Pub Date : 2021-09-21eCollection Date: 2021-01-01DOI: 10.3389/phrs.2021.1603965
Alexandra Kalbus, Juliane Boenecke, Maxine Holt, Susan Powell, Ralf Reintjes
Objectives: This research aimed to explore the health behaviours of health sciences students over time and across different settings. Methods: A health behaviour surveillance system has been implemented in Hamburg and Manchester among under- and postgraduate health sciences students. Trends among the Hamburg sample were described. In a cross-sectional assessment, health behaviours across both universities were examined using multivariate regression analysis. Results: Between 2014 and 2018, increasing trends in physical activity and cannabis and alcohol consumption were observed in Hamburg (n = 1,366). While fruit and vegetable intake was constantly low, tobacco smoking decreased. No clear trend was observed for stress perception. The comparison (n = 474) revealed that Manchester students had higher odds of smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and fruit and vegetable consumption; and lower odds of being physically active, and consuming cannabis. No difference in stress perception was observed. Conclusions: Varying trends and potential areas of intervention were identified for health behaviours in Hamburg. The comparison with Manchester students revealed differences in behaviours, which could be further explored to help inform health promotion strategies in both settings.
{"title":"Exploring Trends and Differences in Health Behaviours of Health Sciences University Students from Germany and England: Findings from the \"SuSy\" Project.","authors":"Alexandra Kalbus, Juliane Boenecke, Maxine Holt, Susan Powell, Ralf Reintjes","doi":"10.3389/phrs.2021.1603965","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/phrs.2021.1603965","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Objectives:</b> This research aimed to explore the health behaviours of health sciences students over time and across different settings. <b>Methods:</b> A health behaviour surveillance system has been implemented in Hamburg and Manchester among under- and postgraduate health sciences students. Trends among the Hamburg sample were described. In a cross-sectional assessment, health behaviours across both universities were examined using multivariate regression analysis. <b>Results:</b> Between 2014 and 2018, increasing trends in physical activity and cannabis and alcohol consumption were observed in Hamburg (<i>n</i> = 1,366). While fruit and vegetable intake was constantly low, tobacco smoking decreased. No clear trend was observed for stress perception. The comparison (<i>n</i> = 474) revealed that Manchester students had higher odds of smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and fruit and vegetable consumption; and lower odds of being physically active, and consuming cannabis. No difference in stress perception was observed. <b>Conclusions:</b> Varying trends and potential areas of intervention were identified for health behaviours in Hamburg. The comparison with Manchester students revealed differences in behaviours, which could be further explored to help inform health promotion strategies in both settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":35944,"journal":{"name":"PUBLIC HEALTH REVIEWS","volume":"42 ","pages":"1603965"},"PeriodicalIF":5.5,"publicationDate":"2021-09-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8500191/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"39553462","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 : 2021-08-31DOI: 10.17511/ijphr.2021.i04.01
Gajarishiyan Rasalingam, Arrosan Rajalingam
Background: Parental engagement is one of the key factors that can influence adolescents mentalhealth status, although these associations are not fully measured in the local context. This study willestimate the prevalence and association of parental engagement with adolescents and mental healthstatus in Sri Lanka. Method: This current study is a secondary analysis of nationally representativedata for Sri Lanka. The data was collected from 3262 school attending students in grades 8-12 inthe Sri Lankan Global School-based health survey (GSHS) 2016. A two-stage cluster sample designwas used to select the representation of samples. The binary variables i.e. loneliness, anxiety andsuicidal ideation, were modelled using multivariable logistic regression models with predictorsrepresenting gender, age, grade, parental supervision and parental understanding. Result: It isestimated that the prevalence of parental supervision and parental understanding is 85.3% and78.5%, respectively. The analysis of both good parental supervision and parenting understandinghas reduced the loneliness, anxiety and suicidal thoughts among the adolescents population,compared to those who don't have good parental engagement. Conclusion: It is seen that there isa higher prevalence of parental and children engagement in Sri Lanka compared to otherdemographical regions. However, the prevalence of mental health remains higher as compared tothe global average. The results suggest that national policies and programs should be integrated forboth parents and children. Parents need more knowledge on good parenting, while adolescents needsupport on coping with their mental health.
