International Health最新文献

{"title":"Primary schools' readiness for SARS-CoV-2 preventive measures in Maputo City, Mozambique: a cross-sectional study.","authors":"Adilson Fernando Loforte Bauhofer, Ramígio Pololo, Assucênio Chissaque, Fernanda Campos, Édio Ussivane, Luciana António, Fátima Iahaia, Emerson Miranda, Aline Gatambire, Luzia Gonçalves, Nilsa de Deus, Osvaldo Inlamea","doi":"10.1093/inthealth/ihaf001","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/inthealth/ihaf001","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>To reduce the spread and transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), schools implemented a series of non-pharmacological interventions such as handwashing stations and cleaning protocols. A baseline assessment of the available interventions and readiness scores for SARS-CoV-2 prevention was conducted in primary schools in Maputo City, Mozambique.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study was conducted between August and October 2023. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire that assessed the availability of preventive measures. Readiness scores were calculated, based on the relative frequency of available preventive measures against SARS-CoV-2, recommended by the government. Schools with readiness scores of 100% were considered ready.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of the enrolled schools, 60.6% (66/109) were from the public sector. The median readiness score for preventive measures against SARS-CoV-2 implemented in schools was 70%. Water was the most frequent available measure, with 98.2% (107/109). Ash/soap for handwashing (47.7% [52/109]) and functioning thermometers (31.2% [34/109]) were the least available measures. Private schools showed significantly higher readiness scores compared with public schools (p<0.001).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Private compared with public schools had higher readiness scores for preventive measures against SARS-CoV-2 in Maputo City, Mozambique. These findings suggest a need for targeted interventions to improve readiness in public schools.</p>","PeriodicalId":49060,"journal":{"name":"International Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-01-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143048409","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":"Schistosomiasis treatment in young children: a welcome step towards deployment of the paediatric praziquantel formulation.","authors":"J Russell Stothard","doi":"10.1093/inthealth/ihae094","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/inthealth/ihae094","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>It is an awkward fact that effective public health control of schistosomiasis in Africa has yet to deliver a fully comprehensive intervention for appropriate anthelmintic treatment of those preschool-age children and infants with active infection(s) and/or insidious disease. Over the last decade, despite the steady progress of the Pediatric Praziquantel Consortium in developing a monoenantiomeric oral dispersible tablet, future challenges remain in securing its deployment and implementation at scale. This commentary provides a forward-looking critique for the international community, reminding us of this unfortunate treatment gap, and seeks to encourage commensurate action on ameliorating this overlooked medical inequity.</p>","PeriodicalId":49060,"journal":{"name":"International Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-01-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143030097","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":"Considerations and expectations for the administration of dispersible arpraziquantel to young children: a landscape analysis.","authors":"Johanna Kurscheid, Andrea Buhl, Erica Westenberg, Marta Sólveig Palmeirim, Andrea Sylvia Winkler, Peter Steinmann, Nora Monnier","doi":"10.1093/inthealth/ihae092","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/inthealth/ihae092","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Schistosomiasis is a serious public health problem in many African countries and beyond. Preventive chemotherapy with praziquantel is a successful public health intervention that is recommended for all communities at risk, commonly reached through large-scale mass drug administration campaigns. However, preschool-age children are currently not routinely targeted for treatment due to operational challenges related to dosing and administration with the standard drug formulation. In response to the need for a suitable, child-friendly treatment, the multistakeholder Pediatric Praziquantel Consortium has developed a novel dispersible tablet with improved taste and smaller size. To prepare the introduction and inform future uptake of the novel paediatric formulation in endemic countries, we conducted a landscape analysis to explore perspectives, opinions and experiences of key stakeholders on operational and practical issues in relation to drug dosing and administration. Our findings confirm that child-friendly drug formulations mitigate several operational constraints related to the dosing and administration in young children. The introduction of this novel child health intervention into routine platforms and programs requires solid training and careful communication by engaging with communities, caregivers, healthcare workers and decision-makers to ensure acceptance and future uptake of treatment.