Dialogues in health最新文献

{"title":"Water, sanitation, and hygiene challenges in last-mile artisanal mining communities in Ghana and Uganda","authors":"David Owiredu ,&nbsp;Hanna Chidwick ,&nbsp;Betty Kwagala ,&nbsp;Deborah Mensah ,&nbsp;Lydia Osei ,&nbsp;Lydia Kapiriri","doi":"10.1016/j.dialog.2025.100233","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.dialog.2025.100233","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) is critical for public health but remains inadequate in marginalized areas, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa's artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) communities. Adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in these settings face unique challenges that impact their health and wellbeing.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This study aimed to assess WASH access among adolescent girls and young women (aged 10–24) in last-mile ASM communities in Ghana and Uganda, identifying disparities and factors influencing access.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A cross-sectional, mixed-methods design was employed between March and May 2022 in selected ASM communities in Ghana and Uganda. The quantitative component included a sample of 1618 AGYW (808 in Ghana, 810 in Uganda) recruited through random household selection. Data were collected using interviewer-administered questionnaires adapted from validated sources, covering socio-demographics, water sources, sanitation, and hygiene practices. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression were conducted, stratified by country, to examine associations between WASH access and sociodemographic factors. For the qualitative component, AGYW, community leaders, district officers, policymakers, and global experts were purposively selected. Data was collected through focus group discussions and in-depth/key informant interviews conducted in local languages. Thematic analysis was performed using NVivo 12, with illustrative participant quotes.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Quantitative findings showed that 86.2 % reported access to improved water sources, but only 10.1 % had access to improved toilet facilities. In Ghana, 83 % lacked any toilet facility; in Uganda, 65 % used unimproved latrines. Water access was associated with religion and education in Ghana, and toilet access was linked to residence and wealth in both countries. Qualitative findings revealed concerns about water quality, reliability, distance to water points, and major sanitation challenges, especially for women and girls. Cultural norms and mining-related environmental impacts further exacerbated WASH vulnerabilities.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Significant disparities in WASH persist in ASM communities, particularly for sanitation. Context-specific, community-engaged interventions are urgently needed to address these gaps and promote health equity for AGYW in rural mining settings.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72803,"journal":{"name":"Dialogues in health","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100233"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144908284","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Empowering diabetes care: Patient practices and the role of mobile health – A qualitative exploration","authors":"Jayvardhan Singh ,&nbsp;Ramesh Kumar Sangwan ,&nbsp;Shiv Kumar Mudgal ,&nbsp;Ramesh Kumar Huda","doi":"10.1016/j.dialog.2025.100231","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.dialog.2025.100231","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Effective diabetes management relies on medical treatment and self-care practices, yet many individuals face challenges in adhering to prescribed routines. With the rise of mobile health (mHealth), there is potential to enhance self-management through regular reminders, guidance, and support. This qualitative study explores patient practices in managing diabetes and the role of mHealth in influencing their behaviours and outcomes.</div></div><div><h3>Methodology</h3><div>The study employed semi-structured, in-depth interviews with 14 individuals living with diabetes who had received SMS reminders and utilized the feedback application services as part of their diabetes management. Participants got education regarding self-care routines, including medication adherence, diet, exercise, and blood glucose monitoring. Thematic analysis was conducted to identify patterns related to diabetes management practices, patient challenges, and the role of mHealth.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Participants expressed positive feedback on the SMS and app-based services, which promote medication adherence and provide valuable health information. Challenges in diabetes management include physical limitations, social pressures leading to dietary lapses, time constraints, and concerns about receiving spam or misleading information via SMS. However, they recommended improvements, such as guidance on treatment, dietary advice, and the inclusion of interactive features like sugar level tracking.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>mHealth has the potential to enhance diabetes self-management significantly, and patient feedback suggests a need for more personalised, interactive, and comprehensive support. Addressing these recommendations alongside patients' physical, social, and financial challenges could improve health outcomes and foster more effective diabetes management.