Frontiers in epidemiology最新文献

{"title":"Exposure of feral swine to <i>Coxiella burnetii</i> overlaps with human Q fever incidence in California.","authors":"Ian A McMillan, Samuel J Golon, Michael H Norris, Gregory A Franckowiak, James M Grinolds, Richard A Bowen, Vienna R Brown, Bradley R Borlee","doi":"10.3389/fepid.2025.1692664","DOIUrl":"10.3389/fepid.2025.1692664","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i>Coxiella burnetii</i> is a zoonotic pathogen that causes Q fever in humans. There are many known reservoirs of <i>C. burnetii</i>, including cattle, sheep, and goats with an expanding list of potential reservoirs including birds, reptiles, ticks and additional mammalian species, such as swine. Feral swine are a highly invasive species in the United States with significant populations and a broad geographic distribution. The role of feral swine in the transmission and spread of <i>C. burnetii</i> is poorly understood, although a recent report identified overlap between feral swine seroprevalence and human Q fever incidence in Texas. California accounts for a large proportion of human Q fever cases in the United States and in this study we characterized the seroprevalence of <i>C. burnetii</i> in feral swine populations in the state. Feral swine showed seropositivity rates up to 1.64% indicating some level of exposure and the possibility that they may serve as a reservoir for disease transmission and spread. Overlap with human Q fever incidence was identified in the central region of California. Although this study does not directly link feral swine to human infection, it identified spatial overlap between feral swine seroprevalence and human Q fever incidence in the state of California, possibly due to the presence of ruminants as the principal reservoirs of <i>C. burnetii</i>. The environmental stability and low infectious dose of <i>C. burnetii</i>, coupled with the geographic overlap between feral swine seroprevalence and human Q fever incidence suggests that feral swine may contribute to zoonotic disease transmission and spread.</p>","PeriodicalId":73083,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in epidemiology","volume":"5 ","pages":"1692664"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12812989/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146013233","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Estimation of the transition rates in the illness-death model for chronic diseases from aggregated current status data: a feasibility and simulation study.","authors":"Ralph Brinks, Maryam Mohammadi Saem, Sabrina Voß","doi":"10.3389/fepid.2025.1691459","DOIUrl":"10.3389/fepid.2025.1691459","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Recently, it has been shown that the transition rates of the illness-death model (IDM) for chronic conditions are related to the age-specific prevalence by a partial differential equation (PDE). Given mortality, the PDE could be used to estimate incidence rates from cross-sectional data. The aim of this article is to extend the IDM and introduce a novel method to estimate the age-specific incidence rate together with the two mortality rates from aggregated current status (ACS) data. By ACS data we mean counts of people in the four states of the extended IDM at different points in time. ACS data stem from epidemiological studies where only current disease status and vital status data need to be collected without following-up people (as, for example, in cohort studies). To demonstrate feasibility of the method, we use a simulation study from the context of diabetes in Germany. Two estimation methods are introduced, a least squares estimator and a maximum likelihood estimator. We find a good agreement between the estimates and the input parameters used to set up the simulation.</p>","PeriodicalId":73083,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in epidemiology","volume":"5 ","pages":"1691459"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-12-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12757381/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145901564","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Bridging communities, prevention, and heart health: U.S. strategies for CHW cardiovascular training and integration.","authors":"Akua G Asare, Melvin R Echols","doi":"10.3389/fepid.2025.1597970","DOIUrl":"10.3389/fepid.2025.1597970","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>In the United States, cardiovascular disease (CVD) disproportionately affects communities facing adverse social determinants of health (SDOH). Community Health Workers (CHWs) can bridge gaps in trust, navigation, and culturally tailored education.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted a U.S.-focused narrative review (2015-2025) of PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, prioritizing empirical evaluations of CHW-led CVD interventions, training models, integration strategies, and financing mechanisms. International CHW programs were used only to extract practices transferable to U.S. delivery and payment contexts.