</p>","PeriodicalId":49060,"journal":{"name":"International Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-01-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143030167","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 concentration of aflatoxin M1 in milk and dairy products: an umbrella review of meta-analyses.","authors":"Abdolreza Sotoodeh Jahromi, Mohammad Jokar, Arman Abdous, Mohammad Hasan Rabiee, Farzad Heydari Bahman Biglo, Vahid Rahmanian","doi":"10.1093/inthealth/ihaf002","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/inthealth/ihaf002","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) is a derivative of aflatoxin B1 and a significant contaminant of milk and dairy products. In this study, we implemented an umbrella review of all existing systematic reviews and meta-analyzing studies to apprise and summarize the worldwide prevalence and level of AFM1 in milk and dairy products.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted a systematic review of structured review and meta-analysis articles published in English until January 2024, with no time limit. Articles were sourced from reputable databases, including PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Relevant studies from Google Scholar were also included.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The overall prevalence of AFM1 in all dairy products was 66.2% (95% CI 60.6 to 71.9%), with high heterogeneity (I²=99.7%, Q statistic=2221.03, p<0.0001). The prevalence for specific dairy products was as follows: raw milk, 64.8% (95% CI 60.9 to 68.7%); pasteurized milk, 88.7% (95% CI 81.6 to 95.7%); sterilized milk, 71.0% (95% CI 67.2 to 74.8%); ultra-high temperature processing (UHT) milk, 67.9% (95% CI 64.9 to 70.9%); yogurt, 58.8% (95% CI 42.5 to 75.1%); doogh, 17.2% (95% CI 13.9 to 20.5%); and cheese 49.8% (95% CI 47.8 to 51.9%). The overall mean concentration of AFM1 across all dairy products was 57.22 ng/kg (95% CI 46.95 to 67.49), with significant heterogeneity (I²=99.7%, Q statistic=2221.03, p<0.0001). Mean AFM1 levels (ng/kg) for each dairy product were as follows: raw milk, 52.51 (95% CI 40.96 to 64.05); pasteurized milk, 71.14 (95% CI 48.81 to 93.47); sterilized milk, 60.10 (95% CI 30.90 to 89.30); UHT milk, 82.57 (95% CI 35.30 to 129.85); yogurt, 46.74 (95% CI 24.27 to 69.21); and doogh, 41.60 (95% CI 32.60 to 50.60).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>In total, these results highlight the importance of increasing the regulation of animal feed, reducing aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in animal feed, and monitoring AFM1 in dairy products, particularly raw and heated milk.</p>","PeriodicalId":49060,"journal":{"name":"International Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-01-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143030091","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":"The effect of addressing the top 10 global causes of death on life expectancy in 2019: a global and regional analysis.","authors":"Fatemeh Shahbazi, Samad Moslehi, Zahra Mirzaei, Younes Mohammadi","doi":"10.1093/inthealth/ihae091","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/inthealth/ihae091","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The life expectancy (LE) index reflects health changes in society, highlighting trends in health quality and quantity. This study focused on analysing the impact of the top 10 causes of death on the global increase in LE in 2019.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Data on the top 10 causes of death in 2019 were obtained from the Global Burden of Disease website and a period life table was used to assess how eliminating these causes would impact LE.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>At the global level, eliminating deaths from ischaemic heart disease, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lower respiratory infections, neonatal conditions, lung cancers, Alzheimer's disease, diarrheal diseases, diabetes mellitus and kidney diseases resulted in an increase in LE at birth of 2.44, 1.64, 0.75, 0.80, 4.06, 0.48, 0.36, 0.52, 0.36 and 0.35 y, respectively.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The analysis reveals a gender gap in LE influenced by specific causes of death and regional differences. Therefore, public health policies should be customized for each area to target reductions in deaths that significantly improve LE.