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72803,"journal":{"name":"Dialogues in health","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100231"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144665481","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The effect of digital health intervention in promoting healthy behavior: A systematic scoping review on strategies to prevent non-communicable diseases","authors":"Zahroh Shaluhiyah ,&nbsp;Shabrina Arifia Qatrannada ,&nbsp;Aditya Kusumawati ,&nbsp;Mohammad Shahgahan Miah","doi":"10.1016/j.dialog.2025.100258","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.dialog.2025.100258","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Digital health interventions are increasingly used to prevent non-communicable diseases (NCDs) by promoting healthy behaviors, yet evidence on which digital features are most effective remains fragmented. This systematic scoping review aimed to (1) identify the most commonly used types of digital interventions and their target populations for NCD prevention, (2) examine the primary objectives associated with each digital feature, and (3) assess their effectiveness in improving knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A comprehensive search was conducted across seven databases (PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, JSTOR, Medline, CINAHL, and ProQuest). Following PRISMA guidelines, 20 peer-reviewed studies published between 2018 and 2024 met the inclusion criteria. Data were extracted on digital features, intervention objectives, and outcomes related to knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Messaging platforms were the most common (<em>n</em> = 7), followed by gamification, mobile applications, and wearables. Most interventions aimed to promote behavior change, especially those using mobile apps, messaging, and wearable tools. Similar digital features served different objectives depending on content design. Across studies, knowledge outcomes improved by 10–95 %, attitudinal outcomes by 2–40 %, and behavioral outcomes by 4–95 %. Messaging platforms showed the largest improvements in both knowledge and behavior, while gamification yielded moderate gains. Aligning digital tools with target users and intended outcomes enhanced overall impact.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Messaging platforms and mobile applications emerged as the most frequently used and effective digital features for NCD prevention. Multi-feature interventions and platform–outcome alignment appear crucial to maximize effectiveness in digital health programs promoting healthy behavior.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72803,"journal":{"name":"Dialogues in health","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100258"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145578570","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Assessment of pharmacovigilance knowledge and ADR reporting skills in undergraduate medical students using the OSPA model","authors":"T.Y. Sree Sudha ,&nbsp;Kusum Kumari ,&nbsp;C. Vasantha Kalyani ,&nbsp;Monika Kankarwal ,&nbsp;K.S.B.S. Krishna Sasanka","doi":"10.1016/j.dialog.2025.100227","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.dialog.2025.100227","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Pharmacovigilance (PV) and adverse drug reaction (ADR) reporting are essential components of ensuring medication safety. However, many healthcare students have limited knowledge in these areas. This study evaluates the pharmacovigilance knowledge and ADR reporting skills among undergraduate medical and nursing students.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A cross-sectional study was conducted at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Deoghar, with 190 undergraduate healthcare students. Participants completed a validated structured questionnaire assessing their pharmacovigilance and ADR reporting knowledge. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23.0, with descriptive statistics to present the results.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The findings revealed that 35 % of students had limited knowledge of pharmacovigilance and ADR reporting, while 52 % demonstrated a moderate level of understanding. A majority were aware of the importance of pharmacovigilance and ADR reporting, although they faced challenges in completing ADR reports accurately.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Although students exhibited a basic understanding of pharmacovigilance, significant gaps were found in their ability to effectively report ADRs. These findings underscore the need for enhanced pharmacovigilance education within healthcare curricula, ensuring students are adequately prepared to apply their knowledge in clinical settings.