Pub Date : 2025-10-15DOI: 10.1016/j.puhip.2025.100671
Chrissy P.B. Moonen , Elfi E.H.G. Brouwers , Casper D.J. den Heijer , Nicole H.T.M. Dukers-Muijrers , Jill Buursma , Inge H.M. van Loo , Christian J.P.A. Hoebe
Objectives
In the Netherlands, tuberculosis (TB) screening is mandatory for migrants from high incidence countries (>200 cases/100,000). These regions often have elevated rates of hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV) and HIV. The INTEGREAT-study assessed the feasibility and acceptability of integrating point-of-care testing (POCT) for these infections into existing TB screening, in line with UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Study design
A mixed-methods study design was used.
Methods
This study offered POCT using finger-prick blood and a brief medical history questionnaire during the public health TB screening. Quantitative data were analysed descriptively. Qualitative data from four focus groups with healthcare workers evaluating implementation were deductively and inductively coded.
Results
Of 293 eligible individuals, 231 (78.8 %) participated. Participants (51.1 % male, mean age 31.9 years) originated from India (27.7 %), South Africa (24.7 %), Pakistan (7.4 %), and other countries (40.2 %). Three participants (1.3 %) tested positive for HIV or HBV and were referred to care if appropriate. Most participants (90 %) preferred finger-prick POCT over venipuncture. Focus groups highlighted the importance of a clear protocol and skilled staff for successful implementation.
Conclusions
This study demonstrated the feasibility and acceptability of integrating POCT into TB screening, although the number of infections was low. Careful follow-up remains essential to ensure effective care.
{"title":"Integrating hepatitis and HIV point-of-care testing into mandatory migrant tuberculosis screening in the Netherlands: A feasibility and acceptability study","authors":"Chrissy P.B. Moonen , Elfi E.H.G. Brouwers , Casper D.J. den Heijer , Nicole H.T.M. Dukers-Muijrers , Jill Buursma , Inge H.M. van Loo , Christian J.P.A. Hoebe","doi":"10.1016/j.puhip.2025.100671","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.puhip.2025.100671","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>In the Netherlands, tuberculosis (TB) screening is mandatory for migrants from high incidence countries (>200 cases/100,000). These regions often have elevated rates of hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV) and HIV. The INTEGREAT-study assessed the feasibility and acceptability of integrating point-of-care testing (POCT) for these infections into existing TB screening, in line with UN Sustainable Development Goals.</div></div><div><h3>Study design</h3><div>A mixed-methods study design was used.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This study offered POCT using finger-prick blood and a brief medical history questionnaire during the public health TB screening. Quantitative data were analysed descriptively. Qualitative data from four focus groups with healthcare workers evaluating implementation were deductively and inductively coded.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Of 293 eligible individuals, 231 (78.8 %) participated. Participants (51.1 % male, mean age 31.9 years) originated from India (27.7 %), South Africa (24.7 %), Pakistan (7.4 %), and other countries (40.2 %). Three participants (1.3 %) tested positive for HIV or HBV and were referred to care if appropriate. Most participants (90 %) preferred finger-prick POCT over venipuncture. Focus groups highlighted the importance of a clear protocol and skilled staff for successful implementation.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>This study demonstrated the feasibility and acceptability of integrating POCT into TB screening, although the number of infections was low. Careful follow-up remains essential to ensure effective care.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34141,"journal":{"name":"Public Health in Practice","volume":"10 ","pages":"Article 100671"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-10-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145319798","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 : 2025-10-14DOI: 10.1016/j.puhip.2025.100673
Ma Elena Martínez-Ochoa , Pablo Moya-Martínez , Elisa Amo-Saus , María Ángeles Tortosa-Chuliá
Objectives
The aim of this study is to understand how different measures of loneliness affect the quality-of-life of older adults and their use of social and healthcare services.
Study design
An observational, cross-sectional study was conducted, administering a survey to 1003 non-institutionalized individuals aged 65 years or over in Spain.
Methods
Data on sociodemographic variables, quality-of-life, and the use of social and healthcare services were collected. The prevalence of loneliness was analyzed using various measures, while its relationship with quality-of-life and the use of social and healthcare services was assessed through linear and logistic regression models, adjusting for other factors.
Results
Loneliness reduced quality-of-life by between 11.1 % and 20.7 %. Of the social and health services analyzed, we found that loneliness increased the likelihood of using home help services by a factor of 1.75–2.36 and increased the number of visits to primary care/nursing services by a factor of 1.51–1.70.