</p>","PeriodicalId":49060,"journal":{"name":"International Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-01-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142980506","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":"The effect of an interactive mobile health intervention to improve community-based essential neonatal care practices among postpartum women in northeast Ethiopia: a cluster randomized controlled trial.","authors":"Niguss Cherie, Muluemebet Abera Wordofa, Gurmesa Tura Debelew","doi":"10.1093/inthealth/ihae080","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/inthealth/ihae080","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background: &lt;/strong&gt;Despite global declines in child mortality rates, Africa's reduction is lagging behind other regions. Neonatal survival remains a key priority in the sustainable development agenda. Promoting neonatal care practices at the individual and community levels is essential, and technology-based interventions can effectively reach potential future mothers. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of an interactive mobile health intervention on improving community-based essential neonatal care practices among postpartum women in northeast Ethiopia.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods: &lt;/strong&gt;This study was conducted in Dessie and Kombolcha city zones, in northeast Ethiopia. A cluster randomized controlled trial was implemented among 743 participants (376 intervention and 367 control) from 2 January to 15 June 2023. Pregnant women at 30-weeks' gestation in selected clusters were enrolled and followed up to 45 days after childbirth. Data were collected using Open Data Kit and analysed with Stata version 17. Structural equation modelling through confirmatory factor analysis was employed. Model fitness was evaluated using the χ2:degree of freedom ratio, root mean square error of approximation and standardized root mean square residual, indicating a good model fit. Statistical significance was declared at a level &lt;0.05 with a 95% confidence interval.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results: &lt;/strong&gt;The study revealed high narrow birth-to-pregnancy intervals of &lt;24 months in both groups (48.5% control, 49.5% intervention). Awareness of neonatal care increased markedly in the intervention group, increasing from 62.0% to 85.9%, compared with an increase from 57.8% to 67.6% in the control group. Disagreement regarding immediate newborn bathing was more prevalent in the intervention group (73.9%) than in the control group (58.9%). Initiating breastfeeding within 1 h after birth was higher in the intervention group (85.4%) compared with the control group (74.4%). Postnatal visits to health facilities were more frequent in the intervention group (79.6%) than in the control group (54.8%). Mobile health intervention (β=0.393, p=0.007) and knowledge of neonatal care (β=0.347, p=0.012) had a significant positive effect on neonatal care practices. There were no significant indirect pathways between the variables analysed. Mobile health intervention and knowledge of neonatal care remain significant predictors with a total effect of β=0.382, p=0.009 and β=0.347, p=0.012, respectively, in enhancing neonatal care practices.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusions: &lt;/strong&gt;This study underscores the significant role of mobile health interventions and maternal knowledge in enhancing neonatal care practices. These findings should inform the design and implementation of maternal and child health programs, emphasizing the integration of technology and education to improve neonatal outcomes in resource-limited settings.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Trial registration: &lt;/strong&gt;Protocol Registration and Res","PeriodicalId":49060,"journal":{"name":"International Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-01-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142957630","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":"Variability of interobserver interpretation of selected helminth ova in the development of a training image set.","authors":"Rupert Stephen Charles S Chua, Kiersten A Henderson, Lorenzo Maria C de Guzman, Vicki Foss, Nathaniel Schub, Cameron Bell, John Robert C Medina, Taggart G Siao, Myra S Mistica, Maria Luz B Belleza, Marie Cris R Modequillo, Nadine Joyce C Torres, Vicente Y Belizario","doi":"10.1093/inthealth/ihae085","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/inthealth/ihae085","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Diagnosis of soil-transmitted helminthiasis and schistosomiasis for surveillance relies on microscopic detection of ova in Kato-Katz (KK) prepared slides. Artificial intelligence (AI)-based platforms for parasitic eggs may be developed using a robust image set with defined labels by reference microscopists. This study aimed to determine interobserver variability among reference microscopists in identifying parasite ova.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Images of parasite ova taken from KK prepared slides were labelled according to species by two reference microscopists (M1 and M2). A third reference microscopist (M3) labelled images when the first two did not agree. Frequency, percent agreement, κ statistics and variability score (VS) were generated for analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>M1 and M2 agreed on 89.24% of the labelled images (κ=0.86, p<0.001). M3 had agreement with M1 and M2 (κ=0.30, p<0.001 and κ=0.28, p<0.001), resolving 89.29% of disagreement between them. The labelling of Schistosoma japonicum had the highest VS (κ=0.487, p=0.101) among the targeted ova. Reference microscopists were able to reliably reach consensus in 99.0% of the dataset.