Nicolette Wilson, Grace M Vahey, Emily McDonald, Kelly Fitzpatrick, J. Lehman, Sandhya Clark, Kristine Lindell, Daniel M. Pastula, Stephen Perez, Heather Rhodes, Carolyn V. Gould, J. E. Staples, Stacey W. Martin, Kim Cervantes
In the United States (U.S.), Powassan virus is primarily transmitted to humans by the black‐legged tick (Ixodes scapularis). Rarely, infections can present as severe neuroinvasive disease. In 2019, four neuroinvasive disease cases were reported in Sussex County, New Jersey, U.S. We administered a survey to county residents to better understand tick bite risk factors and the performance of personal prevention measures.A survey was administered in October 2019 to adult residents of randomly selected households. Questions focused on tick bite prevention and risk factors. Crude and adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for various outcomes.Of 274 participants, 25% were previously diagnosed with a tick‐borne disease, and 42% reported finding an attached tick in 2019. Yardwork and gardening (OR = 7.38) and spending >50 hours outdoors per week (OR = 8.15) were associated with finding an attached tick. Finding an attached tick was inversely associated with the number of prevention measures used, indicating that a layered approach could reduce the risk of tick bites. Those who performed post‐outdoor activity prevention measures (e.g., tick checks) were less likely to have a tick attached compared to finding a crawling tick.Compliance with prevention recommendations was low, despite a high prevalence of reported tick bites and significant outdoor exposures. Older adults and persons who spend significant time outdoors or engage in yardwork or gardening were at the highest risk of tick bites. Additional research is needed to further understand the barriers to tick bite prevention.
{"title":"Tick bite risk factors and prevention measures in an area with emerging Powassan virus disease","authors":"Nicolette Wilson, Grace M Vahey, Emily McDonald, Kelly Fitzpatrick, J. Lehman, Sandhya Clark, Kristine Lindell, Daniel M. Pastula, Stephen Perez, Heather Rhodes, Carolyn V. Gould, J. E. Staples, Stacey W. Martin, Kim Cervantes","doi":"10.1002/puh2.136","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/puh2.136","url":null,"abstract":"In the United States (U.S.), Powassan virus is primarily transmitted to humans by the black‐legged tick (Ixodes scapularis). Rarely, infections can present as severe neuroinvasive disease. In 2019, four neuroinvasive disease cases were reported in Sussex County, New Jersey, U.S. We administered a survey to county residents to better understand tick bite risk factors and the performance of personal prevention measures.A survey was administered in October 2019 to adult residents of randomly selected households. Questions focused on tick bite prevention and risk factors. Crude and adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for various outcomes.Of 274 participants, 25% were previously diagnosed with a tick‐borne disease, and 42% reported finding an attached tick in 2019. Yardwork and gardening (OR = 7.38) and spending >50 hours outdoors per week (OR = 8.15) were associated with finding an attached tick. Finding an attached tick was inversely associated with the number of prevention measures used, indicating that a layered approach could reduce the risk of tick bites. Those who performed post‐outdoor activity prevention measures (e.g., tick checks) were less likely to have a tick attached compared to finding a crawling tick.Compliance with prevention recommendations was low, despite a high prevalence of reported tick bites and significant outdoor exposures. Older adults and persons who spend significant time outdoors or engage in yardwork or gardening were at the highest risk of tick bites. Additional research is needed to further understand the barriers to tick bite prevention.","PeriodicalId":74613,"journal":{"name":"Public health challenges","volume":"30 7","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-11-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139274616","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
K. MacKenzie‐Shalders, Liza Barbour, Karen Charlton, Gregory R. Cox, Mark Lawrence, Sandra Murray, Kylie Newberry, Nicole M. Senior, Rosemary Stanton, Angela M. Tagtow
Earth and all its inhabitants are threatened by a planetary crisis; including climate change, deforestation, biodiversity loss and pollution. Dietitians and nutrition professionals have a responsibility to lead transformational change in contemporary food and health systems to help mitigate this crisis. The study aims to develop a conceptual framework to support dietitians towards personal, population and planetary health.Non‐empirical methods were used by the co‐researchers to explore and explain the application of an international framework ‘Next‐Generation Solutions to Address Adaptive Challenges in Dietetics Practice: The I + PSE Conceptual Framework for Action’.A non‐sequential pathway guide to personal, population and planetary health for nutrition professionals was developed including several key guiding principles of Agency, Action, Ascension, Alignment, Alliance and Allyship, and Advocacy and Activism. Each guiding principle features descriptors and descriptions to enhance dietitian and nutrition professional Agency (i.e. vision, self‐belief, confidence, strength and responsibility), Action (i.e. start, shift, translate, achieve and commit), Ascension (i.e. build, overcome, manage, challenge and progress), Alignment (i.e. leadership, transparency, diplomacy, values and systems), Alliance and Allyship (i.e. support, collaborate, represent, community and citizenship) and Advocacy and Activism (i.e. disrupt, co‐design, transform, empower and urgency). The framework and its descriptors support enhanced understanding and are modifiable and flexible in their application to guide the participation of dietitians and nutrition professionals in transformational change in personal, population and planetary health. This guide acknowledges that First Nations knowledge and customs are important to current and future work within this field.Alongside the international body of work progressing in this field, this framework and visual guide will support dietitians and nutrition professionals to achieve urgent, transformational change in personal, population and planetary health.
