{"title":"System Models for Synchronous Strategies in Operational Healthcare Forecasting.","authors":"Arnesh Telukdarie, Logistic Makoni, R Raghunatha Sarma, Megashnee Munsamy, Sunil Kumar","doi":"10.3390/ijerph22020265","DOIUrl":"10.3390/ijerph22020265","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The delivery of healthcare in Low-to-Medium-Income Countries (LMICs) has long posed challenges, with established models predominantly found in wealthier nations. These models are found to be either strategic or operational, and very rarely combine these two perspectives. Most importantly, these models lack a comprehensive, holistic and synchronous construct that accompanies a systems thinking approach. This research evaluates international best practices, fundamental global theories and existing systems and tools in healthcare through a systems approach. It collates these data to propose a customized systems-based, comprehensive framework for modeling and optimizing both the management and operational tiers of healthcare in LMICs. The approach is based on the adoption of digital tools, inclusive of AI, to analyze, assimilate, align and develop advanced, holistic and inclusive frameworks. The current gap in global healthcare delivery is characterized by an ongoing lack of ability to provide quality and cost-effective care, especially in the LMICs. Despite the fact that developmental challenges are unique and specific to respective countries, there are commonalities with regard to healthcare processes that present opportunities for optimization. The main challenge lies in the effective collation and synchronization of data and tools with the specific contexts of each country. This situation highlights the need for a cohesive systems approach to enhance healthcare delivery in LMICs, allowing for tailored solutions that can bridge existing gaps. This paper presents a strategic model, with initial data quantification guiding the development of the system model. The practical significance of this research lies in its potential to transform healthcare delivery in LMICs, leading to enhanced access and quality of care through optimized systems.</p>","PeriodicalId":49056,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health","volume":"22 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11855726/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143505332","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Karissa Yasmim Araújo Rosa, Felipe Xavier de Melo, Fernanda Lara Fernandes Bonner Araújo Riscado, Rodrigo F Oliveira, Deise A A P Oliveira, Iransé Oliveira-Silva, Luís V F Oliveira, Dante Brasil Santos
{"title":"Comparative Analysis of Submaximal and Maximal Effort Capacities in Patients Post-COVID-19 and Individuals with Chronic Restrictive Lung Diseases.","authors":"Karissa Yasmim Araújo Rosa, Felipe Xavier de Melo, Fernanda Lara Fernandes Bonner Araújo Riscado, Rodrigo F Oliveira, Deise A A P Oliveira, Iransé Oliveira-Silva, Luís V F Oliveira, Dante Brasil Santos","doi":"10.3390/ijerph22020261","DOIUrl":"10.3390/ijerph22020261","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Whether impairments in submaximal and maximal effort capacities in individuals following acute COVID-19 infection resemble those found in patients with chronic pulmonary disease remains unclear. We aimed to analyze the submaximal and maximal effort capacities of patients after COVID-19 infection and those with alterations in lung mechanics similar to those observed in patients with chronic respiratory diseases. This retrospective cross-sectional observational study paired a group of post-COVID-19 individuals with another group of patients with chronic respiratory disease, using spirometric patterns similar to those observed post-COVID-19. Data from Spirometry, 6 min walk test (6-MWT), and cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) variables were compared, and correlations between spirometric variables and 6-WT/CPET were examined. The final sample comprised 20 patients, including 10 post-COVID-19 patients with a restrictive lung disease (RLD) pattern identified using spirometry and 10 patients with RLD. Both groups presented similar patterns of the analyzed variables, with significant correlations observed between forced vital capacity (FVC) the distance and speed achieved during the 6-MWT, and a negative correlation between FVC and V' E max. The degree of restriction in the overall sample influenced the covered distance and speed during the 6-MWT as well as the maximum minute ventilation during maximal effort.</p>","PeriodicalId":49056,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health","volume":"22 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11855376/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143505384","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Mulugeta Tamire, Siobhan M Mor, Matthew Baylis, Mirgissa Kaba
{"title":"Perceived Impacts of Climate Change in Pastoralist Regions of Ethiopia: A Qualitative Study Applying the Concept of One Health.","authors":"Mulugeta Tamire, Siobhan M Mor, Matthew Baylis, Mirgissa Kaba","doi":"10.3390/ijerph22020257","DOIUrl":"10.3390/ijerph22020257","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Ethiopia is highly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, with the increasing geographic extent, intensity, and frequency of drought. This study aimed to examine how pastoralist communities understand climate change and its impacts. We conducted a qualitative study among pastoral communities in Ethiopia using focus group discussions with community representatives and key informant interviews with human and animal health and agriculture experts. The collected data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Participants viewed deforestation and population growth as the main causes of climate change. They found that climate change caused high temperatures, a shortage of rainfall, and drought. These changes affected the environment, food security, and animal health, impacting their livelihoods, health, and social systems. Coping strategies included engaging in new economic activities, environmental recovery attempts, migration, and seeking food aid for survival. They suggested providing food aid, improving access to human and animal health care, and implementing early warning systems at the community level. The pastoralists perceived that climate change destroyed the natural environment, increased food insecurity, and negatively affected social systems and health. Collaborative actions are needed to mitigate these effects, initiate local environmental adaptation mechanisms, enhance water and food security, and improve animal and human health services.