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72803,"journal":{"name":"Dialogues in health","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100227"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144564068","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Understanding decision-making around human and livestock health in sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic literature review","authors":"Mary Nthambi ,&nbsp;Tiziana Lembo ,&nbsp;Alicia Davis ,&nbsp;Blandina T. Mmbaga ,&nbsp;Nicholas Hanley","doi":"10.1016/j.dialog.2025.100259","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.dialog.2025.100259","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Household decisions shape health outcomes in subsistence farming communities in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) where human wellbeing is closely linked to livestock productivity. We conducted a systematic review, guided by Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA), of 135 primary studies from Embase, Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science and Google Scholar. Using the Household Production of Health (HPH) framework, we structured research questions, extracted and synthesised evidence and identified health interventions in human and livestock health in SSA. We coded decision loci (sole vs joint decision-making) and characterised their prevalence, context and determinants of household health outcomes. Sole decisions dominated (40 % of human studies, 42 % of livestock studies) with men making the majority of the decisions, especially in livestock health, while joint decisions were less common (27 %, 32 % respectively) and focused on maternal, neonatal and child health. Women's decision-making power tended to increase with education, income and urban residence, while male authority was greater in rural areas where fewer income-earning opportunities for women prevail. The two HPH frameworks are tightly linked as behaviours that improve livestock health and productivity benefit nutrition, income and access to care for household members. We recommend gender-responsive, One Health policies that support women's control in areas of existing responsibility and engage men as active partners in shared decision-making within households to reduce inequalities. These efforts should be supported by progress towards universal health coverage, functioning health insurance schemes and accessible veterinary services to reduce inequalities and within-household trade-offs, and to improve health and livelihood resilience in SSA.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72803,"journal":{"name":"Dialogues in health","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100259"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145622765","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Overhearing hushed voices: Using unobtrusive methods to uncover the work-related sentiments of people with epilepsy","authors":"Asha Rao,&nbsp;Surendra Sarnikar","doi":"10.1016/j.dialog.2025.100244","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.dialog.2025.100244","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>Despite high unemployment and discrimination, disability is often overshadowed by race and gender in workplace diversity discussions. This study sought to uncover the work-related sentiments of people with epilepsy (PWE) in their own voices. Epilepsy is a stigmatized invisible disability wherein first-person accounts are difficult to uncover because of stigma. Hence, the discussion on accommodation, inclusion and access for PWE is driven by others, rather than people with epilepsy. By hearing from PWE, workplace solutions can be more relevant to their needs</div></div><div><h3>Design</h3><div>We use unobtrusive data mining of discussions by PWE by studying anonymous posts on the Epilepsy Foundation community forum over a 16-year period. We examine their sentiments, beliefs, and emotions impacting work for people with epilepsy (PWE), and analyzed perceptions of discrimination to understand what organizations can do better to be inclusive and supportive at work</div></div><div><h3>Findings</h3><div>We found that PWE sentiments around work were more positive compared to nonwork sentiments. Their work sentiments were analytical, achievement oriented and associated with positive emotions. Work was associated with love and affiliation. However, PWE posts were broadly also more anxious, health centered and tentative reflecting their fears around their health and stigma in employment</div></div><div><h3>Originality</h3><div>This study is unique in using unobtrusive data mining techniques to analyze the challenges faced by people with disabilities. To our knowledge, there is no such study of adults with epilepsy and the workplace. The methodology used reduces response bias. Questions about disability are difficult to answer for people who face stigma around their disability.