‘What does good look like’—exploring access to healthcare for the homeless population in Gateshead, EnglandPerkin, Sadie; Visram, Shelina; Lindsey, Laura
2023 Journal of Public Health
doi: 10.1093/pubmed/fdad020pmid: 37144428
Backgroundindividuals who are homeless encounter extreme health inequalities and as a result often suffer poor health. This study aims to explore ways in which access to healthcare could be improved for individuals who are homeless in Gateshead, UK.Methodstwelve semi-structured interviews were conducted with people working with the homeless community in a non-clinical setting. Transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis.Resultssix themes were identified under the broad category of ‘what does good look like’, in terms of improving access to healthcare. These were: facilitating GP registration; training to reduce stigma and to provide more holistic care; joined-up working in which existing services communicate rather than work in isolation; utilising the voluntary sector as support workers could actively support access to healthcare and provide advocacy; specialised roles such as specialised clinicians, mental health workers or link workers; and specialised bespoke services for the homeless community.Conclusionsthe study revealed issues locally for the homeless community accessing healthcare. Many of the proposed actions to facilitate access to healthcare involved building upon good practice and enhancing existing services. The feasibility and cost-effectiveness of interventions suggested requires further assessment.
Burnout in healthcare workers in COVID-19-dedicated hospitalsChoi, Young E; Lee, Seung H; Kim, Yun J; Lee, Jeong G; Yi, Yu H; Tak, Young J; Kim, Gyu L; Ra, Young J; Lee, Sang Y; Cho, Young H; Park, Eun J; Lee, Young I; Choi, Jung I; Lee, Sae R; Kwon, Ryuk J; Son, Soo M; Lee, Yea J; Kang, Min J
2023 Journal of Public Health
doi: 10.1093/pubmed/fdad038pmid: 37122205
BackgroundConsidering the prolongation of the COVID-19 pandemic, the lack of studies on burnout, particularly in healthcare workers, needs to be addressed. This report aimed to identify the risk factors of burnout by comparing the level of burnout between nurses in general wards and those in COVID-19-dedicated wards in a national university hospital.MethodsA survey based on the Korean version of Burnout Assessment Tool (BAT-K) was conducted on nurses between 10 January and 31 January 2022. The BAT-K consists of exhaustion, mental distance, cognitive impairment, emotional impairment and secondary symptoms.ResultsA total of 165 nurses, including 81 nurses from the COVID-19-dedicated ward, completed the questionnaire. The percentage of general-ward nurses with an emotional impairment score above the clinical cutoff was higher than that of COVID-19 ward nurses. General ward compared to the COVID-19 ward increased the risk of presenting with total-core symptoms. Two factors increased the risk regarding mental distance: short career length and underlying disease.ConclusionsIn contrast to previous studies, the risk of burnout in the COVID-19-ward nurses was lower than that of the general ward nurses. The risk regarding mental distance was correlated with short career length and presence of an underlying disease.
Self-completed online contact tracing for COVID-19 is associated with reporting fewer contacts: an observational studySenior, Steven L
2023 Journal of Public Health
doi: 10.1093/pubmed/fdac164pmid: 36655694
BackgroundContact tracing was central to England’s approach to controlling coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). England’s COVID-19 contact tracing system included a step where cases were invited to provide information through an online ‘self-service’ portal. It is important to understand whether this had any effect on the numbers of contacts reported.MethodsThis study analyses contact tracing data for one local authority in England for 2021. Univariable negative binomial and logistic regression models were used to test for associations between contact tracing tier and average numbers of contacts reported, and key demographic factors and date of reporting. The association between contact tracing tier and number of contacts reported adjusted for age, gender, ethnicity, deprivation and the date on which the case was reported was estimated using a multivariable negative binomial generalized additive regression model with smooth terms for date of reporting and age.ResultsControlling for age, gender, ethnicity, deprivation and date of reporting, self-completed contact tracing was associated with reporting 23% fewer contacts (95% confidence interval 20–25% fewer contacts).ConclusionThe use of online self-completed contact tracing may contribute to under-reporting of close contacts. Unmeasured confounding is likely so caution is needed in assuming that the results reflect a causal relationship.
An examination of Ireland’s sugar sweetened beverage tax (sugar tax) in practiceHoughton, Frank; Moran Stritch, Jennifer; Nwanze, Loveth
2023 Journal of Public Health
doi: 10.1093/pubmed/fdad097pmid: 37340469
BackgroundIn the face of rising obesity levels, Ireland introduced a sugar sweetened beverage tax (SSBT) in 2018, the scope of which was extended in 2019. To date, there is a dearth of research on the actual impact of the SSBT on the pricing.MethodThis study involved an examination of the relative cost of leading brand full-sugar and sugar-free carbonated soft drinks in a convenience sample of 14 different Irish supermarkets. In light of manufacturers’ reformulation of certain brands (7UP, Sprite and Fanta), information was collected on the relative in-store pricing of three brands (Coca Cola, Pepsi and Club).ResultsIn-store comparisons of equivalent size and unit number indicate that, in ~60% of cases, the full-sugar and sugar-free versions of the same drink are being offered at the same price. Even when full-sugar versions of these brands were more expensive than the sugar-free alternatives, the price differential was sometimes less than the SSBT rate.ConclusionsThe pass-through rate of the SSBT to consumers is sub-optimal. Future policy and research suggestions are outlined.
Improving academic and public health impact of Cochrane public health reviews: what can we learn from bibliographic metrics and author dissemination strategies? A cross-sectional studyWolfenden, Luke; Close, Shara; Finch, Meghan; Lecathelinais, Christophe; Ramanathan, Shanthi; De Santis, Karina Karolina; Car, Lorainne Tudor; Doyle, Jodie; McCrabb, Sam
2023 Journal of Public Health
doi: 10.1093/pubmed/fdad039pmid: 37169549
BackgroundTo facilitate the development of impactful research dissemination strategies, this study aimed to: (i) survey authors of trials included in a sample of Cochrane reviews to describe strategies to disseminate trial findings, and examine their association with academic and policy impacts and (ii) audit academic and policy impact of CPH reviews.MethodsAuthors of 104 trials within identified Cochrane reviews completed survey items assessing the dissemination strategies. Field weighted citation (FWCI) data extracted from bibliographic databases served as a measure of academic impact of trials and CPH reviews. Policy and practice impacts of trials were assessed during the survey of trial authors using items based on the Payback Framework, and for CPH reviews using ‘policy mention’ data collected via Altmetric Explorer.ResultsAmong the included trials, univariate (but not multivariable) regression models revealed significant associations between the use of dissemination strategies (i.e. posts on social media; workshops with end-users; media-releases) and policy or practice impacts. No significant associations were reported between dissemination strategies and trial FWCI. The mean FWCI of CPH reviews suggest that they are cited 220% more than other reviews in their field.ConclusionsComprehensive dissemination strategies are likely required to maximize the potential the potential impacts of public health research.