Conclusions
Loneliness has detrimental effects on quality-of-life. Moreover, it may negatively impact health status, leading to increased use of social and healthcare services.
{"title":"Factors associated with quality of life and the use of public healthcare and social services in older adults experiencing loneliness","authors":"Ma Elena Martínez-Ochoa , Pablo Moya-Martínez , Elisa Amo-Saus , María Ángeles Tortosa-Chuliá","doi":"10.1016/j.puhip.2025.100673","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.puhip.2025.100673","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>The aim of this study is to understand how different measures of loneliness affect the quality-of-life of older adults and their use of social and healthcare services.</div></div><div><h3>Study design</h3><div>An observational, cross-sectional study was conducted, administering a survey to 1003 non-institutionalized individuals aged 65 years or over in Spain.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Data on sociodemographic variables, quality-of-life, and the use of social and healthcare services were collected. The prevalence of loneliness was analyzed using various measures, while its relationship with quality-of-life and the use of social and healthcare services was assessed through linear and logistic regression models, adjusting for other factors.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Loneliness reduced quality-of-life by between 11.1 % and 20.7 %. Of the social and health services analyzed, we found that loneliness increased the likelihood of using home help services by a factor of 1.75–2.36 and increased the number of visits to primary care/nursing services by a factor of 1.51–1.70.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Loneliness has detrimental effects on quality-of-life. Moreover, it may negatively impact health status, leading to increased use of social and healthcare services.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34141,"journal":{"name":"Public Health in Practice","volume":"10 ","pages":"Article 100673"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-10-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145319580","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 : 2025-10-14DOI: 10.1016/j.puhip.2025.100676
Rebecca Wilson , Louise E. Smith , Maria Theresa Redaniel , Richard Amlôt , Paul R. Hunter , G James Rubin
Objectives
Upsurges of Group A streptococcus (Strep A) and invasive Group A Strep (iGAS) among children can lead to severe health outcomes. Little is known about parents’ information needs during upsurges.
Study design
Secondary analysis of an online cross-sectional survey of 503 parents in the UK, conducted during an upsurge of Strep A/iGAS in 2022.
Methods
Data were available on perceived severity of Strep A and iGAS, levels of worry, knowledge about their symptoms, and whether parents had sought information and if so what.
Results
Thirty-seven participants (7.4 %) had not heard of Strep A, versus 140 (27.8 %) for iGAS. Most participants who had heard of either condition had searched for information, commonly in relation to symptoms. Percentages of participants giving high ratings for severity and worry (scores of 5 or more out of 7) were similar for Strep A (severity: 78.7 %, worry: 65.9 %) and iGAS (severity: 81.1 %, worry: 61.8 %). The only symptoms shown to participants that were correctly identified by more than 50 % were ‘flu-like symptoms’ (recognised by 51.8 % for Strep A and 40.2 % for iGAS) and sore throat (52.5 % and 37.3 % respectively). There was no association between looking for information, or where participants had received information from, and symptom knowledge scores.
Conclusions
High levels of worry existed among parents during the 2022 upsurge in Strep A/iGAS in the UK. This was accompanied by uncertainty about the symptoms associated with Strep A/iGAS and a high desire for more information about symptoms. During future outbreaks, providing clear information about the symptoms to watch out for should continue to be prioritised.
