International Health最新文献

{"title":"Nurses' social responsibility and health system strengthening for equity in low- and middle-income countries.","authors":"Muhammad Asad Ullah, Muhammad Ameeq, Khalid Rehman, Sana Kanwal, Muhammad Muneeb Hassan, Alpha Kargbo","doi":"10.1093/inthealth/ihag070","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/inthealth/ihag070","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Corporate social responsibility has received substantial attention from researchers in the business and organizational literature. However, this concept is equally desirable in nursing care, as nurses must realize their responsibility towards society in the effective delivery of healthcare services. Employing the concept analysis method of Walker and Avant, 128 journal articles published in the PubMed journal during 2000 to 2025 were selected based on the inclusion criteria. Based on this model, the study proposes a framework for nurses' social responsibility (NSR), especially in the context of developing countries. This framework coins three important dimensions of social responsibility that include NSR towards their profession, community, and patients. Based on the three dimensions of the NSR, this study proposes six major principles that govern this framework. It also presents four strategies for successful implementation of this framework. This framework also outlines certain challenges and mitigation strategies to effectively counter these challenges. Potential outcomes of the proposed framework are discussed, followed by a call for action to nurses, nursing organizations, governments, and the community at large.</p>","PeriodicalId":49060,"journal":{"name":"International Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-07-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148438552","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":"Engaging community influencers to increase mass drug administration uptake for neglected tropical diseases in South Sudan.","authors":"Sara Jane Renfroe, Abuk Peter, Taroub Harb Faramand, Elaina B Rukab, Caroline Pensotti, Shelby Roberts, James Nyara, Sara Pappa, Yak Yak Bol, Emmanuel Ssegawa, Liya Assefa, Sira Camara","doi":"10.1093/inthealth/ihag040","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/inthealth/ihag040","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>South Sudan is endemic for all preventive chemotherapy neglected tropical diseases, and counties including Awerial, Kapoeta North and Kajo-Keji face persistent transmission and high absenteeism and refusal rates for mass drug administration (MDA). To identify barriers, we conducted a mixed-methods root cause analysis (combining a quantitative KoboToolbox survey with focus group discussions and key informant interviews), using WI-HER's identify, design, apply/assess, record, and expand (iDARE) methodology with gender equity and social inclusion (GESI) at its core. Fundamental to our approach, we trained community-selected influencers (local leaders and respected community figures) in GESI principles and behavior change techniques, supporting them to co-design and implement locally contextualized solutions. Following influencer-led engagement in Awerial County, cohort members demonstrated a 90.9% improvement in MDA uptake. This pilot project demonstrates that sustainable increases in MDA coverage require a community-grounded approach that integrates localized barrier analysis, GESI-informed influencer training and ongoing community engagement.</p>","PeriodicalId":49060,"journal":{"name":"International Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-07-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148425605","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":"Between conflict and climate: how drought deepens displacement in war-torn Sudan.","authors":"Sarah Ali Yahya Adam, Arwa Mohamed, Ibrahim Suleiman, Damilare Akintunde, Iyas Dawood, Rawa Badri","doi":"10.1093/inthealth/ihaf144","DOIUrl":"10.1093/inthealth/ihaf144","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The persistent conflict in Sudan has worsened the impacts of the prolonged droughts, destroying crops and livestock and severely undermining people's means of survival. Furthermore, the scarcity of water and fertile land has increased competition over resources between communities, further displacing populations. This displacement leads to worsening the crisis, straining resources, spreading disease and overwhelming healthcare. For instance, rainfall, which is one of the most devastating climate changes, can reach up to 427.70 mm in one city. Consequently, Sudan confronts widespread famine threats, while ongoing hostilities significantly restrict humanitarian organizations' ability to provide assistance. Effective solutions must focus on strengthening community resilience through strategic investments, comprehensive emergency preparedness, environmentally sustainable practices and sustained peace-building initiatives that would generate substantial benefits for human welfare and economic development.