Factors determining family and social support among pulmonary tuberculosis patients in East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya: a cross-sectional studyNadon, Herman; Dmello, Mackwin K; Shetty, Shraddha
2023 Journal of Public Health
doi: 10.1093/pubmed/fdad063pmid: 37183006
IntroductionFamily support plays a vital role in the outcome of individuals with tuberculosis (TB).ObjectivesTo determine the family and social support among individuals with pulmonary TB during treatment.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted among 237 pulmonary TB patients currently in the continuous phase of treatment. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to determine the association and predictors for family and social support. P-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsThe mean age of the respondents was 31.97 ± 12.51 years, and a majority (58.2%) of the respondents with TB disease were 18 to 38 years old, and 59.9% were males. Around 49.7% of the pulmonary TB patients received a high level of family support, whereas 73% received a high level of social support. The determinants like age, average monthly income, the educational level of the head of the family and the occupational level of both the patients and the head of the family are associated with family support.ConclusionThis study recommends a coordinated strategy to treat TB that involves not only professional services but also the vital social support network of family and community that is required throughout therapy.
Effect of psychological factors on COVID-19 vaccine hesitancyKim, Hee Jin; Kim, Eun; Han, Doug Hyun
2023 Journal of Public Health
doi: 10.1093/pubmed/fdad050pmid: 37147915
BackgroundVaccine hesitancy can prevent full immunization against coronavirus infectious disease-19 (COVID-19). We hypothesized that multiple factors, including an individual’s personality and psychological factors, are associated with vaccine hesitancy.MethodsA total of 275 non-vaccinated individuals were recruited for this study. Participants completed a self-report questionnaire including sociodemographic factors, health status, COVID-19 literacy and psychological factors (depressive symptoms, generalized anxiety, somatization, illness anxiety, temperament and character). In a hierarchical logistic regression analysis, a discrete set of hierarchical variables with vaccine acceptance or hesitancy as the dependent variable was added to the demographic factors for Model 1; Model 1 + health status for Model 2; Model 2 + COVID-19 literacy for Model 3 and Model 3 + psychological factors for Model 4.ResultsModels 3 and 4 could predict vaccine hesitancy. High scores on the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 and the Illness Attitude Scale, low confidence, low collective responsibility and low reward dependence were risk factors for vaccine hesitancy.ConclusionsThe present study demonstrates that psychological factors play critical roles in vaccine hesitancy. In addition to conventional policies that emphasize COVID-19 vaccines’ safety and efficacy and the collective benefits of vaccination, a more individualized approach that considers an individual’s emotions and personality is necessary.
Music therapy for health workers to reduce stress, mental workload and anxiety: a systematic reviewColin, Catherine; Prince, Violaine; Bensoussan, Jean-Luc; Picot, Marie-Christine
2023 Journal of Public Health
doi: 10.1093/pubmed/fdad059pmid: 37147921
BackgroundThe physical and mental exhaustion of health care workers urgently needs to be addressed as a public health priority. Benefits of music on stress parameters have been extensively reported.MethodsWe carried out a systematic review to examine the efficacy of music interventions on stress parameters by selecting studies conducted in genuine care stress conditions. To approach the potential benefit of music therapy (MT) versus music medicine (MM), we followed international music-based intervention guidelines.ResultsFive outcomes were considered in our studies: stress, anxiety, mental workload, burnout risk and psychosomatic symptoms. Corresponding measures, including psychological, physiological questionnaires or stress biological parameters, showed significant results for the majority of them in music groups. Implications of music types, designs and limitations are discussed. Only one study compared MM and MT with an advantage for customized playlists over time.ConclusionsIn spite of heterogeneity, music interventions seem to significantly decrease stress parameters. The individual, customized supports with MT may be a crucial condition for this specific professional category. The impact of MT versus MM, the number of music sessions and the effect over time need to be explored.
Inequalities in smoking among pregnant women in North West LondonPinho-Gomes, Ana-Catarina; Mullins, Edward
2023 Journal of Public Health
doi: 10.1093/pubmed/fdad040pmid: 37099756
Background London has the lowest smoking prevalence among pregnant women in England. However, it was unclear whether the low overall prevalence masked inequalities. This study investigated the prevalence of smoking among pregnant women in North West London stratified by ethnicity and deprivation.MethodsData regarding smoking status, ethnicity and deprivation were extracted from electronic health records collected by maternity services at Imperial Healthcare NHS Trust between January 2020 and August 2022.ResultsA total of 25 231 women were included in this study. At the time of booking of antenatal care (mean of 12 weeks), 4% of women were current smokers, 17% were ex-smokers and 78% never smokers. There were marked differences in the smoking prevalence between ethnic groups. Women of Mixed—White and Black Caribbean ethnicity and White Irish women had the highest prevalence of smoking (12 and 9%, respectively). There was an over 4-fold increase in the prevalence of smoking between the most and the least deprived groups (5.6 versus 1.3%).ConclusionsEven in a population with an overall low prevalence of smoking in pregnancy, women experiencing deprivation and from certain ethnic backgrounds have a high smoking prevalence and hence are the most likely to benefit from smoking cessation interventions.
The impact of forced displacement: trauma, increased levels of inflammation and early presentation of diabetes in women Syrian refugeesVenkatachalam, Thenmozhi; O'Sullivan, Siobhán; Platt, Daniel E; Ammar, Walid; Hamadeh, Randa; Riachi, Naji; Presley, Diane; Khoury, Brigitte; Gauguier, Dominique; Nader, Moni; Qi, Lu; Zalloua, Pierre
2023 Journal of Public Health
doi: 10.1093/pubmed/fdad037pmid: 37022674
BackgroundForced displacement and war trauma cause high rates of post-traumatic stress, anxiety disorders and depression in refugee populations. We investigated the impact of forced displacement on mental health status, gender, presentation of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and associated inflammatory markers among Syrian refugees in Lebanon.MethodsMental health status was assessed using the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire (HTQ) and the Hopkins Symptom Checklist-25 (HSCL-25). Additional metabolic and inflammatory markers were analyzed.ResultsAlthough symptomatic stress scores were observed in both men and women, women consistently displayed higher symptomatic anxiety/depression scores with the HSCL-25 (2.13 ± 0.58 versus 1.95 ± 0.63). With the HTQ, however, only women aged 35–55 years displayed symptomatic post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) scores (2.18 ± 0.43). Furthermore, a significantly higher prevalence of obesity, prediabetes and undiagnosed T2D were observed in women participants (23.43, 14.91 and 15.18%, respectively). Significantly high levels of the inflammatory marker serum amyloid A were observed in women (11.90 ± 11.27 versus 9.28 ± 6.93, P = 0.036).ConclusionsSymptomatic PTSD, anxiety/depression coupled with higher levels of inflammatory marker and T2D were found in refugee women aged between 35 and 55 years favoring the strong need for psychosocial therapeutic interventions in moderating stress-related immune dysfunction and development of diabetes in this subset of female Syrian refugees.
