and techniques employed by occupational therapists in oncology settings, emphasizing the significance of interdisciplinary collaboration to optimizing patient outcomes. By integrating evidence-based insights, this commentary demonstrates the pivotal role of occupational therapy in bridging the gap between cancer treatment and rehabilitation, ultimately contributing to improved recovery and enhanced quality of life for cancer survivors.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100804,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Medicine, Surgery, and Public Health","volume":"6 ","pages":"Article 100196"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143834949","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-04-09DOI: 10.1016/j.glmedi.2025.100197
Michael Dagovetz , Kaloyan Momchilov , Liahm Blank , Joshua Khorsandi , Amelia Rizzo , Hicham Khabbache , Aldo Sitibondo , Juan Gómez Salgado , Francesco Chirico , Kavita Batra
The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 in December 2019 led to a global pandemic, exacerbating healthcare inequities and necessitating unprecedented international responses. This commentary examines the progression of the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing vaccine development milestones, global disparities in vaccine distribution, and factors contributing to low vaccine uptake. By early 2020, international efforts, including mRNA vaccine development and initiatives such as Operation Warp Speed, demonstrated the rapidity of scientific innovation. However, global vaccine disparities highlighted inequities in healthcare infrastructure and access, particularly in developing nations. Challenges such as cold chain logistics, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, and domination of vaccine supplies by wealthier nations created significant barriers to equitable distribution. Initiatives like COVAX and collaborations with organizations such as the Serum Institute of India sought to address these inequities, underscoring the importance of global partnerships. Despite the proven efficacy of vaccines in preventing severe illness and hospitalization, global vaccination rates remain suboptimal, with only 67 % of the world’s population fully vaccinated by December 2023. Vaccine hesitancy and inequity, driven by systemic healthcare challenges and geopolitical factors, continue to impede efforts to curb the pandemic. This commentary aims to analyze the complex interplay of these factors and evaluate strategies to improve vaccine uptake. By understanding the barriers faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, this also seeks to inform more effective public health interventions and preparedness strategies for future global health crises.
{"title":"Global COVID-19 vaccination challenges: Inequity of access and vaccine hesitancy","authors":"Michael Dagovetz , Kaloyan Momchilov , Liahm Blank , Joshua Khorsandi , Amelia Rizzo , Hicham Khabbache , Aldo Sitibondo , Juan Gómez Salgado , Francesco Chirico , Kavita Batra","doi":"10.1016/j.glmedi.2025.100197","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.glmedi.2025.100197","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 in December 2019 led to a global pandemic, exacerbating healthcare inequities and necessitating unprecedented international responses. This commentary examines the progression of the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing vaccine development milestones, global disparities in vaccine distribution, and factors contributing to low vaccine uptake. By early 2020, international efforts, including mRNA vaccine development and initiatives such as Operation Warp Speed, demonstrated the rapidity of scientific innovation. However, global vaccine disparities highlighted inequities in healthcare infrastructure and access, particularly in developing nations. Challenges such as cold chain logistics, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, and domination of vaccine supplies by wealthier nations created significant barriers to equitable distribution. Initiatives like COVAX and collaborations with organizations such as the Serum Institute of India sought to address these inequities, underscoring the importance of global partnerships. Despite the proven efficacy of vaccines in preventing severe illness and hospitalization, global vaccination rates remain suboptimal, with only 67 % of the world’s population fully vaccinated by December 2023. Vaccine hesitancy and inequity, driven by systemic healthcare challenges and geopolitical factors, continue to impede efforts to curb the pandemic. This commentary aims to analyze the complex interplay of these factors and evaluate strategies to improve vaccine uptake. By understanding the barriers faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, this also seeks to inform more effective public health interventions and preparedness strategies for future global health crises.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100804,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Medicine, Surgery, and Public Health","volume":"6 ","pages":"Article 100197"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143895244","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming healthcare, promising improved diagnostics and efficiency. However, the ethical implications and patient perspectives, particularly among older adults, remain underexplored. This study aimed to explore the ethical considerations and attitudes of older patients toward AI in healthcare decision-making.
Methods
We conducted qualitative research in the geriatric wards of three hospitals in Dhaka, Bangladesh, using the Technology Acceptance Model and a phenomenological approach as the guiding frameworks. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 purposively sampled participants, all aged 60 and above. Data were collected in Bangla, transcribed, translated into English, and analyzed through thematic analysis. Methodological rigor was maintained through member checking, triangulation, and reflexive practices.
Results
Five key themes emerged: (1) Trust and skepticism toward AI’s decision-making capabilities, with concerns about its ability to address nuanced health needs; (2) A strong preference for human interaction over technological efficiency, highlighting the irreplaceable value of empathy; (3) Ethical concerns regarding informed consent, emphasizing the need for transparent and comprehensible AI integration; (4) Apprehension about privacy and data security, reflecting a trust deficit in AI’s handling of sensitive health information; and (5) Mixed perceptions on AI’s role in enhancing or diminishing the quality of care.
Conclusions
This study underscores the need for transparent, patient-centered AI systems that enhance, rather than replace, human elements in care. Addressing ethical concerns about privacy, autonomy, and informed consent is critical to fostering trust and acceptance among older patients.
