Pub Date : 2025-12-24eCollection Date: 2025-01-01DOI: 10.3934/publichealth.2025064
Maria Elena Holguin, Brenda Marshall, Faith Atte, Katherine J Roberts
Background: Post COVID-19, almost 50% of nurses reported severe depression, and over 30% moderate to severe anxiety. Nurses from minority racial and ethnic backgrounds, including Filipino nurses, accounted for more than 54% of COVID-related deaths, despite comprising only 24.1% of the nursing workforce. Filipino nurses, making up only 1% of the U.S. population, comprise 4.5 % of the nursing workforce and face significant barriers to seeking mental health services, including stigma, a sense of shame, and adherence to cultural values that view mental illness as unacceptable.
Aim: To assess the impact of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) certification among Filipino nurses to increase behaviors of help-seeking, self-care, and self-awareness of health changes.
Method: A quantitative, quasi-experimental pre- and post-survey design was employed.
Results: There was a significant increase in personal help-seeking behaviors, self-awareness of health changes, and self-connection among Filipino nurses (n = 52) post MHFA certification.
Conclusions: MHFA certification for Filipino nurses successfully increased the nurses' ability to seek help, improved awareness of personal health, and improved self-care behaviors.
{"title":"Mental health first aid certification's impact on Filipino nurses' ability to increase personal help-seeking behaviors, self-awareness of health changes, and improved self-connection.","authors":"Maria Elena Holguin, Brenda Marshall, Faith Atte, Katherine J Roberts","doi":"10.3934/publichealth.2025064","DOIUrl":"10.3934/publichealth.2025064","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Post COVID-19, almost 50% of nurses reported severe depression, and over 30% moderate to severe anxiety. Nurses from minority racial and ethnic backgrounds, including Filipino nurses, accounted for more than 54% of COVID-related deaths, despite comprising only 24.1% of the nursing workforce. Filipino nurses, making up only 1% of the U.S. population, comprise 4.5 % of the nursing workforce and face significant barriers to seeking mental health services, including stigma, a sense of shame, and adherence to cultural values that view mental illness as unacceptable.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To assess the impact of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) certification among Filipino nurses to increase behaviors of help-seeking, self-care, and self-awareness of health changes.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>A quantitative, quasi-experimental pre- and post-survey design was employed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>There was a significant increase in personal help-seeking behaviors, self-awareness of health changes, and self-connection among Filipino nurses (<i>n</i> = 52) post MHFA certification.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>MHFA certification for Filipino nurses successfully increased the nurses' ability to seek help, improved awareness of personal health, and improved self-care behaviors.</p>","PeriodicalId":45684,"journal":{"name":"AIMS Public Health","volume":"12 4","pages":"1265-1277"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12795766/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145971239","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 : 2025-12-22eCollection Date: 2025-01-01DOI: 10.3934/publichealth.2025063
Guganesan Krishnanmoorthy, Rama Krishna, Faiz Baharudin, Mohd Amirul Asraf Shah Nizamuddin, Nik Hasmumthaj Nik Hassan, Mahmoud Danaee, Victor C W Hoe, Sanjay Rampal
Nurses are highly vulnerable to work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD). This study evaluated the effects of a participatory ergonomic intervention on WMSD, sick absenteeism, and work performance among ward nurses. A multicomponent ergonomic training module, comprising educational ergonomics, health promotional activities, workstation adjustment, use of patient-assisted devices, and progressive muscle relaxation techniques, was developed based on a systematic review, focus group discussion, and discussion with ergonomic experts. A cluster quasi-experimental design was conducted, with nurses allocated into intervention (n = 45) and control (n = 30) groups, and follow-up across baseline, first, third-, and sixth-months post-intervention. The outcomes were assessed using the Nordic Musculoskeletal and Health and Work Performance Questionnaires. The intervention module was effective in reducing self-reported musculoskeletal symptoms among nurses across time, particularly neck pain [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 0.42, 95% CI 0.21-0.87], low back pain (AOR = 0.45, 95% CI 0.21-0.97), and shoulder pain (AOR = 0.38, 95% CI 0.17-0.88). However, the effects on relative absenteeism and relative presenteeism were only observed following adjusted analyses. While the ergonomic intervention was effective in reducing specific WMSDs among ward nurses, more research is required to delineate its potential application as a long-term strategy for addressing sick absenteeism and work performance.
