Journal of Public Health Research最新文献

{"title":"Validation of the abridged version of the autism-spectrum quotient (AQ-28) in the Arabic-speaking adult general population.","authors":"Feten Fekih-Romdhane, Fouad Sakr, Amthal Alhuwailah, Leila Sarra Chaibi, Mai Helmy, Hanaa Ahmed Mohamed Shuwiekh, Nedjem Eddine Boudouda, Btissame Zarrouq, Abdallah Y Naser, Kamel Jebreen, Mohammed Lakhdar Roubi, Bassam Abdul Rasool Hassan, Nisma Merdad, Rizwana Amin, Inad Nawajah, Ali Haider Mohammed, Sinan Subhi Farhan, Omar Abdulwahid AlAni, Majda Cheour, Mariam Dabbous, Diana Malaeb, Sahar Obeid, Souheil Hallit","doi":"10.1177/22799036251377610","DOIUrl":"10.1177/22799036251377610","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The field of autism research in adults has not yet emerged in Arab countries, which is in part due to the lack of valid, reliable autism measures. The objectives of this study were to assess the psychometric properties of the abridged version of the autism-spectrum quotient (AQ-28) in a sample of non-clinical Arabic-speaking adults.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional web-based study was carried-out from February to April 2024. Adults aged over 18 years from the general population of Lebanon (<i>N</i> = 1076, mean age of 27.90 ± 11.81 years, 63.8% females) were recruited using the snowball sampling technique. The AQ-28 was administered to participants, along with the relationship Questionnaire, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, and the Jong-Gierveld Loneliness Scale.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The original five-factor model of the AQ-28 had good fit to the data: RMSEA = 0.061 (90% CI: 0.059-0.064), SRMR = 0.060, CFI = 0.848, TLI = 0.831, and an excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.91). Measurement invariance has been established across sex. Mean sum scores observed in male participants were significantly higher than those displayed by females. Autistic traits as measured by the Arabic AQ-28 correlated positively with loneliness (<i>r</i> = 0.16; <i>p</i> < 0.001), depression (<i>r</i> = 0.17; <i>p</i> < 0.001) and anxiety (<i>r</i> = 0.15; <i>p</i> < 0.001).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Findings suggest that Arabic-language version of the AQ-28 provided by this study is valid, reliable, and suitable for use among Arabic-speaking adults to measure core trait dimensions of autism and screen for autism spectrum disorder. It is our hope that the new scale will generate interest among researchers in the yet unexplored field of autism research in Arab countries.</p>","PeriodicalId":45958,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health Research","volume":"14 3","pages":"22799036251377610"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12477376/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145201707","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":"Worry, risk perception, vaccine perception, and vaccine acceptance: Testing three competing path models in the context of COVID-19.","authors":"Yixin Chen","doi":"10.1177/22799036251374804","DOIUrl":"10.1177/22799036251374804","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Although previous studies have identified worry about COVID-19 as an important determinant of COVID-19 vaccine-related intentions and behaviors, the exact mechanism by which worry influences these intentions and behaviors is still being investigated.</p><p><strong>Design and method: </strong>An online survey was conducted among 310 U.S. university students from mid-June to mid-July 2021, measuring worry about COVID-19, COVID-19 risk perception (perceived probability and perceived severity), vaccine perception (perceived vaccine safety and perceived vaccine effectiveness), and vaccine acceptance, along with demographics. Three models were tested using structural equation modeling (SEM): (1) worry, risk-perception, and vaccine-perception variables influence vaccine acceptance simultaneously; (2) worry partially mediates the relationships between risk/vaccine-perception variables and vaccine acceptance; (3) risk- and vaccine-perception variables partially mediate the relationship between worry and vaccine acceptance. All models are the originally specified models.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Results of SEM analyses suggest that Model (3) fit the data best (CFI = 1.000, TLI = 1.000, and RMSEA = 0.000). SEM analysis for Model (3) found that perceived probability of contracting COVID-19 is negatively, worry about COVID-19 is positively, and perceived vaccine safety (the strongest predictor) is positively associated with vaccine acceptance. Perceived severity of contracting COVID-19 and perceived vaccine effectiveness are non-significant predictors. Worry indirectly affects vaccine acceptance through perceived probability (negative) and perceived vaccine safety (positive).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>COVID-19 vaccine campaigns targeting college students should emphasize vaccine safety, use reasonable worry as an emotional cue, and avoid overemphasizing the likelihood of contracting COVID-19.</p>","PeriodicalId":45958,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health Research","volume":"14 3","pages":"22799036251374804"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12476521/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145193055","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":"Correspondence on \"Association of low knowledge about cardiovascular disease and lack of lifestyle changes after the COVID-19 pandemic with higher cardiovascular risk in Peruvian residents\".","authors":"Hinpetch Daungsupawong, Viroj Wiwanitkit","doi":"10.1177/22799036251382871","DOIUrl":"10.1177/22799036251382871","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":45958,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health Research","volume":"14 3","pages":"22799036251382871"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12464385/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145187134","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":"Diagnostic