Pub Date : 2024-09-01DOI: 10.1016/j.glohj.2024.08.004
One Health has been recognized as a cost-effectiveness approach that intricate connections between human health, animal health, and ecosystem health. This holistic perspective is crucial for addressing complex health challenges that arise at the intersection of these domains, such as emerging infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance, food safety & food security, and environmental degradation. The beneficiaries of the One Health approach have been demonstrated by many case studies worldwide, and summarized by The World Bank that not only support poverty alleviation in developing countries, but also can reduce pandemic risk globally. It is essential for us to understand the means of promoting the initiatives in building the transdisciplinary science of One Health that requires a global vision with integration of various disciplines, stakeholders, and resources. Therefore, we introduce the role of the transdisciplinary science of One Health, and the key steps and strategies necessary to implement One Health approach in the real world. We also propose three research priorities, including emphasizing climate change and health, enhancing global health security, and promoting equity and inclusivity which is crucial for the success of One Health initiatives. Hence, building a transdisciplinary science of One Health will not only improve holistic health between human, animal, and environmental domains, but also contribute to the global health security and sustainable development.
{"title":"Building a transdisciplinary science of One Health with a global vision","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.glohj.2024.08.004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.glohj.2024.08.004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>One Health has been recognized as a cost-effectiveness approach that intricate connections between human health, animal health, and ecosystem health. This holistic perspective is crucial for addressing complex health challenges that arise at the intersection of these domains, such as emerging infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance, food safety & food security, and environmental degradation. The beneficiaries of the One Health approach have been demonstrated by many case studies worldwide, and summarized by The World Bank that not only support poverty alleviation in developing countries, but also can reduce pandemic risk globally. It is essential for us to understand the means of promoting the initiatives in building the transdisciplinary science of One Health that requires a global vision with integration of various disciplines, stakeholders, and resources. Therefore, we introduce the role of the transdisciplinary science of One Health, and the key steps and strategies necessary to implement One Health approach in the real world. We also propose three research priorities, including emphasizing climate change and health, enhancing global health security, and promoting equity and inclusivity which is crucial for the success of One Health initiatives. Hence, building a transdisciplinary science of One Health will not only improve holistic health between human, animal, and environmental domains, but also contribute to the global health security and sustainable development.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73164,"journal":{"name":"Global health journal (Amsterdam, Netherlands)","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142318699","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 : 2024-09-01DOI: 10.1016/j.glohj.2024.08.005
Background
Arsenic (As) is a toxic element that can lead to various health issues in humans. The primary exposure to As is through the consumption of water contaminated with high As levels, particularly in Bangladesh. Previous studies have shown that urinary arsenic (UAs) concentration can reflect As exposure and metabolism in individuals. However, little is known about how other factors, such as age, sex, and socioeconomic status, may affect UAs concentrations in children.
Objective
This study aimed to investigate the influence of factors such as age, sex, and socioeconomic status on UAs concentrations in children, in addition to the impact of drinking water arsenic (WAs) levels.
Methods
We conducted our study on elementary school-going children aged 8‒11 years from rural Araihazar in Bangladesh. We measured UAs (available for a subset of 391 children) and WAs levels and collected information on demographic and socioeconomic characteristics. We employed regression analysis and t-tests to analyze the data.
Results
Our findings revealed that younger children (β = 197.95, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 111.97 to 283.94), female children (β = 93.95, 95% CI: 8.49 to 179.40), and children with less educated fathers (β = 138.03, 95% CI: 26.47 to 249.58) had higher UAs levels, particularly when they consumed water with high As content.
Conclusion
The study concludes that children’s As exposure and UAs concentration may vary depending on their age, sex, and socioeconomic status. Therefore, these factors should be considered when assessing the health risks associated with As.