护士非常容易患上与工作相关的肌肉骨骼疾病(WMSD)。本研究评估参与式人机工程学干预对病区护士WMSD、病假缺勤及工作表现的影响。基于系统回顾、焦点小组讨论和与人体工程学专家的讨论,开发了一个多组件人体工程学训练模块,包括教育人体工程学、健康促进活动、工作站调整、患者辅助设备的使用和渐进式肌肉放松技术。采用集群准实验设计,将护士分为干预组(n = 45)和对照组(n = 30),并在干预后的基线、第1个月、第3个月和第6个月进行随访。研究结果采用北欧肌肉骨骼和健康与工作绩效问卷进行评估。干预模块在减少护士自我报告的肌肉骨骼症状方面是有效的,特别是颈部疼痛[调整优势比(AOR) = 0.42, 95% CI 0.21-0.87]、腰痛(AOR = 0.45, 95% CI 0.21-0.97)和肩痛(AOR = 0.38, 95% CI 0.17-0.88)。然而,对相对缺勤率和相对出勤率的影响仅在调整分析后才观察到。虽然人体工程学干预在减少病房护士的特定wmsd方面是有效的,但需要更多的研究来描述其作为解决病假缺勤和工作绩效的长期战略的潜在应用。
{"title":"Development and evaluation of a participatory ergonomic intervention for the reduction of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among nurses.","authors":"Guganesan Krishnanmoorthy, Rama Krishna, Faiz Baharudin, Mohd Amirul Asraf Shah Nizamuddin, Nik Hasmumthaj Nik Hassan, Mahmoud Danaee, Victor C W Hoe, Sanjay Rampal","doi":"10.3934/publichealth.2025063","DOIUrl":"10.3934/publichealth.2025063","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Nurses are highly vulnerable to work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD). This study evaluated the effects of a participatory ergonomic intervention on WMSD, sick absenteeism, and work performance among ward nurses. A multicomponent ergonomic training module, comprising educational ergonomics, health promotional activities, workstation adjustment, use of patient-assisted devices, and progressive muscle relaxation techniques, was developed based on a systematic review, focus group discussion, and discussion with ergonomic experts. A cluster quasi-experimental design was conducted, with nurses allocated into intervention (n = 45) and control (n = 30) groups, and follow-up across baseline, first, third-, and sixth-months post-intervention. The outcomes were assessed using the Nordic Musculoskeletal and Health and Work Performance Questionnaires. The intervention module was effective in reducing self-reported musculoskeletal symptoms among nurses across time, particularly neck pain [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 0.42, 95% CI 0.21-0.87], low back pain (AOR = 0.45, 95% CI 0.21-0.97), and shoulder pain (AOR = 0.38, 95% CI 0.17-0.88). However, the effects on relative absenteeism and relative presenteeism were only observed following adjusted analyses. While the ergonomic intervention was effective in reducing specific WMSDs among ward nurses, more research is required to delineate its potential application as a long-term strategy for addressing sick absenteeism and work performance.</p>","PeriodicalId":45684,"journal":{"name":"AIMS Public Health","volume":"12 4","pages":"1240-1264"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12795764/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145971012","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}
Background: Preeclampsia and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are significant contributors to maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Vitamin D might play a role in the pregnancy complication prevention. However, findings across studies remain inconsistent. In this review, we aimed to evaluate vitamin D deficiency effect on preeclampsia and GDM risks, and the effect of vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy in reducing preeclampsia and GDM incidences.
Methods: We followed the PRISMA guidelines and registered the protocol with PROSPERO (CRD42024609276). Database PubMed, Scopus, and EBSCO-Medline were used to search cohort and randomized controlled trial (RCT) studies published between 1993 and 2025. Two reviewers independently assessed the article quality with the Joanna Briggs Institute checklists and extracted data. Meta-analyses were performed using RevMan 5.4. The results were reported in pooled odds ratios (OR) or standardized mean differences (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals.
Results: A total of 52,372 participants from 24 studies were included in this review. Vitamin D supplementation appeared to reduce the preeclampsia risk by 42% (OR = 0.58; 95%CI: 0.43-0.78; I2 = 45%) and GDM by 45% (OR = 0.55; 95%CI: 0.36-0.87; I2 = 0%) in RCTs. Vitamin D supplementation is most effective in reducing the risk of recurrent preeclampsia in women with vitamin D deficiency. In cohort studies, vitamin D deficiency was associated with a higher risk of GDM (OR = 1.29; 95% CI: 1.16 to 1.43; I² = 7%), but was not significantly associated with preeclampsia (OR = 1.67; 95% CI: 0.92 to 3.01; I² = 85%).
Conclusion: Vitamin D supplementation in pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, decreased preeclampsia and GDM risks, while vitamin D deficiency in pregnancy increased GDM risk but not preeclampsia. These findings support the potential benefit of vitamin D supplementation in the routine antenatal care to improve pregnancy outcomes.
