Journal of Epidemiology and Global Health最新文献

{"title":"Global Trends and Regional Differences in the Burden of Infective Endocarditis, 1990-2021: An Analysis of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021.","authors":"Huanhuan Miao, Zhanyang Zhou, Zheng Yin, Xue Li, Yuhui Zhang, Yuqing Zhang, Jian Zhang","doi":"10.1007/s44197-025-00413-x","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s44197-025-00413-x","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The study aimed to offer detailed insights into the global, regional, and national burden of IE in 2021, while also examining the temporal trends of IE from 1990 to 2021.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Data on the absolute numbers and age-standardized rates (ASR) of incidence, deaths, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) related to IE were sourced from the Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD) 2021. The estimated annual percentage changes (EAPC) of ASR were calculated to quantify the temporal trends. Furthermore, joinpoint regression models were used to identify the temporal trends and the primary joinpoint year of ASR.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Globally, the age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) for IE increased with an EAPC of 1.00 (95%CI: 0.93-1.08) from 9.35 per 100 000 population in 1990 to 12.61 per 100 000 population in 2021. Despite a rise in the absolute number of death cases and DALYs related to IE, the age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) has remained stable (EAPC 0.06, 95%CI: -0.10-0.22), and the age-standardized DALYs rate (ASDR) has exhibited a decline (EAPC - 0.34, 95%CI: -0.45-0.24) between 1990 and 2021. Males bore a higher burden of IE compared to females, with the peak burden gradually shifting towards older individuals. In 2021, the ASIR for IE exhibited an increase with the rise in socio-demographic index (SDI) quintiles, with the highest ASIR observed in the high SDI region (15.77 per 100 000 population). Moreover, the highest growth rates of ASIR, ASMR, and ASDR were also noted in the high SDI region. On the other hand, the ASMR (1.34 per 100 000 population) and ASDR (40.71 per 100 000 population) for IE were relatively high in the low SDI region. Joinpoint analysis demonstrated that the ASIR, ASMR, and ASDR did not experience any sudden surges either globally or across different SDI regions after 2007.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The burden of IE remained relatively high, characterized by a rising ASIR and a stable ASMR on a global scale. This burden was notably prominent among males, the elderly, and in the high and low SDI regions. Region-specific prevention and management strategies might be warranted to reduce the burden of IE.</p>","PeriodicalId":15796,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Epidemiology and Global Health","volume":"15 1","pages":"69"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2025-05-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12055685/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143994453","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Cholera in Africa: A Climate Change Crisis.","authors":"Bezawit Kassahun Bekele, Olivier Uwishema, Lydia Daniel Bisetegn, Antonia Moubarak, Mugeniwayesu Charline, Pacifique Sibomana, Chinyere Vivian Patrick Onyeaka","doi":"10.1007/s44197-025-00386-x","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s44197-025-00386-x","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Cholera, an acute diarrheal infection caused by Vibrio cholerae, remains a significant public health concern globally, with 1.4-4.0 million cases and 21,000-143,000 deaths annually. While the disease is endemic in 47 less-developed countries across Africa and Asia, the African continent has been particularly affected, with 19 of 29 countries reporting cases in 2023 being from Africa.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To explore the trend of cholera outbreaks in Africa and analyze how climate change has contributed to the spread of the disease in the continent.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A review of current cholera outbreaks in Africa, with particular focus on Sudan and Ethiopia as case studies, examining the relationship between climatic factors and cholera transmission.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Recent outbreaks in Sudan (declared September 26, 2023) resulted in 5,414 suspected cases and 170 deaths (case fatality rate 3.1%) across nine states as of December 5, 2023. In Ethiopia's Somali region, 772 confirmed cases and 23 deaths were reported within two weeks, with approximately 80% of cases affecting children. Climate factors significantly influence cholera transmission: a 1 °C temperature rise doubled cholera cases in Zanzibar. Both drought conditions, which increase Vibrio cholerae concentration in groundwater, and heavy rainfall periods, which lead to flooding and breakdown of sanitary conditions, contribute to outbreak risks.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Climate change impacts cholera transmission through rainfall patterns, temperature variations, and extreme weather events. Management recommendations include implementing accurate weather surveillance systems, strategic vaccination programs, flood-proof water supply infrastructure, and community engagement protocols. These interventions should be integrated while considering the growing influence of climate change on disease patterns.