{"title":"Parental Engagement and Adolescents Mental Health Wellbeing: Cross-Sectional Study from Sri Lanka","authors":"Gajarishiyan Rasalingam, Arrosan Rajalingam","doi":"10.17511/ijphr.2021.i04.01","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.17511/ijphr.2021.i04.01","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Parental engagement is one of the key factors that can influence adolescents mentalhealth status, although these associations are not fully measured in the local context. This study willestimate the prevalence and association of parental engagement with adolescents and mental healthstatus in Sri Lanka. Method: This current study is a secondary analysis of nationally representativedata for Sri Lanka. The data was collected from 3262 school attending students in grades 8-12 inthe Sri Lankan Global School-based health survey (GSHS) 2016. A two-stage cluster sample designwas used to select the representation of samples. The binary variables i.e. loneliness, anxiety andsuicidal ideation, were modelled using multivariable logistic regression models with predictorsrepresenting gender, age, grade, parental supervision and parental understanding. Result: It isestimated that the prevalence of parental supervision and parental understanding is 85.3% and78.5%, respectively. The analysis of both good parental supervision and parenting understandinghas reduced the loneliness, anxiety and suicidal thoughts among the adolescents population,compared to those who don't have good parental engagement. Conclusion: It is seen that there isa higher prevalence of parental and children engagement in Sri Lanka compared to otherdemographical regions. However, the prevalence of mental health remains higher as compared tothe global average. The results suggest that national policies and programs should be integrated forboth parents and children. Parents need more knowledge on good parenting, while adolescents needsupport on coping with their mental health.","PeriodicalId":35944,"journal":{"name":"PUBLIC HEALTH REVIEWS","volume":"61 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.5,"publicationDate":"2021-08-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"90702823","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 : 2021-08-23eCollection Date: 2021-01-01DOI: 10.3389/phrs.2021.1604234
Héllyda de Souza Bezerra, Roberta M Alves, Aryelly Dayanne D Nunes, Isabelle R Barbosa
Objectives: To identify the prevalence and factors associated with common mental disorders in adult women. Methods: Searches were carried out in the PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, Scopus, Cinahl, Google Scholar and Open Gray databases. The study protocol was registered with PROSPERO under number CRD42020168231. Cross-sectional studies showing the prevalence of common mental disorders in women over 18 years were included. Studies with men, children and pregnant women of another age group and with other mental disorders and other types of studies were excluded. The Joanna Briggs Institute checklist was used to assess the risk of bias. Results: Nineteen studies were included in this review. The prevalence of CMD ranged from 9.6% to 69.3%. The main associated factors were unemployment, indebtedness, low income, being a housewife, smoking, low education, poor self-rated health, being single, divorced or widowed. The risk of bias in the studies was classified as low and moderate. Conclusion: This review revealed a variable prevalence rate of CMD in adult women. Public policies are needed to create strategies to prevent the mental illness of these women.
目的:确定成年女性常见精神障碍的患病率和相关因素。方法:检索PubMed、Web of Science、Science Direct、Scopus、Cinahl、Google Scholar和Open Gray数据库。该研究方案已在PROSPERO注册,编号CRD42020168231。横断面研究显示了18岁以上女性常见精神障碍的患病率。排除了对另一年龄组的男性、儿童和孕妇以及其他精神障碍和其他类型研究的研究。乔安娜·布里格斯研究所的检查表用于评估偏见的风险。结果:本综述包括19项研究。CMD的患病率在9.6%-69.3%之间。主要相关因素是失业、负债、低收入、家庭主妇、吸烟、低教育程度、自我评估健康状况不佳、单身、离婚或丧偶。研究中的偏倚风险分为低风险和中等风险。结论:本综述揭示了CMD在成年女性中的不同患病率。需要制定公共政策来制定预防这些妇女精神疾病的战略。
{"title":"Prevalence and Associated Factors of Common Mental Disorders in Women: A Systematic Review.","authors":"Héllyda de Souza Bezerra, Roberta M Alves, Aryelly Dayanne D Nunes, Isabelle R Barbosa","doi":"10.3389/phrs.2021.1604234","DOIUrl":"10.3389/phrs.2021.1604234","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Objectives:</b> To identify the prevalence and factors associated with common mental disorders in adult women. <b>Methods:</b> Searches were carried out in the PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, Scopus, Cinahl, Google Scholar and Open Gray databases. The study protocol was registered with PROSPERO under number CRD42020168231. Cross-sectional studies showing the prevalence of common mental disorders