BMJ public health最新文献

{"title":"Research protocol design and implementation of a hybrid no-touch and low-touch prospective observational study during the COVID-19 public health emergency: the VISION study.","authors":"Becky Straub, Katie R Mollan, Jessica R Keys, Chanhwa Lee, Ronald Swanstrom, Lakshmanane Premkumar, Timothy P Sheahan, Shuntai Zhou, William A Fischer, David A Wohl","doi":"10.1136/bmjph-2025-002796","DOIUrl":"10.1136/bmjph-2025-002796","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Abstract: </strong></p><p><strong>Introduction: </strong>The conduct of clinical research is essential during public health emergencies, including COVID-19, to characterise the natural history of the infection to inform case definitions, identify risk factors for severe disease, transmission patterns, short and long-term complications and safe and effective treatments and vaccines. Policies aimed at mitigating transmission of SARS-CoV-2 proved challenging to conduct clinical research. Here, we describe the Vital Status and Outcomes of COVID-19 (VISION) study, a hybrid no-touch and low-touch clinical research protocol following participants recently infected with SARS-CoV-2.</p><p><strong>Methods and analysis: </strong>In this prospective longitudinal no-touch and low-touch observational study of recent SARS-CoV-2 infection, participants are enrolled virtually into a no-touch online primary cohort, which collects clinical information using electronic surveys. Eligible participants are able to additionally enrol into low-touch cohorts that collect biospecimens to characterise viral and immune dynamics.</p><p><strong>Ethics and dissemination: </strong>The VISION study is approved by the UNC Biomedical Institutional Review Board. Virtual enrolment coupled with hybrid no and low-touch data collection reduces barriers to participation in clinical research while allowing for an expansive investigation of the COVID-19 disease course.</p>","PeriodicalId":101362,"journal":{"name":"BMJ public health","volume":"3 2","pages":"e002796"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12352250/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144877785","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":"Past trends and future projections of psychological distress among general population in Finland.","authors":"Suvi Parikka, Marja Holm, Jaana Suvisaari, Jouni Lahti, Jaakko Reinikainen, Hanna Tolonen, Annamari Lundqvist","doi":"10.1136/bmjph-2024-002026","DOIUrl":"10.1136/bmjph-2024-002026","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Information on projections of psychological distress is necessary to allocate resources properly for prevention and mental healthcare and treatment. The aim was to examine past and future trends of psychological distress in Finland from 2013 to 2040.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Seven representative cross-sectional surveys from the years 2013, 2014, 2015, 2018, 2020, 2022 and 2024 (N=199 229, aged 20+ years) were used. Multiple imputation was used in projecting psychological distress (Mental Health Inventory-5, with cut-off value ≤60) up to the year 2040.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The prevalence of psychological distress was slightly declining during the period 2013-2018 for both men and women, ending up around 18% for men and 19% for women. However, after 2018, trends reversed, showing first a steep increase in psychological distress during 2018-2022 in both men and women, after which the increase plateaued, with the prevalence of psychological distress ending up around 25% for men and 27% for women in 2024. Over the 6-year period, the prevalence of psychological distress increased by 9.1% percentage points (pp) among 20-39 years old, 9.8% pp among 40-54 years old and 6.9% pp among 55-64 years old. In older age groups (65-74 and 75 years and older), psychological distress first increased from 2018 to 2020 but then plateaued, especially among the oldest. An increasing trend is projected to continue in the general population and by 2040, the prevalence of psychological distress is projected to end up around 29% for men and 32% for women.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>In Finland, the prevalence of psychological distress has increased substantially in the 2020s particularly in working age adults. Mental health needs to be given a priority in all policies to change the future projections.</p>","PeriodicalId":101362,"journal":{"name":"BMJ public health","volume":"3 2","pages":"e002026"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12352225/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144877783","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":"Design and maintenance of community-based cohorts in sub-Saharan Africa: a longitudinal evaluation of participant attrition in SchistoTrack.","authors":"Christin Puthur, Betty Nabatte, Benjamin Tinkitina, Narcis B Kabatereine, Goylette F Chami","doi":"10.1136/bmjph-2024-002151","DOIUrl":"10.1136/bmjph-2024-002151","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Understanding participant attrition in longitudinal studies is essential for maintaining cohorts, establishing targeted interventions and assessing potential biases introduced in study analyses. Yet, limited metrics, models and long-term assessments exist for the design and evaluation of community-based cohorts in sub-Saharan Africa.