{"title":"Sociodemographic Differences in Smoking Behaviours by Migration Background: Insights From the National Swiss Health Survey.","authors":"Kris Schürch, Tayisiya Krasnova, Lyra Egan, Tara Gückel, Lily Davidson, Lars Lenze, Annika Frahsa","doi":"10.3389/ijph.2026.1609268","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/ijph.2026.1609268","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study aimed to examine how migration background is associated with current smoking and whether this relationship varies by sex, age, and education.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We analysed data from 19,441 participants of the 2022 Swiss Health Survey, an official, national cross-sectional dataset. Current smoking (yes/no) was the outcome, and migration background (none, 1st generation, 2nd or higher generation) the primary exposure. Multivariable logistic regression models adjusted for sociodemographic and behavioural covariates, were followed by stratified analyses by sex, age, and education.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Compared to people without a migration background, the odds of current smoking were elevated among those with a 1st-generation background (OR = 1.42, 95% CI: 1.28-1.49) and 2nd or higher generation (OR = 1.75, 95% CI: 1.48-2.06). Stratified analyses showed that the higher odds of current smoking among people with a migration background were particularly pronounced among younger adults (15-24, 25-34 years), and among people with lower educational attainment.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Migration background contributes to smoking inequalities in Switzerland and intersects with other social factors, such as age and education. Elevated risks among people with 2nd or higher-generation migration backgrounds in younger age groups and those with lower educational attainment demonstrate the need for culturally adapted, equity-oriented prevention strategies and stronger national tobacco control policies.</p>","PeriodicalId":14322,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Public Health","volume":"71 ","pages":"1609268"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13136040/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147837744","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Perceptions and Needs of Primary Healthcare Providers Regarding Electricity Shortages and Blackouts: A Qualitative Study Using a Realistic Narrative Approach.","authors":"Enzo Baquet, Paul Tarteret, Agathe Deschamps, Amel Filali, Rose-Anna Foley, Valérie D'Acremont","doi":"10.3389/ijph.2026.1609319","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/ijph.2026.1609319","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To understand how primary healthcare providers perceive a hypothetical electricity supply interruptions (ESI) situation (electricity shortages and blackouts), and their needs for a better preparation and response.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In Canton of Vaud, Switzerland, interviews with 16 experts of 13 institutions/organisations involved in ESI management were conducted to develop a locally adapted ESI scenario. Perceived risk, knowledge, capacity to adapt, and needs of 8 private practice physicians and nurses were then explored through semi-structured, scenario-based interviews.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Although they considered ESI unlikely and were aware of their heavy dependence on electricity-powered administrative and medical tools, healthcare professionals were willing to continue treating their patients in their own practices or in suitable primary care centres. However, better communication with public health stakeholders, participation in training sessions and to the development of checklists closer to their needs, and a plan indicating them their best possible location would be necessary.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Redefining the role of primary healthcare providers in crises through better training, information, and integration as cooperative partners could represent a key opportunity to enhance the resilience of the whole healthcare system.</p>","PeriodicalId":14322,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Public Health","volume":"71 ","pages":"1609319"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13136038/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147837747","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Constance Prieur, Vincent Lhote, Antoine Marsaudon, Stéphanie Guillaume, Florence Jusot, Jérôme Wittwer, Paul Dourgnon
{"title":"Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Among Undocumented Immigrants. Evidence for the Premier-Pas Survey.","authors":"Constance Prieur, Vincent Lhote, Antoine Marsaudon, Stéphanie Guillaume, Florence Jusot, Jérôme Wittwer, Paul Dourgnon","doi":"10.3389/ijph.2026.1608844","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/ijph.2026.1608844","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Undocumented immigrants are a highly vulnerable population, frequently exposed to violence and trauma in their country of origin, along the migration journey, and in the host country. This study investigates which factors experienced before, during, and after migration influence the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It also investigates whether PTSD relates to high-risk health behaviors in France.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We relied on a survey representative of undocumented immigrants attending facilities providing assistance to vulnerable populations in Paris and Bordeaux (France). Analyses relied on several multivariate probit models (N = 1,060).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Overall, 54.1% of respondents experienced at least one traumatic event, and 17.2% currently suffer from PTSD. Factors associated with an increase probability to develop PTSD are: coming to France for safety reasons (before migration), entering France without appropriate documentation (during migration), food insecurity and poor housing conditions (after migration). PTSD is also associated with an increase probability to engage in high-risk alcohol consumption.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Although pre-migration factors cannot be addressed by destination-country policies, our findings suggest that interventions targeting deprivation may help reducing PTSD and substance use among undocumented immigrants.