Pub Date : 2026-03-05eCollection Date: 2026-01-01DOI: 10.3389/phrs.2026.1609006
María Adelaida Cordoba-Nuñez, Alejandro Unda-López, Paula Hidalgo-Andrade, Luis Fernando Rodrigues, Fernando Cesar Iwamoto Marcucci, Tania Pastrana
Objective: To identify the place of death and associated factors among individuals in Latin American countries, with a particular focus on chronic conditions and serious health-related suffering.
Methods: A systematic review was conducted across five databases in May 2024 following PRISMA guidelines. Eligible studies included data on the place of death of at least one Latin American country.
Results: Twenty-one studies with data from 12 Latin American countries were included. Hospital was the most frequent place of death in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Paraguay, and Uruguay, while home deaths predominated in Ecuador, El Salvador, and Guatemala. In Chile, Peru, and Mexico, the distribution was mixed, varying by population and clinical condition. Findings showed that older individuals and lower education were associated with an increased likelihood of home death. Marital status and urban residence showed mixed associations. A meta-analysis was not feasible due to high heterogeneity among the studies.
Conclusion: The place of death of people with chronic and serious health-related conditions in Latin America varies considerably, reflecting disparities in healthcare access, sociocultural values, and health system infrastructure. Findings highlight the need for country-specific, equity-oriented end-of-life care policies.
{"title":"Place of Death of People With Chronic Conditions in Latin America: A Systematic Review.","authors":"María Adelaida Cordoba-Nuñez, Alejandro Unda-López, Paula Hidalgo-Andrade, Luis Fernando Rodrigues, Fernando Cesar Iwamoto Marcucci, Tania Pastrana","doi":"10.3389/phrs.2026.1609006","DOIUrl":"10.3389/phrs.2026.1609006","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To identify the place of death and associated factors among individuals in Latin American countries, with a particular focus on chronic conditions and serious health-related suffering.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A systematic review was conducted across five databases in May 2024 following PRISMA guidelines. Eligible studies included data on the place of death of at least one Latin American country.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Twenty-one studies with data from 12 Latin American countries were included. Hospital was the most frequent place of death in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Paraguay, and Uruguay, while home deaths predominated in Ecuador, El Salvador, and Guatemala. In Chile, Peru, and Mexico, the distribution was mixed, varying by population and clinical condition. Findings showed that older individuals and lower education were associated with an increased likelihood of home death. Marital status and urban residence showed mixed associations. A meta-analysis was not feasible due to high heterogeneity among the studies.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The place of death of people with chronic and serious health-related conditions in Latin America varies considerably, reflecting disparities in healthcare access, sociocultural values, and health system infrastructure. Findings highlight the need for country-specific, equity-oriented end-of-life care policies.</p><p><strong>Systematic review registration: </strong>https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42024553349.</p>","PeriodicalId":35944,"journal":{"name":"PUBLIC HEALTH REVIEWS","volume":"47 ","pages":"1609006"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2026-03-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12999540/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147499873","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}
Objectives: The introduction of the Hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccine has significantly reduced the disease's burden. Tribes comprise approximately 8.6% of the Indian population, making it pertinent to investigate the epidemiology of HBV among these individuals. We synthesized the prevalence of HBV among tribes in India.
Methods: We searched the Medline (via the PubMed search engine), Embase, and CINAHL databases, in addition to the first 10 pages of Google Scholar. We included original observational studies that screened tribal populations for HBV infection, reported the prevalence of HBsAg (our main preference), and/or other markers. The risk of bias was assessed using the Appraisal Tool for Cross-Sectional Studies. The pooled prevalence was presented after conducting a meta-analysis (PROSPERO registration ID: CRD42022334938).
Results: A total of 24 studies were selected for this study. The pooled prevalence of HBV (as measured by the proportion of individuals testing positive for hepatitis B surface antigen) was estimated to be 9.99% (95% confidence interval (CI) 6.07-14.75, I2 = 98.7%, p < 0.01). The highest HBV prevalence was noted in the northern zone of the country (19.60%, 95% CI 15.09-24.54, I2 = 84.4%, p < 0.01), followed by the northeastern zone (13.43%, 95% CI 6.09-23.08, I2 = 98.4%, p < 0.01), and the southern zone (10.44%, 95% CI 4.75-18.01, I2 = 98.9%, p < 0.01).