</p>","PeriodicalId":49056,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health","volume":"22 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11855041/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143505395","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Predictors of Academic Adjustment Among International Students in Rural Southern USA.","authors":"Ruaa Al Juboori, Dylan Barker, Yi Jin Kim","doi":"10.3390/ijerph22020253","DOIUrl":"10.3390/ijerph22020253","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Academic adaptation is crucial for the success and well-being of international students, especially in rural areas where cultural and social support resources may be limited. This study aimed to identify predictors of academic adaptation among international students in the rural southern United States, focusing on social support, cultural integration, alcohol use, and acculturative stress. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 141 international students from two universities: the University of Mississippi/Oxford campus and the University of Alabama. Data were collected through a web-based survey using validated scales to measure cultural integration, acculturative stress, social support, alcohol use, and academic adaptation. Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression analyses were performed to identify significant predictors of academic adaptation. The sample consisted of 54.6% male and 45.4% female students, with a mean age of 29.4 years. The majority were graduate students (89.4%), with the majority being funded by graduate teaching or research assistantships (78.7%). Correlation analyses showed that social support was positively correlated with academic adaptation (r = 0.62, <i>p</i> < 0.01). Also, cultural integration was positively corelated with academic adaptation (r = 0.33, <i>p</i> < 0.001). However, acculturative stress was negatively correlated with academic adaptation (r = -0.20, <i>p</i> < 0.05). The fully adjusted regression analyses identified social support as a positive predictor of academic adaptation among international students in rural U.S. universities. The model demonstrated that each unit increase in the social support score was associated with a 0.61 increase in the academic adaptation score (95% CI [0.44, 0.79], <i>p</i> < 0.001). These findings highlight the need for tailored support programs addressing the unique challenges faced by this population to enhance their academic success and overall well-being.</p>","PeriodicalId":49056,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health","volume":"22 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11855055/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143505003","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Rander Junior Rosa, Letícia Perticarrara Ferezin, Mônica Chiodi Toscano de Campos, Heriederson Sávio Dias Moura, Thaís Zamboni Berra, Natacha Martins Ribeiro, Titilade Kehinde Ayandeyi Teibo, André Luiz Teixeira Vinci, Antônio Carlos Vieira Ramos, Murilo César do Nascimento, Miguel Ángel Fuentealba Torres, Ricardo Alexandre Arcêncio
{"title":"Perception of Risk for Developing Severe Illness or Complications from COVID-19 in Brazil: Focus on Factors Linked to Socially Vulnerable Populations, 2020-2023.","authors":"Rander Junior Rosa, Letícia Perticarrara Ferezin, Mônica Chiodi Toscano de Campos, Heriederson Sávio Dias Moura, Thaís Zamboni Berra, Natacha Martins Ribeiro, Titilade Kehinde Ayandeyi Teibo, André Luiz Teixeira Vinci, Antônio Carlos Vieira Ramos, Murilo César do Nascimento, Miguel Ángel Fuentealba Torres, Ricardo Alexandre Arcêncio","doi":"10.3390/ijerph22020251","DOIUrl":"10.3390/ijerph22020251","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In this study, the aim was to comparatively examine the perception of risk for developing severe illness or complications due to COVID-19 among the general population and socially vulnerable populations in Brazil, focusing on uncovering the associated factors that disproportionately impacted people experiencing homelessness and slum dwellers. This study is part of the project \"Social Thermometer-COVID-19 in Brazil\", which employed a hybrid approach, combining a national online survey with field research in state capitals and the Federal District. Data collection took place from August 2020 to October 2023, and the data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression. A total of 5094 participants were included in this study, with 2363 from the general population and 2731 from the socially vulnerable population. Among the general population, the majority of participants were women, white individuals, those with higher incomes, formal employment, and higher education levels. Concerning the vulnerable population, most were men, Black individuals, those with lower incomes, unemployment, and lower education levels. It was observed that 87% of the general population perceived a risk of severe COVID-19, compared to 74% of the vulnerable population. Slum dwellers who received emergency aid (OR<sub>a</sub> = 1.39; 95% CI: 1.02-1.91), adhered to mask-wearing practices (OR<sub>a</sub> = 1.93; 95% CI: 1.39-2.66), used COVID-19-related medications (ORa = 2.13; 95% CI: 1.31-3. 