{"title":"A systematic review and meta analysis on the effect of vitamin D in preeclampsia and gestational diabetes mellitus in pregnancy.","authors":"Martha Irene Kartasurya, Tomasina Stacey, Naintina Lisnawati, Andi Rispah Sulistianingsih","doi":"10.3934/publichealth.2025062","DOIUrl":"10.3934/publichealth.2025062","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Preeclampsia and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are significant contributors to maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Vitamin D might play a role in the pregnancy complication prevention. However, findings across studies remain inconsistent. In this review, we aimed to evaluate vitamin D deficiency effect on preeclampsia and GDM risks, and the effect of vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy in reducing preeclampsia and GDM incidences.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We followed the PRISMA guidelines and registered the protocol with PROSPERO (CRD42024609276). Database PubMed, Scopus, and EBSCO-Medline were used to search cohort and randomized controlled trial (RCT) studies published between 1993 and 2025. Two reviewers independently assessed the article quality with the Joanna Briggs Institute checklists and extracted data. Meta-analyses were performed using RevMan 5.4. The results were reported in pooled odds ratios (OR) or standardized mean differences (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 52,372 participants from 24 studies were included in this review. Vitamin D supplementation appeared to reduce the preeclampsia risk by 42% (OR = 0.58; 95%CI: 0.43-0.78; I<sup>2</sup> = 45%) and GDM by 45% (OR = 0.55; 95%CI: 0.36-0.87; I<sup>2</sup> = 0%) in RCTs. Vitamin D supplementation is most effective in reducing the risk of recurrent preeclampsia in women with vitamin D deficiency. In cohort studies, vitamin D deficiency was associated with a higher risk of GDM (OR = 1.29; 95% CI: 1.16 to 1.43; I² = 7%), but was not significantly associated with preeclampsia (OR = 1.67; 95% CI: 0.92 to 3.01; I² = 85%).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Vitamin D supplementation in pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, decreased preeclampsia and GDM risks, while vitamin D deficiency in pregnancy increased GDM risk but not preeclampsia. These findings support the potential benefit of vitamin D supplementation in the routine antenatal care to improve pregnancy outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":45684,"journal":{"name":"AIMS Public Health","volume":"12 4","pages":"1223-1239"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12795774/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145971360","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 : 2025-12-18eCollection Date: 2025-01-01DOI: 10.3934/publichealth.2025061
Chenghao Zhang, Lijun Chang, Yanqiu Huang, Yadan Xu, Wen Gu, Yang Yang, Hui Wang
As a non-pharmacological approach, Intermittent Fasting (IF) exhibits the capacity to boost health and counteract chronic diseases by regulating the metabolism, strengthening the cellular resistance to stress, and reshaping the immune microenvironment. The rapid progress of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies has greatly advanced our comprehension of IF's diverse health benefits. This review outlines AI's role in enhancing the exploration of IF's function in governing systemic health, clarifies the association between IF and health outcomes, and specifies AI's function in analyzing IF's impacts, which cover metabolic processes, cellular stress responses, disease prevention, and the development of personalized dietary strategies. By leveraging AI to integrate various omics datasets, the mechanisms through which IF prevents chronic diseases can be uncovered. This review discusses the challenges that AI faces in researching diet-related health mechanisms and presents an outlook on future developments. AI offers innovative methods to investigate IF's effects on chronic disease prevention, which could lay the foundation for more efficient strategies to support healthier and longer lifespans.
{"title":"Health effects of intermittent fasting and the role of artificial intelligence technologies in optimizing its clinical translation.","authors":"Chenghao Zhang, Lijun Chang, Yanqiu Huang, Yadan Xu, Wen Gu, Yang Yang, Hui Wang","doi":"10.3934/publichealth.2025061","DOIUrl":"10.3934/publichealth.2025061","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>As a non-pharmacological approach, Intermittent Fasting (IF) exhibits the capacity to boost health and counteract chronic diseases by regulating the metabolism, strengthening the cellular resistance to stress, and reshaping the immune microenvironment. The rapid progress of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies has greatly advanced our comprehension of IF's diverse health benefits. This review outlines AI's role in enhancing the exploration of IF's function in governing systemic health, clarifies the association between IF and health outcomes, and specifies AI's function in analyzing IF's impacts, which cover metabolic processes, cellular stress responses, disease prevention, and the development of personalized dietary strategies. By leveraging AI to integrate various omics datasets, the mechanisms through which IF prevents chronic diseases can be uncovered. This review discusses the challenges that AI faces in researching diet-related health mechanisms and presents an outlook on future developments. AI offers innovative methods to investigate IF's effects on chronic disease prevention, which could lay the foundation for more efficient strategies to support healthier and longer lifespans.</p>","PeriodicalId":45684,"journal":{"name":"AIMS Public Health","volume":"12 4","pages":"1190-1222"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12795775/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145971225","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}
Our study aimed to evaluate the association between problematic social media use and mental health. Additionally, we examined sex and generation differences. We performed a cross-sectional study in Greece using a convenience sample. Participants were divided into three generational cohorts: Generation Z (born 1997-2012), Millennials (born 1981-1996), and Generation X (born 1965-1980). To evaluate problematic social media use, we employed the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale. Anxiety and depression were measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire-4, and the sleep quality was assessed with the Sleep Quality Scale. We developed multivariable linear regression models to control for confounding variables. Our findings revealed a positive correlation between problematic social media use and anxiety, which was unaffected by sex or generation. Additionally, a positive link was found between problematic social media use and depression, with a stronger association observed in Generation Z and Millennials. Moreover, our multivariable models indicated a negative relationship between problematic social media use and sleep quality, which was more pronounced among males and Millennials. In summary, our results underscore the link between problematic social media use and mental health issues. Policymakers, stakeholders, and healthcare professionals should devise and implement suitable interventions to mitigate the adverse effects of problematic social media use.
