International Health最新文献

{"title":"Family planning interventions across the League of Arab States: a regional scoping review.","authors":"Basil H Aboul-Enein, Suha Ballout, Patricia J Kelly","doi":"10.1093/inthealth/ihaf055","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/inthealth/ihaf055","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Family planning is crucial in improving maternal and child health, reducing fertility rates and promoting gender equity. Despite global advancements in contraceptive access, disparities persist across the League of Arab States due to sociocultural, economic and policy barriers. Understanding the effectiveness of existing family planning interventions in this region is essential for addressing unmet needs and guiding policy improvements. This scoping review aims to identify and appraise family planning interventions conducted across the League of Arab States. A comprehensive search of 14 databases was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses for Scoping Reviews guidelines, focusing on studies published between 2010 and December 2024. The review included intervention-based studies that assessed family planning outcomes in Arabic-speaking countries. Data were extracted and tabulated. Seventeen intervention studies were identified, with the majority conducted in Jordan and Egypt. Effective interventions included pharmacist-led education, multisectoral collaborations, behavioural economics approaches and crisis-responsive strategies. While most studies reported positive effects on contraceptive uptake and knowledge, challenges such as low male engagement, provider resistance and sustainability concerns persisted. Interventions in crisis-affected settings demonstrated adaptability, but scalability remains a key issue. Future efforts should focus on culturally tailored strategies, long-term intervention sustainability and integrating family planning with broader health and economic empowerment programs.</p>","PeriodicalId":49060,"journal":{"name":"International Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-05-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144081295","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Trends in lifestyle and mental health among 0.1 million Chinese: a longitudinal study pre- and post-COVID-19.","authors":"Yanhui Lin, Tao Wang, Ting Peng, Limo Gao","doi":"10.1093/inthealth/ihaf046","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/inthealth/ihaf046","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>To investigate the changes in lifestyle and mental conditions during the COVID-19 lockdown pre- and post-COVID-19 epidemic by analysing 0.1 million in the general population.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A questionnaire was used to collect demographic, lifestyle and mental condition information. Descriptive and χ2 tests were utilized to analyse the differences among the three groups. Multiple linear regression models were used to assess the impact of mental status.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>This study involved a total of 141 250 participants, with 68 533 individuals in 2019 (pre-COVID-19), 53 956 in 2021 (lockdown period) and 18 761 in 2023 (post-COVID-19). During the period of lockdown and post-COVID-19, there was a significant decrease in the proportion of male smokers, decreasing from 39.2% before the epidemic to 36.6% during the lockdown period and to 34.8% after the epidemic. The proportion of people with good dietary habits increased slightly during the lockdown period (71.2% vs 68.4%) and remained at 71.8% after the epidemic. The 30- to 39-y age group had the greatest increase in engaging in physical activity. Multiple regression analysis showed that mental health status is associated with age, gender, dietary habits, physical activity and sleeping condition.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The general population is well adapted to the COVID-19 epidemic and can actively face the impact of the epidemic. Furthermore, the alarm triggered by the outbreak has cause people pay more attention to a healthy lifestyle.</p>","PeriodicalId":49060,"journal":{"name":"International Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-05-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144021786","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Building authentic partnerships across regions and disciplines to overcome global health threats.","authors":"Wendy Harrison, Margaret Gyapong","doi":"10.1093/inthealth/ihaf037","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/inthealth/ihaf037","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":49060,"journal":{"name":"International Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-05-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144008652","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Population and health system factors affecting the transferability of health kiosks in markets in Kenya.","authors":"Jarim Omogi, Lydia Kaduka, Grace Mbuthia, Anselimo Makokha","doi":"10.1093/inthealth/ihaf051","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/inthealth/ihaf051","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The aim of this study was to assess the population and health system factors affecting the transferability of health kiosks in markets in Kenya.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study with a partially mixed concurrent dominant status design was conducted among 843 households, policy actors, market chairpersons and champions, community health promoters and health workers. A χ2 test was used to test for independence with variables with a statistical significance (p<0.05) subjected to logistic regression. Qualitative data were transcribed verbatim to form nodes and themes.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Level of income, knowledge, awareness and perception of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors were associated with 27.5% of Nyeri respondents earning ≥Ksh 10 000 monthly compared with Vihiga respondents (17.3%). Vihiga respondents were likely to identify excessive alcohol consumption as a cause of CVD. Vihiga had fair (40%) and good (26.6%) awareness levels towards CVDs compared with Nyeri respondents (36.3% and 19.7%, respectively). Vihiga respondents had a higher positive perception towards health services at the local facility compared with Nyeri respondents.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>CVD burden, low awareness levels, low health insurance cover and the poor attitude of health workers have the potential to affect the transferability of a health intervention such as a health market kiosk.