{"title":"Demographic and socioeconomic determinants of urinary arsenic concentration for elementary school children in Bangladesh","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.glohj.2024.08.005","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.glohj.2024.08.005","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Arsenic (As) is a toxic element that can lead to various health issues in humans. The primary exposure to As is through the consumption of water contaminated with high As levels, particularly in Bangladesh. Previous studies have shown that urinary arsenic (UAs) concentration can reflect As exposure and metabolism in individuals. However, little is known about how other factors, such as age, sex, and socioeconomic status, may affect UAs concentrations in children.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This study aimed to investigate the influence of factors such as age, sex, and socioeconomic status on UAs concentrations in children, in addition to the impact of drinking water arsenic (WAs) levels.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We conducted our study on elementary school-going children aged 8‒11 years from rural Araihazar in Bangladesh. We measured UAs (available for a subset of 391 children) and WAs levels and collected information on demographic and socioeconomic characteristics. We employed regression analysis and <em>t</em>-tests to analyze the data.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Our findings revealed that younger children (<em>β</em> = 197.95, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 111.97 to 283.94), female children (<em>β</em> = 93.95, 95% <em>CI</em>: 8.49 to 179.40), and children with less educated fathers (<em>β</em> = 138.03, 95% <em>CI</em>: 26.47 to 249.58) had higher UAs levels, particularly when they consumed water with high As content.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The study concludes that children’s As exposure and UAs concentration may vary depending on their age, sex, and socioeconomic status. Therefore, these factors should be considered when assessing the health risks associated with As.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73164,"journal":{"name":"Global health journal (Amsterdam, Netherlands)","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142318703","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 : 2024-09-01DOI: 10.1016/j.glohj.2024.08.006
Obesity is gaining prominence as a serious public health challenge in the Southeast Asia (SEA) region, with an alarming rate of increase in its prevalence. Countries in the region have shown commitment to curbing the rise of obesity by establishing policies, strategies, and action plans. This paper summarises the current situation and strategies undertaken to combat obesity and related chronic diseases. Although a range of policies and strategies have been developed, including national nutrition action plans, community intervention programmes, fiscal measures, nutrition labelling to promote healthier choices, countries in the region are struggling to make significant progress toward halting the scourge of obesity. It is imperative to strengthen existing health systems with a paradigm shift from a focus on “sick care” to and enhancing nutrition initiatives to support obesity prevention. A comprehensive and coordinated approach is essential, one that emphasises high-level coordination across all levels of government and multiple sectors, and a unified plan rather than fragmented initiatives. For strategies to be effective and sustainable, they must address the fundamental environmental determinants of poor dietary choices and nutritional inequalities. A more holistic approach is clearly needed to improve the entire food environment, which in SEA countries must include the multitude of eating places where large segments of the population “eat out” everyday to meet their energy and nutrient needs. There is a recognised need for more comprehensive measures to promote healthy eating among school children and ensure a supportive environment for lifelong healthy habits. This paper calls for a whole-of-government, whole-of-society approach that combines changes to the fundamental food environment and accompanied by systematic monitoring and surveillance systems to achieve long-lasting health outcomes.
{"title":"Combating obesity in Southeast Asia countries: current status and the way forward","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.glohj.2024.08.006","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.glohj.2024.08.006","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Obesity is gaining prominence as a serious public health challenge in the Southeast Asia (SEA) region, with an alarming rate of increase in its prevalence. Countries in the region have shown commitment to curbing the rise of obesity by establishing policies, strategies, and action plans. This paper summarises the current situation and strategies undertaken to combat obesity and related chronic diseases. Although a range of policies and strategies have been developed, including national nutrition action plans, community intervention programmes, fiscal measures, nutrition labelling to promote healthier choices, countries in the region are struggling to make significant progress toward halting the scourge of obesity. It is imperative to strengthen existing health systems with a paradigm shift from a focus on “sick care” to and enhancing nutrition initiatives to support obesity prevention. A comprehensive and coordinated approach is essential, one that emphasises high-level coordination across all levels of government and multiple sectors, and a unified plan rather than fragmented initiatives. For strategies to be effective and sustainable, they must address the fundamental environmental determinants of poor dietary choices and nutritional inequalities. A more holistic approach is clearly needed to improve the entire food environment, which in SEA countries must include the multitude of eating places where large segments of the population “eat out” everyday to meet their energy and nutrient needs. There is a recognised need for more comprehensive measures to promote healthy eating among school children and ensure a supportive environment for lifelong healthy habits. This paper calls for a whole-of-government, whole-of-society approach that combines changes to the fundamental food environment and accompanied by systematic monitoring and surveillance systems to achieve long-lasting health outcomes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73164,"journal":{"name":"Global health journal (Amsterdam, Netherlands)","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142319410","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 : 2024-09-01DOI: 10.1016/j.glohj.2024.08.007
Objective
Despite the decrease in the number of foreign visitors and residents in Japan due to the coronavirus disease 2019, a resurgence is remarkable from 2022. However, Japan’s medical support system for foreign patients, especially residents, is inadequate, with language barriers potentially causing health disparities. Comprehensive interpretation and translation services are challenging, but “plain Japanese” may be a viable alternative for foreign patients with basic Japanese language skills. This study explores the application and obstacles of plain Japanese in the medical sector.