</p>","PeriodicalId":14322,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Public Health","volume":"71 ","pages":"1608844"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13124639/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147814716","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Effectiveness of Nutrition-Specific Interventions for Reducing Child Stunting: A Systematic Review of Evidence.","authors":"Eman Salim Ahmed Salim, Veni Hadju","doi":"10.3389/ijph.2026.1609291","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/ijph.2026.1609291","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of nutrition-specific interventions in improving child linear growth and reducing stunting during the first 1,000 days of life.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Searches were performed in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for studies published up to September 2025. Randomized controlled trials, cluster-randomized trials, cohort, and quasi-experimental studies assessing nutrition-specific interventions were included. Due to substantial heterogeneity across studies, findings were synthesized narratively.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Thirteen studies conducted in Asia, Africa, and Latin America were included. Nutrition-specific interventions, particularly lipid-based nutrient supplements, fortified foods, and food-based strategies, were associated with modest improvements in length-for-age z-scores and reductions in stunting prevalence. Larger effects were observed when interventions were initiated early in life and implemented in settings with high baseline stunting and food insecurity.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Nutrition-specific interventions can contribute to improvements in child linear growth, especially when delivered early and sustained during the first 1,000 days. However, effect sizes vary by context, underscoring the importance of integrated and context-sensitive implementation strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":14322,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Public Health","volume":"71 ","pages":"1609291"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13126305/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147814410","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Cláudia Jardim Santos, Carla Moreira, Ana Isabel Ribeiro
{"title":"Neighbourhood Socioeconomic Deprivation and Older Adults' Cognitive Decline in Porto, Portugal: A 13-Year (2005-2018) Longitudinal Analysis Using the Population-Based EPIPorto Cohort.","authors":"Cláudia Jardim Santos, Carla Moreira, Ana Isabel Ribeiro","doi":"10.3389/ijph.2026.1608945","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/ijph.2026.1608945","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Living in socioeconomically deprived areas has been linked to poorer health outcomes, with older adults potentially more vulnerable due to cumulative environmental exposure. This study examined the association between neighbourhood socioeconomic deprivation and cognitive decline among older adults in Porto, Portugal.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We used data from 486 participants aged ≥50 years in the EPIPorto cohort, each with at least two cognitive assessments between 2005 and 2018. Neighbourhood deprivation was measured using the Portuguese European Deprivation Index; cognitive function was assessed with the Mini-Mental State Examination. Missing data were addressed using multivariate imputation (mice package), and associations were estimated via linear mixed-effects models (lme4 package).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The average cognitive decline was -0.60 points between assessments (95% CI: -0.82 to -0.37). In unadjusted models, higher neighbourhood deprivation was associated with faster decline (β = -0.18; 95% CI: -0.29 to -0.06), but this was not significant after adjustment (β = 0.00; 95% CI: -0.11-0.12). Greater decline was significantly associated with older age, female sex, and lower education.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Findings highlight the role of individual sociodemographic factors but indicate no significant association with neighbourhood deprivation.</p>","PeriodicalId":14322,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Public Health","volume":"71 ","pages":"1608945"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13124638/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147814807","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Timely, Dignified, Efficient: Modernizing Verification of Death in Switzerland.","authors":"Sarah Maria Esther Jerjen","doi":"10.3389/ijph.2026.1609069","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/ijph.2026.1609069","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":14322,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Public Health","volume":"71 ","pages":"1609069"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13121083/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147771182","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Crossing Borders, Missing Data - Cancer Inequities in Displaced and Migrant Populations: A Scoping Review.","authors":"Brandon M Godinich, Jourdyn Horton, Madeline Rodriguez, Anika Patel, Jessica Chacon","doi":"10.3389/ijph.2026.1608687","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/ijph.2026.1608687","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To review recent developments in cancer disparities affecting displaced and migrant populations in the U.S.-Mexico border region and identify barriers in public health and epidemiologic tracking.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A structured scoping review was conducted using peer-reviewed studies and public health data published between 2010 and 2024. Sources included PubMed and governmental and binational public health reports. Inclusion criteria focused on border-specific, cancer-related evidence involving migrant and structurally vulnerable populations.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Cancer inequities were commonly associated with limited screening access, underinsurance, fragmented care, and binational surveillance gaps. Environmental and occupational exposures were identified as potential risk factors in border communities. Language barriers and mistrust of health systems limited engagement in preventive services, treatment continuity, and research participation.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Cancer inequities among migrant populations in the U.S.-Mexico border region are closely linked to structural and policy barriers and gaps in cross-border epidemiologic infrastructure. Improved binational surveillance, culturally responsive outreach, and expanded access to screening and timely care may support more equitable cancer control.</p>","PeriodicalId":14322,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Public Health","volume":"71 ","pages":"1608687"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13111172/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147771210","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jinchen Chen, Hongli Yu, Dagmara Damps, Anna Szumilewicz
