Journal of Medicine, Surgery, and Public Health最新文献

{"title":"Leveraging artificial intelligence to improve health insurance access and address disparities in rural Africa","authors":"Olajumoke Adesola Adewole ,&nbsp;Adewunmi Akingbola ,&nbsp;Abiodun Christopher Adegbesan ,&nbsp;Theodora Nkechi Ndu-Esekea,&nbsp;Samiat Bisodun Olalemi","doi":"10.1016/j.glmedi.2024.100172","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.glmedi.2024.100172","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Urban-rural inequalities in access to healthcare services remain a significant obstacle to development in Africa. Rural communities are more affected by the poor state of the African healthcare system, They lack essential healthcare facilities, have a shortage of healthcare workforce, inadequate transportation facilities that keep them isolated, and high out-of-pocket healthcare costs which put them at risk of the catastrophic effect of healthcare expenditure. Several health insurance schemes have been designed in an attempt to meet the SDG 3.8 goal of universal health coverage and access to quality, safe, effective, and affordable health care in rural communities. However, despite these efforts, there are still significant challenges with access and utilization of these insurance schemes. Artificial intelligence (AI) has been integrated into different areas of healthcare including medical imaging and diagnosis, surgery, and so on, and has improved health outcomes significantly. If adequately leveraged, AI can be useful in risk assessment and in automating claim process, thereby improving accessibility and utilization of health insurance in rural communities. It can also be used in protecting resources for rural healthcare by detecting fraud, thereby increasing the trust of the community in the insurer. Integration of AI into healthcare services can be very useful in improve health insurance access and reducing health disparities in rural communities thus aiding in the fulfilment of universal health coverage.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100804,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Medicine, Surgery, and Public Health","volume":"5 ","pages":"Article 100172"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143092875","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Online purchasing options for GLP-1 agonists: Accessibility, marketing practices, and consumer safety concerns","authors":"Corey H. Basch,&nbsp;Helen Yousaf,&nbsp;Grace C. Hillyer","doi":"10.1016/j.glmedi.2025.100183","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.glmedi.2025.100183","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The proliferation of online pharmaceutical sales necessitates a deeper understanding of how medications such as the diabetes treatment Ozempic® are presented and marketed on Google Shopping, a major aggregator of e-commerce merchants. We analyzed the representation and characteristics of Ozempic® listings, which were provided as regular and sponsored product results, with options to filter by medication form (liquid, tablet, capsule, wipes), specific pain relief applications (e.g., migraine, arthritis), free shipping offers, and price ranges. Additional filters included selection by store, however no sorting or filtering criteria were applied to maintain neutrality in the initial data capture. The 57 results were vetted for duplication, relevance, and English language usage. The final sample analyzed included 19 unique URLs. Results indicated that pricing ranged between $65 for proprietary compounded semaglutides and other weight loss products and $1399.99 for Ozempic®. Nearly half of the vendors offered introductory discounts, while others offered payment plans; 21.1 % mentioned a money-back guarantee but insurance coverage received little attention. Nearly half of the websites (42.1 %) were sponsored by telemedicine platforms, 26 % by patient/weight loss services, and 21.1 % of these were pharmacies. To access these medications, 15 vendors (78.9 %) required a prescription and of these13/15 (86.7 %) could be provided through the vendor’s company physician after completing an online questionnaire. The majority of programs (94.7 %) were accessible remotely with no direct personal interaction with the company physician or supplier. Nearly 80 % of the websites mentioned the pros of the weight loss product they promoted compared to 68.4 % that mentioned any cons. Around one-third of the sites (36.8 %) made product safety claims and 10.5 % mentioned “testing” without any specific details, while just over one-half referenced the FDA (57.9 %) or cited research to support credibility (52.6 %). The reliance on online pharmacies for GLP-1 agonists highlights the need for safeguards to ensure consumer health and safety.