{"title":"Why expanding public health insurance coverage is not enough to provide effective ambulatory care: policy lessons from Mexico, 2000-2022.","authors":"Adolfo Martínez-Valle","doi":"10.1057/s41271-025-00564-y","DOIUrl":"10.1057/s41271-025-00564-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Despite expanding public insurance coverage and investment in public healthcare supply, the Mexican population not covered by social security has increasingly used private-sector outpatient health services over the past two decades. This is a public health policy problem because Mexico is committed to a constitutional right to health protection, which means unmet ambulatory needs must be fulfilled. This brief aims to measure the magnitude of unmet ambulatory health care needs, analyze factors that led to their growth, and formulate policy options to address them. Private services' share of total ambulatory care grew from 38 percent in 2006 to 66 percent in 2022, despite two national policy efforts to increase public coverage to nearly 50 million people. Neither policy provided adequate ambulatory coverage for its targeted population, leading to care seeking through private outpatient providers. We recommend strengthening public ambulatory care by increasing financial resources for public primary care and implementing more effective allocation to improve timeliness and quality of care.</p>","PeriodicalId":50070,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health Policy","volume":" ","pages":"710-716"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12328214/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144182490","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Dialechti Tsimpida, Roberta Piroddi, Konstantinos Daras, Gabriella Melis
{"title":"Assessing hearing health inequalities using routine health information systems.","authors":"Dialechti Tsimpida, Roberta Piroddi, Konstantinos Daras, Gabriella Melis","doi":"10.1057/s41271-025-00584-8","DOIUrl":"10.1057/s41271-025-00584-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Hearing loss is a significant public health challenge, with prevalence estimates based on projected age demographics rather than actual public health needs. This study aimed to quantify hearing loss using real-world data from primary care and explore local patterns and trends from 2013 to 2022 in Cheshire and Merseyside counties of Northwest England. Annual hearing loss prevalence was measured using an ecological space-time analysis of 2.7 million primary care records from Cheshire and Merseyside Integrated Care System. We applied cluster and outlier analysis with geographically weighted regression to examine local deprivation effects. We detected spatial clusters of high prevalence of hearing loss in Cheshire and an increasing trend in hearing loss prevalence in Halton. Deprivation accounted for up to 35% of hearing loss variance in 2020. Monitoring spatial patterns of hearing loss is crucial for addressing health inequalities and guiding targeted prevention and intervention strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":50070,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health Policy","volume":" ","pages":"630-644"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12328234/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144621027","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Eugenio Weigend Vargas, Daniel B Lee, Zainab Hans, Jason E Goldstick, Megan Simmons, Patrick M Carter
{"title":"Firearm transactions and background checks in Missouri, USA in 2020.","authors":"Eugenio Weigend Vargas, Daniel B Lee, Zainab Hans, Jason E Goldstick, Megan Simmons, Patrick M Carter","doi":"10.1057/s41271-025-00566-w","DOIUrl":"10.1057/s41271-025-00566-w","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Federal law requires all Federal Firearm Licensees (FFL) to ensure a background check has been conducted before any firearm sale in the United States. We estimated the proportion of firearm transactions without background checks across various forms of sales and other transfers in Missouri, United States in 2020. Based on the Missouri Firearm Survey responses from 361 respondents, 44% of firearms transactions did not involve a background check in Missouri, a proportion higher than national average. Sales at FFL presented the lowest proportion of non-background checks transfers (18.5%) while private sales from known sellers and transfers without sales had the highest proportion (82.8% and 78.4%). Among private sales, there were significant differences between those involving known sellers and those involving unknown sellers. This information can be used by policy makers to discuss potential solutions to reduce levels of firearm violence and relevant health issues in Missouri.</p>","PeriodicalId":50070,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health Policy","volume":" ","pages":"549-561"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12932038/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144057249","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Community engagement: the missing piece in solving the puzzle of XDR-typhoid spread in Pakistan.","authors":"Madiha, Adeela Shahzadi, Zohaib Ashiq","doi":"10.1057/s41271-025-00568-8","DOIUrl":"10.1057/s41271-025-00568-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Typhoid has been a major infectious health threat for the masses in Pakistan with increasing antimicrobial resistance, socio-economic decline, and environmental challenges. Since 2019, the percentage of cases has reduced with the implementation of Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine (TCV) program but reports of widened geographical spread particularly as aftermath of flooding in 2022 and resistance to Azithromycin or Meropenem in adult population are a matter of serious concern. Now is the right time to reconsider whether strategies like mass immunization or health infrastructure development solely can combat the hazards of Extensively Drug-Resistant (XDR)-Typhoid. Public health policies developed due to COVID-19, such as incorporating all stakeholders especially the public through community engagement, may provide a collaborative effort to lessen the prevailing threat of antibiotic resistance.</p>","PeriodicalId":50070,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health Policy","volume":" ","pages":"645-652"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144056099","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Expanding full practice authority for nurse practitioners in the United States.","authors":"Rachel Hetzner, Megan Keiser","doi":"10.1057/s41271-025-00582-w","DOIUrl":"10.1057/s41271-025-00582-w","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Physician shortages lead to longer wait times, shorter patient visits, and lower-quality patient interactions, resulting in a greater risk for misdiagnosis and an overall decrease in the quality of care they provide. In this viewpoint, we reviewed the issues surrounding full practice authority (FPA) for nurse practitioners (NPs) in the United States (US). We summarized evidence regarding the safety, quality, and efficacy of NPs in states that have enacted FPA and describes the role of NPs in closing the gap of unmet healthcare needs of the US population. We also described the success of states with FPA in their legislative efforts while other states are still plagued by barriers to FPA, providing context on the political environment surrounding FPA bills. The analysis of FPA for NPs meeting the healthcare needs of the US population can further inform policy to aid in similar healthcare needs globally.</p>","PeriodicalId":50070,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health Policy","volume":" ","pages":"663-672"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144276485","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Laith Ashour, Hamzeh AbuRadahi, Sama Samer Abu Monshar, Muath Mohammad Dabas, Raghad Alhawi, Moath Fateh
