AIMS Public Health最新文献

The health and fitness (H&F) sector is rapidly evolving and appears to be a vibrant space for industry stakeholders with a great potential globally. This observational study aimed to identify the most popular trends related to H&F services in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the first time, focused on the industry status after the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, and aimed to detect potential differences with the recent results observed in other countries or regions. Additionally, a chi-square analysis was applied to determine the significant differences between trends and demographics, such as sex, age, experience, and work status. A national online survey was conducted, and applied the methodology of similar international surveys that have been carried out by the American College of Sports Medicine since 2006. In particular, simple random sampling was utilized through an online questionnaire sent to 2771 professionals involved in the UAE's H&F sector. In total, 322 responses were collected with a response rate of 11.6%. The 10 most popular H&F trends in the UAE during the post-COVID-19 era were exercise for weight loss, personal training, traditional strength training, employing certified exercise professionals, boxing, kickboxing, mixed martial arts, youth athletic development, high-intensity interval training, massage, bodyweight training, and wearable technologies. Exercise for weight loss (p = 0.001) and lifestyle medicine (p = 0.032) were more popular among females compared to males, while traditional strength training (p = 0.035) was reported more frequently by males. Going to health clubs and spas (p = 0.001) and practicing yoga (p = 0.011) were more popular trends among middle-aged (36-64 years) respondents compared to young ones (18-34 years). Athletic development (p = 0.042) was more frequently reported by non-practitioners (students) compared to practitioners (part- and full-time employees). The present results are partially in line with those reported in other recent national, regional, and global surveys, which investigated the top H&F trends after the COVID-19 pandemic. Importantly, the main outcomes of this study indicate that the industry stakeholders should focus on in-person H&F services since trends related to technology and digital services are not currently popular nationwide. Moreover, the majority of the top trends were more traditional and rooted activities, which showed that the current status of the H&F sector has established particular training services, programs, and products in the UAE.

Background: Access to language assistance is a patient's right under federal law. Despite this, underuse of language services persists.

Objective: The aim of this study was to explore the interest in obtaining bilingual certification and to describe perspectives on language services by resident physicians.

Methods: Between May and August 2021, we conducted a cross-sectional survey of residents at a public, urban hospital serving mostly patients with limited English proficiency (LEP). We assessed resident perspectives on language services, exposure to language-related trainings, non-English language (NEL) skills, and interest in bilingual certification.

Results: A total of 214 residents of 289 completed the survey (a 74% response rate). Of the 95 residents who used their NEL for patient care, 65 (68%) would be interested in bilingual certification. Sixty-nine (33%), 65 (31%), and 95 (45%) residents disagreed or strongly disagreed with being satisfied with the language services available, convenience, and sufficient equipment, respectively. Furthermore, 28 (13%) disagreed or strongly disagreed that they could achieve bi-directional communication with LEP patients.

Conclusions: Over a quarter of the residents expressed interest in bilingual certification and were likely to pass the certification exam. Many reported using their own NEL skills without certification and held negative views on services and trainings.

Objectives: To investigate the clinical epidemiological characteristics and occurrence of post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) in patients with traumatic fractures, we sought to analyze the factors that influence the prognosis of a length of hospital stay (LOS) and provide valuable insights to prevent PTSS in fracture patients and improve their prognosis.

Methods: Inpatients with traumatic fractures were recruited from a third-class comprehensive general hospital in southwest China between November 2019 and October 2020. Case data of traumatic fracture patients were collected, and a questionnaire that included general information and basic fracture details was completed. The post-traumatic stress disorder Self-rating Scale was used to assess PTSS among the fracture inpatients.

Results: A total of 204 inpatients who experienced traumatic fractures were included in this study. Falls accounted for the largest proportion of traumatic fractures. A Cox's regression analysis revealed that serious injury [Hazard Ratio (HR) = 2.44, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.33-4.46], critical illness during hospitalization (HR = 1.70, 95% CI: 1.13-2.54), and undergoing two surgeries (HR = 1.87, 95% CI: 1.20-2.93) were risk factors for longer LOS. Among the fracture patients, 30.39% exhibited positive PTSD symptoms, and physical activity during the fracture [Odds Ratio (OR) = 0.63, 95% CI: 0.45-0.88] and increased pain (OR = 3.34, 95% CI: 1.82-6.11) were identified as influencing factors.