{"title":"A link between problematic social media use and mental health in Greece: Sex and generation differences.","authors":"Polyxeni Mangoulia, Aglaia Katsiroumpa, Zoe Katsiroumpa, Evmorfia Koukia, Parisis Gallos, Ioannis Moisoglou, Petros Galanis","doi":"10.3934/publichealth.2025060","DOIUrl":"10.3934/publichealth.2025060","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Our study aimed to evaluate the association between problematic social media use and mental health. Additionally, we examined sex and generation differences. We performed a cross-sectional study in Greece using a convenience sample. Participants were divided into three generational cohorts: Generation Z (born 1997-2012), Millennials (born 1981-1996), and Generation X (born 1965-1980). To evaluate problematic social media use, we employed the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale. Anxiety and depression were measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire-4, and the sleep quality was assessed with the Sleep Quality Scale. We developed multivariable linear regression models to control for confounding variables. Our findings revealed a positive correlation between problematic social media use and anxiety, which was unaffected by sex or generation. Additionally, a positive link was found between problematic social media use and depression, with a stronger association observed in Generation Z and Millennials. Moreover, our multivariable models indicated a negative relationship between problematic social media use and sleep quality, which was more pronounced among males and Millennials. In summary, our results underscore the link between problematic social media use and mental health issues. Policymakers, stakeholders, and healthcare professionals should devise and implement suitable interventions to mitigate the adverse effects of problematic social media use.</p>","PeriodicalId":45684,"journal":{"name":"AIMS Public Health","volume":"12 4","pages":"1172-1189"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12795777/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145971341","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 : 2025-12-15eCollection Date: 2025-01-01DOI: 10.3934/publichealth.2025059
Lile Wang, Shuying You, Jianyi Zhou, Mo Liang, Ruicheng Hu
<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To analyze the diagnostic value of a Computed Tomography (CT) artificial intelligence (AI) system combined with lung cancer biomarkers for pulmonary nodules.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A retrospective analysis was conducted on 200 patients with pulmonary nodules treated at our hospital from February 2021 to January 2025. Based on pathological results, patients were divided into a benign group and a malignant group. The two groups were compared in terms of baseline data and lung cancer biomarkers, including carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), neuron-specific enolase (NSE), cytokeratin 19 fragment 21-1 (CYFRA 21-1), squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCCA), and pro-gastrin-releasing peptide (ProGRP). The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, misdiagnosis rate, and missed diagnosis rate of the CT/AI system alone and in combination with lung cancer biomarkers were analyzed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>There were no statistically significant differences between the benign group (134 cases) and malignant group (66 cases) regarding sex, lobulation sign, spiculation sign, solitary pulmonary nodule (SPN), or mean CT value (P > 0.05). However, the benign group had significantly lower age, years of smoking, chronic lung disease, pure ground-glass nodules (pGGN), nodule diameter, irregular nodules, bronchial changes, and vascular changes compared to the malignant group (P < 0.05). Levels of CEA, NSE, CYFRA 21-1, SCCA, and ProGRP were also significantly lower in the benign group than in the malignant group (P < 0.05). Taking pathology as the reference standard, the CT/AI system alone had a sensitivity of 71.21% (47/66), specificity of 85.07% (114/134), accuracy of 80.50% (161/200), misdiagnosis rate of 19.50% (39/200), and missed diagnosis rate of 28.79% (19/66). In contrast, the CT/AI system combined with lung cancer biomarkers had a sensitivity of 92.42% (61/66), specificity of 93.28% (125/134), accuracy of 93.00% (186/200), misdiagnosis rate of 7.00% (14/200), and missed diagnosis rate of 7.58% (5/66), with all diagnostic parameters significantly improved compared with the CT/AI system alone (P < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that age, smoking for >20 years, chronic lung disease, nodule diameter, irregular nodules, bronchial changes, vascular changes, NSE, CYFRA 21-1, and SCCA were all risk factors for malignant pulmonary nodules (P < 0.05). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis demonstrated that age, nodule type, chronic lung disease, nodule morphology, bronchial changes, and vascular changes had modest value for predicting malignant pulmonary nodules, with AUCs of 0.586, 0.750, 0.707, 0.601, 0.580, and 0.565, respectively. Smoking, nodule diameter, CEA, NSE, CYFRA 21-1, SCCA, and ProGRP had better predictive value, with AUCs of 0.840, 0.944, 0.958, 0.922, 0.856, 0.978, and 0.990, respectively. The combined diagnosis of all indicators achieved an AUC of 0.993.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong
{"title":"Diagnostic value of combined CT artificial intelligence (AI) system and lung cancer biomarkers in pulmonary nodule evaluation.","authors":"Lile Wang, Shuying You, Jianyi Zhou, Mo Liang, Ruicheng Hu","doi":"10.3934/publichealth.2025059","DOIUrl":"10.3934/publichealth.2025059","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To analyze the diagnostic value of a Computed Tomography (CT) artificial intelligence (AI) system combined with lung cancer biomarkers for pulmonary nodules.