{"title":"A pathway to personal, population and planetary health for dietitians and nutrition professionals","authors":"K. MacKenzie‐Shalders, Liza Barbour, Karen Charlton, Gregory R. Cox, Mark Lawrence, Sandra Murray, Kylie Newberry, Nicole M. Senior, Rosemary Stanton, Angela M. Tagtow","doi":"10.1002/puh2.137","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/puh2.137","url":null,"abstract":"Earth and all its inhabitants are threatened by a planetary crisis; including climate change, deforestation, biodiversity loss and pollution. Dietitians and nutrition professionals have a responsibility to lead transformational change in contemporary food and health systems to help mitigate this crisis. The study aims to develop a conceptual framework to support dietitians towards personal, population and planetary health.Non‐empirical methods were used by the co‐researchers to explore and explain the application of an international framework ‘Next‐Generation Solutions to Address Adaptive Challenges in Dietetics Practice: The I + PSE Conceptual Framework for Action’.A non‐sequential pathway guide to personal, population and planetary health for nutrition professionals was developed including several key guiding principles of Agency, Action, Ascension, Alignment, Alliance and Allyship, and Advocacy and Activism. Each guiding principle features descriptors and descriptions to enhance dietitian and nutrition professional Agency (i.e. vision, self‐belief, confidence, strength and responsibility), Action (i.e. start, shift, translate, achieve and commit), Ascension (i.e. build, overcome, manage, challenge and progress), Alignment (i.e. leadership, transparency, diplomacy, values and systems), Alliance and Allyship (i.e. support, collaborate, represent, community and citizenship) and Advocacy and Activism (i.e. disrupt, co‐design, transform, empower and urgency). The framework and its descriptors support enhanced understanding and are modifiable and flexible in their application to guide the participation of dietitians and nutrition professionals in transformational change in personal, population and planetary health. This guide acknowledges that First Nations knowledge and customs are important to current and future work within this field.Alongside the international body of work progressing in this field, this framework and visual guide will support dietitians and nutrition professionals to achieve urgent, transformational change in personal, population and planetary health.","PeriodicalId":74613,"journal":{"name":"Public health challenges","volume":"AES-5 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-11-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139273663","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Amit C M Mishra, Sureshbabu Kokku, Ioanna Skaroni, Kholoud Ateeq Al Motawaa, M. Al-Thani, N. Wareham, A. Abou‐Samra, Shahrad Taheri
The burden of non‐communicable diseases, including diabetes, is high in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Qatar (a MENA country) has a high prevalence of diabetes (16.7%). Over the past 20 years, Qatar has made significant investment to establish a biomedical research infrastructure. This article documents the processes adopted for the development of a national diabetes research agenda for Qatar.To develop the diabetes research agenda, a three‐step process was adopted. First, a bibliometric analysis of diabetes‐related research publications was conducted to understand current research and funding patterns. Second, through in‐depth interviews and a national consultative workshop, the challenges associated with diabetes research and their potential solutions were documented. Third, an expert team assimilated the recommendations to finalise the diabetes research agenda for the State of Qatar.A steadily increasing number of diabetes research publications and collaboration with researchers from 48 different countries was noted. Aetiological research (49%), mainly from cohort studies, dominated research publications. The national diabetes research agenda prioritised five research areas focused on diabetes prevention, early detection, reversal, treatment development and evaluation and system research for improved outcomes. Under each area, a set of research questions were identified to guide the research community to align their research interests with high‐priority research in diabetes.The national research agenda development process has uncovered some important knowledge gaps and outlined the most impactful areas for diabetes research. Achievement of the objectives of the research agenda requires enhanced collaboration among the research community, sustained research funding and enabling a robust regulatory framework.