Screening for adverse childhood experiences among young people using drugs in Vietnam: related factors and clinical implicationsPham, Thanh Luan; Nguyen, Thuy Linh; Nguyen, Kieu An; Ekwaru, John Paul; Phan, Olivier; Michel, Laurent; Khuat, Thi Hai Oanh
2023 Journal of Public Health
doi: 10.1093/pubmed/fdac163pmid: 37169578
BackgroundResearch evidence shows a strong association between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and later-life substance use. But little is known about the prevalence and impact of ACEs among young people using drugs (YPUD) in Vietnam.MethodA cross-sectional study using respondent-driven sampling and peer recruitment methods was conducted among YPUD aged 16–24 in three cities in Vietnam. Eligible participants were screened for ACEs using the ACE-IQ, tested for HIV and hepatitis C, and assessed for sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics.ResultsData were collected on 553 individuals whose median age was 20: 79% were male, 18.3% women and 2.7% transgender. Methamphetamine use was reported by 75.8% of participants. 85.5% reported at least one ACE and 27.5% had four ACEs or more. An ACE score of 4 or higher was associated with female and transgender, lower educational level, methamphetamine use, buying sex, depression, psychotic symptoms and expressed need for mental health support.ConclusionsACEs were found to be very common among YPUD in Vietnam. It is therefore strongly recommended that these young people should be provided with a comprehensive and secure assessment and care that includes not only essential harm reduction and addiction treatment needs but also addresses their mental health needs.
How can we improve latent tuberculosis infection management using behaviour change wheel: a systematic reviewWong, Yen Jun; Ng, Khuen Yen; Lee, Shaun Wen Huey
2023 Journal of Public Health
doi: 10.1093/pubmed/fdad051pmid: 37147919
BackgroundTo ensure the effective delivery of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) care, it is vital to overcome potential challenges in LTBI management. This systematic review aims to identify the barriers and interventions to improve LTBI management using the Capability, Opportunity, and Motivation-Behaviour (COM-B) model and Behaviour Change Wheel (BCW).MethodsA systematic literature search was performed on five electronic databases from database inception to 3 November 2021. A two-step technique was used in the data synthesis process: (i) the barriers of LTBI management were identified using the COM-B model, followed by (ii) mapping of intervention functions from BCW to address the identified barriers.ResultsForty-seven eligible articles were included in this review. The findings highlighted the need for a multifaceted approach in tackling the barriers in LTBI management across the public, provider and system levels. The barriers were summarized into suboptimal knowledge and misperception of LTBI, as well as stigma and psychosocial burden, which could be overcome with a combination of intervention functions, targeting education, environment restructuring, persuasion, modelling, training, incentivization and enablement.ConclusionsThe remedial strategies using BCW to facilitate policy reforms in LTBI management could serve as a value-added initiative in the global tuberculosis control and prevention program.
Assessing the longitudinal effects of the continuation and discontinuation of the school-located influenza vaccination programme on parental vaccine hesitancy in Hong KongDong, Meihong; Ip, Dennis Kai Ming; Yuan, Jiehu; So, Hau Chi; Cowling, Benjamin J; Liao, Qiuyan
2023 Journal of Public Health
doi: 10.1093/pubmed/fdad018pmid: 37002942
BackgroundSchool-located influenza vaccination programme (SIVP) can effectively promote childhood seasonal influenza vaccination (SIV). However, the longitudinal effects of continuation and discontinuation of the SIVP on parents’ vaccine hesitancy remained unknown.MethodsA two-wave longitudinal study recruited adult parents who had at least one child attending a kindergarten or primary school using random-digital-dialled telephone interviews. Generalized estimating equation and structural equation modelling were used to examine the impact of changes in schools’ SIVP participation status on parents’ vaccine-related attitudes, and childhood SIV acceptance over 2 years in Hong Kong.ResultsChildren’s SIV uptake varied by the schools’ SIVP participation status. The highest SIV uptake was found in schools that consistently participated in SIVP (Consistent participation group) (2018/2019: 85.0%; 2019/2020: 83.0%) but lowest in the Consistent non-Participation group (2018/2019: 45.0%; 2019/2020: 39.0%). SIV uptake increased in the Late Initiation group but declined in the Discontinuation group. An increasing trend of parental vaccine-hesitant attitudes was observed in the Consistent non-Participation group.ConclusionsInitiation and continuation of the SIVP can reduce parental vaccine hesitancy to achieve a high childhood SIV uptake. Conversely, discontinuation of the SIVP or persistent resistance to the implementation of SIVP can increase parental vaccine hesitancy and reduce childhood SIV uptake.
Consequences of coronavirus disease in women with breast cancerCvetkovic, Jovana Lj
2023 Journal of Public Health
doi: 10.1093/pubmed/fdac144pmid: 36708196
BackgroundThe ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic produces widespread concerns, fear and stress throughout the world, and our country is no exception in that regard, which is a natural and normal human reaction to this inconsistent and uncertain situation for us all.MethodsFor the purpose of this study a sociodemographic questionnaire was devised as well as a Serbian version of the self-reported Depression, anxiety and stress scale-21.ResultsThe average age ± [standard deviation (SD)] of the participants in the study was 49.20 ± 11.2 years. Regarding the depression score, 55/93 examinees (59.13%) had a normal score in the first examination, whereas in the second it rose to 57/93 (61.29%) and in the third it was 52/93 (58.06%). A normal anxiety score in March 2020 was seen in 52/93 (55.91%), whereas in September that year it was 53/93 (56.98%) and in March 2021 it was 39/93 (41.93%). The average value of stress score at the measurement in March 2020 was 5.51, lower in September (4.92) and in March 2021 it was 5.63.ConclusionThe results of this study refer to the process of clinical assessment and monitoring of breast cancer patients with evident symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress. Adequate counseling about COVID-19 is therefore a priority in an attempt to alleviate its psychological impact in these patients.