Conclusions: Given the high detection rate of PTSS following traumatic fractures, it is crucial for relevant departments to implement targeted measures to protect high risk individuals. Furthermore, strengthening the care provided to the patients' physical and mental health is urgently needed to reduce the incidence of PTSS.

This study focused on the TALK Debrief Experience in the prehospital personnel (n = 1521) of a western Spanish healthcare region during the COVID-19 Pandemic. The study aimed to apply the TALK clinical debriefing intervention to out-of-hospital clinical staff during pandemics; identify their emotions, thoughts, coping strategies, and solution proposals; determine their demands for improving well-being and coping ability; and disseminate valuable knowledge for addressing trauma in similar situations. The study employed a qualitative methodology within a participatory action research (PAR) framework, conducting group discussions (n = 375) and employing the TALK clinical debriefing method as the guiding framework for the sessions. The discussion group meetings were facilitated by psychologists (n = 67) who had received training in this intervention technique. Various emotions were identified during the sessions, including fear of contagion, lack of control and security, work-related stress, and ethical dilemmas. Proposed solutions and coping strategies addressed increased security measures, promotion of social distancing, stress and anxiety management, and clarity in procedures and provision of protective equipment. The study also highlighted additional demands such as the need for clear information, psychological support, and changes in work practices like reducing strenuous shifts. In conclusion, despite study limitations, such as the lack of long-term follow-up, it emphasized the importance of comprehensively addressing well-being and working conditions during health crises.

Purpose: This study aimed to assess the association between nutrition behavior, food intake, being overweight, and obesity among school-aged children and adolescents aged 9 to 17 years. Additionally, it sought to examine how these factors influence being overweight and obese within this population.

Methods: A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted with a representative multistage cluster sample of 4200 Pakistani school-aged children and adolescents aged 9 to 17 years from 62 schools across seven random districts in Punjab province, Pakistan. Underweight (BMI < 5th percentile), overweight (85th ≤ BMI < 95th percentile), and obese (95th percentile ≤ BMI) were defined using the US Center for Disease Control (CDC) 2000 criteria, and a Chi-square test utilized for comparison. The Pearson correlation coefficient (r) assessed any correlations, while a linear regression analysis explored the predictive power of Nutrition Behavior/Food Intake factors (independent variables) on body-weight (dependent variable). A logistic regression analysis estimated the simultaneous influence of multiple factors on the dichotomous outcomes, and the 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. The statistical significance level was set at p < 0.05.

Results: The study was comprised of 4108 Pakistani school children aged 9 to 17 years (mean age = 13.92 years, 59.3% boys) from 62 schools. Among them, the prevalence of being overweight and obese individuals was 19.4% and 10.7%, respectively. Factors such as skipping breakfast (OR 2.45, 95% CI 1.53-3.93, p < 0.001), consuming vegetables less than once a week (OR 4.12, 95% CI 3.06-5.55, p < 0.001), consuming soft drinks three or more times a week (OR 4.74, 95% CI 3.73-6.04, p < 0.001), and consuming fast food three or more times a week (OR 10.56, 95% CI 8.16-13.67, p < 0.001) were associated with a higher risk of obesity.

Conclusion: Being overweight and obese pose significant concerns among school-aged children and adolescents in Pakistan, showing a troubling upward trend. Poor nutrition behaviors, including frequenting fast-food restaurants and low consumption of fruits and vegetables, contribute to these issues. It is imperative to comprehend these risk factors to formulate impactful policies and dietary interventions that target childhood obesity in Pakistan. Identifying vulnerable populations and implementing tailored intervention strategies are essential for public health efforts. While further interventions may be needed to reduce the body mass index (BMI) and manage being overweight and obese, the findings of this study provide valuable insights into addressing these critical health challenges.

This study aimed to examine the relationship between changes in lifestyle habits and presenteeism change according to sex. This retrospective cohort study was conducted using data from health checkups, the World Health Organization Health and Work Performance Questionnaire (WHO-HPQ) short form, and health insurance claims for 9366 Japanese corporate employees in 2015 and 2016. Changes in 11 lifestyle habits of sleeping, eating, exercise, drinking, and smoking were classified into four patterns by combining lifestyle habits (good/poor): (a) no worsening, (b) worsening, (c) no improvement, and (d) improvement. A multiple regression analysis was conducted for each sex, with changes in the WHO-HPQ score as the objective variable, lifestyle habits change (worsening or improvement) as the explanatory variables, and age, job position, department, diseases, lifestyle habits, and WHO-HPQ score at baseline as adjustment variables. The results showed worsening of good lifestyle habits, such as sleeping, regular exercise, and frequency of drinking in men, while sleeping in women was associated with negative changes in the WHO-HPQ score. On the other hand, the improvement of poor lifestyle habit of sleeping was associated with positive changes in the WHO-HPQ score. These findings suggest that maintaining good lifestyle habits of sleeping for both sexes, and exercising and drinking for men, may be beneficial in maintaining work performance, while improving the poor lifestyle habit of sleeping for women may be beneficial in improving work performance.