{"title":"Parental information needs during a large group a streptococcus upsurge: A secondary analysis of a cross-sectional, mixed methods study","authors":"Rebecca Wilson , Louise E. Smith , Maria Theresa Redaniel , Richard Amlôt , Paul R. Hunter , G James Rubin","doi":"10.1016/j.puhip.2025.100676","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.puhip.2025.100676","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>Upsurges of Group A streptococcus (Strep A) and invasive Group A Strep (iGAS) among children can lead to severe health outcomes. Little is known about parents’ information needs during upsurges.</div></div><div><h3>Study design</h3><div>Secondary analysis of an online cross-sectional survey of 503 parents in the UK, conducted during an upsurge of Strep A/iGAS in 2022.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Data were available on perceived severity of Strep A and iGAS, levels of worry, knowledge about their symptoms, and whether parents had sought information and if so what.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Thirty-seven participants (7.4 %) had not heard of Strep A, versus 140 (27.8 %) for iGAS. Most participants who had heard of either condition had searched for information, commonly in relation to symptoms. Percentages of participants giving high ratings for severity and worry (scores of 5 or more out of 7) were similar for Strep A (severity: 78.7 %, worry: 65.9 %) and iGAS (severity: 81.1 %, worry: 61.8 %). The only symptoms shown to participants that were correctly identified by more than 50 % were ‘flu-like symptoms’ (recognised by 51.8 % for Strep A and 40.2 % for iGAS) and sore throat (52.5 % and 37.3 % respectively). There was no association between looking for information, or where participants had received information from, and symptom knowledge scores.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>High levels of worry existed among parents during the 2022 upsurge in Strep A/iGAS in the UK. This was accompanied by uncertainty about the symptoms associated with Strep A/iGAS and a high desire for more information about symptoms. During future outbreaks, providing clear information about the symptoms to watch out for should continue to be prioritised.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34141,"journal":{"name":"Public Health in Practice","volume":"10 ","pages":"Article 100676"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-10-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145319577","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 : 2025-10-10DOI: 10.1016/j.puhip.2025.100667
Junying Zhao , Ahmed El Fatmaoui , Mahla Shourian , Bethanie Lor , Pallab K. Ghosh
Objectives
This paper focuses on the national-level, inexpensive, demand-side vaccine policy—federal recommendations. It evaluates the effectiveness of 2008 and 2010 influenza vaccine recommendations, the spillover effect of the 2009 H1N1 vaccine recommendation on influenza vaccination, and heterogeneous policy effects across individual characteristics.
Study design
Observational study with before-after comparison assessing changes in vaccination following policy implementation.
Methods
We used nationally representative 2004–2015 NHIS data on 77,361, 23,653, and 238,866 individuals in age groups targeted by the 2008, 2009, and 2010 policies, respectively. Using the Linear Probability Model with fixed effects, we estimated policy effectiveness, spillover effects, and heterogeneous effects across individual characteristics.
Results
Both 2008 and 2010 influenza vaccine recommendations boosted influenza vaccination likelihood by 20.9–26.5 % among children and 5.2–6.6 % among older adults. The 2009 H1N1 vaccine recommendation had a positive spillover effect, with a 5.7–9.8 % increase in influenza vaccination likelihood among younger adults. Low influenza vaccination likelihoods exist across demographic and socioeconomic characteristics: Children uninsured or privately insured, White, and low-income; Adults uninsured or publicly insured, White, African and Hispanic American, male, childless, self-reported poor or excellent health, low-educated, and low-income.
Conclusions
Future policies may address the cost barriers faced by the uninsured, and multi-level non-cost barriers experienced by privately insured children and publicly insured adults. Future policies may consider extending beyond the federal recommendation, such as implementing simultaneous anti-poverty policies, to achieve minimum coverage and utilize the spillover effects of one vaccine policy to maximize coverage of other vaccines. Future research may investigate potential policy spillover effects among influenza, COVID-19, RSV, and new vaccines.
{"title":"Power of public health advice: Effectiveness and spillover effects of federal vaccine recommendations","authors":"Junying Zhao , Ahmed El Fatmaoui , Mahla Shourian , Bethanie Lor , Pallab K. Ghosh","doi":"10.1016/j.puhip.2025.100667","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.puhip.2025.100667","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>This paper focuses on the national-level, inexpensive, demand-side vaccine policy—federal recommendations. It evaluates the effectiveness of 2008 and 2010 influenza vaccine recommendations, the spillover effect of the 2009 H1N1 vaccine recommendation on influenza vaccination, and heterogeneous policy effects across individual characteristics.</div></div><div><h3>Study design</h3><div>Observational study with before-after comparison assessing changes in vaccination following policy implementation.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We used nationally representative 2004–2015 NHIS data on 77,361, 23,653, and 238,866 individuals in age groups targeted by the 2008, 2009, and 2010 policies, respectively. Using the Linear Probability Model with fixed effects, we estimated policy effectiveness, spillover effects, and heterogeneous effects across individual characteristics.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Both 2008 and 2010 influenza vaccine recommendations boosted influenza vaccination likelihood by 20.9–26.5 % among children and 5.2–6.6 % among older adults. The 2009 H1N1 vaccine recommendation had a positive spillover effect, with a 5.7–9.8 % increase in influenza vaccination likelihood among younger adults. Low influenza vaccination likelihoods exist across demographic and socioeconomic characteristics: Children uninsured or privately insured, White, and low-income; Adults uninsured or publicly insured, White, African and Hispanic American, male, childless, self-reported poor or excellent health, low-educated, and low-income.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Future policies may address the cost barriers faced by the uninsured, and multi-level non-cost barriers experienced by privately insured children and publicly insured adults. Future policies may consider extending beyond the federal recommendation, such as implementing simultaneous anti-poverty policies, to achieve minimum coverage and utilize the spillover effects of one vaccine policy to maximize coverage of other vaccines. Future research may investigate potential policy spillover effects among influenza, COVID-19, RSV, and new vaccines.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34141,"journal":{"name":"Public Health in Practice","volume":"10 ","pages":"Article 100667"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-10-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145416102","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 : 2025-10-09DOI: 10.1016/j.puhip.2025.100668
Alice Hucko , Ralf Weigel , Fakhriddin Nizamov , Michelle Black
The WHO European Region is experiencing concerning setbacks in child and adolescent mortality, highlighting the need for urgent, coordinated action.
