Journal of Epidemiology and Global Health最新文献

{"title":"Multidimensional Trends and AI-Based Forecasts of HIV Incidence in Korea, 1985-2024.","authors":"Seungho Baek, Haneol Cho, Chansoo Kim, Yeonju Kim","doi":"10.1007/s44197-026-00549-4","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s44197-026-00549-4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BACKGROUND: Since the first reported HIV case in Korea in 1985, the incidence of HIV/AIDS has continued to rise, emphasizing the need for effective prevention and management strategies. While global initiatives aim to end the epidemic by 2030, Korea has observed demographic shifts, particularly among young men and foreign nationals, that warrant further investigation. METHODS: We analyzed national HIV incidence data from 1985 to 2024, stratified by nationality, age, transmission route, and testing motivation. To forecast future trends, we employed a stacking ensemble model combining ARIMA, Random Forest, and LSTM, each trained to capture different aspects of temporal and demographic patterns. Model performance was evaluated using RMSE and MAE. RESULTS: Annual new HIV infections rose steadily until the mid-2010s, peaking at 1,223 cases in 2019, before stabilizing around 975–1,000 cases by 2024. Korean men showed a recent decline, while foreign nationals, especially foreign women, displayed continuous growth. Young men aged 25–34 emerged as the most affected group, comprising nearly half of male cases in 2023. The ensemble model outperformed individual approaches, projecting that new HIV cases will stabilize at approximately 1,024 annually through 2030. CONCLUSION: Analysis of HIV incidence in Korea using 40-year trend data reveals a historically rising trend that has recently begun to stabilize, with projections suggesting this plateau will continue through 2030. Ensemble-based forecasting models leveraging four decades of surveillance data may enhance predictive accuracy and serve as a framework for other settings facing shifts in HIV epidemiology. </p>","PeriodicalId":15796,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Epidemiology and Global Health","volume":"16 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13069027/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147645458","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":"The Evolution of EBS in Oman: From Planning Stages to Practical Application.","authors":"Adil Al Wahaibi, Zayid K Almayahi, Ruquiah Al Shehi, Mohammad Al Tobi, Weam Nazer, Abdullah Al Manji, Ibtihal Al Wahaibi, Shamsa Al Hosni, Badria Alhatali, Sulien Al Khalili, Noha Farag, Sultan Al Busaidi, Ahmed Al Mashaiki, Sultan Al Tobi, Saud Al Jamodi, Ahmed Zaghloul, Amal Al Maani","doi":"10.1007/s44197-026-00556-5","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s44197-026-00556-5","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BACKGROUND: Event-based surveillance (EBS) is a complementary method to traditional indicator-based surveillance (IBS) as it provides early warnings of emerging health threats. This paper explores Oman’s experience in planning and implementing an EBS system alongside its existing IBS framework. By incorporating One Health signals and addressing gaps noted during recent outbreaks, Oman’s EBS initiative aims to strengthen national capacity for timelier, multisectoral, and proactive public health responses. METHODS: The EBS system was designed in response to a national needs assessment and extensive stakeholder consultations. A multisectoral technical working group (TWG) designed and integrated an EBS reporting module on the Oman’s electronic disease reporting system, Tarassud, and developed corresponding training materials. The system was piloted over a six month period in two governorates in 2024, followed by a structured evaluation of its performance. RESULTS: In the year 2024, the pilot EBS system logged 35 signals, of which 18 were verified as significant public health events. The platform successfully captured alerts from human, animal, and environmental sources, enabling earlier detection of notifiable diseases such as Legionella and rabies. Key challenges were identified, including difficulties in integrating EBS data with the existing IBS, maintaining stakeholder engagement, and low levels of community reporting. CONCLUSION: Oman’s EBS system demonstrated feasibility and added value by leveraging multiple sources of alerts and fostering intersectoral collaboration. Scaling up this approach will require enhanced integration with existing surveillance systems, sustained multi-sector participation, and greater investment in digital tools and training. </p>","PeriodicalId":15796,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Epidemiology and Global Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13181118/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147645394","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":"Functional Difficulty Among Women Aged 18-49 Years in 22 Low-and Middle-Income Countries: Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys, 2017-2022.","authors":"Md Sabbir Ahmed Mayen, Salwa Nawsheen Nisha, Sumya Afrin, Tanvir Ahammed, Muhammad Abdul Baker Chowdhury, Md Jamal Uddin","doi":"10.1007/s44197-026-00551-w","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s44197-026-00551-w","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BACKGROUND: Women with functional difficulty often experience activity limitations due to their increased vulnerability compared to men. Although prevalence estimates exist, cross-country evidence on determinants in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) remains limited. This study estimated the pooled prevalence and identified factors associated with functional difficulty among women of reproductive age in LMICs. METHODS: We analyzed data from the most recent Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys conducted between 2017 and 2022 in 22 LMICs. The