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100804,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Medicine, Surgery, and Public Health","volume":"5 ","pages":"Article 100183"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143092785","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Artificial intelligence for access to primary healthcare in rural settings","authors":"Md Faiazul Haque Lamem,&nbsp;Muaj Ibne Sahid,&nbsp;Anika Ahmed","doi":"10.1016/j.glmedi.2024.100173","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.glmedi.2024.100173","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Artificial Intelligence (AI) may enhance access to primary health care in rural settings, especially in areas with an underserved and rural populace, due to systemic challenges in infrastructure inadequacies, shortages of trained professionals, and poor preventive measures. This paper discusses the transformative roles of AI technologies in the efforts toward bridging these gaps by improving healthcare delivery and access. With the rise of machine learning (ML) and natural language processing (NLP), AI applications may enhance diagnostic accuracy, speed up and facilitate patient interfaces, and perform resource management more optimally. This list of benefits seems promising, but the realization of AI in healthcare faces quite a few challenges: it requires ethical considerations, assurance of data safety, and sound legal frameworks. While AI, Internet of Things (IoT), and mobile health (mHealth) technologies create innovative solutions in remote monitoring and consultation, these technologies help promote prevention. Realizing the full potential of AI in rural health is thus a challenge in both infrastructural and socio-economic spheres, requiring active collaboration. This present study indicates that it is high time there was an urgent need for high-quality research with real-world evaluation regarding the effectiveness of AI in bringing improvement in health outcomes among people in rural settings.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100804,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Medicine, Surgery, and Public Health","volume":"5 ","pages":"Article 100173"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143092874","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Reforming public health organizations in the post-COVID era","authors":"Jagdish Khubchandani,&nbsp;Michael Wiblishauser,&nbsp;Fern J. Webb,&nbsp;R. Andrew Yockey,&nbsp;Kavita Batra","doi":"10.1016/j.glmedi.2025.100187","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.glmedi.2025.100187","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Skepticism and distrust towards medicine, science, and education have increased significantly over the past few decades in various regions around the globe. The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated this mistrust, specifically leading to criticism of public health organizations. The pandemic revealed significant deficiencies in the structure, functions, and responsiveness of these organizations worldwide. As communities move into the post-COVID phase, there is an urgent need to reform public health organizations to enhance their services, strengthen their workforce, boost preparedness, and ensure equitable healthcare access for all. This commentary discusses the growing scrutiny of the role and importance of public health organizations, the necessity for their reform, and the key areas that require attention for meaningful reforms. By recognizing the need for change and implementing substantial reforms, public health organizations can be better prepared to tackle future health emergencies while fostering long-term health and well-being for populations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100804,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Medicine, Surgery, and Public Health","volume":"5 ","pages":"Article 100187"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143679892","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Targeted violence against community health workers: A critical barrier to Pakistan’s polio eradication goals","authors":"Rafay Ali Syed,&nbsp;Javaria Qazi","doi":"10.1016/j.glmedi.2024.100169","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.glmedi.2024.100169","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Workplace violence is a significant occupational risk faced by healthcare personnel in community-based settings, posing a global public health threat. Pakistan, one of the few countries, where polio remains endemic has faced targeted violence against polio workers, hindering its progress in eradicating the disease. This violence has profoundly impacted vaccination campaigns, leading to a resurgence of polio cases and the tragic loss of over 200 polio vaccination workers and security officials in recent years. Such violence not only endangers lives but also hampers vaccination initiatives creating fear among workers and reducing immunization coverage, particularly in high-risk areas. The history of these attacks intensified by a breach of trust has compounded resistance from militant groups and the spread of misinformation. Cultural norms, gender-based resistance, and socio-economic vulnerabilities further impede vaccination efforts. This letter proposes the use of community-based approaches such as employing voluntary community mobilizers (VCMs) to enhance public trust and vaccination coverage through strategies including the establishment of polio immunization centers in vulnerable areas, strengthening multi-sectoral partnerships, involving local influencers to address community concerns and implementing safety measures and incentives for health workers. These strategies aim to improve worker safety, promote vaccine acceptance, and ensure sustainable progress toward a polio-free Pakistan.