Using estimates from the United Nations Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UN IGME), we analyzed mortality trends from 2000 to 2022 across neonatal, under-five, 5-to-14-year-old, and 15-to-19 age groups. Our findings reveal stagnation or increases in mortality rates across multiple countries over the last five years of this period, with the highest burden in Central Asia and Eastern Europe. Several high-income countries also show worrisome plateaus or increases. Alarmingly, adolescent mortality rates are rising in 22 countries, causing the regional median to increase for the first time in decades.
These trends reflect widening inequities, disproportionately affecting migrant children and socioeconomically disadvantaged groups. Contributing factors likely encompass health challenges faced by migrant populations, worsening adolescent mental health exacerbated by COVID-19, negative social media influences, economic decline, and armed conflict.
Urgent action is needed to strengthen maternal, neonatal, and child health services and tackle preventable causes of mortality, including inadequate perinatal care, infectious diseases, and injuries. Equity-focused policies, improved health systems, a comprehensive approach to strengthening health systems, and cross-border collaboration are critical. The upcoming WHO/UNICEF 2026–2030 regional child and adolescent health and well-being strategy presents a vital opportunity to address these concerning trends.
{"title":"Child and adolescent mortality in the WHO European Region: Concerning trends requiring urgent action","authors":"Alice Hucko , Ralf Weigel , Fakhriddin Nizamov , Michelle Black","doi":"10.1016/j.puhip.2025.100668","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.puhip.2025.100668","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The WHO European Region is experiencing concerning setbacks in child and adolescent mortality, highlighting the need for urgent, coordinated action.</div><div>Using estimates from the United Nations Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UN IGME), we analyzed mortality trends from 2000 to 2022 across neonatal, under-five, 5-to-14-year-old, and 15-to-19 age groups. Our findings reveal stagnation or increases in mortality rates across multiple countries over the last five years of this period, with the highest burden in Central Asia and Eastern Europe. Several high-income countries also show worrisome plateaus or increases. Alarmingly, adolescent mortality rates are rising in 22 countries, causing the regional median to increase for the first time in decades.</div><div>These trends reflect widening inequities, disproportionately affecting migrant children and socioeconomically disadvantaged groups. Contributing factors likely encompass health challenges faced by migrant populations, worsening adolescent mental health exacerbated by COVID-19, negative social media influences, economic decline, and armed conflict.</div><div>Urgent action is needed to strengthen maternal, neonatal, and child health services and tackle preventable causes of mortality, including inadequate perinatal care, infectious diseases, and injuries. Equity-focused policies, improved health systems, a comprehensive approach to strengthening health systems, and cross-border collaboration are critical. The upcoming WHO/UNICEF 2026–2030 regional child and adolescent health and well-being strategy presents a vital opportunity to address these concerning trends.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34141,"journal":{"name":"Public Health in Practice","volume":"10 ","pages":"Article 100668"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-10-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145265476","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 : 2025-10-08DOI: 10.1016/j.puhip.2025.100666
Josivaldo de Souza-Lima , Maribel Parra-Saldías , Sandra Mahecha Matsudo , Gerson Ferrari , Andrés Godoy-Cumillaf , Claudio Farias-Valenzuela , Pedro Valdivia-Moral
Objectives
This study examines the association between socioeconomic factors, gender, physical activity, and health satisfaction among Chilean adolescents. It aims to identify key disparities and their implications for public health policies.
Study design
Cross-sectional study based on the third wave (2016–2019) of the international Children's Worlds survey.
Methods
A total of 911 adolescents aged 12–13 years from Santiago, Chile, participated. Physical activity levels, socioeconomic indicators, and health satisfaction were assessed. Statistical analyses included t-tests, chi-square tests, ANOVA, and multiple linear regression models stratified by gender.