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A retrospective analysis was conducted on 200 patients with pulmonary nodules treated at our hospital from February 2021 to January 2025. Based on pathological results, patients were divided into a benign group and a malignant group. The two groups were compared in terms of baseline data and lung cancer biomarkers, including carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), neuron-specific enolase (NSE), cytokeratin 19 fragment 21-1 (CYFRA 21-1), squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCCA), and pro-gastrin-releasing peptide (ProGRP). The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, misdiagnosis rate, and missed diagnosis rate of the CT/AI system alone and in combination with lung cancer biomarkers were analyzed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>There were no statistically significant differences between the benign group (134 cases) and malignant group (66 cases) regarding sex, lobulation sign, spiculation sign, solitary pulmonary nodule (SPN), or mean CT value (P > 0.05). However, the benign group had significantly lower age, years of smoking, chronic lung disease, pure ground-glass nodules (pGGN), nodule diameter, irregular nodules, bronchial changes, and vascular changes compared to the malignant group (P < 0.05). Levels of CEA, NSE, CYFRA 21-1, SCCA, and ProGRP were also significantly lower in the benign group than in the malignant group (P < 0.05). Taking pathology as the reference standard, the CT/AI system alone had a sensitivity of 71.21% (47/66), specificity of 85.07% (114/134), accuracy of 80.50% (161/200), misdiagnosis rate of 19.50% (39/200), and missed diagnosis rate of 28.79% (19/66). In contrast, the CT/AI system combined with lung cancer biomarkers had a sensitivity of 92.42% (61/66), specificity of 93.28% (125/134), accuracy of 93.00% (186/200), misdiagnosis rate of 7.00% (14/200), and missed diagnosis rate of 7.58% (5/66), with all diagnostic parameters significantly improved compared with the CT/AI system alone (P < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that age, smoking for >20 years, chronic lung disease, nodule diameter, irregular nodules, bronchial changes, vascular changes, NSE, CYFRA 21-1, and SCCA were all risk factors for malignant pulmonary nodules (P < 0.05). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis demonstrated that age, nodule type, chronic lung disease, nodule morphology, bronchial changes, and vascular changes had modest value for predicting malignant pulmonary nodules, with AUCs of 0.586, 0.750, 0.707, 0.601, 0.580, and 0.565, respectively. Smoking, nodule diameter, CEA, NSE, CYFRA 21-1, SCCA, and ProGRP had better predictive value, with AUCs of 0.840, 0.944, 0.958, 0.922, 0.856, 0.978, and 0.990, respectively. The combined diagnosis of all indicators achieved an AUC of 0.993.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong","PeriodicalId":45684,"journal":{"name":"AIMS Public Health","volume":"12 4","pages":"1157-1171"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12795762/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145970981","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 : 2025-12-11eCollection Date: 2025-01-01DOI: 10.3934/publichealth.2025058
Ali Mohieldin
Background and objectives: Obesity has emerged as a major public health concern in Saudi Arabia, driven by rapid lifestyle transitions and dietary changes. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and risk factors of obesity among adults in the Aseer region.
Methods and study design: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 430 adults residing in the Aseer region. Data was collected through an online self-administered questionnaire, including sociodemographic factors, dietary intake, and lifestyle habits. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression to examine associations with obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²).
Results: Among participants, 25.3% were obese, and 48.1% were overweight. Obesity was significantly associated with female gender (73.4% of the obese group), age ≥ 36 years, and marital status (p < 0.05). Frequent consumption of sugary foods and physical inactivity also emerged as significant predictors. Logistic regression revealed female gender, being single, and a lack of physical activity as independent predictors of obesity (p < 0.05).
Conclusions: Obesity prevalence in Aseer is substantial, particularly among women and older adults. Tailored interventions that promote physical activity should be prioritized, and although frequent sugary food intake was associated with obesity in bivariate analysis, this relationship did not remain statistically significant in the multivariate model and should therefore be interpreted with caution.
{"title":"Dietary determinants and public health implications of obesity in the Aseer region, Saudi Arabia.","authors":"Ali Mohieldin","doi":"10.3934/publichealth.2025058","DOIUrl":"10.3934/publichealth.2025058","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and objectives: </strong>Obesity has emerged as a major public health concern in Saudi Arabia, driven by rapid lifestyle transitions and dietary changes. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and risk factors of obesity among adults in the Aseer region.</p><p><strong>Methods and study design: </strong>A cross-sectional study was conducted among 430 adults residing in the Aseer region. Data was collected through an online self-administered questionnaire, including sociodemographic factors, dietary intake, and lifestyle habits. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression to examine associations with obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among participants, 25.3% were obese, and 48.1% were overweight. Obesity was significantly associated with female gender (73.4% of the obese group), age ≥ 36 years, and marital status (p < 0.05). Frequent consumption of sugary foods and physical inactivity also emerged as significant predictors. Logistic regression revealed female gender, being single, and a lack of physical activity as independent predictors of obesity (p < 0.05).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Obesity prevalence in Aseer is substantial, particularly among women and older adults. Tailored interventions that promote physical activity should be prioritized, and although frequent sugary food intake was associated with obesity in bivariate analysis, this relationship did not remain statistically significant in the multivariate model and should therefore be interpreted with caution.</p>","PeriodicalId":45684,"journal":{"name":"AIMS Public Health","volume":"12 4","pages":"1146-1156"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12795763/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145970994","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 : 2025-11-27eCollection Date: 2025-01-01DOI: 10.3934/publichealth.2025057
Ulfi Hida Zainita, Evi Martha, Tiara Amelia, Dewi Safitri
Background: In Indonesia, with a total population of 278.7 million, it was recorded that almost half the population were social media users (49.9%) in 2024. Studies from various sources report that passive and excessive use of social media, especially in the student age category, is a trigger for Social Media Disorder (SMD). However, research examining the socio-cultural factors of SMD is lacking, especially in the Indonesian context. Thus, in this study, we aimed to explore the phenomenon of SMD to reveal the social and cultural aspects among college students.
