Public Health in Practice最新文献

{"title":"Prevalence and determinants of unmet sexual and reproductive health needs among adolescent girls and young women in the Haut-Sassandra Region, Côte d'Ivoire","authors":"Ghislain Muzinga Kasenda ,&nbsp;Banéko Mariame Kone ,&nbsp;Jean Ramdé ,&nbsp;Abdoulaye Anne ,&nbsp;Maman Joyce Dogba ,&nbsp;Souleymane Diabaté","doi":"10.1016/j.puhip.2025.100698","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.puhip.2025.100698","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>Adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in sub-Saharan Africa face persistent challenges in meeting their sexual and reproductive health (SRH) needs, contributing to high rates of unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). This study aimed to assess the prevalence and key determinants of unmet SRH needs among sexually active AGYW living in the Haut-Sassandra region, Côte d’Ivoire.</div></div><div><h3>Study design</h3><div>Cross-sectional study.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This cross-sectional study, conducted in October 2023, included 342 sexually active AGYW randomly recruited from schools and public spaces within a 30-km radius around Daloa. Data were collected via a pre-tested quantitative questionnaire administered face-to-face. Unmet SRH needs were defined according to a multidimensional framework inspired by recent literature, encompassing both contraceptive and sexual health aspects, specifically, the coexistence of a desire to avoid pregnancy and inconsistent condom use and/or a history of unplanned pregnancy, abortion, or STI diagnosis in the past 12 months. Poisson regression models with robust variance were used to identify associated factors.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>In total, 303 participants were included in the analyses. The mean age was 20.3 ± 2.8 years, and the overall prevalence of unmet SRH needs was 48.5 %. Sociodemographic factors positively associated with unmet needs included being married or cohabiting (p = 0.018), attending school (p = 0.029), living in an urban area (p = 0.005), and receiving money from non-family sources (p &lt; 0.0001). Behavioral factors such as alcohol, drug, and/or tobacco use (p = 0.009) and having two or more sexual partners (p = 0.015) were associated with increased unmet needs. At the contextual level, experiencing gender-based violence (p = 0.0001) and endorsing inequitable gender norms regarding sexual decision-making and condom use (p = 0.019) were significantly associated with unmet SRH needs.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Sexually active AGYW in Haut-Sassandra face substantial challenges in meeting their SRH needs. Research-action studies are needed to design youth-driven interventions addressing inequitable gender norms and gender-based violence.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34141,"journal":{"name":"Public Health in Practice","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100698"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-12-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145798975","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}

{"title":"Understanding the link between mental health disorders and professional quality of life among humanitarian workers: A cross-sectional study from the Thai-Myanmar border","authors":"Roshan Kumar Mahato,&nbsp;Naw Lar Paw,&nbsp;Kyaw Min Htike,&nbsp;Rajitra Nawawonganun","doi":"10.1016/j.puhip.2025.100694","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.puhip.2025.100694","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>The study aimed to explore the relationship between mental health disorders and professional quality of life (ProQOL) among humanitarian aid workers (HAWs) along the Thai-Myanmar border focusing on compassion satisfaction, burnout and secondary traumatic stress (STS).</div></div><div><h3>Study design</h3><div>Cross-sectional study.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Data was collected through surveys using validated tools to measure compassion satisfaction, burnout, and secondary traumatic stress. An independent <em>t</em>-test and ANOVA were used to compare groups. Linear regression models were applied to assess the relationships between social support, stress, and job outcomes. Pearson correlation was used to explore the associations between key variables, with significance set at P &lt; 0.05.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The mean scores were 34.87 ± 6.55 for compassion satisfaction, 24.68 ± 5.31 for burnout and 25.16 ± 6.19 for STS. Higher stress, depression and PTSD significantly increased burnout and STS. Quality of life (QOL) was positively linked with compassion satisfaction and negatively associated with burnout and STS. Multiple linear regression showed that family support (AMD: 1.524, 95 % CI: 1.14–1.91) and QOL (AMD: 0.088, 95 % CI: 0.04–0.14) predicted higher compassion satisfaction. Burnout was negatively associated with family support (AMD: 0.951, 95 % CI: 1.25 to −0.65) and QOL (AMD: 0.054, 95 % CI: 0.09 to −0.01) however positively linked to stress and PTSD.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This study provided the mental health challenges of HAWs, emphasizing protective and risk factors that can inform targeted interventions to enhance their well-being in high-risk settings.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34141,"journal":{"name":"Public Health in Practice","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100694"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-12-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145798972","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}