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Multidisciplinary team-based care demonstrates that engaging CHWs in US regions improves blood pressure control and medication adherence. Economic evaluations increasingly support CHW models for CVD prevention and control. Effective programs specify CHW task bundles (e.g., self-measured BP onboarding, adherence coaching, care navigation, SDOH linkage) and align training with national core competencies. Integration pathways include clinic-embedded, payer-based, public health, and community-based partnerships. U.S. reimbursement options are emerging through Medicare Community Health Integration/Principal Illness Navigation and state Medicaid mechanisms. Faith-based collaborations can extend reach when coupled with standardized training and simple outcome tracking.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>For U.S. health systems and payers, immediate priorities are (1) competency-based CHW training with cardiac modules, (2) sustainable reimbursement tied to cardiovascular quality metrics, and (3) a minimal outcome set to demonstrate value. Global best practices should be adapted to the U.S. scope-of-practice, supervision, and documentation requirements to scale equitable CVD care.</p>","PeriodicalId":73083,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in epidemiology","volume":"5 ","pages":"1597970"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12748223/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145879594","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Needs assessment of the advanced Ghana field epidemiology and laboratory training program, April 2024: lessons learned and best practices.","authors":"Mariame Bonkano Laurent Comlan, Joseph Asamoah Frimpong, Charles Lwanga Noora, Donne Kofi Ameme, Aishat Bukola Usman, Virgil Kuassi Lokossou, Peter Evans Thomas, Danielle Thompson Barradas, Ditu Kazambu, Herbert Brian Kazoora, Ernest Kenu, Simon Nyovura Antara, Kerton Richard Victory","doi":"10.3389/fepid.2025.1646076","DOIUrl":"10.3389/fepid.2025.1646076","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The Ghana Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program (GFELTP) trains skilled field epidemiologists to strengthen surveillance systems and respond to public health threats. This assessment aimed to evaluate GFELTP's achievements, identify gaps in training and service delivery, and provide recommendations for improvement.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A convergent mixed-methods evaluation was used, combining a self-administered questionnaire, program record reviews (graduation rates, surveillance outputs, publications), and three Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) involving staff, alumni, mentors, and residents. Thematic content analysis and triangulation with quantitative data were conducted to assess achievements and training gaps from 2007 to 2024.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Twenty-four participants (4 staff, 5 alumni, 5 mentors, and 10 residents) were interviewed. GFELTP operates as a regional program, training individuals from seven African countries. From October 2007 to March 2024, it enrolled 17 cohorts, producing 192 graduates and training 35 current residents. Of the graduates, 72% (139/192) were Ghanaians. Most graduates (89%) came from the human health sector, with 8% from the animal health sector and 3% from environmental health. Residents and graduates conducted over 200 outbreak investigations and evaluated more than 300 surveillance systems. They also delivered over 350 scientific presentations locally and internationally. FGDs revealed several challenges: limited mentorship funding, low program visibility, inadequate digital capacity for modern public health practices, and limited funding for resident exchange programs.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>GFELTP has made substantial contributions to public health capacity-building in Ghana and West Africa, through training, outbreak response, and scientific engagement. Key strengths include its regional reach, robust alumni network, One Health integration, and strategic collaborations. However, challenges remain in mentorship support, online visibility, and funding for resident development opportunities. Addressing these gaps through sustained mentorship, improved stakeholder engagement, and enhanced resource mobilization will further strengthen the program's impact and long-term sustainability in building a resilient public health workforce.</p>","PeriodicalId":73083,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in epidemiology","volume":"5 ","pages":"1646076"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12705622/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145775266","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis prevalence and associated factors among school children in the Hawela Tula sub-city, Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study.","authors":"Addisalem Wube, Tsegaye Alemu, Tarekegn Solomon","doi":"10.3389/fepid.2025.1514964","DOIUrl":"10.3389/fepid.2025.1514964","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background: &lt;/strong&gt;Intestinal helminthiasis is a neglected tropical disease that affects more than 1.5 billion people worldwide, and school-aged children are particularly vulnerable. However, there is &lt;i&gt;limited local evidence in Hawela Tula sub city.