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Training AI using this image set may provide more objective and reliable readings compared with that of reference microscopists.</p>","PeriodicalId":49060,"journal":{"name":"International Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-01-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142957128","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":"The sky's the limit: improving satellite imagery data literacy to address non-communicable diseases.","authors":"M Courtney Hughes, Elizabeth J Folkmann","doi":"10.1093/inthealth/ihae076","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/inthealth/ihae076","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Low-and middle-income countries experience 77% of the world's premature deaths caused by non-communicable diseases, and their underlying health determinant data are often scarce and inaccurate. Improving satellite imagery data literacy worldwide is an integral step toward using the vast amount of publicly available data collected via satellites, such as air pollution, green space and light at night-all determinants of non-communicable diseases. Existing machine learning-based algorithms enable automated analysis of satellite imagery data, but health officials and scientists must know where to find and how to apply these algorithms to measure risk and target interventions.</p>","PeriodicalId":49060,"journal":{"name":"International Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-01-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142957631","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":"Large multimodal models: boon or burden for low- and middle-income countries.","authors":"Rohit Malpani, Keymanthri Moodley","doi":"10.1093/inthealth/ihae073","DOIUrl":"10.1093/inthealth/ihae073","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Large multimodal models, a type of generative artificial intelligence (AI), could contribute to wider government efforts to achieve universal health coverage if ethical challenges are proactively addressed during the design and deployment of these AI technologies. The World Health Organization has published new guidance to highlight the risks and benefits of large multimodal models and recommendations to effectively govern this technology.</p>","PeriodicalId":49060,"journal":{"name":"International Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-01-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142957619","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":"Machine learning insights on the effectiveness of non-pharmaceutical interventions against COVID-19 in Nigeria.","authors":"Kolapo M Oyebola, Funmilayo C Ligali, Afolabi J Owoloye, Blessing D Erinwusi, Adesola Z Musa, Oluwagbemiga O Aina, Babatunde L Salako","doi":"10.1093/inthealth/ihae065","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/inthealth/ihae065","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The lack of effective pharmacological measures during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic prompted the implementation of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) as initial mitigation strategies. The impact of these NPIs on COVID-19 in Nigeria is not well-documented. This study sought to assess the effectiveness of NPIs to support future epidemic responses.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Daily COVID-19 cases and deaths were analysed using smoothed variables to identify transmission trends. Regression analysis and clustering algorithms were applied to evaluate the impact of each NPI.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Multiple transmission peaks were reported, with the highest smoothed daily new cases (approximately 1790) observed around 29 December 2021 and smoothed daily new deaths (approximately 23) peaking around 8 September 2021. NPIs such as public transport (coefficient value -166.56, p=0.01) and workplace closures (coefficient value -150.06, p=0.01) strongly correlated with decreased case numbers. This finding highlights the importance of mobility control and non-essential workplace management in slowing infection transmission during an outbreak. Public transport restrictions (coefficient value -2.43, p<0.001) also had a direct effect on death reduction.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Public transport restrictions and workplace closures correlated with reductions in the number of cases and deaths. These findings can guide future pandemic responses to enhance favourable public health outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":49060,"journal":{"name":"International Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-01-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142957629","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}