{"title":"Working with democratically elected councillors: Reflections on research engagement in local government","authors":"Andrew Passey ,&nbsp;E.M. Brown ,&nbsp;James Woodall","doi":"10.1016/j.puhip.2025.100701","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.puhip.2025.100701","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>Although local politicians (councillors) in England are key decision-makers in relation to local services, little is known about how they use evidence in making decisions pertaining to the wider determinants of health. The setting-up of 30 Health Determinants Research Collaborations (HDRCs), commissioned to increase the capability and capacity of local authorities to use research and other evidence, provides an opportunity to plug this knowledge gap.</div></div><div><h3>Study design</h3><div>A qualitative reflection on our initial experiences of working with councillors in one HDRC.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We critically reflect on these interactions to extract wider learning that will be of interest to researchers and practitioners in local authorities and potentially research funders. We develop a continuum of interactions with councillors in the HDRC based on our experiences.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Organisational positionality plays a crucial role in shaping research interactions and outcomes. By focusing on existing practices, preferences, and strengths, researchers can move beyond the deficit models that often dominate academic discourse. Engaging with councillors is rarely a linear process; it demands parallel approaches and a high degree of adaptability. Researchers must also remain attentive to both the challenges and opportunities presented by organisational structures and electoral cycles. In this context, mixed-methods research demonstrates resilience, accommodating the varied levels of engagement and involvement among councillors.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>We conclude from these experiences that research with councillors and building their capability to use research evidence in their work requires sustained, flexible, and relational approaches that are responsive to the political and organisational realities of local government.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34141,"journal":{"name":"Public Health in Practice","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100701"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-12-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145799066","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}

{"title":"A short version of the post-COVID-19 condition stigma questionnaire","authors":"Liam Rourke ,&nbsp;Ronald Damant","doi":"10.1016/j.puhip.2025.100696","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.puhip.2025.100696","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>The purpose of this study was to develop a short version of the 40-item Post-COVID-19 Condition Stigma Questionnaire (PCCSQ) while preserving its factor structure, reliability, and validity. The PCCSQ is a sound tool for assessing the discrimination experienced by people with a diagnosis of long covid, but a shorter version would be less demanding of respondents experiencing fatigue and brain fog and easier for clinicians and researchers to administer.</div></div><div><h3>Study design</h3><div>This was an observational study.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>From the original 40-items measuring the 6-factor construct <em>long covid stigma</em>, we assembled 12 items that represented the factors and discriminated among participants with high and low levels of stigma. We administered the shorter questionnaire to 99 long covid patients and assessed several of its measurement properties.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The 12-item instrument maintains the 6-factor structure of long covid stigma, has a mean discrimination index of 0.40 (sd = 0.08; range 0.22–0.48), an internal consistency of α = 0.89, a split-half reliability of 0.86, and it correlates predictably with theoretically-related variables.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The PCCSQ-12 is a feasible, reliable and valid means of assessing patients’ experience of long covid stigma.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34141,"journal":{"name":"Public Health in Practice","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100696"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-12-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145799067","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}