{"title":"Attitudes of older patients toward artificial intelligence in decision-making in healthcare","authors":"Moustaq Karim Khan Rony , Tuli Rani Deb , Most. Tahmina Khatun , Latifun Nesa , Jeni Begum , Mahabuba Afrin , Md. Abdun Noor , Mosammat Ruma Akter , Mst. Amena Khatun , Most. Hasina Begum , Mst. Rina Parvin , Fazila Akter","doi":"10.1016/j.glmedi.2025.100193","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.glmedi.2025.100193","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming healthcare, promising improved diagnostics and efficiency. However, the ethical implications and patient perspectives, particularly among older adults, remain underexplored. This study aimed to explore the ethical considerations and attitudes of older patients toward AI in healthcare decision-making.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We conducted qualitative research in the geriatric wards of three hospitals in Dhaka, Bangladesh, using the Technology Acceptance Model and a phenomenological approach as the guiding frameworks. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 purposively sampled participants, all aged 60 and above. Data were collected in Bangla, transcribed, translated into English, and analyzed through thematic analysis. Methodological rigor was maintained through member checking, triangulation, and reflexive practices.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Five key themes emerged: (1) Trust and skepticism toward AI’s decision-making capabilities, with concerns about its ability to address nuanced health needs; (2) A strong preference for human interaction over technological efficiency, highlighting the irreplaceable value of empathy; (3) Ethical concerns regarding informed consent, emphasizing the need for transparent and comprehensible AI integration; (4) Apprehension about privacy and data security, reflecting a trust deficit in AI’s handling of sensitive health information; and (5) Mixed perceptions on AI’s role in enhancing or diminishing the quality of care.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>This study underscores the need for transparent, patient-centered AI systems that enhance, rather than replace, human elements in care. Addressing ethical concerns about privacy, autonomy, and informed consent is critical to fostering trust and acceptance among older patients.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100804,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Medicine, Surgery, and Public Health","volume":"6 ","pages":"Article 100193"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143820753","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-04-04DOI: 10.1016/j.glmedi.2025.100195
Rosario Caruso, Arianna Magon
Frailty in pediatric populations is an emerging but increasingly relevant construct that extends beyond physical vulnerability to encompass psychological, social, and developmental dimensions. Although initially conceptualized within gerontology, frailty has gained traction in pediatric healthcare, particularly as it pertains to children living with chronic illnesses, disabilities, or complex care needs. Yet, despite its growing clinical and scientific relevance, pediatric frailty remains an underdeveloped field, with ongoing challenges in its definition, measurement, and integration into practice. This letter outlines the historical evolution of pediatric frailty, identifying four key developmental phases: pre-reflective, reflective, definitional, and research. Initially used synonymously with vulnerability, frailty gradually evolved into an analytical framework supported by statistical modeling, and later became a clinically relevant concept tied to familial and psychological dimensions. The definitional phase saw frailty recognized in pediatric subspecialties, especially oncology and cardiology, with attention to inherited patterns and intergenerational health risks. In the current research phase, efforts have intensified to operationalize frailty through validated scores, biomarkers, and predictive indices tailored to pediatric populations. Notably, frailty is increasingly recognized as a dynamic and multidimensional syndrome that necessitates a broader perspective encompassing family systems and social determinants of health. Despite these advancements, significant gaps persist in the conceptual and methodological foundations of pediatric and familial frailty. There remains a pressing need to develop age-appropriate tools, validate longitudinal trajectories, and incorporate frailty screening into pediatric care pathways. Bridging the gap between conceptual insights and clinical implementation is crucial for enhancing outcomes for vulnerable children and their families. We call on the pediatric clinical communities to prioritize frailty as a core component of child health research and policy. Integrating psychosocial and developmental indicators alongside biological markers will enable early identification and targeted interventions. The evolution of frailty from a theoretical construct to a measurable, actionable clinical entity is within reach—provided future research continues to advance with precision, interdisciplinary collaboration, and patient-centered focus.
{"title":"Pediatric Frailty: From concept to action – Advancing measurement, biomarkers, and clinical integration","authors":"Rosario Caruso, Arianna Magon","doi":"10.1016/j.glmedi.2025.100195","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.glmedi.2025.100195","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Frailty in pediatric populations is an emerging but increasingly relevant construct that extends beyond physical vulnerability to encompass psychological, social, and developmental dimensions. Although initially conceptualized within gerontology, frailty has gained traction in pediatric healthcare, particularly as it pertains to children living with chronic illnesses, disabilities, or complex care needs. Yet, despite its growing clinical and scientific relevance, pediatric frailty remains an underdeveloped field, with ongoing challenges in its definition, measurement, and integration into practice. This letter outlines the historical evolution of pediatric frailty, identifying four key developmental phases: pre-reflective, reflective, definitional, and research. Initially used synonymously with vulnerability, frailty gradually evolved into an analytical framework supported by statistical modeling, and later became a clinically relevant concept tied to familial and psychological dimensions. The definitional phase saw frailty recognized in pediatric subspecialties, especially oncology and cardiology, with attention to inherited patterns and intergenerational health risks. In the current research phase, efforts have intensified to operationalize frailty through validated scores, biomarkers, and predictive indices tailored to pediatric populations. Notably, frailty is increasingly recognized as a dynamic and multidimensional syndrome that necessitates a broader perspective encompassing family systems and social determinants of health. Despite these advancements, significant gaps persist in the conceptual and methodological foundations of pediatric and familial frailty. There remains a pressing need to develop age-appropriate tools, validate longitudinal trajectories, and incorporate frailty screening into pediatric care pathways. Bridging the gap between conceptual insights and clinical implementation is crucial for enhancing outcomes for vulnerable children and their families. We call on the pediatric clinical communities to prioritize frailty as a core component of child health research and policy. Integrating psychosocial and developmental indicators alongside biological markers will enable early identification and targeted interventions. The evolution of frailty from a theoretical construct to a measurable, actionable clinical entity is within reach—provided future research continues to advance with precision, interdisciplinary collaboration, and patient-centered focus.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100804,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Medicine, Surgery, and Public Health","volume":"6 ","pages":"Article 100195"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143792101","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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