Journal of Public Health Research最新文献

{"title":"Multi-facility hospital-based surveillance of injury patterns and in-hospital mortality among the adult population in Ghana.","authors":"Jacob Solomon Idan, Joycelyn Serwaa Stevens, Shadrach Mintah, Emmanuel Kweku Nakua","doi":"10.1177/22799036261457518","DOIUrl":"10.1177/22799036261457518","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Injuries are significant public health concern, contributing to substantial morbidity and mortality among adults worldwide. In Ghana, limited studies have examined injuries among adults, with existing studies predominantly focusing on a single injury mechanism within a single health facility setting.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study aimed to describe the distrubution of hospital based reported injuries among adults in Ghana and to identify associations of injury-related mortality.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study was conducted using data from four regional teaching hospitals in Ghana between January 2017 and December 2020. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize demographic characteristics, injury mechanisms and outcomes. Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression was used for variable selection, followed by survey-weighted logistic regression to estimate factors associated with mortality, accounting for facility-level effects and population structure using R statistical software.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 6,662 adult injury cases were included (mean age 41 ± 18 years), of which 4,702/6,662 (70.6%) were males. Road traffic injuries (4,371/6,662; 66%) and falls (1,909/6,662; 29%) were the leading injury mechanisms. The overall in-hospital mortality rate was 113/6,662 (1.7%). In multivariable analysis, educational attainment was a significant protective factor: junior high school (adjusted OR: 0.24; 95% CI: 0.13-0.45), senior high school (adjusted OR: 0.45; 95% CI: 0.23-0.85), and tertiary education (adjusted OR: 0.23; 95% CI: 0.12-0.45), compared to no formal education. Urban residence (3,814/6,662; 57.3%) was associated with lower odds of mortality (adjusted OR: 0.57; 95% CI: 0.33-0.98) relative to peri-urban areas (970/6,662; 14.6%). Age, sex, injury mechanism, and weekend occurrence were not significantly associated with mortality after adjustment.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Injuries among adults in Ghana are predominantly due to road traffic incidents and falls, with relatively low in-hospital mortality. Mortality is more strongly associated with socioeconomic and geographic factors than with injury mechanism or demographic characteristics. Strengthening trauma health systems, addressing social determinants such as education, and improving road safety measures in high-risk environments is recommended.</p>","PeriodicalId":45958,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health Research","volume":"15 2","pages":"22799036261457518"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-05-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13222396/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148144947","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":"Digital epidemiology: Utilizing big data for public health surveillance and disease outbreak prediction.","authors":"Md Nahid Hassan Nishan","doi":"10.1177/22799036261455523","DOIUrl":"10.1177/22799036261455523","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Digital epidemiology represents a transformative approach to public health surveillance and disease outbreak prediction by leveraging big data from diverse digital sources, including social media, search engine queries, wearable devices, mobile health applications, environmental sensors, and electronic health records. Unlike traditional epidemiological methods that rely primarily on structured clinical or administrative datasets, digital epidemiology uses real-time, high-volume, and often unstructured data streams to monitor population health dynamics and detect emerging threats with improved temporal and spatial resolution. This study was conducted as a structured literature review guided by PRISMA principles. A comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and IEEE Xplore identified studies published between 1 January 2014 and 1 January 2026. The review synthesizes evidence on methodological foundations, analytical techniques such as machine learning and natural language processing, and applications in outbreak detection, syndromic surveillance, behavioral risk monitoring, and health system responsiveness. Included studies showed that digital signals can improve forecasting accuracy, provide earlier indications of disease activity than conventional systems, and strengthen situational awareness during public health emergencies when integrated with established surveillance frameworks. However, important challenges remain, including data privacy, algorithmic transparency, interoperability, and integration into routine public health systems. This review provides an updated synthesis across multiple digital data streams and emerging artificial intelligence applications while identifying persistent methodological, governance, and equity-related gaps requiring future attention. With continued innovation, stronger regulatory oversight, and interdisciplinary collaboration, digital epidemiology has the potential to support proactive, predictive, and precision-oriented public health strategies for future global health threats.