PUBLIC HEALTH REVIEWSPub Date : 2026-03-25eCollection Date: 2026-01-01DOI: 10.3389/phrs.2026.1609220
Anastasiia Boichuk, Anna Fehlbaum, Kateryna Tymruk-Skoropad, Anna Duchenko, Kaspar Wyss, Helen Prytherch
{"title":"Strengthening the Rehabilitation System in Ukraine.","authors":"Anastasiia Boichuk, Anna Fehlbaum, Kateryna Tymruk-Skoropad, Anna Duchenko, Kaspar Wyss, Helen Prytherch","doi":"10.3389/phrs.2026.1609220","DOIUrl":"10.3389/phrs.2026.1609220","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The full-scale invasion of Ukraine has increased demand for rehabilitation services, exacerbating preexisting deficiencies in the rehabilitation system.</p><p><strong>Analysis: </strong>This policy brief examines Ukrainian legislation, scientific and grey literature, and findings from stakeholder consultations to reveal persistent marginalization of persons with disabilities (PwD) and limited inclusion in education, employment, and public life. The rehabilitation system and its governance remain fragmented and overly institutional, resulting in poor continuity of care, weak interdisciplinary collaboration, and limited community integration. Resource provision is strained by the war and rising demand for assistive devices. Yet, the influx of humanitarian and development actors presents an opportunity to rebuild and modernize systems and narratives.</p><p><strong>Policy options: </strong>We propose (i) establishing an integrated governance and coordination mechanism for rehabilitation services (ii) launching scalable patient pathway models linking hospitals, community-based rehabilitation, and accompanying service providers, and (iii) developing a case management system for smooth assistive device provision.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Improving Ukraine's rehabilitation ecosystem can advance destigmatization, social reintegration, and a rights-based disability framework, offering lessons for other conflict-affected contexts.</p>","PeriodicalId":35944,"journal":{"name":"PUBLIC HEALTH REVIEWS","volume":"47 ","pages":"1609220"},"PeriodicalIF":5.2,"publicationDate":"2026-03-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13056866/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147646688","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}
PUBLIC HEALTH REVIEWSPub Date : 2026-03-24eCollection Date: 2026-01-01DOI: 10.3389/phrs.2026.1609176
Sorina Corman
{"title":"Urban Healthy Ageing in Romania: Policy Options for Age-Friendly Cities and Long-Term Care Reform.","authors":"Sorina Corman","doi":"10.3389/phrs.2026.1609176","DOIUrl":"10.3389/phrs.2026.1609176","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Romania's rapid population ageing now unfolds primarily in cities, where health, social care, housing and mobility intersect. Within metropolitan areas, older residents face unequal access to community long-term care (LTC), digital services and health-promoting public space.</p><p><strong>Analysis: </strong>Framed by European Commission and WHO agendas, this brief examines Romania's national strategies on health, ageing and LTC through an urban lens. It identifies a persistent rhetoric-implementation gap: municipal services remain underfunded and fragmented, and prevention or person-centred models are only weakly embedded in urban planning and budgeting.</p><p><strong>Policy options: </strong>Five priorities could align ageing policy with urban health: intersectoral city governance with transparent equity dashboards; legal and financial recognition of informal caregivers; expansion of community hubs integrating primary care, social work and rehabilitation; digital inclusion programmes for older adults; and health-promoting urban design that improves walkability, thermal comfort and access to green/cool spaces.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Converging city governance, LTC reform and urban design can translate policy aspirations into measurable gains in equity, autonomy and healthy life expectancy among older urban residents.</p>","PeriodicalId":35944,"journal":{"name":"PUBLIC HEALTH REVIEWS","volume":"47 ","pages":"1609176"},"PeriodicalIF":5.2,"publicationDate":"2026-03-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13053486/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147639745","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}
PUBLIC HEALTH REVIEWSPub Date : 2026-03-20eCollection Date: 2026-01-01DOI: 10.3389/phrs.2026.1609713
Jody Heymann, Aleta Sprague, Abena D Oduro, Laurel Grzesik-Mourad
{"title":"Correction: Advancing Climate Mitigation, Adaptation, and Equity Simultaneously: The Transformative Potential of Investments in Gender Equality.","authors":"Jody Heymann, Aleta Sprague, Abena D Oduro, Laurel Grzesik-Mourad","doi":"10.3389/phrs.2026.1609713","DOIUrl":"10.3389/phrs.2026.1609713","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/phrs.2026.1607423.].</p>","PeriodicalId":35944,"journal":{"name":"PUBLIC HEALTH REVIEWS","volume":"47 ","pages":"1609713"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2026-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13047384/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147623937","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}
