Public Health in Practice最新文献

{"title":"Inclusivity and decolonisation of the post-graduate public health curriculum: Reflections from a student-led approach","authors":"G. Carleton-Boylan ,&nbsp;S. Crossley ,&nbsp;P. Siebert ,&nbsp;N. Ajanaku ,&nbsp;A. Iqbal ,&nbsp;A. John ,&nbsp;S. Sandhu ,&nbsp;C. Williams ,&nbsp;L. Leach ,&nbsp;R. Patel ,&nbsp;H. Buchanan ,&nbsp;J. Taggar ,&nbsp;J. Leonardi-Bee ,&nbsp;J. Morling ,&nbsp;I. Qureshi ,&nbsp;L. Hubber ,&nbsp;J. Bethea ,&nbsp;E.E. Wilson","doi":"10.1016/j.puhip.2024.100507","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.puhip.2024.100507","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The future of successful public health practice requires public health students to be educated within a decolonised curriculum that challenges the historical biases and inequalities that are deeply embedded within global public health and society. In this commentary, we reflect on what it can mean and why it's important to decolonise and diversify a public health curriculum. We describe how we used a student-led approach to begin this process, and share recommendations that are applicable to national and international curricula.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":34141,"journal":{"name":"Public Health in Practice","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100507"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666535224000442/pdfft?md5=42d39473ab823b1f6442ea56af55ebc2&pid=1-s2.0-S2666535224000442-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141037190","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":"Impact of a nationwide school policy on body mass index in Danish school children: An interrupted time series analysis","authors":"Natascha H. Pedersen ,&nbsp;Anders Grøntved ,&nbsp;Niels C. Møller ,&nbsp;Birgit Debrabant ,&nbsp;Kristian T. Larsen ,&nbsp;Jan C. Brønd ,&nbsp;Jens Troelsen ,&nbsp;Søren Brage ,&nbsp;Jacob v B. Hjelmborg ,&nbsp;Niels Wedderkopp ,&nbsp;Lars B. Christiansen ,&nbsp;Sofie R. Mortensen ,&nbsp;Heidi K. Egebæk ,&nbsp;Mette Toftager ,&nbsp;Malene S. Heidemann ,&nbsp;Peter L. Kristensen","doi":"10.1016/j.puhip.2024.100510","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.puhip.2024.100510","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><p>A new school policy mandating 45 min physical activity daily during school was introduced in Denmark in 2014. We aimed to evaluate the effect of this policy on BMI in school-aged children. It was hypothesized that the school policy would decrease BMI, especially in the obese fraction of the population (90th percentile BMI).</p></div><div><h3>Study design</h3><p>This register-based study was conducted as a natural experiment.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>Analyses were based on data from The National Child Health Register that contains nationwide data on height and weight from mandatory preventive health examinations completed by school nurses or medical doctors during pre-preparatory classes (0th-3rd grade) and lower secondary education (7th-9th grade). A total of 401,517 children were included in the analyses with annual repeated cross-sectional data covering the period from 2012 to 2018. The effect of the school policy was evaluated using an interrupted time series approach comparing pre- and post-policy slopes in BMI, stratified by sex and age-group.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>In boys, no significant differences were observed in mean BMI slopes from pre-to post-policy in either age-group. In girls, post-policy slopes were significantly higher compared to pre-policy in both age-groups (0th-3rd grade: β:0·034 kg/m2, 95%-CI: (0·024; 0·043), p-value: &lt;0·001; 7th-9th grade: β:0·066 kg/m2, 95%-CI: (0·028; 0·103), p-value: 0·001). No significant differences in slopes were observed in BMI at the 90th percentile from pre-to post-policy for both sexes and across both age-groups. Adjustment for leisure-time physical activity as a potential time-varying confounder did not alter the findings.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>In conclusion, we did not detect a significant decrease in BMI levels among school-aged children following the introduction of a nationwide school policy specifying daily physical activity in school. If anything, a small positive change in BMI was observed in girls. More research is needed to understand whether structural changes similar to this requirement are able to prevent overweight and obesity in children and adolescents.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":34141,"journal":{"name":"Public Health in Practice","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100510"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666535224000478/pdfft?md5=bd97ce6cf219e73de031bbd8f84a03f4&pid=1-s2.0-S2666535224000478-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141023033","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":"Implementing HbA1c monitoring in sub-Saharan Africa: Lessons learnt from a pilot project in Mozambique","authors":"Fausto Ciccacci ,&nbsp;Flavio Ismael ,&nbsp;Fernanda Parruque ,&nbsp;Dércio Júlio Maquete ,&nbsp;Sandra Loureiro ,&nbsp;Moises Balamala ,&nbsp;Leilo Morviducci ,&nbsp;Andrea Manto ,&nbsp;Fabiana Lanti ,&nbsp;Stefano Orlando ,&nbsp;Giovanni Guidotti","doi":"10.1016/j.puhip.2024.100504","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.puhip.2024.100504","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Aims</h3><p>We aimed to evaluate lesson learnt from a pilot project in Mozambique focused on point-of-care (POC) HbA1c testing for diabetes management in primary health care facilities.