Methods
A literature review was performed across these databases: Web of Science, PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, CINAHL Plus, Springer Link and Ichushi-Web (Japanese medical literature). The search covered themes related to healthcare, care for foreign patients, and scholarly articles, and was conducted in July 2023.
Results
The study incorporated five papers. Each paper emphasized the language barriers foreign residents in Japan face when accessing healthcare, highlighting the critical role and necessity of plain Japanese in medical environments. Most of the reports focused on the challenges of delivering medical care to foreign patients and the training of healthcare professionals in using plain Japanese for communication.
Conclusion
The knowledge and application of plain Japanese among healthcare professionals are inadequate, and literature also remains scarce. With the increasing number of foreign residents in Japan, the establishment of a healthcare system that effectively uses plain Japanese is essential. However, plain Japanese may not be the optimal linguistic assistance in certain situations, thus it is imperative to encourage more research and reports on healthcare services using plain Japanese.
{"title":"Plain language in the healthcare of Japan: a systematic review of “plain Japanese”","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.glohj.2024.08.007","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.glohj.2024.08.007","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>Despite the decrease in the number of foreign visitors and residents in Japan due to the coronavirus disease 2019, a resurgence is remarkable from 2022. However, Japan’s medical support system for foreign patients, especially residents, is inadequate, with language barriers potentially causing health disparities. Comprehensive interpretation and translation services are challenging, but “plain Japanese” may be a viable alternative for foreign patients with basic Japanese language skills. This study explores the application and obstacles of plain Japanese in the medical sector.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A literature review was performed across these databases: Web of Science, PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, CINAHL Plus, Springer Link and Ichushi-Web (Japanese medical literature). The search covered themes related to healthcare, care for foreign patients, and scholarly articles, and was conducted in July 2023.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The study incorporated five papers. Each paper emphasized the language barriers foreign residents in Japan face when accessing healthcare, highlighting the critical role and necessity of plain Japanese in medical environments. Most of the reports focused on the challenges of delivering medical care to foreign patients and the training of healthcare professionals in using plain Japanese for communication.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The knowledge and application of plain Japanese among healthcare professionals are inadequate, and literature also remains scarce. With the increasing number of foreign residents in Japan, the establishment of a healthcare system that effectively uses plain Japanese is essential. However, plain Japanese may not be the optimal linguistic assistance in certain situations, thus it is imperative to encourage more research and reports on healthcare services using plain Japanese.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73164,"journal":{"name":"Global health journal (Amsterdam, Netherlands)","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142318702","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 : 2024-09-01DOI: 10.1016/j.glohj.2024.08.008
Background
In the 2022–2023 global outbreak, the United States and state of Texas recorded a total of 31,277 and 3,085 confirmed monkeypox (Mpox) cases respectively as of November 2023. This study aims to investigate the demographic characteristics and risk factors of Mpox outbreak in Houston and document the epidemiologic control measures implemented with their outcomes.
Methods
Houston Health Department received reports of suspected Mpox cases via electronic case reports and laboratory reports from healthcare providers within Houston. These were then investigated and reclassified as either positive or negative using DNA polymerase chain reaction tests. All the reported cases received between May 2022 and January 2023 were included in this study using convenient sampling methods. Descriptive statistics using frequency distribution was used to analyze the sociodemographic, clinical features and travel history of the cases. A two-sided Chi-squared test was used to determine association between Mpox test results and risk factors with significant level set at P < 0.05. Other infection control measures such as community engagement, health education, tracking and contact tracing, vaccination, referrals and laboratory sample logistics support were implemented by the health department.
Results
Out of the total of 1,625 suspected persons investigated for Mpox, 724 (44.6%) tested positive. Among the 724 confirmed cases, male was 700 (96.7%), females 20 (2.8%), transgender male 1 (0.1%), transgender female 3 (0.4%). Age groups 30–39 years constituted 43.6%, 18–29 years 27.4%, 40–49 years 18.2%, 50–59 years was 8%. Race distribution of positive cases was Whites 43.4%, African American 38.7%, Asian 1.4%. Risk factors with P < 0.05 included male gender, age groups 30–39 years and 40–49 years, travel history to Mpox endemic areas, recent sexual contact with known or suspected Mpox cases, human immunodeficiency virus seropositivity. Identifying as gay and bisexual were also statistically significant risk factors for Mpox infection.
Conclusion
The timely implementation of primary and secondary prevention measures targeted at the most at-risk populations was very effective at curtailing the spread of Mpox infection within the city of Houston.