&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Objectives: &lt;/strong&gt;To identify prevalence and factors associated with Schistosomiasis and Soil-Transmitted Helminthiasis among schoolchildren at the Primary School in Hawassa, Hawela Tula sub city, Sidama Region, Ethiopia.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods: &lt;/strong&gt;A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted from October 1 to November 30, 2023. The study used a multistage random sampling technique to select 740 participants. The data were collected via face-to-face interviews using the Kobo collection tool with a smartphone. Stool samples were collected from students and then processed and examined using direct wet mount microscopy and formol-ether concentration techniques. The data were checked for completeness and consistency and then coded and entered into SPSS Version.27, for analysis. Descriptive statistics were computed to describe the data. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to assess factors associated with intestinal helminthic infections.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results: &lt;/strong&gt;A total of 726 study respondents were included, yielding in a response rate of 98.1%. The mean (±SD) age of the study participants was 8.8 (±2.1) years. The overall prevalence of intestinal helminthic infections among school children was 39.5% (95% CI: 36.0-43.1). The major identified intestinal helminthic parasite species were &lt;i&gt;Ascaris lumbricoides&lt;/i&gt; (43.9%), &lt;i&gt;Schistosoma mansoni&lt;/i&gt; (26.1%), hookworm species (8.7%), multiple infections (8.7%), and &lt;i&gt;Trichuris trichuria&lt;/i&gt; (8.4%). After adjusting for covariates, being in lower grade (1-2) (AOR = 1.53, 95% CI: 1.12-2.10), having a mother with no formal education (AOR = 1.50, 95% CI: 1.05-2.15), having untrimmed fingernails and not clean (AOR = 1.84, 95% CI: 1.12-3.01), not washing hands before meals (AOR = 1.90, 95% CI: 1.35-2.68) and eating unwashed vegetables (AOR = 1.58, 95% CI: 1.11-2.24) were significantly associated with intestinal helminthic infection.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusion: &lt;/strong&gt;This study revealed that four out of ten schoolchildren were infected with intestinal helminthiasis. Children in lower grades born to mothers with no formal education, with untrimmed fingernails and poor hygiene, not practising hand washing before meals, and consuming raw meat and unwashed vegetables were found to be more susceptible to intestinal helminthic infection. To address soil transmitted helminthiasis and Schistosomasis diseases effectively, local governments, regional health bureaus, and development partners should prioritize targeted interventions and implement innovative strategies to reduce their burden. At the community level, schools and families can play a critical role by reinforcing proper hygiene and ","PeriodicalId":73083,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in epidemiology","volume":"5 ","pages":"1514964"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12685865/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145727651","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Temporal trends and global burden of urolithiasis: a comparative analysis of incidence, prevalence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years in China and globally from 1990 to 2021.","authors":"Chao Ma, Linlin Chen","doi":"10.3389/fepid.2025.1623575","DOIUrl":"10.3389/fepid.2025.1623575","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Urolithiasis significantly affects global health, contributing to substantial morbidity, healthcare costs, and reduced quality of life. Understanding temporal changes in the incidence, prevalence, mortality, and age-standardized disability-adjusted life year rates (ASDR) associated with urolithiasis is crucial for public health planning. However, few studies have systematically compared national and global trends, particularly in countries undergoing rapid healthcare transformation, such as China.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Using data from the Global Burden of Disease database from 1990 to 2021, we assessed the age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR), prevalence rate (ASPR), mortality rate (ASMR), and ASDR associated with urolithiasis in China and globally. Joinpoint regression was used to identify trend changes, and sex-specific subgroup analyses were performed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>From 1990 to 2021, China showed substantial declines in all burden metrics: ASIR (-1.99%), ASPR (-1.99%), ASMR (-3.83%), and ASDR (-3.27%). Global declines were more modest: ASIR (-0.81%), ASPR (-0.81%), ASMR (-1.20%), and ASDR (-1.05%). Males consistently bore a higher burden.