Facilitating discharge planning: the Risk Assessment of Complex Discharge IndexBert, Fabrizio; Cugudda, Eleonora; Lo Moro, Giuseppina; Devardo, Carolina; Citino, Elena; Faenzi, Cristina; Scarmozzino, Antonio; Siliquini, Roberta
2023 Journal of Public Health
doi: 10.1093/pubmed/fdac162pmid: 36722010
BackgroundUntimely social interventions prolong hospitalizations, suggesting discharge planning should begin early. This study aimed to create a tool to identify, already in Emergency department, patients at risk of complex discharge for social reasons.MethodsWe developed the Risk Assessment of Complex Discharge Index (RACDI). In Emergency department, we administered RACDI to patients destined to hospitalization. We calculated sensitivity and specificity of RACDI in identifying patients who need a social intervention. RACDI was compared with simplified BRASS. A multivariable logistic regression explored social intervention predictors (P-value < 0.05).ResultsRACDI was administered to 296 patients. There were significant associations between classes of risk defined by RACDI or by simplified BRASS and social intervention. The sensitivity of RACDI and simplified BRASS was, respectively, 0.59 and 0.43; the specificity 0.81 and 0.83. Chances of social intervention were higher for patients at high risk with RACDI (adjOR:3.13, 95% CI: 1.23–8.00, P = 0.017).ConclusionsThe reduced items and mostly dichotomous answers made RACDI a tool easy to be used in daily practice. RACDI helps in classifying patients needing discharge planning for social care and is a starting point to standardize the evaluation of social context early in hospitalization. Further work is needed to overcome limitations and assess additional outcomes.
Comparing of COVID-19 response framework in the UK, USA and Indonesia: what can we learn from the psychosocial factors?Pribadi, Hendra; Atmoko, Adi; Hitipeuw, Imanuel; Indreswari, Henny
2023 Journal of Public Health
doi: 10.1093/pubmed/fdad071pmid: 37286803
It is possible to identify sociodemographic and psychological factors for preventing strategies COVID-19. Research on the impact of COVID-19 predominantly focuses on clinical and demographic factors, but ignores psychosocial factors. Psychosocial factors was shaped by the pandemic response include public perceptions and attitudes to the crisis, support, effective government communication and the socioeconomic impact experienced. Understanding psychosocial factors is critical for effective planning for mental health services, communications and coping with the psychological impact of the pandemic. Therefore, this study recommends considering psychosocial factors to design effective prevention strategies from the UK, USA and Indonesian response frameworks and facilitate efficient management of the pandemic.
Regional differences in the assessment of depressive symptoms in the former German Democratic Republic and Federal Republic of GermanySchmalbach, Bjarne; Tibubos, Ana N; Otten, Daniëlle; Hinz, Andreas; Decker, Oliver; Zenger, Markus; Beutel, Manfred E; Brähler, Elmar
2023 Journal of Public Health
doi: 10.1093/pubmed/fdac169pmid: 36866396
AimThe present study investigated regional differences in response behaviour for the Patient Health Quetionnaire-9. We tested for measurement invariance and differential item and test functioning between formerly divided East- and West-Germany: the former German Democratic Republic and Federal Republic of Germany. Diverging socialization experiences in socialist versus capitalist and collectivist versus individualist systems may affect culturally sensitive assessments of mental health.Subject and MethodsTo test this empirically, we used factor analytic and item-response-theoretic frameworks, differentiating between East- and West-Germans by birthplace and current residence based on several representative samples of the German general population (n = 3 802).ResultsAcross all survey, we discovered slightly higher depression sum scores for East- versus West-Germans. The majority of items did not display differential item functioning—with a crucial exception in the assessment of self-harm tendencies. The scale scores were largely invariant exhibiting only small amounts of differential test functioning. Nonetheless, they made up on average about a quarter of the observed group differences in terms of effect magnitude.ConclusionWe explore possible causes and discuss explanations for the item-level differences. Overall, analyses of East- and West-German depressive symptom developments in the wake of reunification are feasible and statistically grounded.
Emergency department claims among Medicare beneficiaries with HIV, STDs, viral hepatitis or tuberculosis before and during the COVID-19 pandemicChang, Man-Huei; Moonesinghe, Ramal; Truman, Benedict I
2023 Journal of Public Health
doi: 10.1093/pubmed/fdac165pmid: 36626306
BackgroundChanges in emergency department (ED) usage among US Medicare beneficiaries (MB) with fee-for-service claims for HIV, viral hepatitis, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or tuberculosis (TB) (HHST) services have not been assessed since the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsDuring 2006–20, we assessed the annual number of MB with each HHST per 1000 persons with ED claims for all conditions, and changes in demographic and geographic distribution of ED claimants for each HHST condition.ResultsOf all persons who attended an ED for any condition, 10.5 million (27.5%) were MB with ≥1 ED claim in 2006; that number (percentage) increased to 11.0 million (26.7%) in 2019 and decreased to 9.2 million (22.7%) in 2020; < 5 MB per 1000 ED population had HHST ED claims in 2020. The percentage increase in ED claims was higher for MB with STDs than for those with other HHST conditions, including a 10% decrease for MB with TB in 2020.ConclusionsTrends in ED usage for HHST conditions were associated with changes in demographic and geographic distribution among MB during 2006–20. Updated ED reimbursement policies and primary care practices among MB might improve prevention, diagnosis and treatment of HHST conditions in the future.
Screening patients for unintentional carbon monoxide exposure in the Emergency Department: a cross-sectional multi-centre studyJarman, Heather; Atkinson, Richard W; Baramova, Desislava; Gant, Timothy W; Marczylo, Tim; Myers, Isabella; Price, Shirley; Quinn, Tom
2023 Journal of Public Health
doi: 10.1093/pubmed/fdad007pmid: 36721987
BackgroundLow-level exposure to carbon monoxide (CO) is a significant health concern but is difficult to diagnose. This main study aim was to establish the prevalence of low-level CO poisoning in Emergency Department (ED) patients.MethodsA prospective cross-sectional study of patients with symptoms of CO exposure was conducted in four UK EDs between December 2018 and March 2020. Data on symptoms, a CO screening tool and carboxyhaemoglobin were collected. An investigation of participants’ homes was undertaken to identify sources of CO exposure.ResultsBased on an ED assessment of 4175 participants, the prevalence of suspected CO exposure was 0.62% (95% CI; 0.41–0.91%). CO testing in homes confirmed 1 case of CO presence and 21 probable cases. Normal levels of carboxyhaemoglobin were found in 19 cases of probable exposure and in the confirmed case.ConclusionThis study provides evidence that ED patients with symptoms suggestive of CO poisoning but no history of CO exposure are at risk from CO poisoning. The findings suggest components of the CO screening tool may be an indicator of CO exposure over and above elevated COHb. Clinicians should have a high index of suspicion for CO exposure so that this important diagnosis is not missed.