{"title":"Epidemiology and control of monkeypox outbreak in Houston, Texas","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.glohj.2024.08.008","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.glohj.2024.08.008","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>In the 2022–2023 global outbreak, the United States and state of Texas recorded a total of 31,277 and 3,085 confirmed monkeypox (Mpox) cases respectively as of November 2023. This study aims to investigate the demographic characteristics and risk factors of Mpox outbreak in Houston and document the epidemiologic control measures implemented with their outcomes.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Houston Health Department received reports of suspected Mpox cases via electronic case reports and laboratory reports from healthcare providers within Houston. These were then investigated and reclassified as either positive or negative using DNA polymerase chain reaction tests. All the reported cases received between May 2022 and January 2023 were included in this study using convenient sampling methods. Descriptive statistics using frequency distribution was used to analyze the sociodemographic, clinical features and travel history of the cases. A two-sided Chi-squared test was used to determine association between Mpox test results and risk factors with significant level set at <em>P</em> < 0.05. Other infection control measures such as community engagement, health education, tracking and contact tracing, vaccination, referrals and laboratory sample logistics support were implemented by the health department.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Out of the total of 1,625 suspected persons investigated for Mpox, 724 (44.6%) tested positive. Among the 724 confirmed cases, male was 700 (96.7%), females 20 (2.8%), transgender male 1 (0.1%), transgender female 3 (0.4%). Age groups 30–39 years constituted 43.6%, 18–29 years 27.4%, 40–49 years 18.2%, 50–59 years was 8%. Race distribution of positive cases was Whites 43.4%, African American 38.7%, Asian 1.4%. Risk factors with <em>P</em> < 0.05 included male gender, age groups 30–39 years and 40–49 years, travel history to Mpox endemic areas, recent sexual contact with known or suspected Mpox cases, human immunodeficiency virus seropositivity. Identifying as gay and bisexual were also statistically significant risk factors for Mpox infection.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The timely implementation of primary and secondary prevention measures targeted at the most at-risk populations was very effective at curtailing the spread of Mpox infection within the city of Houston.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73164,"journal":{"name":"Global health journal (Amsterdam, Netherlands)","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142319451","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 : 2024-09-01DOI: 10.1016/j.glohj.2024.08.001
Background
Nepal has a long history of labour migration over the years. Migrants can experience a range of problems in their destination countries, and women are more at risk than men. This paper is the first to explore the problems faced by Nepalese women migrants while working abroad.
Methods
This study was conducted among 1,889 women who were registered as migrant returnees at an organisation called Pourakhi Nepal. The study extracted and analysed data from a non-governmental organisation that supports returning female migrant workers in Nepal.
Results
Around half (43.1%) of the women were 35 or older, 30.9% were illiterate, and 63.6% were in their first overseas job. More than one-third (38.5%) had self-reported workplace harassment. Physical violence was the most prevalent (68%), followed by verbal abuse (37.5%), mental stress (29.7%), and sexual abuse (14.1%).Women who were illiterate (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]1.25, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01 to 1.55), unmarried (AOR 1.27, 95% CI: 1.05 to 1.56), worked abroad twice or more (AOR 1.35, 95% CI: 1.10 to 1.66), changed their place of work (AOR 2.38, 95% CI: 1.42 to 4.01), lived without documents (AOR 1.24, 95% CI: 1.03 to 1.50), worked as domestics (AOR 3.56, 95% CI: 2.03 to 6.23), worked in other than Gulf Cooperation Council countries (AOR 1.45, 95% CI: 1.06 to 1.99), women who did not have a fixed salary (AOR 1.64, 95% CI: 1.28 to 2.10) and did not receive salary (AOR 3.71, 95% CI: 2.88 to 4.77) were more likely to be harassed at work.
Conclusion
Our findings suggest that the host governments should introduce and enforce policies protecting women in the workplace. Migrant women should be provided with better information about health risks and hazards as well as how to improve preventive measures in destination countries to reduce workplace harassment.