{"title":"Setting the agenda for diabetes research in the state of Qatar","authors":"Amit C M Mishra, Sureshbabu Kokku, Ioanna Skaroni, Kholoud Ateeq Al Motawaa, M. Al-Thani, N. Wareham, A. Abou‐Samra, Shahrad Taheri","doi":"10.1002/puh2.117","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/puh2.117","url":null,"abstract":"The burden of non‐communicable diseases, including diabetes, is high in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Qatar (a MENA country) has a high prevalence of diabetes (16.7%). Over the past 20 years, Qatar has made significant investment to establish a biomedical research infrastructure. This article documents the processes adopted for the development of a national diabetes research agenda for Qatar.To develop the diabetes research agenda, a three‐step process was adopted. First, a bibliometric analysis of diabetes‐related research publications was conducted to understand current research and funding patterns. Second, through in‐depth interviews and a national consultative workshop, the challenges associated with diabetes research and their potential solutions were documented. Third, an expert team assimilated the recommendations to finalise the diabetes research agenda for the State of Qatar.A steadily increasing number of diabetes research publications and collaboration with researchers from 48 different countries was noted. Aetiological research (49%), mainly from cohort studies, dominated research publications. The national diabetes research agenda prioritised five research areas focused on diabetes prevention, early detection, reversal, treatment development and evaluation and system research for improved outcomes. Under each area, a set of research questions were identified to guide the research community to align their research interests with high‐priority research in diabetes.The national research agenda development process has uncovered some important knowledge gaps and outlined the most impactful areas for diabetes research. Achievement of the objectives of the research agenda requires enhanced collaboration among the research community, sustained research funding and enabling a robust regulatory framework.","PeriodicalId":74613,"journal":{"name":"Public health challenges","volume":"56 7","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-11-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139272640","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Yusuff Adebayo Adebisi, Aminat Olaitan Adebayo, Nafisat Dasola Jimoh, Olusegun Ayo Ade‐adekunle, Mba Oluebube Mercy, Sarah Kuponiyi
The Pandemic Fund is established to strengthen pandemic prevention and response capabilities in low- and middle-income countries and address critical gaps through investments and technical support at the national, regional and global levels. It is governed by a Board comprising representatives from sovereign contributors, non-sovereign contributors, sovereign co-investors and civil society organizations. This Fund represents a multi-stakeholder global partnership, with its Secretariat hosted by the World Bank, which also acts as a trustee for the fund, and with technical leadership from the World Health Organization [1]. The recent announcement on 3 March 2023 of a $300 million allocation for the Pandemic Fund's initial round of funding represents a stride towards enhancing prevention, preparedness and response initiatives for public health emergencies in low-and middle-income countries [2]. It is, however, pertinent that the Pandemic Fund bolsters inclusive and holistic strategies that prioritize the needs of vulnerable communities in order to effectively tackle health disparities and foster equity. The priority areas specified in the Call for Proposals – namely disease surveillance, laboratory systems and workforce capacity – are indisputably crucial components of preparedness and response efforts [2]. Although these elements play a foundational role in strengthening health infrastructures and promoting early outbreak detection, there is a pressing need for a more comprehensive discussion on health system strengthening. This should emphasize not only the infrastructure but also the access to quality care and the equitable distribution of resources. These components not only support early detection but also underpin a dependable emergency health response. It is imperative, however, to recognize that marginalized groups – such as ethnic minorities, the economically disadvantaged, people with disabilities and residents of remote areas – often suffer disproportionately during health crises. In the wake of health emergencies like COVID-19, the pronounced health disparities and the severe implications for these vulnerable populations became glaringly evident [3, 4]. These groups encountered a myriad of challenges, from higher infection and mortality rates to limited healthcare access, all of which magnified existing socio-economic inequalities [5]. The necessity of fully engaging minority communities in pandemic preparedness and response initiatives cannot be overstated. Such engagement is paramount for crafting strategies that address the unique vulnerabilities and barriers these communities face in health emergencies and has been widely recognized in the literature for HIV/AIDS [6]. The Pandemic Fund has the opportunity to facilitate this vital inclusion by prioritizing and funding initiatives that highlight active engagement with these communities. One approach for this engagement could involve robust collaboration with local organizations, grassr
{"title":"How the world bank's pandemic fund can address health inequities","authors":"Yusuff Adebayo Adebisi, Aminat Olaitan Adebayo, Nafisat Dasola Jimoh, Olusegun Ayo Ade‐adekunle, Mba Oluebube Mercy, Sarah Kuponiyi","doi":"10.1002/puh2.138","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/puh2.138","url":null,"abstract":"The Pandemic Fund is established to strengthen pandemic prevention and response capabilities in low- and middle-income countries and address critical gaps through investments and technical support at the national, regional and global levels. It is governed by a Board comprising representatives from sovereign contributors, non-sovereign contributors, sovereign co-investors and civil society organizations. This Fund represents a multi-stakeholder global partnership, with its Secretariat hosted by the World Bank, which also acts as a trustee for the fund, and with technical leadership from the World Health Organization [1]. The recent announcement on 3 March 2023 of a $300 million allocation for the Pandemic Fund's initial round of funding represents a stride towards enhancing prevention, preparedness and response initiatives for public health emergencies in low-and middle-income countries [2]. It is, however, pertinent that the Pandemic Fund bolsters inclusive and holistic strategies that prioritize the needs of vulnerable communities in order to effectively tackle health disparities and foster equity. The priority areas specified in the Call for Proposals – namely disease surveillance, laboratory systems and workforce capacity – are indisputably crucial components of preparedness and response efforts [2]. Although these elements play a foundational role in strengthening health infrastructures and promoting early outbreak detection, there is a pressing need for a more comprehensive discussion on health system strengthening. This should emphasize not only the infrastructure but also the access to quality care and the equitable distribution of resources. These components not only support early detection but also underpin a dependable emergency health response. It is imperative, however, to recognize that