Journal of Public Health Research最新文献

In Kenya, inadequate access to safe sanitation and the inconsistent use of available sanitation facilities present critical public health challenges, which necessitate sustainable interventions to improve sanitation infrastructure and hygiene practices. This study explored the influence of water supply reliability on the uptake of safe toilet (SATO) pans in Kitui and Kisumu Counties in Kenya. The research employed descriptive cross-sectional design, and used a mixed method approach. Data were collected from 382 participants (using a questionnaire) and 18 key informants through interviews. The participants were purposively sampled across both Counties. The results revealed a relationship between water supply reliability and SATO pan uptake. Kitui County residents, whose County experienced water scarcity, were 33.5% more likely to use SATO pans than those in Kisumu, whose County had more reliable water supply. The study thus underscores the role of SATO pan innovations as a context-appropriate sanitation solution, particularly due to their low-water-use design that suits areas with less water reliability. Moreover, the findings highlight the importance of creating awareness and promoting SATO pan innovations with careful consideration for water supply reliability as a key factor influencing adoption.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has had significant effects on emergency medical services (EMS). The objective of this study was to investigate how the prehospital response by the Israeli National EMS System (Magen David Adom, MDA) was affected by the first six waves of COVID-19.

Methods: This was a retrospective study using the command-and-control database of MDA from January 1, 2019, through July 31, 2022. EMS responses from each of the six waves of COVID-19 were compared to a historical control period using a 7-day moving average.

Results: A total of 1,242,225 EMS responses were included. During the first wave, there was an increase in daily responses to fever (83.1 vs 40.3; p < 0.05) and respiratory symptoms (177.0 vs 151.7; p < 0.05), but a decrease for major trauma (78.3 vs 100.4; p < 0.05) and motor vehicle accidents (MVA) (44.4 vs 104.4; p < 0.05). A similar trend was demonstrated during the second wave. In the third wave, there were no significant differences in responses to respiratory complaints, cardiac complaints, or major trauma. During the subsequent waves, there were significant increases for all types of responses compared to the control periods.

Conclusions: During the first two waves of COVID-19, there was an increase in responses for fever and respiratory symptoms and a decrease in responses for major trauma and MVA. In the subsequent waves, a gradual return to the trend of an overall increase in the number of responses over time compared to the control period was observed.

Background: Despite the fact that menstruation is a normal biliogical cycle in a woman's life, its management presents considerable challenges particularly among vulnerable and socio-economically marginalized population segments, affecting their health and well-being. This study explores women's experiences and knowledge concerning menstrual health, delving into prevalent myths, cultural or religious beliefs associated with menstruation, and their health-seeking behaviors regarding menstrual health challenges.

Design and methods: A descriptive qualitative study involving in-depth interviews with 24 women of reproductive age in a peri- urban community near Islamabad was conducted. Participants' knowledge of menstruation, cultural misconceptions, and health-seeking behaviors were explored.

Results: Despite living in the capital city of the country, many participants exhibited limited awareness about menstruation, with misconceptions such as the belief that amenorrhea (missing period cycle) causes infertility. They also reported avoiding certain foods and activities during menstruation. Menstrual hygiene practices included using cloth instead of sanitary napkins due to cost concerns, and avoiding bathing during menstruation, reflecting the influence of cultural beliefs on menstrual hygiene practices.

Conclusion: Limited menstrual health awareness perpetuates myths and cultural misconceptions affecting hygiene practices and health-seeking behaviors. Enhanced education campaigns and culturally sensitive interventions are imperative to rectify these misconceptions and empower women for improved menstrual health.

Background: Musculoskeletal disorders are often given lower priority and receive little attention in developing countries especially in Ethiopia. Despite extensive research on MSDs, there is no comprehensive evidence in Ethiopia on the magnitude of musculoskeletal disorders. Thus, this study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of musculoskeletal disorders among patients with DM in Ethiopia.

Methods: The study was conducted in accordance with the guidelines outlined by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. The articles were searched using electronic databases including PubMed, Science Direct, and African Journals Online from October 1 to March 30, 2025. The authors carried out data extraction using a standardized form created in MS Excel.