</p><p><strong>Clinical trial number: </strong>Not applicable.</p>","PeriodicalId":15796,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Epidemiology and Global Health","volume":"15 1","pages":"68"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2025-04-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12043531/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143969615","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Assessing Hepatitis E Virus Seroprevalence among Slaughterhouse Workers in Western Saudi Arabia: Zoonotic Threats in Focus.","authors":"Thamir A Alandijany, Shahd M Balakhtab, Sherif A El-Kafrawy, Ahmad M Hassan, Arwa A Faizo, Tian-Cheng Li, Esam I Azhar","doi":"10.1007/s44197-025-00411-z","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s44197-025-00411-z","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>HEV, primarily known for its waterborne transmission, is increasingly recognized for its zoonotic potential, raising public health concerns for individuals in close contact with animals or animal products. This study aims to evaluate the seroprevalence of Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) among slaughterhouse workers in Saudi Arabia and compare it to a control group of blood donors, emphasizing potential occupational risks and associated factors.This comparative cross-sectional study included 239 slaughterhouse workers (study group) and 250 blood donors (control group). HEV IgG antibodies were detected using an in-house ELISA. Sociodemographic data, occupational exposure duration, and animal contact details were analyzed.The HEV seroprevalence was significantly higher in slaughterhouse workers (49.7%) compared to blood donors (22.1%) (p < 0.0001). Age and duration of occupational exposure were strongly predictive of HEV infection, with workers exposed for over one year showing higher odds of seropositivity. Geographic region and type of animal contact showed no significant associations.The findings suggest that prolonged occupational exposure to animals demonstrated increased the risk of HEV infection among slaughterhouse workers. Public health interventions, including improved hygiene measures, health screenings, and potential vaccination, could mitigate the risk of HEV transmission in high-exposure occupations.</p>","PeriodicalId":15796,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Epidemiology and Global Health","volume":"15 1","pages":"67"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2025-04-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12044092/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144003382","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Enabling Mobility of War Victims: Amputees in Yemen.","authors":"Abdullah A Al-Rabeeah, Shahul Ebrahim, Abdullah S AlMoallem, Ziad A Memish","doi":"10.1007/s44197-025-00401-1","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s44197-025-00401-1","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":15796,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Epidemiology and Global Health","volume":"15 1","pages":"66"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2025-04-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12037942/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144024443","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Natural Spillover Risk and Disease Outbreaks: Is Over-Simplification Putting Public Health at Risk?","authors":"David Bell, Jean von Agris, Blagovesta Tacheva, Garrett Wallace Brown","doi":"10.1007/s44197-025-00412-y","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s44197-025-00412-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The pandemic prevention, preparedness and response (PPPR) agenda is currently dominating international public health. International agencies including the World Health Organization and World Bank are proposing an unprecedented level of funding that will inevitably have broad consequences across health and society. Arguments supporting pandemic policy are heavily based on the premise that pandemic risk is rapidly increasing, driven in particular by passage of pathogens from animal reservoirs to establish transmission in the human population; 'zoonotic spillover'. Proposed drivers for increasing spillover are mostly based on environmental change attributed to anthropogenic origin, including deforestation, agricultural expansion and intensification, and changes in climate. Much of the literature, including reports published by international agencies and peer-reviewed papers, offers support for fundamental changes in public health policy premised on definitive statements that spillover is indeed increasing, that underlying anthropogenic drivers are the main reason for this, and that these are remediable. However, many of these assumptions are poorly supported by cited literature, over-simplifying a highly complex set of ecological interactions. This picture is further complicated by rapidly and unevenly evolving capacity for pathogen detection and notification. Public health policy based on incorrect assumptions and overly simplified analyses is likely to lead to poorly designed interventions and poor outcomes. If we are to deal effectively with outbreak risk within the broad context of competing public health priorities, there is an urgent need to re-evaluate current assumptions on drivers of outbreaks based on available evidence and address continuing major gaps in knowledge.