marginalized groups – such as ethnic minorities, the economically disadvantaged, people with disabilities and residents of remote areas – often suffer disproportionately during health crises. In the wake of health emergencies like COVID-19, the pronounced health disparities and the severe implications for these vulnerable populations became glaringly evident [3, 4]. These groups encountered a myriad of challenges, from higher infection and mortality rates to limited healthcare access, all of which magnified existing socio-economic inequalities [5]. The necessity of fully engaging minority communities in pandemic preparedness and response initiatives cannot be overstated. Such engagement is paramount for crafting strategies that address the unique vulnerabilities and barriers these communities face in health emergencies and has been widely recognized in the literature for HIV/AIDS [6]. The Pandemic Fund has the opportunity to facilitate this vital inclusion by prioritizing and funding initiatives that highlight active engagement with these communities. One approach for this engagement could involve robust collaboration with local organizations, grassr","PeriodicalId":74613,"journal":{"name":"Public health challenges","volume":"101 19","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-11-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135137556","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Abstract Railways are a major mode of transportation for passengers as well as goods. Across the world, minor and major accidents involving railways causing damage to life and property have been reported. The recent triple train derailment and collision near a small railway station in the state of Odisha, India, on 02.06.2023 is a major calamity. The accident resulted in 292 deaths, and more than 1000 injuries were attributed to the accident. In its comprehensive enquiry report, the Commissioner of Railway Safety found lapses in the signalling mechanism and oversight as the reasons for the accident. Immediate rescue, emergency transport and treatment are essential in reducing the mortality and morbidity of such accidents. The relatively newer domain under pre‐hospital and disaster medicine is confined space medicine, which deals with patients trapped in places with limited access to conventional intervention and reduced ventilation. Confined space medicine employs a multi‐hazard and interprofessional approach to treating individuals who are trapped in a structural collapse. It is also essential to critically evaluate and disseminate the entire disaster response systems that functioned during and after the railway accident to identify the existing system's best practices, bottlenecks, and gaps. The train's speed, lack of track and signal maintenance, absence of safety oversight, driver fatigue and distractions are some major determinants of train accidents, highlighting the need for comprehensive planning and training in rail safety. It is essential to improve the timely implementation of maintenance activities and completion of accident inquiries on time. A comprehensive review of the preparedness, rescue and response must be undertaken at the earliest possible opportunity to prevent and prepare for any such disasters in the future.
{"title":"Disaster response, confined space medicine and safety systems against railway accidents: 2023 Odisha railway accident from India","authors":"Aravind P. Gandhi, Bijaya Kumar Padhi","doi":"10.1002/puh2.135","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/puh2.135","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Railways are a major mode of transportation for passengers as well as goods. Across the world, minor and major accidents involving railways causing damage to life and property have been reported. The recent triple train derailment and collision near a small railway station in the state of Odisha, India, on 02.06.2023 is a major calamity. The accident resulted in 292 deaths, and more than 1000 injuries were attributed to the accident. In its comprehensive enquiry report, the Commissioner of Railway Safety found lapses in the signalling mechanism and oversight as the reasons for the accident. Immediate rescue, emergency transport and treatment are essential in reducing the mortality and morbidity of such accidents. The relatively newer domain under pre‐hospital and disaster medicine is confined space medicine, which deals with patients trapped in places with limited access to conventional intervention and reduced ventilation. Confined space medicine employs a multi‐hazard and interprofessional approach to treating individuals who are trapped in a structural collapse. It is also essential to critically evaluate and disseminate the entire disaster response systems that functioned during and after the railway accident to identify the existing system's best practices, bottlenecks, and gaps. The train's speed, lack of track and signal maintenance, absence of safety oversight, driver fatigue and distractions are some major determinants of train accidents, highlighting the need for comprehensive planning and training in rail safety. It is essential to improve the timely implementation of maintenance activities and completion of accident inquiries on time. A comprehensive review of the preparedness, rescue and response must be undertaken at the earliest possible opportunity to prevent and prepare for any such disasters in the future.","PeriodicalId":74613,"journal":{"name":"Public health challenges","volume":"97 6","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-11-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135091570","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Abstract The armed conflict in Sudan erupted in mid‐April 2023, resulting in many casualties, internal displacement, and refugees. Sudan's health system was severely affected by multiple attacks on healthcare facilities and workers, closure of hospitals, and occupation of medical facilities by armed groups. Critical services such as immunization, nutrition, and emergency care have been suspended, disrupting health services in conflict states and increasing strain on neighboring states' healthcare facilities. The conflict also caused shortages of essential medical supplies, looting of healthcare facilities and humanitarian supplies, and destruction of infrastructure, affecting the supply chain and availability of healthcare resources. The deployment and distribution of the health workforce have become challenging and may lead to a further brain drain of healthcare professionals. The financial challenges in healthcare financing are expected to worsen due to the conflict's economic impact on fiscal space and fiscal capacity. The health system's governance has been affected by a leadership vacuum, and decision‐making may shift to the state level. The conflict has also exacerbated the burden of diseases, including communicable diseases, malnutrition, and mental health issues, with potential outbreaks of dengue fever, measles, and spikes of gender‐based violence reported. In response to the conflict, the restoration and maintenance the health system is pivotal via coordinating efforts between the Sudanese Ministry of Health and international partners. The safety of healthcare workers and the delivery of essential supplies need to be restored via strengthening compliance with international humanitarian law, pooling of funds, and services at primary care level. This commentary discusses the impact of the 2023 conflict on Sudan's health and health system, particularly on different building blocks of Sudan's health system as well as the burden of disease and humanitarian response priorities.