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We prospectively assessed participant attrition in the SchistoTrack cohort. A total of 2885 individuals aged 5-92 years, who were recruited in 2022, were examined from 1445 randomly sampled households across three rural Ugandan districts. Baseline data on sociodemographics, medical history, spatial factors and clinical examinations were collected, with annual and seasonal follow-ups to 2025. Profiles of attriters and rejoiners were established with logistic regressions. Community engagement, retention strategies and study expansion to 4321 participants were evaluated.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Overall attrition rates were stable across the years, ranging from 20.9% to 27.7%. Attriter profiles were established within the first year and were stable predictors of the recurrent attrition. Older individuals were less likely (OR 0.987, 95% CI 0.983 to 0.991), whereas more educated individuals were more likely to be lost to follow-up (OR 1.086, 95% CI 1.057 to 1.117). Individuals belonging to larger households and homes closer to government health centres were less likely to have an attrition event (ORs 0.920-0.924). Fishermen were not more likely than other individuals to have an attrition event, either overall or seasonally. 63.3% (374/591) of participants who dropped out from the first major follow-up and 54.1% (725/1341) of all participants who had any loss to follow-up for reasons other than death later rejoined the study. Schistosome infection and medical referrals were not associated with later attrition. Communicating clinical findings, adjusting incentives and study logistics did not influence attrition.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>By providing metrics and models for tracking attrition, our attrition analysis framework can guide the design and evaluation of community-based cohorts in rural sub-Saharan Africa.</p>","PeriodicalId":101362,"journal":{"name":"BMJ public health","volume":"3 2","pages":"e002151"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12336594/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144824500","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":"Randomised controlled interventions on physical activity, diet or their dual approach to better public health and the links to body mass index in 10-19 years: a systematic review and meta-analysis.","authors":"Derrick R Tanous, Gerhard Ruedl, Mohamad Motevalli, Clemens Drenowatz, Joel Craddock, Markus Schauer, Georg Göbel, Werner Kirschner, Thomas Rosemann, Katharina C Wirnitzer","doi":"10.1136/bmjph-2024-002181","DOIUrl":"10.1136/bmjph-2024-002181","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Health behaviour serves as a pivotal domain for the control of current health crises that primarily develop in young people and affect the global population in excess. This study hypothesises that appropriately planned physical activity (PA) intervention for pupils performed in the secondary school setting and during compulsory school time results in healthier body weight management.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, a protocol, and a PROSPERO trial registration (CRD4202347770). The intended study population was pupils (aged 10-19) of secondary schools without major nutritional deficiency or unstable health conditions. Data appraisal and summary data extraction were completed by two reviewers, with the main outcome of body mass index (BMI) (kg/m²).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In total, 5945 articles were identified by the search strategy, with 23 studies and 9441 pupils (including 4654 females and 4787 males) eligible for analysis. PA intervention implemented in the secondary level school setting for at least 8 weeks duration was found to have a random effect size of -0.12 kg/m² BMI (95% CI: -0.26 to 0.02) as compared with controls, with low statistical heterogeneity (I²=0%; p=0.60).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>PA intervention in secondary schools contributes to healthier body weight management for pupils in the ongoing global health crisis.</p>","PeriodicalId":101362,"journal":{"name":"BMJ public health","volume":"3 2","pages":"e002181"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12336552/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144824507","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":"State-level immigrant policies and diabetes prevalence in Latino and Asian American groups: a weighted multilevel analysis.","authors":"Md Towfiqul Alam, Jennifer Toller Erausquin, Erica Payton, Elizabeth Vásquez, Sandra E Echeverria","doi":"10.1136/bmjph-2025-002895","DOIUrl":"10.1136/bmjph-2025-002895","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Growing literature has shown that immigrant-related policies influence population health by limiting or enhancing immigrants' rights. However, less is known about the role of state-level immigrant policies shaping chronic health conditions such as type 2 diabetes (T2DM). This cross-sectional study examined the association between state-level immigrant policies (both criminalising and inclusive) and prevalence of T2DM among individuals of Latin American and Asian American origin.