{"title":"Cultivating connection between community, agriculture, food, and green space: A narrative review of agrihoods and their impact on health and wellbeing","authors":"Emma C. Lewis ,&nbsp;M. Renée Umstattd Meyer ,&nbsp;Kathryn M. Janda-Thomte ,&nbsp;Jay E. Maddock ,&nbsp;Marco A. Palma ,&nbsp;Andrew C. McNeely ,&nbsp;Yetunde O. Olawuyi ,&nbsp;Rebecca A. Seguin-Fowler","doi":"10.1016/j.puhip.2025.100695","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.puhip.2025.100695","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Throughout rural and urban communities in the United States, as well as in many places globally, chronic disease rates are high and increasing. Previous evidence suggests that residential environments and their designs play a role in shaping health behaviors and outcomes. Combining land use development with urban agricultural practices to create agriculturally-integrated neighborhoods (‘agrihoods’) has potential for improving the built, natural, and food environments while building community. However, the research on agrihoods is limited, and no structured reviews to date have synthesized the literature pertaining to agrihood impacts on community health. We begin filling this gap by providing a narrative review of the published and grey literature exploring opportunities and challenges of agrihoods for improving health, with an emphasis on integration of community engagement.</div></div><div><h3>Study design</h3><div>This narrative review followed Green and Colleagues’ (2001) “best-evidence synthesis” approach and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) checklist.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A robust search strategy was applied across the PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Science Direct, ProQuest, and Google Scholar databases. All searches and screenings were conducted manually using the primary key term “agrihood/s” and several secondary terms. Eligible peer-reviewed journal articles, reports, and academic theses published until November 2024 were included.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>We extracted and analyzed 29 sources and organized our findings into four key themes: (1) Opportunities for improved health and wellbeing; (2) Challenges to promoting equal and equitable health; (3) Community-engagement for helping to meet health-related needs; and (4) Recommendations to enhance future development. Within these, fifteen sub-themes are identified and discussed in further detail.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>This synthesis adds to the scientific knowledge base and can help inform future agrihood initiatives led by researchers, organizations, and developers. We anticipate that the literature on agrihoods will continue to expand as more research is conducted, warranting a future scoping or systematic review.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34141,"journal":{"name":"Public Health in Practice","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100695"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-12-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145799012","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}

{"title":"Evaluating infant multimorbidity in Ethiopia through the international classification of functioning, disability, and health framework: Results from the performance monitoring for action survey","authors":"E.A. Derso ,&nbsp;S. Fumagalli ,&nbsp;M.G. Valsecchi ,&nbsp;A. Nespoli ,&nbsp;P. Rebora","doi":"10.1016/j.puhip.2025.100697","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.puhip.2025.100697","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>Infant multimorbidity—defined as the co-occurrence of multiple symptoms or conditions—can negatively influence early development and population well-being. This study aimed to apply the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) framework to classify infant morbidity and examine its association with social and health-related risk factors.</div></div><div><h3>Study design</h3><div>Cross-sectional analysis of population-based survey data.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Data were drawn from the 2019 Performance Monitoring for Action Ethiopia (PMA-ET) community survey. Using multistage stratified cluster sampling, women aged 15–49 were screened, and those pregnant or postpartum within six weeks were eligible. Mothers reported infant illnesses in the preceding two weeks, which were then classified using the ICF framework. Multivariable weighted logistic regression was conducted to assess associations with selected risk factors.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Among 2514 infants, 24.7 % experienced morbidity in the cardiovascular, hematological, immunological, or respiratory domains (ICF code b4); 14.0 % in digestive, metabolic, or endocrine systems (b5); 4.5 % in skin and related structures (b8); 2.5 % in sensory functions and pain (b2); and 1.5 % in mental function (b1). Significant risk factors for b4 morbidity included poor sanitation (adjusted OR = 0.68; 95 % CI: 0.47–0.99), lack of cooking facilities (adjusted OR = 0.72; 95 % CI: 0.52–0.99), and a partner's disapproval of family planning (adjusted OR = 1.40; 95 % CI: 1.05–1.87). For b5 morbidity, lower maternal education and partner disapproval or indifference toward family planning were significant predictors.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Addressing household-level determinants and empowering women through education and reproductive autonomy may reduce infant morbidity and support early childhood health.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34141,"journal":{"name":"Public Health in Practice","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100697"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-12-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145799014","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}