</p>","PeriodicalId":45958,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health Research","volume":"15 2","pages":"22799036261455523"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-05-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13213097/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148057424","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":"Predictors of hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state among adult type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus patients at public hospitals in Harari region, Eastern Ethiopia: A survival analysis.","authors":"Birhanu Shegene, Alemayehu Tesfaye, Abdi Gari Negasa, Samuel Demissie Darcho, Dawit Firdisa","doi":"10.1177/22799036261456356","DOIUrl":"10.1177/22799036261456356","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS) is a rare but life-threatening complication of diabetes. Evidence on hyperglycemic emergencies, including HHS and their predictors in Ethiopia, is limited, and predictors specific to HHS are not well characterized. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the incidence of hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state and its predictors among adult diabetic patients in eastern Ethiopia.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>A retrospective cohort study was conducted among 461 adults with diabetes from January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2024. Data were collected using the Kobo Toolbox and analyzed with STATA. Survival probabilities were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier curve. Predictors of HHS were identified using the Weibull proportional hazards regression model. Hazard ratios (HR) with their respective 95% confidence intervals (CI) and p-values were computed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>From the total of 452 patients included in the study, 45 (9.96%), 95% CI (7.51%-13.08%) developed hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state. The incidence rate of HHS was 5.36 cases per 100 person-years of observation, 95% CI (4.00-7.18), which was 3.89 and 5.76 per 100 person-years among T1DM and T2DM, respectively. Factors significantly associated with HHS included being rural area residents (AHR: 1.99, 95% CI: 1.01-3.92), having comorbidities (AHR: 3.01, 95% CI: 1.28-7.05), medication non-adherence (AHR: 2.14, 95% CI: 1.04-4.40), and lack of community health insurance (AHR: 2.04, 95% CI: 1.03-4.04).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>HHS occurred more frequently among patients with T2DM. Strengthening follow-up and targeted interventions, particularly for rural residents, patients with comorbidities, those without community health insurance, and those with medication non-adherence, may reduce HHS occurrence.</p>","PeriodicalId":45958,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health Research","volume":"15 2","pages":"22799036261456356"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-05-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13213128/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148057464","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":"Spatial and spatio-temporal patterns of road traffic accident mortality in Bangladesh, 2022-2024: A district-level geospatial analysis.","authors":"Pratyay Hasan, Tazdin Delwar Khan, Ishteaque Alam, Mohammad Emdadul Haque, Minhajul Abedin","doi":"10.1177/22799036261455688","DOIUrl":"10.1177/22799036261455688","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Road traffic accidents (RTAs) are a leading cause of injury deaths in Bangladesh, but local geographic patterns remain poorly understood. This study aimed to identify high- and low-risk districts for RTA mortality and track changes from 2022 to 2024 to inform targeted interventions.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In this district-level ecological study, we analyzed DGHS official RTA mortality data across all 64 districts. Population-adjusted rates were computed; Moran's I and Getis-Ord Gi* assessed spatial autocorrelation for hotspots/coldspots; SaTScan detected space-time clusters.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Raw counts were randomly distributed, but adjusted rates showed significant dispersion (Moran's I = -0.143, p=0.006 in 2023), with high-risk districts bordering low-risk ones. Persistent northwestern spatial hotspots included Naogaon, Natore, and Bogra. Spatio-temporal analysis identified high-rate clusters in 2024 for Dhaka (RR 6.14, p=0.001) and Rajshahi (RR 10.07, p=0.001), alongside stable low-mortality clusters in northern (RR 0.07) and southern (RR 0.19) regions. Methodological limitations include the use of uniform population projection rates and the ecological design, which precludes causal inference.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>RTA mortality reflects distinct local epidemics, not a uniform crisis. Geographic disparities support a precision public health approach, with prioritization of high-risk corridors and urban zones for targeted interventions, alongside investigation of protective factors in low-risk clusters.