64), and those with pre-existing conditions, such as high blood pressure (OR<sub>a</sub> = 1.86; 95% CI: 1.20-2.98), demonstrated a heightened perception of risk for severe COVID-19 complications. Among the homeless population, individuals who wore masks (OR<sub>a</sub> = 1.67; 95% CI: 1.26-2.20 and had been vaccinated (OR<sub>a</sub> = 1.44; 95% CI: 1.04-1.98) were also more likely to perceive a high risk. In conclusion, in this study, significant disparities are revealed in the perception of COVID-19 risk between the general and socially vulnerable populations in Brazil. Factors such as receiving emergency aid, adherence to mask-wearing, use of COVID-19-related medications, and pre-existing health conditions were associated with increased risk perception. Despite facing greater socioeconomic challenges, vulnerable groups, particularly those experiencing homelessness and slum dwellers, showed a lower perception of the risk for severe COVID-19 complications.</p>","PeriodicalId":49056,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health","volume":"22 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11855750/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143505399","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Diana K Haggerty, Robert Wahl, Nicole Jones, Jenny LaChance, Mona Hanna
{"title":"Perceived Harm to Pet Health Associated with Human Quality of Life After a Public Health Disaster.","authors":"Diana K Haggerty, Robert Wahl, Nicole Jones, Jenny LaChance, Mona Hanna","doi":"10.3390/ijerph22020250","DOIUrl":"10.3390/ijerph22020250","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study's goal was to evaluate associations of human exposure to unfiltered tap water during the Flint water crisis (FWC) with perceived harm to pets from exposure to contaminated water. We also explored the associations of perceived pet harm with participants' self-reported general, physical, and mental health, as well as quality of life. Adult (<i>n</i> = 3264) pet owners from a public health registry reported unfiltered tap water exposure, perceived pet health, and general health/quality of life at baseline, as well as health/quality of life 1 year later (<i>n</i> = 1172). Using frequencies, percentages, and odds ratios, we evaluated associations of unfiltered tap water consumption with perceived pet health (cross-sectional) and perceived pet health with general health and quality of life (cross-sectional and longitudinal). Daily unfiltered tap water drinkers were 3.12 (95% CI: 2.33-4.23) times more likely to report the FWC had made their pet ill compared to participants who never drank unfiltered water. Participants who reported Flint water made their pet ill had approximately a two-fold increase in odds of reporting poor/fair across all four health/quality-of-life measures compared to those who did not. Both animals and humans were exposed and impacted by the FWC. This study supports the interconnectedness between human and animal health, especially regarding environmental disaster exposure and outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":49056,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health","volume":"22 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11855545/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143505393","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Albert K Okrah, Shafer Tharrington, Isaac Shin, Aaron Wagoner, Katelyn S Woodsmall, Deborah A Jehu
{"title":"Risk Factors for Fall-Related Mild Traumatic Brain Injuries Among Older Adults: A Systematic Review Highlighting Research Gaps.","authors":"Albert K Okrah, Shafer Tharrington, Isaac Shin, Aaron Wagoner, Katelyn S Woodsmall, Deborah A Jehu","doi":"10.3390/ijerph22020255","DOIUrl":"10.3390/ijerph22020255","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is commonly undiagnosed, delaying treatment and recovery. Approximately 80% of mTBIs in older adults stem from falls, yet the predictive factors remain unclear. This systematic review aimed to examine the risk factors for fall-related mTBIs among older adults. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) protocol and the Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) guidelines were followed (Prospero ID: CRD42023377847). The scope included prospective studies analyzing the risk factors for fall-related mTBIs in adults ≥ 60 years. The primary outcome measure was the relative risk for fall-related mTBIs, and the secondary outcomes were fall rate, total falls, and faller/non-faller count among those with and without an mTBI. CINAHL Plus, Health Source: Nursing Academic Edition, Nursing and Allied Health Database, Medline via PubMed, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science were searched on 4 November 2022 and 31 May 2024. Additional electronic searches were conducted. Two authors planned to screen the articles and assess the quality and risk of bias, with a third author adjudicating disagreements. Results were to be presented in a narrative synthesis. The database search yielded 434 records; 410 titles and abstracts were screened after deduplication, and 71 reports underwent a full-text review. No prospective observational studies were eligible because they did not fulfil the following: (1) focus on an mTBI (46 records); (2) exclusively assess individuals aged ≥60 (20 records); or (3) examine falls (5 records). Given the devastating consequences of fall-related mTBIs among older adults, there is an urgent need to identify the risk factors to improve screening and intervention.