Journal of Community Health最新文献

Although the Hispanic/Latino/Latina immigrant population group has been documented to use a higher number of herbs, spices and supplements, research findings on this topic are still insufficient. This study aimed to evaluate the supplements chosen by Hispanic/Latino/Latina immigrants in relation to their evidence for use in the literature as well as the number of herbs and spices used. This cross-sectional study utilized convenience sampling to survey 62 Hispanic/Latino/Latina immigrants in central Indiana. The research collected data regarding herbs and spice consumption, supplement usage and beliefs, therapeutic diet practices, disease history, and food frequency information. Dietary supplement use was more prevalent among females and individuals with a high school education. A statistically significant difference between male and female participants was observed regarding the use of green tea supplements, as well as all herbal products and single vitamins combined (p <.001). Significant associations were also found when comparing individuals with bone and joint (p =.030), cardiovascular (p =.024), gastrointestinal (p =.031), and endocrine diseases (p =.020) to those adhering to a special diet. There was a lack of evidence supporting supplement use based on research findings. These results suggest for the need of supplement and therapeutic diet use education in the Hispanic/Latino/Latina population residing in the United States. Further research is needed to advance these findings.

Magazines are periodicals characterized by their articles, pictures, and advertisements to generally inform and entertain readers on a variety of topics. In contrast, professional journals are publications that update and provide new research results for professionals in a specific field. Unlike magazines, the articles in professional journals have undergone assessments by their professional peers for validity and reliability of their content. In other words, peer review is the hallmark of professional journals informing and advancing the knowledge of a professional field. No where else is it more important than in health-related journals to have valid and reliable information. This commentary's purpose is to review the process of peer review, and the journals professional roles involved in that process.

Background: The tobacco retailer environment (TRE) harms communities, but the implementation of policies to address it have been slow and uneven and receive tepid public support.

Objective: To test whether a smartphone app's photo-mapping activity could raise community awareness of the TRE.

Methods: This was a non-randomized study with a pre-post design. For three weeks, 75 university students engaged with the app, which incentivized participants to submit photos of significant aspects of tobacco in their environments (e.g., tobacco litter, tobacco retailers). Surveys administered before and after the app period assessed tobacco- and policy-related perceptions.

Results: Repeated-measures analyses indicated that, over the course of the study, participants increased in their awareness of tobacco advertising, awareness of tobacco litter, anti-tobacco industry attitudes, and support for an outdoor tobacco-free campus policy. Those most engaged in the study (as indicated by the total number of photo submissions) also increased in their attitudes about there being too many tobacco retailers.

Conclusions: Overall, findings suggest an app-based, photo-mapping activity could be an innovative means of directing people's attention to the impact of the tobacco industry in their local community. Such activities could help increase public support for tobacco retailer licensing and other TRE-focused policies.

Synthetic oral nicotine pouches (ONP) are an increasingly popular route for non-tobacco nicotine consumption. While there is a growing understanding of ONP use internationally, especially in countries where these products have been available longer, few studies address ONP use in Canada. This cross-sectional study sought to quantify and characterize current ONP use in Canadian post-secondary students. A Qualtrics-based web survey of Canadian post-secondary (university or college) students was conducted in September/October 2024. This collected demographics, participant ONP history, recent use, and other nicotine/non-nicotine substance use. The Penn State Nicotine Pouch Dependence Index (PSNPDI) was embedded within the broader survey to assess nicotine dependence. Descriptive analysis was performed for ever- and recent-ONP use prevalence, poly-use of ONP with other products/substances, and ONP use with key demographic or contextualizing factors. Of 452 post-secondary student respondents (22% male, 78% female; age: 20.2 ± 2.6y), 27% reported ever-use of ONPs, with a mean ± SD age at first use of 19.2 ± 3.0y and 12% of all respondents reporting ONP use in the last 30 days. 77% and 89% of ONP users reported ever-use of tobacco and e-cigarettes, respectively, versus 24% and 44% of non-ONP users (p < 0.001). Among ONP ever-users, 62.3% reported no (PSNPDI score 0-3), 29.5% reported low (PSNPDI score 4-8), and 8.2% reported medium (PSNPDI score 9-12) dependence. These data provide a first glimpse into ONP use in Canadian post-secondary students, against which to assess future use patterns.