Methods: We conducted a qualitative case study, and data were obtained using semi-structured online interviews conducted in April-June 2025. A total of 12 informants (Code: I 1-12) aged 18-22 years scored 5-9 using the SMD scale from 12 faculties at the Universitas Indonesia. The data was collected through semi-structured online interviews. The data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis.
Results: All participants had accounts on WhatsApp, LINE, Instagram, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube. Nine common subthemes were identified across participants: (1) 'Duration of social media use', (2) 'The second accounts of Instagram', (3) 'Each social media has different motivation uses', (4) 'Passive activity on social media', (5) 'Importance of peer groups', (6) 'Lack of openness toward parents', (7) 'Collective efficacy gives courage to speak up', (8) 'Social etiquette is a must', and (9) 'The shifting of cultural value during social media use'.
Conclusion: Social media use among students was deeply embedded in their academic routines, emotional coping strategies, and social navigation. Ultimately, addressing SMD requires a shift from simplistic models of addiction toward a more nuanced understanding that integrates cultural context, peer dynamics, and emotional well-being.
{"title":"Beyond a digital habit: Socio-ecological perspectives on social media disorder among Indonesian college students.","authors":"Ulfi Hida Zainita, Evi Martha, Tiara Amelia, Dewi Safitri","doi":"10.3934/publichealth.2025057","DOIUrl":"10.3934/publichealth.2025057","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>In Indonesia, with a total population of 278.7 million, it was recorded that almost half the population were social media users (49.9%) in 2024. Studies from various sources report that passive and excessive use of social media, especially in the student age category, is a trigger for Social Media Disorder (SMD). However, research examining the socio-cultural factors of SMD is lacking, especially in the Indonesian context. Thus, in this study, we aimed to explore the phenomenon of SMD to reveal the social and cultural aspects among college students.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted a qualitative case study, and data were obtained using semi-structured online interviews conducted in April-June 2025. A total of 12 informants (Code: I 1-12) aged 18-22 years scored 5-9 using the SMD scale from 12 faculties at the Universitas Indonesia. The data was collected through semi-structured online interviews. The data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>All participants had accounts on WhatsApp, LINE, Instagram, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube. Nine common subthemes were identified across participants: (1) 'Duration of social media use', (2) 'The second accounts of Instagram', (3) 'Each social media has different motivation uses', (4) 'Passive activity on social media', (5) 'Importance of peer groups', (6) 'Lack of openness toward parents', (7) 'Collective efficacy gives courage to speak up', (8) 'Social etiquette is a must', and (9) 'The shifting of cultural value during social media use'.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Social media use among students was deeply embedded in their academic routines, emotional coping strategies, and social navigation. Ultimately, addressing SMD requires a shift from simplistic models of addiction toward a more nuanced understanding that integrates cultural context, peer dynamics, and emotional well-being.</p>","PeriodicalId":45684,"journal":{"name":"AIMS Public Health","volume":"12 4","pages":"1128-1145"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-11-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12795767/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145971332","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 : 2025-11-24eCollection Date: 2025-01-01DOI: 10.3934/publichealth.2025056
Tran Thi Phuong Lan, Pham Van Phu, Le Thi Huong, Le Xuan Hung, Nguyen Quang Dung
Malnutrition and hypoalbuminemia are critical health challenges among hospitalized older adults, contributing to increased morbidity, prolonged hospital stays, and higher mortality risks. In this cross-sectional study, we aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with hypoalbuminemia and malnutrition risk in older inpatients at Military Hospital 354, Hanoi, Vietnam, from January-June 2025. A total of 264 patients aged 65 and older were recruited from geriatric, internal medicine, and rehabilitation wards. Hypoalbuminemia was defined as serum albumin levels <35 g/L, and malnutrition risk was assessed using the Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form (MNA-SF; score < 12). Data on demographic (age, sex, education, cohabitation) and clinical/biochemical factors (primary diagnosis, hemoglobin, lymphocyte, zinc, ferritin) were collected within 48 hours of admission. The prevalence of hypoalbuminemia was 33.0%, and 73.5% of patients were malnourished or at risk of malnutrition. Multivariable logistic regression identified older age (AOR 1.09, 95% CI 1.01-1.18) and male sex (AOR 2.17, 95% CI 1.14-4.17) as significant factors associated with malnutrition risk, while female sex was protective for both hypoalbuminemia (AOR 0.48, 95% CI 0.27-0.86) and malnutrition risk (AOR 0.46, 95% CI 0.24-0.88). Higher lymphocyte counts were associated with hypoalbuminemia (AOR 1.24, 95% CI 1.00-1.53). Spearman's correlations revealed strong positive associations between zinc and ferritin (r = 0.74, p < 0.01) and negative correlations of age with zinc (r = -0.43) and ferritin (r = -0.33). These findings highlight the high burden of nutritional deficits in Vietnam's older inpatients and underscore the need for routine MNA-SF and albumin screening to guide early interventions, particularly targeting micronutrient deficiencies in resource-constrained settings.