Psychosocial predictors of COVID-19 infection in UK biobank (N = 104 201)Wauye, Victor M; Ho, Frederick K; Lyall, Donald M
2023 Journal of Public Health
doi: 10.1093/pubmed/fdad009pmid: 37144429
BackgroundSince the outbreak of COVID-19, data on its psychosocial predictors are limited. We therefore aimed to explore psychosocial predictors of COVID-19 infection at the UK Biobank (UKB).MethodsThis was a prospective cohort study conducted among UKB participants.ResultsThe sample size was N = 104 201, out of which 14 852 (14.3%) had a positive COVID-19 test. The whole sample analysis showed significant interactions between sex and several predictor variables. Among females, absence of college/university degree [odds ratio (OR) 1.55, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.45–1.66] and socioeconomic deprivation (OR 1.16 95% CI 1.11–1.21) were associated with higher odds of COVID-19 infection, while history of psychiatric consultation (OR 0.85 95% CI 0.77–0.94) with lower odds. Among males, absence of college/university degree (OR 1.56, 95% CI 1.45–1.68) and socioeconomic deprivation (OR 1.12, 95% CI 1.07–1.16) were associated with higher odds, while loneliness (OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.78–0.97), irritability (OR 0.91, 95% CI 0.83–0.99) and history of psychiatric consultation (OR 0.85, 95% CI 0.75–0.97) were associated with lower odds.ConclusionSociodemographic factors predicted the odds of COVID-19 infection equally among male and female participants, while psychological factors had differential impacts.
Association between being breastfed and cardiovascular disease: a population cohort study of 320 249 participantsNakada, Shinya; Ho, Frederick K; Celis-Morales, Carlos; Pell, Jill P
2023 Journal of Public Health
doi: 10.1093/pubmed/fdad016pmid: 36879421
BackgroundBeing breastfed is associated with lower cardiovascular risk factors but, to date, no studies have demonstrated a protective effect on cardiovascular disease (CVD). This study aims to address the limitations of previous studies, specifically insufficient statistical power and residual confounding, to determine if such association exists.MethodsThis is a population-based retrospective cohort study of 320 249 men and women aged 40–69 years. Breastfeeding status was self-reported. CVD and myocardial infarction (MI) events and deaths based via linkage to hospitalization and death records.ResultsOverall, 28 469 (8.4%) participants experienced a CVD event and 5174 (1.6%) experienced an MI. Following adjustment for sociodemographic, lifestyle and early life confounders, breastfeeding was associated with a reduced risk of CVD events (HR 0.97, 95% CI 0.94–1.00, P = 0.041), CVD deaths (HR 0.91, 95% CI 0.84–0.98, P = 0.017), MI events (HR 0.93, 95% CI 0.87–0.99, P = 0.033) and MI deaths (HR 0.81, 95% CI 0.67–0.98, P = 0.026).ConclusionsChild health benefits of breastfeeding are well established. However, the benefits of breastfeeding may extend into later life reinforcing the need to encourage and support breastfeeding.
Impact of COVID-19 on Spanish mortality rates in 2020 by age and sexNavarro, Eliseo; Requena, Pilar
2023 Journal of Public Health
doi: 10.1093/pubmed/fdad023pmid: 36934343
BackgroundPrevious studies have used different biometric indicators to measure the effect of Covid-19 on population mortality such as the number of deaths or the decrease of life expectancy showing a dependence of mortality on age and sex. According to them, the impact of the pandemic was greater on women than in men and that the older the population, the greater the number of deaths caused by Covid-19.MethodsWe apply graduation techniques and non-parametric methods to estimate mortality rates allowing us to obtain an age-by-age picture of changes in mortality rates from 2018–2019 to 2020.ResultsGraduation techniques have detected a significant U-shaped reduction in infant mortality rates although with an anomalous peak in girls aged 10–12. Likewise, we have observed a notable increase in mortality rates of the female population between 28 and 40 years of age. The increase of mortality rates after the age of 70 years was similar for both men and women with a slight decline after the age of 80.ConclusionsThe use of graduation techniques and the focus on age-by-age changes in mortality rates showed a complex behaviour in some tranches of the mortality curve that might otherwise have gone unnoticed.
Characteristics of women presenting with hepatitis B at antenatal care services in London, 2008–2018Wilson, A; Anderson, C; Mindlin, M; Sawyer, C; Verlander, N Q; Hiironen, I; Forde, J; Paranthaman, K; Chandra, N L
2023 Journal of Public Health
doi: 10.1093/pubmed/fdad031pmid: 37061977
BackgroundTo support interventions to prevent mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B and fill gaps in surveillance, the Enhanced Surveillance of Antenatal Hepatitis B (ESAHB) programme was implemented in London from 2008 to 2018 to collect demographic information on women who tested positive for hepatitis B during antenatal screening. We describe the epidemiology of hepatitis B in pregnancy, as reported to ESAHB.MethodsThe characteristics of pregnant women living with hepatitis B were described and rates were calculated by year, local authority and residence deprivation decile (1 being most deprived). Poisson regression tested the association between pregnant women living with hepatitis B and deprivation decile.ResultsBetween 2008 and 2018, 8879 women living with hepatitis B in London (0.35 per 1000 women) reported 11 193 pregnancies. Annual hepatitis B rates remained stable, but there was strong evidence for an inverse association between rate and deprivation decile (P < 0.001). The majority of women in the cohort presented late to antenatal care, were born outside the UK in a hepatitis B endemic area or required an interpreter for consultations.ConclusionsESAHB provided important data to inform service quality improvements for women living with hepatitis B. This analysis highlights the link between deprivation and hepatitis B.
Risk factors for common mental disorders in young refugees from Iran, Somalia and Syria to SwedenYang, Lijun; Mittendorfer-Rutz, Ellenor; Amin, Ridwanul; Helgesson, Magnus
2023 Journal of Public Health
doi: 10.1093/pubmed/fdad034pmid: 37061995
BackgroundOur primary aim was to determine sociodemographic and health-related risk factors for diagnosed common mental disorders (CMDs) among young refugees in Sweden.MethodsAll young adult refugees from Iran, Somalia and Syria (n = 7192), who were residents in Sweden in 2009, were followed from 2010 to 2013 regarding diagnosed CMDs. Cox regression models were used to compute hazard ratios (HRs) of CMDs with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).ResultsThose arriving as unaccompanied refugee minors had a lower risk of being diagnosed with CMDs (HR: 0.7; 95%CI: 0.6–0.9) than those arriving as accompanied refugee minors. A higher risk of being diagnosed with CMDs was also found in female refugees (HR: 1.3; 95%CI: 1.1–1.5) compared with male refugees. In addition, individuals with a low (HR: 1.7; 95%CI: 1.3–2.3) or a medium (HR: 1.4; 95%CI: 1.1–1.8) educational level were found to have a higher risk of being diagnosed with CMDs compared with individuals with a high educational level. Refugees from Iran (HR: 2.3; 95%CI: 1.8–2.9) had a higher risk of a diagnosis of a CMD than refugees from Somalia. Moreover, refugees with a diagnosis of a mental disorder other than a CMD (HR: 4.2; 95%CI: 2.8–6.1), digestive (HR: 1.5; 95%CI: 1.0–2.2) or musculoskeletal diseases (HR: 1.5; 95%CI: 1.0–2.2) had a higher risk of being diagnosed with subsequent CMDs, compared with those with no such disorders.ConclusionsPre-existing diagnoses of mental disorders other than CMDs, and digestive and musculoskeletal disorders should be carefully considered in clinical assessments to initiate early interventions to prevent CMDs.