</p>","PeriodicalId":15796,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Epidemiology and Global Health","volume":"15 1","pages":"65"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2025-04-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12021773/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144023681","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Living Conditions and Public Health Challenges in Temporary Camps for Displaced Populations in Shendi Locality, Sudan.","authors":"Alhaj Saad Mohamed Ahmad Ali, Rowyda Alnile Ahmed Khamees","doi":"10.1007/s44197-025-00405-x","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s44197-025-00405-x","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Humanitarian aid aims to address the essential needs of displaced populations, especially regarding shelter, water supply, sanitation, and hygiene. This study evaluates the living conditions of displaced populations in Shendi, River Nile State, Sudan, based on the Sphere Guidelines.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted between August and October 2024. Structured face-to-face interviews, a standardized questionnaire (administered to 100 household heads), a checklist-based assessment, and non-structured interviews were employed. Data were analyzed using SPSS software.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Most displaced families (52%) live in overcrowded rooms, and 48% are near cooking areas. Food security is critical, with 92% of families relying on grains, while only 6% consume meat and 2% consume dairy. Health coverage is low, with only 52% of women vaccinated against tetanus, and 4% and 2% are vaccinated for meningitis and yellow fever, respectively. While 72% of women gave birth in hospitals, 28% gave birth in camps. Water is accessible to 95% of families, but only 60% consume the recommended daily amount, and 20% face difficulties accessing it. In terms of sanitation, 44% practice open defecation, and 90% dispose of waste openly. Additionally, 96% lack sufficient soap, and 96% face health threats from flies and mosquitoes, with only 32% using mosquito nets.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The displaced families face significant challenges, including overcrowding in shelters, poor nutrition, limited access to healthcare and clean water, and inadequate sanitation. These conditions pose serious health risks, especially for children and vulnerable populations. Immediate intervention is necessary to address food security, healthcare, sanitation, and overall living conditions.</p>","PeriodicalId":15796,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Epidemiology and Global Health","volume":"15 1","pages":"64"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2025-04-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12014879/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144013526","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Disease Burden of 30 Cancer Groups in Taiwan from 2000 to 2021.","authors":"Po-Chen Liu, Tzu-Hsuan Huang, Yun-Chun Wu, Yueh Wang, Chun-Ju Chiang, Wen-Chung Lee, Hsien-Ho Lin, Wei-Cheng Lo","doi":"10.1007/s44197-025-00406-w","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s44197-025-00406-w","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Assessment of the morbidity and mortality burden of cancers and their evolving trends is crucial for making informed policy decisions and effective resource allocation. We aimed to examine the burden of cancer in Taiwan from 2000 to 2021 using a national population-based database.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Linking data from the Taiwan Cancer Registry and National Death Registry, we calculated years lived with disability (YLDs), years of life lost (YLLs), and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) for 30 specific cancer groups. Our methodology aligns with the Global Burden of Disease Study.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In Taiwan, from 2000 to 2021, the age-standardized cancer mortality rate decreased by 13.8%, while the prevalence rate increased by 80.5%. In 2021, the age-standardized DALYs for total cancer were 3784.2 per 100,000 population. In 2021, in Taiwan, lung, liver, and colorectal cancers were the leading contributors to cancer-related DALYs for men, whereas breast, lung, and colorectal cancers were predominant for women. Life expectancy decomposition analysis revealed distinct patterns by sex, with significant gains for specific cancers from 2000 to 2021: cervical, stomach, and liver cancers in women (0.20, 0.13, and 0.12 years, respectively) and liver, lung, and stomach cancers in men (0.37, 0.17, and 0.17 years, respectively).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Our finding of declining cancer DALY rates in Taiwan over the past two decades may reflect improvements in cancer control, particularly the significant decrease in liver and lung cancer burden. However, the rising burden of breast cancer and the sustained impact of colorectal and oral cancers warrant targeted attention in health policies, resource allocation, and research to reduce healthcare costs and improve quality of life.