Results
Boys reported higher levels of electronic gaming (64.6 % vs. 35.4 %, p < 0.001), while girls engaged more in outdoor play at lower frequencies (52.8 % vs. 47.2 %, p = 0.045). Perceived safety was a stronger predictor of health satisfaction for girls (β = 0.252, p < 0.001) than for boys (β = 0.251, p < 0.001).
Conclusions
Socioeconomic and environmental factors significantly influence adolescent health satisfaction, with gender-specific differences. Policies should focus on improving access to recreational spaces and addressing economic barriers, particularly for girls.
目的探讨智利青少年社会经济因素、性别、身体活动和健康满意度之间的关系。它旨在确定主要的差距及其对公共卫生政策的影响。研究设计基于第三波（2016-2019）国际儿童世界调查的横断面研究。方法对来自智利圣地亚哥的911名12 ~ 13岁青少年进行调查。对身体活动水平、社会经济指标和健康满意度进行了评估。统计分析包括t检验、卡方检验、方差分析和按性别分层的多元线性回归模型。结果男孩报告了更高水平的电子游戏（64.6%对35.4%,p < 0.001），而女孩更多地参与户外游戏，频率较低（52.8%对47.2%,p = 0.045）。感知安全是女孩健康满意度的更强预测因子（β = 0.252, p < 0.001），而男孩（β = 0.251, p < 0.001）。结论社会经济和环境因素对青少年健康满意度有显著影响，且存在性别差异。政策应侧重于改善获得娱乐空间的机会和解决经济障碍，特别是对女孩而言。
{"title":"Analyzing health inequality among adolescents in Chile: Physical activity, socioeconomics, and play environments across genders","authors":"Josivaldo de Souza-Lima , Maribel Parra-Saldías , Sandra Mahecha Matsudo , Gerson Ferrari , Andrés Godoy-Cumillaf , Claudio Farias-Valenzuela , Pedro Valdivia-Moral","doi":"10.1016/j.puhip.2025.100666","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.puhip.2025.100666","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>This study examines the association between socioeconomic factors, gender, physical activity, and health satisfaction among Chilean adolescents. It aims to identify key disparities and their implications for public health policies.</div></div><div><h3>Study design</h3><div>Cross-sectional study based on the third wave (2016–2019) of the international Children's Worlds survey.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A total of 911 adolescents aged 12–13 years from Santiago, Chile, participated. Physical activity levels, socioeconomic indicators, and health satisfaction were assessed. Statistical analyses included t-tests, chi-square tests, ANOVA, and multiple linear regression models stratified by gender.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Boys reported higher levels of electronic gaming (64.6 % vs. 35.4 %, p < 0.001), while girls engaged more in outdoor play at lower frequencies (52.8 % vs. 47.2 %, p = 0.045). Perceived safety was a stronger predictor of health satisfaction for girls (β = 0.252, p < 0.001) than for boys (β = 0.251, p < 0.001).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Socioeconomic and environmental factors significantly influence adolescent health satisfaction, with gender-specific differences. Policies should focus on improving access to recreational spaces and addressing economic barriers, particularly for girls.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34141,"journal":{"name":"Public Health in Practice","volume":"10 ","pages":"Article 100666"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-10-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145265480","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}
To co-create evidence-based, whole-system recommendations for leveraging blue spaces to enhance public health.
•
To highlight the salutogenic and equigenic benefits of blue spaces.
•
To guide decision-makers and practitioners in preserving, revitalising and using urban blue spaces for synergistic benefits to people and the planet.
Study design
Systems based co-creation.
Methods
1)
Establish an evidence base through extensive mixed-methods academic research over six years on the health benefits of urban blue spaces.
2)
Partner with a water-focused national research and innovation program to incorporate policy expertise and reduce siloed working.
3)
Co-create an action plan with stakeholders using system-based participatory research, following the DISCOVER framework.
Results
The full system map consists of 137 variables and 220 causal linkages. The system map is structured around four core mechanisms that illustrate how urban blue spaces influence health: promoting physical activity, fostering social interaction, supporting a healthy environment, and reducing population stress.
Conclusions
Four strategic objectives identified, achievable through 12 policy actions. Blue spaces offer significant health benefits that have historically been overlooked in regeneration projects. The co-created recommendations provide a comprehensive guide for decision-makers and practitioners to maximise the health benefits of blue spaces. Implementing these recommendations can lead to synergistic benefits for both people and the planet.