{"title":"Maternal-fetal and community-based transmission of HIV: assessing reproductive women's knowledge in Jordan.","authors":"Laith Ashour, Hamzeh AbuRadahi, Sama Samer Abu Monshar, Muath Mohammad Dabas, Raghad Alhawi, Moath Fateh","doi":"10.1057/s41271-025-00579-5","DOIUrl":"10.1057/s41271-025-00579-5","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>HIV/AIDS incidence has been increasing in the Middle East region during last years, with low research on Jordanian populations knowledge in the transmission methods of it. This study examined the knowledge of Jordanian women aged 15-49 in HIV transmission methods using data from the 2017-18 Jordan Demographic and Health Survey with a sample of 14,689 women. Multiple logistic regression model was used to determine the factors predicting higher knowledge. Findings revealed that only 44.4% had above-average knowledge, indicating a knowledge gap. Regression analysis showed that education level, Internet use, and region of residence significantly predicted knowledge and attitudes. Higher education was strongly linked to better understanding (Odds ratio = 2.11; 95% Cl 1.69 to 2.64, compared to those who have no education). The study highlights the need for targeted educational initiatives, especially through digital platforms, and emphasizes focusing on less informed regions and pre-marital education to enhance awareness in HIV transmission methods.</p>","PeriodicalId":50070,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health Policy","volume":" ","pages":"587-600"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144486803","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A blueprint or a Band-Aid? The promise and peril of the WHO pandemic agreement.","authors":"Kil Won Lee","doi":"10.1057/s41271-025-00577-7","DOIUrl":"10.1057/s41271-025-00577-7","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":50070,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health Policy","volume":" ","pages":"717-721"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144286981","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Marijuana policy and tribal communities in the United States.","authors":"Daphne E Pedersen","doi":"10.1057/s41271-025-00572-y","DOIUrl":"10.1057/s41271-025-00572-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In the United States (US), the policy landscape surrounding marijuana is complex, multijurisdictional, and often messy, if not contradictory-particularly for tribal communities. Currently, tribes may choose to criminalize or legalize marijuana but may be located within a state or adjacent to a city that has opposing policies. With patterns of substance use that are notably different from the US population as a whole, including higher rates of marijuana use and dependence among Native American youth, tribal communities have important policy decisions to make that will directly impact public health. This paper reviews the history and policy background related to marijuana in the United States, associated health concerns for American Indian and Alaska Native communities, and considerations for tribal communities seeking how to best move forward. A community-led public health response that is culturally grounded can more effectively promote Indigenous health and sovereignty worldwide.</p>","PeriodicalId":50070,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health Policy","volume":" ","pages":"653-662"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12328202/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144200715","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Lafi Munira, Pramon Viwattanakulvanid, Purwo Setiyo Nugroho, Tin Afifah, Suparmi, Ning Sulistiyowati, Yuni Purwatiningsih, Siti Masitoh, Oktarina, Yunefit Ulfa
{"title":"Contraceptive knowledge and utilization among adolescent girls in Indonesia.","authors":"Lafi Munira, Pramon Viwattanakulvanid, Purwo Setiyo Nugroho, Tin Afifah, Suparmi, Ning Sulistiyowati, Yuni Purwatiningsih, Siti Masitoh, Oktarina, Yunefit Ulfa","doi":"10.1057/s41271-025-00581-x","DOIUrl":"10.1057/s41271-025-00581-x","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Contraceptive use among adolescent girls in Indonesia remains low. This study examined factors associated with contraceptive knowledge and use among urban and rural adolescent girls using data from the 2017 Indonesia Demographic and Health Survey (IDHS), which employed two-stage stratified sampling across all 34 provinces. We applied multivariable binary logistic regression to a weighted sample of 7936 adolescent girls. Factors significantly associated with contraceptive knowledge included awareness of pregnancy prevention methods, condom use, internet access, peer discussions, and exposure to family planning information through media and online sources (p < 0.05). Contraceptive use was linked to fertility awareness, peer discussions, health facility visits, and information from health workers. Improving access to family planning information through school-based programs and community engagement is recommended. This study helps readers understand adolescent contraceptive use and provides insights into the challenges faced within Indonesia's culturally sensitive context.</p>","PeriodicalId":50070,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health Policy","volume":" ","pages":"601-616"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144499026","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Lisa DiMascolo, Alice Ellyson, Alexandra Hess, Avanti Adhia
{"title":"Policy collection from institutions of higher education: a brief report on challenges and strategies.","authors":"Lisa DiMascolo, Alice Ellyson, Alexandra Hess, Avanti Adhia","doi":"10.1057/s41271-025-00586-6","DOIUrl":"10.1057/s41271-025-00586-6","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Government entities and health regulators have long used policies to shape public health. Policy surveillance, the process of tracking policies over time, is crucial in evaluating these efforts and can be applied in settings where health and safety regulations are established. Policy text collection, an essential early phase of policy surveillance, is typically feasible for state and federal policies through legislative databases. However, such access to policy text is not as widely available for policies by other organizations-such as schools or workplaces. The primary aim of this case study is to inform the use of policy surveillance in settings outside of federal and state laws by (1) examining the feasibility of policy text collection beyond these settings using a case study of higher education policies, (2) describing the challenges and limitations in collecting text from higher education policies, and (3) providing recommendations for collecting text of organizational policies.</p>","PeriodicalId":50070,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health Policy","volume":" ","pages":"700-709"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144660926","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}