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The burden of urolithiasis has declined markedly from 1990 to 2021, with China showing greater improvements than the global average. This divergence suggests that systemic health reforms and expanded coverage may have contributed to the observed trends. Comparative findings imply that promoting equitable access to prevention and early intervention could be beneficial, particularly in resource-limited settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":73083,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in epidemiology","volume":"5 ","pages":"1623575"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12682779/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145716830","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Maternal syphilis in the Federal District, Brazil: a five-year analysis of notified data (2019-2023).","authors":"Paula Beatriz de Medeiros Santiago, Maria Eduarda Santiago Meneses, Luiza de Lima Pereira, Maria Fernanda Santiago Meneses, Pamela Araújo da Silva, Fabiana Nunes de Carvalho Mariz, Ciro Martins Gomes, Carla Nunes de Araújo","doi":"10.3389/fepid.2025.1613872","DOIUrl":"10.3389/fepid.2025.1613872","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Syphilis, caused by the bacterium <i>Treponema pallidum</i>, is among the most prevalent STIs globally and represents a significant public health challenge in Brazil. Vertical transmission can occur at any stage of pregnancy, leading to severe consequences such as miscarriage, stillbirth, preterm birth, and low birth weight. In severe cases, congenital syphilis may result, potentially causing deformities, neurological damage, or even neonatal death. Maternal syphilis (MS) occurrence is often influenced by social inequalities, meager income, and educational levels, which present further public health challenges. We evaluated the incidence of maternal syphilis in the Administrative Regions of the Federal District (FD), Brazil, from 2019 to 2023, highlighting the distribution of notified cases regarding the sociodemographic profile of affected pregnant women. We utilized data from the <i>Info Saúde DF</i> portal (https://info.saude.df.gov.br/sifilissalasit/) and the latest report from the most recent District Household Sample Survey. The cumulative incidence of MS was 25.3 cases per 1,000 live births. Simple linear regression analysis was used to assess the association between MS incidence and sociodemographic characteristics. A moderate negative correlation was observed (<i>r</i> = -0.4038), indicating that higher education levels are associated with a lower incidence of MS. Lower-income populations living in the FD, Brazil, face a heightened risk of maternal syphilis, possibly due to a combination of economic and social factors, suggesting that public health policies aimed at controlling the disease should prioritize this population.</p>","PeriodicalId":73083,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in epidemiology","volume":"5 ","pages":"1613872"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12678250/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145703035","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Molecular connections between inflammation and social determinants of health.","authors":"Aditi Vijendra, Claire Kunkle, Jalin Jordan, Anna Erickson, Kingsley Osei-Karikari, Grace Ratley, Ian A Myles","doi":"10.3389/fepid.2025.1683955","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fepid.2025.1683955","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Chronic inflammatory diseases such as autoimmune disorders, cancer, cardiovascular diseases and neurodegenerative disorders are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in the industrialized world. Socioeconomically disadvantaged communities bear a disproportionately high burden of these inflammatory diseases. This review synthesizes evidence linking various domains of the Social Determinants of Health (SDoH)-economic stability, education access and quality, healthcare access and quality, neighborhood and built environment, and social and community context-to inflammatory pathways and mechanisms. Across domains, biological mechanisms such as cytokine dysregulation, toll-like receptor (TLR) activation, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis alterations and gut microbiome disruption act together to sustain proinflammatory states that drive adverse health outcomes in marginalized communities. Although causality is obscured by interrelated determinants, identifying inflammation as a shared pathway between various determinants highlights the need for structural interventions to reduce chronic disease burden.</p>","PeriodicalId":73083,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in epidemiology","volume":"5 ","pages":"1683955"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12644097/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145643590","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Syndemic geographic patterns of integrated diseases during the Libyan armed conflict; a new aspect for public health care intervention?","authors":"Mohamed Ali Daw, Abdallah H El-Bouzedi, Saleh Ali Abumahara, Abdurrahman Khalifa Najjar, Nouri R Ben Ashur, Alaa Grebi, Amnnh Mohammed Dhu, Emad Elsgair Alzahra, Ali Fathi Alkarghali, Shahid Husayn Mohammed, Raja Khalid Miftah, Najmuldin Abdulbasit Abdulsamad, Mohammed Saad Elbasha, Asawer Seifennaser Doukali, Nosieba Taher Elmhidwi, Esra Othman Albouzaidi, Said Emhamed Wareg, Mohamed Omar Ahmed","doi":"10.3389/fepid.2025.1580437","DOIUrl":"10.3389/fepid.2025.1580437","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Synedmic geographic analysis is new epidemiological tool used to implement crucial effective intervention to combat integrated diseases. This study aims to determine spatial patterns and geographic profiling of three concurrent diseases including TB/CPVID-19, HIV/HCV, and Mortality/Morbidity in Libya during the Libyan armed conflict.