Conclusion: A considerable prevalence of HBV was observed in tribal communities in India, a fact that cannot be overlooked. This information may be useful for planning HBV vaccination strategies among tribes in India.
目的:乙型肝炎病毒(HBV)疫苗的引入显著减轻了该病的负担。部落约占印度人口的8.6%,因此有必要对这些人进行HBV流行病学调查。我们综合了印度部落中HBV的流行情况。方法:我们检索Medline(通过PubMed搜索引擎)、Embase和CINAHL数据库,以及b谷歌Scholar的前10页。我们纳入了筛选部落人群HBV感染、报告HBsAg患病率(我们的主要偏好)和/或其他标志物的原始观察性研究。偏倚风险采用横断面研究评估工具进行评估。汇总患病率是在进行荟萃分析后得出的(PROSPERO注册ID: CRD42022334938)。结果:本研究共纳入24项研究。HBV的总患病率(以乙型肝炎表面抗原检测阳性的个体比例衡量)估计为9.99%(95%置信区间(CI) 6.07-14.75, I2 = 98.7%, p < 0.01)。乙肝病毒感染率最高的地区为北部地区(19.60%,95% CI 15.09 ~ 24.54, I2 = 84.4%, p < 0.01),其次为东北部地区(13.43%,95% CI 6.09 ~ 23.08, I2 = 98.4%, p < 0.01),南部地区(10.44%,95% CI 4.75 ~ 18.01, I2 = 98.9%, p < 0.01)。结论:在印度的部落社区观察到相当大的HBV流行,这是一个不容忽视的事实。这一信息可能对规划印度部落之间的乙肝疫苗接种策略有用。
{"title":"Hepatitis B Virus Infection Among Tribal Populations in India: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.","authors":"Abhinav Sinha, Gayatree Nanda, Rounik Talukdar, K Divyasree Bhat, Banamber Sahoo, Chandrakant Lahariya, Sanghamitra Pati, Prakash Kumar Sahoo","doi":"10.3389/phrs.2025.1607620","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/phrs.2025.1607620","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>The introduction of the Hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccine has significantly reduced the disease's burden. Tribes comprise approximately 8.6% of the Indian population, making it pertinent to investigate the epidemiology of HBV among these individuals. We synthesized the prevalence of HBV among tribes in India.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We searched the Medline (via the PubMed search engine), Embase, and CINAHL databases, in addition to the first 10 pages of Google Scholar. We included original observational studies that screened tribal populations for HBV infection, reported the prevalence of HBsAg (our main preference), and/or other markers. The risk of bias was assessed using the Appraisal Tool for Cross-Sectional Studies. The pooled prevalence was presented after conducting a meta-analysis (PROSPERO registration ID: CRD42022334938).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 24 studies were selected for this study. The pooled prevalence of HBV (as measured by the proportion of individuals testing positive for hepatitis B surface antigen) was estimated to be 9.99% (95% confidence interval (CI) 6.07-14.75, I<sup>2</sup> = 98.7%, p < 0.01). The highest HBV prevalence was noted in the northern zone of the country (19.60%, 95% CI 15.09-24.54, I<sup>2</sup> = 84.4%, p < 0.01), followed by the northeastern zone (13.43%, 95% CI 6.09-23.08, I<sup>2</sup> = 98.4%, p < 0.01), and the southern zone (10.44%, 95% CI 4.75-18.01, I<sup>2</sup> = 98.9%, p < 0.01).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>A considerable prevalence of HBV was observed in tribal communities in India, a fact that cannot be overlooked. This information may be useful for planning HBV vaccination strategies among tribes in India.</p>","PeriodicalId":35944,"journal":{"name":"PUBLIC HEALTH REVIEWS","volume":"46 ","pages":"1607620"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2026-03-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12989728/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147475712","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}
Objective: In Canada, over 7.8 million individuals provide care, with nearly one-quarter aged 65 or older. As essential partners in aging, caregivers bridge formal care systems and the broader care economy. With caregiving demands expected to double over the next 30 years, identifying and addressing caregivers' evolving support needs is critical to sustaining compassionate, connected care. This systematic review aims to document caregivers' self-identified support needs in delivering quality care.
Methods: A systematic search of bibliographic databases and grey literature was conducted in line with PRISMA guidelines and supplemented by reference mining. Eligible studies were peer-reviewed, published in English between 2020 and 2025; reviews and grey literature were excluded. Selection was managed using Covidence, and methodological quality was assessed independent by two reviewers utilizing Joanna Briggs Institute tools.