营养不良和低白蛋白血症是住院老年人面临的重大健康挑战,导致发病率增加、住院时间延长和死亡风险增加。在这项横断面研究中,我们旨在确定2025年1月至6月越南河内354军事医院老年住院患者低白蛋白血症和营养不良风险的患病率和相关因素。共有264名65岁及以上的患者从老年科、内科和康复病房招募。低白蛋白血症被定义为血清白蛋白水平(AOR 1.09, 95% CI 1.01-1.18)和男性性别(AOR 2.17, 95% CI 1.14-4.17)是与营养不良风险相关的重要因素,而女性性别对低白蛋白血症(AOR 0.48, 95% CI 0.27-0.86)和营养不良风险(AOR 0.46, 95% CI 0.24-0.88)均具有保护作用。较高的淋巴细胞计数与低白蛋白血症相关(AOR 1.24, 95% CI 1.00-1.53)。Spearman相关性显示,锌与铁蛋白呈显著正相关(r = 0.74, p < 0.01),年龄与锌(r = -0.43)和铁蛋白呈显著负相关(r = -0.33)。这些发现强调了越南老年住院患者营养缺乏的高负担,并强调了常规MNA-SF和白蛋白筛查的必要性,以指导早期干预,特别是针对资源受限环境中的微量营养素缺乏。
{"title":"Factors associated with hypoalbuminemia and malnutrition risk in older inpatients: A detailed analysis of demographic and clinical characteristics.","authors":"Tran Thi Phuong Lan, Pham Van Phu, Le Thi Huong, Le Xuan Hung, Nguyen Quang Dung","doi":"10.3934/publichealth.2025056","DOIUrl":"10.3934/publichealth.2025056","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Malnutrition and hypoalbuminemia are critical health challenges among hospitalized older adults, contributing to increased morbidity, prolonged hospital stays, and higher mortality risks. In this cross-sectional study, we aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with hypoalbuminemia and malnutrition risk in older inpatients at Military Hospital 354, Hanoi, Vietnam, from January-June 2025. A total of 264 patients aged 65 and older were recruited from geriatric, internal medicine, and rehabilitation wards. Hypoalbuminemia was defined as serum albumin levels <35 g/L, and malnutrition risk was assessed using the Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form (MNA-SF; score < 12). Data on demographic (age, sex, education, cohabitation) and clinical/biochemical factors (primary diagnosis, hemoglobin, lymphocyte, zinc, ferritin) were collected within 48 hours of admission. The prevalence of hypoalbuminemia was 33.0%, and 73.5% of patients were malnourished or at risk of malnutrition. Multivariable logistic regression identified older age (<i>AOR</i> 1.09, 95% <i>CI</i> 1.01-1.18) and male sex (<i>AOR</i> 2.17, 95% <i>CI</i> 1.14-4.17) as significant factors associated with malnutrition risk, while female sex was protective for both hypoalbuminemia (<i>AOR</i> 0.48, 95% <i>CI</i> 0.27-0.86) and malnutrition risk (<i>AOR</i> 0.46, 95% <i>CI</i> 0.24-0.88). Higher lymphocyte counts were associated with hypoalbuminemia (<i>AOR</i> 1.24, 95% <i>CI</i> 1.00-1.53). Spearman's correlations revealed strong positive associations between zinc and ferritin (<i>r</i> = 0.74, <i>p</i> < 0.01) and negative correlations of age with zinc (<i>r</i> = -0.43) and ferritin (<i>r</i> = -0.33). These findings highlight the high burden of nutritional deficits in Vietnam's older inpatients and underscore the need for routine MNA-SF and albumin screening to guide early interventions, particularly targeting micronutrient deficiencies in resource-constrained settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":45684,"journal":{"name":"AIMS Public Health","volume":"12 4","pages":"1115-1127"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-11-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12795770/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145971227","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 : 2025-11-18eCollection Date: 2025-01-01DOI: 10.3934/publichealth.2025055
Hari Krismanuel, Purnamawati Tjhin
<p><strong>Background: </strong>PM<sub>2.5</sub> is a key air pollutant that contributes to respiratory morbidity, especially in children. In Jakarta, Indonesia, PM<sub>2.5</sub> levels often exceed safe thresholds. This study contributes local evidence from Indonesia, where research on the health effects of PM<sub>2.5</sub> in children remains limited. To address this gap in the existing literature, particularly within the Indonesian context, this study offers novel insights by specifically investigating the association between ambient PM<sub>2.5</sub> exposure and respiratory tract infections (RTIs) in school-aged children and further exploring this association within male and female subgroups, an aspect that has received limited attention in this setting.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study aims to assess the association between ambient PM<sub>2.5</sub> exposure and RTIs in school-aged children, and to explore this association within male and female subgroups.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This cross-sectional study was conducted among 107 children aged 6-12 years from two elementary schools: one in Jakarta (high PM<sub>2.5</sub> exposure) and one in Bandung (low PM<sub>2.5</sub> exposure). Data on PM<sub>2.5</sub> levels were obtained from local air quality monitoring. RTI symptoms were assessed through structured interviews and physical examination. Participants were selected using random sampling. Chi-square tests and effect size calculations (phi coefficient) were used to compare groups. Potential confounders such as age, gender, and household smoke exposure were minimized through inclusion/exclusion criteria and the selection of demographically and environmentally similar school communities. Multiple binary logistic regression adjusting for confounders was also performed to assess the independent association between PM<sub>2.5</sub> exposure and RTIs.