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>We included adults aged 18+years sampled in the 2014-2018 behavioral risk factor surveillance system (BRFSS) (n=201 824), a survey design that allows the calculation of state-level estimates. Using existing policy measures, states were classified as low, moderate, or high on two dimensions: (1) criminalising and (2) inclusive policies. Weighted multilevel logistic regression models examined associations between state-level policy measures and self-reported T2DM after accounting for the complex survey design of BRFSS.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Compared with Asians, Latinos were more likely to live in high criminalising policy states (35.2% vs 14.1%, <i>p</i> value <0.0001) and less likely to live in high inclusive policy states (63.1% vs 68.9%, p value <0.0001). Latinos also had higher T2DM prevalence than Asians (11.2% vs 8.7%, <i>p</i> value<0.0001). Adjusted models indicated that Latinos living in low inclusive policy contexts had significantly higher odds of T2DM (adjusted OR: 1.21, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.43) than Latinos living in high inclusive contexts. There were no statistically significant associations between criminalising policies and T2DM in either group.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Latinos had a higher burden of diabetes when living in states with low inclusive immigrant policies. Public health efforts should advocate for policies that create contexts that support the health of immigrants and their myriad contributions to the socioeconomic, and cultural fabric of the USA.</p>","PeriodicalId":101362,"journal":{"name":"BMJ public health","volume":"3 2","pages":"e002895"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12352184/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144877786","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":"Childhood diarrhoeal disease in South Asian countries: a population-based analysis.","authors":"Abdur Razzaque Sarker, Anik Hasan, Nuzhat Nawar, Rasedul Islam","doi":"10.1136/bmjph-2024-001909","DOIUrl":"10.1136/bmjph-2024-001909","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Abstract: </strong></p><p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Despite advancements in water sanitation and vaccination, childhood diarrhoeal diseases (CDDs) continue to pose significant public health challenges, especially in South Asia. This study aims to estimate the pooled prevalence of CDDs in South Asia and identify the key factors contributing to its persistence, providing crucial insights for future policy and intervention strategies.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This study utilised data from the most recent Demographic Health Surveys conducted between 2015 and 2022 in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Nepal, the Maldives and Pakistan, focusing on children under 5 years old. Descriptive statistics were used to measure the prevalence of CDDs and multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify significant factors. A p value of <0.05 was considered as the level of significance.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The overall pooled prevalence of CDDs was 10.13% (95% CI 9.83 to 10.45). Afghanistan had the highest rate of childhood diarrhoea in the South Asian region, with a prevalence of 29.15% (95% CI 28.01% to 30.31%), while the Maldives had the lowest prevalence at 4.17% (95% CI 3.20% to 5.42%). Higher odds of CDDs were associated with younger children, male sex, younger mothers, mothers with little or no education, larger households, unimproved drinking water and type of toilet facilities, lack of access to antimicrobial agents for handwashing and limited electronic media access. However, these factors varied from country to country.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study highlights the persistently high prevalence of childhood diarrhoea in South Asia. Country-specific findings underscore the urgency for focused interventions, particularly in Afghanistan and Pakistan, to effectively reduce CDDs in the region.</p>","PeriodicalId":101362,"journal":{"name":"BMJ public health","volume":"3 2","pages":"e001909"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12336502/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144824444","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":"Experiences and perceptions about vaccines and reporting of adverse events following immunisation: a qualitative study among mothers in Northern Ghana.","authors":"Nana Akosua Ansah, Daniel Weibel, Samuel Tamti Chatio, Samuel Tomilola Oladokun, Enyonam Duah, Patrick Ansah, Abraham Oduro, Miriam Sturkenboom","doi":"10.1136/bmjph-2024-001761","DOIUrl":"10.1136/bmjph-2024-001761","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Immunisation is an essential and cost-effective way of preventing infectious diseases. The emergence of new diseases, including COVID-19, along with advancements in malaria vaccines, has potentially led to an increase in vaccinations, particularly among children under 5 years old in Africa. However, concerns about vaccine safety have led to a decline in trust and greater vaccine hesitancy, as evidenced by the low uptake of newly introduced vaccines like the pneumococcal vaccine-13 in Ghana.Adverse events following immunisation (AEFIs) may range from mild to severe and are of concern because vaccines are generally given to healthy people. To monitor vaccine safety, it is important that those who experience adverse events report to the nearest health facility, but compliance is low in Ghana. This study explored the knowledge and experiences of mothers in northern Ghana regarding vaccine safety and adverse event reporting procedures.