Results: Of 3,629 records, 83 studies were included: 59 qualitative, 17 quantitative, and 7 mixed-methods. Five key themes with twelve sub-themes emerged, reflecting caregivers' needs related to system navigation, inclusive technologies, coordinated care system, emotional and practical, and financial/workplace resources.
Conclusion: Caregivers' insights highlight priority areas to inform caregiver-centred policies, services, and research that enhance caregiver wellbeing and care quality for older adults.
{"title":"Unveiling the Hidden Challenges: A Systematic Review of Self-Identified Caregiver Support Needs for Older Adults in Canada.","authors":"Sheila A Boamah, Hoda Herati, Farzana Akter, Farinaz Havaei, Marie-Lee Yous, Sharon Kaasalainen","doi":"10.3389/phrs.2026.1609117","DOIUrl":"10.3389/phrs.2026.1609117","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>In Canada, over 7.8 million individuals provide care, with nearly one-quarter aged 65 or older. As essential partners in aging, caregivers bridge formal care systems and the broader care economy. With caregiving demands expected to double over the next 30 years, identifying and addressing caregivers' evolving support needs is critical to sustaining compassionate, connected care. This systematic review aims to document caregivers' self-identified support needs in delivering quality care.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A systematic search of bibliographic databases and grey literature was conducted in line with PRISMA guidelines and supplemented by reference mining. Eligible studies were peer-reviewed, published in English between 2020 and 2025; reviews and grey literature were excluded. Selection was managed using Covidence, and methodological quality was assessed independent by two reviewers utilizing Joanna Briggs Institute tools.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of 3,629 records, 83 studies were included: 59 qualitative, 17 quantitative, and 7 mixed-methods. Five key themes with twelve sub-themes emerged, reflecting caregivers' needs related to system navigation, inclusive technologies, coordinated care system, emotional and practical, and financial/workplace resources.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Caregivers' insights highlight priority areas to inform caregiver-centred policies, services, and research that enhance caregiver wellbeing and care quality for older adults.</p>","PeriodicalId":35944,"journal":{"name":"PUBLIC HEALTH REVIEWS","volume":"47 ","pages":"1609117"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2026-02-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12979237/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147463759","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}
Pub Date : 2026-02-25eCollection Date: 2026-01-01DOI: 10.3389/phrs.2026.1608732
Maren Hintermeier, Kayvan Bozorgmehr, Nora Gottlieb, Amir Mohsenpour, Navina Sarma, Renke Biallas, Louise Biddle
Objectives: This study examines unintended consequences (UIC) of public health and social measures (PHSM) in camps and camp-like settings and assesses the pathways through which these UIC arise.
Methods: We conducted a systematic review and conceptual analysis of UIC from PHSM aimed at preventing SARS-CoV-2 spread in these settings. PHSM were classified using the WHO taxonomy and the CONSEQUENT framework to analyse UIC pathways. The most frequent PHSM groups were: a) surveillance and response, b) social and physical distancing, and c) operational measures.
Results: We identified 113 predominantly negative UIC impacting physical and mental health, healthcare access, economic stability, and social interactions. UIC occurred in both high- and low-income countries. Key mechanisms linking PHSM to UIC included mistrust, increased risk factors, lack of information, and uncertainty.
Conclusion: This study reveals the complex interactions between PHSM and UIC and their broad mostly negative effects on marginalised populations. To reduce UIC in future health emergencies, they must be considered in pandemic planning with all stakeholders. Trust-building should be central in health interventions and PHSM design for more effective and equitable responses.