accuracy of various anthropometric indexes for assessing insulin resistance in the Peruvian population: An analytical cross-sectional study.","authors":"Jamee Guerra Valencia, Noël C Barengo, Diego Torres-Quispe, Lorena Saavedra-Garcia","doi":"10.1177/22799036251377581","DOIUrl":"10.1177/22799036251377581","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Insulin resistance (IR) is a key driver of type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases. Traditional methods for IR diagnosis are costly, highlighting the need for accessible alternatives like anthropometric indices. However, their accuracy in developing countries remains underexplored. This study aimed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of anthropometric indices for assessing IR and to analyze the association of key anthropometric variables with IR in a Peruvian population.</p><p><strong>Design and methods: </strong>A cross-sectional analysis was conducted on 908 participants from the PERU MIGRANT cohort. IR was defined using the Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance. Anthropometric indices, including waist circumference (WC), skinfold measurements, and fat mass index (FMI), were evaluated. Diagnostic accuracy was assessed using ROC curves. Subsequently, adjusted logistic regression models were used to assess the association between key anthropometric indices and IR.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>FMI exhibited the highest diagnostic accuracy (AUC: 0.80; 95% CI: 0.75-0.84 in women, 0.81; 95% CI: 0.74-0.87 in men), with high sensitivity (>80%) and specificity (>70%) for both sexes. Sex-specific FMI cut-offs were 11.70 kg/m² for women and 7.52 kg/m² for men. Adjusted logistic regression revealed strong associations with IR: FMI in men (OR: 11.70; 95% CI: 4.37-31.31) and upper limb skinfold in women (OR: 4.25; 95% CI: 1.84-9.79).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>FMI and upper limb skinfold are reliable anthropometric measures for assessing IR in the Peruvian population. These findings support their application in public health interventions aimed at early IR detection, especially in resource-limited settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":45958,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health Research","volume":"14 3","pages":"22799036251377581"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12457765/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145151395","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":"An investigation of knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding dengue fever among rural populations: A cross-sectional, multicenter study.","authors":"Zahra Ghazanfari, Mostafa Bijani, Zahra Montaseri","doi":"10.1177/22799036251376881","DOIUrl":"10.1177/22799036251376881","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Dengue fever, a viral infection transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, has emerged as a global public health concern according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Given the geographical proximity of Iran to countries that have reported outbreaks of this disease in recent years, this issue needs careful attention.</p><p><strong>Design and methods: </strong>The present study aims to identify the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of rural populations concerning dengue fever in Fars Province, southern Iran.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study was conducted over 2 months, from October to December 2024, involving 17 rural regions and encompassing a total of 653 households. The data were collected using a questionnaire designed to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding dengue fever.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of the 653 individuals participating in the study, 370 were male and 283 were female. The overall average scores, along with their standard deviations, for the rural population's knowledge (10.76 ± 2.10 out of 15), attitude (13.65 ± 2.90 out of 20), and practice (8.24 ± 1.70 out of 12) regarding dengue fever were at moderate levels. Pearson's correlation coefficient analysis indicated a direct and statistically significant relationship between knowledge, attitudes, and practices. The findings revealed a substantial positive association between the participants' knowledge and their attitudes (<i>r</i> = 0.47, <i>p</i> < 0.001), as well as a strong direct relationship between knowledge and practices (<i>r</i> = 0.51, P<0.001). Furthermore, a notable positive correlation was observed between attitudinal variables and practical behaviors (<i>r</i> = 0.45, <i>p</i> < 0.001).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Overall, the knowledge, attitude, and practice of the rural population regarding dengue fever were found to be moderate. Therefore, it is recommended that health system policymakers should adopt suitable approaches, such as ensuring comprehensive public health education for all, creating educational materials, and enhancing awareness campaigns. Effective strategies for mitigating and controlling the spread of dengue fever depend on public knowledge and attitude changes, along with appropriate measures for successful disease control.</p>","PeriodicalId":45958,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health Research","volume":"14 3","pages":"22799036251376881"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12450256/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145126320","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":"Community-driven strategies and policies for drug-resistant tuberculosis control in Banyumas Regency, Indonesia: A comprehensive 2023 analysis.","authors":"Maya Masita, Farizah Mohd Hairi, Adang Bachtiar, Nana Mulyana, Helen Andriani","doi":"10.1177/22799036251376872","DOIUrl":"10.1177/22799036251376872","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Central Java, Indonesia, struggles with low drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) case detection (33%) and treatment rates (25%), far below the 60% target. Despite policies, including Minister of Health Regulation No. 67/2016 and Presidential Regulation No. 67/2021, along with the National TB Strategy for Tuberculosis Control 2020-2024 have been implemented, targets remain unmet due to weak community involvement. This study analyzed TB policy implementation in high-prevalence Banyumas Regency, focusing on cadres and community organizations.