{"title":"Workplace harassment faced by female Nepalese migrants working aboard","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.glohj.2024.08.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.glohj.2024.08.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Nepal has a long history of labour migration over the years. Migrants can experience a range of problems in their destination countries, and women are more at risk than men. This paper is the first to explore the problems faced by Nepalese women migrants while working abroad.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This study was conducted among 1,889 women who were registered as migrant returnees at an organisation called Pourakhi Nepal. The study extracted and analysed data from a non-governmental organisation that supports returning female migrant workers in Nepal.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Around half (43.1%) of the women were 35 or older, 30.9% were illiterate, and 63.6% were in their first overseas job. More than one-third (38.5%) had self-reported workplace harassment. Physical violence was the most prevalent (68%), followed by verbal abuse (37.5%), mental stress (29.7%), and sexual abuse (14.1%).Women who were illiterate (adjusted odds ratio [<em>AOR</em>]1.25, 95% confidence interval [<em>CI</em>]: 1.01 to 1.55), unmarried (<em>AOR</em> 1.27, 95% <em>CI</em>: 1.05 to 1.56), worked abroad twice or more (<em>AOR</em> 1.35, 95% <em>CI</em>: 1.10 to 1.66), changed their place of work (<em>AOR</em> 2.38, 95% <em>CI</em>: 1.42 to 4.01), lived without documents (<em>AOR</em> 1.24, 95% <em>CI</em>: 1.03 to 1.50), worked as domestics (<em>AOR</em> 3.56, 95% <em>CI</em>: 2.03 to 6.23), worked in other than Gulf Cooperation Council countries (<em>AOR</em> 1.45, 95% <em>CI</em>: 1.06 to 1.99), women who did not have a fixed salary (<em>AOR</em> 1.64, 95% <em>CI</em>: 1.28 to 2.10) and did not receive salary (<em>AOR</em> 3.71, 95% <em>CI</em>: 2.88 to 4.77) were more likely to be harassed at work.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Our findings suggest that the host governments should introduce and enforce policies protecting women in the workplace. Migrant women should be provided with better information about health risks and hazards as well as how to improve preventive measures in destination countries to reduce workplace harassment.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73164,"journal":{"name":"Global health journal (Amsterdam, Netherlands)","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142319450","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 : 2024-09-01DOI: 10.1016/j.glohj.2024.08.003
Background
Shared decision-making (SDM) implementation is a priority for Australian health systems, including general practices but it remains complex for specific groups like older rural Australians. We initiated a qualitative study with older rural Australians to explore barriers to and facilitators of SDM in local general practices.
Methods
We conducted a patient-oriented research, partnering with older rural Australians, families, and health service providers in research design. Participants who visited general practices were purposively sampled from five small rural towns in South Australia. A semi-structured interview guide was used for interviews and reflexive thematic coding was conducted.
Results
Telephone interviews were held with 27 participants. Four themes were identified around older rural adults’ involvement in SDM: (1) Understanding of “patient involvement”; (2) Positive and negative outcomes; (3) Barriers to SDM; and (4) Facilitators to SDM. Understanding of patient involvement in SDM considerably varied among participants, with some reporting their involvement was contingent on the “opportunity to ask questions” and the “treatment choices” offered to them. Alongside the opportunity for involvement, barriers such as avoidance of cultural care and a lack of continuity of care are new findings. Challenges encountered in SDM implementation also included resource constraints and time limitations in general practices. Rural knowledge of general practitioners and technology integration in consultations were viewed as potential enablers.
Conclusion
Adequate resources and well-defined guidelines about the process should accompany the implementation of SDM in rural general practices of South Australia. Innovative strategies by general practitioners promoting health literacy and culturally-tailored communication approaches could increase older rural Australians’ involvement in general.
{"title":"Shared decision making in rural general practices: a qualitative exploration of older rural South Australians’ perceived involvement in clinical consultations with doctors","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.glohj.2024.08.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.glohj.2024.08.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Shared decision-making (SDM) implementation is a priority for Australian health systems, including general practices but it remains complex for specific groups like older rural Australians. We initiated a qualitative study with older rural Australians to explore barriers to and facilitators of SDM in local general practices.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We conducted a patient-oriented research, partnering with older rural Australians, families, and health service providers in research design. Participants who visited general practices were purposively sampled from five small rural towns in South Australia. A semi-structured interview guide was used for interviews and reflexive thematic coding was conducted.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Telephone interviews were held with 27 participants. Four themes were identified around older rural adults’ involvement in SDM: (1) Understanding of “patient involvement”; (2) Positive and negative outcomes; (3) Barriers to SDM; and (4) Facilitators to SDM. Understanding of patient involvement in SDM considerably varied among participants, with some reporting their involvement was contingent on the “opportunity to ask questions” and the “treatment choices” offered to them. Alongside the opportunity for involvement, barriers such as avoidance of cultural care and a lack of continuity of care are new findings. Challenges encountered in SDM implementation also included resource constraints and time limitations in general practices. Rural knowledge of general practitioners and technology integration in consultations were viewed as potential enablers.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Adequate resources and well-defined guidelines about the process should accompany the implementation of SDM in rural general practices of South Australia. Innovative strategies by general practitioners promoting health literacy and culturally-tailored communication approaches could increase older rural Australians’ involvement in general.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73164,"journal":{"name":"Global health journal (Amsterdam, Netherlands)","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142319409","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 : 2024-09-01DOI: 10.1016/j.glohj.2024.08.002
Background
Maternal and child health (MCH) remains a significant public health concern globally despite previous efforts made to improve MCH services. Initiatives such as antenatal care, postnatal care services exclusive breastfeeding, child vaccination and supplements have been rolled out to improve MCH outcomes. However, inadequate maternal healthcare, socioeconomic factors, obstetric haemorrhaging, complications of hypertension during pregnancy, lack of maternal information, poor universal health coverage and uptake of MCH services exacerbate maternal mortality and child mortality rates, especially in resource-constrained areas in many sub-Saharan African countries including South Africa.