{"title":"Unintended Consequences of COVID-19 Public Health and Social Measures in Camps and Camp-Like Settings: A Systematic Review and Conceptual Analysis.","authors":"Maren Hintermeier, Kayvan Bozorgmehr, Nora Gottlieb, Amir Mohsenpour, Navina Sarma, Renke Biallas, Louise Biddle","doi":"10.3389/phrs.2026.1608732","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/phrs.2026.1608732","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study examines unintended consequences (UIC) of public health and social measures (PHSM) in camps and camp-like settings and assesses the pathways through which these UIC arise.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted a systematic review and conceptual analysis of UIC from PHSM aimed at preventing SARS-CoV-2 spread in these settings. PHSM were classified using the WHO taxonomy and the CONSEQUENT framework to analyse UIC pathways. The most frequent PHSM groups were: a) surveillance and response, b) social and physical distancing, and c) operational measures.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>We identified 113 predominantly negative UIC impacting physical and mental health, healthcare access, economic stability, and social interactions. UIC occurred in both high- and low-income countries. Key mechanisms linking PHSM to UIC included mistrust, increased risk factors, lack of information, and uncertainty.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study reveals the complex interactions between PHSM and UIC and their broad mostly negative effects on marginalised populations. To reduce UIC in future health emergencies, they must be considered in pandemic planning with all stakeholders. Trust-building should be central in health interventions and PHSM design for more effective and equitable responses.</p><p><strong>Systematic review registration: </strong>https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD42022384673.</p>","PeriodicalId":35944,"journal":{"name":"PUBLIC HEALTH REVIEWS","volume":"47 ","pages":"1608732"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2026-02-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12976605/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147445011","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}
Objective: This review was conducted with the aim of assessing the pooled prevalence of congenital anomalies and its predictors among newborns in Ethiopia.
Methods: The relevant studies were identified by electronic database searching methods. All statistical analyses were carried out with STATA™ Version-14 software.
Results: A total of 22 studies were included in this review. The pooled prevalence of congenital anomalies was 21.25 per 1,000 newborns. Age of the mother 35 years and above (POR = 3.29, 95% CI: 1.59-6.82) absence of formal education among mothers (POR = 1.35, 95% CI:1.12-1.63), maternal cigarate smoking (POR = 2.98, 95% CI:1.56-5.67), alcoholic drinking (POR = 2.66, 95% CI:1.28-5.51), chat chewing (POR = 3.37, 95% CI:1.57-7.21), no folic acid supplementation (POR = 4.29, 95% CI:2.35-7.83), pesticide exposure (POR = 3.23, 95% CI: 2.02-5.16), medication use during pregnancy (POR = 4.37, 95% CI:2.11-9.06), maternal chronic illness (POR = 3.76, 95% CI:1.72-8.20), preterm (POR = 2.35, 95% CI: 1.59-3.47), multiple pregnancy (POR = 3.66, 95% CI:1.99-6.71), low birth weight (POR = 5.46, 95% CI: 4.41-6.75) were identified as the predictors of congenital anomalies among newborns in Ethiopia.
Conclusion: Relatively high burden of congenital anomalies were detected. Hence, strategies to minimize substance use, exposure to pesticide and medication, and to improve folic acid supplementation during pregnancy should be encouraged.
{"title":"A Silent Epidemic of Congenital Anomalies and Its Predictors Among Newborns in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.","authors":"Mitku Mammo Taderegew, Alemayehu Wondie, Feredegn Talargia Belete, Wondosen Debebe, Lemlemu Maru, Gashaw Garedew Woldeamanuel","doi":"10.3389/phrs.2026.1608833","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/phrs.2026.1608833","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>This review was conducted with the aim of assessing the pooled prevalence of congenital anomalies and its predictors among newborns in Ethiopia.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The relevant studies were identified by electronic database searching methods. All statistical analyses were carried out with STATA™ Version-14 software.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 22 studies were included in this review. The pooled prevalence of congenital anomalies was 21.25 per 1,000 newborns. Age of the mother 35 years and above (POR = 3.29, 95% CI: 1.59-6.82) absence of formal education among mothers (POR = 1.35, 95% CI:1.12-1.63), maternal cigarate smoking (POR = 2.98, 95% CI:1.56-5.67), alcoholic drinking (POR = 2.66, 95% CI:1.28-5.51), chat chewing (POR = 3.37, 95% CI:1.57-7.21), no folic acid supplementation (POR = 4.29, 95% CI:2.35-7.83), pesticide exposure (POR = 3.23, 95% CI: 2.02-5.16), medication use during pregnancy (POR = 4.37, 95% CI:2.11-9.06), maternal chronic illness (POR = 3.76, 95% CI:1.72-8.20), preterm (POR = 2.35, 95% CI: 1.59-3.47), multiple pregnancy (POR = 3.66, 95% CI:1.99-6.71), low birth weight (POR = 5.46, 95% CI: 4.41-6.75) were identified as the predictors of congenital anomalies among newborns in Ethiopia.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Relatively high burden of congenital anomalies were detected. Hence, strategies to minimize substance use, exposure to pesticide and medication, and to improve folic acid supplementation during pregnancy should be encouraged.</p>","PeriodicalId":35944,"journal":{"name":"PUBLIC HEALTH REVIEWS","volume":"47 ","pages":"1608833"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2026-02-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12968043/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147436527","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}
Pub Date : 2026-02-17eCollection Date: 2026-01-01DOI: 10.3389/phrs.2026.1609579
Macarena Hirmas-Adauy, Carla Castillo-Laborde, Camila Awad, Anita Jasmen, Maurizio Mattoli, Xaviera Molina, Andrea Olea, Isabel Matute, Fernando Soto, Paola Rubilar, Oscar Urrejola, Tania Alfaro, María Teresa Abusleme Lama, Sophie Esnouf
[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/phrs.2024.1607756.].