</p>","PeriodicalId":49060,"journal":{"name":"International Health","volume":" ","pages":"543-545"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-07-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13329952/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145764458","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":"A qualitative study on pre-exposure prophylaxis uptake and retention among men who have sex with men and transgender women in Myanmar.","authors":"Ni Ni Tun, Soe Yu Naing, Nyan Lynn Tun, Myo Min Min Hteik, Myat Ko Ko, Htet Htet Aung, Nyan Phone Myint, Frank Smithuis, Tom Decroo, Tinne Gils, Thijs Reyniers","doi":"10.1093/inthealth/ihaf130","DOIUrl":"10.1093/inthealth/ihaf130","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is efficacious in reducing human immunodeficiency virus transmission among people at substantial risk. In Myanmar's PrEP demonstration project among men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW), 39% (n=216) of eligible MSM/TGW initiated daily oral PrEP and 43% (n=93) of them remained on PrEP at 1 y. Here we aimed to understand the barriers and facilitators of PrEP uptake and retention among Myanmar's MSM/TGW and healthcare providers. We conducted three focus group discussions among 29 MSM/TGW (PrEP users and non-users) and in-depth interviews among 18 MSM/TGW and 8 healthcare providers (non-PrEP and PrEP prescribers) from Yangon. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed in Burmese. Transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis. Among 47 participating MSM/TGW, the median age was 27 y, half identified as TGW (51% [n=24]) and 49% (n=23) were MSM and 53% (n=25) were taking PrEP during the study. Among healthcare providers, the median age was 31 y, seven were male, one was female and half were PrEP providers. In our study, perceived stigma linked with homosexuality, the daily pill burden and community misconceptions of PrEP as antiretroviral therapy were barriers. Providing telemedicine services and incentives and having a supportive network and peers facilitated PrEP uptake and retention.</p>","PeriodicalId":49060,"journal":{"name":"International Health","volume":" ","pages":"668-675"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-07-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13329951/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145507113","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":"Double jeopardy: conflict and natural disasters-driven cholera outbreaks in Sudan.","authors":"Rana Osman, Arwa Mohamed, Damilare Akintunde, Alexander Habtemariam, Gorashey Ahmed, Iyas Dawood, Rawa Badri","doi":"10.1093/inthealth/ihag009","DOIUrl":"10.1093/inthealth/ihag009","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Cholera continues to be a global threat, particularly in regions affected by conflict and environmental shocks, such as Sudan. Such humanitarian crises disrupt sanitation, water, and health systems, exacerbating cholera transmission. Overcrowded camps from displacement, poor hygiene, and weak surveillance further contribute to the outbreaks even beyond national borders. This paper explores armed conflict-driven crises and population movement as epidemiological drivers of cholera. It highlights the critical need for integrated, multisectoral strategies combining vaccination, water, sanitation, and hygiene infrastructure, and early detection systems. The interventions are necessary for mitigating outbreaks and building long-term resilience in such fragile settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":49060,"journal":{"name":"International Health","volume":" ","pages":"552-554"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-07-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13329960/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147311862","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":"Sociocultural and indigenous practices of rural India in adapting to heat stress: an exploratory descriptive qualitative study.","authors":"Suseendar Shanmugasundaram, Pritish Baskaran, Rehana Vanaja Radhakrishnan, Pankaja Raghav, Anil Kumar Gupta","doi":"10.1093/inthealth/ihaf153","DOIUrl":"10.1093/inthealth/ihaf153","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Rajasthan, a state in northwest India, experiences extreme heat, causing a plethora of health impacts. Understanding local practices for coping with heat is crucial for integrating with available scientific evidence and thereby in developing effective public health interventions. This study aimed to explore the sociocultural practices for adapting to heat stress and health-seeking behaviour for heat-related illnesses among the general population.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This was an exploratory descriptive qualitative study. In-depth (n=11) and key informant (n=5) interviews and focus group discussions (n=3) were conducted among various stakeholders, with a pretested interview guide. Typical case and intensity sampling techniques were used to recruit participants. Thematic analysis of the content was done manually by an inductive approach to identify various strategies in the community for adapting to heat stress.