</p>","PeriodicalId":49060,"journal":{"name":"International Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-05-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144058285","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Childbirth experiences for women living with HIV in Kilimanjaro, Tanzania: a mixed method study on respectful maternity care.","authors":"Mariam L Barabara, Melissa H Watt, Virginie Marchand, Linda M Minja, Maya J Stephens, Gileard G Masenga, Blandina T Mmbaga, Susanna R Cohen","doi":"10.1093/inthealth/ihaf049","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/inthealth/ihaf049","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Respectful maternity care (RMC) is important for women living with human immunodeficiency virus (WLHIV) to promote their well-being and long-term healthcare engagement. This descriptive mixed-methods study explored the experiences of RMC during childbirth among WLHIV in Tanzania.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted a mixed-methods study and recruited 103 WLHIV from six healthcare facilities within 48 h of giving birth. Participants completed a survey using audio computer-assisted self-interview survey technology. In-depth interviews were conducted with 12 pregnant WLHIV and 12 postpartum WLHIV.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In the survey, self-reported RMC was overall high. The median score on the full RMC scale (possible range 0-100) was 74.4, with the highest scores in the subscale of dignity and respect (83.3), followed by supportive care (77.8) and communication and autonomy (62.9). Qualitative data suggested a general appreciation of the care received, but some participants reported that providers neglected them, avoided physical contact or did not seek their consent for procedures.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>These data suggest an opportunity for additional provider training in clinical empathy and patient-centred practices to address the unique needs of WLHIV and enhance their overall maternity care satisfaction and health outcomes. There is also a need for investments in clinical infrastructure to support the delivery of RMC.</p>","PeriodicalId":49060,"journal":{"name":"International Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-05-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143992268","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Comment on: An examination of the predictors of change in BMI among 38 026 school students in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.","authors":"Katherine Ning Li","doi":"10.1093/inthealth/ihae088","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/inthealth/ihae088","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":49060,"journal":{"name":"International Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-05-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144002572","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Prevalence and correlates of diagnosed and undiagnosed diabetes mellitus among adults in rural Uganda during the COVID-19 pandemic: an evaluation of a community-based screening programme.","authors":"Wenceslaus Sseguya, Silver Bahendeka, Nimesh Mody, Sara MacLennan, Aravinda M Guntupalli","doi":"10.1093/inthealth/ihaf050","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/inthealth/ihaf050","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>One in two people with diabetes in sub-Saharan Africa remains undiagnosed, which has contributed to the region's high rates of diabetes-related morbidity and mortality. While the COVID-19 pandemic likely exacerbated diabetes prevalence, limited data from the region, including Uganda, hampers our understanding of this impact. To address this gap, we analysed the diabetes prevalence and correlates among adults from three rural districts of Uganda using data from a community-based screening programme conducted by community health workers (CHWs) during the pandemic.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We used anonymised data of 2587 records to analyse the prevalence and correlates of diagnosed and undiagnosed diabetes. Prevalence was presented as proportions with 95% CIs. Correlates of diabetes and undiagnosed diabetes prevalence were analysed using logistic regression and presented as ORs.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The overall prevalence of diabetes was 11.3% (95% CI 10.2 to 12.5%), with a 7.2% (95% CI 6.2 to 8.1%) prevalence for diagnosed diabetes. A high proportion (36.4%) of diabetes cases were undiagnosed. Older age, high body mass index and pre-existing hypertension were associated with high diabetes prevalence.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>There was a high proportion of undiagnosed diabetes among rural adults during the pandemic. Engaging CHWs in routine diabetes screening and awareness programmes can reduce the burden of undiagnosed diabetes.</p>","PeriodicalId":49060,"journal":{"name":"International Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-05-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144036260","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Sociodemographic and lifestyle determinants of blood pressure in adult Nigerians.","authors":"Oluseyi Adegoke, Ifedayo A Odeniyi, Oluwadamilola O Ojo, Obianuju B Ozoh, Ayesha O Akinkugbe, Njideka U Okubadejo","doi":"10.1093/inthealth/ihaf048","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/inthealth/ihaf048","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Blood pressure (BP) trends are influenced by genetic, sociodemographic and lifestyle factors, with notable population-specific variations. This study assessed the impact of these determinants on BP in urban Nigerians to identify high-risk subgroups and inform targeted interventions.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted a cross-sectional study of 5076 adults ages 18-92 y (51.1% female) from Lagos, Nigeria. Data were collected using a modified World Health Organization STEPS protocol, including standardized BP measurements. Multiple linear regression models evaluated the effects of sociodemographic (age, sex, education, marital status and occupation) and lifestyle factors (tobacco/alcohol use, physical activity and fruit/vegetable consumption) on systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) trends.