in women over 18 years were included. Studies with men, children and pregnant women of another age group and with other mental disorders and other types of studies were excluded. The Joanna Briggs Institute checklist was used to assess the risk of bias. <b>Results:</b> Nineteen studies were included in this review. The prevalence of CMD ranged from 9.6% to 69.3%. The main associated factors were unemployment, indebtedness, low income, being a housewife, smoking, low education, poor self-rated health, being single, divorced or widowed. The risk of bias in the studies was classified as low and moderate. <b>Conclusion:</b> This review revealed a variable prevalence rate of CMD in adult women. Public policies are needed to create strategies to prevent the mental illness of these women.</p>","PeriodicalId":35944,"journal":{"name":"PUBLIC HEALTH REVIEWS","volume":"42 ","pages":"1604234"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2021-08-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8419231/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"39555895","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 : 2021-06-30DOI: 10.17511/ijphr.2021.i03.01
Devesh Arora, Shaurya Narang
With over a year after the first coronavirus case reached Delhi, the total number of infections anddeaths has reached a sky-high mark. The response of the Delhi government involved the impositionof multiple lockdowns. This decision, though slowed down the positivity rate, had unprecedentedeffects on the dietary habits of young individuals in the city. Forced to stay at home due to thelockdown, these individuals engaged in unhealthy daily routines and dietary habits. With the closelink between diet and immunity it becomes imperative to collect data in this regard. The presentpaper records the dietary habits of individuals in the city using a web-based survey. The findings arepresented and analyzed graphically. It was observed that the lockdown harmed the dietary habits ofyoung individuals. A decrease in the level of exercise, water intake and increase in weight were themajor variables leading to this conclusion.
{"title":"Impact of lockdown due to COVID-19 on the dietary habits of youngsters of Delhi-NCR","authors":"Devesh Arora, Shaurya Narang","doi":"10.17511/ijphr.2021.i03.01","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.17511/ijphr.2021.i03.01","url":null,"abstract":"With over a year after the first coronavirus case reached Delhi, the total number of infections anddeaths has reached a sky-high mark. The response of the Delhi government involved the impositionof multiple lockdowns. This decision, though slowed down the positivity rate, had unprecedentedeffects on the dietary habits of young individuals in the city. Forced to stay at home due to thelockdown, these individuals engaged in unhealthy daily routines and dietary habits. With the closelink between diet and immunity it becomes imperative to collect data in this regard. The presentpaper records the dietary habits of individuals in the city using a web-based survey. The findings arepresented and analyzed graphically. It was observed that the lockdown harmed the dietary habits ofyoung individuals. A decrease in the level of exercise, water intake and increase in weight were themajor variables leading to this conclusion.","PeriodicalId":35944,"journal":{"name":"PUBLIC HEALTH REVIEWS","volume":"1 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.5,"publicationDate":"2021-06-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"83609399","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 : 2021-06-30DOI: 10.17511/ijphr.2021.i03.02
R. Sarkar, Harshal Kawanpure
Introduction: High morbidity and mortality among the under 5 children are highly prevalent inIndia. Appropriate child feeding practices in the initial six months of age act as a preventiveintervention against childhood morbidity and mortality. Methods: A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted in an urban slum to study various feeding practices prevalent amongchildren up to 6 months of age. Also associated socio-demographic factors were studied. SPSSsoftware version 25 was used to analyze the results. Results: The study included 55 children up to6 months of age. Out of these 76.4% were exclusively breastfed. Among 45.5%, breastfeeding waswithin 1st hour of the birth. 56.4% have received pre-lacteal feeds, while 72.72% receivedcolostrum. The educational status of the mother and place of delivery were major determinants ofappropriate infant feeding practices. Conclusion: Most mothers are practising exclusivebreastfeeding. Colostrum was fed to most of the children. Animal milk was given in cases whereinitiation of breastfeeding was delayed.