</p>","PeriodicalId":49056,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health","volume":"22 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11854998/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143505392","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The Roles of Anxiety and Depressive Symptoms in the Relationship Between School Bullying Victimization and Suicidal Ideation Among South Korean College Students: A Serial Multiple Mediation Model.","authors":"Aely Park","doi":"10.3390/ijerph22020256","DOIUrl":"10.3390/ijerph22020256","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study examined the sequential mediating roles of anxiety and depressive symptoms in the effect of school bullying victimization on suicidal ideation. This study utilized a convenience sample of college students across South Korea, and an online survey was conducted. This quantitative research analyzed data collected from 1037 participants. The sample consisted of an equal gender distribution, with a mean age of 23.65 years (range: 18-30). Additionally, 30% of participants reported a household income of four million won or less (approximately USD $3076). More than half of the participants' parents had attained a college education or higher. Also, multiple mediation analyses were conducted to examine whether anxiety and depressive symptoms mediated the relationship between school bullying victimization and suicidal ideation. In the results, multiple mediation analyses showed that school bullying victimization does not have a direct effect on suicidal ideation. On the other hand, school bullying victimization has an indirect effect on suicidal ideation through anxiety and depressive symptoms, controlling for covariates. Based on these research results, implications for school bullying prevention and intervention were discussed.</p>","PeriodicalId":49056,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health","volume":"22 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11855795/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143504858","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Stephen J Lepore, Bradley N Collins, Brian L Egleston
{"title":"Babies Living Safe and Smokefree (BLiSS) Intervention Reduces Children's Tobacco Smoke Exposure Directly and Indirectly by Improving Maternal Smokers' Urge Management Skills and Exposure Protection Behaviors.","authors":"Stephen J Lepore, Bradley N Collins, Brian L Egleston","doi":"10.3390/ijerph22020254","DOIUrl":"10.3390/ijerph22020254","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Children's tobacco smoke exposure (CTSE) is a public health concern, particularly in low-income and minority communities. Interventions to reduce CTSE have had modest success, and so research must identify mechanisms to improve intervention efficacy. This study investigated mediators of CTSE reduction in an intervention designed to facilitate CTSE protection and maternal smoking abstinence. We analyzed data from the Babies Living Safe and Smokefree (BLiSS) trial, which evaluated the efficacy of a multilevel behavioral smoking intervention initiated in community clinics serving low-income mothers. We estimated direct and indirect effects to evaluate the role of two mediators of the intervention on CTSE at post-intervention follow-up: mothers' skills in managing smoking urges and their protective behaviors to shield children from TSE. CTSE was measured using mothers' reports and child cotinine (a CTSE biomarker). The BLiSS intervention was linked to statistically significant lower longitudinal reported CTSE directly and indirectly by increasing mothers' urge management skills and CTSE protection behaviors (<i>p</i>-values < 0.05). The intervention was not directly linked to child cotinine. However, evidence of a statistically significant indirect effect (<i>p</i>-value = 0.028) suggested that the intervention reduced longitudinal child cotinine levels by increasing CTSE protection behaviors. Two non-program factors, nicotine dependence and total smokers in the home, also increased child cotinine and reported CTSE (<i>p</i>-values < 0.001). Interventions that improve maternal smokers' urge management skills and CTSE protections can mitigate CTSE. In addition, it is essential to target barriers to CTSE reduction, such as nicotine dependence levels and the presence of other smokers in the home.</p>","PeriodicalId":49056,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health","volume":"22 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11855154/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143505367","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Alisia Sullivan, India M Smith, Chanel D Blue, Brandi M White
{"title":"\"Sometimes We Can't Afford the Healthy Stuff\": Perceptions of Cardiovascular Disease Risk and Healthy Food Accessibility Among Black Women Living in Public Housing.","authors":"Alisia Sullivan, India M Smith, Chanel D Blue, Brandi M White","doi":"10.3390/ijerph22020252","DOIUrl":"10.3390/ijerph22020252","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>African American women living in public housing carry a heavy burden of cardiovascular disease. Eating a heart-healthy diet is crucial to achieving optimal heart health, yet this health disparity population encounters major barriers to healthy eating. This study explored their perceptions of healthy eating and cardiovascular disease. Participants were recruited from public housing in a mid-sized city. Six 2-h focus groups with 32 women were conducted. Focus groups were analyzed using deductive coding. The major focus group findings focused on a limited access to affordable healthy foods. Participants also discussed the use of cost control measures to maximize household food budgets to access healthy foods and the ability to eat healthily. Our findings indicate that food insecurity persists for the populations most at-risk for cardiovascular disease. Plant-based diets may offer a culturally sensitive, innovative, and sustainable approach to reducing heart health risks, alleviating food insecurity, and promoting optimal health outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":49056,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health","volume":"22 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11855908/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143505197","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}