{"title":"Leveraging blue spaces for public health: Co-creating a whole-system action plan","authors":"Niamh Smith , Michail Georgiou , Deryck Irving , Sebastien Chastin","doi":"10.1016/j.puhip.2025.100665","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.puhip.2025.100665","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div><ul><li><span>•</span><span><div>To co-create evidence-based, whole-system recommendations for leveraging blue spaces to enhance public health.</div></span></li><li><span>•</span><span><div>To highlight the salutogenic and equigenic benefits of blue spaces.</div></span></li><li><span>•</span><span><div>To guide decision-makers and practitioners in preserving, revitalising and using urban blue spaces for synergistic benefits to people and the planet.</div></span></li></ul></div></div><div><h3>Study design</h3><div>Systems based co-creation.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div><ul><li><span>1)</span><span><div>Establish an evidence base through extensive mixed-methods academic research over six years on the health benefits of urban blue spaces.</div></span></li><li><span>2)</span><span><div>Partner with a water-focused national research and innovation program to incorporate policy expertise and reduce siloed working.</div></span></li><li><span>3)</span><span><div>Co-create an action plan with stakeholders using system-based participatory research, following the DISCOVER framework.</div></span></li></ul></div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The full system map consists of 137 variables and 220 causal linkages. The system map is structured around four core mechanisms that illustrate how urban blue spaces influence health: promoting physical activity, fostering social interaction, supporting a healthy environment, and reducing population stress.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Four strategic objectives identified, achievable through 12 policy actions. Blue spaces offer significant health benefits that have historically been overlooked in regeneration projects. The co-created recommendations provide a comprehensive guide for decision-makers and practitioners to maximise the health benefits of blue spaces. Implementing these recommendations can lead to synergistic benefits for both people and the planet.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34141,"journal":{"name":"Public Health in Practice","volume":"10 ","pages":"Article 100665"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-10-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145319578","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 : 2025-10-04DOI: 10.1016/j.puhip.2025.100663
Sabet Van Steenbergen , Steven Vanderstichelen , Else Gien Statema , Luc Deliens , Sarah Dury , Kenneth Chambaere
Background
Community volunteers in palliative care often notice needs that healthcare professionals and family caregivers miss, playing an important signposting role in several settings. However, community volunteers often still go unnoticed, are frequently insufficiently supported and their important contributions underutilized. In order to fulfill a signposting role, community volunteers need knowledge about palliative care needs and community resources; and they should have good relational, communication and observation skills. Training modules specifically aimed at these skills and knowledge can play an important supportive role for community volunteers.
Objectives
To develop a training to support community volunteers in their signposting role for palliative care of community residents.
Study design
A formative intervention development study.
Methods
The training was developed in the form of an interactive workshop. It's materials and protocol were designed and produced based on the following methods: review of available educational resources for community volunteers, 16 program design meetings with a psychologist trainer and 3 stakeholder advisory board meetings.
Results
The learning objectives are to increase awareness and knowledge of the volunteer role and signposting function, palliative care needs and signals, community resources, and increase self-efficacy in communication of care signals with the community resident and with healthcare professionals. The ‘Attentive Visitors’ workshop consists of a didactic session (7,5 h) focusing on developing knowledge, skills and self-efficacy, and a follow-up session (3 h) focusing on reflection and the exchange of volunteers' knowledge and experiences. Case discussions, reflection exercises and role plays are used to enhance volunteers' insights and skills related to recognizing, describing, responding to and communicating patient needs to healthcare professionals.
Conclusion
The evidence-informed Attentive Visitors Workshop aims to support community volunteers in their signposting role and to improve the connection and information exchange between volunteers and healthcare professionals. Future research will pilot and evaluate the workshop's effectiveness, acceptability and feasibility.