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>Over a three-year period, several health centers were equipped with POC HbA1c testing machines. The evaluation involved 12 months of data collection, interviews with patients and staff, and regular supervision visits.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>The project screened over 22,000 individuals and provided HbA1c testing to 2362 diabetes patients. Among the analyzed results, 65.7 % had HbA1c levels below 7 %, 10.9 % between 7 % and 8.5 %, and 23.4 % above 8.5 %. POC testing showed advantages such as reduced costs and improved workload management.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>Limited access to HbA1c testing remains a challenge in African countries. The pilot project demonstrated the feasibility of POC HbA1c testing and highlighted the need for increased efforts to make it more widely available, leading to improved diabetes management and patient outcomes.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":34141,"journal":{"name":"Public Health in Practice","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100504"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666535224000417/pdfft?md5=685517a7239d2bedd4c18cfe4e79cebe&pid=1-s2.0-S2666535224000417-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141027353","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":"The prevalence of prolonged grief disorder (PGD) after the natural disasters: A systematic review and meta-analysis","authors":"Armin Zareiyan ,&nbsp;Ali Sahebi ,&nbsp;Bayram Nejati-Zarnaqi ,&nbsp;Reza Mosaed ,&nbsp;Rahman Berdi Ozouni-Davaji","doi":"10.1016/j.puhip.2024.100508","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.puhip.2024.100508","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><p>The failure to detect PDG and lack of providing essential interventions accordingly can disrupt the lives of survivors of natural disasters years after the death of their loved ones. The present study aims to investigate PGD after natural disasters using a systematic review and meta-analysis.</p></div><div><h3>Study design</h3><p>This study was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis guidelines.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>With the focus on the prevalence of PGD after natural disasters, studies conducted until the end of 2021 were collected without a time limit. To do this, reputable databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, Google Scholar, and Science Direct were used. The random effects model was used to perform a meta-analysis of the studies. To check the heterogeneity between the studies, the I2 index was used. The publication bias of the study was evaluated using Begg's test. Data were analyzed using the STATA software.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>Primarily, 2566 studies were collected based on the initial search, from which 12 final studies were entered into the analysis. The results showed that the prevalence of PGD after natural disasters was 38.81 % (95 % CI: 24.12–53.50, I2 = 99.7 %, p = 0 &lt; 001).</p></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>It is recommended that policies and plannings of the organizations responsible for disaster management be prepared to send specialized teams of psycho-spiritual counseling, quickly accommodate the injured, and reconstruct the damaged buildings in the shortest time possible.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":34141,"journal":{"name":"Public Health in Practice","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100508"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666535224000454/pdfft?md5=7ef06312e1d0c8deaac174ee2e4cf5f9&pid=1-s2.0-S2666535224000454-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141033936","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":"Geographical variation, demographic and socioeconomic disparities in Active Ageing: The situation in Thailand","authors":"Romnalin Keanjoom ,&nbsp;Pichaya Toyoda ,&nbsp;Keiko Nakamura","doi":"10.1016/j.puhip.2024.100509","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.puhip.2024.100509","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><p>Being healthy and active is a goal to achieve a better quality of life as individuals age. This study aimed to explore and validate the Active Ageing (AA) model, and examine geographic variations, and demographic and socioeconomic disparities.</p></div><div><h3>Study design</h3><p>Utilising a cross-sectional secondary data analysis, the analytic unit is older adults aged 60–80 across all provinces in Thailand.