Objective
This study aimed to review mobile health (mHealth) interventions deployed to improve maternal and child health outcomes.
Methods
The study adopted the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses model to search and retrieve relevant literature from reputable, prominent electronic databases (Google Scholar, Scopus, PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, etc.). A total of 26 papers were selected and analyzed.
Results
The findings revealed several mHealth interventions such as MomConnect, Mobile Alliance for Maternal Action, NurseConnect, ChildConnect, CommCare, Road to Health Application and Philani Mobile Video Intervention for Exclusive Breastfeeding have been utilized by healthcare workers and women to improve access to MCH services. However, inadequate digital infrastructure, digital divide, resistance to change, inadequate funding, language barriers, short message service and data costs, lack of digital skills and support, compatibility, scalability and interoperability issues, legislative and policy compliance, lack of mHealth awareness, data security and privacy concerns hinder uptake and utilisation of mHealth interventions. There is a need to scale up and sustain mHealth interventions and update existing regulatory framework, policies and strategies.
Conclusion
mHealth interventions offer unprecedented opportunities to improve access to maternal information and substantially improve maternal and child health services. Stakeholder engagement and the development of sustainable funding strategies are important for successfully implementing and scaling mHealth projects while addressing existing and emerging key issues.
背景母婴健康（MCH）仍然是全球关注的一个重大公共卫生问题，尽管此前已为改善母婴健康服务做出了努力。为了改善母婴健康的成果，已经推出了产前护理、产后护理服务、纯母乳喂养、儿童疫苗接种和补充剂等措施。然而，孕产妇保健不足、社会经济因素、产科出血、妊娠期高血压并发症、孕产妇信息匮乏、全民医保覆盖率低以及对母婴保健服务的接受度低等因素加剧了孕产妇死亡率和儿童死亡率，尤其是在包括南非在内的许多撒哈拉以南非洲国家的资源有限地区。本研究旨在审查为改善妇幼保健成果而部署的移动医疗（mHealth）干预措施。研究采用系统综述和元分析首选报告项目模式，从著名的电子数据库（Google Scholar、Scopus、PubMed、Embase、CINAHL、Web of Science 等）中搜索和检索相关文献。结果研究结果表明，医护人员和妇女利用了多项移动医疗干预措施，如 MomConnect、产妇行动移动联盟、NurseConnect、ChildConnect、CommCare、健康之路应用程序和 Philani 全母乳喂养移动视频干预，以改善获得妇幼保健服务的机会。然而，数字基础设施不足、数字鸿沟、变革阻力、资金不足、语言障碍、短信服务和数据成本、缺乏数字技能和支持、兼容性、可扩展性和互操作性问题、立法和政策合规性、缺乏移动保健意识、数据安全和隐私问题等，都阻碍了移动保健干预措施的吸收和利用。有必要扩大和维持移动保健干预措施，并更新现有的监管框架、政策和战略。利益相关者的参与和可持续供资战略的制定对于成功实施和推广移动保健项目，同时解决现有和新出现的关键问题非常重要。
{"title":"Mobile health interventions for improving maternal and child health outcomes in South Africa: a systematic review","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.glohj.2024.08.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.glohj.2024.08.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Maternal and child health (MCH) remains a significant public health concern globally despite previous efforts made to improve MCH services. Initiatives such as antenatal care, postnatal care services exclusive breastfeeding, child vaccination and supplements have been rolled out to improve MCH outcomes. However, inadequate maternal healthcare, socioeconomic factors, obstetric haemorrhaging, complications of hypertension during pregnancy, lack of maternal information, poor universal health coverage and uptake of MCH services exacerbate maternal mortality and child mortality rates, especially in resource-constrained areas in many sub-Saharan African countries including South Africa.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This study aimed to review mobile health (mHealth) interventions deployed to improve maternal and child health outcomes.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The study adopted the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses model to search and retrieve relevant literature from reputable, prominent electronic databases (Google Scholar, Scopus, PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, etc.). A total of 26 papers were selected and analyzed.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The findings revealed several mHealth interventions such as MomConnect, Mobile Alliance for Maternal Action, NurseConnect, ChildConnect, CommCare, Road to Health Application and Philani Mobile Video Intervention for Exclusive Breastfeeding have been utilized by healthcare workers and women to improve access to MCH services. However, inadequate digital infrastructure, digital divide, resistance to change, inadequate funding, language barriers, short message service and data costs, lack of digital skills and support, compatibility, scalability and interoperability issues, legislative and policy compliance, lack of mHealth awareness, data security and privacy concerns hinder uptake and utilisation of mHealth interventions. There is a need to scale up and sustain mHealth interventions and update existing regulatory framework, policies and strategies.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>mHealth interventions offer unprecedented opportunities to improve access to maternal information and substantially improve maternal and child health services. Stakeholder engagement and the development of sustainable funding strategies are important for successfully implementing and scaling mHealth projects while addressing existing and emerging key issues.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73164,"journal":{"name":"Global health journal (Amsterdam, Netherlands)","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142318701","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 : 2024-06-01DOI: 10.1016/j.glohj.2024.05.006