{"title":"Exercise Interventions and Pregnancy-Related Back Pain: Evidence and Gaps From a Systematic Review.","authors":"Jinchen Chen, Hongli Yu, Dagmara Damps, Anna Szumilewicz","doi":"10.3389/ijph.2026.1608730","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/ijph.2026.1608730","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To review and synthesize existing evidence on exercise interventions of varying intensity for pregnancy-related back pain and to identify directions for future research.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A systematic review of nine studies involving 1,438 participants was conducted. Interventions focused predominantly on low-to moderate-intensity exercise, and no study employed high-intensity interval training (HIIT). Exercise types included aerobic and resistance training as well as aquatic and stability exercises.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Most studies demonstrated significant reductions in back pain, but methodological heterogeneity and limited sample sizes prevented meta-analytical synthesis. Randomized controlled trials showed moderate risk of bias due to challenges in blinding and randomization, while non-randomized trials had substantial limitations, including inadequate measurement validation and increased risk of bias.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Existing evidence supports the potential benefits of low-to moderate-intensity exercise for pregnancy-related back pain but remains methodologically weak. High-quality studies are needed to evaluate HIIT and other innovative strategies for managing pain and improving maternal health and wellbeing.</p><p><strong>Trial registration: </strong>identifier CRD42024578089.</p>","PeriodicalId":14322,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Public Health","volume":"71 ","pages":"1608730"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13102635/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147770698","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Spatiotemporal Characteristics of Health Collaboration Development in China's Urban Agglomerations: An Empirical Analysis of Four Major Regions.","authors":"Xiangfei Li, Wentao Zhu, Xumin Zhu","doi":"10.3389/ijph.2026.1608932","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/ijph.2026.1608932","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study analyzed China's four most politically significant and economically dynamic urban agglomerations-Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (BTH), Yangtze River Delta (YRD), Pearl River Delta (PRD), and Chengdu-Chongqing (CY)-to explore their health development trends from 2005 to 2023 and compare their spatiotemporal characteristics in coordinated health development.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We employed an integrated index construction method and an improved urban gravity model to build urban health network models, investigating the coordinated relationships and features of health development in these agglomerations.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Over 17 years, the four agglomerations showed both commonalities and unique differences in health coordination. The degree of coordinated development strengthened significantly, although it was notably influenced by major policies and public health events. Core cities exhibited substantial radiating effects on regional health coordination. PRD and YRD exhibited more pronounced growth in coordination intensity than BTH and CY. Distinct coordination patterns emerged: BTH displayed a unipolar radiation structure, YRD a polycentric network, PRD a core-periphery structure, and CY a dual-core, policy-driven coordination structure.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The findings reveal the critical role of core cities and policy interventions in shaping regional health collaboration networks, providing insights into how to achieve more balanced health resource allocation and equity in urban agglomerations.</p>","PeriodicalId":14322,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Public Health","volume":"71 ","pages":"1608932"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13112371/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147771178","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Laura Bechtiger, Hans Thalathara, David Bürgin, Lukas Eggenberger, Clarissa Janousch
{"title":"Examining Secular Changes in Health Risk Behavior Profiles and Their Associations With Mental Distress During Adolescence.","authors":"Laura Bechtiger, Hans Thalathara, David Bürgin, Lukas Eggenberger, Clarissa Janousch","doi":"10.3389/ijph.2026.1609345","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/ijph.2026.1609345","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Adolescent mental distress has increased in recent decades. It is unclear whether this is associated with changes in health-risk behaviors.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We analyzed five waves (2002-2018) of the repeated cross-sectional Swiss Health Behavior in School-aged Children study (ages 11-15; <i>N</i> = 30,122). Latent Profile Analyses identified health-risk behavior profiles in each wave using five indicators (physical inactivity, poor sleep, unhealthy diet, smoking, alcohol use). Associations with sociodemographic variables and mental distress (internalizing and somatic symptoms, life satisfaction) were tested using multinomial and linear regressions, including profile*sex interactions.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A consistent four-profile solution (low-risk; high alcohol use/slightly elevated substance use; moderate substance use; highest risk) fit best across waves. The low-risk profile was most prevalent and increased in later cohorts (2014-2018), while elevated-risk profiles declined. Older adolescents were more likely to belong to elevated-risk groups, which were associated with greater mental distress, especially in earlier cohorts. No significant sex interactions were found.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Health-risk behavior profiles remained stable, but their associations with mental distress weakened over time. Prevention efforts should adapt to evolving adolescent contexts.</p>","PeriodicalId":14322,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Public Health","volume":"71 ","pages":"1609345"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13096746/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147771176","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}