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>Exploratory Factor Analysis explored the AA structures, and the second-order Confirmatory Factor Analysis validated the model fit. Factor scores were used to identify geographic variation and sociodemographic disparities in AA. The association between geographic, and sociodemographic characteristics, and AA was examined through hierarchical regression analysis.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>The AA model, comprised of 14 indicators representing three latent factors–physical health, participation, and security–exhibited an optimal fit. Geographic inequality in AA emerged across the country, with specific areas linked to lower AA. An inverse relation between participation and security was observed. Rural residence, younger age, male, being married, and adequate income were associated with better AA. The association between AA and geographic, demographic, and socioeconomic emphasised the positive role of marital and economic status.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>This study contributes to understanding the social determinants of health by constructing a comprehensive AA model. The findings highlight the geographic variations and demographic and socioeconomic disparities in AA across Thailand. While AA generally declines with age, a better economy may help alleviate these disparities. These findings underscore the need for tailored social and public health policies, avoiding a “one-size-fits-all” approach.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":34141,"journal":{"name":"Public Health in Practice","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100509"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666535224000466/pdfft?md5=1c440f48cea4bb633629144e9694956f&pid=1-s2.0-S2666535224000466-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141055452","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":"The global prevalence of E-cigarettes in youth: A comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis","authors":"Nader Salari ,&nbsp;Sahel Rahimi ,&nbsp;Niloofar Darvishi ,&nbsp;Amir Abdolmaleki ,&nbsp;Masoud Mohammadi","doi":"10.1016/j.puhip.2024.100506","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.puhip.2024.100506","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><p>Smoking, especially cigarettes, is known as one of the most common social and health problems among people. E-cigarettes are another form of tobacco that has been an ordinary daily occurrence.</p><p>Study Design: systematic review and meta-analysis.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>Systematic searching of databases was performed in Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, Science Direct, MagIran, IranDoc, SID and Google search engine based on the PRISMA 2020 guideline. This search was conducted by the end of May 2021. Following full-text assessments, the related data were extracted from the papers. Newcastle-Ottawa scale was also used to evaluate the quality of methodology of the articles. Finally, study analysis was performed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software (version 2) based on the random effect model.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>Global prevalence of E-cigarette in younger individuals was 16.8 (95 % CI: 10.6–25.6) and 4.8 (95 % CI: 3–7.6) in the Ever and Current modes of E-cigarette, respectively. We also found that E-cigarettes were used more common in young boys than young girls in both Ever and Current modes. In young boys, the prevalence of E-cigarette were 18.8 (95 % CI: 8.4–36.8) and 4.9 (95 % CI: 3–8) in both modes of Ever and Current, respectively. In young girls, these factors were 9.9 (95 % CI: 5–18.6) and 1.6 (95 % CI: 1–3.1) in both modes of Ever and Current, respectively.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>The global prevalence of e-cigarettes among young people, especially young boys, is increasing. Based on this, the prevention and management of the damage of this social phenomenon requires comprehensive global study, planning and policy.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":34141,"journal":{"name":"Public Health in Practice","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100506"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666535224000430/pdfft?md5=bc9665bcdf3d1e17b54da476a34a9f6d&pid=1-s2.0-S2666535224000430-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141057733","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":"Telehealth resources and utilization interest among women who sell sex: An explanatory sequential mixed methods study","authors":"Jessica L. Zemlak PhD, MSN ,&nbsp;Randi Singer PhD, CNM ,&nbsp;Jacqueline Christianson PhD, MSN ,&nbsp;Madeline Stenersen PhD ,&nbsp;Maharaj Singh PhD ,&nbsp;Stacee Lerret PhD, MSN","doi":"10.1016/j.puhip.2024.100502","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.puhip.2024.100502","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><p>Among a sample of women who sell sex (WSS), we examined unmet health needs, resources for telehealth, utilization interest, and attributes associated with interest in using telehealth.</p></div><div><h3>Study design</h3><p>Explanatory sequential mixed methods.