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This cross-sectional exploratory study used a qualitative research design that involved 10 focus group discussions (FGDs) with mothers from 5 administrative regions in resource-limited Northern Ghana. Participants for the FGDs were selected through a purposive sampling method at childhood vaccination clinics. All the interviews were recorded, transcribed and coded into themes using QSR NVivo V.12 software to aid thematic content analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The results revealed that mothers understood the need for vaccinations, although some were unaware of the diseases that the vaccines protect against. Even though most mothers knew about the benefits of vaccinations, many expressed concerns about the pain and discomfort their children experienced during the process. Furthermore, they noted that the absence of responses from health workers following the reporting of AEFIs, the belief that adverse events are commonplace, and previous vaccination experiences all influenced AEFI reporting. The fear of serious adverse events such as paralysis, coupled with insufficient explanation of the benefits, may dissuade parents from allowing their children to receive vaccinations. The findings also revealed that mothers were not adequately informed about vaccines and the need for them to report adverse events.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Many individuals regard vaccines as an essential public health intervention for preventing diseases and their related complications. Public health agencies and healthcare providers ought to address concerns about vaccine adverse events by providing thorough education for mothers about vaccines and AEFI reporting.</p>","PeriodicalId":101362,"journal":{"name":"BMJ public health","volume":"3 2","pages":"e001761"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12336584/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144824505","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":"Associations between exercise patterns and health outcomes in sedentary and non-sedentary individuals: a longitudinal population-based study in Geneva, Switzerland.","authors":"Mayssam Nehme, David De Ridder, Gabriel Kathari, Hélène Baysson, Stephanie Schrempft, Aminata Bouhet, Julien Lamour, María-Eugenia Zaballa, Stephane Joost, Silvia Stringhini, Idris Guessous","doi":"10.1136/bmjph-2024-001745","DOIUrl":"10.1136/bmjph-2024-001745","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Physical inactivity and sedentary behaviour are significant modifiable risk factors for chronic diseases, yet their prevalence remains high despite their well-established negative impact on health. This study evaluates regular moderate exercise compared with intermittent vigorous exercise, and their associations with self-rated health, mental health and sleep quality among sedentary and non-sedentary individuals.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Participants from the Specchio population-based study in Geneva, Switzerland, completed yearly follow-ups between 2021 and 2024. Baseline information included self-reported physical activity levels and frequency, health and socioeconomic determinants. Follow-ups included information on general self-rated health, new health events, mental health and sleep quality.Logistic regression models were used to evaluate the association between exercise level at baseline (2021) and subsequent outcomes (2021-2024) including general self-rated health, mental health and sleep quality in the overall sample and stratified by sedentary status. Linear regression with fitted models was done by exercise level between 2021 and 2024 for general self-rated health, mental health and sleep quality.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Overall, n=5720 participants were included, mean age was 51.2 years. A third of participants reported sedentary behaviour, more likely in young professionals, men, smokers and individuals living with a partner and kids. Older and retired individuals exhibited less sedentary behaviour. Individuals who engaged in intermittent vigorous exercise had higher scores for self-rated health, mental health and sleep quality compared with regular moderate exercise and partial to no exercise. Intermittent vigorous exercise was a determinant for better self-rated health (adjusted OR (aOR) 1.43 (1.18-1.72)) and better mental health (aOR 1.77 (1.47-2.13)). Intermittent vigorous activity remained associated with favourable health outcomes including self-rated health aOR 1.25 (1.03-1.52) and mental health aOR 1.39 (1.17-1.66) in sedentary individuals.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Intermittent vigorous exercise could be a good option that primary care physicians can recommend especially for young professionals with a busy schedule and increasing sedentary behaviour.