Childhood secondhand smoke exposure and respiratory disease mortality among never-smokers: the Japan collaborative cohort study for evaluation of cancer riskKawachi, Haruna; Teramoto, Masayuki; Muraki, Isao; Shirai, Kokoro; Yamagishi, Kazumasa; Tamakoshi, Akiko; Iso, Hiroyasu
2023 Journal of Public Health
doi: 10.1093/pubmed/fdad056pmid: 37164769
BackgroundThe main source of secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure during childhood occurs at home due to close family members who smoke. This study examined the association between childhood SHS exposure and the risk of respiratory disease mortality among non-smoking adults.MethodsData from 44 233 never-smoking Japanese men and women aged 40–79 years who participated in the JACC study between 1988 and 1990 were analyzed. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to calculate hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals of respiratory disease mortality according to the number of smoking family members during childhood. Subdistribution HRs (SHRs) were calculated as a competing risk analysis.ResultsA total of 735 deaths from respiratory diseases were documented in a median follow-up of 19.2 years. Living with three or more smoking family members during childhood was associated with a higher risk of respiratory disease mortality in adulthood among women; multivariable SHR compared with participants with no family member smokers during childhood was 1.60 (1.01–2.54) for participants with three or more family members who smoked during their childhood.ConclusionsSHS exposure from three or more family members during childhood was associated with an increased risk of respiratory disease-related mortality in adulthood.
Targeting the next generation of gamblers? Gambling sponsorship of esports teamsBiggar, Blair; Zendle, David; Wardle, Heather
2023 Journal of Public Health
doi: 10.1093/pubmed/fdac167pmid: 37000185
BackgroundEsports fans are a target audience for gambling companies wanting to attract the next generation of bettors to their products. As with other sports, professional esports teams have commercial sponsorship arrangements. Our paper seeks to document the level of gambling sponsorship of the world’s top esports teams.MethodsA systematic review of the commercial arrangements between the top 20 esports clubs across three of the most followed esports titles was undertaken: Dota 2, League of Legends (LoL) and CS:GO. Data were scraped online relating to the top 20 teams competing at their respective major tournaments between October and November 2021.ResultsHalf of the esports teams in Dota 2 and CS:GO’s world championship events in 2021 were sponsored by gambling companies. Teams sponsored by gambling companies have a combined total of 25 868 912 followers across three major social media channels. No LoL teams were sponsored by gambling companies, yet sibling teams within the CS:GO and Dota 2 competitions were.ConclusionThe relationship between gambling companies’ sponsorship in esports should be considered in line with the calls for change in the relationship between football and gambling with gambling as a public health issue at its heart.
Development of a medication review tool for community-dwelling older adults in KoreaLee, Soojin; Jun, Kwanghee; Lee, Ah Young; Ah, Young-Mi; Lee, Ju-Yeun
2023 Journal of Public Health
doi: 10.1093/pubmed/fdad022pmid: 36928136
BackgroundWith the aging population, older adults are more likely to receive outpatient care. Therefore, it is necessary to identify drug-related problems (DRPs) and potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) associated with adverse clinical outcomes in community-dwelling older adults. This study aimed to develop a medication review tool for community-dwelling older adults in Korea.MethodsWe developed the tool using three steps: (i) establishment of a preliminary list by reviewing 21 existing tools, (ii) a two-round Delphi survey to evaluate clinical appropriateness and (iii) a two-round Delphi survey to evaluate applicability. The list was categorized into 23 diseases/conditions with five types of DRPs. The interventions for each item have been described.ResultsThe preliminary list contained 100 items. The final list contained 81 items, including 17 general PIMs, 26 PIMs under specific disease/conditions, 16 potential drug interactions, 20 potential omissions and 2 PIMs requiring dose adjustment.ConclusionWe developed a disease-based explicit medication review tool that can be used in primary care. This tool would assist primary care healthcare providers in identifying inappropriate medication use, which may help reduce adverse clinical consequences in older adults. Further studies are required to validate the clinical efficacy of this tool.
Integrated working in local authority decision-making about air quality: a qualitative study in Southwest EnglandTurner, Andrew; Webb, Adele; Jago, Russ; Blackmore, Sara; de Vocht, Frank; Horwood, Jeremy
2023 Journal of Public Health
doi: 10.1093/pubmed/fdad036pmid: 37147914
BackgroundExposure to poor air quality is one of the most significant environmental public health challenges. In the UK, local authorities (LAs) are responsible for monitoring and managing air quality. This article explores the need and mechanisms for cross-departmental working in LAs to make decisions about air quality issues.MethodsSemi-structured qualitative interviews with public health, environmental health and transport staff from LAs within the Southwest of UK. Interviews were conducted between April and August 2021 and analysed using a thematic approach.ResultsIn sum, 24 staff from 7 LAs participated. Local authority staff in public health, environmental health and transport teams recognized that managing air quality was a cross-departmental issue. To enable effective integrated working staff described four successful mechanisms: (i) policy commitments and political support; (ii) dedicated air quality steering groups; (iii) existing governance and oversight groups; and (iv) networking and relationships.ConclusionsThis study has identified mechanisms that LA staff have found support cross-departmental and integrated working on air quality issues. These are mechanisms that have helped environmental health staff work towards achieving compliance with pollution limits, and that have helped public health staff get air quality considerations recognized as a wider health issue.
Neighbourhood effects on loneliness among adolescentsMarquez, Jose; Qualter, Pamela; Petersen, Kimberly; Humphrey, Neil; Black, Louise
2023 Journal of Public Health
doi: 10.1093/pubmed/fdad053pmid: 37170940
BackgroundLoneliness is a growing public health concern, but little is known about how place affects loneliness, especially during adolescence. This is the first study to examine the influence of neighbourhoods on loneliness in early-to-mid adolescence.MethodsBaseline data from the #BeeWell cohort study in Greater Manchester (England), including 36 141 adolescents (aged 12–15 years) across 1590 neighbourhoods, were linked to neighbourhood characteristics using administrative data at the level of lower super output areas and analysed using multilevel regression.ResultsNeighbourhood differences explained 1.18% of the variation in loneliness. Ethnic, gender and sexual orientation inequalities in loneliness varied across neighbourhoods. Several neighbourhood characteristics predicted loneliness at the individual level, including skills deprivation among children and young people, lower population density and perceptions of the local area (feeling safe; trust in local people; feeling supported by local people; seeing neighbours as helpful; the availability of good places to spend free time). Finally, a longer distance from home to school was associated with significantly higher loneliness.ConclusionsNeighbourhoods account for a small but significant proportion of the variation in adolescent loneliness, with some neighbourhood characteristics predicting loneliness at the individual level, and loneliness disparities for some groups differing across neighbourhoods.