{"title":"Development of the ‘Attentive Visitors’ workshop supporting community volunteers in their palliative care signposting role","authors":"Sabet Van Steenbergen , Steven Vanderstichelen , Else Gien Statema , Luc Deliens , Sarah Dury , Kenneth Chambaere","doi":"10.1016/j.puhip.2025.100663","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.puhip.2025.100663","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Community volunteers in palliative care often notice needs that healthcare professionals and family caregivers miss, playing an important signposting role in several settings. However, community volunteers often still go unnoticed, are frequently insufficiently supported and their important contributions underutilized. In order to fulfill a signposting role, community volunteers need knowledge about palliative care needs and community resources; and they should have good relational, communication and observation skills. Training modules specifically aimed at these skills and knowledge can play an important supportive role for community volunteers.</div></div><div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>To develop a training to support community volunteers in their signposting role for palliative care of community residents.</div></div><div><h3>Study design</h3><div>A formative intervention development study.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The training was developed in the form of an interactive workshop. It's materials and protocol were designed and produced based on the following methods: review of available educational resources for community volunteers, 16 program design meetings with a psychologist trainer and 3 stakeholder advisory board meetings.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The learning objectives are to increase awareness and knowledge of the volunteer role and signposting function, palliative care needs and signals, community resources, and increase self-efficacy in communication of care signals with the community resident and with healthcare professionals. The ‘Attentive Visitors’ workshop consists of a didactic session (7,5 h) focusing on developing knowledge, skills and self-efficacy, and a follow-up session (3 h) focusing on reflection and the exchange of volunteers' knowledge and experiences. Case discussions, reflection exercises and role plays are used to enhance volunteers' insights and skills related to recognizing, describing, responding to and communicating patient needs to healthcare professionals.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The evidence-informed Attentive Visitors Workshop aims to support community volunteers in their signposting role and to improve the connection and information exchange between volunteers and healthcare professionals. Future research will pilot and evaluate the workshop's effectiveness, acceptability and feasibility.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34141,"journal":{"name":"Public Health in Practice","volume":"10 ","pages":"Article 100663"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-10-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145265474","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 : 2025-10-02DOI: 10.1016/j.puhip.2025.100664
Tin D. Vo , Todd A. Coleman , Cameron McKenzie , Kyran Ferrier , Grace Henry , Alik Sarian , Corey Bernard , Ruth Cameron , Charlie Davis , Daniel Grace , LLana James , Nick Mulé
Objectives
The objectives of this study were to: 1) examine how often sexual orientation, gender identity and expression (SOGIE)-diverse terms appeared on websites of public health units (PHUs) in Ontario, Canada, and 2) determine the contexts within which these terms appeared on these PHU websites.
Study design
This study employed a summative content analysis of 34 Ontario PHU websites.
Methods
The study involved compiling a list of SOGIE-diverse terms, searched PHU websites using their integrated search systems, and retrieved webpages where relevant search terms were found. The data analysis included enumerating how often the SOGIE-diverse terms appeared and summarizing the contexts within which the terminology appeared on the 34 PHU websites.
Results
Across these websites, terms commonly found were variations of “LGBT,” “sexual/sexuality,” and identity terms, including “bisexual,” “gay,” “queer,” and “lesbian.” SOGIE-diverse communities were reflected in two broad categories: sexual health and infectious diseases; and mental health, SOGIE-diversity discrimination, and resources.
Conclusions
In this website review, most PHUs offer some relevant information about and for SDCs; however, they also lacked in specific, SOGIE-relevant ways. While sexual health and mental health are pertinent concerns, this myopic view of relevant health concerns for SOGIE-diverse communities excludes holistic health conceptualizations and lacks nuanced understanding of SDCs’ rich lived experiences. The implications of this work are to ensure that PHUs have mutual understanding of SOGIE-diversity related terms, and how they represent SDCs via their websites and the information and services offered for these communities. Ontario PHUs, especially through public-facing platforms such as websites, have a unique opportunity to educate both SDCs and the broader public. Clear, consistent, and collaborative communication can minimize inequitable health outcomes for these communities.