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The Chi-square test indicated a significant association between PM<sub>2.5</sub> levels and the occurrence of RTI (χ² = 22.154, df = 1, p < 0.001, φ = 0.475). Given the potential low expected counts in some cells, the statistical significance was further evaluated using Fisher's Exact Test, which also showed a significant association (p < 0.001). The prevalence of RTI was significantly higher in the high exposure group (71.43%) compared to the low exposure group (25.86%) (p < 0.001). Further analysis did not reveal significant differences in the proportion of each age group between the high and low PM<sub>2.5</sub> exposure groups [χ²(1) = 0.093, p = 0.761]. Similarly, no significant differences were found in the proportion of gender between the high and low PM<sub>2.5</sub> exposure groups [χ²(1) = 1.611, p = 0.204] in the total sample. Likewise, there were no significant differences in the proportion of RTI across different age groups [χ²(6) = 5.327, p = 0.503] or between genders [χ²(1) = 0.008, p = 0.928] in the total sample. However, further ana
{"title":"The association between PM<sub>2.5</sub> level and respiratory tract infections among children: A cross-sectional study.","authors":"Hari Krismanuel, Purnamawati Tjhin","doi":"10.3934/publichealth.2025055","DOIUrl":"10.3934/publichealth.2025055","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>PM<sub>2.5</sub> is a key air pollutant that contributes to respiratory morbidity, especially in children. In Jakarta, Indonesia, PM<sub>2.5</sub> levels often exceed safe thresholds. This study contributes local evidence from Indonesia, where research on the health effects of PM<sub>2.5</sub> in children remains limited. To address this gap in the existing literature, particularly within the Indonesian context, this study offers novel insights by specifically investigating the association between ambient PM<sub>2.5</sub> exposure and respiratory tract infections (RTIs) in school-aged children and further exploring this association within male and female subgroups, an aspect that has received limited attention in this setting.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study aims to assess the association between ambient PM<sub>2.5</sub> exposure and RTIs in school-aged children, and to explore this association within male and female subgroups.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This cross-sectional study was conducted among 107 children aged 6-12 years from two elementary schools: one in Jakarta (high PM<sub>2.5</sub> exposure) and one in Bandung (low PM<sub>2.5</sub> exposure). Data on PM<sub>2.5</sub> levels were obtained from local air quality monitoring. RTI symptoms were assessed through structured interviews and physical examination. Participants were selected using random sampling. Chi-square tests and effect size calculations (phi coefficient) were used to compare groups. Potential confounders such as age, gender, and household smoke exposure were minimized through inclusion/exclusion criteria and the selection of demographically and environmentally similar school communities. Multiple binary logistic regression adjusting for confounders was also performed to assess the independent association between PM<sub>2.5</sub> exposure and RTIs.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The Chi-square test indicated a significant association between PM<sub>2.5</sub> levels and the occurrence of RTI (χ² = 22.154, df = 1, p < 0.001, φ = 0.475). Given the potential low expected counts in some cells, the statistical significance was further evaluated using Fisher's Exact Test, which also showed a significant association (p < 0.001). The prevalence of RTI was significantly higher in the high exposure group (71.43%) compared to the low exposure group (25.86%) (p < 0.001). Further analysis did not reveal significant differences in the proportion of each age group between the high and low PM<sub>2.5</sub> exposure groups [χ²(1) = 0.093, p = 0.761]. Similarly, no significant differences were found in the proportion of gender between the high and low PM<sub>2.5</sub> exposure groups [χ²(1) = 1.611, p = 0.204] in the total sample. Likewise, there were no significant differences in the proportion of RTI across different age groups [χ²(6) = 5.327, p = 0.503] or between genders [χ²(1) = 0.008, p = 0.928] in the total sample. However, further ana","PeriodicalId":45684,"journal":{"name":"AIMS Public Health","volume":"12 4","pages":"1084-1114"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-11-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12667370/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145662363","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}