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>WSS (N = 52) completed a fixed choice survey and focus group (N = 6, 26 individuals) from drop-in centers serving WSS. Chi-square/t-tests and results from the survey data informed the semi-structured focus group interview guide. Thematic analysis of focus group data was conducted to identify themes.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>Over half (58 %) of participants expressed interest in using telehealth; however, some lack the necessary resources for use. While 60 % of participants own mobile phones and 46 % have access to a computer, only 35 % have a secure, private space for telehealth appointments. Interest in telehealth was higher among participants who self-identified as having high risk for HIV compared to low risk for HIV (79 % versus 46 %, p = 0.024), and among those considering PrEP for HIV prevention versus not considering PrEP (68 % versus 32 %, p = 0.046). Focus group participants preferred face-to-face encounters for complex medical concerns but expressed interest in telehealth for improved access to healthcare providers for routine care and mental health.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>Incorporating telehealth into community organizations could be one strategy to address health inequities experienced by WSS. Access to resources, including technology and safe spaces may be well-accepted if offered at trusted community organizations. Such accessibility addresses a gap in care for WSS and paves the way for new avenues for HIV prevention, mental health support, and research related to unmet health needs among WSS.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":34141,"journal":{"name":"Public Health in Practice","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100502"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666535224000399/pdfft?md5=3f615c22063e512b680b1fdf90b698e9&pid=1-s2.0-S2666535224000399-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140950158","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":"Effectiveness of financial support interventions to reduce adverse health outcomes among households in fuel poverty in the United Kingdom","authors":"Chithramali Hasanthika Rodrigo ,&nbsp;Kusum Singal ,&nbsp;Phil Mackie ,&nbsp;Shantini Paranjothy","doi":"10.1016/j.puhip.2024.100503","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.puhip.2024.100503","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><p>This systematic review intended to assess the effectiveness of financial support interventions for household fuel poverty in the UK in terms of reducing adverse impacts on the health and wellbeing of recipients.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>Bibliographic databases and grey literature sources were searched from the UK for studies that evaluated the health and wellbeing of participants following financial support to optimize indoor heating. Two independent reviewers carried out screening, data extraction and quality assessment of the articles. The outcomes included direct health-related outcomes such as Excess Winter Mortality (EWM), physical/mental health, health services utilization, well-being, and quality of life. Indirect health related outcomes included temperature, condensation/mould/dampness (CMD), fuel efficiency/expenditure and satisfaction with warmth. Due to the heterogeneity of interventions and outcomes, a narrative synthesis of the data was carried out.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>Twenty studies were included in the review: randomized controlled trials (n = 1), before and after evaluation of interventions (n = 14), ecological studies (n = 1) and modelling studies (n = 4). Sixteen studies assessed impacts of home energy efficiency improvements (HEEI) only, three studies assessed impacts of Winter Fuel Payment (WFP) only while one study assessed impacts of both HEEI and WFP. HEEI studies reported improved indoor temperatures (n = 4), reduced CMD (n = 6), reduced fuel expenditure (n = 4), improved thermal comfort (n = 7), improvements in general health (n = 4), increased wellbeing (n = 4), improved physical health (n = 2), improved mental health (n = 3), reduced new health events (n = 1) and improved existing medical conditions (n = 2). Two HEEI were reported cost effective with added years to life. During modelling studies WFP was found to significantly reduce EWM (n = 2) and fibrinogen levels (n = 1).</p></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>Most financial support interventions included in this review demonstrated positive impacts on health and wellbeing of recipients supporting their implementation with robust evaluations to better understand the cost effectiveness and long-term impacts in the future. Implementation of these interventions will require cross-sector collaborations, with consideration of which populations are most likely to benefit.