Results: Eight studies were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis study. The study showed that the pooled prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among patients with diabetes mellitus in Ethiopia is 27.79% (95% CI: 21.90-33.68, I ² = 59.7%). Being female (OR = 1.85, 95% CI: 1.35-2.55, I ² = 0.0%), rural residence(OR = 1.89, 95% CI: 1.21-2.95, I ² = 46.1), age > 50 years (OR = 6.55, 95% CI: 1.23 -34.98, I ² = 93.9%), hypertension(OR = 4.85, 95% CI 2.59-9.08, I ² = 73.6%) and DM duration ≥ 10 years (OR = 9.41, 95% CI: 1.04-85.08, I ² = 94.9%) were associated factors of musculoskeletal disorders.

Conclusions: Musculoskeletal disorders are highly prevalent among patients with diabetes in Ethiopia, particularly among older adults, those with long-standing diabetes, and individuals with comorbid conditions such as hypertension. These findings underscore the need for targeted screening and early intervention programs for high-risk groups.

Prospero registration number: CRD42024580332.

The pervasive influence of racism confers on all public health researchers-even those for whom health disparities research is not their focus-a social responsibility to conduct research that is antiracist (i.e. to adopt research approaches that actively oppose racism and promote equity). This manuscript reviews the relevant literature and provides guidance for conducting antiracist public health research specifically for researchers for whom health disparities research is not a focus of their work. Drawing on Critical Race Theory, we propose a preliminary framework for conducting antiracist research in the form of five overarching guidelines, which were developed in the United States based on the American experience, but can be tailored/adapted to country-specific/cultural contexts: I. Frame race as a social (not a biological) construct; II. Actively solicit input and participation from individuals who are racial and ethnic minorities; III. Choose terminology carefully and be mindful of its implications; IV. Incorporate measures of contextual factors that may influence health-related behaviors and outcomes; and V. Be intentional with choices of theoretical frameworks, study design, and analytic approaches. We summarize relevant literature and provide recommendations and key references for how to follow each guideline. We also discuss how research that does not attend to these guidelines unintentionally supports racist structures and provide examples of how each guideline applies to research on the 2019 Coronavirus pandemic. Following the guidelines in this manuscript, though not exhaustive, will allow researchers to contribute to an antiracist public health agenda in pursuit of health equity regardless of content focus.

Background: Reproductive health literacy (RHL) is essential for informed decision-making and reducing high-risk behavior, yet gaps persist among adolescents, particularly in culturally conservative societies like Iran. In the present study, we sought to identify RHL levels and associated sociodemographic and educational factors among medical sciences students at Babol University of Medical Sciences.

Design and methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out from October to December 2021, enrolling 475 students via stratified random sampling. Tools used for collecting data included validated socio-demographic questionnaires and WHO-based RHL tools. Independent t-tests and ANOVA were used for analyses in SPSS version 24.

Results: The mean RHL score was 81.07 (adequate level). There were significant differences between the demographics and academic factors: higher RHL among married students than singles (d = 0.72, large effect), females scored higher than males (d = 0.28), and medical students scored higher than nursing (d = 0.68) and paramedical peers (d = 0.82). Older students (≥20 years) and higher academic years showed moderate-to-large improvements (d = 0.34-0.32). Conversely, younger students, males, and non-medical majors reported lower RHL. Sociocultural factors (e.g. residence type) had weaker but significant effects (d = 0.21).

Conclusion: While RHL among these medical students was generally adequate, significant disparities were linked to gender, marital status, and academic major. Targeted interventions, such as revising non-medical curricula and introducing early RHL education, are recommended to address these inequities, particularly among males and younger students.

Artificial intelligence (AI)-enhanced ultraportable X-ray machines have been recently introduced in our region as tools for community-based pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) screening. Compared to the previously used method of relying solely on "any symptoms of tuberculosis," chest X-ray screening is a more efficient and practical approach. Subclinical TB cases, who often lack overt clinical symptoms, may still be infectious and can present with radiographic abnormalities detectable on chest X-rays. Therefore, a parallel screening strategy combining chest X-rays and symptom assessment, followed by confirmatory sputum testing, is effective in detecting both clinical and subclinical TB cases (with X-ray abnormalities) within the community. The integration of this algorithm, along with AI-assisted portable X-ray devices, represents a significant advancement in community TB screening, although some limitations remain.

Background: Breast cancer represents a significant public health concern in Jordan. Female schoolteachers, as an often underserved demographic, possess the potential to significantly influence community health behaviors. This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding breast self-examination (BSE) among female schoolteachers in Irbid, Jordan.

Design and methods: A cross-sectional study of 518 female schoolteachers aged 23-41 in Irbid's public schools used a self-administered questionnaire to evaluate their socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge, practices, and attitudes toward breast self-examination (BSE).