5岁以下儿童的高发病率和死亡率在印度非常普遍。在婴儿出生后6个月采取适当的喂养做法,是预防儿童发病率和死亡率的一种干预措施。方法:在一个城市贫民窟进行了一项基于问卷的横断面研究,研究了6个月以下儿童普遍存在的各种喂养方法。还研究了相关的社会人口因素。采用SPSSsoftware version 25对结果进行分析。结果:该研究包括55名6个月大的儿童。其中76.4%为纯母乳喂养。45.5%的婴儿在出生后1小时内进行母乳喂养。56.4%饲喂乳前饲料,72.72%饲喂初乳。母亲的受教育程度和分娩地点是婴儿适当喂养方式的主要决定因素。结论:大多数母亲实行纯母乳喂养。大多数孩子都吃初乳。在开始母乳喂养延迟的情况下,给予动物奶。
{"title":"Study on infant feeding practice among children up to 6 months in an urban slum of Bhopal","authors":"R. Sarkar, Harshal Kawanpure","doi":"10.17511/ijphr.2021.i03.02","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.17511/ijphr.2021.i03.02","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: High morbidity and mortality among the under 5 children are highly prevalent inIndia. Appropriate child feeding practices in the initial six months of age act as a preventiveintervention against childhood morbidity and mortality. Methods: A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted in an urban slum to study various feeding practices prevalent amongchildren up to 6 months of age. Also associated socio-demographic factors were studied. SPSSsoftware version 25 was used to analyze the results. Results: The study included 55 children up to6 months of age. Out of these 76.4% were exclusively breastfed. Among 45.5%, breastfeeding waswithin 1st hour of the birth. 56.4% have received pre-lacteal feeds, while 72.72% receivedcolostrum. The educational status of the mother and place of delivery were major determinants ofappropriate infant feeding practices. Conclusion: Most mothers are practising exclusivebreastfeeding. Colostrum was fed to most of the children. Animal milk was given in cases whereinitiation of breastfeeding was delayed.","PeriodicalId":35944,"journal":{"name":"PUBLIC HEALTH REVIEWS","volume":"41 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.5,"publicationDate":"2021-06-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"80813178","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 : 2021-06-17eCollection Date: 2021-01-01DOI: 10.3389/phrs.2021.1604061
Hanieh Beyrampour-Basmenj, Morteza Milani, Abbas Ebrahimi-Kalan, Ziyad Ben Taleb, Kenneth D Ward, Ghader Dargahi Abbasabad, Zeynab Aliyari-Serej, Mohammad Ebrahimi Kalan
Background: In late December 2019, a new infectious respiratory disease (COVID-19) was reported in a number of patients with a history of exposure to the Huanan seafood market in China. The World Health Organization officially announced the COVID-19 pandemic on March 11, 2020. Here, we provided an overview of the epidemiologic, diagnostic and treatment approaches associated with COVID-19. Methods: We reviewed the publications indexed in major biomedical databases by December 20, 2020 or earlier (updated on May 16, 2021). Search keywords included a combination of: COVID-19, Coronavirus disease 2019, SARS-CoV-2, Epidemiology, Prevention, Diagnosis, Vaccine, and Treatment. We also used available information about COVID-19 from valid sources such as WHO. Results and Conclusion: At the time of writing this review, while most of the countries authorized COVID-19 vaccines for emergency use starting December 8, 2020, there is no a definite cure for it. This review synthesizes current knowledge of virology, epidemiology, clinical symptoms, diagnostic approaches, common treatment strategies, novel potential therapeutic options for control and prevention of COVID-19 infection, available vaccines, public health and clinical implications.