[这更正了文章DOI: 10.3389/phrs.2024.1607756.]。
{"title":"Corrigendum: Navigating Through Innovation in Elderly's Health: A Scoping Review of Digital Health Interventions.","authors":"Macarena Hirmas-Adauy, Carla Castillo-Laborde, Camila Awad, Anita Jasmen, Maurizio Mattoli, Xaviera Molina, Andrea Olea, Isabel Matute, Fernando Soto, Paola Rubilar, Oscar Urrejola, Tania Alfaro, María Teresa Abusleme Lama, Sophie Esnouf","doi":"10.3389/phrs.2026.1609579","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/phrs.2026.1609579","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/phrs.2024.1607756.].</p>","PeriodicalId":35944,"journal":{"name":"PUBLIC HEALTH REVIEWS","volume":"47 ","pages":"1609579"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2026-02-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12954403/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147356844","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}
Pub Date : 2026-02-13eCollection Date: 2026-01-01DOI: 10.3389/phrs.2026.1608074
Sharon Birdi, Atushi Patel, Roxana Rabet, Navreet Singh, Steve Durant, Tina Vosoughi, Faris Kapra, Mahek Shergill, Elnathan Mesfin, Carolyn Ziegler, Shehzad Ali, David Buckeridge, Marzyeh Ghassemi, Jennifer Gibson, Ava John-Baptiste, Jillian Macklin, Melissa Mccradden, Kwame Mckenzie, Sharmistha Mishra, Parisa Naraei, Akwasi Owusu-Bempah, Laura Rosella, James Shaw, Ross Upshur, Andrew D Pinto
Objectives: Communicable diseases continue to threaten global health, with COVID-19 as a recent example. Rapid data analysis using machine learning (ML) is crucial for detecting and controlling outbreaks. We aimed to identify how ML approaches have been applied to achieve public health objectives in communicable disease control and to explore algorithmic biases in model design, training, and implementation, and strategies to mitigate these biases.
Methods: We searched MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central, Scopus, ACM DL, INSPEC, and Web of Science to identify peer-reviewed studies from 1 January 2000, to 15 July 2022. Included studies applied ML models in population and public health to address ten communicable diseases with high prevalence.
Results: 28,378 citations were retrieved, and 209 met our inclusion criteria. ML for communicable diseases has risen since 2020, particularly for SARS-CoV-2 (n = 177), followed by malaria, HIV, and tuberculosis. Eighteen studies (8.61%) considered bias, and only eleven implemented mitigation strategies.
Conclusion: A growing number of studies used ML for disease surveillance. Addressing biases in model design should be prioritized in future research to improve reliability and equity in public health outcomes.