To identify demographic and primary care utilization factors associated with distance traveled for healthcare among Medicaid-insured children in South Carolina (SC). Medicaid claims data was analyzed among patients with a weight-related diagnostic code who received primary care services in SC from 2018 to 2022 (N = 1,055,613). Multinomial regression analyses were used to examine associations between demographic and primary care utilization factors and distance traveled to primary care services. Among Medicaid-insured children in SC, those who were Non-Hispanic White, obese, had lapses in coverage, sought non-well-child visits, and lived in rural counties demonstrated higher odds of traveling for primary care, compared to other children. Further, children who were Non-Hispanic White, overweight, and had lapses in coverage demonstrated higher odds of traveling distally for PC, compared to other children. These findings underscore the complex interplay between race/ethnicity, healthcare access, and obesity risk among Medicaid-insured children, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions that address these disparities. The study's insights can inform policy and healthcare practices aimed at improving the accessibility of primary care and supporting effective weight management strategies for pediatric populations in SC.

The involvement of civil society organizations in sexual and reproductive health (SRH) programs in Latin America began to expand during the health sector reforms era. These organizations have undergone significant changes over the decades, being able to collaborate with government agencies, the private sector and international agencies with the commitment to address the specific needs of vulnerable populations in the countries. We provide a synthesized and analytical description of the experiences of 17 civil organizations that carry out actions in the field of SRH in five Latin American countries. The aim is to understand the variety of organizational models, the populations served, the funding, and the activities they perform in the SRH field. A multi-case study focused on 17 organizations that primarily carry actions on SRH, especially for vulnerable populations in Latin America: Colombia, Guatemala, Ecuador, Mexico, and Peru. Data collection was carried out in two stages: gathering preliminary information and semi-structured interviews with 55 members of the organizations. The analysis was based on categories constructed prior to the process. These are described through four categories: Characteristics of target populations; Relationship with government structure and other interested actors; Activities Carried Out in Response to SRH; Achievements and scope of civil organizations in sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights. Civil society organizations in the studied countries are essential within health systems, acting as agents of equity, expert service providers, and with a strong commitment to their target populations. In this study, they encountered several financial and political challenges. Their ability to adapt and the recognition they receive from the populations they serve stands out. Civil organizations not only fill significant gaps in the provision of SRH services but also become catalytic forces for social change and equity. It is essential to develop funding mechanisms and support policies that allow their continuous operation, expansion, and informed participation in decision-making processes in Latin America.

The resurgence of monkeypox (MPX) as a global public health emergency in 2024 highlighted the challenges faced by healthcare systems worldwide, particularly in resource-limited settings like Iraq. Understanding the knowledge, attitudes, and anxiety levels among healthcare providers and medical students is crucial to enhance preparedness and response strategies during outbreaks. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and anxiety levels of Iraqi healthcare providers and medical students regarding MPX, identifying gaps that may hinder effective outbreak response and public health education. A cross-sectional study was conducted among healthcare providers and medical students across Iraq. Data were collected through an online, self-administered survey distributed via digital platforms between September 1, 2024, and January 15, 2025. The questionnaire assessed participants' knowledge, attitudes, and anxiety regarding MPX. A total of 200 participants were included, with a mean age of 21.84 ± 2.49 years, predominantly female (74%) and single (96%). While 73.8% of participants recognized isolation as a prevention method, 63.8% identified multiple transmission routes, and only 40% were aware of MPX prior to the study. The average anxiety score was 17.92 ± 5.76, reflecting moderate anxiety, with higher scores observed among females. Knowledge gaps persisted in recognizing symptoms like lymphadenopathy (51.3%) and treatment options, with 38.8% believing there was no treatment. Vaccination willingness was moderate, with only 65% willing to be vaccinated. Social media was the primary source of information (63.7%), often contributing to misinformation. Significant gaps in knowledge and varying attitudes highlight the need for targeted educational campaigns and improved communication strategies to prepare healthcare professionals for managing emerging infectious diseases like MPX. Addressing these gaps can mitigate anxiety and enhance healthcare preparedness in Iraq and similar settings.

The Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the US and a leading cause of cervical cancer. Latinas have higher rates of cervical cancer incidence and mortality compared to non-Latina White women. The HPV vaccine is a primary form of prevention recommended for pre-adolescents but, vaccine completion of the two dose vaccine series is low among Latina adolescents. The purpose of the study was to investigate the association between sociocultural variables, mother-daughter connectedness, and communication about sexual health on HPV vaccine completion thereby moving beyond prior research that has focused on individual attitudes or provider recommendations. A cross-sectional survey was administered to 192 Latina mothers of Mexican descent. Linear regression and an exploratory model depicting associations between the variables and vaccination completion was tested through path analysis. Mother-daughter conversations about birth control emerged as the strongest predictor of vaccination completion. Indices of fit for a modified exploratory model were χ2(18) = 1.28 χ2/df = 5.76, p = .001; CFI = 0.96; TLI = 0.94; RMSEA = 0.03. Estimates of indirect effects indicated that mother-daughter connectedness had an indirect effect on comfort having sexuality-related conversations which in turn, had an indirect effect on conversations about birth control. Findings contribute by elucidating the nuanced mechanisms through which parental relationship quality and communication practices shape parental uptake of sexual and reproductive health behaviors for children. Findings respond to calls for culturally relevant family-level approaches to HPV vaccination.

The adoption of HIVST testing is confronted with significant challenges, particularly among men who have sex with men (MSM) as a key population. This study aims to investigate factors influencing the decision to use HIVST among MSM in Indonesia. A cross-sectional study (July-September 2024) examined factors influencing willingness to use HIV self-testing (HIVST) among MSM in the North Sulawesi region. Participants (n=200), recruited via NGOs and WhatsApp, were ≥17 years and had recent same-sex activity. HIVST kits were distributed by NGO staff who also provided data collection, counseling, and referrals. Willingness was measured using a Likert scale. Data included demographics, HIV testing history, HIVST knowledge, and confidence in test accuracy. Informed consent was obtained, and participants completed anonymous online surveys. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses identified factors associated with willingness to use HIVST. Among 200 MSM respondents, 32% reported a high willingness to use HIVST. Significant associations were found with age (p<0.001), education (p=0.039), and prior HIV testing (p<0.001). Knowledge of HIVST and trust in test accuracy were both significantly related to willingness (p<0.05). Logistic regression showed that being "slightly" or "very familiar" with HIVST increased the odds of willingness (OR=4.073 and 6.869, respectively; p=0.044 and p=0.009). The HIVST is a potentially effective instrument for the expansion of testing among MSM in Indonesia, with a focus on enhancing awareness, addressing misconceptions, and establishing support systems for linkage to care.

Black adults experience the highest incidence and/or mortality rates for many commonly diagnosed cancers; yet they are underrepresented in cancer basic, applied, and translational research. This underrepresentation is greatest among Black adults living in low-income communities. There are many barriers to these individuals participating in cancer research, including limited effective research engagement strategies. This paper describes the University of Florida (UF) Health Cancer Center Community-Partnered Cancer Disparities Research Collaborative (CDRC) model and its implementation. The UF CDRC model consists of human and physical infrastructure for the sustained engagement of Black adults within low-income communities in cancer research. The CDRC model is culturally sensitive and informed by the community-based participatory research approach, which requires equitable partnerships between scientific researchers and community members. The human infrastructure of the CDRC model includes faculty and community researchers, pastors, and culturally diverse university students. The physical infrastructure of the CDRC model consists of 10 predominantly Black churches and a community-based multipurpose building, all of which are community outreach and research sites. Examples of evidence supporting the use of the CDRC model includes (a) the successful recruitment, training, and retention of trusted community members and leaders as major research partners in the CDRC, and (b) the pipeline development of culturally sensitive student and faculty health equity researchers. The CDRC model is a novel, replicable infrastructure model for the sustained engagement of Black adults within low-income communities in cancer prevention, treatment, and survivorship research. It is dedicated to reducing cancer disparities that plague Black communities.