{"title":"An Overview of the Epidemiologic, Diagnostic and Treatment Approaches of COVID-19: What do We Know?","authors":"Hanieh Beyrampour-Basmenj, Morteza Milani, Abbas Ebrahimi-Kalan, Ziyad Ben Taleb, Kenneth D Ward, Ghader Dargahi Abbasabad, Zeynab Aliyari-Serej, Mohammad Ebrahimi Kalan","doi":"10.3389/phrs.2021.1604061","DOIUrl":"10.3389/phrs.2021.1604061","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> In late December 2019, a new infectious respiratory disease (COVID-19) was reported in a number of patients with a history of exposure to the Huanan seafood market in China. The World Health Organization officially announced the COVID-19 pandemic on March 11, 2020. Here, we provided an overview of the epidemiologic, diagnostic and treatment approaches associated with COVID-19. <b>Methods:</b> We reviewed the publications indexed in major biomedical databases by December 20, 2020 or earlier (updated on May 16, 2021). Search keywords included a combination of: COVID-19, Coronavirus disease 2019, SARS-CoV-2, Epidemiology, Prevention, Diagnosis, Vaccine, and Treatment. We also used available information about COVID-19 from valid sources such as WHO. <b>Results and Conclusion:</b> At the time of writing this review, while most of the countries authorized COVID-19 vaccines for emergency use starting December 8, 2020, there is no a definite cure for it. This review synthesizes current knowledge of virology, epidemiology, clinical symptoms, diagnostic approaches, common treatment strategies, novel potential therapeutic options for control and prevention of COVID-19 infection, available vaccines, public health and clinical implications.</p>","PeriodicalId":35944,"journal":{"name":"PUBLIC HEALTH REVIEWS","volume":"42 ","pages":"1604061"},"PeriodicalIF":5.5,"publicationDate":"2021-06-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8245675/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"39302941","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 : 2021-06-16eCollection Date: 2021-01-01DOI: 10.3389/phrs.2021.1604212
Johanna Reidy
This study uses a public health lens to review evidence about the impacts of wearing a school uniform on students' health and educational outcomes. It also reviews the underlying rationales for school uniform use, exploring historical reasons for uniform use, as well as how questions of equity, human rights, and the status of children as a vulnerable group are played out in debates over school uniforms. The literature identified indicates that uniforms have no direct impact on academic performance, yet directly impact physical and psychological health. Girls, ethnic and religious minorities, gender-diverse students and poorer students suffer harm disproportionately from poorly designed uniform policies and garments that do not suit their physical and socio-cultural needs. Paradoxically, for some students, uniform creates a barrier to education that it was originally instituted to remedy. The article shows that public health offers a new perspective on and contribution to debates and rationales for school uniform use. This review lays out the research landscape on school uniform and highlights areas for further research.
{"title":"Reviewing School Uniform through a Public Health Lens: Evidence about the Impacts of School Uniform on Education and Health.","authors":"Johanna Reidy","doi":"10.3389/phrs.2021.1604212","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/phrs.2021.1604212","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study uses a public health lens to review evidence about the impacts of wearing a school uniform on students' health and educational outcomes. It also reviews the underlying rationales for school uniform use, exploring historical reasons for uniform use, as well as how questions of equity, human rights, and the status of children as a vulnerable group are played out in debates over school uniforms. The literature identified indicates that uniforms have no direct impact on academic performance, yet directly impact physical and psychological health. Girls, ethnic and religious minorities, gender-diverse students and poorer students suffer harm disproportionately from poorly designed uniform policies and garments that do not suit their physical and socio-cultural needs. Paradoxically, for some students, uniform creates a barrier to education that it was originally instituted to remedy. The article shows that public health offers a new perspective on and contribution to debates and rationales for school uniform use. This review lays out the research landscape on school uniform and highlights areas for further research.</p>","PeriodicalId":35944,"journal":{"name":"PUBLIC HEALTH REVIEWS","volume":"42 ","pages":"1604212"},"PeriodicalIF":5.5,"publicationDate":"2021-06-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8386814/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"39553469","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}
To the Editor, The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically impacted the health and socioeconomic condition of this symbiotic globe [1]. The aforementioned impact as well as the one on quality of life has been much more devastating for developing countries, such as the ones supported by the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI) [4] All GAVI-supported countries pledged to achieve 100 percent of immunization but one in every 10 children globally still has no access to vaccines, leaving millions of zero-dose children behind [6]. Where the supply-side in these countries is struggling to deliver vaccination services after COVID-19, the demand is facing “double burden” now. Communities often harbor lots of “myths and misconceptions” pertaining to vaccines and vaccination services [7]. The exacerbation of existing fear within communities to access vaccination services and anxiety among frontline health workers to safely deliver vaccination present as key hurdles, reflected by a much smaller number of children being vaccinated in this period [8–10]. The consequences of this have been compounded by restrictions on movement, suspension of public transport, and concerns about exposure to COVID-19. At the same time, the health workforce