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100804,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Medicine, Surgery, and Public Health","volume":"5 ","pages":"Article 100169"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143092873","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Can toothbrushing frequency impact the risk of diabetes mellitus?","authors":"Daniel Felipe Fernandes Paiva,&nbsp;Andressa de Oliveira Rocha,&nbsp;Ana Julia Puppin de Campos Toledo,&nbsp;Liana Andrade Veríssimo Araujo,&nbsp;Marcelo de Castro Meneghin","doi":"10.1016/j.glmedi.2025.100178","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.glmedi.2025.100178","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>By 2015, an estimated 570 million people will be affected by diabetes mellitus (DM), positioning it as one of the most prevalent global diseases and reaffirming the urgent need for effective control measures. DM ranks among the leading causes of mortality worldwide, with its impact particularly severe in elderly populations and low- and middle-income countries. It is closely linked to the progression of comorbidities and systemic complications, including vascular, cardiac, renal, neurological, and ophthalmic problems, with a projected global financial burden of $673 billion annually over the coming decades. An underexplored yet significant approach to DM management is its relationship with oral health, which includes conditions such as exacerbated xerostomia, periodontitis, fungal infections, and an increased risk of cancer. The link between oral health and glycemic control is particularly evident in patients with periodontitis, who exhibit elevated inflammatory mediators that complicate diabetes management. Furthermore, inadequate oral hygiene habits worsen periodontal disease and are recognized as risk factors for DM. This association also contributes to increased pain, tooth loss, and diminished quality of life, further accelerating the development of comorbidities such as retinopathy and nephropathy. Promoting proper oral hygiene, particularly toothbrushing, as a preventive measure for periodontitis could play a pivotal role in controlling and preventing DM. Understanding the impact of these simple yet effective measures on the epidemiology of DM is essential. This communication highlights the importance of fostering public health policies and integrating dentists into multidisciplinary healthcare teams to improve systemic health outcomes and reduce long-term healthcare costs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100804,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Medicine, Surgery, and Public Health","volume":"5 ","pages":"Article 100178"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143092784","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Suicide attempts in Bangladesh: Prevalence, trends, and disparities","authors":"Tonmoy Alam Shuvo ,&nbsp;Kabir Hossain ,&nbsp;Asma-Ul-Hosna ,&nbsp;Dipu Rani Dey","doi":"10.1016/j.glmedi.2024.100170","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.glmedi.2024.100170","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Suicide attempts are a major public health issue, influenced by a range of factors. Assessing the prevalence of suicide attempts in Bangladesh is crucial for understanding the country's mental health landscape. We searched multiple databases and included 11 articles in the meta-analysis. We used a random-effects model to pool prevalence data. We assessed between-study heterogeneity through the Q-test and I² statistics and conducted subgroup analyses. To evaluate potential publication bias, we utilized a funnel plot and Egger's test. Additionally, meta-regression was performed to identify sources of heterogeneity, while sensitivity analysis was conducted to assess the robustness of the findings. Study quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) tools. The pooled prevalence of suicide attempts in Bangladesh was 4.25 % (95 % CI: 2.28–6.22). The prevalence among males was 3.36 %, while females had a higher prevalence of 4.17 %. The pooled odds ratio for the risk of suicide attempts among females was 1.16 (95 % CI: 0.41–1.91), implying that females were at higher risk than males. We found that the pooled prevalence of suicide attempts among individuals aged 18 and above was 3.42 %. The analysis also uncovered a concerning upward trend in suicide attempts over recent years. The prevalence stood at 3.88 % from 2010 to 2016 and increased to 4.29 % between 2017 and 2023. The pooled prevalence of suicide attempts in Bangladesh revealed significant gender disparities, and a concerning upward trend in recent years, underscoring an urgent need for attention.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100804,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Medicine, Surgery, and Public Health","volume":"5 ","pages":"Article 100170"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143092876","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Role of folate receptor and CD44 in targeting of docetaxel and paclitaxel fabricated conjugates for efficient cancer therapy","authors":"Amol Tatode ,&nbsp;Pranav R. Agrawal ,&nbsp;Jayshree Taksande ,&nbsp;Mohammad Qutub ,&nbsp;Tanvi Premchandani ,&nbsp;Milind Umekar ,&nbsp;Kishor Danao","doi":"10.1016/j.glmedi.2024.100163","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.glmedi.2024.100163","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>A novel target folate receptor and CD44 receptor are deliberated for effective as chemotherapeutic agents. Usually, these receptors are play a vital role in the functional condition such as cell adhesion, healing and inflammation process. Thus, to treat cancerous cell is most difficult by traditional method can be most easily treated with the use of folic acid and hyaluronic acid-linked chemotherapeutics. Also, the various problems associated with Paclitaxel and Docetaxel like inability to deliver at specific target, affection towards healthy cells, poor aqueous solubility, side effects and acquired drug resistance can be minimized with the use of this targeting technique. In recent years, various studies have been ongoing on minimizing the problems associated with the delivery of docetaxel and paclitaxel, and targeting therapy is one of them. This review gives a clear picture of the concept of targeting therapy for the efficient delivery of docetaxel and paclitaxel using folic and hyaluronic acid conjugates.