{"title":"Impact of the 2023 armed conflict on Sudan's healthcare system","authors":"Alhadi Khogali, Anmar Homeida","doi":"10.1002/puh2.134","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/puh2.134","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract The armed conflict in Sudan erupted in mid‐April 2023, resulting in many casualties, internal displacement, and refugees. Sudan's health system was severely affected by multiple attacks on healthcare facilities and workers, closure of hospitals, and occupation of medical facilities by armed groups. Critical services such as immunization, nutrition, and emergency care have been suspended, disrupting health services in conflict states and increasing strain on neighboring states' healthcare facilities. The conflict also caused shortages of essential medical supplies, looting of healthcare facilities and humanitarian supplies, and destruction of infrastructure, affecting the supply chain and availability of healthcare resources. The deployment and distribution of the health workforce have become challenging and may lead to a further brain drain of healthcare professionals. The financial challenges in healthcare financing are expected to worsen due to the conflict's economic impact on fiscal space and fiscal capacity. The health system's governance has been affected by a leadership vacuum, and decision‐making may shift to the state level. The conflict has also exacerbated the burden of diseases, including communicable diseases, malnutrition, and mental health issues, with potential outbreaks of dengue fever, measles, and spikes of gender‐based violence reported. In response to the conflict, the restoration and maintenance the health system is pivotal via coordinating efforts between the Sudanese Ministry of Health and international partners. The safety of healthcare workers and the delivery of essential supplies need to be restored via strengthening compliance with international humanitarian law, pooling of funds, and services at primary care level. This commentary discusses the impact of the 2023 conflict on Sudan's health and health system, particularly on different building blocks of Sudan's health system as well as the burden of disease and humanitarian response priorities.","PeriodicalId":74613,"journal":{"name":"Public health challenges","volume":"64 5","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-10-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"136160243","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Samuel Asamoah Sakyi, Stephen Opoku, Ebenezer Senu, Emmanuel Ekow Korsah, Alfred Effah, Bright Takyi Baidoo, Eugene Ansah Arele, Emmanuel Frimpong, Emmanuel Naturinda, Kini Evans Kodzo, Anthony Amenuvor, Afia Agyapomaa Kwayie, Lydia Oppong Bannor, Ransford Osei Ampofo, Brefo Aaron Marfo, Raphael Osei Mensah‐Bonsu
Abstract Background Among persons with diabetes on treatment, hypoglycemia is the most common iatrogenic acute metabolic complication. Many factors influence hypoglycemia, highlighting the need for diabetic patients to recognize, and manage these potential factors in order to reduce the rate of hypoglycemia. In this study, we assessed the knowledge, experiences of hypoglycemia, and associated risk factors among Ghanaians with diabetes mellitus (DM). Methods This cross‐sectional study included 444 clinically diagnosed DM patients from the Suntreso Government Hospital, who were on treatment for at least a year. A structured validated questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic, lifestyle, and clinical data from the participants. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS Version 20.0 and GraphPad Prism 8.0. Results More than half (52.7%) of the study participants had poor knowledge of hypoglycemia. Moreover, 52.9% of diabetics had experienced hypoglycemia. Participants who were in the age groups of 55–64 and 65–80 years, being retired, being diagnosed with diabetes for 11–20 years and more than 20 years, taking in alcohol, and having adequate knowledge were independent determinants of experiencing hypoglycemia. Conclusion Knowledge level of hypoglycemia among Ghanaian diabetics is low. Prompt recognition of risk factors of hypoglycemia and the careful monitoring and management of glycemic levels in high‐risk groups are important to lessen the prevalence of hypoglycemia in these populations.