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Age and marital status (married/cohabiting) significantly predicted higher SBP and DBP. Male sex, previously married, low physical activity and current tobacco use independently predicted elevated SBP, while alcohol consumption and employment type (salaried and self-employment) predicted higher DBP. The impacts of these factors on SBP and DBP ranged from β=0.03 to 0.28. Low fruit/vegetable consumption was not a significant independent predictor.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Sociodemographic and lifestyle factors exhibit unique patterns in influencing BP among urban Nigerians. Tailored public health strategies, including alcohol/tobacco risk awareness, access to health screening and socio-economic/marital support, are essential for effective hypertension prevention in this population.</p>","PeriodicalId":49060,"journal":{"name":"International Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-05-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144018432","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Provincial distribution and factors associated with high completed fertility among married and cohabiting women aged 40-49 years in Sierra Leone: a cross-sectional study.","authors":"Augustus Osborne, Alhaji Mustapha Abu, Hassan S Rogers, Florence Gyembuzie Wongnaah, Bright Opoku Ahinkorah","doi":"10.1093/inthealth/ihae058","DOIUrl":"10.1093/inthealth/ihae058","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>High completed fertility among married and cohabiting women has significant implications, such as burden on resources, exacerbating healthcare issues and educational and gender disparities. This study examined the provincial distribution and factors associated with high completed fertility among married and cohabiting women aged 40-49 y in Sierra Leone.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Data for the study were sourced from the 2019 Sierra Leone Demographic and Health Survey. Our study comprised 2253 married and cohabiting women aged 40-49 y in Sierra Leone. Geographic variations in high fertility were presented using a spatial map. A mixed-effect multilevel binary logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the factors associated with high completed fertility. The findings were presented as adjusted ORs (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The national prevalence of high completed fertility among married and cohabiting women in Sierra Leone was 61.7% (58.9-64.5). Women whose partners had secondary/higher education (aOR=0.54, 95% CI 0.33 to 0.89) had lower odds of high completed fertility than those with no formal education. Women in the Northern province (aOR=0.39, 95% CI 0.17 to 0.87) had lower odds of high completed fertility than those in the Eastern province. Women who indicated ≥6 as their ideal number of children had a higher (aOR=8.10, 95% CI 4.58 to 14.35) likelihood of experiencing high completed fertility compared with those whose ideal number of children was 0-3. Those who were using contraceptives at the time of the survey had a higher (aOR=2.09, 95% CI 1.28 to 3.41) likelihood of having high completed fertility compared with those who were not using contraceptives. Women in the poorer (aOR=1.70, 95% CI 1.07 to 2.72) and middle wealth index quintiles (aOR=2.09, 95% CI 1.29 to 3.41) had higher odds of high completed fertility than those in the poorest wealth index quintile.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>A significant proportion (>60%) of married and cohabiting women aged 40-49 y in Sierra Leone have high completed fertility. Partner's education, province, ideal number of children, use of contraceptives and wealth index were the factors associated with high completed fertility among women in Sierra Leone. Policymakers in Sierra Leone should increase access to and education on family planning methods to empower women to make informed choices about their fertility. The government and policymakers should support educational opportunities, particularly for men, because they are usually the heads of households and can influence fertility decisions. In-depth interviews should be conducted with women who use contraception to understand their motivations and experiences.</p>","PeriodicalId":49060,"journal":{"name":"International Health","volume":" ","pages":"282-291"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12045095/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143433722","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Training in the symptothermal method to ameliorate unmet need for family planning: knowledge, attitudes and satisfaction.","authors":"Catherine E Igben-Pender, Peter Omemo, Gideon Ng'wena","doi":"10.1093/inthealth/ihae063","DOIUrl":"10.1093/inthealth/ihae063","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Addressing the unmet need for family planning to prevent unintended pregnancies is a high priority for women's health, and training as an element of the symptothermal method (STM) is deemed to be an effective strategy. This study assessed training on knowledge, attitudes and satisfaction with STM to ameliorate the unmet need for family planning.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The study adopted a pre-post study design. A total of 136 women participated in this study. Knowledge and attitudes were assessed pre- and post-training as well as the level of satisfaction, using cycle charts and questionnaires. The χ2 test (p<0.05) was used to analyse data on sociodemographics, attitudinal characteristics and satisfaction. Paired samples t-test (p<0.05) was used to establish the mean difference of the two groups (knowledge and attitudes pre- and post-training).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The paired samples t-test established that women have significant (t=-058.716, p=0.001) knowledge post-training (1.0000±0.00000) compared with pre-training (0.0682±0.01587) on STM. There was no significant (t=-1.419, p=0.158) difference in attitudes towards STM pre- and post-training. There was a significant level of satisfaction (p=0.001).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Our interventional study has enabled women to acquire robust knowledge, positive attitudes and satisfaction with the utilization of STM. This has ameliorated unmet need for family planning among participants.</p>","PeriodicalId":49060,"journal":{"name":"International Health","volume":" ","pages":"304-312"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12045081/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142382138","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}