Results: The study found that the average age of participants was 32.77 years, with 64.1% holding a baccalaureate degree. Most participants (55%) had been employed for 1-5 years, and 60.4% resided in the city of Irbid. Regarding reproductive history, 44.6% had their first child between the ages of 23-25 years, and 46.5% had 1-3 children. Breastfeeding was practiced by 62.7% of the participants, with 44.8% breastfeeding for a duration of 1-12 months. Additionally, 58.3% of the participants demonstrated knowledge of breast self-examination (BSE), and positive attitudes toward BSE were widely observed. Factors influencing knowledge and practices included age, breastfeeding practices, and the age at first childbirth. Meanwhile, attitudes were significantly impacted by marital status, breastfeeding practices, employment period, and breastfeeding duration.

Conclusion: The study revealed that although a majority of women in Irbid demonstrated knowledge of breast self-examination (BSE), their actual practices were insufficient. Given the significance of BSE in resource-limited settings, the findings underscore the necessity for enhanced awareness campaigns and educational initiatives aimed at improving BSE practices and promoting breast cancer prevention.

Background: Globally diabetes affects over 530 million adults with Type II Diabetes (T2DM) accounting for approximately 98% of patients. T2DM is preventable, and its onset can be markedly postponed by increasing physical activity, reducing weight, and changing dietary habits, poor adherence to lifestyle modification was attributed to a number of factors such as poverty, and diet education. The main objective of this study was to explore factors affecting lifestyle modification among adults with type II diabetes mellitus at Mbale Regional Referral Hospital (MRRH)-Mbale City, Eastern Uganda.

Design and methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study involving 262 participants was conducted in MRRH among T2DM patients attending the diabetic clinic. Quantitative data was collected through structured administered questionnaires. Simple random sampling was used to recruit respondents for the study. Quantitative data was analyzed at univariate, and bivariate levels using SPSS version 25. Qualitative data was analyzed using thematic analysis. Statistical significance was set at p-value of <0.05.

Results: About 70.1% of the participants were females, 63.4% were above 50 years, and 29.7% of participants had high knowledge on T2DM. Most participants engaged in health practices like recommended diet, regular physical activity, body weight monitoring, blood sugar monitoring, and health checkups. Gender, religion, occupation, physical exercise, smoking, and weight management significantly affected lifestyle modifications. Qualitative results revealed three main themes namely, social support, health education, and having a conducive environment as promoters to lifestyle modification, while two main themes namely lack of social support and religious and cultural beliefs were the main barriers.

Conclusion: Generally, participants had good knowledge on the lifestyle modifications of T2DM. Gender, religion, occupation, physical exercise, smoking, and weight management significantly affected lifestyle modifications. Social support, health education, and having a conducive environment were reported as promoters to lifestyle modification, while lack of social support and religious and cultural beliefs were the main barriers. It is recommended that health care workers should continuously educate the patients on the lifestyle modifications considering their financial status, and all other limiting factors. A holistic approach to lifestyle modifications needs to be taken in order to help reduce the complications associated with the condition.

Background: Between 35% and 45% of nurses and 40%-54% of physicians in the United States experienced burnout over the past decade, underscoring the need to examine trends and patterns in healthcare burnout research to identify contributors and formulate recommendations. Our objectives were to (1) understand whether the problem of burnout is widespread and studied globally, (2) assess the extent of research collaboration, (3) examine the focus of healthcare burnout themes prior to 2019 and after 2019 and assess similarities between themes to identify persistent problems, and (4) assess differences in themes to identify new research directions triggered by COVID-19.

Design and methods: We performed a literature search in Web of Science, followed by bibliometric and manual comparative analyses of publications data. We analyzed trends in publications, countries, and organizations where healthcare burnout was studied, constructed co-authorship networks, and evaluated theme similarities and differences between the periods.

Results: Studies have investigated longstanding system and organizational problems, including poor workplace conditions and unsupportive leadership and management, as contributors to burnout. Research collaborations on healthcare burnout across countries have increased post-pandemic. Studies conducted after 2019 have investigated new research directions, including workplace adaptations, workplace aggression, and emerging technologies such as virtual reality.

Conclusions: Our findings indicate that workplace conditions and organizational factors such as leadership and management remain persistent challenges, with workplace violence and workplace aggression increasingly associated with burnout. Design improvements to the work system and emerging technologies hold promise as interventions for preventing and mitigating burnout.