Junxiang Wei , Peng Nie , Liwang Gao , Yang Mi , Youfa Wang
Objective
Overweight and obesity prevalence has increased in low-income countries. This study systematically reviewed the obesity trend, disparities, and prevention and control efforts in Nepal.
Methods
We searched PubMed and Google Scholar for articles and reports published between January 1, 2004 and December 31, 2022. Additional information on National policies and programs related to obesity prevention was retrieved from governmental websites and consultation with relevant experts. Overweight and obesity were defined using the World Health Organization body mass index cut points. Thirty-two studies and reports were included.
Results
Overall, overweight and obesity rates increased in all groups in Nepal although nationally representative data remained limited. The combined overweight and obesity (OW/OB) and obesity rates in women aged 15‒49 years increased from 8.5% to 22.2% and from 0.9% to 5.1% between 2006 and 2016, respectively. OW/OB and obesity rates in men were 17.1% and 2.5% based on data from the 2016 Demographic and Health Survey. OW/OB rate in under-five children increased from 0.6% to 2.8% between 2006 and 2016. Obesity rates for school-age (5‒9 years) boys and girls in 2016 were 2.4% and 2.8%, respectively, and were 1.1% and 1.4% for male and female adolescents aged 10‒19 years, respectively. OW/OB prevalence was much higher among women, residents in urban areas and central provinces, and in higher socioeconomic status groups. Projected prevalence of OW/OB and obesity for 2030 in adults aged 15‒49 was 44.7% and 8.3%, respectively, while it was 2.2% for OW/OB in preschool children. Policies and direct interventions that specifically focused on obesity prevention and control are limited.
Conclusions
OW/OB prevalence in Nepal has increased during the past 1.8 decades, disproportionately affecting population groups. Existing interventions mostly focused on undernutrition with some indirect implications for obesity prevention. In the future, Nepal needs to develop population-based programs for obesity prevention.
{"title":"Time trends and disparities of obesity and related national policies and programs in Nepal: a systematic review","authors":"Junxiang Wei , Peng Nie , Liwang Gao , Yang Mi , Youfa Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.glohj.2024.05.006","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.glohj.2024.05.006","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><p>Overweight and obesity prevalence has increased in low-income countries. This study systematically reviewed the obesity trend, disparities, and prevention and control efforts in Nepal.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>We searched PubMed and Google Scholar for articles and reports published between January 1, 2004 and December 31, 2022. Additional information on National policies and programs related to obesity prevention was retrieved from governmental websites and consultation with relevant experts. Overweight and obesity were defined using the World Health Organization body mass index cut points. Thirty-two studies and reports were included.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>Overall, overweight and obesity rates increased in all groups in Nepal although nationally representative data remained limited. The combined overweight and obesity (OW/OB) and obesity rates in women aged 15‒49 years increased from 8.5% to 22.2% and from 0.9% to 5.1% between 2006 and 2016, respectively. OW/OB and obesity rates in men were 17.1% and 2.5% based on data from the 2016 Demographic and Health Survey. OW/OB rate in under-five children increased from 0.6% to 2.8% between 2006 and 2016. Obesity rates for school-age (5‒9 years) boys and girls in 2016 were 2.4% and 2.8%, respectively, and were 1.1% and 1.4% for male and female adolescents aged 10‒19 years, respectively. OW/OB prevalence was much higher among women, residents in urban areas and central provinces, and in higher socioeconomic status groups. Projected prevalence of OW/OB and obesity for 2030 in adults aged 15‒49 was 44.7% and 8.3%, respectively, while it was 2.2% for OW/OB in preschool children. Policies and direct interventions that specifically focused on obesity prevention and control are limited.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>OW/OB prevalence in Nepal has increased during the past 1.8 decades, disproportionately affecting population groups. Existing interventions mostly focused on undernutrition with some indirect implications for obesity prevention. In the future, Nepal needs to develop population-based programs for obesity prevention.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":73164,"journal":{"name":"Global health journal (Amsterdam, Netherlands)","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2414644724000277/pdfft?md5=1d70fae9d7f451fd2270152c93833a2d&pid=1-s2.0-S2414644724000277-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141486845","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 : 2024-06-01DOI: 10.1016/j.glohj.2024.05.002
Shiyu Liu , Meichen Sun , Na Zhang , Zhaozhang Sun , Xiangyang Tian , Liming Li , Youfa Wang
Objective
This study analyzed how the 10 Global Conferences on Health Promotion have played a significant role in shaping and promoting a worldwide consensus and actions on health promotion, effectively addressing diverse health challenges that evolved over different periods.