A systematic review on suicide because of social isolation/and loneliness: does COVID-19 make a difference?Blázquez-Fernández, Carla; Lanza-León, Paloma; Cantarero-Prieto, David
2023 Journal of Public Health
doi: 10.1093/pubmed/fdad001pmid: 36680431
BackgroundSuicide is a significant cause of death worldwide. Various purposes can explain why people choose to attempt or commit suicide such as mental-health disorders, income-related-factors, quality of life or issues related to social context. This study aims to identify an updated association between ‘isolation’ and suicides.MethodsIn this regard, we had made a systematic review of the most recent papers, published from January 2016 to March 2022, thought the most acknowledged databases. This review was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines for systematic reviews. To the best of our knowledge, this issue is very important due to the indirect relationship between COVID-19 and suicides.ResultsOur analysis demonstrates that suicide and -social isolation and loneliness- have a positive and direct relationship although these findings varied slightly by areas. Moreover, most of the attention is focused on the youth during the most recent period and this is a real problem because economies cannot afford losing (young) population.ConclusionsIn order to prevent suicides, public policies should prevent suicidal thoughts that it could induce to terminate the lives of individuals in their most productive years and harmful outcomes to their families and friends.
Intelligent decision support in medical triage: are people robust to biased advice?van der Stigchel, Birgit; van den Bosch, Karel; van Diggelen, Jurriaan; Haselager, Pim
2023 Journal of Public Health
doi: 10.1093/pubmed/fdad005pmid: 36947701
BackgroundIntelligent artificial agents (‘agents’) have emerged in various domains of human society (healthcare, legal, social). Since using intelligent agents can lead to biases, a common proposed solution is to keep the human in the loop. Will this be enough to ensure unbiased decision making?MethodsTo address this question, an experimental testbed was developed in which a human participant and an agent collaboratively conduct triage on patients during a pandemic crisis. The agent uses data to support the human by providing advice and extra information about the patients. In one condition, the agent provided sound advice; the agent in the other condition gave biased advice. The research question was whether participants neutralized bias from the biased artificial agent.ResultsAlthough it was an exploratory study, the data suggest that human participants may not be sufficiently in control to correct the agent’s bias.ConclusionsThis research shows how important it is to design and test for human control in concrete human–machine collaboration contexts. It suggests that insufficient human control can potentially result in people being unable to detect biases in machines and thus unable to prevent machine biases from affecting decisions.
Moral distress and injury in the public health professional workforce during the COVID-19 pandemicBow, Steven M A; Schröder-Bäck, Peter; Norcliffe-Brown, Dominic; Wilson, James; Tahzib, Farhang
2023 Journal of Public Health
doi: 10.1093/pubmed/fdad010pmid: 36866402
BackgroundThere is growing concern about moral distress and injury associated with the COVID-19 pandemic in healthcare professions. This study aimed to quantify the nature, frequency, severity and duration of the problem in the public health professional workforce.MethodsBetween 14 December 2021 and 23 February 2022, Faculty of Public Health (FPH) members were surveyed about their experiences of moral distress before and during the pandemic.ResultsIn total, 629 FPH members responded, of which, 405 (64%; 95% confidence interval [95%CI] = 61–68%) reported one or more experience of moral distress associated with their own action (or inaction), and 163 (26%; 95%CI = 23–29%) reported experiencing moral distress associated with a colleague’s or organization’s action (or inaction) since the start of the pandemic. The majority reported moral distress being more frequent during the pandemic and that the effects endured for over a week. In total, 56 respondents (9% of total sample, 14% of those with moral distress), reported moral injury severe enough to require time off work and/or therapeutic help.ConclusionsMoral distress and injury are significant problems in the UK public health professional workforce, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. There is urgent need to understand the causes and potential options for its prevention, amelioration and care.
Review of four unusual cases of HIV-positive infants; cryptic pregnancy scam and mother-to-child transmission of HIV in NigeriaOrji, Maria-Lauretta; Oyim-Elechi, Oluchukwu Cecilia; Agboeze, Joseph; Nwali, Matthew Igwe
2023 Journal of Public Health
doi: 10.1093/pubmed/fdad048pmid: 37147913
BackgroundCryptic pregnancy is defined as lack of awareness of pregnancy until the last weeks of gestation or during labour and delivery but in cryptic pregnancy scam, mothers feigned pregnancies that never existed.MethodsWe report a total of four cases of HIV infected infants said to have been delivered by HIV negative mothers. All the mothers are above 40 years of age with a range of 9 to 18 years of infertility in marriage. The cryptic pregnancy scam was neither confirmed by pregnancy test nor obstetric scan. Diagnosis of HIV infection was made at infancy following positive rapid test and HIV antigen test.ConclusionThe menace of cryptic pregnancy scam in Nigeria is setting back the gains of HIV prevention and control. Desperate infertile women are made to believe that they are pregnant while babies are bought and brought to them at said date of delivery. These mothers never had proper antenatal care and so were never screened for HIV. Cryptic pregnancy scam is real amongst desperate barren women who become easy prey to the perpetuators. Awareness creation and sensitization on its harm is advocated.
Longitudinal study of COVID-19 stay-at-home orders’ impact on deaths of despair in the United States, January 2019 to December 2020Kaslow, Nadine J; Lewis, Patricia C; Cheong, Yuk F; Yount, Kathryn M
2023 Journal of Public Health
doi: 10.1093/pubmed/fdad052pmid: 37132026
BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic led to increase in mental health problems and substance misuse. Yet, little is known about its impact on rates of deaths of despair (death by suicide and drug overdose). Our objective was to determine the impact of COVID-19 stay-at-home orders on deaths of despair using population-level data. We hypothesized that the longer duration of stay-at-home orders would increase rates of deaths of despair.MethodsUtilizing quarterly suicide and drug-overdose mortality data from the National Center for Health Statistics from January 2019 through December 2020, we estimated fixed-effects models to examine the effects of the duration of stay-at-home orders as differentially implemented in 51 jurisdictions in the United States on each outcome.ResultsControlling for seasonal patterns, the duration of jurisdictional-level stay-at-home order was positively associated with drug-overdose death rates. The duration of stay-at-home orders was not associated with suicide rates when adjusting for calendar quarter.ConclusionsFindings suggest an increase in age-adjusted drug-overdose death rates in the United States from 2019 to 2020 possibly attributable to the duration of jurisdictional COVID-19 stay-at-home orders. This effect may have operated through various mechanisms, including increases in economic distress and reduced access to treatment programs when stay-at-home orders were in effect.