</p>","PeriodicalId":15796,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Epidemiology and Global Health","volume":"15 1","pages":"62"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2025-04-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12014961/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143997054","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Prevalence and Determinants of Early Adolescent Childbearing in High Maternal Mortality Sub-Saharan Africa: A Multilevel Analysis of DHS Data.","authors":"Melak Jejaw, Kaleb Assegid Demissie, Tesfahun Zemene Tafere, Misganaw Guadie Tiruneh, Asebe Hagos, Getachew Teshale","doi":"10.1007/s44197-025-00409-7","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s44197-025-00409-7","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background: &lt;/strong&gt;Preventable complications related to early adolescent childbearing continue to be a major contributor to maternal mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa, necessitating targeted interventions. Despite the high burden of early adolescent childbearing in Sub-Saharan Africa, there is limited pooled evidence on its prevalence and determinants in high maternal mortality regions, necessitating this study. Thus, this study aimed to assess the prevalence and determinants of early adolescent childbearing in extremely high and very high maternal mortality rates in SSA countries.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods: &lt;/strong&gt;This study used nationally representative demographic health survey data from 2013 to 2022 from adolescent women in extremely high and very high SSA countries. A total of 31, 512 weighted samples adolescents (15 to 19 years) of women were included. The Stata version 14 statistical package was used. Multilevel logistic regression was employed to assess individual and community-level factors associated with early adolescent childbearing, adjusting for clustering effects within DHS data, at p values &lt; 0.05 with adjusted odd ratios at 95% confidence intervals (CIs).&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results: &lt;/strong&gt;The overall prevalence of early adolescent childbearing in extremely high and very high maternal mortality SSA countries was 20.74% (95% CI: 20.3%, 21.2%). Chad had the highest prevalence (31.67%), while Kenya had the lowest (13.7%). Residence (AOR = 1.3, 95% CI: 1.19, 1.45), education: no formal education (AOR = 3.5, 95% CI: 3.09, 3.87), primary education (AOR = 2.3, 95%CI:2.11, 2.55), adolescent age group of 18-19(AOR = 4.9, 95% CI:4.6, 5.33), religion: Islam followers (AOR = 1.3, 95% CI:1.13, 1.48), no religion (AOR = 2.0, 95% CI:1.51, 2.71), household wealth: poor (AOR = 1.8, 95% CI: 1.59, 1.96), middle (AOR = 1.5, 95% CI: 1.32, 1.64), household size:1 to 3 (AOR = 3.5, 95% CI: 3.22, 3.84), 4 to 5 (AOR = 1.3, 95% CI:1.19, 1.42), never had media exposure (AOR = 1.2, 95% CI: 1.06, 1.28), had own mobile (AOR = 1.5, 95% CI: 1.34,1.64), never used internet (AOR = 1.6, 95% CI: 1.43, 1.89), male household head (AOR = 1.62, 95% CI: 1.49, 1.77), undecided fertility preference (AOR = 2.5, 95% CI: 2.17, 2.92), contraception: ever used methods (AOR = 1.9, 95% CI:1.7, 2.18), nonuser intend to use later (AOR=,1.4 95% CI: 1.32, 1.56), countries: Liberia (AOR = 1.6, 95% CI:1.3, 1.99) and Chad (AOR = 2.2, 95% CI: 1.82, 2.59) were positively associated with early adolescent childbearing whereas not having work (AOR = 0.9, 95% CI: 0.85, 0.99), not visited by community health worker (AOR = 0.8, 95% CI: 0.69, 0.89), ever visited health facility for reproductive health service (AOR = 0.2, 95% CI: 0.19, 0.22), had knowledge about contraceptive (AOR = 0.5, 95% CI:0.48, 0.60) and countries: Kenya (AOR = 0.54, 95% CI: 0.45, 0.65), Lesotho (AOR = 0.73, 95% CI:0.58, 0.95) and Nigeria (AOR = 0.72, 95% CI:0.62, 0.85) were factors negatively associated with early a","PeriodicalId":15796,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Epidemiology and Global Health","volume":"15 1","pages":"63"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2025-04-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12014889/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143968673","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Attitudes Toward COVID-19 Vaccination and Clinical Trials Among Saudi University Students.","authors":"Sarah Daher, Hana M A Fakhoury, Hani Tamim, Rimah Saleem, Bader Saad Alshammary, Raed Jaber Alzahrani, Nawaf Mohammed Alzahrani, Elias Ali Geraat, Mostafa Abolfotouh, Dunia Jawdat","doi":"10.1007/s44197-025-00393-y","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s44197-025-00393-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The implementation of a global COVID-19 vaccination campaign has been one of the most effective interventions in controlling the pandemic. However, vaccine hesitancy remains a major public health challenge, extending to COVID-19 vaccines. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccination and willingness to participate in clinical trials among Saudi university affiliates.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>An anonymous online questionnaire was distributed between June 2021 and June 2022 to affiliates of four major universities in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Attitudes toward vaccination were assessed using the 12-item Vaccination Attitudes Examination (VAX) scale, while attitudes toward clinical trial participation were evaluated through statements rated on a 5-point Likert scale. Statistical analyses were conducted to determine associations between vaccine acceptance, clinical trial participation, and demographic factors.