</p><p><strong>Design and methods: </strong>This qualitative study employed the Van Meter and Van Horn framework to assess policy implementation. Key stakeholders involved informants from Puskesmas (community health centers), TB cadres, TB program holders at the Regency Health Office, and the Mentari Sehat Indonesia Foundation. Data collection involved in-depth interviews with these informants, as well as policy documents, guidelines, and reports from agencies or institutions. Triangulation methods were used to enhance the validity of the findings.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Implementers understood policy standards, supported by consistent communication among Health Offices, community health workers, local organizations, and village leaders. Positive attitudes were reflected in joint commitments and Regional Action Plans. Cadres and communities actively supported case-finding, treatment, education, socioeconomic aid, and stigma reduction.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Policies lack sufficient local budget allocation. Weak motivation of TB cadres, lack of commitment among regional organizations, and persistent stigma in the community are evident. The Global Fund aids DR-TB control through grants and patient support to ensure treatment adherence. However, sustained impact requires government attention to policy, human resources, infrastructure, and complementary resources to achieve synergy.</p>","PeriodicalId":45958,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health Research","volume":"14 3","pages":"22799036251376872"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12450255/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145126340","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":"Adolescent health knowledge and awareness: A comparative study of India and the United States.","authors":"Ahsan Kaja Abdul Majeed, Jay Raj","doi":"10.1177/22799036251373014","DOIUrl":"10.1177/22799036251373014","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) cause 71% of global deaths, with many risk factors originating in childhood. Understanding adolescent health knowledge and behaviors across countries is essential for targeted public health interventions. This study compares health literacy, dietary habits, physical activity, mental health awareness, sexual health education, and substance use awareness between adolescents in India and the United States (US).</p><p><strong>Design and methods: </strong>A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 200 adolescents (100 per country) recruited through educational institutions and online platforms. Stratified sampling ensured representation across age (13-18 years), gender, and geographic location (urban vs rural). A structured questionnaire, adapted from validated instruments, assessed health-related behaviors and knowledge. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests compared responses, and logistic regression adjusted for confounders.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Significant differences emerged between Indian and US adolescents. Indian respondents had lower mental health awareness (46% vs 88%, <i>p</i> = 0.0004) and Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) prevention knowledge (58% vs 77%, <i>p</i> < 0.0001). Regular physical activity was higher in the US (50% vs 20%, <i>p</i> < 0.0001), as was nutrition awareness (83% vs 69%, <i>p</i> = 0.0152). Indian adolescents more often relied on school-based health education (29% vs 21%) and social media (30% vs 29%) for information.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Findings highlight disparities in adolescent health literacy and behaviors across India and the US. Public health efforts should prioritize mental health literacy, nutrition education, and physical activity, especially in India. Digital platforms and school-based initiatives can help bridge knowledge gaps and promote healthier adolescent behaviors globally.</p>","PeriodicalId":45958,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health Research","volume":"14 3","pages":"22799036251373014"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12449629/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145114435","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":"Measles vaccine hesitancy among mothers in Yerevan, Armenia: A qualitative study.","authors":"Tamara Sedrakyan, Zhanna Sargsyan, Tsovinar Harutyunyan","doi":"10.1177/22799036251376852","DOIUrl":"10.1177/22799036251376852","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Measles is a highly contagious disease with significant morbidity and mortality, particularly among children under five. Despite the availability of an effective vaccine, in 2022, 22 million children worldwide missed their first dose and 11 million missed their second. This study aimed to explore the reasons for measles vaccine refusal and delay among mothers of young children in Yerevan, Armenia, using the constructs from the Health Belief Model and the Theory of Planned Behavior.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Eight mothers of children aged 13-36 months were recruited through convenience and snowball sampling. In-depth interviews examined their beliefs about measles and vaccination, perceived social norms, and sources of information. A thematic analysis was conducted.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Although participants generally understood measles' severity and transmissibility, many believed their children's natural immunity was sufficient protection. Concerns about vaccine safety and effectiveness were common. Despite reporting no structural barriers and expressing trust in individual healthcare providers, participants exhibited a broader mistrust of health institutions. Social media was a key source of anti-vaccine messaging, while family norms strongly influenced vaccination decisions.