{"title":"Equal school meals for all - differentiation of school meals according to school social index","authors":"Cordula Hundeshagen,&nbsp;Heike Rosmann","doi":"10.1016/j.puhip.2025.100693","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.puhip.2025.100693","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>The EU is discussing providing all children healthy food at least once a day through school lunch. In Germany, a School Food Standard (SFS) aims to ensure healthy and sustainable meals, however its implementation is mandatory in only some federal states, while voluntary in others. To address social disadvantages, some states use school social indices to allocate additional funding to disadvantaged schools. This study analyzes German school menus to assess their compliance with SFS requirements under both voluntary and mandatory implementation and examines whether healthy, sustainable lunches are accessible regardless of schools' socioeconomic status.</div></div><div><h3>Study design</h3><div>Exploratory school meal analysis.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A random sample of schools was selected based on the school register and social index, and schools were invited to participate voluntarily. Menus from a state with obligatory (OSFS) and voluntary (VSFS) implementation of the SFS were collected and analyzed. The analysis focused on SFS criteria, including a mixed diet menu, ovo-lacto-vegetarian dishes and criteria for menu planning. Binomial logistic regression and two-step multiple regression models were used to assess the influence of the school social index on compliance with SFS requirements.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>We analyzed 67 OSFS menus and 79 VSFS menus. No significant influence of the school social index on menu quality was observed. OSFS menus generally met SFS requirements to a greater extent and exhibited a healthier dietary pattern. OSFS menus included more grain products, vegetables, legumes, and salad, fruits, and fatty fish, while containing fewer potato products, fried items, and industrial meat substitutes. They also used more organic products and sustainably sourced fish and provided better labeling for animal species, meat substitutes, additives, and allergens. OSFS menus featured more ovo-lacto-vegetarian options and prioritized seasonal and regional products. However, OSFS menus were less tailored to target audiences, lacked nutritional information, and often failed to clearly describe meal components.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Regardless of socioeconomic status, all students receive the same food. OSFS menus better fulfilled SFS requirements and are a healthier and more sustainable option. However, compliance remains incomplete, even in OSFS states. Further research is needed to address implementation barriers and ensure equitable access to healthy school meals.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34141,"journal":{"name":"Public Health in Practice","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100693"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-12-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145750221","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}

{"title":"Insights into cardiovascular health: Knowledge, attitudes, and practices in the Kurdistan region of Iraq","authors":"Ahmed A. Mosa ,&nbsp;Avan Saadi Saleh ,&nbsp;Osama Abdullah M. Taher ,&nbsp;Yousif Hameed Ramadhan ,&nbsp;Kani Fareeq Farooq ,&nbsp;Hajar Hassan Abdulqadir ,&nbsp;Jodi Ramadhan Haji ,&nbsp;Rojeen Chalabi Khalid ,&nbsp;Abdulrahman Ardalan Mahdi ,&nbsp;Rojeen Abdullah Hasso ,&nbsp;Zainab Muhsin Hussein ,&nbsp;Banaz Ameen Mosa ,&nbsp;Ogen Ashur Yohanna ,&nbsp;Arblina Adeeb Yousif ,&nbsp;Ava Anwar M. Maasum ,&nbsp;Salmas S. Ahmed ,&nbsp;Ibrahim A. Naqid ,&nbsp;Ameen M. Mohammad","doi":"10.1016/j.puhip.2025.100686","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.puhip.2025.100686","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>This study aimed to explores the knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) risk factors among the Iraqi Kurdistan population to identify gaps and guide public health strategies for better cardiovascular health outcomes.</div></div><div><h3>Study design</h3><div>A population-based study.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This population-based study was conducted in Duhok Province and the Zakho Independent Administration within the Kurdistan Region of Iraq from April 20, 2024, to June 15, 2024. A total of 784 participants were enrolled in the study. Data collection was carried out through face-to-face interviews in various public settings using a questionnaire comprising 26 items divided into four sections: sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge, attitudes, and practices.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The mean age of the study participants was 32.48 ± 13.63 years. Females made up (54 %) of the sample, and more than half had university or postgraduate education. While a majority recognized smoking (92.1 %), hypertension (81.5 %), and high cholesterol (86.2 %) as significant CVD risk factors, (31.7 %) were unaware that diabetes increases CVD risk. Despite high awareness, only (29.7 %) regularly exercised, and (34.6 %) consumed fast food regularly. The mean KAP score was 20.66 ± 2.63 out of 25, which manifests that participant had good KAP scores toward cardiovascular disease risk factors. The KAP scores were significantly higher among females, married individuals, healthcare workers, non-smokers, those with a family history of CVD, and individuals who obtained their knowledge from physicians.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>This study reveals a gap between knowledge and practice regarding CVD risk factors in the Kurdistan Region. Awareness is high, but many, especially younger adults and those with lower education, fail to adopt healthy practices. The findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to promote behavioral changes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34141,"journal":{"name":"Public Health in Practice","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100686"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-12-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145798970","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}