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 365 respondents participated in the study. The majority were healthcare students, with most in their fourth academic year. Overall, 50.4% of the study sample exhibited vaccine and clinical trial hesitancy. Females exhibited significantly higher vaccine acceptance than males (P = 0.013), though hesitancy rates were only borderline significant between genders (P = 0.063). Healthcare students had significantly higher vaccine acceptance (P < 0.0001) and greater willingness to participate in clinical trials (P < 0.0001) compared to students from science and humanities disciplines. While most participants believed in vaccine safety and effectiveness, many expressed hesitancy regarding the motivations of pharmaceutical companies. Although attitudes toward clinical trials were generally favorable, only 37.8% expressed willingness to participate, and this figure dropped to 32.9% for COVID-19 vaccine trials. Vaccine acceptors were significantly more likely to be willing to participate in clinical trials (P < 0.0001).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Understanding university students' perspectives on vaccination and clinical trials can help shape targeted public health campaigns to address vaccine hesitancy. Future research is needed to explore determinants of vaccine hesitancy and barriers to clinical trial participation in this population.</p>","PeriodicalId":15796,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Epidemiology and Global Health","volume":"15 1","pages":"61"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2025-04-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12003242/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143988340","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Poisoning Epidemiology, Clinical Outcomes and Management Decisions for General Public Calls: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of a Nationwide Telehealth Toxicology Consultation Service Data in Saudi Arabia.","authors":"Abdullah A Alharbi, Mohammed A Muaddi, Meshary S Binhotan, Ahmad Y Alqassim, Ali K Alsultan, Mohammed S Arafat, Abdulrahman Aldhabib, Yasser A Alaska, Eid B Alwahbi, Meshari A Almutairi, Mobarak Alharthi, M Mahmud Khan, Mohammed Alabdulaali, Nawfal A Aljerian","doi":"10.1007/s44197-025-00404-y","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s44197-025-00404-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Poisoning represents a major global public health burden with significant regional variations in epidemiology and management. The Saudi Toxicology Consultation Service (TCS) provides nationwide remote consultation through a public hotline, enabling systematic data collection and analysis of poisoning patterns. However, contemporary data on poisoning epidemiology and telehealth services in Saudi Arabia is lacking.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study aimed to analyze national TCS data originating from public calls, in order to systematically characterize community-based poisoning epidemiology and clinical profiles. Specific goals included determining sociodemographic, seasonal, and geographic distributions, identifying common agent categories and their associated clinical profiles, and analyzing management decisions across different toxic exposure categories.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted a retrospective analysis of all public calls to the national TCS hotline between January 1 and December 31, 2023. Data collected included poisoning cases demographics, geographic location, agent category, symptoms, and management decisions. Descriptive statistics characterized the study population. Chi-square tests assessed associations between variables with significance set at p < 0.001.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among 39,142 consultations analyzed, children aged 1-<3 years had the highest consultation rate (157.59 per 10,000). Females showed higher utilization than males (15.41 vs. 10.10 per 10,000). The Central region demonstrated the highest consultation rate (19.13 per 10,000). Medications were the most common agent category (49.37%), followed by household products (26.32%) and health supplements (22.99%). Most cases were asymptomatic (97.19%) and managed through home observation (74.53%). However, bites/stings and substance abuse cases more frequently required hospital referrals (70.56% and 61.97% respectively) despite being predominantly asymptomatic.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This first comprehensive analysis of the epidemiology of national toxicology consultations data reveals children 1-<3 years old as the highest risk group for poisonings in Saudi Arabia, with medications as the predominant exposure. The large proportion of cases safely managed by the TCS demonstrates the feasibility and healthcare value of expanding remote toxicology services to improve efficiency and reduce costs. Data-driven insights could inform preventative initiatives, clinical guidance development, and strategic policies to curb poisoning incidence by targeting highest-risk demographics.</p>","PeriodicalId":15796,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Epidemiology and Global Health","volume":"15 1","pages":"60"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2025-04-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12003241/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144063987","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}