</p>","PeriodicalId":45958,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health Research","volume":"15 2","pages":"22799036261455688"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-05-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13198689/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148018172","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":"Incidence and predictors of tuberculosis among adult diabetes mellitus patients in western Amhara comprehensive specialized hospitals, northwest Ethiopia. A multicenter retrospective follow-up study.","authors":"Jember Ayelgne Beyene, Zemene Mesafint Kassie, Nebiyu Mekonnen Derseh, Solomon Gedlu Nigatu, Fantahun Ayenew Mekonnen, Ayana Dinku Abebe, Yeshiwas Ayale Ferede, Agerie Mengistie Zeleke, Worku Chekol Tassew","doi":"10.1177/22799036261451534","DOIUrl":"10.1177/22799036261451534","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Tuberculosis (TB) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and Ethiopia is among the 30 high TB-burden countries. People with diabetes mellitus (DM) have a 2-3 times higher risk of developing TB than those without DM. However, the incidence and predictors of TB among adults with DM in the western Amhara region remain unclear. This study aimed to determine the incidence rate and predictors of TB among adult DM patients.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A multi-center, institution-based retrospective follow-up study was conducted among 750 adult DM patients. Bivariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards models were used to identify predictors of TB. Variables with a p-value < 0.05 in the multivariate analysis were considered independent predictors..</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among 750 participants, 67 (8.9%) developed TB, with an incidence rate of 27 per 1,000 person-years of observation (95% CI: 17.8-28.8). Significant predictors of TB included body mass index (BMI) < 18.5 kg/m² (AHR = 1.87; 95% CI: 1.00-3.47), HIV positivity (AHR = 4.71; 95% CI: 2.68-8.26), cancer (AHR = 4.37; 95% CI: 1.54-12.39), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (AHR = 2.53; 95% CI: 1.23-5.21), and a history of close contact with TB patients (AHR = 6.53; 95% CI: 3.15-13.51)..</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The incidence of TB among adult DM patients in western Amhara is high. Low BMI, HIV infection, cancer, COPD, and close contact with TB patients are significant predictors of TB in this population.</p>","PeriodicalId":45958,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health Research","volume":"15 2","pages":"22799036261451534"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-05-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13198679/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148018110","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":"Long-term lung function decline from chronic workplace exposure in roadside vendors of Peshawar, Pakistan.","authors":"Hamza Khan Khattak, Zmarak Ahmed Khan, Saadia Ashraf, Mahliqa Kirmani, Laiba Malik, Kainat Usman, Syed Abdullah, Kamil Ahmad Kamil, Bushra Iftikhar","doi":"10.1177/22799036261452463","DOIUrl":"10.1177/22799036261452463","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Air pollution is a leading global public health challenge, with PM2.5 exposure strongly associated with respiratory and cardiovascular morbidity. In developing countries like Pakistan, urban air pollution levels are particularly severe. In 2021, Peshawar was ranked 9th globally for pollution, with PM2.5 levels 12 to 16 times higher than WHO limits. This study investigates chronic exposure to heavy traffic emissions and its long-term effects on lung function in Peshawar's roadside vendors, a highly exposed occupational group from an under-reported location.</p><p><strong>Design and methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study was conducted on 218 non-smoker male roadside vendors in Peshawar. Spirometry assessed FEV1, FVC, PEF, and FEV1/FVC ratio against GLI-predicted values adjusted for age and BMI. Duration of work and daily exposure hours were documented. Ground-based PM2.5 data (2019-March 2025) were recorded separately. Analysis was performed in SPSS using multivariate linear regression models.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>PM2.5 remained consistently high (mean range: 139-166 μg/m³) from 2019-2025, with notable occasional spikes observed. All spirometric indices declined with increasing exposure duration. Regression showed each additional year reduced GLI-predicted %FEV1 by 0.3 % (p=0.042) and %PEF by % 0.47 (p=0.018). Descriptive statistics showed the >20-year exposure group had the lowest GLI-predicted % means for FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC and PEF values. Normal spirometry predominated, but restrictive and obstructive patterns were also observed in earlier exposure groups.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Prolonged roadside air pollution exposure progressively impairs lung function, underscoring the urgent need for occupational and environmental public health interventions to safeguard high-risk informal workers.