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72803,"journal":{"name":"Dialogues in health","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100244"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145264737","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Factors influencing well-being among first-generation students of color pursuing graduate-level degrees in public health: A qualitative study","authors":"Kimberly Wu ,&nbsp;Sunshine Best ,&nbsp;W. Marcus Lambert ,&nbsp;Shokufeh Ramirez ,&nbsp;Christine M. Arcari ,&nbsp;Katherine P. Theall ,&nbsp;Dovile Vilda","doi":"10.1016/j.dialog.2025.100242","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.dialog.2025.100242","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Diversifying the public health workforce is essential for improving services to all communities. First-generation students of color (FGSOC) are a population who may face unique academic, financial, and health barriers when pursuing graduate-level degrees in public health. This study explored the needs and experiences of 25 recent FGSOC graduates from graduate-level public health programs through interviews. Participants were recruited through snowball and quota sampling to prioritize individuals identifying as Black, Hispanic/Latine, and American Indian/Native Alaskan. Five main themes were developed using reflexive thematic analysis: (1) lived experiences facilitate FGSOC interest in public health, (2) challenges of navigating structural barriers of academic institutions, (3) interplay of support to meet needs and complete graduate degrees, (4) impact of limited resources on health, and (5) coping strategies for maintaining health. Subthemes were also identified and include participants' firsthand experience with health disparities in their families and communities, the additional effort needed to uncover and navigate academic “hidden curricula,” and the importance of cultivating a network to meet emotional and academic needs during their training. Findings highlight how FGSOC are driven by formative experiences to pursue public health, yet face structural barriers and multiple priorities that strain their well-being during their graduate training. Recommendations informed by study findings and existing literature are organized across the following domains: institutional accountability and investment, financial education and transparency, career development and workforce readiness, accessible mental health resources, and food security.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72803,"journal":{"name":"Dialogues in health","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100242"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145218945","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Healthcare access and utilisation trends among the elderly in India: Evidence from the LASI Wave-1 survey","authors":"Dhruvendra Lal ,&nbsp;Amrit Virk ,&nbsp;Ashish Goel ,&nbsp;Sonu Goel ,&nbsp;Kavisha Kapoor Lal ,&nbsp;Suneela Garg ,&nbsp;Bhavneet Bharti","doi":"10.1016/j.dialog.2025.100232","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.dialog.2025.100232","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Population ageing is a global trend, driven by increased life expectancy, which has led to a rise in chronic diseases and greater healthcare needs among older persons. Despite the implementation of national policies and initiatives such as the National Programme for Health Care of the Elderly (NPHCE), Ayushman Bharat and the National Health Policy 2017, older persons, particularly in rural areas, still face barriers to accessing healthcare, including cost, distance, and the quality of care. Socio-economic factors continue to play a key role in healthcare utilisation. This study examines the healthcare access and utilisation patterns and identifies associated determinants among older persons using nationally representative data.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This study analysed cross-sectional data from the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI) Wave I Survey (2017–18), which included 31,902 individuals aged 60 years and above. Data from the Individual Schedule was analysed, focusing on healthcare utilisation and related factors. Binary logistic regression was conducted to assess factors influencing outpatient (OPD) and inpatient (IPD) service use. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) were reported, and a <em>p</em> value of &lt;0.05 was considered statistically significant.</div></div><div><h3>Findings</h3><div>Lack of health insurance reduced OPD use (aOR: 0.869, <em>p</em> = 0.006). Females were less likely to use IPD services (aOR: 0.818, <em>p</em> &lt; 0.001), while individuals aged &gt;90 years had higher odds (aOR: 1.470, p &lt; 0.001). Religion, socioeconomic status, and literacy significantly influenced utilisation. Christians and Buddhists had higher IPD use; Muslims and Sikhs had lower odds. Richer groups were less likely to use both services. Limited literacy was linked to reduced OPD use. The North-East reported the highest OPD expenses and travel distances.</div></div><div><h3>Interpretations</h3><div>There is a pressing need to address healthcare access gaps among older persons through targeted policies and improved outreach. Expanding affordable health insurance can reduce out-of-pocket costs and improve health outcomes in India's ageing population, addressing key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 1,3,10 and 11.