Melanoma-related costs by disease stage and phase of management in IrelandCrealey, Grainne E; Hackett, Caitriona; Harkin, Katharine; Heckmann, Patricia; Kelleher, Fergal; Lyng, Áine; McCarthy, Triona; McEnery, Maria; Meaney, Clare; Roche, Darren; Tobin, Anne-Marie
2023 Journal of Public Health
doi: 10.1093/pubmed/fdac154pmid: 37169550
BackgroundManagement options for the treatment of melanoma have expanded in recent years. In an era of promising, but expensive novel pharmacological treatments, robust stage-specific melanoma-related cost estimates are necessary to support budgetary planning, evaluation of cost-effectiveness and to contribute to the investment case for prevention.MethodsA detailed decision model, describing the melanoma care pathway (by disease stage) from diagnosis, through treatment and follow-up was developed over a 5-year time frame from the perspective of the Irish healthcare system. The model was populated with real-world data from the National Cancer Registry Ireland. Uncertainty was explored using one-way and probabilistic sensitivity analysis.ResultsThe cost of managing a case of melanoma diagnosed at Stage IV (€122 985) was more than 25 times more expensive than managing a case diagnosed at Stage IA (€4269). Total costs were sensitive to the choice of immunotherapeutic and targeted drug, duration of treatment and proportion of patients receiving immunotherapy agents.ConclusionsThe rising incidence of melanoma and high cost of new novel therapies presents an immediate challenge to cancer control and public health globally. This study highlights the cost differential between early and late detection and the potential return on investment for prevention versus high-cost treatment.
Systematic Review of Contemporary Theories Used for Co-creation, Co-design and Co-production in Public HealthMessiha, Katrina; Chinapaw, Mai J M; Ket, Hans C F F; An, Qingfan; Anand-Kumar, Vinayak; Longworth, Giuliana R; Chastin, Sebastien; Altenburg, Teatske M
2023 Journal of Public Health
doi: 10.1093/pubmed/fdad046pmid: 37147918
BackgroundThere is a need to systematically identify and summarize the contemporary theories and theoretical frameworks used for co-creation, co-design and co-production in public health research.MethodsThe reporting of this systematic review follows the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. Given substantial interest in and application of co-creation, co-design and co-production, we searched PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus and APA PsycINFO from 2012 to March–April 2022. A quality assessment and data extraction for theory content was performed.ResultsOf the 3763 unique references identified through the comprehensive search strategy, 10 articles were included in the review: four articles named co-creation, two articles named co-creation and co-design, two articles named co-production and co-design, and two articles named co-design. Empowerment Theory was employed by two articles, whereas other theories (n = 5) or frameworks (n = 3) were employed by one article each. For the quality assessment, eight articles received a strong rating and two articles received a moderate rating.ConclusionThere is little indication of theory applications for the approaches of co-creation, co-design and co-production in public health since 2012, given 10 articles were included in this review. Yet, the theories described in these 10 articles can be useful for developing such co-approaches in future public health research.
Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 among recruits in a US Army training environment: a brief reportHakre, Shilpa; Maljkovic-Berry, Irina; Hang, Jun; Conte, Matthew A; Pollio, Adam R; Fung, Christian K; Gandhi, Jaykumar; Peel, Sheila A; Lidl, Grace M; Huhtanen, Mark E; Hall, Tara L; Modjarrad, Kayvon; Friberg, Heather L; O’Connell, Robert J; Scott, Paul T
2023 Journal of Public Health
doi: 10.1093/pubmed/fdad026pmid: 37132356
BackgroundIn 2020, preventive measures were implemented to mitigate the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) among 600–700 recruits arriving weekly at a basic combat training (BCT) facility in the southern United States. Trainees were sorted into companies and platoons (cocoons) at arrival, tested, quarantined for 14 days with daily temperature and respiratory-symptom monitoring and retested before release into larger groups for training where symptomatic testing was conducted. Nonpharmaceutical measures, such as masking, and social distancing, were maintained throughout quarantine and BCT. We assessed for SARS-CoV-2 transmission in the quarantine milieu.MethodsNasopharyngeal (NP) swabs were collected at arrival and at the end of quarantine and blood specimens at both timepoints and at the end of BCT. Epidemiological characteristics were analyzed for transmission clusters identified from whole-genome sequencing of NP samples.ResultsAmong 1403 trainees enrolled from 25 August to 7 October 2020, epidemiological analysis identified three transmission clusters (n = 20 SARS-CoV-2 genomes) during quarantine, which spanned five different cocoons. However, SARS-CoV-2 incidence decreased from 2.7% during quarantine to 1.5% at the end of BCT; prevalence at arrival was 3.3%.ConclusionsThese findings suggest layered SARS-CoV-2 mitigation measures implemented during quarantine minimized the risk of further transmission in BCT.
The effect of IHAPIM program on health perceptions and health responsibilities of immigrant men: a randomized controlled trialKorkmaz, Mehmet; Avcı, Iknur Aydın
2023 Journal of Public Health
doi: 10.1093/pubmed/fdad030pmid: 37147924
BackgroundHealth promotion interventions for immigrant health are generally directed toward women and youth. There is no program specific to migrant male in the global and national literature to protect, improve and promote their health. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of the Increasing Health Awareness of Immigrant Men (IHAPIM) program on health perceptions, health responsibilities, perceived stress level, attitudes toward utilizing health care services and the types of coping strategies of immigrant male.MethodsResearchers applied the short-term IHAPIM program experimental group for 5 weeks. This study was held in the two districts where predominantly immigrants live. The immigrant male’s health perceptions, health responsibilities, perceived stress level, attitudes toward utilizing health care services and the types of coping strategies measured before and after 3 months of the IHAPIM program was performed.ResultsThe study results showed that the levels of health perceptions, health responsibilities and the types of coping strategies of immigrant male were significantly different between the two study groups.ConclusionsAt the end of the study, the experimental group showed improvement in measures of the health perceptions, health responsibilities, attitudes toward utilizing health care services, the types of coping strategies and perceived stress level of male decreased. Nursing interventions specific to immigrant male and sensitive to their language have led to positive changes in the health variables of immigrant male.
Long Covid: conceptualizing the challenges for public healthPrashar, Jai
2023 Journal of Public Health
doi: 10.1093/pubmed/fdac153pmid: 37132023
BackgroundLong Covid has caused significant disruption to public services, economies and population health worldwide, but no single public health approach has proven effective in its management. This essay was the winning entry for the Faculty of Public Health’s Sir John Brotherston Prize 2022.MethodsIn this essay, I synthesize existing literature on public health policy in long Covid, and discuss the challenges and opportunities posed by long Covid for the public health profession. The utility of specialist clinics and community care, in the UK and internationally, is examined, as well as key outstanding issues relating to evidence generation, health inequality and defining long Covid. I then use this information to inform a simple conceptual model.ResultsThe generated conceptual model integrates community- and population-level interventions; key areas of identified policy need at both levels include ensuring equitable access to long Covid care, developing screening programmes for high-risk populations, co-production of research and clinical services with patients, and using interventions to generate evidence.ConclusionsSignificant challenges remain in the management of long Covid from a public health policy perspective. Multidisciplinary community-level and population-level interventions should be employed with a view to achieving an equitable and scalable model of care.