Methods
The textual analysis method was used in this study and text encoding was conducted to systematically examine the declarations and reports presented by the 10 Global Conferences on Health Promotion held during 1986‒2021. We summarized the themes and key achievements, and key vocabulary in the conference declarations was extracted and analyzed to construct the global health promotion consensus and actions.
Results
The fundamental principles of the conferences are to foster consensus and initiate actions in the realm of health promotion on a global scale. The primary purpose and goal are to promote health from regional to global. Significantly, our findings highlight a transition in the primary actors driving health promotion. It underscores a shift in health promotion from being driven primarily by organizations like the World Health Organization, governments, and international bodies, to a more inclusive approach involving non-governmental organizations and the general public. This development implies that health promotion has evolved into a collective global endeavor, demanding the proactive involvement of various stakeholders, and forging new alliances in public health. Meanwhile, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has further shaped the landscape of health promotion, underscoring the need for intensified focus on areas including disease prevention, health education, and the integration of digital health technologies, and emphasizing the importance of a multidimensional, responsive approach in public health initiatives.
Conclusions
Sustained collaboration and innovative strategies are pivotal to advancing health promotion globally. Countries, together with public and private entities, should intensify cooperation. Multisectoral collaboration among partners such as healthcare, education, social security, and the industry is vital for health promotion and achieving global health goals.
{"title":"Shaping global health promotion: a comprehensive analysis of the 10 Global Conferences on Health Promotion Conferences (1986‒2021)","authors":"Shiyu Liu , Meichen Sun , Na Zhang , Zhaozhang Sun , Xiangyang Tian , Liming Li , Youfa Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.glohj.2024.05.002","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.glohj.2024.05.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><p>This study analyzed how the 10 Global Conferences on Health Promotion have played a significant role in shaping and promoting a worldwide consensus and actions on health promotion, effectively addressing diverse health challenges that evolved over different periods.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>The textual analysis method was used in this study and text encoding was conducted to systematically examine the declarations and reports presented by the 10 Global Conferences on Health Promotion held during 1986‒2021. We summarized the themes and key achievements, and key vocabulary in the conference declarations was extracted and analyzed to construct the global health promotion consensus and actions.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>The fundamental principles of the conferences are to foster consensus and initiate actions in the realm of health promotion on a global scale. The primary purpose and goal are to promote health from regional to global. Significantly, our findings highlight a transition in the primary actors driving health promotion. It underscores a shift in health promotion from being driven primarily by organizations like the World Health Organization, governments, and international bodies, to a more inclusive approach involving non-governmental organizations and the general public. This development implies that health promotion has evolved into a collective global endeavor, demanding the proactive involvement of various stakeholders, and forging new alliances in public health. Meanwhile, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has further shaped the landscape of health promotion, underscoring the need for intensified focus on areas including disease prevention, health education, and the integration of digital health technologies, and emphasizing the importance of a multidimensional, responsive approach in public health initiatives.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>Sustained collaboration and innovative strategies are pivotal to advancing health promotion globally. Countries, together with public and private entities, should intensify cooperation. Multisectoral collaboration among partners such as healthcare, education, social security, and the industry is vital for health promotion and achieving global health goals.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":73164,"journal":{"name":"Global health journal (Amsterdam, Netherlands)","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S241464472400023X/pdfft?md5=aacecf9c1ee4c8b6f66367f9a4333cd6&pid=1-s2.0-S241464472400023X-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141486846","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}
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