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 36 participants were involved in this study. They described a range of signs and symptoms experienced during extreme heat. There were mentions of several home remedies, including the use of tamarind paste, bentonite clay, decoction of spices and screw pine flowers. Sociocultural practices for heat adaptation included housing modifications, such as thatched roofs, use of mud and hay, coating with limestone and alum, installation of solar panels and the use of coolers for temperature control. Vocational adjustments, such as scheduling work during cooler times of the day and using wet clothes for heat relief, were also prevalent, with concerns about sickness absenteeism and loss of wages. People expressed their care for animals during the hot summers and nature conservation. Socio-economic disparities within the village are a major reason for challenges related to affordability. Criticisms were also placed on accessibility to a well-prepared health system.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The findings highlight the diverse range of sociocultural practices and health-seeking behaviours by people in rural areas of Rajasthan to cope with extreme heat. Incorporating indigenous knowledge and traditional practices into public health initiatives, after adequate validation, is essential for enhancing heat resilience and mitigating heat-related health risks in the region. Future research and interventions should consider context-specific approaches to heat adaptation, acknowledging the importance of local traditions and practices in promoting community health and well-being.</p>","PeriodicalId":49060,"journal":{"name":"International Health","volume":" ","pages":"511-521"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-07-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13329950/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145835062","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":"Skin health and climate change in Africa: an overlooked intersection and call for action.","authors":"Olufolakemi M Cole-Adeife, Ayesha O Akinkugbe, Olusola O Ayanlowo, Adewunmi Akingbola, Abel N Onunu","doi":"10.1093/inthealth/ihaf147","DOIUrl":"10.1093/inthealth/ihaf147","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Climate and environmental change are increasingly affecting skin health across Africa, but this remains under-recognised in global health discussions. Rising temperatures, ultraviolet radiation, pollution, flooding, deforestation, and droughts are reshaping the epidemiology of many cutaneous infections, inflammatory conditions, and malignancies. Unregulated cosmetic and antiseptic skincare products further compound both cutaneous and environmental harm. Addressing these emerging challenges is essential for health equity and resilience across the continent's rapidly evolving landscape. The recent World Health Assembly resolution on skin diseases as a global public health priority affirms this need to include dermatology and skin health in climate and environmental health policies.</p>","PeriodicalId":49060,"journal":{"name":"International Health","volume":" ","pages":"546-548"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-07-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13329961/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145776189","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":"Changes in resource insecurity, sexual and mental health among young women after Kenya's 2024 heavy rains and floods.","authors":"Carmen H Logie, Zerihun Admassu, Aryssa Hasham, Julia Kagunda, Humphres Evelia, Rachel Leggett, Clara Gachoki, Mumbi Mwangi, Lesley Gittings, Caetano Dorea, Janet M Turan, Lawrence Mbuagbaw","doi":"10.1093/inthealth/ihag064","DOIUrl":"10.1093/inthealth/ihag064","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Kenya's 2024 heavy rains and flooding resulted in agricultural devastation and displacement. We assessed resource insecurity, sexual health, and mental health differences across two time points, during this heavy rain/flooding and at 6-month follow-up under dry conditions, among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in Kenya.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted surveys at Time 1 (T1) (heavy rains/flooding, June 2024) and Time 2 (T2) (dry conditions, November 2024) with a non-random sample of AGYW aged 16-24 years in Nairobi and Kisumu. We conducted longitudinal analyses using generalized estimating equations to assess differences over time in resource insecurities (food, water, sanitation, menstruation), sexual health (transactional sex, sexual relationship power (SRP), condom use self-efficacy (CUSE)), and mental health (depression, eco-anxiety), adjusting for sociodemographics and baseline scores, and tested motherhood and traumatic exposure severity as moderators.