{"title":"SOGIE-diverse inclusivity: An analysis of 2SLGBTQ+ representation on Ontario, Canada public health unit websites","authors":"Tin D. Vo , Todd A. Coleman , Cameron McKenzie , Kyran Ferrier , Grace Henry , Alik Sarian , Corey Bernard , Ruth Cameron , Charlie Davis , Daniel Grace , LLana James , Nick Mulé","doi":"10.1016/j.puhip.2025.100664","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.puhip.2025.100664","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>The objectives of this study were to: 1) examine how often sexual orientation, gender identity and expression (SOGIE)-diverse terms appeared on websites of public health units (PHUs) in Ontario, Canada, and 2) determine the contexts within which these terms appeared on these PHU websites.</div></div><div><h3>Study design</h3><div>This study employed a summative content analysis of 34 Ontario PHU websites.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The study involved compiling a list of SOGIE-diverse terms, searched PHU websites using their integrated search systems, and retrieved webpages where relevant search terms were found. The data analysis included enumerating how often the SOGIE-diverse terms appeared and summarizing the contexts within which the terminology appeared on the 34 PHU websites.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Across these websites, terms commonly found were variations of “LGBT,” “sexual/sexuality,” and identity terms, including “bisexual,” “gay,” “queer,” and “lesbian.” SOGIE-diverse communities were reflected in two broad categories: sexual health and infectious diseases; and mental health, SOGIE-diversity discrimination, and resources.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>In this website review, most PHUs offer some relevant information about and for SDCs; however, they also lacked in specific, SOGIE-relevant ways. While sexual health and mental health are pertinent concerns, this myopic view of relevant health concerns for SOGIE-diverse communities excludes holistic health conceptualizations and lacks nuanced understanding of SDCs’ rich lived experiences. The implications of this work are to ensure that PHUs have mutual understanding of SOGIE-diversity related terms, and how they represent SDCs via their websites and the information and services offered for these communities. Ontario PHUs, especially through public-facing platforms such as websites, have a unique opportunity to educate both SDCs and the broader public. Clear, consistent, and collaborative communication can minimize inequitable health outcomes for these communities.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34141,"journal":{"name":"Public Health in Practice","volume":"10 ","pages":"Article 100664"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-10-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145319797","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 : 2025-10-01DOI: 10.1016/j.puhip.2025.100658
Ariel Washington , Kassidy F. Houck , Bridget W. Nelson , Diane M. Harper
Objectives
Black women have both high screening and high cancer rates, indicating a lack of appropriate follow-up after an abnormal screening. Our mixed methods study explores the experiences of Black women who had abnormal cervical cancer screening results in Michigan.
Study design
Sequential mixed-method study design.
Methods
We identified a random group of 72 Black women with recent abnormal screening results requiring colposcopy follow-up from the aggregated local healthcare systems and invited them to participate. We designed a quantitative survey based on validated national health survey modules and a qualitative interview structured on the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF), which was analyzed using Applied Thematic Analysis (ATA). We calculated each person's social deprivation index (SDI) based on quantitative results.
Results
Fourteen women completed the survey and interview. Five, seven, and two women chose no colposcopy, appropriate colposcopy, and missed colposcopy, but returned for close interval surveillance, respectively. The qualitative themes provided a potent emerging theme: the eternal cycle of human papillomavirus (HPV) uncertainty, which provided context for the other identified themes centered around lack of knowledge leading to emotional burdens, which intersected with being seen as a Black woman. We found similar barriers that have been noted for screening, such as relationships, positive and negative, having some influence on follow-up behavior.
Conclusions
With the shift to primary HPV screening, new educational platforms must be created and tailored to explain the HPV cycle for each racial/ethnic community.
Precis
The lack of knowledge about the eternal cycle of HPV uncertainty leads to Black women's lack of colposcopy follow-up.
{"title":"Black US women share their experiences with follow-up after abnormal cervical cancer screening","authors":"Ariel Washington , Kassidy F. Houck , Bridget W. Nelson , Diane M. Harper","doi":"10.1016/j.puhip.2025.100658","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.puhip.2025.100658","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>Black women have both high screening and high cancer rates, indicating a lack of appropriate follow-up after an abnormal screening. Our mixed methods study explores the experiences of Black women who had abnormal cervical cancer screening results in Michigan.</div></div><div><h3>Study design</h3><div>Sequential mixed-method study design.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We identified a random group of 72 Black women with recent abnormal screening results requiring colposcopy follow-up from the aggregated local healthcare systems and invited them to participate. We designed a quantitative survey based on validated national health survey modules and a qualitative interview structured on the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF), which was analyzed using Applied Thematic Analysis (ATA). We calculated each person's social deprivation index (SDI) based on quantitative results.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Fourteen women completed the survey and interview. Five, seven, and two women chose no colposcopy, appropriate colposcopy, and missed colposcopy, but returned for close interval surveillance, respectively. The qualitative themes provided a potent emerging theme: the eternal cycle of human papillomavirus (HPV) uncertainty, which provided context for the other identified themes centered around lack of knowledge leading to emotional burdens, which intersected with being seen as a Black woman. We found similar barriers that have been noted for screening, such as relationships, positive and negative, having some influence on follow-up behavior.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>With the shift to primary HPV screening, new educational platforms must be created and tailored to explain the HPV cycle for each racial/ethnic community.</div></div><div><h3>Precis</h3><div>The lack of knowledge about the eternal cycle of HPV uncertainty leads to Black women's lack of colposcopy follow-up.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34141,"journal":{"name":"Public Health in Practice","volume":"10 ","pages":"Article 100658"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145265479","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}
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