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100804,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Medicine, Surgery, and Public Health","volume":"5 ","pages":"Article 100163"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143092786","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Dercum's disease: A unique case of recrudescent lipomas necessitating surgery","authors":"Taylor W. Young ,&nbsp;Geoffrey Zhang ,&nbsp;Linwood R. Haith Jr.","doi":"10.1016/j.glmedi.2025.100185","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.glmedi.2025.100185","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Dercum’s disease, alternatively known as adiposis dolorosa, is a rare condition characterized by multiple lipomas causing palpable skin defects associated with pain and tenderness. The prevalence and etiology of this disease remain unknown despite its debilitating impact on affected individuals. Current literature describes individuals with Dercum’s disease to be predominantly older, obese females. This report details a unique case involving a 29-year-old male who, between 2022 and 2024, underwent surgical excision of over 80 lipomas on five separate occasions. Prior to surgery, the nodules were assessed in an outpatient setting to determine their location, confirm skin changes, and evaluate their debilitating effects on the patient’s quality of life, thereby justifying the surgical approach. Histology proved all the lesions to be benign lipomas. Subsequent to the initial lipoma excisions, new lesions recurred on the torso and extremities. Differential diagnoses were considered such as neurofibromatosis, multiple familial lipomatosis, Madelung disease, Bannayan-Zonana syndrome, and Cowden syndrome were ruled out by family history, location of lesions, and histology. Although Dercum’s disease has been recognized since the late 1800s, advances in understanding and treating the condition have been limited. This case aims to shed light on the experience of a young patient with multiple recrudescent lipomas necessitating surgery.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100804,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Medicine, Surgery, and Public Health","volume":"5 ","pages":"Article 100185"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143428233","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Multilevel determinants of linkage to care among pregnant women with opioid use disorder","authors":"Olajumoke Olarewaju,&nbsp;Samuel Tundealao","doi":"10.1016/j.glmedi.2024.100162","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.glmedi.2024.100162","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Opioid use disorder (OUD) in pregnancy poses considerable risks for both the mother and the child, with rising opioid use among women of reproductive age in the United States. Although OUD is treatable, pregnant individuals frequently encounter obstacles like stigma, legal issues, and inadequate access to healthcare. This commentary examines the factors influencing access to treatment services for pregnant individuals with OUD. The proposed conceptual framework using the socioecological model emphasizes the intricate relationships among these multi-level determinants. At the individual level, social expectations of motherhood, internalized stigma, previous healthcare experiences, insufficient understanding of treatment alternatives, and absence of health insurance frequently establish substantial obstacles to care. At the interpersonal level, healthcare personnel's attitudes, training, and communication are crucial in establishing trust and promoting treatment adherence, while supportive social networks and family involvement enhance care engagement and resilience. Structurally, the systemic constraints, including the variability in Medicaid coverage, geographic inequities, and inadequate integration of prenatal and addiction care, impede access, exacerbated by punitive policies that stigmatize substance use during pregnancy. Comprehending these dynamics can guide treatments designed to enhance treatment linkage and results. Advocating for a compassionate, patient-centered methodology within healthcare systems is crucial for tackling this escalating public health epidemic and mitigating the stigma associated with opioid use during pregnancy.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100804,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Medicine, Surgery, and Public Health","volume":"5 ","pages":"Article 100162"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143092771","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}