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among 586 participants (mean age 20.13 (SD 2.5) years) at follow-up (98.2% retention) vs baseline across sites we found significant resource insecurity reductions (food, sanitation), sexual health improvements (reduced transactional sex, increased SRP), and reduced eco-anxiety. Depression and CUSE changes varied across sites.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Participants reported differences over time in resource insecurity and sexual and mental health. The findings signal the importance of weather-informed health research with AGYW in Nairobi and Kisumu.</p>","PeriodicalId":49060,"journal":{"name":"International Health","volume":"18 4","pages":"522-537"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-07-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13329966/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148377725","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":"Combining non-structural protein 1 and IgM tests for acute dengue diagnosis in Saudi Arabia.","authors":"Reem A Bin Suaydan, Waleed S Alsalem, Eitezaz A Zaki, Zenaida S Stead, Ahmed Y Alhejaili, Ahmad A Rajeh, Sarah S Alabbad, Doua Bukhari, Abdullah N Aljurayyan, Alaa Alshuwaier, Razan Alsalamah, Albandari A Alzaidi, David Molyneux, Roua A Alsubki","doi":"10.1093/inthealth/ihaf116","DOIUrl":"10.1093/inthealth/ihaf116","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Dengue is endemic in Saudi Arabia, particularly in Jeddah, Makkah and Jizan. Outbreaks in these regions are mainly linked to climate conditions and mass travel during religious pilgrimages.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This retrospective cross-sectional study evaluated the diagnostic performance of the non-structural protein 1 (NS1) antigen test and IgM ELISA, compared with RT-PCR. A total of 2850 samples were collected from patients hospitalised with moderate to severe symptoms across six regions in Saudi Arabia from 2022 to 2024. The samples were tested simultaneously using all three methods and 95% CIs were calculated using the Wilson score method.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Out of 3419 samples analysed, 1402 tested negative for dengue and 1448 tested positive. The sensitivity of the NS1 antigen test was 73.5% (95% CI 70.7 to 76.2%). The IgM ELISA test demonstrated a sensitivity of 65.8% (95% CI 62.9 to 68.7%). Combining the results of both tests increased the sensitivity to 92.4% (95% CI 90.6 to 93.9%). This combined diagnostic approach facilitates the detection of both early-phase (NS1-positive) and later-phase (IgM-positive) infections, offering a more comprehensive diagnostic tool.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Implementing a combined testing strategy within Saudi Arabia's diagnostic pipelines could enhance disease surveillance, enable earlier detection and strengthen public health efforts against dengue outbreaks.</p>","PeriodicalId":49060,"journal":{"name":"International Health","volume":" ","pages":"621-628"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-07-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13329963/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145477195","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":"Climate change policies and health in Uganda: where are we headed?","authors":"Reagan Daniel Emoru, Leung Hei Lok Lancelot, Teddy Mbabazi, Charles Ssemugabo, Moffat Nyirenda","doi":"10.1093/inthealth/ihaf143","DOIUrl":"10.1093/inthealth/ihaf143","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Over the past 2 decades, Uganda's climate policies have steadily evolved, with several frameworks and legislative measures enacted. However, the explicit consideration of health impacts remains limited, with gaps in ministerial coordination, undefined health targets, insufficient funding and limited community engagement. This commentary examines current governmental strategies through a health lens, assessing how health impacts, mitigation and adaptation measures are addressed-and identifying opportunities to better integrate health into climate policies. Progress could be strengthened by improving ministerial coordination, setting explicit health targets, increasing funding, enhancing preparedness for extreme events such as floods, droughts and extreme heat, as well as climate-sensitive health outcomes through meaningful community engagement. We also identify priority research needs: developing practical health indicators, investigating the knowledge and training of health workers and assessing effective methods for community engagement and policy evaluation. Our findings highlight the need for a clear, actionable research agenda to guide policymakers and to enhance health system resilience and climate policy effectiveness in Uganda.</p>","PeriodicalId":49060,"journal":{"name":"International Health","volume":" ","pages":"540-542"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-07-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13329954/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145745380","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}