</p>","PeriodicalId":101362,"journal":{"name":"BMJ public health","volume":"3 2","pages":"e001745"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12336541/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144824443","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":"Cross-cultural insights into non-communicable disease perceptions: a five-nation survey.","authors":"Jorge A Rios-Duarte, Ricardo A Peña-Silva, Carlos O Mendivil","doi":"10.1136/bmjph-2024-001567","DOIUrl":"10.1136/bmjph-2024-001567","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) pose a significant global health challenge, with varying perceptions and attitudes influencing public health responses and policy development. This study aims to elucidate the cross-cultural perceptions and attitudes towards NCDs across five diverse countries, providing insights into global public health strategies.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We analysed data from the 'Measuring Public Perceptions of Noncommunicable Diseases' survey, developed by Gallup and conducted in Colombia, India, Jordan, Tanzania and the USA. The survey encompassed questions on the perceived harmfulness of NCDs, empowerment for risk reduction and the influence of various entities on health. Statistical analysis included bivariate and multiple logistic regression models to assess the impact of socio-demographic factors on these perceptions.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>The study revealed significant cross-country variations in the perception of NCDs' harmfulness and the public's empowerment to reduce their risk. High-income and education levels were consistently associated with a greater perception of NCD harmfulness and empowerment across the surveyed nations. Notably, the USA exhibited a paradoxical trend of high empowerment and knowledge levels about NCDs, but low support for health policies like increased taxes on sugary beverages and alcohol. The proportion of participants from India and Jordan who manifested they could take actions to modify their risk of NCDs was remarkably low. Tanzanian and Jordanian respondents, especially female, showed lower empowerment levels, highlighting cultural and socioeconomic disparities in health literacy and policy support.</p><p><strong>Interpretation: </strong>These findings underscore the complexity of addressing NCDs globally and point to the need for culturally and socioeconomically tailored public health interventions. Understanding local perceptions and attitudes is crucial for designing effective health literacy programmes and policies to mitigate NCD risks.</p>","PeriodicalId":101362,"journal":{"name":"BMJ public health","volume":"3 2","pages":"e001567"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12336481/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144824499","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 and experiences of youth community health volunteers in a community health coaching programme for older adults in Singapore: a qualitative study.","authors":"Jasmine Yee Ru Cheng, Audrey Shu Ting Kwan, Jed Jasman, Elliott Weizhi Sim, Alicia Shi Yao Chee, Ka Shing Yow, Jie Xin Lim, Si Qi Lim, Thaddeus Chi En Cheong, Nerice Heng Wen Ngiam, Muhammad Razzan Razaki, Xiaoting Huang, Lynn Pei Zhen Teo, Sheryl Wen Ning Ho, Zi Hao Lee, Kharuna Jaichandra, Natasha Howard, Kennedy Yao Yi Ng, Lian Leng Low","doi":"10.1136/bmjph-2024-002455","DOIUrl":"10.1136/bmjph-2024-002455","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Older adults are often faced with a multitude of physical and social challenges that impede their ability to age healthily. To tackle this issue, the use of trained lay volunteers as health advocates has become increasingly popular; however, their perceptions and experiences remain to be explored. This study aimed to explore the experiences of youth community health volunteers (YCHVs) who participated in HealthStart, a community health coaching programme for older adults in Singapore.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted purposive sampling and carried out semi-structured interviews with 16 YCHVs and eight healthcare volunteers. Data were analysed thematically using deductive and inductive coding.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>We generated four themes: (1) structured training, resources, and in-person mentorship helped YCHVs effectively support older adults in their health journeys, (2) facilitators and barriers influenced older adults' receptiveness to YCHVs, (3) YCHV motivations to volunteer, and (4) YCHVs becoming trained health advocates and contributing to preventive health strategies. Findings illustrated the facilitators and challenges experienced by YCHVs and the contributions they can make to preventive health strategies.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The exploration of YCHVs' motivation and experience can potentially improve the uptake, acceptability, and satisfaction of using trained youth health advocates in community health coaching programmes for older adults.</p>","PeriodicalId":101362,"journal":{"name":"BMJ public health","volume":"3 2","pages":"e002455"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12336575/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144824508","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}