is absent from their duties either due to travel restrictions, self-quarantine, sickness, lack of personal protective equipment (PPE) and concerns about COVID-19 exposure [11, 12]. There is a resultant visible impact seen on immunization services such as the 52.8% decrease in immunization visits seen in the Sindh province, Pakistan. This translated into around 2,734 missed children daily only in Karachi, the most populous city of Sindh province. These missed children are at the highest risk of developing VPDs [13]. Many immunization campaigns like “polio and zero dose” were or are still suspended in countries including Pakistan, and bring about a risk of spread of these VPDs and consequent morbidity and mortality [14, 15]. Currently, countries are lifting lockdown restrictions and restoring the health services. However, due to the unpredictability of the situation and decrease in vaccination coverage, exceptional strategies are needed. Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) alone cannot compensate for the loss of missed children so far and months of effort are required to reach the point where we were before COVID-19. Integrated systems and synergy across the partners are a need of the hour. In some semblance of hope, Pakistan has an existing infrastructure of CSOs which operate as the key players in delivering Edited by: Raquel Lucas, University Porto, Portugal
{"title":"Rebuilding Trust on Routine Immunization in Era of COVID-19 Fear-Role that Civil Society Organizations can Play Hands-in-Hand with Immunization Program.","authors":"Ameer Muhammad, Daniyaal Ahmad, Eleze Tariq, Yasir Shafiq","doi":"10.3389/phrs.2021.1603989","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/phrs.2021.1603989","url":null,"abstract":"To the Editor, The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically impacted the health and socioeconomic condition of this symbiotic globe [1]. The aforementioned impact as well as the one on quality of life has been much more devastating for developing countries, such as the ones supported by the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI) [4] All GAVI-supported countries pledged to achieve 100 percent of immunization but one in every 10 children globally still has no access to vaccines, leaving millions of zero-dose children behind [6]. Where the supply-side in these countries is struggling to deliver vaccination services after COVID-19, the demand is facing “double burden” now. Communities often harbor lots of “myths and misconceptions” pertaining to vaccines and vaccination services [7]. The exacerbation of existing fear within communities to access vaccination services and anxiety among frontline health workers to safely deliver vaccination present as key hurdles, reflected by a much smaller number of children being vaccinated in this period [8–10]. The consequences of this have been compounded by restrictions on movement, suspension of public transport, and concerns about exposure to COVID-19. At the same time, the health workforce is absent from their duties either due to travel restrictions, self-quarantine, sickness, lack of personal protective equipment (PPE) and concerns about COVID-19 exposure [11, 12]. There is a resultant visible impact seen on immunization services such as the 52.8% decrease in immunization visits seen in the Sindh province, Pakistan. This translated into around 2,734 missed children daily only in Karachi, the most populous city of Sindh province. These missed children are at the highest risk of developing VPDs [13]. Many immunization campaigns like “polio and zero dose” were or are still suspended in countries including Pakistan, and bring about a risk of spread of these VPDs and consequent morbidity and mortality [14, 15]. Currently, countries are lifting lockdown restrictions and restoring the health services. However, due to the unpredictability of the situation and decrease in vaccination coverage, exceptional strategies are needed. Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) alone cannot compensate for the loss of missed children so far and months of effort are required to reach the point where we were before COVID-19. Integrated systems and synergy across the partners are a need of the hour. In some semblance of hope, Pakistan has an existing infrastructure of CSOs which operate as the key players in delivering Edited by: Raquel Lucas, University Porto, Portugal","PeriodicalId":35944,"journal":{"name":"PUBLIC HEALTH REVIEWS","volume":"42 ","pages":"1603989"},"PeriodicalIF":5.5,"publicationDate":"2021-06-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8207195/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"39125718","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 : 2021-06-02eCollection Date: 2021-01-01DOI: 10.3389/phrs.2021.1604018
Rawlance Ndejjo, Hamid Yimam Hassen, Rhoda K Wanyenze, David Musoke, Fred Nuwaha, Steven Abrams, Hilde Bastiaens, Geofrey Musinguzi
Objectives: To synthesize evidence on the effectiveness of community-based interventions for cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) to inform design of effective strategies for CVD prevention. Methods: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane register of controlled studies and PSYCINFO databases for studies published between January 2000 and June 2019. Other studies were identified from gray literature sources and review of reference lists of included studies. The primary outcomes for the review were those aimed at primary prevention of CVD targeting physical activity, diet, smoking and alcohol consumption. Results: Database searches yielded 15,885 articles and 94 articles were identified through snowball searching. After screening, the articles from LMICs were 32 emanating from 27 studies: 9 cluster randomized trials, eight randomized controlled trials and 10 controlled before and after studies. Community-based interventions successfully improved population knowledge on CVD and risk factors and influenced physical activity and dietary practices. Evidence of interventions on smoking cessation and reduced alcohol consumption was inconsistent. Conclusion: This evidence should inform policy makers in decision-making and prioritizing evidence-based interventions.