outcome variable was functional difficulty among women aged 18–49 years. Survey-weighted pooled prevalence estimates were calculated. A multivariable multilevel logistic regression model was used to estimate adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: The pooled prevalence of functional difficulty was 5.15%, ranging from 1.33% in Sierra Leone to 13.39% in the Central African Republic. Higher odds of difficulty were observed among women of higher reproductive age (42–49 years; AOR = 4.75), those with no/pre-primary/primary education (AOR = 1.95), urban residents (AOR = 1.60), and women never in union (AOR = 1.34). Additional risk factors included exposure to intimate partner violence (AOR = 1.14), high parity (≥ 7 children; AOR = 1.44), unimproved sanitation (AOR = 1.17), low life satisfaction (AOR = 2.09), and lack of mobile phone ownership (AOR = 1.33). Regionally, women residing in African countries had higher odds of difficulty (AOR = 2.24) than those in Asia. CONCLUSIONS: Functional difficulty affects one in 20 women of reproductive age in LMICs, with substantial cross-country variation. The burden is patterned by sociodemographic, reproductive, psychosocial, household, and digital access factors, highlighting persistent inequalities and the need for targeted, equity-focused interventions to improve women’s functioning and well-being. </p>","PeriodicalId":15796,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Epidemiology and Global Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13181130/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147645474","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 Risk Factors of Readmission Among Patients with Cardiovascular Diseases in Africa: A Systematic Review.","authors":"Frederick Acheampong Nimo, Edward Odoom, Abigail Gyamfi-Samakome, Hilda Kessewah Koranteng, Matthew Duah, Mildred Awinpiini Asore, Mustapha Amoadu, Nancy Innocentia Ebu Enyan","doi":"10.1007/s44197-026-00542-x","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s44197-026-00542-x","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally, with a disproportionately high burden in Africa. Readmissions among patients present an additional challenge. This systematic review aimed to map evidence on the prevalence and risk factors of readmissions among patients with CVDs in Africa. METHOD: A systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. Comprehensive searches were carried out in PubMed Central, Scopus, JSTOR, CINAHL and other databases. Studies published in English from January 2000 that reported on the prevalence and risk factors of readmission among CVD patients in Africa were included. The Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tools were used to assess the quality of included studies. Descriptive and thematic analysis were used to synthesise the findings. RESULTS: A total of 37 records were included in the final synthesis. Heart failure was the most extensively studied CVD. The prevalence of readmission among patients with CVDs ranged from 1.53% to 67.7%. Older age (> 65 years) was a key predictor. Clinical factors included hypertension, arrhythmias, advanced disease stages including LVEF < 40%, NYHA Class II-IV, NHISS > 7, anemia, infections and chronic comorbidities. Facility-related factors comprised prolonged hospitalisation and discharge without essential medications (beta-blockers for heart failure, and aspirin, clopidogrel, statins for myocardial infarction). Poor adherence to treatment regimen emerged as self-management determinant. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that readmissions among patients with CVDs in Africa remain a substantial burden. The review highlights the need for evidence-based interventions focusing on standardised discharge protocols, enhanced patient education, better screening of patients and management of comorbidities. Future research should address geographical gaps and focus on a wider range of CVDs to provide a more comprehensive overview. </p>","PeriodicalId":15796,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Epidemiology and Global Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13057049/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147592579","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":"Surgically Treated Non-Unions and Fractures of the Femur and Tibia in Adults: A Nationwide Analysis of 888,442 Cases from the German InEK Database.","authors":"Niklas Graefe, Ludwig Matrisch, Sebastian Findeisen, Tobias Grossner, Jan Streblow, Thomas Ferbert, Gerhard Schmidmaier, Tim Niklas Bewersdorf","doi":"10.1007/s44197-026-00545-8","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s44197-026-00545-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Non-unions (NU) after fractures, especially in cases with the need of surgical intervention, represent one of the most severe complications in traumatology. As previous studies estimate post-fracture NU risk between 2% and 10% data inconsistencies persist. In particular, the data on the influence of different anatomical regions, age and sex on fracture associated NU is scarce. Therefore, this study aims to provide a comprehensive descriptively assessment of the ratio of surgically treated tibia and femur NU to tibia and femur fractures based on a nationwide dataset, with a specific focus on differences across anatomical regions.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This retrospective, population-based, cross-sectional analysis of the German InEK database (2019-2023) was conducted, including 888,442 fractures and 3,017 NU cases. The study focused on ICD- (International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems-) coded diagnoses of femur and tibia NU and their associated fractures. To enhance precision, fracture and NU sites were grouped according to different anatomical regions assessed by documented OPS- (Operation and Procedure Classification System) codes. Subgroup analyses were performed for age and sex.