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The study revealed that vaccine hesitancy among participants was primarily driven by a strong belief in natural immunity, mistrust in health institutions, and the influence of misinformation on social media. To improve vaccine uptake in Armenia and similar contexts, it is essential to rebuild public trust in health authorities and actively counter false information, particularly on social media platforms.</p>","PeriodicalId":45958,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health Research","volume":"14 3","pages":"22799036251376852"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12449631/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145114442","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":"Unintended pregnancy and its associated factors in Mi'eso Woreda, West Hararghe Zone, Oromia Regional State, Eastern Ethiopia.","authors":"Kedir Hassen, Tadesse Dufera, Dechasa Adare Mengistu, Negga Baraki, Abera Kenay Tura","doi":"10.1177/22799036251373007","DOIUrl":"10.1177/22799036251373007","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Unintended pregnancy is a public health problem that can lead to negative health outcomes for both the mother and children, and its prevalence remains a major health problem in Ethiopia. Globally, an estimated 44% of pregnancies and 23% of births are unintended, and the problem is especially high in sub-Saharan Africa, including in Ethiopia.</p><p><strong>Design and methods: </strong>A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 508 study participants from July 1, 2020, to August 31, 2020. The required sample size was allocated proportionally to the randomly selected subdistricts, and simple random sampling technique was used to select participants. A validated London Measure of Unplanned Pregnancy (LMUP) is used to assess unintended pregnancy. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews and finally analyzed using SPSS 21. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were employed to assess factors associated with unintended pregnancy. Finally, a p value of <0.05 was used as a cutoff point for statistical significance.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The prevalence of unintended pregnancy was 34.1%. Out of which, 78.6% were mistimed and 21.4% were unwanted during pregnancy. This study revealed that the rural residence (AOR = 2.95), multi parity (AOR = 3.03, 95%), age at first pregnancy, <20 years (AOR = 4.4), history of abortion (AOR = 5.4), lack of contraception awareness (AOR = 2.45) and no discussion about family planning with husband (AOR = 2.63) were significantly associated with unintended pregnancy.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The prevalence of unintended pregnancies was high, the majority of which were mistimed.Proper postpartum family planning counseling is required to reduce unintended pregnancy.</p>","PeriodicalId":45958,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health Research","volume":"14 3","pages":"22799036251373007"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12449633/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145114502","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":"A cross-sectional survey on public awareness of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), preventive practices, and perceived barriers in the UAE.","authors":"Semira Abdi Beshir, Rizah Anwar Assadi, Maimouna Motaz Anis, Farah Mamoon Atout, Kenzy Hosam Hassan, Nujuom Ismael Shakir Alsawad, Daliya Said Abubakar","doi":"10.1177/22799036251373011","DOIUrl":"10.1177/22799036251373011","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, including in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Public awareness and engagement in preventive practices are critical for reducing ASCVD burden.</p><p><strong>Design and methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study was conducted among adults (≥18 years) residing in the UAE to assess their knowledge of ASCVD, engagement in preventive practices, and perceived barriers. A structured questionnaire was distributed online and in person across different emirates. Descriptive statistics and multinomial logistic regression were used for data analysis. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Out of the total 401 participants, most were aged between 18 and 39 years (66.3%), females (74.1%), and of Middle Eastern nationality (68.8%). Sedentary work (51.9%), family history of ASCVD (34.7%), and overweight/obesity (41.1%) were the most common risk factors reported. The respondents better recognized classical ASCVD risk factors. Most respondents limited salt intake (67.3%) and screened for diabetes (59.4%). However, only 22.9% take nutritional supplements or consult professionals. Stress and time constraints (66.6%), postponing ASCVD preventive practices (61.3%), and lack of community-based interventions to prevent ASCVD (51.9%) were reported as major barriers. Healthcare-related occupation was significantly associated with better knowledge, while Middle Eastern ethnicity, younger age, and having health insurance were significant predictors of higher engagement in preventive practices.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This study provides insights into knowledge of ASCVD, preventive practices, and barriers to ASCVD prevention among the surveyed population. Collaborative efforts addressing identified knowledge gaps and barriers are required to optimize ASCVD prevention.</p>","PeriodicalId":45958,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health Research","volume":"14 3","pages":"22799036251373011"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12441265/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145087737","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}