PUBLIC HEALTH REVIEWSPub Date : 2026-03-18eCollection Date: 2026-01-01DOI: 10.3389/phrs.2026.1609119
Jun Yin, Antoine Flahault
{"title":"From Biobank to \"Bio-Think-Tank\": Functional Evolution of UK Biobank in Public Health Policy Making.","authors":"Jun Yin, Antoine Flahault","doi":"10.3389/phrs.2026.1609119","DOIUrl":"10.3389/phrs.2026.1609119","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study aims to explore the evolving role of the UK Biobank in public health policymaking, particularly its shift from a traditional biobank to a proactive \"bio-think tank\" and highlight the drivers and necessary elements of this evolution, with a focus on improving its functional impact on policymaking.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Searches were performed in PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar databases (end of search: August 20, 2025). We followed guidelines for the PRISMA. We identified 683 potentially relevant titles in our search and selected 51 studies in our review, reflecting \"bio-think-tank\" issues between January 2004 and August 2025.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Using a functionalist framework, the study identifies key factors driving the UK Biobank's evolution: limited real-time decision support, rising stakeholder expectations, and the UK's desire to lead in biobank science. It defines the \"bio-think tank\" concept and contrasts it with traditional biobanks.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The UK Biobank's evolution should focus on improving data quality, public trust, accessibility for policymakers, and cross-sector collaboration to strengthen its role as a national research hub and global model for integrating biobank resources with health governance.</p>","PeriodicalId":35944,"journal":{"name":"PUBLIC HEALTH REVIEWS","volume":"47 ","pages":"1609119"},"PeriodicalIF":5.2,"publicationDate":"2026-03-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13038615/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147610202","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":"Correction: Unveiling the Hidden Challenges: A Systematic Review of Self-Identified Support Needs of Caregivers for Older Adults in Canada.","authors":"Sheila A Boamah, Hoda Herati, Farzana Akter, Farinaz Havaei, Marie-Lee Yous, Sharon Kaasalainen","doi":"10.3389/phrs.2026.1609718","DOIUrl":"10.3389/phrs.2026.1609718","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/phrs.2026.1609117.].</p>","PeriodicalId":35944,"journal":{"name":"PUBLIC HEALTH REVIEWS","volume":"47 ","pages":"1609718"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2026-03-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13036420/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147594906","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}
PUBLIC HEALTH REVIEWSPub Date : 2026-03-12eCollection Date: 2026-01-01DOI: 10.3389/phrs.2026.1609071
Céline Moetteli-Graf, Karin Niedermann
{"title":"Strategies to Implement Knee Osteoarthritis Guidelines in Switzerland.","authors":"Céline Moetteli-Graf, Karin Niedermann","doi":"10.3389/phrs.2026.1609071","DOIUrl":"10.3389/phrs.2026.1609071","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a common chronic disease in Switzerland, associated with high socioeconomic costs and increasing prevalence due to aging and other risk factors. International guidelines recommend a stepped approach focusing on exercise, education, and weight management; however, implementation remains inconsistent. Switzerland has one of the highest knee replacement rates among OECD countries, suggesting potential overuse and indicating an evidence-performance gap in KOA management.</p><p><strong>Analysis: </strong>Current efforts promote coordinated, patient-centered care. A repeated stakeholder dialogue in 2024 with representatives of medical and physiotherapy associations, patient organizations, health insurers, and researchers identified challenges: variation in patient pathways across providers; non-evidence-based treatment sequencing with premature escalation to specialist care; and misalignment of expectations between patients and providers.</p><p><strong>Policy options: </strong>Proposed strategies include: (1) establishing a national Model of Care based on a consensus treatment framework; (2) strengthening patient health literacy through targeted education; and (3) facilitating patient navigation through effective communication and shared decision-making.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Closing the evidence-performance gap requires collaboration among healthcare providers to improve outcomes, reduce inappropriate care, and support coordinated patient-centered KOA management in Switzerland.</p>","PeriodicalId":35944,"journal":{"name":"PUBLIC HEALTH REVIEWS","volume":"47 ","pages":"1609071"},"PeriodicalIF":5.2,"publicationDate":"2026-03-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13017681/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147575743","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}