背景在接受治疗的糖尿病患者中，低血糖是最常见的医源性急性代谢并发症。影响低血糖的因素很多，强调糖尿病患者需要认识和管理这些潜在的因素，以降低低血糖的发生率。在这项研究中，我们评估了加纳糖尿病患者的知识、低血糖经历和相关危险因素。方法本横断面研究纳入来自Suntreso政府医院的444例临床诊断为糖尿病的患者，这些患者接受了至少一年的治疗。一份结构化的有效问卷用于收集参与者的社会人口统计、生活方式和临床数据。采用SPSS Version 20.0和GraphPad Prism 8.0进行统计分析。结果超过一半(52.7%)的研究参与者对低血糖的知识知之甚少。此外，52.9%的糖尿病患者出现过低血糖。年龄在55-64岁和65-80岁的参与者，退休，被诊断患有糖尿病11-20年和超过20年，饮酒和有足够的知识是低血糖的独立决定因素。结论加纳糖尿病患者的低血糖知识水平较低。及时认识低血糖的危险因素，仔细监测和管理高危人群的血糖水平，对于减少这些人群中低血糖的患病率非常重要。
{"title":"Factors associated with knowledge and hypoglycemia experience among patients with diabetes mellitus in Ghana: A cross‐sectional study","authors":"Samuel Asamoah Sakyi, Stephen Opoku, Ebenezer Senu, Emmanuel Ekow Korsah, Alfred Effah, Bright Takyi Baidoo, Eugene Ansah Arele, Emmanuel Frimpong, Emmanuel Naturinda, Kini Evans Kodzo, Anthony Amenuvor, Afia Agyapomaa Kwayie, Lydia Oppong Bannor, Ransford Osei Ampofo, Brefo Aaron Marfo, Raphael Osei Mensah‐Bonsu","doi":"10.1002/puh2.130","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/puh2.130","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Background Among persons with diabetes on treatment, hypoglycemia is the most common iatrogenic acute metabolic complication. Many factors influence hypoglycemia, highlighting the need for diabetic patients to recognize, and manage these potential factors in order to reduce the rate of hypoglycemia. In this study, we assessed the knowledge, experiences of hypoglycemia, and associated risk factors among Ghanaians with diabetes mellitus (DM). Methods This cross‐sectional study included 444 clinically diagnosed DM patients from the Suntreso Government Hospital, who were on treatment for at least a year. A structured validated questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic, lifestyle, and clinical data from the participants. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS Version 20.0 and GraphPad Prism 8.0. Results More than half (52.7%) of the study participants had poor knowledge of hypoglycemia. Moreover, 52.9% of diabetics had experienced hypoglycemia. Participants who were in the age groups of 55–64 and 65–80 years, being retired, being diagnosed with diabetes for 11–20 years and more than 20 years, taking in alcohol, and having adequate knowledge were independent determinants of experiencing hypoglycemia. Conclusion Knowledge level of hypoglycemia among Ghanaian diabetics is low. Prompt recognition of risk factors of hypoglycemia and the careful monitoring and management of glycemic levels in high‐risk groups are important to lessen the prevalence of hypoglycemia in these populations.","PeriodicalId":74613,"journal":{"name":"Public health challenges","volume":"6 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-10-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135511124","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Tilahun Tewabe Alamnia, Ginny M. Sargent, Matthew Kelly
Abstract Background Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are rising in developing countries, posing substantial health, social, and economic consequences. Targeted action to address NCDs is difficult without data on the prevalence and social distribution of the risk factors. Methods A cross‐sectional survey was conducted among randomly sampled adults in Bahir Dar, Northwest Ethiopia. Sociodemographic, lifestyle risk factors, knowledge, and anthropometric measurements were collected. Chi‐square and logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify predictors for NCD risk factors and cardiovascular risk. Results This study involved 417 participants, with a mean age of 35.6 ± 12.6 years, in which 54.7% were females. The prevalence of inadequate fruit/vegetable intake was 95.7%, alcohol consumption 53.0%, physical inactivity 37.9%, tobacco use 1.9%, khat use 5.1%, hypertension 20.7%, overweight/obesity 29.6%, and abdominal obesity 67.4%. Overall, 55% of adults have clusters of three or more risk factors, and 14.6% have a moderate (10%–20%) 10‐year cardiovascular risk. Factors associated with NCD risk factors are sex, age, religion, marital status, occupation, and income. Ten‐year cardiovascular risk is higher in men (adjusted odd ratio (OR) 4.2, 95% CI 1.5–11.4), in adults with abdominal obesity (adjusted OR 5.8, 95% CI 1.4–24.2), and in those with clustered risk factors (adjusted OR 4.0, 95% CI 1.6–10.3). Conclusion This study shows that adults in Northwest Ethiopia are at high risk of developing NCDs. Coordinated, multisectoral interventions at all levels of the socio‐ecological model are needed to reduce the risk factors.