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":34141,"journal":{"name":"Public Health in Practice","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100503"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666535224000405/pdfft?md5=2808945b02e7d8b7446186f540f19c5b&pid=1-s2.0-S2666535224000405-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141044507","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":"Studying the accessibility of healthcare services for cancer patients in Khartoum state amid the COVID-19 pandemic","authors":"Ahmed Osman Ahmed Mohamed ,&nbsp;Arwa Babiker Gabir Babiker ,&nbsp;Azza E.A. Abdalla ,&nbsp;Nafahat Alsadig Idrees Saeed ,&nbsp;Rayan Osman Suliman Bashir ,&nbsp;Rowa Ali Mohamed ,&nbsp;Yusra Hussein Ibrahim Hamid ,&nbsp;Zohal Hassan Humaida Hamad ,&nbsp;Elfatih M. Malik","doi":"10.1016/j.puhip.2024.100497","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.puhip.2024.100497","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><p>This study aims to assess cancer patients' accessibility to healthcare services and perceived barriers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Khartoum state, aiming to explore the consequent impact on cancer patients. It also aims to determine the coping strategies used by patients to overcome these barriers.</p></div><div><h3>Study design</h3><p>This is a retrospective analytical cross-sectional study.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>Data were collected from August 2020 to March 2021, with a sample size of 316 cancer patients. Systemic random sampling and SPSS version 25 were utilized for data collection and analysis.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>The study found that 55.7 % of the surveyed cancer patients had experienced disruptions in accessing essential cancer healthcare services during the lockdown. The study identified the most common cancers as breast (19.7 %), gastrointestinal (19 %), and ovarian (11 %). Notable barriers included governmental travel restrictions (51.6 %), outpatient service closures (41.8 %), and high costs (27.8 %). Additionally, delayed treatment was directly associated with a 33.3 % fatality rate among the participants.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>This study highlights the considerable negative impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on cancer care in Sudan. Recommendations include a focus on telemedicine as an alternative form of patient consultation, the expansion of health insurance schemes to encompass cancer treatments, and strengthening healthcare infrastructure to facilitate cancer care during crises.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":34141,"journal":{"name":"Public Health in Practice","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100497"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S266653522400034X/pdfft?md5=319794c9e030686b7980d5e71afcf307&pid=1-s2.0-S266653522400034X-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140879190","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":"Exploring the determinants associated with adult mortality in Malta: A cohort study between 2014 and 2020","authors":"Sarah Cuschieri","doi":"10.1016/j.puhip.2024.100500","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.puhip.2024.100500","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><p>The study set to explore the mortality causes across six years and identify potential mortality determinates at a population level in Malta.</p></div><div><h3>Study design and methods</h3><p>A longitudinal follow-up of a Malta based cross-sectional national representative study across 6 years (2014–2020) was carried out. The study population was cross-linked to the mortality register and causes of death obtained. Population characteristics gathered during initial examination were analysed through univariant and multivariant logistic regressions.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>A total of 66 adults, mostly male (65.15 % <em>n</em> = 43) died, with commonest cause being cancer (42.42 % CI95 %: 31.24–54.45) mostly due to malignant neoplasm of bronchus and lung. This was followed by cardiac pathologies including acute myocardial infarction, ischaemic cardiomyopathy, and cardiomegaly (25.76 % CI95 %: 16.67–37.51). Multivariant logistic regression analyses revealed positive associations between age (OR: 1.99 <em>p</em> = 0.02), history of coronary heart disease (OR: 11.78 <em>p</em>=&lt;0.001), smoking for 31 years or more (OR: 8.22 <em>p</em>=&lt;0.001) and presence of multimorbidity (OR: 1.32 <em>p</em> = 0.02).</p></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>It is evident that occurrence of cancers is a concern in Malta, and it requires targeted action including the reduction of smoking habits. Understanding the mortality causes and the associated determining factors at a population level enable the institution of preventive actions while strengthening healthcare services to safeguard the population from premature mortality and co-morbidity.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":34141,"journal":{"name":"Public Health in Practice","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100500"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666535224000375/pdfft?md5=28a9dd144fc6139943de72208321132b&pid=1-s2.0-S2666535224000375-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140650671","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}