PUBLIC HEALTH REVIEWSPub Date : 2026-03-05eCollection Date: 2026-01-01DOI: 10.3389/phrs.2026.1609006
María Adelaida Cordoba-Nuñez, Alejandro Unda-López, Paula Hidalgo-Andrade, Luis Fernando Rodrigues, Fernando Cesar Iwamoto Marcucci, Tania Pastrana
{"title":"Place of Death of People With Chronic Conditions in Latin America: A Systematic Review.","authors":"María Adelaida Cordoba-Nuñez, Alejandro Unda-López, Paula Hidalgo-Andrade, Luis Fernando Rodrigues, Fernando Cesar Iwamoto Marcucci, Tania Pastrana","doi":"10.3389/phrs.2026.1609006","DOIUrl":"10.3389/phrs.2026.1609006","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To identify the place of death and associated factors among individuals in Latin American countries, with a particular focus on chronic conditions and serious health-related suffering.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A systematic review was conducted across five databases in May 2024 following PRISMA guidelines. Eligible studies included data on the place of death of at least one Latin American country.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Twenty-one studies with data from 12 Latin American countries were included. Hospital was the most frequent place of death in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Paraguay, and Uruguay, while home deaths predominated in Ecuador, El Salvador, and Guatemala. In Chile, Peru, and Mexico, the distribution was mixed, varying by population and clinical condition. Findings showed that older individuals and lower education were associated with an increased likelihood of home death. Marital status and urban residence showed mixed associations. A meta-analysis was not feasible due to high heterogeneity among the studies.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The place of death of people with chronic and serious health-related conditions in Latin America varies considerably, reflecting disparities in healthcare access, sociocultural values, and health system infrastructure. Findings highlight the need for country-specific, equity-oriented end-of-life care policies.</p><p><strong>Systematic review registration: </strong>https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42024553349.</p>","PeriodicalId":35944,"journal":{"name":"PUBLIC HEALTH REVIEWS","volume":"47 ","pages":"1609006"},"PeriodicalIF":5.2,"publicationDate":"2026-03-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12999540/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147499873","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":"Hepatitis B Virus Infection Among Tribal Populations in India: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.","authors":"Abhinav Sinha, Gayatree Nanda, Rounik Talukdar, K Divyasree Bhat, Banamber Sahoo, Chandrakant Lahariya, Sanghamitra Pati, Prakash Kumar Sahoo","doi":"10.3389/phrs.2025.1607620","DOIUrl":"10.3389/phrs.2025.1607620","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>The introduction of the Hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccine has significantly reduced the disease's burden. Tribes comprise approximately 8.6% of the Indian population, making it pertinent to investigate the epidemiology of HBV among these individuals. We synthesized the prevalence of HBV among tribes in India.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We searched the Medline (via the PubMed search engine), Embase, and CINAHL databases, in addition to the first 10 pages of Google Scholar. We included original observational studies that screened tribal populations for HBV infection, reported the prevalence of HBsAg (our main preference), and/or other markers. The risk of bias was assessed using the Appraisal Tool for Cross-Sectional Studies. The pooled prevalence was presented after conducting a meta-analysis (PROSPERO registration ID: CRD42022334938).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 24 studies were selected for this study. The pooled prevalence of HBV (as measured by the proportion of individuals testing positive for hepatitis B surface antigen) was estimated to be 9.99% (95% confidence interval (CI) 6.07-14.75, I<sup>2</sup> = 98.7%, p < 0.01). The highest HBV prevalence was noted in the northern zone of the country (19.60%, 95% CI 15.09-24.54, I<sup>2</sup> = 84.4%, p < 0.01), followed by the northeastern zone (13.43%, 95% CI 6.09-23.08, I<sup>2</sup> = 98.4%, p < 0.01), and the southern zone (10.44%, 95% CI 4.75-18.01, I<sup>2</sup> = 98.9%, p < 0.01).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>A considerable prevalence of HBV was observed in tribal communities in India, a fact that cannot be overlooked. This information may be useful for planning HBV vaccination strategies among tribes in India.