背景非传染性疾病(NCDs)在发展中国家呈上升趋势，造成了严重的健康、社会和经济后果。如果没有关于风险因素的流行和社会分布的数据，就很难采取有针对性的行动来解决非传染性疾病。方法对埃塞俄比亚西北部巴希尔达尔地区随机抽取的成人进行横断面调查。收集社会人口学、生活方式危险因素、知识和人体测量数据。采用卡方分析和logistic回归分析来确定非传染性疾病危险因素和心血管风险的预测因子。结果共纳入417例患者，平均年龄35.6±12.6岁，其中54.7%为女性。水果/蔬菜摄入不足的患病率为95.7%，饮酒53.0%，缺乏身体活动37.9%，吸烟1.9%，使用阿拉伯茶5.1%，高血压20.7%，超重/肥胖29.6%，腹部肥胖67.4%。总体而言，55%的成年人有三种或三种以上的危险因素，14.6%有中度(10%-20%)10年心血管风险。与非传染性疾病风险因素相关的因素有性别、年龄、宗教、婚姻状况、职业和收入。10年心血管风险在男性(调整奇数比(OR) 4.2, 95% CI 1.5-11.4)、腹部肥胖成人(调整OR 5.8, 95% CI 1.4-24.2)和聚集性危险因素人群(调整OR 4.0, 95% CI 1.6-10.3)中较高。结论埃塞俄比亚西北部地区成人是非传染性疾病的高危人群。需要在社会生态模式的各个层面采取协调的多部门干预措施，以减少风险因素。
{"title":"Noncommunicable disease risk factors and cardiovascular risk among adults in Ethiopia: A cross‐sectional study","authors":"Tilahun Tewabe Alamnia, Ginny M. Sargent, Matthew Kelly","doi":"10.1002/puh2.133","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/puh2.133","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Background Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are rising in developing countries, posing substantial health, social, and economic consequences. Targeted action to address NCDs is difficult without data on the prevalence and social distribution of the risk factors. Methods A cross‐sectional survey was conducted among randomly sampled adults in Bahir Dar, Northwest Ethiopia. Sociodemographic, lifestyle risk factors, knowledge, and anthropometric measurements were collected. Chi‐square and logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify predictors for NCD risk factors and cardiovascular risk. Results This study involved 417 participants, with a mean age of 35.6 ± 12.6 years, in which 54.7% were females. The prevalence of inadequate fruit/vegetable intake was 95.7%, alcohol consumption 53.0%, physical inactivity 37.9%, tobacco use 1.9%, khat use 5.1%, hypertension 20.7%, overweight/obesity 29.6%, and abdominal obesity 67.4%. Overall, 55% of adults have clusters of three or more risk factors, and 14.6% have a moderate (10%–20%) 10‐year cardiovascular risk. Factors associated with NCD risk factors are sex, age, religion, marital status, occupation, and income. Ten‐year cardiovascular risk is higher in men (adjusted odd ratio (OR) 4.2, 95% CI 1.5–11.4), in adults with abdominal obesity (adjusted OR 5.8, 95% CI 1.4–24.2), and in those with clustered risk factors (adjusted OR 4.0, 95% CI 1.6–10.3). Conclusion This study shows that adults in Northwest Ethiopia are at high risk of developing NCDs. Coordinated, multisectoral interventions at all levels of the socio‐ecological model are needed to reduce the risk factors.","PeriodicalId":74613,"journal":{"name":"Public health challenges","volume":"35 3","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-10-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135510954","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Emery Manirambona, Joseph Christian Obnial, Shuaibu Saidu Musa, Adriana Viola Miranda, Usman Abubakar Haruna, Deborah Oluwaseun Shomuyiwa
Abstract The 2023 Türkiye–Syria earthquake was reported as the largest earthquake of Mw7.8, resulting in over 50,783 and 7259 deaths in Turkey and Syria, respectively. It has also damaged numerous residential buildings and other essential infrastructures, thus rendering more than 850,000 children and 356,000 pregnant women homeless, forcing them into displacement and its dire consequences, such as inadequate temporary shelters, a lack of access to safe drinking water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), necessary for disease prevention, health promotion and maintenance. The disaster has disproportionately affected the Syrian refugee community in Turkey as it has fuelled disparities and discrimination, exacerbating the response to the disaster and forcing refugees to return to Syria due to dire living conditions. Minimizing the effects of the disaster on the communities is therefore essential. There is a need to strengthen health system resilience and emergency response to natural disasters to reduce and prevent the aftermath. Disaster preparedness plans should include regulations that ensure that local buildings and infrastructure are disaster‐resistant. Furthermore, it is vital to highlight the importance of funding and appropriate resource allocation for disaster risk reduction. These include improving plans and logistics for recovery efforts, adequate preparation of temporary shelters and evacuation centres and allocating necessities such as food and water. Investment in proper search and rescue response, a special workforce for response and the rebuilding of important infrastructure are crucial. Finally, response to disasters must be inclusive and prioritize vulnerable populations, such as children, the aged women and refugees.