目标:传染病继续威胁着全球健康,最近的一个例子是COVID-19。使用机器学习(ML)进行快速数据分析对于检测和控制疫情至关重要。我们的目的是确定机器学习方法如何应用于实现传染病控制中的公共卫生目标,并探索模型设计、训练和实施中的算法偏差,以及减轻这些偏差的策略。方法:检索MEDLINE、Embase、Cochrane Central、Scopus、ACM DL、INSPEC和Web of Science,确定2000年1月1日至2022年7月15日的同行评议研究。纳入的研究将ML模型应用于人口和公共卫生,以解决十种高流行率的传染病。结果:检索到28378篇引文,其中209篇符合我们的纳入标准。自2020年以来,传染病的ML有所上升,特别是SARS-CoV-2 (n = 177),其次是疟疾、艾滋病毒和结核病。18项研究(8.61%)认为存在偏倚,只有11项研究实施了缓解策略。结论:越来越多的研究将ML用于疾病监测。在未来的研究中,应优先解决模型设计中的偏差,以提高公共卫生结果的可靠性和公平性。
{"title":"Machine Learning Used in Communicable Disease Control: A Scoping Review.","authors":"Sharon Birdi, Atushi Patel, Roxana Rabet, Navreet Singh, Steve Durant, Tina Vosoughi, Faris Kapra, Mahek Shergill, Elnathan Mesfin, Carolyn Ziegler, Shehzad Ali, David Buckeridge, Marzyeh Ghassemi, Jennifer Gibson, Ava John-Baptiste, Jillian Macklin, Melissa Mccradden, Kwame Mckenzie, Sharmistha Mishra, Parisa Naraei, Akwasi Owusu-Bempah, Laura Rosella, James Shaw, Ross Upshur, Andrew D Pinto","doi":"10.3389/phrs.2026.1608074","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/phrs.2026.1608074","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Communicable diseases continue to threaten global health, with COVID-19 as a recent example. Rapid data analysis using machine learning (ML) is crucial for detecting and controlling outbreaks. We aimed to identify how ML approaches have been applied to achieve public health objectives in communicable disease control and to explore algorithmic biases in model design, training, and implementation, and strategies to mitigate these biases.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We searched MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central, Scopus, ACM DL, INSPEC, and Web of Science to identify peer-reviewed studies from 1 January 2000, to 15 July 2022. Included studies applied ML models in population and public health to address ten communicable diseases with high prevalence.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>28,378 citations were retrieved, and 209 met our inclusion criteria. ML for communicable diseases has risen since 2020, particularly for SARS-CoV-2 (n = 177), followed by malaria, HIV, and tuberculosis. Eighteen studies (8.61%) considered bias, and only eleven implemented mitigation strategies.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>A growing number of studies used ML for disease surveillance. Addressing biases in model design should be prioritized in future research to improve reliability and equity in public health outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":35944,"journal":{"name":"PUBLIC HEALTH REVIEWS","volume":"47 ","pages":"1608074"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2026-02-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12945845/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147327433","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}
Pub Date : 2026-02-10eCollection Date: 2026-01-01DOI: 10.3389/phrs.2026.1607423
Jody Heymann, Aleta Sprague, Abena D Oduro, Laurel Grzesik-Mourad
Background: Climate change negotiations often stall because of debates about equity. The SDGs affirm all countries' responsibilities to act on climate and high-income countries' initial $100 billion annual financing commitment; the SDGs also affirm fundamental human rights that are foundational to both equality and a strong economy. Nevertheless, climate investments historically have neglected people-centered climate solutions that would powerfully advance these interconnected goals.
Analysis: Realizing girls' equal rights in education, women's equal rights at work, and freedom from gender-based violence would fulfill fundamental human rights while markedly accelerating climate mitigation and adaptation. Mechanisms include increased reproductive autonomy, higher adoption of sustainable fuels and regenerative agriculture, increased resilience to climate disasters, and greater gender parity in leadership.
Policy options: A variety of options are available for countries to invest in gender equality simultaneously with nature- and energy-based solutions. These include carbon markets, debt-for-equity swaps, and existing UNFCCC financing mechanisms. The climate impacts of people-centered solutions are estimable.
Conclusion: Successfully addressing climate will require investments in gender equality. Bilateral and multilateral bodies can build on existing data to achieve this through a variety of climate mechanisms.
{"title":"Advancing Climate Mitigation, Adaptation, and Equity Simultaneously: The Transformative Potential of Investments in Gender Equality.","authors":"Jody Heymann, Aleta Sprague, Abena D Oduro, Laurel Grzesik-Mourad","doi":"10.3389/phrs.2026.1607423","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/phrs.2026.1607423","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Climate change negotiations often stall because of debates about equity. The SDGs affirm all countries' responsibilities to act on climate and high-income countries' initial $100 billion annual financing commitment; the SDGs also affirm fundamental human rights that are foundational to both equality and a strong economy. Nevertheless, climate investments historically have neglected people-centered climate solutions that would powerfully advance these interconnected goals.</p><p><strong>Analysis: </strong>Realizing girls' equal rights in education, women's equal rights at work, and freedom from gender-based violence would fulfill fundamental human rights while markedly accelerating climate mitigation and adaptation. Mechanisms include increased reproductive autonomy, higher adoption of sustainable fuels and regenerative agriculture, increased resilience to climate disasters, and greater gender parity in leadership.</p><p><strong>Policy options: </strong>A variety of options are available for countries to invest in gender equality simultaneously with nature- and energy-based solutions. These include carbon markets, debt-for-equity swaps, and existing UNFCCC financing mechanisms. The climate impacts of people-centered solutions are estimable.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Successfully addressing climate will require investments in gender equality. Bilateral and multilateral bodies can build on existing data to achieve this through a variety of climate mechanisms.</p>","PeriodicalId":35944,"journal":{"name":"PUBLIC HEALTH REVIEWS","volume":"47 ","pages":"1607423"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2026-02-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12929170/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147310707","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}
Pub Date : 2026-02-06eCollection Date: 2025-01-01DOI: 10.3389/phrs.2025.1609177
Artur Coy-Pérez, Juli Carrere, Anna Fernández, Carme Borrell, Gemma Serral, Esther Sánchez-Ledesma, Irene Macaya, Hugo Vásquez-Vera, Constanza Vásquez-Vera, Roshanak Mehdipanah, Katherine Pérez
Objectives: This scoping review aimed to map and synthesize the available literature on interventions that mitigate the effects of housing insecurity on the health and wellbeing of children and adolescents (0-18 years), describing their characteristics, levels of action (structural, intermediate, or individual/group), and reported outcomes.