</p>","PeriodicalId":35944,"journal":{"name":"PUBLIC HEALTH REVIEWS","volume":"46 ","pages":"1607620"},"PeriodicalIF":5.2,"publicationDate":"2026-03-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12989728/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147475712","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":"Unveiling the Hidden Challenges: A Systematic Review of Self-Identified Caregiver Support Needs for Older Adults in Canada.","authors":"Sheila A Boamah, Hoda Herati, Farzana Akter, Farinaz Havaei, Marie-Lee Yous, Sharon Kaasalainen","doi":"10.3389/phrs.2026.1609117","DOIUrl":"10.3389/phrs.2026.1609117","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>In Canada, over 7.8 million individuals provide care, with nearly one-quarter aged 65 or older. As essential partners in aging, caregivers bridge formal care systems and the broader care economy. With caregiving demands expected to double over the next 30 years, identifying and addressing caregivers' evolving support needs is critical to sustaining compassionate, connected care. This systematic review aims to document caregivers' self-identified support needs in delivering quality care.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A systematic search of bibliographic databases and grey literature was conducted in line with PRISMA guidelines and supplemented by reference mining. Eligible studies were peer-reviewed, published in English between 2020 and 2025; reviews and grey literature were excluded. Selection was managed using Covidence, and methodological quality was assessed independent by two reviewers utilizing Joanna Briggs Institute tools.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of 3,629 records, 83 studies were included: 59 qualitative, 17 quantitative, and 7 mixed-methods. Five key themes with twelve sub-themes emerged, reflecting caregivers' needs related to system navigation, inclusive technologies, coordinated care system, emotional and practical, and financial/workplace resources.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Caregivers' insights highlight priority areas to inform caregiver-centred policies, services, and research that enhance caregiver wellbeing and care quality for older adults.</p>","PeriodicalId":35944,"journal":{"name":"PUBLIC HEALTH REVIEWS","volume":"47 ","pages":"1609117"},"PeriodicalIF":5.2,"publicationDate":"2026-02-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12979237/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147463759","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}
PUBLIC HEALTH REVIEWSPub Date : 2026-02-25eCollection Date: 2026-01-01DOI: 10.3389/phrs.2026.1608732
Maren Hintermeier, Kayvan Bozorgmehr, Nora Gottlieb, Amir Mohsenpour, Navina Sarma, Renke Biallas, Louise Biddle
{"title":"Unintended Consequences of COVID-19 Public Health and Social Measures in Camps and Camp-Like Settings: A Systematic Review and Conceptual Analysis.","authors":"Maren Hintermeier, Kayvan Bozorgmehr, Nora Gottlieb, Amir Mohsenpour, Navina Sarma, Renke Biallas, Louise Biddle","doi":"10.3389/phrs.2026.1608732","DOIUrl":"10.3389/phrs.2026.1608732","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study examines unintended consequences (UIC) of public health and social measures (PHSM) in camps and camp-like settings and assesses the pathways through which these UIC arise.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted a systematic review and conceptual analysis of UIC from PHSM aimed at preventing SARS-CoV-2 spread in these settings. PHSM were classified using the WHO taxonomy and the CONSEQUENT framework to analyse UIC pathways. The most frequent PHSM groups were: a) surveillance and response, b) social and physical distancing, and c) operational measures.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>We identified 113 predominantly negative UIC impacting physical and mental health, healthcare access, economic stability, and social interactions. UIC occurred in both high- and low-income countries. Key mechanisms linking PHSM to UIC included mistrust, increased risk factors, lack of information, and uncertainty.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study reveals the complex interactions between PHSM and UIC and their broad mostly negative effects on marginalised populations. To reduce UIC in future health emergencies, they must be considered in pandemic planning with all stakeholders. Trust-building should be central in health interventions and PHSM design for more effective and equitable responses.</p><p><strong>Systematic review registration: </strong>https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD42022384673.</p>","PeriodicalId":35944,"journal":{"name":"PUBLIC HEALTH REVIEWS","volume":"47 ","pages":"1608732"},"PeriodicalIF":5.2,"publicationDate":"2026-02-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12976605/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147445011","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}