{"title":"The need for health system strengthening in the wake of natural disasters: Lessons from the 2023 Türkiye–Syria earthquake","authors":"Emery Manirambona, Joseph Christian Obnial, Shuaibu Saidu Musa, Adriana Viola Miranda, Usman Abubakar Haruna, Deborah Oluwaseun Shomuyiwa","doi":"10.1002/puh2.131","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/puh2.131","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract The 2023 Türkiye–Syria earthquake was reported as the largest earthquake of Mw7.8, resulting in over 50,783 and 7259 deaths in Turkey and Syria, respectively. It has also damaged numerous residential buildings and other essential infrastructures, thus rendering more than 850,000 children and 356,000 pregnant women homeless, forcing them into displacement and its dire consequences, such as inadequate temporary shelters, a lack of access to safe drinking water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), necessary for disease prevention, health promotion and maintenance. The disaster has disproportionately affected the Syrian refugee community in Turkey as it has fuelled disparities and discrimination, exacerbating the response to the disaster and forcing refugees to return to Syria due to dire living conditions. Minimizing the effects of the disaster on the communities is therefore essential. There is a need to strengthen health system resilience and emergency response to natural disasters to reduce and prevent the aftermath. Disaster preparedness plans should include regulations that ensure that local buildings and infrastructure are disaster‐resistant. Furthermore, it is vital to highlight the importance of funding and appropriate resource allocation for disaster risk reduction. These include improving plans and logistics for recovery efforts, adequate preparation of temporary shelters and evacuation centres and allocating necessities such as food and water. Investment in proper search and rescue response, a special workforce for response and the rebuilding of important infrastructure are crucial. Finally, response to disasters must be inclusive and prioritize vulnerable populations, such as children, the aged women and refugees.","PeriodicalId":74613,"journal":{"name":"Public health challenges","volume":"23 4","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-10-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135511425","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Sheena Ramazanu, Lowilius Wiyono, Hammoda Abu‐Odah, Rey G. Comabig, Shuaibu Saidu Musa, Jemilah Mahmood, Yong Zhin Goh, Nurul Amanina Binte Hussain, Siddharthen Rajasegaran, Thakshayeni Skanthakumar, Adriana Viola Miranda
Abstract Human‐induced climate change poses a pervasive threat to the world. Human activities, such as deforestation, farming livestock, and burning fossil fuels, are key drivers of climate change. Like other regions, the Southeast Asian region is greatly impacted by climate change. The article focuses on examining the current landscape of climate change adaptation and health preparedness among indigenous populations in Southeast Asia (SEA). Climate change will affect the indigenous populations disproportionately. Over the years, indigenous people living in SEA have faced increasing challenges. For instance, air pollution resulting from forest fires causes respiratory conditions, skin irritations, and other significant health risks. The article also highlights climate change–related health system preparedness in ASEAN and indigenous strategies in navigating climate change adaption. As the saying goes, “actions speak louder than words.” To develop sustainable regional climate change adaptation strategies, representation and voices of indigenous peoples matter. At ASEAN level, although the ASEAN Working Group on Climate Change was convened to develop policies and coordinate action plans among its member states, it is now key to include and learn from the instrumental strategies of indigenous communities in conserving, protecting, and restoring forests. Beyond acknowledging the efforts of indigenous communities on paper, it is now time to translate scientific knowledge into practical actions. It is necessary for us to value and recognize indigenous peoples, particularly in SEA as valued agents in co‐creating sustainable solutions for climate agenda. Centering indigenous peoples’ knowledge in climate adaptation is crucial for strengthening collective resilience in climate action strategies. Conclusively, the article advocates for the prioritization of indigenous communities’ leadership efforts in ASEAN‐wide climate action initiatives and climate action policy.
{"title":"Current landscape of climate change adaptation and health preparedness among indigenous populations in Southeast Asia","authors":"Sheena Ramazanu, Lowilius Wiyono, Hammoda Abu‐Odah, Rey G. Comabig, Shuaibu Saidu Musa, Jemilah Mahmood, Yong Zhin Goh, Nurul Amanina Binte Hussain, Siddharthen Rajasegaran, Thakshayeni Skanthakumar, Adriana Viola Miranda","doi":"10.1002/puh2.129","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/puh2.129","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Human‐induced climate change poses a pervasive threat to the world. Human activities, such as deforestation, farming livestock, and burning fossil fuels, are key drivers of climate change. Like other regions, the Southeast Asian region is greatly impacted by climate change. The article focuses on examining the current landscape of climate change adaptation and health preparedness among indigenous populations in Southeast Asia (SEA). Climate change will affect the indigenous populations disproportionately. Over the years, indigenous people living in SEA have faced increasing challenges. For instance, air pollution resulting from forest fires causes respiratory conditions, skin irritations, and other significant health risks. The article also highlights climate change–related health system preparedness in ASEAN and indigenous strategies in navigating climate change adaption. As the saying goes, “actions speak louder than words.” To develop sustainable regional climate change adaptation strategies, representation and voices of indigenous peoples matter. At ASEAN level, although the ASEAN Working Group on Climate Change was convened to develop policies and coordinate action plans among its member states, it is now key to include and learn from the instrumental strategies of indigenous communities in conserving, protecting, and restoring forests. Beyond acknowledging the efforts of indigenous communities on paper, it is now time to translate scientific knowledge into practical actions. It is necessary for us to value and recognize indigenous peoples, particularly in SEA as valued agents in co‐creating sustainable solutions for climate agenda. Centering indigenous peoples’ knowledge in climate adaptation is crucial for strengthening collective resilience in climate action strategies. Conclusively, the article advocates for the prioritization of indigenous communities’ leadership efforts in ASEAN‐wide climate action initiatives and climate action policy.","PeriodicalId":74613,"journal":{"name":"Public health challenges","volume":"29 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-10-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135969918","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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