Methods: In January 2025, we conducted a comprehensive search across four databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and CINAHL) and 1 gray literature search engine (Carrot2), without time restrictions. 6,002 articles underwent three sequential screening phases. Results were described through a narrative synthesis of the evidence.
Results: Twenty-six studies were included. Public housing, housing vouchers, and subsidies to private housing developers were the most common interventions, targeting structural and intermediate levels. Reported outcomes varied: physical health and healthcare use generally improved, while mental health and educational effects were mixed. Only two studies assessed multi-assistance programs.
Conclusion: Affordability-focused interventions can improve health for children and adolescents, while multi-assistance approaches show promise. Broader welfare policies may also benefit this population. Future research should diversify geographically, use mixed methods, address age-specific outcomes, and examine more decommodifying housing strategies.
目的:本范围审查旨在绘制和综合有关缓解住房不安全对儿童和青少年(0-18岁)健康和福祉影响的干预措施的现有文献,描述其特征、行动水平(结构、中间或个人/群体)和报告的结果。方法:我们于2025年1月在4个数据库(PubMed、Scopus、Web of Science和CINAHL)和1个灰色文献搜索引擎(Carrot2)上进行了全面检索,没有时间限制。6002篇文章经历了三个连续的筛选阶段。结果是通过证据的叙述综合来描述的。结果:纳入26项研究。公共住房、住房券和对私人住房开发商的补贴是最常见的干预措施,主要针对结构性和中间层面。报告的结果各不相同:身体健康和医疗保健使用情况普遍改善,而心理健康和教育效果好坏参半。只有两项研究评估了多重援助计划。结论:以负担能力为重点的干预措施可以改善儿童和青少年的健康,而多方援助方法显示出希望。更广泛的福利政策也可能使这一群体受益。未来的研究应该在地理上多样化,使用混合方法,解决特定年龄的结果,并检查更多的去修饰住房策略。
{"title":"Interventions to Mitigate the Effects of Housing Insecurity on Child and Adolescent Health: A Scoping Review.","authors":"Artur Coy-Pérez, Juli Carrere, Anna Fernández, Carme Borrell, Gemma Serral, Esther Sánchez-Ledesma, Irene Macaya, Hugo Vásquez-Vera, Constanza Vásquez-Vera, Roshanak Mehdipanah, Katherine Pérez","doi":"10.3389/phrs.2025.1609177","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/phrs.2025.1609177","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This scoping review aimed to map and synthesize the available literature on interventions that mitigate the effects of housing insecurity on the health and wellbeing of children and adolescents (0-18 years), describing their characteristics, levels of action (structural, intermediate, or individual/group), and reported outcomes.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In January 2025, we conducted a comprehensive search across four databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and CINAHL) and 1 gray literature search engine (Carrot2), without time restrictions. 6,002 articles underwent three sequential screening phases. Results were described through a narrative synthesis of the evidence.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Twenty-six studies were included. Public housing, housing vouchers, and subsidies to private housing developers were the most common interventions, targeting structural and intermediate levels. Reported outcomes varied: physical health and healthcare use generally improved, while mental health and educational effects were mixed. Only two studies assessed multi-assistance programs.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Affordability-focused interventions can improve health for children and adolescents, while multi-assistance approaches show promise. Broader welfare policies may also benefit this population. Future research should diversify geographically, use mixed methods, address age-specific outcomes, and examine more decommodifying housing strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":35944,"journal":{"name":"PUBLIC HEALTH REVIEWS","volume":"46 ","pages":"1609177"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2026-02-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12920252/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147272332","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}
Pub Date : 2026-02-03eCollection Date: 2026-01-01DOI: 10.3389/phrs.2026.1609013
Pengqiang Du, Jiqian Li, Zixin Hua, Yiqi Sun, Siyang Song, Yin Liao, Sheng Cheng, Xingang Li
Objectives: This umbrella review aimed to clarify the dose-response relationship between napping duration and multiple health outcomes.