{"title":"Correlates and Narratives of COVID-19 vaccine uptake in Ghana: A case study","authors":"Lily Yarney ,&nbsp;John Asamoah-Boateng ,&nbsp;Herman Nuake Kofi Agboh ,&nbsp;Gordon Abekah-Nkrumah ,&nbsp;Joel Yarney ,&nbsp;Robert Mayfield Yawson","doi":"10.1016/j.puhip.2025.100683","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.puhip.2025.100683","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted public health and disrupted socioeconomic activities globally. Although vaccination efforts have intensified, overall community uptake of COVID-19 vaccines remain suboptimal. This study explored the facilitators and barriers of vaccine uptake in the New Juaben South Municipality (NJSM) in Ghana.</div></div><div><h3>Study design</h3><div>The Exploratory Case Study Design was employed for the research.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Using concurrent mixed-method approach, quantitative data were collected from 418 randomly selected respondents from eight communities. The qualitative data consisted of responses from 23 participants. Quantitative data were analyzed with SPSS version 28, descriptive statistics, regression analysis, and p-values were used to interpret the findings, whilst participant interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed thematically.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The level of COVID-19 vaccine uptake was 53.1 %. Various factors significantly influenced uptake, including age (p = 0.053), occupational category (p = 0.001), education (p = 0.003), income (p = 0.001), awareness of effectiveness of vaccines (p = 0.002), awareness of ongoing vaccination (p = 0.011), infection with coronavirus (p = 0.005), close family member infected with coronavirus (p = 0.039), death of someone due to COVID-19 (p = 0.022) and overall perception towards COVID-19 disease and vaccine (p = 0.001). Additionally, respondents above 47 years of age [AOR = 4.99, CI= (1.32–18.91), p = 0.018)], health workers [AOR = 2.65, CI = (1.03–6.18), p = 0.043)], those with basic education [AOR = 0.50, CI = (0.27–0.92), p = 0.025)], and good perception towards COVID-19 disease and vaccination [AOR = 2.30, CI = (1.37–3.85), p = 0.002)], all had higher odds of COVID-19 vaccine uptake. However, deeply rooted religious and cultural beliefs were major barriers to vaccination uptake.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Community-based health communication strategies are essential to counter vaccine misconceptions during pandemics and foster enduring behavioural change.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34141,"journal":{"name":"Public Health in Practice","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100683"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-12-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145799015","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}

{"title":"Letter to editor regarding: “Local authorities need tailored research ethics processes to support research capacity building” [Pub. Health Pract. 10 (2025) 100640]","authors":"Geoff Middleton ,&nbsp;Sarah Varga ,&nbsp;Susan Hampshaw ,&nbsp;Geraldine Byrne ,&nbsp;Alex-Jade Delahunty ,&nbsp;Richard Gettings ,&nbsp;Lorna Dowrick ,&nbsp;Catherine Homer","doi":"10.1016/j.puhip.2025.100646","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.puhip.2025.100646","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":34141,"journal":{"name":"Public Health in Practice","volume":"10 ","pages":"Article 100646"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145732978","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}