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72803,"journal":{"name":"Dialogues in health","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100232"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144878701","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Asthma-related school absenteeism: Prevalence, disparities, and the need for comprehensive management: A systematic review and meta-analysis","authors":"Magda Mubarak Merghani ,&nbsp;Ragaa Gasim Ahmed Mohmmed ,&nbsp;Khaled Mohammed Al-Sayaghi ,&nbsp;Nawal Saad M. Alshamrani ,&nbsp;Eltayeb Mohammed Awadalkareem ,&nbsp;Hassan Shaaib ,&nbsp;Ahmed Alharbi ,&nbsp;Athbah AlKabi ,&nbsp;Sumayah Faqihi ,&nbsp;Adil Abdalla ,&nbsp;Hammad Ali Fadlalmola","doi":"10.1016/j.dialog.2025.100239","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.dialog.2025.100239","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Asthma, affecting 11.6–13.7 % globally, significantly impacts children's education, causing 47.5 % absenteeism, disturbed sleep, and frequent ER visits. These issues, alongside environmental triggers, medication side effects, and socioeconomic factors, hinder academic performance. Racial disparities in healthcare access accentuate the problem, with minorities receiving less preventive care. Family dynamics also play a role, as caregivers often keep children home fearing severe episodes. This review estimates the prevalence of asthma-related absenteeism, acute care needs, preventive drug use, and hospitalizations, emphasizing the need for comprehensive school-based asthma management to improve outcomes.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We searched for relevant articles up to March 2025 from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. Two independent reviewers extracted data from the selected studies, including baseline information, outcomes, prevalence, risk factors, preventive drug use, ED admission, and hospitalization rates. All data analyses were performed using R version 4.3.3.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>We collected 5879 records after excluding 4242 duplicates. Thorough screening resulted in the retrieval of 24 entries eligible for inclusion in our review. Our analysis revealed a prevalence of asthma-related absenteeism of 29 %, with absenteeism among asthmatic students being 3.08 times higher than non-asthmatic students (<em>p</em> = 0.0040). The average duration of asthma-related absenteeism was 4.15 days (<em>p</em> = 0.0068). The rate of preventive drug use, ED admissions, and hospitalization were estimated to be 39 %, 24 %, and 7 %, respectively.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This review highlighted a high burden of asthma-related school absenteeism. While some included studies reported higher burden among Black children, our review did not statistically analyze these disparities. These findings emphasize the need for school-based prevention strategies and policies that address disparities in healthcare access.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72803,"journal":{"name":"Dialogues in health","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100239"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145104961","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Pregnant asylum seekers' perspective on mental health screening: A qualitative study","authors":"E. Soldati ,&nbsp;A.E.H. Verschuuren ,&nbsp;I.R. Postma ,&nbsp;W. Veling ,&nbsp;E.I. Feijen-de Jong ,&nbsp;J. Stekelenburg","doi":"10.1016/j.dialog.2025.100236","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.dialog.2025.100236","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>Psychiatric disorders are prevalent among pregnant asylum seekers and can have adverse effects on both the individual and newborns. There is limited research on the perspectives of pregnant asylum seekers on mental health screening. This study investigates whether pregnant asylum seekers consider the Refugee Health Screener 15 (RHS-15) suitable and acceptable as a mental health screening test.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Eight participants filled out the RHS-15. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in which mental health screening and the acceptability and suitability of the RHS-15 to screen for mental health disorders were discussed. Two researchers performed an inductive thematic analysis.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Three themes were identified: ‘Importance of mental health screening’, ‘Talking about mental health’ and ‘Use of the RHS-15’. Participants recognized how their past experiences and seeking asylum during pregnancy rendered them more susceptible to mental health conditions. Screening was considered important since participants valued talking about mental health with their midwife, but they would not initiate this conversation. Barriers and enablers to these discussions included a language barrier, cultural differences, family support, practical barriers, relationship with healthcare providers and limited access to and unfamiliarity with the Dutch healthcare system. Our participants considered the RHS-15 a suitable instrument for mental health screening.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Pregnant asylum seekers are often marginalized and underserved and experience high rates of psychiatric disorders. Our participants considered mental health screening in the perinatal period acceptable and necessary. Further research should focus on the implementation of the RHS-15 as a screening tool for perinatal care in this population.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72803,"journal":{"name":"Dialogues in health","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100236"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144931564","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}