Methods: Following JBI guidelines, the review included studies from PubMed, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, and EMBASE. Data on health outcomes, effect sizes, and study characteristics were extracted, and the quality of the studies was assessed using AMSTAR-2 and GRADE. A random effects model and a sensitivity analysis were used to evaluate the associations.
Results: This umbrella review identified 16 meta-analyses encompassing 244 health-related outcomes. Napping for <60 min maximizes cognitive enhancement (SMD = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.37-1.00) and reduces fatigue, while minimizing the risk of all-cause mortality and chronic diseases. Napping for >60 min correlates with a 30% higher risk of coronary heart disease and a 20% increased risk of diabetes and obesity; short naps (20-30 min) improve athletic performance (SMD = 0.99, 95% CI: 0.67-1.31) and recovery, particularly in sleep-deprived individuals.
Conclusion: Limiting nap duration to ≤60 min may optimize cognitive and physical benefits while reducing chronic disease risks. For individuals with chronic conditions, it is prudent to avoid prolonged naps (>60 min) and prioritize nighttime sleep quality.
目的:本综述旨在阐明小睡时间与多种健康结果之间的剂量-反应关系。方法:遵循JBI指南,纳入来自PubMed、Web of Science、Cochrane图书馆和EMBASE的研究。提取有关健康结果、效应大小和研究特征的数据,并使用AMSTAR-2和GRADE评估研究的质量。采用随机效应模型和敏感性分析来评价相关性。结果:本综述确定了16项荟萃分析,包括244项与健康相关的结果。午睡60分钟与冠心病风险增加30%、糖尿病和肥胖症风险增加20%相关;短时间小睡(20-30分钟)可以提高运动表现(SMD = 0.99, 95% CI: 0.67-1.31)和恢复能力,尤其是睡眠不足的人。结论:将午睡时间限制在≤60分钟可以优化认知和身体益处,同时降低慢性疾病风险。对于有慢性疾病的人来说,避免长时间的小睡(60分钟左右)和优先考虑夜间睡眠质量是明智的。
{"title":"Multiple Health Outcomes of Daytime Napping: A Comprehensive Umbrella Review.","authors":"Pengqiang Du, Jiqian Li, Zixin Hua, Yiqi Sun, Siyang Song, Yin Liao, Sheng Cheng, Xingang Li","doi":"10.3389/phrs.2026.1609013","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/phrs.2026.1609013","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This umbrella review aimed to clarify the dose-response relationship between napping duration and multiple health outcomes.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Following JBI guidelines, the review included studies from PubMed, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, and EMBASE. Data on health outcomes, effect sizes, and study characteristics were extracted, and the quality of the studies was assessed using AMSTAR-2 and GRADE. A random effects model and a sensitivity analysis were used to evaluate the associations.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>This umbrella review identified 16 meta-analyses encompassing 244 health-related outcomes. Napping for <60 min maximizes cognitive enhancement (SMD = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.37-1.00) and reduces fatigue, while minimizing the risk of all-cause mortality and chronic diseases. Napping for >60 min correlates with a 30% higher risk of coronary heart disease and a 20% increased risk of diabetes and obesity; short naps (20-30 min) improve athletic performance (SMD = 0.99, 95% CI: 0.67-1.31) and recovery, particularly in sleep-deprived individuals.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Limiting nap duration to ≤60 min may optimize cognitive and physical benefits while reducing chronic disease risks. For individuals with chronic conditions, it is prudent to avoid prolonged naps (>60 min) and prioritize nighttime sleep quality.</p>","PeriodicalId":35944,"journal":{"name":"PUBLIC HEALTH REVIEWS","volume":"47 ","pages":"1609013"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2026-02-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12909254/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146221455","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}