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Geographic thematic mapping and spatiotemporal analysis were used to examine the syndemic geographic profiling of three integrated diseases including COVID-19 and TB, HCV/HIV, and Mortality and Morbidity during the Libyan armed conflict. The total number of notified TB and the cumulative number of COVID-19 cases, HIV and HCV cases, and Mortality and morbidity cases during the conflict period were reported. Such data were obtained at individual and geographic levels from each district involved in the armed conflict then analyzed and classified according to location, timing, and intensity of the Libyan armed conflict.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>High co-occurrence of TB and COVID-19 was evident. The southern region (i.e., Sebha), Tripoli, and Benghazi consistently portrayed higher incorporation patterns of the two intertwined infections. Conversely, the western mountain region and the Southeast region exhibited a lower concordance during the pandemic period. The co-occurrence of HIV and HCV infections was clear all over the country. The highest condensation of the concomitant is in the Western region, particularly the western mountains, Zawia followed by Jufra and Ghat. Followed by the Eastern region, particularly Deana and Benghazi. This was less tense in the Southern and Med region municipalities. Mortality and morbidity show a visible syndemic geographic pattern. The highest density of these two concomitant patterns was Benghazi, Derna and, Ajdabia in the Eastern region and Sirt, Musrta, Baniwaled in the Western region and to a lesser extent in Zawia and Shati.This study highlights the need syndemic geographic patterns of integrated diseases to focus on wellbeing beyond standard health parameters. Clear decisions about prioritisation of health care to be provided based the geographic region in need.</p>","PeriodicalId":73083,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in epidemiology","volume":"5 ","pages":"1580437"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12634499/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145589934","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding TB among senior management officials of companies with increased silica dust exposure in Lusaka and Southern provinces of Zambia.","authors":"L Mutti, M Kagujje, D Siameka, R Hambwalula, M Maimbolwa, L M Ziko, K Zimba, N Kasese-Chanda, R Chimzizi, A Mubanga, M Muyoyeta","doi":"10.3389/fepid.2025.1593046","DOIUrl":"10.3389/fepid.2025.1593046","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>A high burden of tuberculosis (TB) complicated by occupational risk factors implies a need for the workplace to develop strategies to reduce workplace incidence of TB.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted a cross-sectional study to establish the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to TB among senior management officials of manufacturing and construction companies associated with exposure to silica dust. The study was conducted in Lusaka and Southern provinces of Zambia between February and October 2022 using a 28-question multiple-choice self-administered electronic questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to determine KAP levels. The total score in KAP was calculated based on correct responses out of a maximum of 17, 7, and 14 points, respectively and categorized into \"poor\" or \"good\" using the mean/median. Logistic regression was done to explore the association between characteristics and KAP.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of 118 participants, 48.3% were aged between 31-40 years, 86.4% were male), and 63.6% represented construction companies. The median/mean KAP scores were 8(IQR 6-10), 3.3 (SD 1.66) and 6.00 (IQR 4-8) respectively. Of the participants, only 47.5% (56/118) had good knowledge, 49.2% (58/118) had good attitudes, and 47.5% (56/118) had good practice scores. Individuals aged over 50 years old, female, and officials from construction companies had higher odds of good knowledge (aOR = 7.8, <i>p</i> = 0.027; aOR = 4.70, <i>p</i> = 0.016 and aOR = 3.45, <i>p</i> = 0.008 respectively) and good attitude (aOR = 14.64, <i>p</i> = 0.021; aOR = 6.51, <i>p</i> = 0.006 and aOR = 3.90, <i>p</i> = 0.006 respectively) Participants working in construction companies had higher odds of good practice (aOR = 2.26, <i>p</i> = 0.048).</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Senior management officials had gaps in knowledge despite having favorable attitudes and practices. Companies must be educated on TB alongside efforts to improve attitudes and practices towards TB in the workplace.</p>","PeriodicalId":73083,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in epidemiology","volume":"5 ","pages":"1593046"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12620501/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145552088","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}