</p>","PeriodicalId":45958,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health Research","volume":"15 2","pages":"22799036261452463"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-05-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13180141/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147976228","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":"Translation, cultural adaptation, and psychometric validation of the Malay version of the Disrespect and Mistreatment During Childbirth Questionnaire.","authors":"Nionella Stephen Sampil, Anis Kausar Ghazali, Tengku Alina Tengku Ismail, Nik Normanieza Nik Man","doi":"10.1177/22799036261450246","DOIUrl":"10.1177/22799036261450246","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Mistreatment during childbirth, including neglect, verbal abuse, and non-consented procedures, undermines respectful maternity care and negatively affects maternal health outcomes. Despite growing recognition of this issue, no culturally validated instrument has been available to assess mistreatment during childbirth in the Malaysian context. This study aimed to translate, culturally adapt, and psychometrically validate the Malay version of the Disrespect and Mistreatment during Childbirth Questionnaire (DMCQ). A cross-sectional study was conducted among postpartum women within 12 months of delivery attending health facilities in Kelantan. The original DMCQ underwent forward-backward translation and expert harmonization to ensure conceptual and cultural equivalence. Content and face validity were assessed by maternal health experts and postpartum women, while construct validity was examined using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, followed by internal consistency reliability testing. All items demonstrated excellent content validity and clear comprehension during face validation. Exploratory factor analysis supported a five-factor structure comprising negative interactions with healthcare providers, separation from the newborn, medical intrusiveness, verbal mistreatment, and pain experience. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated acceptable model fit (χ²(140) = 197.07, CFI = 0.955, TLI = 0.945, RMSEA = 0.054). Internal consistency ranged from moderate to high across domains, with theoretically important items retained despite lower factor loadings. Overall, the Malay DMCQ demonstrated acceptable psychometric properties as a foundational tool for assessing mistreatment during childbirth in Malaysia and provides a culturally appropriate basis for future research, monitoring, and quality improvement efforts.</p>","PeriodicalId":45958,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health Research","volume":"15 2","pages":"22799036261450246"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-05-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13180049/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147976226","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":"Prevalence and predictors of domestic violence among pregnant women in Ethiopia: Evidence from a systematic review and meta-analysis.","authors":"Yeshiwas Ayale Ferede, Worku Chekol Tassew, Ayanaw Dinku Abebe, Asrat Mekonn Tegegne, Fentahun Agegnehu Worku, Agerie Mengistie Zeleke","doi":"10.1177/22799036261451538","DOIUrl":"10.1177/22799036261451538","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Domestic violence remains a major global health and human rights issue, with pregnant women being among the most affected groups. In Ethiopia, evidence from individual studies on violence during pregnancy has been inconsistent. Therefore, this review aimed to estimate the combined prevalence of domestic violence among pregnant women in Ethiopia and to identify determinants contributing to its occurrence.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A comprehensive literature search was performed across multiple databases, including PubMed, HINARI, Scopus, EMBASE, Web of Science, Global Health, African Journals Online (AJOL), and Google Scholar. Study quality was evaluated using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) checklist for analytical cross-sectional studies. Heterogeneity among studies was assessed using the Cochrane Q and I² statistics, and a random-effects model was applied to compute the pooled prevalence.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The overall pooled prevalence of domestic violence during pregnancy in Ethiopia was found to be 44% (95% CI: 29.86-58.15). The likelihood of experiencing violence was significantly higher among women with partners who consumed alcohol frequently (POR = 1.63; 95% CI: 1.43-1.85), those with low educational attainment (AOR = 6.3; 95% CI: 2.78-14.44), and women with unintended pregnancies (POR = 4.99; 95% CI: 2.96-8.43).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Nearly half of pregnant women in Ethiopia face domestic violence; influenced primarily by low educational status, partner alcohol use, and unintended pregnancy. Addressing this public health challenge requires integrated interventions focusing on women's empowerment, male partner behavior, reproductive health services, and routine screening in antenatal care.