Cancer represents a major global health burden, prompting continuous research for effective therapeutic strategies. Natural compounds derived from plants have emerged as potential strategies for preventing cancer and treatment because of their inherent pharmacological properties. This comprehensive review aimed to evaluate the therapeutic potential of five key natural compounds: apigenin, quercetin, piperine, curcumin, and resveratrol in cancer prevention and therapy. By examining their molecular mechanisms and preclinical evidence, this review seeks to elucidate their role as potential adjuvants or stand-alone therapies in cancer management. The exploration of natural compounds as cancer therapeutics offers several advantages, including low toxicity, wide availability, and compatibility with conventional chemotherapeutic agents. We highlighted the current understanding of their anticancer mechanisms and clinical applications for advancing personalized cancer care to improve patient outcomes. We discussed the empirical findings from in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies reporting biological activity and therapeutic efficacy in antioxidant, immunomodulatory, anti-carcinogenic, and chemo-sensitizing modes. Innovative delivery systems and personalized treatment approaches may further enhance their bioavailability and therapeutic utility in a synergistic approach with chemo- and radiotherapeutic disease management. This review underscores the importance of natural compounds in cancer prevention and treatment, promoting a multidisciplinary approach to the development of innovative therapeutic strategies.

Background: Silicosis is an occupational respiratory disease linked to silica dust inhalation. The main driver was traditional coal mining, but in recent decades, new sources of exposure have emerged. Our aim in this study was to assess the temporal and spatial distribution of mortality due to this disease over a 22-year period in Spain.

Methods: Silicosis records, as an Underlying Cause of Death, were extracted from the National Institute of Statistics from 1999 to 2020 using the International Classification of Diseases 10th revision (code J62.8). Age- and sex-adjusted mortality rates per 1,000,000 inhabitants were calculated for the territory and by province. A geographic analysis was performed, and clusters of deaths were identified at the municipal level, and then the outcomes were compared in two periods of 11 years.

Results: There were 2618 deaths due to silicosis in Spain. The mean age of death increased significantly by 0.66% annually from 1999 to 2013. The age-adjusted mortality rate decreased by 7.30% per year, falling from 3.00 to 0.65 per 1,000,000 inhabitants. The temporal pattern showed a significant decrease of mortality rate in 31% of the provinces (16 out of 52), while it increased in Pontevedra. Regarding the spatial analysis, 11 clusters were found in both periods, but some variations were observed in terms of their distribution in the Spanish territory, as well as in the affected municipalities.

Conclusions: The decrease in mortality due to Silicosis could be related to less exposure to silica dust over the years and an improvement in the survival of those affected. It is thus essential to analyze the role of preventive measures for this occupational disease.

As the COVID-19 global vaccination campaign was launched in December of 2020, vaccination became mandatory for many healthcare workers (HCWs) worldwide. Large minorities resisted the policy, and the responses of authorities to this resistance led to damaged professional reputations, job losses, and suspension or termination of practice licenses. The joint effect of dismissals, early retirements, career changes, and vaccine injuries disabling some compliant HCWs from adequate performance has exacerbated existing crises within health systems. Nevertheless, leading health authorities have maintained that the benefits of a fully vaccinated healthcare labor force-believed to be protecting health systems, vulnerable patient populations, and even HCWs themselves-achieved through mandates, if necessary, outweigh its potential harms. Informed by critical policy and discourse traditions, we examine the expert literature on vaccine mandates for HCWs. We find that this literature neglects evidence that contradicts official claims about the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines, dismisses the science supporting the contextual nature of microbial virulence, miscalculates patient and system-level harms of vaccination policies, and ignores or legitimizes the coercive elements built into their design. We discuss the implications of our findings for the sustainability of health systems, for patient care, and for the well-being of HCWs, and suggest directions for ethical clinical and policy practice.