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Surgically treated femoral shaft NU had the highest incidence (0.18 cases per 100,000 residents and year), followed closely by tibial shaft NU (0.16). The highest NU/100-fractures ratio was observed in tibial shaft (1.277), followed by distal tibia (1.095) and distal femur (0.996). Across all localisations, men had clearly higher NU/100-fractures ratios than women. NU/100-fractures ratios also varied with age, with highest ratio in the economically active population, followed by a generally decline in older patients.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This nationwide database study indicates that surgically treated NU/fracture ratios of femur and tibia are generally low. The proportion of NU to fracture differ between different anatomical regions. In general, proximal localisations showed lower NU/100-fractures ratios than distal localisations within the femur and in comparison of femur and tibia. Independently of the anatomical localisation men had a higher NU/100-fractures ratio than women. As highest NU/100-fractures ratios were detected in the economically active population, this highlights the substantial socioeconomic burden associated with this condition.</p>","PeriodicalId":15796,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Epidemiology and Global Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13065967/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147574062","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":"The Association Between Depression and Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: A Prospective Study in the UK Biobank.","authors":"Qiao Yu, Jiaxi Pu, Fang Cao, Qiongjing Yuan, Junxia Yan, Pan Yu","doi":"10.1007/s44197-026-00541-y","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s44197-026-00541-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BACKGROUND: Although depression has been associated with various chronic diseases, its relationship with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) remains unclear. METHODS: We included 353,855 participants from the UK Biobank. Depression was defined as (1) clinically diagnosed depression based on linked hospital records and self-reported physician diagnosis, and (2) depressive symptoms assessed by the Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2). We used Cox proportional hazards models to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association between depression and incident IPF. Causal mediation analysis was conducted using the R ‘mediation’ package to identify potential mediators of the depression-IPF association. RESULTS: During a mean follow-up period of 14.5 years, we identified 2,261 new cases of IPF among the 353,855 participants in the study. Individuals with depression had a 52% higher risk of developing IPF compared to those without depression (HR: 1.52; 95% CI: 1.33–1.73). Mediation analysis indicated that aging, metabolism, obesity, and inflammation significantly mediated the relationship between depression and the risk of IPF (p < 0.05 for all). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that individuals with depression are at an elevated risk of IPF. The association between depression and IPF appears to be partially mediated by factors such as aging, metabolism, obesity, and inflammation. </p>","PeriodicalId":15796,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Epidemiology and Global Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13149822/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147574187","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":"Impact of Project Communication on Project Success (Health Projects): Mediating Role of Work Engagement.","authors":"Ahsan Saeed, Imran Asghar Warraich, Shaha Al-Otaibi, Nadeem Sarwar","doi":"10.1007/s44197-026-00543-w","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s44197-026-00543-w","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Healthcare immunization projects in Pakistan play an important role in improving the life of millions of children. Project teams face multiple challenges to achieve targets. This study aims to examine the impact of project communication on work engagement and project success, the moderating role of perceived organizational support. A survey was conducted and a structural equation modelling approach (SEM) was used to validate the constructs. A sample of 219 was collected from project employees of the ‘Expanded Programme on Immunization’ (EPI), Punjab, Pakistan. The results indicate that work engagement partially mediates the relationship between project communication and project success, where (PC -> PS) was (ẞ = 0.217, T = 3.321, p < .000) was significant, (PC -> WE -> PS) was (ẞ = 0.078, T = 2.168, p < .001) that was significant too. Moreover, results also revealed that perceived organizational support strengthens the relationship between work engagement and project success. These findings suggest that project communication and work engagement are important factors for healthcare project success. This research provides actionable insights for policymakers to enhance healthcare immunization projects success.