</p>","PeriodicalId":45958,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health Research","volume":"15 2","pages":"22799036261451538"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-05-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13180146/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147976239","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":"Sexual coercion and harassment of students with disabilities in tertiary institutions: A systematic review.","authors":"Edward Kwabena Ameyaw, Fred Yao Gbagbo, Padmore Adusei Amoah, Gifty Nana Yaa Rockson, Frank Quansah, Richard Osei Agjei","doi":"10.1177/22799036261451535","DOIUrl":"10.1177/22799036261451535","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>This study reviews existing scientific publications on sexual harassment and coercion of students with disabilities in tertiary institutions, a significant global public health and human rights concern.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The review was guided by the PRISMA guidelines whilst the protocol was registered with PROSPERO. Six main databases were searched in addition to supplementary search from other sources. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS), Dixon-Woods et al. tool and the Quality Assessment for Diverse Studies (QuADS) tools were used to assess the quality of the studies. Two authors extracted the data, with the third author checking for bias risks. The studies were narratively synthesised where key variables such as the prevalence of sexual harassment and coercion were critically analysed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Out of the 4,968 articles retrieved, 5 were included in the review. The findings revealed that students with disabilities have an increased propensity for sexual coercion/harassment relative to those with no disabilities. The prevalence of sexual harassment/coercion ranged from 10.49% (out of 5,319 students) to 85% (51 out of 60 students) across the studies, with perpetrators mainly being fellow students and faculty/administrative staff. Lack of understanding and awareness of existing institutional policies and support systems regarding sexual harassment/coercion were key contributing factors.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Since sexual harassment perpetuates inequality and undermines progress towards Sustainable Development Goals 5 (Gender Equality), 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), students with disabilities should be involved in policy development to combat sexual misconduct in tertiary institutions.</p>","PeriodicalId":45958,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health Research","volume":"15 2","pages":"22799036261451535"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-05-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13176591/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147964895","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 assessing medical professionals' knowledge of autism spectrum disorders.","authors":"Aliya Nurmukhanbetova, Eleonora Nurbaulina, Sandugash Kurmanalina, Zhanar Sabyrdilda, Balnur Iskakova, Nazgul Akhtayeva, Lyazzat Kosherbayeva, Laura Kozhageldiyeva","doi":"10.1177/22799036261450250","DOIUrl":"10.1177/22799036261450250","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The global prevalence of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) continues to rise, underscoring the importance of assessing physicians' preparedness to recognize ASD symptoms promptly and provide appropriate care and support to affected children and their families.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>The aim was to assess the level of knowledge among medical professionals described above and involved in the care of children with ASD.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted using a structured questionnaire in Kazakh and Russian. A total of 638 Almaty medical professionals participated: 312 general practitioners (GP), 194 pediatricians, 88 neurologists, and 44 psychiatrists. Analyses were performed in Stata 15.1, with GP and pediatrician data examined as primary healthcare (PHC) groups, and neurologists and psychiatrists analyzed as specialists from both PHC and inpatient settings. The questionnaire showed good internal consistency (Kuder-Richardson Formula 20: 0.842 for neurologists/psychiatrists; 0.854 for pediatricians/GPs). Tetrachoric correlations were used for factor extraction. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and principal factor analysis assessed relationships between professional characteristics and ASD knowledge.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Psychiatrists demonstrated a greater recognition of certain ASD signs and a stronger need for further education than neurologists, with key areas centered on social, behavioral, and sensory symptoms. Pediatricians with more experience than GPs, demonstrated a higher awareness of ASD symptoms and diagnosis, with social impairment and diagnostic knowledge being the main factors shaping understanding in both groups.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The low awareness of physicians in providing care to children with ASD revealed the need to develop strategies to improve their knowledge, in particular among GPs.</p>","PeriodicalId":45958,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health Research","volume":"15 2","pages":"22799036261450250"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-05-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13172684/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147965006","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}