{"title":"Community-Based Interventions for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention in Low-and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review.","authors":"Rawlance Ndejjo, Hamid Yimam Hassen, Rhoda K Wanyenze, David Musoke, Fred Nuwaha, Steven Abrams, Hilde Bastiaens, Geofrey Musinguzi","doi":"10.3389/phrs.2021.1604018","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/phrs.2021.1604018","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Objectives:</b> To synthesize evidence on the effectiveness of community-based interventions for cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) to inform design of effective strategies for CVD prevention. <b>Methods:</b> We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane register of controlled studies and PSYCINFO databases for studies published between January 2000 and June 2019. Other studies were identified from gray literature sources and review of reference lists of included studies. The primary outcomes for the review were those aimed at primary prevention of CVD targeting physical activity, diet, smoking and alcohol consumption. <b>Results:</b> Database searches yielded 15,885 articles and 94 articles were identified through snowball searching. After screening, the articles from LMICs were 32 emanating from 27 studies: 9 cluster randomized trials, eight randomized controlled trials and 10 controlled before and after studies. Community-based interventions successfully improved population knowledge on CVD and risk factors and influenced physical activity and dietary practices. Evidence of interventions on smoking cessation and reduced alcohol consumption was inconsistent. <b>Conclusion:</b> This evidence should inform policy makers in decision-making and prioritizing evidence-based interventions.</p>","PeriodicalId":35944,"journal":{"name":"PUBLIC HEALTH REVIEWS","volume":"42 ","pages":"1604018"},"PeriodicalIF":5.5,"publicationDate":"2021-06-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8386815/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"39553464","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}
In order to limit the spread of the coronavirus, several protective measures have been put in place in the community, in private and public residences and in health care centers. Some measures have a negative impact on communication. They include physical distancing, the use of face masks and shields as well as the increased use of telephone and videoconferencing for distance communication. The effects of COVID-19 are particularly harsh on older adults. Consequently, older adults, especially those with hearing loss, are particularly at risk of experiencing communication breakdowns and increased social isolation. Health care professionals should learn about and be encouraged to use communication strategies to maintain good interactions with their patients. This article proposes practical suggestions to health professionals who interact with older adults, especially those who have difficulty understanding speech. The goal of this article is to inform on the prevalence of hearing loss, the hearing difficulties experienced by older adults, the manifestations of hearing problems, the effects of pandemic protection measures on communication and the strategies that can be used to optimize professional-patient communication during a pandemic.
{"title":"Communication With Older Adults in Times of a Pandemic: Practical Suggestions for the Health Care Professionals.","authors":"Alexis Pinsonnault-Skvarenina, Adriana Bender Moreira de Lacerda, Mathieu Hotton, Jean-Pierre Gagné","doi":"10.3389/phrs.2021.1604046","DOIUrl":"10.3389/phrs.2021.1604046","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In order to limit the spread of the coronavirus, several protective measures have been put in place in the community, in private and public residences and in health care centers. Some measures have a negative impact on communication. They include physical distancing, the use of face masks and shields as well as the increased use of telephone and videoconferencing for distance communication. The effects of COVID-19 are particularly harsh on older adults. Consequently, older adults, especially those with hearing loss, are particularly at risk of experiencing communication breakdowns and increased social isolation. Health care professionals should learn about and be encouraged to use communication strategies to maintain good interactions with their patients. This article proposes practical suggestions to health professionals who interact with older adults, especially those who have difficulty understanding speech. The goal of this article is to inform on the prevalence of hearing loss, the hearing difficulties experienced by older adults, the manifestations of hearing problems, the effects of pandemic protection measures on communication and the strategies that can be used to optimize professional-patient communication during a pandemic.</p>","PeriodicalId":35944,"journal":{"name":"PUBLIC HEALTH REVIEWS","volume":"42 ","pages":"1604046"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2021-05-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8190655/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"39125719","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}