</p>","PeriodicalId":15796,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Epidemiology and Global Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13046857/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147574034","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":"Childhood Wasting and its Determinants: A Statistical Analysis Using Cross-sectional Survey Data.","authors":"Mohyaldein Salih, Ali Satty, Faroug A Abdalla, Elzain A E Gumma, Ahmed M A Adam, Abaker A Hassaballa, Omer M A Hamed, Zakariya M S Mohammed","doi":"10.1007/s44197-026-00548-5","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s44197-026-00548-5","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Globally, childhood wasting has been a major public health issue for decades and its burden has been overwhelmingly borne by low- and middle-income countries. In Yemen, ongoing conflict and economic hardship have contributed to alarmingly high rates of childhood wasting. This study aimed to identify factors associated with wasting among Yemeni children under five aged based on the 2022–2023 Yemen Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS). A total of 18,389 children were investigated. Univariable and multivariable survey logistic regression models were used to examine the association of the study factors with childhood wasting. The results of the study reveal that male children, those in the first two years of life, children from low-income households and those without access to designated handwashing facilities had higher odds of childhood wasting. These findings give the policy markers a valuable direction for public health work targeting childhood malnutrition in Yemen.</p>","PeriodicalId":15796,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Epidemiology and Global Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13057076/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147529860","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":"Magnitude of Adverse Birth Outcomes and Predictors Among Newborns Delivered at Public Hospitals in Benadir Region, Somalia.","authors":"Jamal Hassan Mohamoud, Zamzam Abdikadir Warsame, Miski Mohamed Ibrahim, Mohamed Hussein Adam, Ahmed Mahad Sheikh Mohamed, Sabirin Abdikadir Hersi, Hodo Aideed Asowe, Bashiru Garba, Najib Isse Dirie, Jihaan Hassan, Samira Abdullahi Moalim, Mohamed Mustaf Ahmed, Fartun Abdullahi Hassan Orey, Abdkerem Abdulahi Abdi","doi":"10.1007/s44197-026-00544-9","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s44197-026-00544-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BACKGROUND: Adverse birth outcomes remain a major public health concern, particularly in low-income countries like Somalia, which has a high neonatal mortality rate. However, data on adverse birth outcomes in the Benadir region is limited. This study assessed the magnitude and predictors of adverse birth outcomes in public hospitals in Benadir region, Somalia. METHODS: An institutional cross-sectional study was conducted at Benadir and SOS Mother and Child Hospitals from November 25-2024 to January 25-2025. A systematic sampling technique was used to select 420 postpartum women. Data were collected via structured questionnaire and medical record reviews. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify associated factors. RESULTS: Among the 420 postpartum women included in this study, the magnitude of adverse birth outcomes was 33.1%. Birth asphyxia (15.5%) was the most common, followed by low birth weight (8.8%), stillbirth (8.6%), preterm birth (3.8%), early neonatal death (3.8%), and congenital anomalies (2.4%). Multiple pregnancies (AOR = 4.01, 95% CI: 1.89–8.51), short birth intervals (AOR = 2.63, 95% CI: 1.27–5.47), previous bad obstetric history (AOR = 3.19, 95% CI: 1.59–6.41), ANC follow up (AOR = 5.04, 95% CI: 2.67–9.54), and pregnancy complications were significantly associated with adverse birth outcomes. CONCLUSION: Adverse birth outcomes remain highly prevalent in Benadir, with a magnitude comparable to findings reported from other low-income and conflict-affected settings in Sub-Saharan Africa. strengthening focused antenatal care, improving family planning for birth spacing, enhancing referral systems, prioritizing high-risk pregnancy follow-up, and capacity building for maternal and neonatal healthcare providers. </p>","PeriodicalId":15796,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Epidemiology and Global Health","volume":"16 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13018510/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147512473","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":"Exploring AI Driven Autonomous Vehicles as Mobile Health Units to Expand Access to Healthcare in Underserved Communities.","authors":"Adewunmi Akingbola, Adegbesan Abiodun, Olajide Ojo, Otumara Urowoli Jessica, Uthman Hassan Alao, Ademola Aiyenuro, Petra Mariaria","doi":"10.1007/s44197-026-00547-6","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s44197-026-00547-6","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Access to quality healthcare remains a persistent challenge in many low- and middle-income countries, especially for rural and underserved populations. This paper explores the transformative potential of autonomous vehicles (AVs) as mobile health units, proposing a new model for healthcare delivery that leverages emerging transportation technology. We examine how AVs can be equipped with diagnostic tools, telemedicine capabilities, and essential medical supplies to bridge existing gaps in health access. Drawing from current use cases in mobile clinics and early AV deployments, we analyze the opportunities and limitations of this approach through a public health lens. Key barriers such as infrastructure deficits, digital inequity, policy uncertainty, and ethical concerns are critically discussed. The paper also provides targeted recommendations to policymakers, health institutions, and private sector stakeholders on how to advance AV-based healthcare solutions in an inclusive and sustainable manner. By integrating technology with health equity goals, AVs offer a novel and scalable path toward universal health coverage, particularly in contexts where traditional service delivery falls short. This work contributes to the growing conversation on how innovation can reshape public health systems in the 21st century.</p>","PeriodicalId":15796,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Epidemiology and Global Health","volume":"16 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13009437/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147503985","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}